Toshiba M500D User Manual page 214

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Glossary
P
palette: In some programs, a palette is a collection of drawing tools,
brush widths, line widths, and colors. In other programs, the palette
determines the number of colors that can be displayed on the screen.
parallel: Two or more processes or events that can happen at the same
time without interfering with each other.
parallel interface: A type of information exchange that simultaneously
transmits all the bits representing a character. It uses a separate line
for each data bit in a byte. In contrast, a serial interface transmits
characters along a single data line one bit at a time, making it much
slower than a parallel interface.
parity: A method in serial communications of making sure that the
information received is the same as the information that was sent. It
consists of adding an error detection bit to a group of data bits,
making the sum of the bits either odd or even. When you're using a
modem to connect to another computer, you can set parity to none,
odd, or even. In general, you should set parity to none, unless you're
requested to do otherwise.
password: A unique string of characters used to identify a specific user or
group of users for security purposes. A password prevents
unauthorized use of the computer.
path (full path): The unique identifier for a file consisting of the file name
preceded by the drive, the top-level directory, or folder and any
lower-level directories or folders.
peripheral devices: Computer devices other than the CPU and memory.
A peripheral device may be internal (inside the case), or external
(outside the case).
Peripheral Component Interface (PCI): A local bus that provides a high-
speed data path between the CPU and up to 10 peripheral devices. It
supports both multiplexing and the Plug and Play standard. In a
Pentium PC, there is generally a mix of PCI and ISA expansion
slots or PCI and EISA expansion slots.
pixel: A picture element. The smallest dot that can be produced on a
screen or printer.