User's Manual

GLOSSARY
180 VX 675 REFERENCE GUIDE
Certificate Also called a digital certificate. A digital
document or file that attests to the binding of a public
key to an individual or entity, and that allows
verification that a specific public key does in fact
belong to a specific individual.
Character An element of a given character set. The
smallest unit of information in a record. A letter,
numeral, or other symbol to express information.
CONFIG.SYS file A special keyed file that is
stored in terminal memory and which contains
system and application configuration parameters.
Each record in a CONFIG.SYS file is identified by an
alphanumeric search key. In the VX 675 file system,
there is one password-protected CONFIG.SYS file
per file group (Groups 1–15). You can modify
CONFIG.SYS records using the keyed file editor.
See Keyed file editor.
CPU Abbreviation for central processing unit. The
principal operating part of a computer system that
controls the interpretation and execution of
instructions stored in memory.
Data Information prepared, often in a particular
format, for a specific purpose. Data is to be
distinguished from applications or program
instructions. In the VX 675 terminal, application files
and data files can be stored in memory.
Data entry The process of using a keyboard, card
reader, or other terminal to input data directly into a
system.
Data packet A group of bits of fixed maximum size
and well-defined format that is switched and
transmitted as a composite whole through a packet
switching network. Any message that exceeds the
maximum size is partitioned and carried as several
packets. Data packets are formed by the controller in
the sending data terminal and the data is extracted
and reassembled by the controller at the receiving
end.
Default A value, parameter, option, or attribute that
is assigned by the program or system when another
has not been assigned by the user.
Delete To remove a record, field, or item of data.
Diagnostics Techniques employed for detection
and isolation of malfunctions and errors in programs,
systems, and devices. In a diagnostic test, a
program or routine is run to detect failures or
potential failures. These tests and routines help
detect and isolate problems in a terminal or
peripheral terminal.
Direct download The process of transferring files
and/or data from a download computer to a terminal
over a serial cable connection and in a local, as
opposed to a remote, system environment.
Display The backlit LCD screen on the
VX 675 terminal that shows numerals, letters, and
punctuation symbols in selected fonts, graphics in
various formats, information entered from the
keypad, as well as system prompts and messages.
Download To transfer files or data from a host
computer or sending terminal over a communication
link to a receiving terminal.
File authentication A process through which one
proves and verifies the origin of a file, the identity of
the sender, and the integrity of the information it
contains.
Firmware System software, including the operating
system, boot loader, default display font, and system
messages, stored in terminal memory.
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. Files can be stored in drive
I: or in 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—usually a PC
running Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT
or Windows 95 or 98—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.