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I would capitalize it only if it is labeled "External Port" on the hardware. It doesn't qualify as a proper noun. Does their logic mean that if I am talking about a specific chair, I have to write "Chair"?
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+kay -dot- robart=tea -dot- texas -dot- gov -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+kay -dot- robart=tea -dot- texas -dot- gov -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of Jim
Sent: Wednesday, June 08, 2016 2:07 PM
To: techwr-l <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Subject: To capitalize or not?
I'm having this ongoing debate with my engineer coworkers: when to capitalize the names of the parts that make up our hardware platform. I'm describing a server we manufacture for telecom networks. On the back of the server are various ports and plugs. I am providing instructions for connecting a specific cable to a specific port, which we call the "external port."
Question: should reference to this specific port be capitalized (External
Port) or not (external port). My engineer coworkers say yes because we are referring to a specific port so this is a type of proper noun. All the other ports on the server have specific names so these should also be capitalized. I'm not sure this does qualify as a proper noun. Thoughts?
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