Glossary

A
 
active window  The top window on the desktop; the window where current actions take place. An active window’s title bar is highlighted.

Activity Log  A file that InterPPP generates to record each connection InterPPP makes until the next time your Macintosh is restarted.

alert 
 A warning or report of an error in the form of an alert box, a sound from the computer’s speaker, or both.

American Standard Code for Information Interchange  See ASCII .

analog 
Analog devices monitor conditions, like movement and sound, and convert them into analogous electronic or mechanical patterns.

answer mode  One of three executions of a CCL script. When call answering is enabled, the script is in answer mode. See hangup mode , originate mode .

AppleShare  An application developed by Apple Computer, Inc. that gives a Macintosh the ability to function as a file server.

AppleTalk  A multimedia network architecture developed by Apple Computer, Inc. for use on Macintosh and other computers and peripherals.

ASCII
(American Standard Code for Information Interchange)   A code in which the numbers from 0 to 127 stand for text characters. ASCII code is used for representing text inside a computer and for transmitting text between computers or between a computer and a peripheral device.

asynchronous transmission  A form of data transmission, used mostly by modems, that sends information a single character at a time, with variable time intervals between characters.

ATCP
AppleTalk Control Protocol .

authentication  A process used to verify a piece of data. In InterPPP, authentication describes the process of authorizing users to connect to remote networks. See CHAP , PAP .

B

baud
 A term used to refer to the number of characters transmitted per second, measured in bits per second (bps).

binary
 The fundamental principle on which digital computing is based. All input to the computer is converted into binary numbers made up of two digits, 0 and 1.

binary digit  See bit .

binary synchronous  See bisync .

bisync 
(binary synchronous)   An early, low-level protocol used to transmit data across a synchronous communication link. Special characters are used to mark the beginning and end of data frames.

bit 
A contraction of binary digit. The smallest unit of information a computer can hold. The value of a bit (1 or 0) represents a simple two-way choice, such as yes or no, on or off, positive or negative, something or nothing.

boot disk  See startup disk .

bps
(bits per second)   A term used to define the speed at which characters are transmitted. See baud .

BSC
(Binary Synchronous Communication)   See bisync .

buffer 
A holding area in the computer’s memory where information is stored by one program or device and then read by another. An example is the Clipboard.

button 
A push-button image in dialogs where you click to designate, confirm, or cancel an action. Not to be confused with mouse button. See radio button .

byte 
A unit of information consisting of a fixed number of bits. On most systems, one byte consists of a series of eight bits and can represent any value between 0 and 255.

C

carriage return (CR)   An action that causes the next character to be displayed at the left margin. See Enter key , Return key .

CCL
(Connection Control Language)   A computer language used to write modem scripts necessary to establish connections.

CCL script  A file written in the Connection Control Language that contains information, such as commands, necessary to connect your modem to the remote network. See CCL .

Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol  See CHAP .

CHAP
(Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol)   A protocol that provides a way for a machine (the client) to identify itself to a remote network (the server). After an initial link has been established, the server sends a challenge that prompts the client to calculate a response. If the client’s response matches the response that the server calculated, the connection is established. If the two do not match, the connection is terminated. This protocol is considered more secure than the Password Authentication Protocol (PAP) because no confidential information is passed in plain text from the client. See PAP .

character  Any symbol that has a widely understood meaning and can convey information. Some characters (such as letters, numbers, and punctuation) can be displayed on the monitor and printed on a printer.

character map  An option in InterPPP that allows users to substitute characters that cannot be transmitted through the modem with characters that the remote network recognizes and replaces with the correct characters once the information has passed over the link successfully.

checkbox  A small box associated with an option in a dialog. When you click the checkbox, you change the option or affect related options.

choose 
To pick a command by dragging through a menu. You often choose a command after you have selected something for the program to act on.

Chooser
 An Apple Menu item that allows the user to select printers, file servers, or network devices.

click
 To position the pointer on something, and then press and quickly release the mouse button. 

client 
A program or machine that requests services from a network or server. 

client-server  The relationship between hosts on a network where the client is the originator of a request and the server is the responder.

