Glossary

memory

The printer, like a computer, has a memory. When you print a file from a computer, the contents of the file are transferred quickly from the computer’s memory to the printer’s memory. The printer then prints information from its own memory at a much slower rate. This way of printing frees the computer to do other work while the printer is still working. The printer memory is sometimes called the buffer.

micro adjustment

A feature that adjust the loading and short tear-off positions in 1/180th of an inch units. This feature can be used immediately after loading paper.

micro feed

See micro adjustment.

number systems

Three number systems are commonly used with printers:

decimal is base 10 and uses the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. (This is the most familiar system.)

hexadecimal (hex) is base 16 and uses the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, and F. This is frequently used by programmers. Any decimal number between 0 and 255 can be expressed by a two-digit hex number.

binary is base 2 and uses only the digits 0 and 1. All information in computer systems is handled in binary form to represent electrical signals that are ON or OFF. A binary digit is often called a bit; any decimal number between 0 and 255 can be expressed by an eight-bit decimal number.

on line

When the printer is on line, it is in communication with the computer connected to it.

GL-6 Glossary