Specifications

Glossary
Glossary-3
cache
A section of computer memory where the most recently used buffers, i-nodes, pages, and
so on are stored for quick access.
character device
A device, such as a terminal or printer, that conveys data character by character. Compare
block device.
character driver
The driver that conveys data character by character between the device and the user pro-
gram. Character drivers are usually written for use with terminals, printers, and network
devices, although block devices, such as tapes and disks, also support character access.
character I/O
The process of reading and writing to/from a terminal.
clone driver
A software driver used by STREAMS drivers to select an unused minor device number, so
that the user process does not need to specify it.
connection mode
A circuit-oriented mode of transfer in which data is passed from one user to another over
an established connection in a sequenced manner.
connection release
The phase in connection mode that terminates a previously established data link connec-
tion.
connectionless mode
A mode of transfer in which data is passed from one user to another in self-contained units
with no logical relationship required among the units.
control and status register (CSR)
Memory locations providing communication between the device and the driver. The driver
sends control information to the CSR, and the device reports its current status to it.
controller
The circuit board that connects a device, such as a terminal or disk drive, to a computer. A
controller converts software commands from a driver into hardware commands that the