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peripheral
Input or output device not under direct computer control. A printer is a pe-
ripheral device.
pixels
Picture elements. Tiny dots that make up a screen image.
plug-and-play
Hardware and software that combines to let you connect devices directly to a
system without running special configuration routines. The computer
hardware and operating system and the device hardware and software must
be plug-and-play compliant.
port
Provides the means for an interface between the microprocessor and external
devices. A cable connector is usually plugged into the port to attach the de-
vice to the computer.
processor
In a computer, a functional unit that interprets and executes instructions.
prompt
A special symbol indicating the beginning of an input line. Also a message
that appears on the screen indicating that the user must take a certain action.
R
RAM
Random Access Memory. A storage device into which data is entered and
from which data is retrieved in a nonsequential manner.
read
To extract data from a storage device such as a diskette.
ROM
Read-Only Memory. Memory in which stored data cannot be modified by
the user except under special conditions.
Glossary 9
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