preview ~ pwd
A/B Switch box ~ America On-line AMI BIOS ~ Arithmetic Operation ARP ~ AVI Backbone ~ Bit Image Bit Map ~ Boot Disk Boot Drive ~ Bytes Per Inch C++ ~ Carrier Frequency carrier system ~ certification CGI ~ Chooser extension cipher ~ Clipper Chip clock ~ color color bits ~ communications satellite communications server ~ computer security CON ~ copy copy program ~ cycle time daemon ~ defragmentation demand paging ~ digitize DikuMUD ~ disk disk buffer ~ Document Style Semantics and Specification Language document window ~ dynamic Web page Easter egg ~ erase erase head ~ ezine F2F ~ finger2 firewall ~ font suitcase footer ~ FYI Game Control Adapter ~ GUI HAL ~ hot key1 hot key2 ~ Hz i486DX ~ internal modem internet ~ ISO 9660 ISO/OSI model ~ just-in-time K1 ~ knowledge base L1 cache ~ LU luggable computer ~ LZW compression MAC ~ MILNET mime ~ msec MTBF ~ MYOB named anchor ~ network drive Network File System ~ number crunching object ~ overwrite mode P5 ~ PC/XT keyboard PDA ~ pipeline processing piracy ~ preventive maintenance preview ~ pwd quasi-language ~ QWERTY keyboard R&D ~ registration marks Registry ~ RFI RF shielding ~ run-time library SAA ~ server error server push-pull ~ soft return software ~ style sheet stylus ~ System T1 ~ ToggleKeys token ~ typography UART ~ uupc V.120 ~ view2 viewer ~ VxD w3 ~ WinG WINS ~ WWW X.25 ~ X Windows Yahoo! ~ yotta- Z39.50 standard ~ Zulu time
preview
n. In word processors and other applications, the feature that displays a formatted document on the video monitor rather than sending it directly to the printer.
primary channel
n. The data-transmission channel in a communications device, such as a modem. Compare secondary channel.
Primary Domain Controller
n. 1. In Windows NT, a database providing a centralized administration site for resources and user accounts. The database allows users to log onto the domain, rather than onto a specific host machine. A separate account database keeps track of the machines in the domain and allocates the domain's resources to users. 2. In any local area network, the server that maintains the master copy of the domain's user accounts database and that validates logon requests. Acronym: PDC.
primitive
n. 1. In computer graphics, a shape, such as a line, circle, curve, or polygon, that can be drawn, stored, and manipulated as a discrete entity by a graphics program. A primitive is one of the elements from which a large graphic design is created. 2. In programming, a fundamental element in a language that can be used to create larger procedures that do the work a programmer wants to do.
printer
n. A computer peripheral that puts text or a computer-generated image on paper or on another medium, such as a transparency film. Printers can be categorized in any of several ways. The most common distinction is impact versus nonimpact. Impact printers physically strike the paper and are exemplified by pin dot-matrix printers and daisy-wheel printers; nonimpact printers include every other type of print mechanism, including laser, ink-jet, and thermal printers. Other possible methods of categorizing printers include (but are not limited to) the following: See also ball printer, character printer, color printer, daisy-wheel printer, dot-matrix printer, draft quality, electrophotographic printers, graphics printer, impact printer, ink-jet printer, ion-deposition printer, laser printer, LCD printer, LED printer, letter quality, line printer, near-letter-quality, nonimpact printer, page printer, parallel printer, serial printer, thermal printer, thermal wax-transfer printer, thimble printer. k:\compdict\database\4548.doc
Printer Control Language
n. A printer control language from Hewlett-Packard, used in its LaserJet, DeskJet, and RuggedWriter printer lines. Because of the LaserJet's dominance in the laser printer market, Printer Control Language has become a de facto standard. Also called Hewlett-Packard Printer Control Language, PCL. Acronym: PCL.
printer controller
n. The processing hardware in a printer, especially in a page printer. It includes the raster image processor, the memory, and any general-purpose microprocessors. A printer controller can also reside in a personal computer, attached via a high-speed cable to a printer that simply carries out its instructions. Compare printer engine.
printer driver
n. A software program designed to enable other programs to work with a particular printer without concerning themselves with the specifics of the printer's hardware and internal "language." Application programs can communicate properly with a variety of printers by using printer drivers, which handle all of the subtleties of each printer so that the application program doesn't have to. Today graphical user interfaces offer their own printer drivers, eliminating the need for an application that runs under the interface to have its own printer driver.
printer font
n. A font residing in or intended for a printer. A printer font can be internal, downloaded, or on a font cartridge. Compare screen font.
