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Open system authentication
Null authentication method specified in the 802.11 standard that performs no authentication checks on
a wireless client before allowing it to associate.
Operating System
A group of control programs that convert application commands, including driver programs, into the
exact form required by a specific brand and model of microprocessor in order to produce the desired
results from that particular equipment.
Partition
A block of space on a hard drive which is set aside and made to appear to the operating system as if it
were a separate disk, and addressed by the operating system accordingly.
PCMCIA
PCMCIA is a trademark of the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association. The
Personal Computer Memory Card International Association is an organization that sets standards for
add-in cards for personal computers.
Peripheral Device
A piece of equipment which performs a specific function associated with but not integral to a
computer. Examples: a printer, a modem, a CD-ROM.
Pitch (keyboard)
The distance between the centers of the letter keys of a keyboard.
Pixel
The smallest element of a display, a dot of color on your display screen. The more pixels per area the
clearer your image will appear.