Toshiba C55-C5243 Owner's Manual

174

Glossary

N

network

—A collection of computers and associated devices 

that are connected by communications facilities. A network 
allows you to share data and peripheral devices, such as 
printers, with other users and to exchange electronic mail.

non-interlaced

—A method of refreshing a computer screen, 

in which each pixel of every line is refreshed as the electron 
beam scans across and down the screen. Compare 
interlaced.

non-system disk

—A disk for storing programs and data that 

cannot be used to start the computer. Compare 

system disk.

O

online

—Available through the computer. Online may refer to 

information being read from your own computer’s internal 
storage drive, such as online documentation or online Help, 
or to information coming from another company on a 
company network or the Internet.

operating system

—A set of programs that controls how the 

computer works. Examples of operating systems are the 
Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 operating 
systems.

optical disc drive

—A drive which reads plastic coated discs 

on which   information is recorded digitally, and uses a laser 
to read data, music, or videos.

P

password

—A unique string of characters entered by a user to 

verify his or her identity to the computer or the network.

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 computer to configure 
itself automatically to work with the device.