pointing device
A terminal input device that allows you to make a selection from
a menu or to draw graphics. See mouse and tablet.
port
A socket on the front or back of the system unit to which a
terminal, printer, modem or other device is connected.
port pinouts
The description of the function of electronic signals transmitted
through each pin in a port connector.
primary cache
The cache that is the fastest and closest to the processor. The
DECchip 21064 CPU contains an instruction cache and a data
cache.
Privileged Architecture Library (PAL)
A software chip that has a series of logic gates (AND, OR, and
NOT) that are not tied together.
privileged console commands
The commands allowed by the password security feature. See also
password security feature.
privileged console mode
The state the system is in when the password security feature
is enabled. When the system is in this mode, certain console
commands can be issued only after a password is provided. See
also password security feature.
process
A program currently using memory and running on the system.
processor module
A module that contains the CPU chip.
program
The sequence of instructions the system uses to perform a task.
See also software.
program mode
The state in which the computer is controlled by the operating
system. After the operating system is invoked, the system always
operates in program mode, unless you put it into console mode.
In program mode, the user can manage the system, run software
applications, and perform network tasks. Compare with console
mode.
Glossary–18