printer port
n. A port through which a printer can be connected to a personal computer. On PC-compatible machines, printer ports are usually parallel ports and are identified in the operating system by the logical device name LPT. On many newer PCs, the parallel port on the case of the CPU has a printer icon beside it to identify it as a printer port. Serial ports can also be used for some printers (logical device name COM), although configuration is generally required. On Macintoshes, printer ports are usually serial ports and are also used to connect Macs to an AppleTalk network. See also AppleTalk, central processing unit, logical device, parallel port, serial port.
print job
n. A single batch of characters printed as a unit. A print job usually consists of a single document, which can be one page or hundreds of pages long. To avoid having to print individual documents separately, some software can group multiple documents into a single print job. See also print spooler.
print quality
n. The quality and clarity of characters produced by a printer. Print quality varies with the type of printer; in general, dot-matrix printers produce lower-quality output than laser printers. The printer mode can also affect quality. See also resolution (definition 1).
print queue
n. A buffer for documents and images waiting to be printed. When an application places a document in a print queue, it is held in a special part of the computer's memory, where it waits until the printer is ready to receive it.
Print Screen key
n. A key on IBM PC and compatible keyboards that normally causes the computer to send a character-based "picture" of the screen contents to the printer. The print screen feature works only when the display is in text mode or CGA graphics mode (the lowest-resolution color and graphics mode available on IBM compatibles). It will not work properly in other graphics modes. Some programs use the Print Screen key to capture a screen image and record it as a file on disk. These programs can typically work in any graphics mode and record the file as a graphics image. When the user is working directly with the MS-DOS operating system, and with some programs, the combination Control-Print Screen toggles the printer on or off. With printing turned on, the system sends every character to the printer as well as to the screen. The Print Screen key on the Apple Extended Keyboard is included for compatibility with operating systems such as MS-DOS. Also called PrtSc key.
print server
n. A workstation that is dedicated to managing printers on a network. The print server can be any station on the network.
print spooler
n. Computer software that intercepts a print job on its way to the printer and sends it to disk or memory instead, where the print job is held until the printer is ready for it. The term spooler is an acronym created from "simultaneous peripheral operations on line."
print to file
n. A command in many applications that instructs the program to format a document for printing and store the formatted document as a file rather than sending it to a printer.
privacy
n. The concept that a user's data, such as stored files and e-mail, is not to be examined by anyone else without that user's permission. A right to privacy is not generally recognized on the Internet. Federal law protects only e-mail in transit or in temporary storage, and only against access by Federal agencies. Employers often claim a right to inspect any data on their systems. To obtain privacy, the user must take active measures such as encryption. See also encryption, PGP, Privacy Enhanced Mail. Compare security.
Privacy Enhanced Mail
n. An Internet standard for e-mail systems that use encryption techniques to ensure the privacy and security of messages. See also encryption, standard. Compare PGP. Acronym: PEM.
Private Communications Technology
n. A specification designed to secure general-purpose business and personal communications on the Internet, and includes features such as privacy, authentication, and mutual identification.
private folders
n. In a shared network environment, those folders on a user's computer that are not currently accessible by other users on the network. Compare public folders.
private key
n. One of two keys in public key encryption. The user keeps the private key secret and uses it to encrypt digital signatures and to decrypt received messages. See also public key encryption. Compare public key.
procedure call
n. In programming, an instruction that causes a procedure to be executed. A procedure call can be located in another procedure or in the main body of the program. See also procedure.
process1
n. A program or part of a program; a coherent sequence of steps undertaken by a program.
process2
vb. To manipulate data with a program.
process color
n. A method of handling color in a document in which each block of color is separated into its subtractive primary color components for printing: cyan, magenta, and yellow (as well as black). All other colors are created by blending layers of various sizes of halftone spots printed in cyan, magenta, and yellow to create the image. See also color model, color separation (definition 1). Compare spot color.
processing
n. The manipulation of data within a computer system. Processing is the vital step between receiving data (input) and producing results (output)--the task for which computers are designed.
processor
n. See central processing unit, microprocessor.
