Multitech MMH900 User Manual page 190

Mid-range computer: A term coined by IBM
referring to any of their Advanced Business
Systems computers. This product line was
originally called their mini-computers, but as
the number of supported users approached
mainframe capabilities, the term "mid-range"
caught on.
Mnemonics: A term assigned to a complex
idea, value, or list of information which is
found to be representative of that information.
Computer commands are almost entirely
mnemonics. Mnemonics are used as memory
aids for people.
Modem: A communications device that
enables a computer to transmit information
over a telephone line. It converts the
computer's digital signals into analog signals
to send over a telephone line and converts
them back to digital signals at the receiving
end. Modems can be internal and fit into an
expansion slot, or external and connect to a
serial port.
Modulation: The process of encoding
information from one signal (called the
source) into another (called the carrier) by
modifying some characteristic(s) of the carrier.
It is often used in telecommunications when
one type of signal must be converted for
transmission over an otherwise incompatible
medium.
Multiplexer (mux): A device that merges
several signals into one composite signal for
transmission over a single medium or
channel. A de-multiplexer (usually built into a
mux) reverses the process at the receiving
end.
N
NAK (Negative Acknowledgment):
Communications code used to indicate that a
message was not properly received, or that a
terminal does not wish to transmit. Contrast
with ACK.
Network: A group of computers connected
by cables or other means and using software
that enables them to share equipment, such
as printers and disk drives to exchange
information.
Node: Any point within a network which has
been assigned an address.
Normal mode: In modem operation, refers to
a mode of operation without error correction
active.
O
Off-hook: The condition of a device which
has accessed a phone line (with or without
using the line). In modem use, this is
equivalent to a telephone handset being
picked up. Dialing and transmission are
allowed, but incoming calls are not answered.
On-Hook: The condition of a device which
has not accessed a phone line. In modem
use, this is equivalent to a telephone handset
that has not been picked up. In other words,
it can receive an incoming call.
P
Parameter:
1. A "place holder" in a command which
should be substituted with useful information.
2. The list of acceptable values for a given
option or command. In UNIX, the generic
command should be typed in as Stty/s 9600.
Where "Stty" is the command, "s" is the speed
switch, and "9600" where s=1200-115,200
bps.
Parity bit: An extra bit attached to each byte
of synchronous data used to detect errors in
transmission.
other electronic components. The board is
"printed" with electrically conductive pathways
between components. The main PCB in a
system is called a motherboard and the
smaller PCBs that plug into the slots in the
motherboard are called daughter boards or
cards.
PCMCIA (personal computer memory card
international association): An organization
of U.S. and Japanese companies set up to
standardize memory cards and other
architecture-independent expansion devices.
These cards are typically used in laptop
computers.