Toshiba 5205 Series User Guide

296

5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.4.0

parallel — Processes that occur simultaneously. In 

communications, it means the transmission of more than one bit 
of information at a time. On your computer, the parallel port 
provides a parallel communications interface between the 
computer and an appropriate device. Most modern printers are 
parallel. Compare serial.

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 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.