Windows Vista & XP Glossary: P

paging volume: The Windows system uses a paging volume to expand the RAM and increase performance.

palmtop: A small hand-held, battery-operated computer.

paper feed: The portion of a computer printer in which you store the paper that the printer eventually prints on; also called a feeder tray.

paper output tray: The location on a computer printer where the printer paper comes out and is stacked.

parallel port: A computer connection that used to be the primary means of connecting a printer to your computer; still used with some printers and peripherals.

partition: A drive partition is a way that Windows virtually separates parts of a drive.

password reset disk: A disk that records your authority to access your user account — if you forget your password, you can use this disk to re-access the system.

PC Card: Frequently found on laptops, this credit-card-size card contains a hard drive that you can insert into a PC slot to grab data you want to transport.

PCI: Peripheral Component Interconnect; the most common form of internal expansion for a PC.

PCI Express: The next generation of PCI PC expansion that communicates with the motherboard quickly and efficiently.

PDA: Personal digital assistant; a handheld computerized device.

pen scanner: A hand-held, pen-shaped scanner with which you can re-create drawings or text as image files.

photo printer: A computer printer specifically designed to create photographs that rival traditional 35mm prints.

plenum cable: A type of network cable that’s designed to withstand high temperatures, such as inside a heating duct.

Plug and Play: A technology that Windows uses to automate hardware installation.

port: A place on a computer where you can attach a device to send and/or receive information.

port card: An adapter card that you can insert into your PC to add computer ports.

port exception: A type of firewall exception that gives the excepted program complete access to your system.

power strip: A connector that plugs into a wall outlet and offers several sockets (usually six) into which you can plug various devices to power them.

printer: A device through which you get printed output (called hard copy) from your computer.

process: The action that a computer takes on input to produce a different output.

processor: The component of a computer that handles the processing work the computer does; also called a CPU and a microprocessor.

program: A type of software that may or may not be used for productivity or to produce output, such as a computer game or a video editing program.

PS/2 (port): A type of connection dedicated to the kind of keyboard and mouse that feature this connector.