VeriFone VX 680 Reference Manual page 184

G
LOSSARY
Non-volatile memory
medium that retains data in the absence of power so
that the data is available when power is restored. For
the VX 680, 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
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
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 680
file system, each file group (Groups 1–15) also has
its own password.
PC
Abbreviation for personal computer. Usually, PC
refers to an IBM-compatible personal computer.
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VX 680 R
EFERENCE
A memory or storage
Verix Terminal
Networks of
G
UIDE
Peripheral terminal
equipment that provides the processing unit with
outside communication. Typical peripheral devices
for a POS terminal include PINpads and check
readers.
Port
An opening or connection that provides
electrical or physical access to a system or circuit.
Also, a connection point with associated control
circuitry that allows I/O devices to be connected to
the internal bus of a microprocessor.
POS terminal
A terminal used at the point of sale,
which is usually at a merchant site where a customer
pays for goods or services received. Information
concerning the sale can be entered into the terminal
and transmitted to a remote host computer for
verification and processing.
Power pack
A unit for transforming and converting
electrical power from one AC voltage level to another
AC voltage level, or from AC to DC, for electronic
devices.
Prompt
A short message, sent from a process to a
user, indicating that the process expects the user to
input data. For example, a prompt appears on the
terminal display asking the user to enter specific
information. See Messages.
Protocol
An agreement that governs the
procedures used to exchange information between
cooperating entities. For example, protocols govern
the format and timing of messages exchanged
between devices in a communication system, such
as between a terminal and a host computer.
PTID
Permanent terminal ID. An optional identifier
that can be permanently assigned to a Verifone
terminal at the factory, upon customer request. The
PTID is an eight digit number, consisting of a two
digit manufacturer's ID (12 for Verifone), followed by
a six digit terminal ID. If no PTID is assigned to the
unit then, the default value 12000000 is used.
Pulse dialing
A method of telephone dialing that
specifies a phone number by the number of electrical
pulses sent.
In a computer system, any