User Manual

device’s data stream to and from the adapter. See also
error message, operator message.
MICR. See magnetic ink character reader and
magnetic ink character recognition.
module. A program unit that is discrete and identifiable
with respect to compiling, combining with other units,
and load; for example, the input to, or output from, an
assembler, compiler, linkage editor, or executive routine.
N
network. (1) A configuration of data processing
devices and software connected for information
interchange. (2) An arrangement of nodes and
connecting branches. Connections are made between
data stations.
network architecture. The logical structure and
operating principles of a computer network. Note: The
operating principles of a network include those of
services, functions, and protocols.
nit. A nit is a unit of luminance equal to one candela
per square meter. It is often used to quote the
brightness of computer displays.
noise. (1) A disturbance that affects a signal and that
can distort the information carried by the signal. (2)
Random variations of one or more characteristics of any
entity, such as voltage, current, or data. (3) Loosely, any
disturbance tending to interfere with normal operation of
a device or system.
nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM) .
Random access memory that retains its contents after
electrical power is shut off. Contrast with volatile
memory.
NVRAM. See nonvolatile random access memory.
O
operating system. Software that controls the
execution of programs and that may provide services
such as resource allocation, scheduling, input/output
control, and data management. Although operating
systems are predominantly software, partial hardware
implementations are possible. (T)
Operating System/2
®
(OS/2). A set of programs that
control the operation of high-speed large-memory IBM
Personal Computers providing multitasking. Contrast
with Disk Operating System (DOS).
operator. A person who operates a machine.
operator message. A message from the operating
system or a program telling the operator to perform a
specific function or informing the operator of a specific
condition within the system, such as an error condition.
option. (1) A specification in a statement, a selection
from a menu, or a setting of a switch, that can be used
to influence the execution of a program. (2) A hardware
or software function that can be selected or enabled as
part of a configuration process. (3) A piece of hardware
(such as a network adapter) that can be installed in a
device to modify or enhance device function.
OS. Operating system.
OS/2. Operating System/2.
P
page. The information displayed at the same time on
the screen of a display device.
panel. (1) A thin flat sheet, usually (a) of pressed
metal and carrying controls and indicators, (b) of glass,
or (c) of plastic. (2) A formatted display of information
that appears on a display screen.
parallel port. A port that transmits the bits of a byte in
parallel along the lines of the bus, one byte at a time, to
an I/O device. On a personal computer, it is used to
connect a device that uses a parallel interface, such as
a dot matrix printer, to the computer. Contrast with serial
port.
PC. See personal computer.
personal computer (PC). A desktop, free-standing, or
portable microcomputer that usually consists of a
system unit, a display, a keyboard, one or more diskette
drives, internal fixed-disk storage, and an optional
printer. PCs are designed primarily to give independent
computing power to a single user and are inexpensively
priced for purchase by individuals or small businesses.
Examples include the various models of the IBM
Personal Computers.
plug. (1) A connector for attaching wires from a device
to a cable, such as a store loop. A plug is inserted into
a receptacle or plug. (2) To insert a connector into a
receptacle or socket.
Plug and Play (PnP). Pertaining to the capability of a
hardware or software component to be installed on a
system with minimal effort and to be available for use
immediately thereafter.
PnP. See Plug and Play.
point-of-sale (POS). A method of providing
information to support sales and of collecting the
resulting sales information from retail devices located in
stores.
port. (1) An access point for data entry or exit. (2) A
connector on a device to which cables for other devices
such as display stations and printers are attached.
Synonymous with socket.
Updated August, 2006
Glossary 91