Panasonic PV-PD2000 - Manual (Page 52)

Questions and Answers (Cont)
■About Computers
•Windows and Macintosh
Q21: What is an OS?
A21: OS is an abbreviation for Operating System,
and it is also sometimes called “basic
software”. The OS is the basic software
provided for allowing the computer to be
used easily. For example, operations such as
reading data or displaying text cannot be
performed only with other software.
The OS performs these operations through
commands from the software.
The OS for PC/AT computers is Windows 3.1
or Windows 95, and the OS for Macintosh
computers is the Mac OS (System).
Q22: What are applications (software)?
A22: This is software for performing specific tasks
in a computer. Applications include, for
instance, word-processing and spreadsheet
software.
Q23: What is an interface?
A23: An interface is a means of connecting two or
more different devices. Interfaces are used in
a variety of contexts, including between
computers and external devices, and
computers and humans. For example,
interfaces include connection cables,
connection sockets, and keyboards.
Q24: What is resolution?
A24: The resolution indicates how many dots can
be displayed on a screen. The resolution is
shown in dots per inch, and the higher the
resolution, the better the printing quality.
Q25: What is dpi?
A25: The dpi is a unit of resolution which indicates
the number of dots per inch that can be
printed. Higher dpi allows more detailed
printing.
Q26: What is a printer port?
A26: A printer port is a socket for connecting a
printer to other devices. It is provided at the
rear of the computer.
Printer ports are classified into the following
two types based on the transmission system.
•Serial port
A serial port is an input/output socket for
connecting peripheral devices which allow
only one bit of data to be sent at a time,
such as a mouse or modem.
•Parallel port
A parallel port is an input/output socket for
connecting peripheral devices which
transfer data by simultaneously sending a
number of bits over separate lines.
Although the parallel port allows data
transfer at a higher speed than the serial
port, transfer cannot be performed over
long distances since interference will result
between the data lines.
This port is usually used to connect a
printer to a computer. In general, printing
with a Windows computer uses a parallel
port, while printing with a Macintosh
computer uses a serial port.
Q27: What is memory?
A27: The memory is a temporary storage location
for data when the computer performs
operations. Memory can be broadly divided
into RAM and ROM. RAM is an acronym for
random-access memory, a type of memory
which allows data to be read and stored
freely. Software programs and entered data
are stored in RAM. ROM, on the other hand,
stands for read-only memory, a special type
of memory which only allows data to be read.
The ROM contains fixed data for programs of
the particular computer.
Q28: What is a bitmap?
A28: A bitmap is a type of standard used for
storing graphics created by the computer as
a file. The graphics file is stored as a
collection of extremely small dots.
Q29: What is a dialogue box?
A29: A dialogue box is a specialized window on
Windows and Macintosh screens for
displaying specific information and soliciting
a needed response.
Q30: What is a printer driver?
A30: A printer driver is a program used to control
how the computer and printer interact. The
printer driver provides the printer interface
and font designation, functions of the
installed printer, and other necessary
information to Windows and Macintosh
systems.
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