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Glossary
5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.3
password — A unique string of characters entered by a user to
verify his or her identity to the computer or the network.
PC Card — A credit-card-sized expansion card designed to
increase the capabilities of notebook computers. PC Cards
provide functions such as modem, fax/modem, hard disk drive,
network adapter, sound card, or SCSI adapter.
peripheral — Any device, such as a printer or joystick, that is
attached to the computer and controlled by the computer’s CPU.
pixel — Short for “picture element.” The smallest dot that can be
produced on a screen or printer.
Plug and Play — Generally, refers to the computer’s ability to
automatically configure itself to work with peripheral devices.
When capitalized, refers to a standard that, when followed by a
device manufacturer, allows a PC to configure itself
automatically to work with the device.
pointing device — Any device, such as the TouchPad or a mouse,
that enables you to move the cursor on the screen.
port — A socket on the computer where you plug in a cable for
connection to a network or a peripheral device.
processor — See central processing unit (CPU).
program — A set of instructions that can be executed by a
computer. The general classes of programs (also called software)
are operating system, application, and utility. See also operating
system, application, utility.
properties — The attributes of an object or device. For example,
the properties of a file include the file’s type, size, and creation
date.
R
RAM (random access memory) — Volatile memory that can be
written to as well as read. By volatile, we mean that information
in RAM is lost when you turn off your computer. This type of
memory is used for your computer’s main memory. See also
memory. Compare ROM.
random access memory — See RAM.