Glossary-6
O
operating system
Set of programs that manage the overall operation of
the computer.
overwrite
Storing information at a location where information is
already stored, thus destroying the original information.
P
page
A type of message transmission in which a message is sent
or received via modem to a paging device from a computer
(with paging communications software) or telephone.
parallel interface
Interface that communicates eight bits at a time.
parallel printer
A printer with a parallel interface.
parameter
A characteristic of a device or system.
password
A string of characters that the user must enter before the
system allows access or system privileges.
PCMCIA
A credit card sized peripheral interface standard for port-
able devices. Types of PCMCIA cards currently offered by
major vendors include fax/modems, LAN, storage cards,
and wireless communications devices.
peripheral
Input or output device not under direct computer control. A
printer is a peripheral device.
