plug-and-play

A Dictionary of Computing | 2004 | 636 words | Copyright

plug-and-play Denoting a way in which new devices may be attached to a system. Each different type of device added to a system will require a device driver. In many cases the user attaching a new type of device must regenerate the operating system and include the appropriate device driver. This is a very error-prone activity. In a plug-and-play system, the underlying operating system will detect the addition of a new type of device, and will automatically enable the appropriate device driver.

Originally the term was descriptive of the early life reliability of products: a product should work when delivered (plug it in and play).

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

JOHN DAINTITH. "plug-and-play." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JOHN DAINTITH. "plug-and-play." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-plugandplay.html

JOHN DAINTITH. "plug-and-play." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-plugandplay.html

Learn more about citation styles