This page contains answers to common questions handled by our support staff, along with some tips and tricks that we have found useful and presented here as questions.  All of the following are suggestions and the user makes the final decision whether to implement them or not.  Always make a backup of your computer before attempting any changes.  If you have any doubts about making changes, wait and talk to someone experienced with your type of changes.

Note: In these answers we will follow a few shorthand conventions for describing user-interface procedures. Key combinations will be presented like this: Ctrl+Alt+Delete, which means that you should press and hold down the Control key, the Alt key, and the Delete key at the same time. Menu selections will be presented like this: File->Open, which means that you should open the File menu, and then make the Open selection.

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What is ... ?

M-PPP	Multilink Point-to-Point Protocol.  A popular method for binding two or more phone lines together to make a single faster Internet connection.
MAC	Media Access Control
MAC Address	Media Access Control Address.  The 48-bit defined number built into any Ethernet device connected to a LAN. This unique hardware address is represented as six octets, separated by colons, such as A0:5B:3E:44:21:7F. Bridges work at the MAC address level.
Mac OS X	The latest operating system for Macintoshes.
Mac OS X Server	Apple's most powerful server operating system for Macintosh computers.
MAC Sublayer	Media Access Control Sublayer.  A sublayer of layer 2 of the OSI reference model. The MAC is addressed by the IEEE 802.3 standard.
Macintosh	An Apple computer that draws excellent pictures and comes with built-in networking.
Macro	A mini program that runs within another program. Word macros are often used to format text; Excel macros frequently have equation series built in.
Madison	New Itanium chip from Intel, with 6Mb of L3 cache.  Expected to deliver a 30 percent increase in performance over Itanium 2.  2003/3
Mail Server	The server computer on which email messages are stored. This same computer also may be used as a file and print server or it may be dedicated as a mail server.
Mailbox	The fundamental delivery location for a recipient's mail messages.
Mainframe	A large computer system located in rooms where the floors are raised to accommodate cabling and could be cooled with liquid nitrogen. The cable that connects the CPU to the disk drives weighs more than most PCs.
MAN	Metropolitan Area Networks
MAP	Media Access Protocol
MAPI	Messaging Application Program Interface.  A standard interface that Exchange Server and Client use to communicate with each other. There are two types of MAPI: Simple MAPI and Extended MAPI. Simple MAPI contains 12 high level messaging functions for implementation of simple messaging. Extended MAPI is designed for applications that depend heavily upon messaging. It provides for handling complex messages, large number of messages, message storage and complex addressing information. Microsoft Exchange uses Extended MAPI.
Mapping	Assigning unused drive letters to network drives or unused printer ports to network printers. Also see Redirection.
Master	The first drive in a dual drive combination. A master drive by itself (with no slave) is called a single drive. See slave.
MAU	Multistation Access Units
MaxMSS	A Windows Registry setting that should be adjusted for faster downloading.
MaxMTU	A Windows Registry setting that should be adjusted for faster downloading.
Mb	Megabit
Mb/s	Megabits ( millions of bits ) Per Second
Mbps	Megabits ( millions of bits ) Per Second
MB	Megabyte.  A common measurement of computer capacity for storage and memory.  Equals 1,048,576 bytes.
MB/s	Megabytes ( millions of bytes ) Per Second
MBps	Megabytes ( millions of bytes ) Per Second
MBR	Master Boot Record.  A small program that determines which partition a computer will boot from.  The MBR tells the computer where to find and how to load the OS (operating system).  It also tells the computer how the hard drive is organized and provides information about the drive partitions.  The master boot record is on the first sector of the hard drive; it's the first program the computer runs after performing a memory check and looking for a bootable diskette in the diskette drive.
MCAV	Modified Constant Angular Velocity
MCLV	Modified Constant Linear Velocity
MDF	Main Distribution Frame.  The point where all local loops are terminated at the Central Office (CO).
Media	The plural term for computer storage material such as diskettes, hard disks, CD-Rs, DVD-Rs, tapes and etc.
Megahertz	(1)  1,000,000 Hz or 1000 KHz, also known as 1 million cycles per second. (2)  Measures a CPU's clock speed. Your CPU should run at 133MHz or faster if you want to use a broadband solution. Many services recommend a 200MHz or faster CPU.
Memory	The electronic storage where your computer stores data that is being manipulated and programs that are running. Also see Ram.
Memory Stick	Sony's thin solid state flash memory module, measuring 0.11 inches thick by 0.85 inches wide by 1.97 inches long.  Although Sony used memory stick in scores of its stylish gadgets from music player to the AIBO "entertainment robot," it wasn't until late 2000 that Epson, Lexar Media and others pitched in with their own memory stick products.  Sony's Magic-Gate is a copied controlled version and the duo is about one third the size of the original memory stick.
Message Spooler	The message spooler is contained in the MAPI message transport provider. The spooler works in conjunction with other MAPI processes to call upon information services to access store, transport and addressing services.
