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collision. (1) An unwanted condition that results from
concurrent transmissions on a channel. (T) (2) When a
frame from a transmitting adapter encounters any other
signal in its path (frame, noise, or another type of
signal), the adapter stops transmitting and a collision is
registered.
command. (1) A request for performance of an
operation or execution of a program. (2) A character
string from a source external to a system that
represents a request for system action.
component. (1) Any part of a network other than an
attaching device, such as an IBM 8228 Multistation
Access Unit. (2) Hardware or software that is part of a
functional unit.
configuration. (1) The devices and programs that
make up a system, subsystem, or network. (A) See also
system configuration. (2) In the IBM StorePlace
Distributed Data Services for OS/2, program options
that are initially set at installation, and that can be
changed later. Changing these options requires an IPL.
These changes must be performed by a programmer or
store operations personnel. These options are used to
tune the product's use of the operating system and
machine resources.
connect. In a LAN, to physically join a cable from a
station to an access unit or network connection point.
Contrast with attach.
controller. A unit that controls input/output operations
for one or more devices.
cursor. A movable point of light (or a short line) that
indicates where the next character is to be entered on
the display screen.
D
data. (1) A representation of facts, concepts, or
instructions in a formalized manner suitable for
communication, interpretation, or processing by human
or automatic means. (I) (A) (2) Any representations such
as characters or analog quantities to which meaning is
or might be assigned. (A)
data file. A collection of related data records organized
in a specific manner; for example, a payroll file (one
record for each employee, showing such information as
rate of pay and deductions) or an inventory file (one
record for each inventory item, showing such
information as cost, selling price, and number in stock.)
See also data set, file.
data processing system. A system, including
computer systems and associated personnel, that
performs input, processing, storage, output, and control
functions to accomplish a sequence of operations on
data. (A) (I)
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data set. Logically related records treated as a single
unit. See also file.
DBCS. See double-byte character set.
device. (1) A mechanical, electrical, or electronic
contrivance with a specific purpose. (2) An input/output
unit such as a terminal, display, or printer. See also
attaching device.
diagnostic diskette. A diskette containing diagnostic
modules or tests used by computer users and service
personnel to diagnose hardware problems.
diagnostics. Modules or tests used by computer users
and service personnel to diagnose hardware problems.
digital. (1) Pertaining to data in the form of digits. (A)
Contrast with analog. (2) Pertaining to data consisting of
numerical values or discrete units.
DIP switch. A two-position switch on a circuit board
that is preset to control certain functions. The user can
change the position of a DIP switch to satisfy special
requirements.
disk. A round, flat, data medium that is rotated in order
to read or write data. (T) See also diskette, hard-disk
drive.
disk operating system (DOS). A computer operating
system that can perform only one task at a time.
diskette. A thin, flexible magnetic disk permanently
enclosed in a protective jacket. A diskette is used to
store information for processing.
diskette drive. The mechanism used to seek, read,
and write data on diskettes.
display. (1) A visual presentation of data. (2) A device
that presents visual information to the point-of-sale
terminal operator and to the customer.
distributed. Physically separate but connected by
cables.
DOS. See disk operating system.
double-byte character set (DBCS). A set of
characters in which each character is represented by 2
bytes. Languages such as Japanese, Chinese, and
Korean, which contain more symbols than can be
represented by 256 code points, require double-byte
character sets. Because each character requires 2
bytes, the typing, display, and printing of DBCS
characters requires hardware and programs that support
DBCS. Contrast with single-byte character set.
DRAM. Dynamic RAM. See RAM.
driver. A software component that controls a device.
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