HP Compaq Presario,Presario 7479 Reference Manual page 105

Glossary-11
operating system (OS) – A set of system software programs that control how the
computer works.
OS – See operating system.
parallel port – A device that transfers bits of data simultaneously through the eight
separate wires in a parallel cable. Printers are often connected to a parallel port.
partition – To format a hard disk so that it behaves as if it is two or more smaller
hard disks.
PC – Personal computer.
PC Card – A credit card-sized device that can be plugged into a PC Card slot on a
notebook computer to expand its functionality. Formerly known as a PCMCIA
Card. See Personal Computer Memory Card International Association.
PCI – See Peripheral Component Interconnect.
peripheral – A device connected to a computer, such as a monitor or a printer.
Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) – A local bus capable of transferring
data at a maximum rate of 137 Mbps. The PCI bus was the first bus to incorporate
the Plug and Play setup. See bus, Plug and Play.
Personal Computer Memory Card International Association – An industry
group organized to promote standards for credit card-sized memory and
input/output devices that fit into a notebook or laptop computer.
pixel – One of the individual dots that make up a graphical image.
playlist – Tracks chosen for play from a CD or DVD.
Plug and Play – Refers to a device that when connected to a computer is
automatically recognized by the operating system and BIOS.
Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) – An instruction set that enables a computer to
gain authorized access to a network using dial-up networking, a modem, and a
standard telephone line. Many Internet service providers use PPP.
pop-up menu – A list of choices that is displayed when an item on a menu bar is
selected.
port – A point through which data flows between computers or between a
computer and a peripheral device. See parallel port, serial port.
PPP – See Point-to-Point Protocol.