Message Store Provider	A MAPI message store provider serves as the central repository for messages and folders in a messaging system. The main Exchange databases: Priv.edb and Pub.edb are two examples of a message store provider.
Message Transfer Agent	The MTA is responsible for routing messages to other Exchange server MTAs, information stores, connectors and third party gateways. It is also responsible for breaking down distribution lists into their individual recipients. On an Exchange server, the MTA is a Windows NT/2000/2003 service [MSExchangeMTA]. It is one of the four core Microsoft Exchange Server services. Also see System Attendant, Information Store.
Message Transport Provider	A MAPI message transport provides message transportation services from the local MAPI message system to the message transport medium. This transport medium is usually the network software. It also incorporates a spooler. Also see Message Spooler.
Messaging Application Program Interface	A standard interface that Exchange Server and Client use to communicate with each other. There are two types of MAPI: Simple MAPI and Extended MAPI. Simple MAPI contains 12 high level messaging functions for implementation of simple messaging. Extended MAPI is designed for applications that depend heavily upon messaging. It provides for handling complex messages, large number of messages, message storage and complex addressing information. Microsoft Exchange uses Extended MAPI.
Messaging Connector	A Microsoft Exchange Server component that is used to connect two Exchange sites so messages can be transported between the sites. There are four main messaging connectors with Exchange Server: Site Connector, X.400 Connector, Dynamic RAS Connector and Internet Mail Connector.
Messaging Profile	A profile is an optional service of MAPI that is employed to help users manage the information services configured on an Microsoft Exchange client. Also see Profile.
Messaging Service	A generic term that refers to any messaging system such as Microsoft Exchange Server, CompuServe, MS Mail 3.x.
MFD	Micro floppy Disk
MHS	Message Handling Service
MHz	Megahertz. (1)  1,000,000 Hz or 1000 KHz, also known as 1 million cycles per second. (2)  Measures a CPU's clock speed. Your CPU should run at 133MHz or faster if you want to use a broadband solution. Many services recommend a 200MHz or faster CPU.
Microfilter	A device you attach to your telephone lines when you install DSL service yourself. It prevents your phone from interfering with DSL signals.
Microprocessor	The integrated circuit that controls the computer, also known as the central Processing Unit (CPU).  Today's microprocessors cram more than one million transistors into 1 square inch of space.  Microprocessors are responsible for interpreting instructions gathered from input devices and transmitting the results to output devices.
Microsoft Mail Connector	A Microsoft Exchange Server component that works with the Exchange MTA to provide connectivity to MS Mail systems (both PC and AppleTalk) and to MS Mail (PC) gateways. On an Exchange server, this is implemented as a Windows NT/2000/2003 service, the Mail Connector (PC) MTA. It provides the same functionality as an MS Mail 3.x MTA or MMTA.
Microsoft Schedule+ Free/Busy Connector	A Microsoft Exchange Server component designed to work in conjunction with the Microsoft Mail 3.x executables Schdist.exe and Adminsch.exe to exchange free and busy appointment information between an Exchange server and an MS Mail post office. This is managed by a Windows NT/2000/2003 service.
Microwave	(1)  Signals received and sent by broadband wireless Internet services. (2)
MIDI	Musical Instrument Digital Interface.  Digitally representing and transmitting sounds that electronic devices, such as keyboards and sound cards, universally understand.  It provides a protocol for transforming music into data and vice versa.
MIME	Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions.  Most e-mails systems support the MIME standard, which allows the message body to contain attachments, along with the text of the message.
Mirror	Same as Clone Copy.
Mirror Copy	Identical copy. Block by block copy of all blocks in a storage medium.
Mirroring	Creating an exact mirror data copy.
MIX	Multiplexer
MMDS	Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service.  The most popular form of fixed broadband wireless Internet service.
MNP	Microcom Network Protocol
MO	Magneto-Optical
Modem	Acronym for modulator-demodulator.  The device lets a computer transmit and receive information over telephone lines.  Modems convert analog data into digital data computers can read and convert digital data into analog data that can be transmitted over telephone lines.  Modems are the primary means for connecting home computer users to outside networks such as the Internet, online services or local-area networks.  The fastest current modem standard is V.90, which allows data transfer rates up to 56Kbps.
Modulate	In a communications program, the process of changing a signal prior to transmission so signals are translated into meaningful information.  For example, a frequency modulator decodes signals over a telephone line into data displayed on a computer screen.
Motherboard	The printed circuit board that is the foundation of a computer.  This board contains a computer CPU, RAM chips, and expansion slots.  The motherboard is where all of the computer's components meet.  Also called system board or mainboard.
Mouse	The device used with windows to move the cursor around and click on icons, buttons, links and so on. It doesn't take long to get used to using it.
MP3	The file extension for MPEG, audio layer 3. Layer 3 is one of the three coding schemes for compression of audio signals. MP3 files are small and can easily travel across the Internet.
