Laptop User Manual

Glossary

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 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 computer to configure itself

automatically to work with the device.

pointer—An icon (usually an arrow) that moves on the screen when you

slide your finger across the touch pad or move a mouse. Used to

point to and select/activate on-screen items, such as icons, menu

items, and buttons. The shape and purpose of the pointer varies

depending on the program you are using and what you are doing.

pointing device—Any device, such as the touch pad or a mouse, that

enables you to move the pointer 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.

RAM (Random Access Memory)—Volatile memory that can be

written to as well as read. Volatile here means 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.