Prodigy Information Service
n. An online information service founded by IBM and Sears. Like its competitors America Online and CompuServe, Prodigy offers access to databases and file libraries, online chat, special interest groups, e-mail, and Internet connectivity. Also called Prodigy.
profile
vb. To analyze a program to determine how much time is spent in different parts of the program during execution.
program
n. A sequence of instructions that can be executed by a computer. The term can refer to the original source code or to the executable (machine language) version. Also called software. See also program creation, routine, statement.
program file
n. A disk file that contains the executable portion(s) of a computer program. Depending on its size and complexity, an application or other program, such as an operating system, can be stored in several different files, each containing the instructions necessary for some part of the program's overall functioning. Compare document file.
programmable
adj. Capable of accepting instructions for performing a task or an operation. Being programmable is a characteristic of computers.
programmer
n. 1. An individual who writes and debugs computer programs. Depending on the size of the project and the work environment, a programmer might work alone or as part of a team, be involved in part or all of the process from design through completion, or write all or a portion of the program. See also program. 2. In hardware, a device used to program read-only memory chips. See also PROM, ROM (definition 2).
programming
n. The art and science of creating computer programs. Programming begins with knowledge of one or more programming languages, such as Basic, C, Pascal, or assembly language. Knowledge of a language alone does not make a good program. Much more can be involved, such as expertise in the theory of algorithms, user interface design, and characteristics of hardware devices. Computers are rigorously logical machines, and programming requires a similarly logical approach to designing, writing (coding), testing, and debugging a program. Low-level languages, such as assembly language, also require familiarity with the capabilities of a microprocessor and the basic instructions built into it. In the modular approach advocated by many programmers, a project is broken into smaller, more manageable modules--stand-alone functional units that can be designed, written, tested, and debugged separately before being incorporated into the larger program. See also algorithm, kludge (definition 2), modular design, object-oriented programming, spaghetti code, structured programming.
programming language
n. Any artificial language that can be used to define a sequence of instructions that can ultimately be processed and executed by the computer. Defining what is or is not a programming language can be tricky, but general usage implies that the translation process--from the source code expressed using the programming language to the machine code that the computer needs to work with--be automated by means of another program, such as a compiler. Thus, English and other natural languages are ruled out, although some subsets of English are used and understood by some fourth-generation languages. See also 4GL, compiler (definition 2), natural language, program.
project life cycle
n. A sequence of preplanned stages for taking a project from beginning to end.
project management
n. The process of planning, monitoring, and controlling the course and development of a particular undertaking.
PROM
n. Acronym for programmable read-only memory. A type of read-only memory (ROM) that allows data to be written into the device with hardware called a PROM programmer. After a PROM has been programmed, it is dedicated to that data, and it cannot be reprogrammed. See also EEPROM, EPROM, ROM (definition 2).
promiscuous-mode transfer
n. In network communications, a transfer of data in which a node accepts all packets regardless of their destination address.
prompt
n. 1. In command-driven systems, one or more symbols that indicate where users are to enter commands. For instance, in MS-DOS, the prompt is generally a drive letter followed by a "greater than" symbol (C>). In Unix, it is usually %. See also command-driven system, DOS prompt. 2. Displayed text indicating that a computer program is waiting for input from the user.
property
n. In Windows 95, a characteristic or parameter of an object or device. Properties of a file, for example, include type, size, and creation date and can be identified by accessing the file's property sheet. See also property sheet.
property sheet
n. A type of dialog box in Windows 95, accessed by choosing Properties in the File menu or by right-clicking on an object and selecting Properties, that lists the attributes or settings of an object such as a file, application, or hardware device. A property sheet presents the user with a tabbed, index-card-like selection of property pages, each of which features standard dialog-style controls for customizing parameters.
proportional font
n. A set of characters in a particular style and size in which a variable amount of horizontal space is allotted to each letter or number. In a proportional font, the letter i, for example, is allowed less space than the letter m. Compare monospace font.
proportional spacing
n. A form of character spacing in which the horizontal space each character occupies is proportional to the width of the character. The letter w, for example, takes up more space than the letter i. Compare monospacing.
proprietary
adj. Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of something that is privately owned. Generally, the term refers to technology that has been developed by a particular corporation or entity, with specifications that are considered by the owner to be trade secrets. Proprietary technology may be legally used only by a person or entity purchasing an explicit license. Also, other companies are unable to duplicate the technology, both legally and because its specifications have not been divulged by the owner. Compare public domain.
proprietary software
n. A program owned or copyrighted by an individual or a business and available for use only through purchase or by permission of the owner. Compare public-domain software.
protected mode
n. An operating mode of the Intel 80286 and higher microprocessors that supports larger address spaces and more advanced features than real mode. When started in protected mode, these CPUs provide hardware support for multitasking, data security, and virtual memory. The Windows NT and OS/2 operating systems run in protected mode, as do most versions of UNIX for these microprocessors. Compare real mode.