MPEG-1	Motion Picture Experts Group-1.  The first generation of a widely used video compression standard that can show video, produced through either software or hardware.
MPOE	Minimum Point of Entry.  The place where phone lines first enter a customer's facility. The MPOE can be a network interface device or an inside wiring closet.
Ms	millisecond
MSAU	Multistation Access Unit
MSCS	Microsoft Cluster Server
MSD	Microsoft Diagnostics.  A program that comes with DOS 6, 6.2 and Windows 3.1. MSD gathers and displays useful information about your computer's configuration. In Windows 9x, Me, you can get similar information from a program called Microsoft System Information. In Windows Xp, this program is just called System Information.
MS-DOS	Microsoft Disk Operating System.  See "DOS".
MSP	Message Store Provider.  A MAPI message store provider serves as the central repository for messages and folders in a messaging system. The main Exchange databases: Priv.edb and Pub.edb are two examples of a message store provider.
MSRP	Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price
MTA	Message Transfer Agent.  The MTA is responsible for routing messages to other Exchange server MTAs, information stores, connectors and third party gateways. It is also responsible for breaking down distribution lists into their individual recipients. On an Exchange server, the MTA is a Windows NT/2000/2003 service [MSExchangeMTA]. It is one of the four core Microsoft Exchange Server services. Also see System Attendant, Information Store.
MTBF	Mean Time Between Failures.  The estimated time before a system breaks down, often measured in thousands of hours.
MTP	Message Transport Provider.  A MAPI message transport provides message transportation services from the local MAPI message system to the message transport medium. This transport medium is usually the network software. It also incorporates a spooler. Also see Message Spooler.
Multi Slacking	Multi tasking on leisure tasks. Surfing the web while watching television and flipping through a magazine for example.
Multi User	A system that enables more than one user to access the same data at the same time.
Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service	The most popular form of fixed broadband wireless Internet service.
Multiformat DVD Recorders	Multiformat DVD Recorders.   Recordable DVD drives that support competing standards.
Multilink	Refers to bonding two or more phone lines together to create a single high-speed Internet connection.
Multimedia	A simultaneous presentation of data in more than one form, such as sound or picture.
Multiplexer	This device is used to combine multiple telecommunications circuits into channels. DSL lines are multiplexed to be carried over trunk lines. There are a number of devices that perform this function.
MVL	Multiple Virtual Lines.  A DSL technology developed by Paradyne, MVL transforms a single cooper wire loop into multiple virtual lines to support multiple independent services over the same line simultaneously.
My Network Places	An icon on Windows Xp, Windows Me and Windows 2000 desktops that enable you to access network servers and resources. In Windows 95 and 98, this icon is known as Network Neighborhood.
NA	Numerical Aperture
Name Server	Also called a DNS server. It matches web site names to IP addresses.
NAT	Network Address Translation.  An Internet standard that allows your local network to use private IP addresses, which are not recognized on the Internet. The IP address used for for the router is the only routable IP address. The computers behind the NAT can access the Internet through the router but Internet users can not access the computers behind the router.
NBP	Name Binding Protocol
NCP	NetWare Core Protocol
NDIS	Network Driver Interface Specification.  Developed by Microsoft to provide a common set of rules for network adapters to interface with operating systems.
NDR	Non Delivery Report.  A notice received by an Exchange client indicating a message was not delivered to the recipient.
NDS	Novell Directory Services
NE2000	The standard by which network interface cards are judged. If your card is NE2000 compatible, you can use it with just about any network.
NEAT	Novell Easy Administration Tool
NetBEUI	NetBIOS Extended User Interface
NetBIOS	Network Basic Input Output System.  A high level networking standard developed by IBM and used by most peer-to-peer networks. It can be used with NetWare as well.
Netiquette	Etiquette guidelines for behavior on the Internet, in particular with regard to posting messages to newsgroups and email.
NetWare	A popular network operating system, developed by Novell, Inc.
Netware Directory Services	A feature of NetWare first introduced with version 4, in which the resources of the servers are pooled together to form a single entity.
Netware Loadable Module	A program that is loaded at the file server. Also known as NLM. NLMs extend the functionality of NetWare by providing additional services. Btrieve runs as a NLM, as do various backup, antivirus and other utilities.
Network	A set of conjoined computers that can share devices, peripherals, and applications.  Networks may be connected directly by cable connection or indirectly by telephone lines or satellites, and can be part of a small-office system or a global web or numerous other networks.
Network Drive	A drive that resides out in the network and not on your own computer.
Network Interface Card	An adapter card that allows a computer to attached to a network cable. Also known as NIC.
Network Layer	One of the layers near the middle of the OSI reference model. It addresses the interconnection of networks.
Network Manager	Makes sure that plenty of space is available on the file server, the file server is backed up regularly, new employees can access the network and so on. They are responsible for solving basic problems that the users themselves can't solve and knowing when to call in an expert when something really bad happens.
