gloss_P

P

Pagefile.sys.

The name of the Windows XP file used to provide virtual memory storage.

Parameters.

Arguments that are passed to a command for processing.

Partition.

A set portion of a basic disk that is formatted with a file system and managed as a single entity.

Path.

A Windows XP command that displays and modifies the Windows PATH variable, which locates commands for processing when the full path to the command is not specified.

Pathext.

A system variable that identifies a list of extensions that represent executable files.

Pause.

A Windows XP Shell script statement that suspends script execution until the user presses a key.

Peer-to-peer network.

A network based on the workgroup model in which each computer on the network is responsible for its own administration.

Ping.

A Windows XP command that tests network connectivity with another computer.

Pinned programs.

Applications that have been dragged and dropped onto the Windows XP Start menu and that remain there until manually removed.

Plug and Play.

A set of specifications used to develop hardware devices that allow a computer to detect and configure the hardware devices without user intervention.

Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP).

A wide area network protocol that manages the connection between a dial-up server and dial-up client.

Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP).

A protocol that encrypts data in VPN connections over the Internet.

Popd.

A Windows XP Shell script statement that changes the current folder to the folder stored by a Pushd command.

Power scheme.

A group of settings that define how Windows XP implements power management.

Power Users.

A Windows XP group whose members have the same capabilities as members of the Users group, plus the ability to install applications and modify certain system settings.

Print$.

A hidden share that supports the remote management of print devices.

Print device.

A device that creates printed output.

Print Queue.

A temporary folder where print jobs are spooled until they can be printed.

Printer pool.

The logical association of two or more printers into a single logical print device. Windows XP automatically submits print jobs to the first available print device in the printer pool.

Private IP address.

An IP address assigned to a computer on a private network, which is not visible to other networks such as the Internet.

Procedure.

A Windows Shell script construct that allows scripts to be organized into callable units of code using the Call and Label statements.

PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE.

A system variable that identifies the computer's processor type.

PROCESSOR_IDENTIFIER.

A system variable that displays a detailed description of the computer's processor.

PROCESSOR_LEVEL.

A system variable that displays the processor's stepping level.

PROCESSOR_REVISION.

A system variable that displays the processor's revision number.

Profile.

A collection of user settings associated with every user account that allows users to customize their desktop and computer settings without affecting other users of the computer.

Program Compatibility Wizard.

A Windows utility that configures an application's executing environment in order to allow programs not written for Windows XP to run on the computer in an environment that simulates other Windows operating systems.

Prompt.

A Windows XP command that modifies the format and content of the Windows command prompt.

Proxy service.

A network service that provides shared Internet access on large networks.

Pushd.

A Window XP shell script statement that changes the working environment to a new folder while storing the previous folder for later restoration by the Popd command.