P

package

A folder that the Finder displays as if it were a single application file. The Finder normally hides the files inside a package so users can’t change them. A package is also a logical grouping of files that are related, such as all of the items that make up fax software or all of the parts of QuickTime. Sometimes referred to as a bundle.

palette

An auxiliary window that contains controls or tools or displays information for an application. A palette usually floats above regular windows of the same application.

pane

An Aqua GUI element comprised of separate screens within a single window, typically accessed via a pulldown menu or tab. Panes and their sub-panes when selected redraw within a single window, displaying alternate information and controls.

Panther

The latest version of Macintosh OS X. Version 10.3 or higher. The replacement for Jaguar.

partition

Noun: An identifiable logical division of a hard disk. Also referred to as a volume. Verb: To divide a hard drive into several smaller volumes, each of which the computer treats as a separate disk.

passphrase

Like a password, but generally consisting of more than one word. (The larger a password or passphrase, the more difficult it is to guess or otherwise discover.)

password

A combination of letters, digits, and symbols that must be typed accurately to gain access to information or services on the Internet or a local network.

path

A way of writing the location of a file or folder by specifying each folder that must be opened to get at the file. The outermost folder name is written first, and each folder name is followed by a slash (/). See also absolute path and relative path.

PCMCIA (People Can’t Memorize Computer Industry Acronyms)

Also known as Cardbus, PCMCIA is a hardware interface typically found in laptops. Small credit-card sized devices are easily installed and removed from the laptop to expand functionality.

PDF (Portable Document Format)

A platform-independent file format developed by Adobe. PDF files are often used in lieu of printed documents, as electronic transmission methods get more and more commonly accepted.

peer-to-peer file sharing

A technology for allowing other client computers to access folders located on your client computer rather than a central file server. Less powerful than server-client file sharing, it is cheaper and easier to configure.

peripheral

See device

permissions

See privileges

ping

A support tool that can be used to verify and validate the connectivity status of IP-aware network devices.

pipe

A means of directing the output of one Unix command to the input of the next Unix command. Expressed in a Unix command line with a vertical bar symbol (|).

pixel

Short for picture element, a pixel is the smallest dot that the computer and a display can show.

pixel depth

The number of memory bits used to store each pixel of an image. The number of bits determines the number of different colors that could be in the image. For example, thousands of colors require 16 bits per pixel. Compare to color depth.

playhead

A marker that tracks movie frames as they are shown, always indicating the location of the current frame in relationship to the beginning and end of the movie.

playlist

A collection of songs arranged for playing in a particular sequence.

plug-ins

Software that works with an application to extend its capabilities. For example, plug-ins for the Sherlock application enable it to search additional Internet sites.

POP 1. (Post Office Protocol)

A client/server store-and-forward protocol for the receipt of email. 2. (Point Of Presence) A telephone number that gains access to the Internet through an Internet service provider. An entry point to the Internet.

pop-up menu

A menu that is not in the menu bar, but that is marked with an arrowhead and pops open when you click it.

port

As referred to within the Network preference pane, a port is some form of physical connection to a data network.

portrait

A printed page that is taller than it is wide. For example, a normal letter–sized page in portrait mode is 8.5" wide x 11" high.

PostScript font

An outline font that conforms to the specifications of the PostScript page description language. PostScript fonts can be smoothly scaled to any size, rotated, and laid out along a curved path. (Compare TrueType.)

PostScript printers

Printers that interpret Adobe-developed PostScript language to create printable images. Commonly used in environments where precise and accurate printing is a must.

PPD (PostScript Printer Description)

A file that contains the optional features of a PostScript printer, such as its resolution and paper tray configuration.

PPP (Point-To-Point Protocol)

An industry standard for the communication between computing devices over dial-up connections.

PPPoE (Point-To-Point Protocol over Ethernet)

An implementation of PPP over Ethernet, used by ISPs that want to regulate access or meter usage of its subscribers, like DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) connections.

PRAM (parameter RAM)

A small amount of battery-powered memory that stores system settings, such as time and date.

preemptive multitasking

Prioritizes processor tasks by order of importance. Preemptive multitasking allows the computer to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. This method of managing processor tasks more efficiently allows the computer to remain responsive, even during the most processor-intensive tasks.

Preferences folder

Holds files that contain the settings you make in System Preferences and with the Preferences commands of application programs.

primary script

The language script system used by system dialogs and menus. If you are working on a computer that is set up for English, Roman is your primary script; your secondary script can be any other installed language script, such as Japanese.

printer driver

Software that prepares pages for and communicates with a particular type of printer.

print job

A file of page descriptions that is sent to a particular type of printer. Also called a print request or spool file.

print request

See print job

print server

A device or software that manages one or more shared printers on a network.

private IP address

An IP address for use on a local network. Compare public IP address.

privileges

Privileges provide the control mechanism for regulating user access to files, folders, and applications within Mac OS X.

process

Programs or threads (tasks) within a program that are currently running on the computer.

program

A set of coded instructions that direct a computer in performing a specific task.

program linking

The process of sharing programs by sending and receiving event messages across a network.

protected memory

Isolates applications in their individual memory workspaces. In the event of an application crash, the program can be terminated without having a negative effect on other running applications or requiring a restart of the computer.

protocol

A set of rules for the exchange of data between computer systems.

proxy icon

A little icon next to the title of a Finder window. It represents the folder whose contents are currently displayed in the window. You can drag the proxy icon to any folder, volume, or the Trash.

proxy server

A device that acts as an intermediary between a user’s workstation and the Internet. When a request is made for Internet content, the request is passed along to the proxy server. The proxy server acts on behalf of the client and forwards the request on to the Internet. It then relays the retrieved response to the user.

public IP address

An IP address for use on the Internet. Compare private IP address.

publisher

A section of a document that is saved as an edition, which can appear as subscribers in other documents. The documents all belong to Classic applications.

push button

A displayed control that when clicked causes an action to take place. A label on the button indicates the action that the button performs. The label may be text or graphic. Push buttons with text labels are generally rectangular with rounded ends. Buttons with graphic labels may be any shape.