Network Neighborhood	An icon on a Windows 95/98 desktop that enables you to access network servers and resources. In Windows 2000 and Windows Me, this icon is known as My Network Places.
Network Operating System	An operating system for networks, such as Windows NT/2000/2003 server or NetWare. Also known as NOS.
Network Packets	(1)  Data transmitted over a network is subdivided into packets. (2)  A packet consists of three elements: the first element the header, which marks the beginning of the packet and contains the source and destination address; the second element is the payload, which contains the data to be carried inside the packet; the third element the trailer, which marks the end of the packet and contains a checksum which can be used to determine if the packet was corrupted during transmission.
Network Resource	A disk drive, printer, CD-Rom or other device that is located in a server computer and shared with other users. In contrast with a local resource, which is located in a user's computer.
Network Share	A shared directory on a Microsoft Windows Network that users can connect to in order to access files over the network. The client installation point is a network share. Also see Client Installation Point.
Newsgroups	Internet discussion groups that must be accessed through a newsreader. The Internet Explorer Web browser can be used to read newsgroups and newsgroup access is provided as part of most Internet access.
NIC	Network Interface Card  (Pronounced nick).  A printed circuit board containing hardware necessary for connecting a computer to a network. That hardware forms the interface between the computer (or other network device) and not only the data communications network for the LAN but also the IP connection through a DSL Ethernet router or bridge.
NID	Network Interface Device.  A device that terminates a copper wire pair from the serving central office at the user's destination. The NID is typically a small box, which is installed on the premises exterior at the user's destination.
NLB	Network Load Balancing
NLM	Netware Loadable Module.  A program that is loaded at the file server. NLMs extend the functionality of NetWare by providing additional services. Btrieve runs as a NLM, as do various backup, antivirus and other utilities.
NLSP	NetWare Link Services Protocol
Nm	nanometer
NMI	Nonmaskable Interrupt
NNTP	Network News Transfer Protocol.  The protocol that governs the transmission of network news, which is a threaded messaging system for posting messages to form newsgroup discussions.
No Physical Damage	No physical damage in the drive itself was identified during physical analysis. All raw data from the drive may be copied to other storage medium without loss.
Node	A device on the network, typically a computer or printer. A router is also a node.
Nokia 3650	A highly integrated cell phone with Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) and a high resolution camera.
Non Delivery Report	A notice received by an Exchange client indicating a message was not delivered to the recipient.
Non Read Notification	A notice received by an Exchange client indicating a message was deleted before it was read.
NOS	Network Operating System.  An operating system for networks, such as Windows NT/2000/2003 server or NetWare.
NRN	Non Read Notification.  A notice received by an Exchange client indicating a message was deleted before it was read.
NSP	Network Service Provider.  Any company that provides network services to subscribers.
NT SSD	Software Support Diskette for Microsoft Windows NT
NTFS	New Technology File System.  A file organizational system by which data is stored and accessed in a Windows NT/2000/2003 and Windows Xp operating system.  NTFS offers better methods of data protection and file recovery than a FAT (file allocation table), the file system used in DOS, Windows3.x, 95 and more recent versions of Windows.  It also supports long file names.
NVRAM	Nonvolatile RAM
Object	In a Microsoft Exchange system, an object is a general term that refers to a record such as a mailbox, connector, site, server or distribution list, in the Exchange server directory.
OC-48	Optical Carrier Level 48.  A signal rate of 2.488Gbps (48 times the base signal rate of 51.84Mbps) used on some high-capacity fiber optic backbone connections.
OCR	Optical Character Recognition.  A feature of most scanners that allows users to scan text directly into word processing programs and edit text.
ODI	Open Data-Link Interface
OEM	Original Equipment Manufacturer.  A company that produces fully manufactured computers and adds hardware, software and its name to a product.  The OEM then sells the system as its own.
Off Track	Used when the read/write head is unable to follow the right track. In hard disks this may be a result of a shock (shock damage). In tape context this may be due to mechanical problems with the tape drive.
Offline	Broken contact between a computer and its connected devices or the network. The network resources and devices are not available.
Offline Folders	In Microsoft Exchange, specific mailbox folders and favorite public folders that are configured to be used both when connected and when not connected to the user's Exchange server.
Offline Viewing	Viewing Web pages that have been stored on your hard disk for viewing when you are not connected to the Internet.
OMG	Object Management Group
One-Way	Broadband connections that use a modem for uploading and the broadband connection for downloads only. It's less desirable than two-way connections.
Online	There is contact between a computer and its connected devices or the network. The network resources and devices are available.
Online Service	A commercial service that provides access to such online features as electronic mail (E-Mail), news services and the World Wide Web for a monthly fee.
OOP	Object-Oriented Programming.  Programming in which data structures are combined with the operations that can be applied to create objects.  This lets programmers create new objects based on existing ones; as a result each program is a collection of these objects.  This, in turn, makes modifying a program easier.