Clipboard  A buffer for information you have just cut or copied. Information on the Clipboard can be inserted by pasting it into another field. 

close box  The small white box on the left side of the title bar of an active window. Clicking a close box closes a window. 

comm server (communications server)   A device that connects a local area network to a wide area network or telecommunications network. In InterPPP, the comm server is the device that connects the local area network to your Macintosh.

command  A type of statement found in CCL scripts that begins with a word (the command name) and is followed with arguments on the remainder of the line. See CCL script , comment , label , statement .

Command key  A key that, when held down while another key is pressed, causes a command to take effect. The Command key is always identified with a propeller-shaped symbol and sometimes also the Apple symbol. 

comment  A type of statement found in CCL scripts that begins with an exclamation mark (!) and continues until the end of the line. See CCL 
script , command , label , statement .

compression  The elimination of gaps, empty fields, redundancies, and unnecessary data that reduces the amount of space needed to save or transmit information.

configure  To organize information and establish preferences within the hardware and software of an information processing system.

connection  An association that is established between machines to convey information.
 
Connection Control Language See CCL .

connection document  An InterPPP file created and configured for particular modems and remote networks. InterPPP uses these files to record preferences and information such as IP addresses and modem types. 

connectivity  The compatibility of systems or devices to be attached to each other without modification.

control character  A non-printing character that controls or modifies the way information is displayed. On most computers, control characters have ASCII values between 0 and 31 and are typed from a keyboard by holding down the Control key while pressing some other key.

Control Panel  An Apple Menu item that allows you to determine your Macintosh preferences, such as speaker volume and mouse tracking. Most MacTCP and AppleTalk configuration is determined in the Control Panel.

CR
 See carriage return .

D

DARPA Internet  See Internet .

datagram  The basic unit of information passed across packet-switched networks. Information is transmitted in scattered order, and the correct order is reestablished by the receiving machine.

decrement  As a verb, subtracting a defined quantity. See increment .

defaults 
Assumed parameters built into a program, necessary for the program to function. These values can be customized for different environments.

desk accessories  Applications available under the Apple menu regardless of what application is running (for example, the Control Panel and Chooser).

desktop 
On the Macintosh, the computer’s working environment, the menu bar, and the gray area on the screen. 

device
 Many times, a piece of hardware (such as a disk drive, Ethernet controller, modem, or keyboard), but sometimes a virtual device that is actually not represented by a piece of hardware at all. Virtual devices are commonly used for communicating between applications, talking to the operating system, or talking to services that are shared by multiple programs or users. See peripheral device .

Dial on Demand  A feature in InterPPP that is implemented by placing a previously configured connection document into the Startup Items folder in your System Folder. This action configures PPP at boot time and begins a connection when you attempt to access a network service.

dialog
 A box containing a message that requests more information from you or that provides necessary information to you. 

dimmed command  A command that appears gray rather than black in the menu. A dimmed command cannot be chosen, usually because the command would be unable to act on anything. For example, in a Microsoft Word document, the Cut command is dimmed unless you have selected a piece of text. Also called grayed command .

dimmed icon  An icon that represents a disk that has been ejected. You can select or open dimmed disk icons, but you cannot open items on them. Also called grayed icon .

directory  An index organizing the contents of a folder or a disk, much like a filing cabinet in a desk drawer.

disk
 The fundamental device used to store computer data, made of magnetic material. Information can be saved and erased multiple times on a disk.

DNS
 See Domain Name Server .

Domain Name Server (DNS)   An on-line distributed database responsible for mapping host names to their respective IP addresses. Also referred to as the Domain Naming System .

Domain Naming System  See Domain Name Server .

double-click  To position the pointer where you want an action to take place, and then press and release the mouse button twice in quick succession without moving the mouse.

drag 
To position the pointer on something, and then press and hold the mouse button, move the mouse, and release the mouse button. Releasing the mouse button confirms a selection or moves an object to a new location. 

driver
 Software that links a standard operating system interface and a peripheral device.

