Terminology Used In BDK Service Guides (Glossary) Baud Rate: A technical term used to describe serial data transfer rates; see bits per second (BPS). BBS: Abbreviation for Bulletin Board Service. Bits Per Second (BPS): This is a measurement of serial data transfer rates; see serial port. Bit: This is a binary digit number system using 0 and 1. This is the smallest unit of information recognised by a computer. Several bits make a byte. Byte: Several (usually eight) binary bits of data grouped together to make a character or digit. Data compression: In modem communication, a technique whereby the data passing from one modem to another is compressed for faster more effective throughput from point to point. In file archiving, a technique whereby files stored within an archive are compressed to take up less disk space. Disk cache: A software program that puts aside Random Access Memory (RAM) to store frequently accessed data and program instructions. Domain address: This is the syntax of addressing used to e-mail from one Internet user to another; for example, your.name@Bureau-dk.co.uk. Domain name: The portion of the e-mail address to the right of the AT sign(@) which is usually the companies name or niche; for example, Richard @Microsoft.co.uk. Richard is the user name and Microsoft is the domain name. Door: A mechanism by which members of a BBS can shell to the operating system and execute a program external to the BBS software. DOS: Abbreviation for Disk Operating System. Provides a Personal Computer (PC) with access to it’s internal and external peripherals and programs. This standard operating system was developed by Microsoft Corporation for IBM compatible PCs (MS-DOS). Download: The act of electronically transferring a file from a remote computer system to your computer system. E-Mail: Abbreviation for electronic mail. Messages in electronic form that are sent by one person to another. Error correction: In modem communication, a technique whereby data transfer errors within the data connection itself (between two modems) are automatically and transparently corrected. File enclosure: A computer file that is associated with an electronic message on a BBS or On-Line Service so that the reader can download the associated file. Freeware: Computer software for which the author retains copyright, but that is allowed to be copied freely without obligation to the author. Gateway: Term used to describe a mechanism by which two dissimilar technologies are linked together for communication. Host Mode: An operating mode of a modem communication software package that accepts incoming modem calls. Internet: The Internet in simple terms is a hybrid network. Many different government, educational and commercial organisations networks connected together via main communications service providers such as BT and AT&T. The Internet is an excellent source of information and data which can be collected from around the world. The Internet also provides the ability to send and receive electronic mail, documents, files and compressed applications to and from places all over the globe. The Internet can be accessed directly with high-end technology, or for more cost affective solution access can be gained via a service provider. LAN: Abbreviation of Local Area Network. This is a system which provides the ability to connect multiple computers via cabling to share available resources such as printing, applications and data. Memory manager: Software that manages the allocation of PC system memory. Modem: Originated from MODulator/DEModualtor. A modem provides the ability to connect a computer to a telephone line through a serial data cable. Network Operating System: The software that controls a local area network and provides various LAN services; abbreviated as NOS. News groups: These are message areas on the Internet that contain information on specific topics for Internet members to read and contribute to if desired. Novell Netware: Novell is the company who created Netware, a Network Operating System (NOS) for Local Area Networks (LAN) and is currently one of the most popular solutions. Off-line mail reader: This a method in conjunction with special software whereby members of an on-line electronic mail (E-Mail) system like BDK, can connect to the host via modem, download new messages to their PC, disconnect once the transfer is complete and then read the message off-line at their convenience. This also applies to sending new messages whereby a member can compile new messages while off-line and when ready dial the host, add new compiled messages and at the same time receive any new messages. Off-line mail readers reduce the amount of connection time and add excellent convenience when reading and compiling messages. OS/2: A graphical multitasking operating system written by IBM for the PC platform. PC: Personal Computer. Computers are information processing machines which input and output data under the control of a stored program. Public-domain software: Software to which the author does not retain copyright. True public- domain software can be used, changed, sold, copied, distributed without obligation to the author of the software. QWK: File format used by QuickMail off-line mail reader systems, QWK is a de facto Industry-standard off-line mail-reader format. De facto are created when something is so popular it becomes a standard. Serial Port: Input/Output port in a computer through which data is transmitted and received one bit at a time; see bit. Server: The Server is a means of providing the workstation the ability to share data, printers, electronic messaging (E-Mail), faxes and other network devices. The server has other responsibilities such as data security, application storage and gateway facilities to connect to other remote services or networks such as the Internet. Shareware: This is computer software that the author allows to be freely copied, used and evaluated at your own leisure. If a user of the software finds it to be of any value, he or she can make an investment to register the copy and usually in return receives a fully licensed version with documentation, a technical support agreement and the advantages of obtaining any further updates or revisions to the software. Sysop: Abbreviation of SYStem OPerator. This is the person who is responsible for technical administration of a computer system or computer related service. Terminal: In a PC environment in conjunction with modem software, this is referring to which screen type you wish to use on your computer when receiving and viewing output data from a remote computer via a modem. UNIX: A popular multitasking operating system originated by AT&T bell labs. Upload: This is the act of electronically transferring a file to a remote computer system from your computer system. UPS: Abbreviation for uninterruptible power supply. A device that compensates for minor fluctuations in electrical power and short-duration power outages. This means a computer systems integrity will not be affected during short loss of power or sudden increases. Plus the hardware is protected against power spikes and lightning strikes. UUCP: Abbreviation for UNIX to UNIX copy program. A mechanism whereby electronic mail can be passed from one system to another. Used primarily in conjunction with the Internet. WAN: Abbreviation for Wide Area Network; see Wide Area Network. Wide Area Network: A data communications network designed to serve an area of hundred or thousands of miles. WANs are generally implemented by linking together several remote Local Area Networks through the use of gateways and bridges over dedicated telephone lines. Windows: A graphical multitasking operating environment for the PC platform. Workstation: In a LAN environment this is a PC connected to a network via special software, hardware and cabling.