VeriFone Vx810 Reference Manual page 155

Non-volatile memory
medium that retains data in the absence of power so
that the data is available when power is restored. For
x
the V 810, application files and data files can be
stored in battery-backed RAM or non-volatile flash
memory, according to the requirements of the
application.
Normal Mode
The operating mode for normal
transaction processing. The main application
(downloaded and authenticated) starts and displays
an application prompt, indicating that the device is in
normal mode. In this mode, the device is ready to
process transactions.
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.
Parameter
A variable that is usually assigned a
constant value for a specific subroutine, procedure,
or function. Parameters stored in device memory or
in the CONFIG.SYS files, enable a host or download
computer to identify to device 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 system mode is called the
system mode password. In the V
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.
Peripheral device
In a computer system, any
equipment that provides the processing device with
outside communication. Typical peripheral devices
for a POS terminal include PIN pads 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.
A memory or storage
x
810 file system,
POS terminal
A device 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 device
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
device display asking the user to enter specific
information.
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 device and a host computer.
PTID
Permanent Terminal ID. An optional identifier
that can be permanently assigned to a VeriFone
device 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
device, the default value 12000000 is used.
RAM
Random Access Memory. The type of
memory in which storage locations are addressable
and can therefore be accessed in any order. In the
x
V 810, the RAM (or SRAM) is commonly used to
store applications and temporary data generated
during a transaction.
The RAM is battery-backed, meaning that if power is
turned off, data stored in this area of volatile memory
is not lost. Application files and data can also be
stored in the non-volatile flash memory system. By
default, files downloaded onto the device are stored
in the RAM of the target file groups. The RAM file
system is called drive I:
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LOSSARY
V X 810 R G
EFERENCE UIDE
155