Toshiba Satellite L455D-S5976 User Manual - Page 214

214 Glossary Plug and Play - Generally, refers to the computer's ability to automatically configure itself to work with peripheral devices. When capitalized, refers to a standard that, when followed by a device manufacturer, allows a computer to configure itself automatically to work with the device. pointer - An icon (usually an arrow) that moves on the screen when you slide your finger across the TouchPad or move a mouse. Used to point to and select/activate on-screen items, such as icons, menu items, and buttons. The shape and purpose of the pointer varies depending on the program you are using and what you are doing. pointing device - Any device, such as the TouchPad or a mouse, that enables you to move the pointer on the screen. port - A socket on the computer where you plug in a cable for connection to a network or a peripheral device. processor - See central processing unit (CPU). program - A set of instructions that can be executed by a computer. The general classes of programs (also called software) are operating system, application, and utility. See also operating system, application, utility. properties - The attributes of an object or device. For example, the properties of a file include the file's type, size, and creation date. R RAM (random access memory) - Volatile memory that can be written to as well as read. Volatile here means that information in RAM is lost when you turn off your computer. This type of memory is used for your computer's main memory. See also memory. Compare ROM. random access memory - See RAM. read-only memory - See ROM. reboot - See boot, restart. removable disk - A disk that can be removed from a disk drive. A diskette is one example of a removable disk. resolution - A measure of the sharpness of the images that can be produced by a printer or displayed on a screen. For a printer, resolution is expressed in dots per inch (dpi). For a screen, it is expressed as the number of pixels available horizontally and vertically.