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Glossary 
alphanumeric Consisting of alphabetic, numeric, punctuation and other symbols.  
 
backing material The silicon-coated paper carrier material to which labels with adhesive 
backing are affixed. Also referred to as “liner”.   
 
bar code A representation of alphanumeric information in a pattern of machine-readable 
marks. The basic categories are divided into one-dimensional (UPC, Code 39, Postnet, etc.) 
and two-dimensional barcodes (DataMatrix, MaxiCode, PDF417, etc.).  
 
boot loader  The resident program that loads the application from Flash memory, 
decompresses it into the SRAM, and starts operations. 
 
burn line  The row of thermal elements in the printhead that create the images on the media. 
 
calibration The process through which sensor readings are entered into the printer for correct 
sensor function (for example, detection of a given media type) and TOF positioning. 
 
character set The entire complement of alphanumeric symbols contained in a given font. 
 
checksum An alphanumeric error detection method used in many bar code symbologies for 
informational security.  
 
continuous media An uninterrupted roll or box of label or tag media that contains no gap, 
notch, or mark to separate individual labels or tags. 
 
core diameter The inside diameter measurement of the cardboard core at the center of a 
media roll. 
 
cutter A mechanical device with a rotary or guillotine type blade used to cut labels or tags 
following printing. 
 
defaults The functional setting values returned following a factory reset of the printer. 
 
diagnostics Programs used to locate and diagnose hardware problems.  
 
die-cut media Media that has been cut into a pattern using a press, where the excess paper is 
removed leaving individual labels, with gaps between them, attached to a backing material. 
 
direct thermal The printing method that uses a heat sensitive media and only the heat of the 
thermal printhead to create an image on the label.   
 
direct thermal media Media coated with special chemicals that react and darken with             
the application of heat.