Glossary

Page description language

A set of codes that describe the placement of text and graphics on a page. Page Control Language (PCL), the language used by HP LaserJet printers, and Postscript are examples of page description languages.

Page protect

A printer feature that reserves a block of printer memory exclusively for text and graphics data. Page protect prevents memory overflow errors when printing very dense text or complex graphics. However, page protect also reduces the amount of printer memory available for downloadable fonts.

Parallel interface

A connection between the computer and printer in which data is transferred simultaneously through multiple wires. A parallel interface is faster than a serial interface, but the distance over which it can send data is limited. The Centronics interface is a type of parallel interface. See also Serial interface.

Photoconductive drum

The part inside a page printer on which the image is created before it is transferred to the paper.

Postscript

See Page description language.

Precharger wire

A fine wire in the printer’s process cartridge that imparts an electrical charge to the photoconductive drum. The charge makes the drum sensitive to light.

GLOSSARY

Printable area

The area of the physical page in which the printer is able to print. Page printers have a nonprint margin, typically about .2 inch (5 mm) wide, at each edge of the paper. The printable area is the space within these margins. See also Margin.

User’s Manual

GL-5