MPE/iX Glossary of Terms and Acronyms (32650-90887)

32 Chapter1
Glossary of Terms
2. In data communications, a method used to access one type of network
from another type. A gateway is a member of two or more networks and
allows communication between the networks to which it belongs. For
example, a gateway is used to go to a local area network (LAN) from
X.25.
general register A 32-bit register available to all processes at all privilege levels for
general computation and data manipulation.
Glance/XL A software product which can help in locating and evaluating performance
problems. This is equivalent to the MPE/VE system measurement tools.
global A term used to define scope. A global item is widely accessible.
global variable A variable whose value is valid throughout a program, job, or session.
Global is the opposite of local, which means that a variable is useful only
in a limited area.
Governmental Agency Hardware Certification The testing conducted for the
purpose of passing governmental agency (FCC and VDE) and safety
regulations (UL, CSA, IEC). Tests conducted include electromagnetic
compatibility, conducted emissions, radiated emissions, and various safety
tests.
group 1. A group is part of an account that is used to organize the account's files.
All files must be assigned to a group, and within an account each group
has a unique name. A PUB (public) group is established for each account
when it is created. Additional groups are created within the account, as
needed, by the account manager.
2. For the ALLBASE/SQL group, see authorization group.
group-level security The file access modes, and the types of users to whom they are
available, as specified by the account manager when the group is created.
group librarian capability (GL capability) Assigned by the account manager, to a
user within an account. A group librarian can be assigned special file
access modes for the maintenance of certain files within the user's home
group.
half-duplex Communication system or equipment capable of transmission in either
direction, but not in both directions simultaneously. The transmission flow
must be halted each time the direction of travel is reversed. This halt is
called turnaround time and typically requires from 50 to 250 milliseconds,
depending upon line length. The halt is required to reverse the direction of
the echo suppressers in the telephone line and to allow modems to
stabilize. The opposite of full-duplex.
handshaking A communications protocol between devices, or between a device and the
CPU. The signals indicate that information was received, more is on the
way, or it was not received correctly.
hard copy The output from a printer or plotter, usually onto paper.
hard disk A device used to store information. A hard disk has more storage than a
floppy disk without being susceptible to the same hazards (for example,