Glossary-6
password
A string of characters that the user must enter before the system allows access or system
privileges.
peripheral
Input or output device not under direct computer control. A printer is a peripheral device.
pixels
Picture elements. Tiny dots that make up a screen image.
plug and play
An industry-standard phrase indicating the ability to add or remove external devices such as
a mouse, keyboard, diskette drive, etc. by turning off the system, installing the device, and
turning on the system. Plug and Play automatically configures the device. There are no
jumpers to set or resource conflicts to resolve.
port
Provides the means for an interface between the microprocessor and external devices. A
cable connector is usually plugged into the port to attach the device to the computer.
processor
In a computer, a functional unit that interprets and executes instructions.
prompt
A special symbol indicating the beginning of an input line. Also a message that appears on
the screen indicating that the user must take a certain action.
RAM
Random Access Memory. A storage device into which data is entered and from which data
is retrieved in a nonsequential manner.
read
To extract data from a storage device such as a diskette.
ROM
Read-Only Memory. Memory in which stored data cannot be modified by the user except
under special conditions.
