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GLOSSARY
Protocol
RAM
ROM
RS232-C
Serial
Interface
Software
A
set
of
rules
controlling
serial communication
between the computer and the printer. Using
signals defined
by
a protocol, the printer can
acknowledge that
it
has
received data or tell the
computer to stop sending data
until
more storage
space in the printer
is
available. Protocols also
set
the format for data transmission.
Random Access
Memory:
a temporary
memory
device (integrated-circuit chip).
In
MICROLINE
printers, RAM
is
used for temporary storage
of
data before
printing
(this type
of
RAM
is
called a
buffer) and
for
storage
of
commands
to
change
printing
features, VFU formats, and DLCG
characters.
NOTE: This type
of
memory
is
volatile; that
is,
it is erased
when the printer is turned off.
Read-Only
Memory:
a permanent storage device
(integrated-circuit chip). Information stored in
ROM
or
firmware, can be read but cannot be added to or
changed. In MICROLINE printers,
ROM
is
used to
store the
dot
patterns for the character
sets,
instruc-
tions for interpreting control codes, etc.
A uniform standard for serial interfaces set by the
Electronic Industries Association
(EIA).
It establishes
standards for signals and cabling.
Most
personal
computers
follow
this standard for serial interfaces
with
some variations.
An interface in
which
the eight bits in each byte
of
data are transmitted one after the other over one
wire.
A program
or
set
of
instructions that tells
your
com-
puter
or
printer
what
to
do. It
is
called soft because,
like words, it does not really have a physical form
the
way
something like a rock does. A software
package
is
a
commercially
prepared program
or
set
of
programs, usually sold on a disk
or
cassette tape.
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