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Packet - Based upon the type of network
protocol used, this term refers to how data is divided and sent over a network.
A packet also contains the data size, protocol used and the network address from
where it was sent.
Panchromatic
- A new type of photo cell that is sensitive to all wavelengths of visible light
and collect a larger amount of light, resulting in higher quality pictures.
Parallel Port
- An older type of cable port
connection for printers and some modems, but still used.
Parity - An error checking method used by
some modems.
Partition - A area created on a hard drive
which is reserved for a specific drive letter. Several partitions can be created on
a single hard drive.
PASCAL - A programming language developed
by Blaise Pascal.
PCI - Peripheral Component
Interconnect.
PCMCIA - Personal Computer Memory Card
International Association. These cards are commonly used in laptop computers.
PDA - Personal Digital Assistant.
Here is an article
with information on selecting the right PDA.
Peer to Peer network - This is a network
configuration where there is no server. All computers on the network share
information without a server. Best use of this network topology is home or small
business applications.
Peripheral - Any external device connected
to a computer (i.e. - mouse, printer)
Pfishing - A form of identity theft where
email posing as a legitimate source is used to gather personal information.
Click here to
find out more about pfishing or phishing. Best advice - do not respond to
emails from unknown persons or businesses.
Phase - The amplitude of a cyclic signal
at a specific point in time.
Ping - A program that verifies connection
over a network.
Pixel - Abbreviated term for Picture
Element. This term refers to the single dots of light that compose a image or
picture.
Pixel Count - The number of pixels that
make up an image.
Plant - In terms of networking, the cables that connect all the
computers in a local area network.
PLC - Programmable Logic Controller.
An industrial controller that contains a CPU. The PLC is programmed in "ladder
logic" language.
Plug and Play - Hardware that
automatically configures software settings to run correctly.
Podcasting - Digital audio received by
means of a RSS feed.
Find out
here how to make your own podcast.
POP3 - This is the most common protocol
( see protocol below) used by email programs. You must designate a pop server within your email
program to be able to receive emails.
POST - Power On Self Test. A computer bios
goes through this basic test when it is turned on.
POTS - Plain Old Telephone System.
Power Supply - As it relates to computers,
this is the energy source for the whole pc.
Click
here to read more about power supplies. Advanced PC user?
Click here to learn about troubleshooting and repairing power supplies.
PPI - Pixels Per Inch.
PPP - Point to Point Protocol.
Allows the sending of IP packets over dial-up connections.
Program - A set of computer instructions
to perform a specific task.
Protocol - A set of rules and procedures
that controls communications between 2 or more devices.
PSTN - Public Switched Telephone
Network.
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