VeriFone VX 680 Reference Manual page 182

G
LOSSARY
Calendar/clock chip
VX 680 terminal which keeps track of the current
date and time.
Card reader
Also called magnetic stripe card
reader. The slot on the right side of the VX 680
terminal that automatically reads data stored in the
magnetic stripe on the back of a specially-encoded
card when you swipe the card through the slot.
Carrier
Usually, an analog signal that is selected to
match the characteristics of a particular transmission
system. The carrier signal on a phone line is
modulated with frequency or amplitude variations to
allow a terminal to transmit or receive data using a
modem. A carrier signal transmits data from a host
computer to a VX 680 modem dongle over an analog
telephone line.
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
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 680 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 680 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.
182
VX 680 R
EFERENCE
A real-time clock inside the
A special keyed file that is
G
UIDE
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.
Dedicated line
A leased or private telephone line
that is used for a particular communications
purpose, such as to connect a VX 680 modem
dongle to a host computer. See
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.
Dial-up line
A standard public telephone line. The
switching equipment on a dial-up line requires that
one party dial the other party before a connection
can be made.
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 680 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.
DTMF
Dual-tone multi-frequency. The tones used
on a touch-tone telephone.
Leased line.