User's Manual

GLOSSARY
VX 675 REFERENCE GUIDE 181
Input The process of entering data into a
processing system or a peripheral terminal 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 terminal.
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 675 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 675 terminal is used to enter data and
perform operations.
Local functions Operations performed at the
terminal only and not in interaction with a host
computer. For the VX 675, local functions such as
internal diagnostics are performed in Verix Terminal
Manager. See Chapter 4.
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 terminal, such as a
magnetic stripe card reader.
Memory A terminal 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 675, files are stored 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.
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 675, application files and data files are stored
in non-volatile flash memory.
Normal Mode The operating mode for normal
transaction processing. The main application
(downloaded and authenticated) starts and displays
an application prompt, indicating that the terminal is
in normal mode. In this mode, the terminal is ready
to process transactions. See also Verix Terminal
Manager.
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.
Packet-switched networks Networks of
computers or computing devices in which
communication resources are allocated dynamically
on a variety of levels to multiple communicating
entities. Messages between entities are partitioned
into segments, or packets, with a fixed maximum
size.
Parameter A variable that is usually assigned a
constant value for a specific subroutine, procedure,
or function. Parameters stored in terminal memory or
in the CONFIG.SYS file(s), enable a host or
download computer to identify to terminal
configuration.
Password A group of characters that identify a
user to the system so that they can gain access to
the system or part of that system. Passwords are
used to ensure the security of computer systems by
regulating the amount of access freedom. The
password used to enter the Verix Terminal Manager
is called the system mode password. In the VX 675
file system, each file group (Groups 1–15) also has
its own password.