DTR
 Data Terminal  Ready.

E

electronic mail  See email .

email
(electronic mail)   A system of transmitting messages over a communications network.

email address  See IP address .

Enter key  A key that confirms a command within a dialog. In text editing documents, the Enter key ends a paragraph by inserting a return code. See carriage return , Return key .

escape character  An ASCII character that, with many programs and devices, allows you to perform special functions when used in combination 

key-presses.

expect string  A string that your script waits to receive before sending a response. See send string .

F

file
 A named collection of information, such as a program, a set of data used by a program, or a user-created document.

Finder 
An application always available on the desktop. It is used to manage documents and applications and to get information to and from disks. 

flag
 A flag is used to indicate to a program that some earlier action occurred.

floppy disk  A disk made of flexible plastic, as compared to a hard disk, which is made of metal. The term floppy now applies only to disks with thin, flexible disk jackets, such as 5.25-inch disks. The 3.5-inch disks are not exactly floppy because while the disk itself is flexible, the jacket is made of hard plastic. 

flow control  The process that determines the rate at which information is transferred from one device to another. Also called handshake.

folder 
A holder of documents and applications that allows the user to organize information in any way, much like file folders in a filing cabinet. 

frame
 A physical level of transmission that describes a packet as it is transmitted over a serial line.

G

gateway
  A special purpose dedicated computer attached to two or more networks that routes packets between them. 

grayed command  See dimmed command . 

grayed icon  See dimmed icon . 

H

handshake  See flow control .

hangup mode  One of three executions of a CCL script. When terminating a connection, the script is run in hangup mode. See answer mode , originate mode .

hard disk  Permanent or removable storage areas located on personal computers and mainframes that enable fast retrieval of information.

hardware  The machinery and equipment involved in computer functions.

hook  A programming instruction that enables future expansion by providing breakpoints.

host 
A computer that participates in a data communication network. Host computers may be mainframes, minicomputers, or microcomputers. 

I

icon 
A pictorial image that graphically represents an object, a concept, or a document. 

idling signal  A signal transmitted in the absence of data. Without idling signals, a pause in transmission could be misinterpreted as a lost connection and cause an error to be incorrectly reported.

increment  As a verb, adding a defined quantity. See decrement .

INIT
(Initiate)   A routine that is run when your Macintosh is started or restarted. Often memory resident, INITs are used to load and activate drivers and system routines. 

initialization string  A string used to prompt the start of a new connection.

input
 The introduction of data into a computer.

interface  The interaction between hardware, software, and the user.

Internet
 Collectively, gateways and networks that use the TCP/IP protocol and operate as a single, virtual, research-oriented network. It provides reliable full duplex stream delivery and unreliable connectionless packet delivery. It also features universal connectivity and application level services such as electronic mail. The Internet is formally known as the DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects) Internet. For more information, see the book About Networking: A Guide to TCP/IP and MacTCP .

InterPPP  An application provided by InterCon Systems Corporation that allows you to perform network communications over a modem using the Point-to-Point protocol. 

IP
(Internet Protocol)   See TCP/IP .

IP address  The 32-bit address assigned to a host communicating over the Internet using TCP/IP. It consists of a network address and the host’s address. Also called an email address .

IPCP
 Internet Protocol Control Protocol .

K

kilobyte (K)   A unit of measurement consisting of 1024 (210) bytes. 

L

label
 A type of statement found in CCL scripts that begins with an at sign (@) and continues until the end of the line. See CCL script , command , comment , statement .

LAN
(Local Area Network)   Any physical network technology operating at high speed over a short distance. 

line
 In data communications, a type of channel, especially a telephone line.

link
 In data communications, a physical connection between two locations over which data is transmitted.

local 
Identifies the location of computer equipment as at your location.

Local Area Network  See LAN .

log file 
A type of file that stores information about the progress of an activity. In InterPPP, this file is called the Activity Log and records the progress of a connection. See Activity Log .

login
 The process of identifying a user, typically by providing a user name and password, to a computer.

