VeriFone Omni 3200 Reference Manual page 181

Appendix C. Glossary
Peripheral Device. In a computer system, any equipment that
provides the processing unit with outside communication. Typical
peripheral devices for a POS terminal include PINpad, bar code
wands, and check readers.
PIN. Abbreviation for 'personal identification number'. A 4-digit to
16-digit confidential code used to identify a person as the proper user
of a credit or debit card. During transaction processing, a terminal
user is commonly requested to enter a PIN using an attached PINpad
device. The PIN must be verified, in communication with a host
computer, in order to complete the transaction.
PINpad. Also 'PIN pad'. A small terminal used for entering Personal
Identification Numbers (PINs). PINpads can encrypt PINs before
sending them to a host computer. Some PINpads are equipped with
built-in, magnetic-stripe card 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's locale where the 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 present fresh data. For example, a
prompt appears on the terminal display asking the user to enter
specific information.
C-11