Glossary–1
Glossary
Baud (rate) Baud Rate is the number of information bits that can be
transmitted between the printer and the computer in one
second. For example, one baud equals one bit per second
in a series of binary signals. Both the printer and the
computer must be configured to the same baud rate.
BIT Binary digIT. A digit in the binary number system,
represented by a 0 or a 1. A bit is the smallest unit of
storage in a digital computer.
Boot–up The start–up procedure which causes a computer
operating system to be loaded into main memory.
Buffer An area of storage into which data are read or written
temporarily during data transfers.
Coax Coaxial cable. A type of cable with a single wire
surrounded by insulation and a braided shield.
Configuration Refers to the operating properties that define how the
printer responds to signals and commands received from
the host computer at the printer interface. These properties
are called configuration parameters and are set to match
the operating characteristics of the host computer system.
Controller An independent functional logic unit in a data processing
system that controls data paths between one or more units
of peripheral equipment.
Data Bits Binary information sent to the printer; a character set
grouping containing letters, digits, and punctuation marks
to be printed.
Default A value, parameter, attribute, or option that is assigned by
a program or system when another has not been specified
by the user.
Diagnostic Pertaining to the detection and isolation of a printer
malfunction or mistake.
DRAM Dynamic Random Access Memory. Can be read from or
written to at any time. DRAM is volatile: Whatever is in
DRAM is lost when power is turned off.