Specifications

Appendix C. Glossary
C-7
ETX. The ‘end-of-text’ character. Sent from one communicating
entity to another to terminate a single complete block data transfer
operation. The sending device transmits an ETX when it completes a
transfer; the receiving device acknowledges the satisfactory receipt of
the block with an ACK. (In a block transfer, an EXT immediately
precedes the block check character, BCC.) See also ‘ACK’, ‘BCC’,
and ‘STX’.
Firmware. System software (including the operating system,
bootloader, default display font, and system messages) that is stored
in the Omni 3200 flash EPROM.
Fixed Prompt. A system prompt or message that is stored as part of
system firmware in the terminal’s flash EPROM. Fixed prompts
appear on the terminal display to alert the user to specific system
occurrences or malfunctions, and to prompt the user to enter specific
information or select options.
Handshaking. An exchange of signals that establishes
communications between two or more devices. The handshake
synchronizes the devices, such as a download computer and a
terminal, and allows data to be transferred successfully.
Header. Coded information that precedes a more general collection
of data and which gives details about it. For example, the length of a
data block or how packets are to be routed. For transmitting a data
block or packet, the header may contain such items as a command or
record search key. See also ‘Block’ and ‘Packet’.
Host Computer. The primary or controlling computer in a multiple
computer operation. Also, a computer used to prepare programs for
use on another computer or on another data processing system, for
example, a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal. Host computers are also
used to process transactions that originate from a distributed network
of POS terminals.
IATA. International Air Transport Association. The Omni 3200’s card
reader can read IATA information stored on Track 1 of a credit card’s
magnetic stripe.
O3200 RM Book.book Page 7 Thursday, April 29, 1999 3:48 PM