Operating System	Software that controls a computer and its peripherals.  Early operating systems, such as DOS and UNIX, required a great deal of knowledge by the user for their operation, but later operating systems such as Windows employ a graphical user interface, making them easier to use. An operating system also offers a user interface, giving the user the possibility to control the computer. Examples of operating systems are: Windows95/98, Windows NT/2000, Novell Netware, Mac OS, UNIX, Linux.
Operator	A user who has control over operational aspects of the network but doesn't necessarily have the power to grant or revoke access rights, create user accounts and so on.
Optical Zoom	In contrast to digital zoom, optical zoom is preferred by most digital photographers because it provides a true zooming range from wide angle to telephoto.  Most consumer digital cameras have zoom ranges from 2x to 8x.
Organization	In Microsoft Exchange, a collection of Microsoft Exchange server sites. An organization is the highest level of grouping in the Exchange hierarchy. Also see Server, Site.
OS	See "Operating System".
OSF	Open Software Foundation
OSI	Open Systems Interconnection.  This reference model, a seven layer framework upon which networking standards are developed. An internationally accepted model of data communication protocols developed by OSI and ITU.
OSPF	Open Shortest Path First
OSTA	Optical Storage Technology Association
Overwritten Data	This refers to data, which has been physically overwritten by other data. Data that is physically overwritten by other data cannot be recovered.
PAB	Personal Address book.  A user created version of the address book stored locally on the client in a .pab file. Also see Address Book.
Packet	A fixed or variable sized unit of information that can be sent across a packet-switching network. A packet typically contains addressing information, user information and error checking in addition to application data. IP packets vary in size.
Packet CLEC	A Competitive Local Exchange Carrier that focuses on providing data communication services rather than voice services. The term came from Covad Communications to describe their data-centric services.
Packet Filter	The capability to search a packet to determine its destination and then route or block it accordingly. Routers perform this function to route TCP/IP data traffic.
Packet Switched Network	A network that does not establish a dedicated path through the network for the duration of a session but instead transmits data in units called packets in a connectionless manner. Data streams are broken into packets at the front end of a transmission.
Packet Switching	A data transmission method in which data is transferred by packets, or blocks of data. Packets are sent using a store-and-forward method across nodes in a network.
Packets	Packets, or frames are manageable chunks of data sent over the network. The size and makeup of a packet is determined by the protocol being used.
PAD	Packet Assembler / Disassembler
Panther	New version of Apple's operating system.  2003/4
Parallel Port	An interface found on the back of a PC and commonly used for connecting external devices such as scanners and printers to a PC. It uses a 25 pin connector (DB-25) and is rather large compared to most new interfaces. Also see LPT1.
Park Area	A designated save non-data landing area designated for the resting of read/write head when drive power is turned off and not in use.
Partition	(1)  A reserved portion of a drive or memory that functions as a separate unit; when used as a verb, partition refers to the process of dividing up the space on a hard drive into smaller units. Logical storage unit. One hard disk can be divided into one or more partitions. Each partition is regarded as one logical storage unit, and normally contains one file system. In the Windows operating systems (95/98/NT/2000) each partition is assigned one station letter (C:, D: etc). For the user it looks like there are several hard disks in the computer. (2)  The term partition may also be used in tape context, but the interpretation differs slightly. You may have two partitions on tape. One will contain the file data and the other the system information.
Partition Table	A file system table. It contains information of how many and which types of partitions are on the disk.
Password	The only thing protecting your files from an impostor masquerading as you. Keep your password secret.
Patch	(1)  A piece of code inserted into software to temporarily fix a defect.  Although most users do not consider a patch a shortcut or a shabby way to fix a problem, adding too many can make a program difficult to maintain.  Programmers often create patches to fix problems and add features to a program when users are awaiting the release of a new version of the program that already includes the "patched" corrections and new features. (2)  A software fix for an existing program. Some patches (also called service packs) can be many megabytes in size.
Patch Cable	A short cable used to connect a computer to a wall outlet or one running from a patch panel to a hub.
PB	Petabyte
PBX	Private Branch Exchange
PC Card	(1)  The credit card size adapter cards used in notebooks. A DSL modem or a network card  for a notebook can be a PC Card. (2)  Also called a PCMCIA card.
PCAV	Partial Constant Angular Velocity
PCB	Printed Circuit Board.  Used for the electronics board on hard drives and other electronic devices.
PCD	Photo CD.  Developed by Eastman Kodak, PCD was designed for storing 35mm photographs in an easy to access digital format.  Photo YCC color encoding, also developed by Kodak, compresses and stores data in multiple levels of resolution, allowing up to five levels of resolution per page.  PCD is primarily a viewing format, created for display on television and computers.  Many image editing programs can import PCD files and save them in other formats.
PCI	Peripheral Component Interconnect. (1)  The Intel local bus standard that allows for faster communication between a computer's CPU and peripheral components, thus speeding up processing time. It is found in Pentium computers. (2)  A 32bit fast expansion slot created by Intel in 1992 and standard on all computers since about 1995.
