Terms And Abbreviations X-I - IBM 5531 Operator's Manual

adapter. An auxiliary device or unit used to extend the
operation of another system.
ASCII. American Standard Code for Information Interchange.
The standard code, using a coded character set consisting of 7-
bit coded characters (8 bits including parity check), used for
information exchange between data-processing systems, data
communication systems, and associated equipment. The
ASCII set consists of control characters and graphic characters.
backup. Duplicating data from a fixed disk drive or diskette to a
diskette which ensures availability of data in the event of loss or
damage to the original.
BASIC. Beginner's all-purpose symbolic instruction code. A
programming language that uses common English words.
basic input/output system (BIOS). The feature of the IBM
Personal Computer that provides the level control of the major
I/O devices, and relieves the programmer from concern about
hardware device characteristics.
binary synchronous communications (BSC). A uniform
procedure, using a standardized set of control characters and
control character sequences for synchronous transmission of
binary-coded data between stations.
BIOS. Basic input/output system.
BSC. Binary synchronous communications.
byte. A sequence of eight adjacent binary digits that are
operated upon as a unit. A binary character operated upon as a
unit. The representation of a character.
Terms and Abbreviations
characters per second (cps). A standard unit of measurement
for the speed at which a printer prints.
computer. A functional unit that can perform substantial
computation, including numerous arithmetic operations or logic
operations, without intervention by a human operator during a
run.
cps. Characters per second.
Cpu. Central processing unit.
cursor. In computer graphics, a movable marker that is used to
indicate a position on a display. A displayed symbol that acts as
a marker to help the user locate a point in text, in a system
command, or in storage. A movable spot of light on the screen
of a display device, usually indicating where the next character
is to be entered, replaced, or deleted.
data. A representation of facts, concepts, or instructions in a
formalized manner suitable for communication, interpretation, or
processing by human or automatic means. Any
representations, such as characters or analog quantities, to
which meaning is, or might be assigned.
DIP. Dual in-line package.
DIP switch. One of a set of small switches mounted in a dual in-
line package.
disk. Generally, a magnetic disk.
diskette. A thin, flexible magnetic disk and a semirigid
protective jacket, in which the disk is permanently enclosed.
Synonymous with flexible disk.
Terms and Abbreviations
X-I