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

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Glossary of Terms
operations as part of the central processing unit (CPU). The CPU may
contain one or more arithmetic logic units.
array An ordered collection of letters, numbers, or words defined by the user. The
computer stores the data in an array in continuous memory.
ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) is the
standard method of representing character data (seven bits plus one that
can be used for parity). This method was established by the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) to achieve compatibility between
data devices when they are exchanging information.
assembly language A programming language in which each operation performed by the
central processing unit (CPU) is written as a symbolic instruction.
Assembly language is a convenient means of representing machine
language (one instruction represents exactly one operation). A program
known as an assembler translates instructions written in assembly
language into machine language.
associated device A device associated with a user by way of the ASSOCIATE command.
Thereafter, the associated user has operator control of the designated
device until the user logs off or gives up control of the device, or until the
operator issues the DISASSOCIATE command.
asynchronous A method of transmitting data serially without sending a clock signal.
Each character consists of one start bit, five to eight data bits, an optional
parity bit, and one or more stop bits. The opposite of synchronous.
asynchronous I/O An I/O operation. The user process need not wait for completion
before continuing execution. There are two forms, user asynchronous I/O
and system asynchronous I/O.
asynchronous serial communications (ASC) A part of the fundamental operating
software package for the 900 Series HP 3000. It works in conjunction with
the Datacommunications and Terminal Controller (DTC) to provide data
transmission functions. The ASC software handles handshaking between
the host system and its asynchronous devices, including character echoing,
multiplexing, and input character buffering.
attachment unit interface (AUI) A cable joining the local area network interface
controller (LANIC) to the media attachment unit (MAU) for coaxial cable
IEEE 802.3 local area network links.
attributes Characteristics assigned to users, groups, and accounts which determine
what can be done in the groups and accounts, or by the user. Attributes
include file access codes and special capabilities. They enable the computer
to determine what functions it will or will not allow a user, group, or
account to perform.
authorization group A security feature of HP SQL. A collection of users and groups
with the same authorities within a DBEnvironment.
automatic calling unit (ACU) A device that automatically places a telephone call after
receiving instructions from the calling device.