Dallas Computer Repair- Computer Repair Terms "P"

Computer Repair

Paging File- a memory-management file that helps the physical memory by delivery data efficiently from secondary storage such as the hard drive; also known as a 'swap file'.

Parallel Interface- multiple lines that send data back and forth.

Parallel Mode- the method by which data is moved by sending and receiving signals simulataneously.

Parallel Port- known as a printer port or Centrics port, it is used to simultaneously send and receive data between the computer, printer and/or other peripherals.

Parity Bit- the bit used in error checking when sending data between computers, systems, etc.

Parity Checking- using a ninth bit in order to check and confirm that each byte was transmitted correctly.

Parity Error- a message received when the bytes sent were not properly acknowledged.

Partition- an independent allocation of space on a hard drive shared by one or more partitions.

Partition Boot Sector- the designated portion of space on the hard drive holding the boot information.

Partitioning- the process of dividing a hard drive into specified sizes with a "drive letter" as the identifier.

Partition Table- may be referred to as the 'Boot Partion' or in more general terms may describe the way the drive is partitioned or divided.

Passwords- secret strings of characters or words used to authenticate a user. Passwords should contain upper and lower case letters, numbers and characters such as >)_*&^%^$< if possible to decrease possibility of the password being found out or exploited.

Path- specifies where a file is in hiearchy of the Tree Directory.

PC Bus- in computers is a subsystem to transfer data between hardware components internally or between computers.

Peer-to-Peer Networks- a distributed application archtecture that allows computers to communicate with each other and share resources equally in a centralized architecture or a peer-to-peer model with no centralized servers.

PCI; Peripheral Component Interconnect Bus- a computer bus to attach hardware devices inside a computer onto the motherboard.

Peripherals- physical devices attached to the computer although not a part of the computer yet mostly relies on the PC in order for it to function. Examples are:

printers
mouse
keyboard
usb wireless modem
flash drive, etc.

Permissions- administrative rights to files such as the ability to read or write, share, etc.

PCMCIA Card; Personal Computer Memory Card International Association- a laptop card with a specific form factor that inserts into the side of the bottom laptop cover. The design was a physical form standard and standard bus for laptops issued by the named association. First made for the idea of storage but soon evolved into network cards, modems, wirless modems and hard drives. This technology is obsolete in laptops today.

PDAs; Personal Digital Assistants- personal management devices that held data as phone books, addresses, email addresses, appointments, schedulers, etc. These have been mostly replaced by Smart Phones today.

Pin Feed- older terminology used with printers that had pins to guide the paper through the printer.

PING- an administrative utility used to "reach" a host and which a response is sent back to the sender with measureable time.

Pixel- a small, singular emission of light.

PnP; Plug and Play- refers to Microsoft system's ability to allow a device to be inserted to the computer via usb or bus, etc. and the system automatically detects and installs the drivers that control the hardware.

Pointing Device-

mouse- a peripheral used to move a cursor on a monitor or laptop screen
laser-type device- used to reflect light on a surface to outline particular visual points
a stylist for a touch screen

PPP; Point-to-Point Protocol- a direct connection between two nodes with security authentication available.

PPTP; Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol- a process of engaging virtual private networks (VPN) for security.

Polarizer- a device that can convert images that are not well-defined into 'better' defined images.

Policies- an organizational hiearchy that allows for permissions or does not.

PolEdit- a global policy editor in older Windows OS's.

Polling- is referred to testing an external device for synchronous communication.

POST; Power On Self Test- a test that is performed once the device is turned on using the ROM-BIOS based diagnostics stored onboard a chip checking hardware, CPU, memory, DMA, graphics and other diagnostic functions.

Power Supply- the computer component providing electricity to the unit. Desktop power supplies are often times mounted to the upper, rear of the computer and most have a similar form factor for easy replacement and they come in different wattages. The power supplies are plug into the wall drawing AC and converting it into DC to supply to the electrical components of the computer.

Preventive Maintenance- the act of forethought to provide inspection, testing and repair of systems and hardware.

PDC; Primary Domain Controller- a computer server in a Windows domain with other computers connected. Basic users are "guest" and the top-level user is the administrator who possesses all available commands on the system.

Primary Partition- the main partition that holds the operating system and is designated with its own drive letter along with additional partitions for other necessetites such as data storage, programs files, etc.

Printer- a device for printing text, logos, pictures, etc. onto paper from a computer.

Printer Font- simplified, it is different unique styles and size (this print is size 12 and this font is called, "Times").

Profiles- [1] descriptions about people or organizations, [2] self described attributes on membership websites, [3] used by the administrator to set permissions, etc.

Program- sets of instructions that perform assigned tasks.

Programmed I/O- the process of initiating data transfer from a computer system to a peripheral and back for parity checks; the I/O device lets the system know if it is ready to handle commands and if not the CPU can perform other needed tasks.

Prompt- a signal that some type of user interaction is needed.

Protected Mode- a mode in which the CPU inputs and outputs to specifically reserved areas of storage within the RAM without overwriting instructions.

Protocol- [1] rules governing communications mode, [2] user operational tactics, [3] policy, etc.

Computer Manufacturers Repaired: Acer, Apple, Asus, Compaq, Dell, eMachines, Fujitsu, Gateway, HP, Lenovo, Sony and Toshiba.

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