Specifications

GLOSSARY
VX 520 REFERENCE GUIDE 181
Fixed prompt A system prompt or message stored
as part of system firmware in terminal memory.
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.
Flash memory An area of non-volatile memory
where files can be stored. The VX 520 also has a
RAM-based file system. Files can be stored in RAM
(drive I:) or in flash (drive F:) memory area of any
file group (Groups 1–15).
Host computer Also called a download computer.
The primary or controlling computer in a multiple
computer operation. Also, a computer used to
prepare programs for download to POS terminals.
Host computers are also used to process
transactions that originate from a distributed network
of POS terminals.
Input The process of entering data into a
processing system or a peripheral device such as a
terminal, or the data that is entered.
Interface A common boundary between two
systems, devices, or programs. Also, to interact with
a device.
Keyed file character set A limited set of 96
ASCII characters, from 00h to 5Fh (or 0 to 95
decimal), that is used by the VX 520 keyed file editor.
Although an application program can download all
95 characters in this set, you can only enter 50 of
these characters from the terminal keypad: 0–9,
A–Z, and 14 special characters.
Keyed file editor A keyed file editor lets you
create new records or modify existing records stored
in a keyed file such as CONFIG.SYS. See
CONFIG.SYS file.
Keyed file record ASCII data, or variables, stored
in the terminal’s CONFIG.SYS file(s). A keyed file
record consist of two parts: a search key that
identifies the record, and the data or variable stored
in the record. See CONFIG.SYS file.
Keypad A small keyboard or section of a keyboard
containing a smaller number of keys, generally those
used in simple calculators. The 16-key core keypad
of the VX 520 terminal is used to enter data and
perform operations.
Leased line A private telephone line leased from
the phone company. See Dedicated line.
Line cord A telephone-type cord with modular
plugs on each end to connect the terminal to a dial-
up telephone line.
Local functions Operations performed at the
terminal only and not in interaction with a host
computer. For the VX 520, local functions such as
internal diagnostics are performed in terminal
manager. See Chapter 4, Verix Terminal Manager.
Manual transaction A transaction involving the
manual entry of account information from the
terminal keypad instead of automatic entry of the
information from a reading device, such as a
magnetic stripe card reader.
Memory A device or medium that can retain
information for subsequent retrieval. The term is
most frequently used to refer to the internal storage
of a computer (or a terminal) that can be directly
addressed by operating instructions. In the
VX 520, files can be stored in battery-backed RAM
or in non-volatile flash memory.
Messages Words and symbols appearing on the
display screen which inform the user of the terminal
of the result of a process, or if an error has occurred.
The term “prompt” is used when the displayed
message is requesting the user to enter information
or to select an option.
Modem Modulator/demodulator. A device that
converts a digital bit stream into an analog signal to
transmit over an analog communication channel
(modulation), and converts incoming analog signals
into digital signals (demodulation). The VX 520
terminal’s internal modem allows communication
with a host computer over a dial-up telephone line.
Non-volatile memory A memory or storage
medium that retains data in the absence of power so
that the data is available when power is restored. For
the VX 520, application files and data files can be
stored in battery-backed RAM or non-volatile flash
memory, according to the requirements of the
application.