PnP - technical definition

A set of specifications developed jointly by Intel and Microsoft that allows a PC to automatically recognize the presence of a new peripheral hardware device, locate the necessary support software (e.g., driver), and configure the device interface. PnP requires a BIOS that supports PnP, and a PnP expansion card. PnP has been succeeded by the Internet-capable Universal Plug and Play (UPnP). See also BIOS, driver, and UPnP.