PCL	Printer Control Language
PCM	Pulse Code Modulation
PCMCIA	Personal Computer Memory Card International Association Card.  A credit card sized device that plugs into a PC Card slot and lets the user add additional computer peripherals such as modems, sound cards, and optical disc derives.  They are used primarily in portable computers but also can be used in desktop systems.  Developed by the PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association), PCMCIA cards are also called PC Cards.
Pconsole	The NetWare command you use from a DOS command prompt to manage network printing.
PCS	(1) The plural of PCs, i.e. PCs.   (2)  Personal Communications Service. A low powered, high frequency alternative to traditional cellular, mainly in the US. Whereas, cellular typically operates in the 800-900 MHz range, PCS operates in the 1.9 GHz range. The specific technologies include CDMA, Digital AMPS, and GSM 1900. PCS is a digital system making use of relatively cheap phones. The higher frequency range limits the cell size, as 1.9 GHz signals attenuate (weaken) more quickly than signals in the 800-900 MHz range.
PCX	As one of the original bit-mapped graphics formats, PCX files were used with the Windows paintbrush and Windows paint programs, but they aren't used very often in other formats.  Windows paint can read several types of bit-mapped files.  PCX became a standard way of sharing files in the early days of MS-DOS.  PCX supports 1 to 24 bits of color per pixel and is always compressed using RLE compression (lossless) and is readable by most graphics applications.  PCX was designed when there was no standard way to display images on an MS-DOS system.  So the format was constantly updated to support video cards, resulting in multiple versions of the format.  For this reason, newer bit map formats are more suitable choices.
PDC	Primary Domain Controller
PDL	Page Description Language.  The computer language a PC uses to describe the content of a page to the printer.  The printer uses the description to create the necessary images and text.
PdM	Predictive maintenance.  Techniques that help determine the condition of in-service equipment in order to predict when maintenance should be performed. This approach offers cost savings over routine or time-based preventive maintenance because tasks are performed only when warranted. PdM or condition based maintenance attempts to evaluate the condition of equipment by performing periodic or continuous (on-line) equipment monitoring. Most PdM inspections are performed while equipment is in service, thereby minimizing disruption of normal system operations. Adoption of PdM in the maintenance of equipment can result in substantial cost savings and higher system reliability.
PDN	Public Data Network
Peer to Peer Network	A network setup where the server is non-dedicated, meaning it also is a workstation.  Every computer acts on its own by storing files and accessing peripherals.  You can easily construct peer-to-peer networks by using Windows.
Peripheral	A hardware component that you add to the central system unit of a computer, such as a monitor, mouse, scanner, printer or digital camera.
PerfMon	Microsoft Windows NT/2000/2003 Performance Monitor. A tool included with Windows NT/2000/2003 that provides a way to monitor performance counters in the system.
PerfWiz	Microsoft Exchange Server Performance Optimizer. A utility included with Microsoft Exchange Server that examines the system resources and sets configuration parameters for optimal Exchange Server performance. It is usually run after Microsoft Exchange Server is initially installed. It should also be run anytime system resources are changed.
Permission	Authorization to access an object or to perform an action.
Permissions	Rights that have been granted to a particular user or group of users enabling them to access specific files.
PERR	Parity Error
Personal Address book	A user created version of the address book stored locally on the client in a .pab file. Also see Address Book.
Personal Firewall	A software program that runs on your computer to provide protection from Internet intruders.
Personal Folder	A personal folder is a client based folder that contains any kind of information the user wants to store off the server. You must create your own personal folders after installing the Personal Folders information service. Personal folders are usually stored on the user's local hard drive in a .pst file and they are displayed under the Personal Folders object in the client.
Phoneline Network	A networking technology based on the HomePNA specification that uses telephone wiring as network cabling. Network data traffic runs over telephone wiring used by telephones, analog modems, fax machines and ADSL/G.lite modems without interrupting these services. Phoneline NICs are installed in PCs in the same Ethernet adapters are but they connect to a telephone line instead of 10BaseT cabling. Phoneline networking uses the daisy chain  topology that links computers to each other without the use of a hub.
PhoneNET	An alternative cabling scheme for Macintosh networks, cheaper than Apple's LocalTalk cables.
Physical Damage	Damage to the physical unit. For a hard drive this may be damage to the electronics, the mechanics or the media itself.
Physical Layer	The lowest layer of the OSI reference model. It refers to the parts of the network you can touch: connectors, cables and so on.
Physical Recovery	The work performed directly on the damaged unit. The intention is to transfer as much data as possible to a functional storage unit.
Ping	Packet Internet Groper
Ping Rate	(1)  The delay between sending a signal to a remote computer and receiving it back. From the ping used by sonar to detect ships at sea. A low ping rate (under 100ms) is best for Internet gaming. (2)  Also called Latency.
