Xerox DocuPrint 96, Operator'S Manual

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GLOSSARY
XEROX DOCUPRINT 96/DOCUPRINT 96MX LPS OPERATOR GUIDE GLOSSARY-3
blocking Process of combining two or more records into a single block of data
which can then be moved, operated upon, or stored, as a single unit
by the computer.
block length Number of characters or bytes contained in a block of data (the block
is treated as a unit within the computer). Block length is usually
invariable within a system and may be specified in units such as
records, words, computer words, or characters.
boot To load the initial instructions of a program into computer memory;
these instructions then direct the loading of the rest of the program.
Booting may require entry of a few commands at the keyboard or the
flip of a switch to begin the process.
bps bits per second. In serial communication, the instantaneous bit speed
with which a device or channel transmits a character.
BSC binary synchronous communication. 1. Communication using binary
synchronous line discipline. 2. Uniform procedure using a
standardized set of control characters and control character
sequences for synchronous transmission of binary-coded data
between stations.
buffer Compartment of memory in which this data is stored during transfer
from one device to another. This is useful for accumulating data into
blocks before storage or processing and for adjusting differences of
speed between devices, or between a device and a communicating
facility.
Bypass Transport Optional module that moves paper from the last stacker bin to a
finishing device.
byte Fixed number of bits (in data processing, usually 8) operated upon as
a unit. A byte may represent a character, a machine instruction, or
some other logical unit of information.
carriage return Control character that causes the printing system to start printing at
the left margin of the current line unless set to be interpreted as a line
end.
channel 1. In data communications, a path or line that enables two or more
devices to communicate (sometimes called a circuit, facility, or link).
2. In computers, a path for communication between the central
processing unit (CPU) and input/output units, or between the CPU
and peripheral devices.
character Single printable letter (A-Z), numeral (0-9), symbol (& % #), or
punctuation mark (, . ! ?) used to represent data. Characters can also
be nonprinting, such as space, tab, or carriage return.
character cell Digitized space containing a single character within a font set.
character code Code representing alphanumeric information, for example, ASCII.