M

MacTCP
 A software driver written by Apple Computer, Inc. for the Macintosh Operating System that implements many TCP/IP protocols. For more information, see the book About Networking: A Guide to TCP/IP and MacTCP .

mapping  A translation of related values. See character map.

media
 Storage material, usually tape, floppy disk, or optical disk.

megabyte (Mb)   A unit of measurement equal to 1024 (210) kilobytes, or 1,048,576 (220) bytes. 

menu 
A list of choices presented by a program from which you can select an action. On a Macintosh, menus are displayed when you click menu titles in the menu bar. Dragging through the menu and releasing the mouse button while a command is highlighted chooses that command. 

menu bar  The horizontal strip at the top of the screen that contains menu titles. 

menu title   A word, phrase, or icon in the menu bar that designates one menu. Clicking the menu title causes the title to be highlighted and its menu to appear below it. 

mode
 A method of operation.

modem
(modulator/demodulator)   A device that converts serial digital data from a transmitting terminal to a signal suitable for transmission over telephone lines. The modem also converts the telephone signal (analog) into a serial digital signal for use by another computer or terminal.

modem port  An interface on the back of the computer that is suitable for modem connection.

modem speaker  The speaker located in a modem that allows you to hear the signals involved in the connection, i.e. the high-pitched squeal.

mouse 
A small device you move around on a flat surface next to your computer. The mouse controls a pointer on the screen whose movements correspond to those of the mouse. The pointer is used to draw in graphics programs, select operations, and move data. 

mouse button  The button on the top of the mouse. In general, pressing the mouse button initiates some action on whatever is under the pointer, and releasing the button confirms the action. 

N

network  A system of computers and peripherals connected by transition media and capable of communication. 

null
 An undefined value. Null is different from zero in that zero is a value just like other numbers, but null means no value at all (of an expected type).

O

op-code
(operation code)   A code instructing the actions a computer is to take.

operating system  A program that organizes the actions of the parts of the computer and its peripheral devices. 

operation code   See op-code .

Option key  A modifier key that gives a new meaning or action to another key you type or mouse actions you perform. This key is used to type foreign characters or special symbols contained in the optional character set. 

originate mode  One of three executions of a CCL script. When a call is initiated, the script is run in originate mode. See hangup mode , answer mode .

output 
The transferral of data from a computer to an external unit.

P

PAP
(Password Authentication Protocol)   A protocol that provides your Macintosh (the client) a way to identify itself to the remote network (the server). After an initial link has been established, the client sends the server an ID/Password pair in plain text. If the server recognizes the pair, the connection is established. If it does not accept the pair, the connection is terminated. See CHAP .

parameter  A variable that is given a constant value.

parity
 The evaluation of the quality of similarity or equivalence used as a method for error checking.

Password Authentication Protocol  See PAP .

peripheral device  A piece of hardware (such as a video monitor, disk drive, printer, or modem) used in conjunction with a computer and under the computer’s control. Peripheral devices are often, but not necessarily, physically separate from the computer and connected to it by wires, cables, or some other form of interface. 

pop-up menu  A type of menu that is displayed in its entirety when an item is selected. Upon selection, the menu disappears, and the screen is restored.

Point-to-Point Protocol  See PPP .

PPP 
(Point-to-Point Protocol)   A standard that allows multiple LAN protocols to be used simultaneously over a modem line or other serial connection. Using PPP, the same connection that provides connectivity for one protocol can be used to provide connectivity for multiple protocols. Since PPP is a standard, the same manufacturer’s equipment or software is no longer necessary for both ends of the connection. PPP can be used for single user dial-in or for LAN-to-LAN connections.

preference  A selection that allows you to determine how an application behaves in certain situations.

protocol   A set of rules for communication between two or more machines.

protocol port   A method used by transport protocols to identify many possible destinations within a single machine. Operating systems usually allow an application program to specify what port it wants to be.

Q

queue 
A line of prioritized tasks waiting to be executed. High priority tasks are executed before low priority tasks.

