User's Manual

GLOSSARY
XEROX LASER PRINTING SYSTEMS TAPE FORMATS MANUAL GLOSSARY-17
process 1. To perform a systematic sequence of operations, such as add,
edit, delete. 2. To produce a specific result by manipulating data.
program Complete set of instructions in language compatible with the device
to be used. A program directs a system to perform each operation at
the right time in the proper sequence.
programmer Person involved in designing, writing, and testing computer
programs.
prompt Message or symbol displayed on a system console requiring the
operator to take action.
proportional font Font containing characters that vary in width. See also fixed font.
proportional spacing Text in which each alphanumeric character is given a weighted
amount of space. Such output has print-like appearance.
Proportional spacing allows more space for wide characters and less
space for narrow characters
proportional type Characters that vary in width.
protocol Formal set of conventions governing the format of data and the
control of information exchange between two communication
devices.
purge To delete data from a system.
queue List of documents waiting to be processed.
RAM random access memory. Storage that allows data, such as
documents, to be stored and retrieved directly by address location
without reading through any other data.
raster data Binary data, usually consisting of dots arranged in scan lines,
according to the print order.
rasterization Creation of a page's bit map image for printing.
read/write head Input/output device that reads and writes data in the form of magnetic
dots on the surface of an external storage medium, such as a
magnetic disk.
record Collection of data or words treated as a unit.
recovery Act of overcoming a problem or error during processing. Typically, a
specialized software recovery routine gains control and attempts to
resolve the error without crashing the system.