Glossary 7
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 ac-
cess or system privileges.
PC Cards
A credit card sized peripheral interface standard for portable devices. Types
of PC cards (also known as PCMCIA cards) currently offered by major
vendors include fax/modems, LAN, storage cards, and wireless communica-
tions devices.
peripheral
Input or output device not under direct computer control. A printer is a pe-
ripheral device.
pixels
Picture elements. Tiny dots that make up a screen image.
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 de-
vice to the computer.
processor
In a computer, a functional unit that interprets and executes instructions.
