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GLOSSARY
Barcode
A pattern of variable-width bars and spaces which represents numeric or
alphanumeric data in machine-readable form. The general format of a barcode
symbol consists of a leading margin, start character, data or message character,
check character (if any), stop character, and trailing margin. Within this framework,
each recognizable symbology uses its own unique format.
BIOS
Basic Input Output System. A collection of ROM-based code with a standard API
used to interface with standard PC hardware.
Bit
Binary digit. One bit is the basic unit of binary information. Generally, eight
consecutive bits compose one byte of data. The pattern of 0 and 1 values within the
byte determines its meaning.
Bits per Second (bps)
Number of bits transmitted or received per second.
Byte
On an addressable boundary, eight adjacent binary digits (0 and 1) combined in a
pattern to represent a specific character or numeric value. Bits are numbered from
the right, 0 through 7, with bit 0 the low-order bit. One byte in memory can be used to
store one ASCII character.
Decode
To recognize a barcode symbology
(e.g.,
Codabar, Code 128, Code 3 of 9,
UPC/EAN, etc.) and analyze the content of the barcode scanned.
EEPROM
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. An on-board non-volatile
memory chip.
Flash
Non-volatile memory for storing application and configuration files.
Host
A computer that serves other terminals in a network, providing services such as
network control, database access, special programs, supervisory programs, or
programming languages.
