Toshiba Satellite M70, User Manual

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User’s Manual Glossary-7
Glossary
numeric keypad overlay: A feature that allows you to use certain keys on
the keyboard to perform numeric entry, or to control cursor and
page movement.
O
operating system: A group of programs that controls the basic operation
of a computer. Operating system functions include interpreting
programs, creating data files, and controlling the transmission and
receipt (input/output) of data to and from memory and peripheral
devices.
output: The results of a computer operation. Output commonly indicates
data. 1) printed on paper, 2) displayed at a terminal, 3) sent through
the serial port of internal modem, or 4) stored on some magnetic
media.
P
parity: 1) The symmetrical relationship between two parameter values
(integers) both of which are either on or off; odd or even; 0 or 1. 2)
In serial communications, an error detection bit that is added to a
group of data bits making the sum of the bits even or odd. Parity
can be set to none, odd, or even.
peripheral device: An I/O device that is external to the central processor
and/or main memory such as a printer or a mouse.
pixel: A picture element. The smallest dot that can be made on a display
or printer. Also called a pel.
plug and play: A capability with Windows that enables the system to
automatically recognize connections of external devices and make
the necessary configurations in the computer.
port: The electrical connection through which the computer sends and
receives data to and from devices or other computers.
prompt: A message the computer provides indicating it is ready for or
requires information or an action from you.
R
Random Access Memory (RAM): High speed memory within the
computer circuitry that can be read or written to.
restart: Resetting a computer without turning it off (also called “warm
boot” or “soft reset”). See also boot.
RJ11: A modular telephone jack.
RJ45: A modular LAN jack.
ROM: Read Only Memory: A nonvolatile memory chip manufactured to
contain information that controls the computer’s basic operation.
You cannot access or change information stored in ROM.