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PIO
Programmed input/output. A method of moving data between devices in a
computer in which all data passes through the microprocessor. The most
recent ATA/IDE standard specifies higher data transfer rates, mode 3 at 11.1
MBps and mode 4 at 16.6 MBps. A recent alternative to PIO is DMA.
Plug and Play
Often referred to as Plug-n-Play or PnP. A technology that can automatically
configure devices at start-up to use or share certain IRQs. For this to work
properly the computer’s BIOS and OS must both support PnP, and all devices
being configured must also be PnP-compliant. PCI devices are PnP-
compliant.
PME
Power management event. An event that causes a computer to be remotely
started, such as Remote Wake Up (WOL) or WOR.
PnP
See Plug and Play.
Port
A socket or plug on your computer that allows you to attach an external device
by connecting its cable. See also Parallel Port and Serial Port.
POST
Power-on self-test. Diagnostic programs, loaded automatically by the BIOS
during start-up, that perform basic tests on the major computer components,
such as RAM, the hard drives, the keyboard, video, and so on. If there are no
problems during the POST, the computer continues the start-up and loads
the OS.
Product ID
Also referred to as Product Key. See COA.
Product Key
Also referred to as Product ID. See COA.
PS/2
Personal System/2. A mini-DIN connector on your computer that is typically
used to connect keyboard or mouse cable connectors.