Packet
A packet is a piece of data that is sent from one place to another over the Internet. More specifically, it's one of many pieces. Like Reese's pieces in the bag... without the sweet sugar shell... or the peanut butter flavored filling. Okay, let's put it this way: when you send an e-mail message, it has to be divided into "packets" for easy routing. Once it reaches its destination, the packets are reassembled and the message can then be viewed (hopefully intact). Packets are also used when you enter a URL in the Address field of your browser. This way of sending information can really only be done via the Internet. I tried mailing myself in several pieces once; it didn't work out. I'm still looking for one of my kneecaps. Time to watch a little more Wonkavision.
Pascal
We defined C++ as a programming language, which is what it is. But there's a lot more programming languages out there, and each one has something valuable to bring to the table. Take Pascal, for instance. Some of you may notice it has the same name as a dead mathematician (Blaise Pascal), and you would be right. It's a programming language that is highly structured, so many use it as a way of teaching programming. In fact, it was developed as an instructional tool in the late '60s. It has been used in business, though not as frequently as other programming languages, simply because it doesn't lend itself to large applications. Of course, I'm generalizing a bit, and it's worth pointing out that many still use Pascal to create worthy applications. It's all about personal preference.
Path
The logical hierarchy for a file's ultimate location is known as its "path." It's a virtual road; there's an off ramp for every folder on your hard drive. When you're running Windows (and you probably are if you're reading this newsletter) then the path to "CHRISCOOL.TXT" would look like this: C:\ Program Files \ My Other Documents \ Nifty Stuff \ CHRISCOOL.TXT. That's the "path name." If you ask which path you should take, and someone tells you the wrong path, then they're a pathological liar. Sorry, but I had to meet my pun quota for the day; I was going through withdrawal. Paths can be long or short, depending on how many nested folders you have to click through to get to a desired document. Though DOS is in the dust, you can still enter a file's path in the Windows Explorer's Address Bar. Try it when you need to get to the "other side" of your hard drive in a... flash.
PCI
This stands for "Peripheral Component Interconnect." PCI provides a communication path between a microprocessor and additional system components. What does this do exactly? Basically, it allows for high-speed communications with as little system overhead as possible. Most new computers contain PCI interfaces, and many of today's computer peripherals are designed with a PCI interface. The standard was developed by Intel, but it doesn't adhere to any particular microprocessor type, as it's in common use with Intel, AMD, PowerPC and other processor platforms. Also note that most PCI implementations have a 32-bit data path, but there is also a 64-bit version, typically used in high performance servers and workstations.
PCMCIA
It stands for "Personal Computer Memory Card International Association" and it's a phrase you'll see quite often if you work (or play) with computers -- especially laptops. An example of a PCMCIA card would be those credit card-sized modems used in most portable computers. Not many folks can carry a modem in their wallet, ya know. Well, it depends on the size of the wallet. There are three different sizes of PCMCIA cards, and they're not just for mobile devices. You can also get a PCMCIA card reader for your desktop system; "wireless Internet" hardware relies on some sort of physical connection. This could be through a PCMCIA card jacked into an ISA card plugged into your PC.
Peripherals
You don't have to be a geek to connect gadgets to your PC. The monitor, mouse, and keyboard are wonderful (and rather necessary), but wouldn't a scanner be great? And hey, don't you need a printer, too? What about some game controllers? What do we call all this 'dangling' hardware? Peripherals! Bet ya didn't see that one coming, eh. That's a fairly easy word to remember, but what's even more fascinating is that it's impossible to say "peripheral" and not sound like Scooby-Doo. That's one of those little factoids I uncovered during the many hours of extensive research. Then again, maybe I just need to stop staying up all night writing these little tips. Just think of 'peripheral' as your new power word. Now when you walk into the computer store and announce: "I seek peripherals," you'll sound like someone who knows what they're looking for. Someone who isn't going to be coerced into buying useless junk. This only works in technology stores, though. I tried it once at Dairy Queen and they just looked at me funny. You just can't order a good vanilla microphone these days.
Ping
"Ping" isn't just the sound a spoon makes when it hits the floor. It's also an acronym that means "Packet Internet Groper." Yes, but wouldn't that be "pig?" No, the "in" stands for "Internet," wise apple. Can I get to the definition already? Ya see, when you ping, you're seeing if a specific IP address is accessible. A packet is sent, and a reply is sent back (if everything is copasetic). Think of it as a way of asking an IP address, "Hey, are you awake or what?" That's a ping, so let's all sing. AHEM... or not. Oh, and you can find an IP address by opening MS DOS and typing "ping whatever.com" (sans quotes). Except, you wouldn't type "whatever," you'd type the actual domain name. Duh.
Plug & Play
Sounds like a Fisher Price toy, eh? Pull the cord and hear: "The geek says... Waaagh!" Well... it isn't a toy, but the scream you just heard was genuine. Oddly enough, plugging and playing has to do with computers. It's a term that was allegedly developed by Microsoft (a little company that makes software, you've probably heard of it). PnP allows you to plug in a peripheral and have the PC or Operating System automatically recognize it. In other words, you don't have to go in and tell the computer that you've just added a new piece of hardware. Hardly. Er, it used to hardly work. Now that it's been around for a while, we have something called "Universal Plug and Play." It's a standard of sorts. I remember when we used to call it Plug and Pray. Heh... some of us STILL do. "IRQ 54, where are you?"