protocol stack
n. The set of protocols that work together on different levels to enable communication on a network. For example, TCP/IP, the protocol stack on the Internet, incorporates more than 100 standards including FTP, IP, SMTP, TCP, and Telnet. Also called protocol suite. See also ISO/OSI model.
prototyping
n. The creation of a working model of a new computer system or program for testing and refinement. Prototyping is used in the development of both new hardware and software systems and new systems of information management. Tools used in the former include both hardware and support software; tools used in the latter can include databases, screen mockups, and simulations that, in some cases, can be developed into a final product.
proxy server
n. A firewall component that manages Internet traffic to and from a local area network (LAN) and can provide other features, such as document caching and access control. A proxy server can improve performance by supplying frequently requested data, such as a popular Web page, and can filter and discard requests that the owner does not consider appropriate, such as requests for unauthorized access to proprietary files. See also firewall.
PSN
n. Acronym for packet-switching network. See packet switching.
public directory
n. A directory on an FTP server that is accessible by anonymous users for the purpose of retrieving or storing files. Often the directory is called /pub. See also anonymous FTP, FTP (definition 1), FTP server, /pub.
public key
n. One of two keys in public key encryption. The user releases this key to the public, who can use it for encrypting messages to be sent to the user and for decrypting the user's digital signature. See also public key encryption. Compare private key.
public key encryption
n. An asymmetric scheme that uses a pair of keys for encryption: the public key encrypts data, and a corresponding secret key decrypts it. For digital signatures, the process is reversed: the sender uses the secret key to create a unique electronic number that can be read by anyone possessing the corresponding public key, which verifies that the message is truly from the sender. See also private key, public key.
pull
vb. The process of retrieving data from a network server. Compare push (definition 2). See pop.
pull-down menu
n. A menu that is pulled down from the menu bar and that remains available as long as the user holds it open. Compare drop-down menu.
punched card
n. An outdated computer-input medium made of stiff paper that stores data bits in columns containing patterns of punched holes. The method for creating the patterns used for different byte values is called Hollerith coding. Also called Hollerith tabulating/recording machine.
punched-card reader
n. See card reader.
purge
vb. To eliminate old or unneeded information systematically; to clean up, as files.
push
vb. 1. To add a new element to a stack, a data structure generally used to temporarily hold pieces of data being transferred or the partial result of an arithmetic operation. See also stack. Compare pop. 2. In networks and the Internet, to send data or a program from a server to a client at the instigation of the server. Compare pull (definition 1).
put
vb. In programming, to write data, typically to a file; in particular, to write a very small unit of data, such as a character.
PVC
n. Acronym for permanent virtual circuit. A permanent logical connection between two nodes on a packet-switching network. The PVC appears as a dedicated line to the nodes, but the data can be transmitted on a common carrier. VPN. See also common carrier, node (definition 2), packet switching. Compare SVC.
pwd
n. Acronym for print working directory. The UNIX command for displaying the current directory.
A/B Switch box ~ America On-line AMI BIOS ~ Arithmetic Operation ARP ~ AVI Backbone ~ Bit Image Bit Map ~ Boot Disk Boot Drive ~ Bytes Per Inch C++ ~ Carrier Frequency carrier system ~ certification CGI ~ Chooser extension cipher ~ Clipper Chip clock ~ color color bits ~ communications satellite communications server ~ computer security CON ~ copy copy program ~ cycle time daemon ~ defragmentation demand paging ~ digitize DikuMUD ~ disk disk buffer ~ Document Style Semantics and Specification Language document window ~ dynamic Web page Easter egg ~ erase erase head ~ ezine F2F ~ finger2 firewall ~ font suitcase footer ~ FYI Game Control Adapter ~ GUI HAL ~ hot key1 hot key2 ~ Hz i486DX ~ internal modem internet ~ ISO 9660 ISO/OSI model ~ just-in-time K1 ~ knowledge base L1 cache ~ LU luggable computer ~ LZW compression MAC ~ MILNET mime ~ msec MTBF ~ MYOB named anchor ~ network drive Network File System ~ number crunching object ~ overwrite mode P5 ~ PC/XT keyboard PDA ~ pipeline processing piracy ~ preventive maintenance preview ~ pwd quasi-language ~ QWERTY keyboard R&D ~ registration marks Registry ~ RFI RF shielding ~ run-time library SAA ~ server error server push-pull ~ soft return software ~ style sheet stylus ~ System T1 ~ ToggleKeys token ~ typography UART ~ uupc V.120 ~ view2 viewer ~ VxD w3 ~ WinG WINS ~ WWW X.25 ~ X Windows Yahoo! ~ yotta- Z39.50 standard ~ Zulu time