Pixel	The smallest part of an image that a computer printer or display can control.  An image on a computer monitor consists of hundreds of thousands of pixels, arranged in such a manner that they appear to each be connected.  Each pixel on a color monitor comprises three colored (blue, red and green) dots.  The term comes from the words "picture element" and also is abbreviated PEL (pronounced pell).
Plaintext	A text format that is simple, readable and doesn't contain any encrypted messages or formatting commands.
Platter	The actual storage media in the different type of disk. In the hard drive the platter have a core of glass or aluminum, covered with a thin layer of Ferric oxide or an Cobalt alloy (Co-Ni, Co-Cr, Co-Ni-W). This layer is protected by a layer of a very hard material (overcoat), and a thin layer of lubricant. A CD is a plastic disc in which the data is impressed. It has a metallic, reflecting backside.
P-List	Primary Defect List.  List of defective sectors in a hard drive. The defective sectors may not be used for storing data. The P-List is generated during fabrication. The disk itself stores it internally.
Plug and Play	The ability of a computer to detect and configure a new piece of hardware automatically, without the user having to physically reconfigure hardware elements.  Microsoft and Intel joined forces to offer the feature beginning with Windows 95, and Windows 98 offers additional support for new hardware.  Windows Me, Windows 2000 and Windows XP have added even more to this capability.
Plug-ins	Software that adds functions to commercial applications.
Plumb	Vertically straight, not leaning. The mounting arm for the DirecPC or DirecDUO or other satellite dish must be plumb to make dish aiming accurate.
PM	(1) Preventive maintenance.  The care and servicing by personnel for the purpose of maintaining equipment and facilities in satisfactory operating condition by providing for systematic inspection, detection, and correction of incipient failures either before they occur or before they develop into major defects. (2) Maintenance, including tests, measurements, adjustments, and parts replacement, performed specifically to prevent faults from occurring.
PNG	Portable Network Graphics.  The PNG (Portable Network Graphics) file format originally was designed as an alternative to GIF files to circumvent the legal issues, and it's extremely similar to the GIF format.  PNG provides a well compressed standard for lossless bit map files.  PNG supports 1 to 48 bits of color per pixel.  Its compression scheme produces smaller files than the older GIF standard and can display an image at one resolution while printing it at a different resolution.  PNG's patent and royalty free nature, combined with its small file sizes, make it an ideal choice for use on Web pages.
PnP	(1) See "Plug and Play" above. (2) Transistor Type
POD	Plain Old Documentation  [slang]
Polarization	The angle of clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the DirecPC or DirecDUO or other satellite dish. One of the three adjustments needed to set the dish to pick up your satellite.
POP	(1)  Post Office Protocol.  A format servers and clients use for storing and retrieving email.  POP works with SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), which lets email transmit from one system to another.  Mail servers must run both protocols to be able to receive, send and store messages.  POP functions as a holding area for email messages until the account owner picks them up (via his software).  He verifies his identity with a login name and password or in more secure scenarios, a certificate. (2)  Point of Presence.  Where you connect to the Internet.
POP3	Post Office Protocol, Version 3.  The latest version of the Post Office Protocol, POP3 provides basic client/server features for handling email. Most email client programs support POP3.
Port	A device, resembling a plug-in of sorts, on the back of a PC.  It allows access in and out of the computer for cables.  The ports can connect all types of devices.  For example, many users connect a printer to a computer via the parallel port and connect a mouse through a serial port.
Portal	A point of entry Web site to the Internet.
POST	Power on Self Test.  This test is performed by computers and other devices when you turn them on. Failures are indicated by beeps or signal lights.
POTS	Plain Old Telephone Service.  A historical term for basic telephone voice service over two-wire copper loop and out to the PSTN.
PPI	Pixels Per Inch.  Also known as Dots Per Inch (DPI). This is the unit of measurement for the density of the square inch of an image. The higher the PPI, the higher the quality of the image.
PPP	Point-to-Point Protocol.  A communications protocol that allows a user to connect a computer directly to the Internet through a telephone line.  Considered more advanced than the serial line Internet protocol (SLIP) connection which it is quickly replacing, PPP offers more error-checking capabilities, as well as several forms of password protection.
PPPoA	Point-to-Point Protocol over Asynchronous Transfer Mode.  ATM is a high speed switch technique used to transmit high volumes of voice, data and video traffic. Using PPP over ATM enables TCP/IP traffic to be carried over an ATM network all the way down to computer without being translated. This configuration requires an ATM adapter card in each computer that connects to an ATM ADSL router or bridge. Also see ATM.
PPPoE	Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet.  A standard that enables dial-up networking capabilities over Ethernet. PPPoE is a software driver that works with a NIC to create a dial-up session through the NIC and the LAN out through the DSL router or bridge. The significance of PPP over Ethernet has to do with making the DSL service installation easier users and ISPs, as well as enabling users to access multiple network services from the same DSL connection.
