Xerox 721 Message Manual - page 309

GLOSSARY

GLOSSARY-16

XEROX 4635 LASER PRINTING SYSTEM MESSAGE GUIDE

memory

Space in a device where information is kept, or the ability of a

device to keep information until needed. 

menu

List of available functions, commands, and options.

merge 

Operation combining two or more files into one predetermined

order.  For example, to merge two separate, alphabetically

ordered files of names would result in one large alphabetically

ordered file.  

message 

Unit of information transmitted by one facility to another in a

form that the receiving facility can understand and act upon.  The

standard message format consists of a header (containing

identifying and control information), followed by the actual

message content, followed by a trailer (indicating that the

message is completed). 

metacode

Same as “native mode.” The method of speaking to and

controlling the image generator.  These controls are used by the

character dispatcher to generate scan line information.  This

information is sent in the form of character specifications to the

image generator, which uses it to compose the bit stream that

modulates the laser. 

MHz

megahertz.  1.  Unit of cycling speed (one million cycles per

second) for an electromagnetic wave (in particular, a radio wave).

2.  Sending and receiving stations of a radio wave transmission

must be tuned in to the same unit of megahertz. 

MICR

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition.  MICR allows a computer to

read characters printed in special metallic ink by scanning the

shapes of their magnetic fields.  MICR fields are often imprinted

on bank checks before processing.

mixed environment 

Multiple Xerox printers or printing systems (for example, 9790

and 4090 printers) in the same location.  

mnemonic

Possessing qualities helpful to human memory.  Software

commands are often rooted in mnemonic terms or abbreviations

to make it easy to associate the functions with the keys pressed

to bring them about. 

mode

Manner in which an activity or process is carried out.

modem

Device that converts digital information into an analog signal

suitable for sending over analog telecommunication lines.  Also

converts an analog signal from telecommunication lines into

digital information. 

module

Cohesive unit within a program.  It is consistent in its level and

identifiable in terms of loading or with other units.