A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

P54C compatibility	Means processors are compatible with the entire installed based x86 software.
parallel	Side-by-side data transmission. In 8-bit parallel, all the bits in a byte arrive simultaneously.
parallel port	The connector used for parallel transmission
password	A secret string of characters used to gain access to anything that requires the password for access. Used to prevent unauthorized access to files, computer systems, or the information therein. Passwords do not appear on the screen when you type them
patch	A modification to program code done somewhat more carefully than a hack, usually to fix a problem discovered after the software is complete.
PC	Personal Computer. Any microcomputer, regardless of operating system or manufacturer, but used especially in reference to computers that run DOS. The name comes from the idea that the computer is self-contained, and normally used by one person, in contrast to large computers that had several terminals attached.
PCBench	PC Bench is the latest version of Ziff-Davis' standard benchmark for measuring the performance of PCs running DOS.
peripheral	Any device which is attached to or installed in the system unit. Examples include printers, modems, scanners, and CD-ROM drives.
pipe	1: Any of the legs on a chip. 2: Any of the wires projecting from a male connector.
pixel	Picture Element. The smallest spot on the screen that a computer can address.
Pixel	PI(X)cture ELement. The smallest unit of graphics that a video adaptor generates, usually about the size of a pinpoint. Pixels can be of nearly any color depending on the capabilities of the adaptor.
platform	Refers to a specific combination of hardware, operating system, and/or other software, as in "This program has been tested on both Windows NT and UNIX platforms".
Plug and Play	The ability to install an add-in card in a system and have it automatically configured by software.
port	Any connection by which data can enter or leave a computer or peripheral. You plug cables into ports.
power down	To shut off the power to a computer.
power supply	The device in a computer that converts ordinary 110 VAC to the DC voltages used by the computer. If you look inside your desktop system unit, it's the metal box with the fan and on-off switch on its sides.
power up	To switch on the power to a computer.
PPM	Pages Per Minute. A measure of the speed of a printer. Usually tells how many times the printer can print the same page in a minute.
printed circuit	A (usually complex) electronic circuit printed on a piece of nonconducting material, onto which electronic components are soldered. Same as printed circuit board and circuit board.
PROM	Programmable Read Only Memory. Chips whose circuits can be programmed, but not changed thereafter.
push technology	Allows users to choose information to be automatically downloaded to them, whether or not they are at their PC. A service provider will send requested information (e.g. news, sports, technology, travel, etc.) to users as it is updated, saving users both time and energy spent searching sites for the same information.