VeriFone Omni 3200 Reference Manual page 173

Appendix C. Glossary
Boot Loader. Also called a 'bootloader' or 'bootstrap loader'. A
short program, stored in the flash EPROM, that allows the terminal to
continue operating during an operating system download procedure
until the new operating system has been completed downloaded into
the terminal's memory.
Buffer. A temporary memory for data, normally used to
accommodate the difference in the rate at which two devices can
handle data during a transfer.
Byte. A term developed to indicate a measurable number of
consecutive binary digits that are usually operated on as a unit. For
the Omni 3200, a byte consists of eight bits. See also 'Bit'.
Calendar/Clock Chip. A microchip inside the Omni 3200 terminal
which keeps track of the current date and time.
Card Reader. Also called a 'magnetic stripe card reader'. The slot
on the right side of the Omni 3200 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. In a typical credit
card, for example, the single magnetic stripe can contain up to three
data tracks.
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.
Character. An element of a given character set. Also, the smallest
unit of information in a record. A letter, numeral, or other symbol that
is used to express information.
Command Packet. A packet sent from a diagnostic or debugging
computer containing a command or control code for the terminal to
execute. See also 'Packet'.
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