PostScript®
A language used to describe printed text and graphics written by Adobe.
Power-on self test - POST
A BIOS procedure used to identify and test the computer prior to the operating system being loaded.
PowerPC
A RISC processor developed by Apple, IBM, and Motorola and used with Macintosh® computers and supporting several different operating systems including the MacOS and Microsoft® Windows® NT.
PowerPC Platform - common hardware reference platform.
A hardware architecture that uses the PowerPC CPU and a PCI bus. The PowerPC Platform is found in Macintosh® computers but supports other operating systems. (Also called CHRP.)
PPP - Point-to-Point Protocol
A protocol that allows connection to the Internet via modem. Another protocol that also permits such a connect is SLIP.
PRAM - parameter RAM
PRAM is a portion of RAM that is used on Macintosh® computers to store system information such as time, date, Control Panel settings, etc. The PRAM is maintained with a small battery so information is not lost when the computer is shut down. Occasional corruption of the PRAM information occurs and can be corrected by "zapping" the PRAM.
print spooler
A software program used to queue print jobs. Spooler stands for "simultaneous print operations online."
processor
The computer's CPU.
proportional font
Proportional fonts are fonts whose characters take up more or less space depending on the individual character. For example, an "i" will take less space than an "o" will. Proportional fonts are also called variable width fonts. Common examples include Times and Helvetica. Fixed width fonts are fonts whose characters all take up the same amount of space.
protocol
A set of standards that allows two computers or devices to communicate with one another, Computers that have different platforms and/or operating systems can communicate with one another as long as they have a common protocol. Protocols are also used for the timing, sequencing, and error-checking of data transmissions.
peripheral component interconnect - PCI
A new computer bus that is faster than previous versions and allows cross-platform compatibility for cards other than requiring different software drivers.
pull-down menu
A menu that is activated by clicking on a menu title. The menu remains as long as the mouse button is held, is clicked in a region outside of the pull-down menu, or after a specified time interval.
push technology
In the client/server relationship, data that is sent to the client computer without the client requesting it. For example, an unwanted email message.
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