DEC Digital PC 3500 System Reference Manual page 182

Glossary
Pel - Picture Element, also known as Pixel
The smallest graphic unit that can be displayed on the screen of your monitor. This
unit is usually a single-colored dot; the size of the dot is determined by the dot pitch of
your monitor (typically .25 mm to .42 mm).
port
The physical connection between your computer and a peripheral device, such as a
printer, mouse, or SCSI device.
Parallel ports, also called LPT ports, are typically used to connect your computer to a
printer. Serial ports, also called COM ports, can be used to connect your computer
to a variety of devices, including a mouse, a modem, and some printers. Other types
of ports can include keyboard ports, mouse ports, and SCSI ports. See EPP.
Power-On Self Test (POST)
A series of diagnostic tests performed by your computer every time it is turned on
(but not necessarily every time it is booted).
quiet boot
Inhibits the display of POST messages. Quiet boot, when enabled, displays the
Digital logo, instead of POST messages.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Abbreviated as RAM; also called read/write memory. The memory your computer
uses to manage information and software while that information and software is in
use. Information stored only in RAM is lost when your computer is turned off.
Read-Only Memory (ROM)
Abbreviated as ROM. Information or software stored in ROM is permanent, cannot
be altered, and remains intact when your computer is turned off. Note that you
cannot move or copy information into ROM from other areas of your computer's
memory. In some cases, however, you can copy information from ROM into other
areas of your computer's memory.
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