PPTP	Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol.  This is the VPN client software solution included with Microsoft Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000 and 2003. The PPTP server is included in Windows NT server as part of Remote Access Service (RAS), and Routing and Remote Access Server (RRAS). A PPTP server is built into some DSL routers.
Prescott	New desktop processor from Intel based on the 0.09 micron process.  2003/3
Presentation Layer	The sixth layer of the OSI reference model, which handles data conversions, compression, decompression and other tasks.
PRI	(1)  Primary Rate Interface.  The corporate orientated form of ISDN, which provides a 1.5Mbps connection to the telephone system for voice and data to share. (2)  Primary.  This refers to the Primary Winding of a transformer.
Print Job	A report, letter, memo or other document that has been sent to a network printer but hasn't printed yet. Print jobs wait in the print queue until a printer is available and ready to print them.
Print Manager	In Windows 3.1 and Windows for Workgroups this program handled print spooling.
Print Queue	A cache of print jobs that are waiting for the printer to become available.
Print Server	A computer that handles network printing or a device such as a JetDirect, which enables the printer to attach directly to the network.
Private Folder	A private folder is a server based folder that is part of a user's mailbox. Inbox and Outbox are examples of private folders. Private folders are stored in the private information store on an Exchange Server and they are displayed under the Mailbox object in the client. Also see Private Information Store.
Private Information Store	The database on an Exchange Server that contains all the individual user's mail folders. The file name is Priv.edb and it can be found in the \exchsrvr\mdbdata directory. On an Exchange server, the private information store is a part of the Microsoft Exchange information store. Also see Information Store.
Private Key	A type of key that is known only by a specific user. It is a fixed length security string that is stored in a local encrypted security file on each user's computer and used to unseal and sign messages. Exchange actually uses two private keys: one for unsealing messages and one for signing messages. Also see Signing, Sealing.
PRN	The DOS code name for the first parallel port. Also known as LPT1.
Profile	A profile is an optional service of MAPI that is employed to help users manage the information services configured on an Microsoft Exchange client.
PROM	Programmable ROM
Prompt	The symbol at which the user types commands to make the system perform functions in a command-line interface.  In MS-DOS, the prompt usually appears as the current drive letter, such as C:, followed by a greater-than sign (>).  In OS/2, the prompt format is slightly different; [C:\] would be the prompt for the C: drive.  Also called a command prompt.
Proof	A general term for a variety of options for seeing what your file will look like when printed. Used for checking that all text and graphics and colors come out as expected before going to press. Press proofs use the printing plates and inks specified for the job. Prepress proofs use ink jets, dyes, overlays or other methods to simulate the final printed piece.
Protocol	A set of rules and procedures for exchanging data between computers on a network or across the Internet.  Protocol usually includes information on error checking, data compression, and sending and receiving messages.  Also called access method.
Provider	For Microsoft Exchange, the information service is a intermediary between MAPI and whatever messaging system that is being accessed by way of the Exchange client. It provides a way for the client to access data from an outside information source such as Exchange Server. There are four main information services available to the Exchange client, including Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft Mail, Personal Address Book and Personal Folders. There are more available through Microsoft and third parties such as Internet related, CompuServe and other email systems.
Proxy Server	A computer that receives network data and relays it to other computers. It's used on many cable modem networks to reduce congestion, and can also be used to share an Internet connection in your office.
PSTN	Public Switched Telephone Network.  The network that provides global telephone service. Same as POTS.
Public Folder	A public folder is a server based folder that is available to all users of Exchange, much like a bulletin board. It can contain various types of information including email, spreadsheets, graphics and voice mail. Public folders are stored in the public information store on an Exchange server and they are displayed under the Public Folder's object in the client. Also see Public Information Store.
Public Folder Affinity	This feature enables users in one Exchange site to open public folders on Exchange servers in other sites.
Public Folder Replication	The process of updating the changes to identical copies of a public folder on multiple Exchange Server computers. Also see Public Folder.
Public Information Store	The database on an Exchange server that contains all the public folders. The file name is Pub.edb and it can be found in the \Exchsrvr\Mdbdata directory. On an Exchange Server, the public information store is a part of the Microsoft Exchange information store. Also see Information Store.
Public Key	A type of key that is available to any user of the Microsoft Exchange system. It is a fixed length security string that is stored in publicly available certificates and is used to seal and verify messages. Exchange actually uses two public keys: one for sealing messages and one for verifying messages.
PUC	Public Utility Commission.  A United States Government agency, usually at the state level, that regulates telecommunication companies and other utilities.
Punch Down Block	A device for connecting a bunch of wires, used in telephone and network wiring closets. The wires are connected to the terminals using a Punch Down Tool, which physically pushes the wire onto the terminal. This device can only be used with solid core wire. Using stranded wire with this device leads to intermittent connections or connection failure.
Purge	To eliminate unneeded information from a system.
Push	To send information over a network to a computer without a computer request.
PVC	Polyvinyl Chloride
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