NTFS file system
An advanced file system that provides performance, security, reliability, and advanced features that are not found in any version of file allocation table (FAT). NTFS also provides advanced features, such as file and folder permissions, encryption, disk quotas, and compression.

packet switching
A technology for breaking data into packets and then sending the packets over a network. Each packet has a header containing its source and destination, a sequence number to reassemble the information, a block of data content, and an error-checking code. The data packets may take different routes to their destination, where the original information is reassembled after the packets arrive. The international standard for packet switching networks is X.25.

parallel port
The input/output connector for a parallel interface device. Printers are generally plugged into a parallel port.

serial port
An interface on the computer that allows asynchronous transmission of data characters one bit at a time. Also called a communication port or COM port.