R

radio button  An on-screen button, used in sets of two or more. Since only one button in the set can be enabled at once, radio buttons ensure that a user selects only one option from a set of options.

RAM
Random Access Memory .

remote
 Identifies computer equipment that you want to access or as being in a different location from your machine.

Return key  A key that causes the cursor or insertion point to move to the beginning of the next line; also used in some cases to confirm a command. See carriage return , Enter key .

RFC
(Request For Comment)   A series of notes about the development of the Internet, including information on proposed and accepted TCP/IP and PPP protocol standards. RFCs are available via anonymous FTP from the Network Information Center, or NIC (dic.ddn.mil).

S

script 
A type of program that consists of a set of instructions to an application or utility program.

scroll arrow  An arrow at either end of a scroll bar. Clicking a scroll arrow moves a document or directory one line. Pressing on a scroll arrow moves a document continuously. 

scroll bar  A rectangular bar that may be along the right side or bottom of a window when the entire contents of a window are not visible. Clicking or dragging in the scroll bar changes your view of the document. 

scroll box  The white box in a scroll bar. The position of the scroll box in the scroll bar indicates the position of what appears in the window relative to its complete contents. 

selection  The name of the volume, directory, or file highlighted in any window.

send string  A string that your script transmits after receiving the expect string. The send string prompts the next expect string. See expect string .

Serial Line Internet Protocol  See SLIP .

serial port  The connector for a peripheral device that uses a serial interface, commonly a modem.

server 
A machine or program designed to provide a service to a network. A server communicates with a client to handle the client’s input and output needs.

size box  A box on the bottom-right corner of some active windows. Dragging the size box resizes the window. 

SLIP
(Serial Line Internet Protocol)   A specification for using the Internet protocol over a low-speed asynchronous serial line.

software  A program containing instructions for a computer to perform tasks.

special characters  Any character other than an alphabetic, numeric, or space character. All punctuation characters are special characters.

SPOOL
(Simultaneous Peripheral Operations OnLine)   A program or piece of hardware that controls a buffer of data going to some output device, usually a printer or tape drive. This allows users to send data to the device even when it is busy.

startup disk  A disk with all the necessary program files (such as the Finder and System files contained in the System Folder) to set the computer into operation. Sometimes called a boot disk . 

Startup Items folder  A folder in the System Folder that contains items that are automatically launched when you start up  your Macintosh.

statement  A line found in CCL scripts that is either a command, comment, or label. See CCL script , command , comment , label .

string
 A data structure consisting of a sequence of characters, usually user-readable text.

stop bit 
 A bit that signals the end of a character in asynchronous transmission.

subdirectory  A directory within a directory, consisting of a file that contains the names and locations of other files. 

syntax
 The rules governing the structure and context of a language, spoken, written, or programming.

System file  A file Macintosh computers use to start up and to provide system-wide information. The System file contains system programs. 

System Folder  A Macintosh folder that contains essential items, such as the System file, Finder, desk accessories, and INITs.

system software  The component of a computer that supports programs by managing system resources like memory and input/output devices. 

T

TCP/Connect II  An application developed by InterCon Systems Corporation that provides networking connectivity and is available to both Macintosh and Windows users.

TCP/IP
(Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)   Two communication protocols used to connect dissimilar systems. The IP protocol controls routing data, and the TCP protocol controls transferring data. For more information, see the book About Networking: A Guide to TCP/IP and MacTCP .

terminal  A device that includes a video adapter, a monitor, and a keyboard.

timeout
 An action at the end of an allotted period of time set by another specified event. For example, a terminal feature that logs off a user if no entries are made within an allocated amount of time.

title bar 
The horizontal bar at the top of a window that shows the name of the window’s contents. Dragging the title bar moves the window. 

Transmitter On/Transmitter Off See XOn/XOff .

transparent  The operation of a network in such a fashion that the user is unaware that the processes being carried out are remote to the user’s machine. 

U

UNIX
 An operating system developed at AT&T Bell Laboratories that allows computers to handle multiple users and programs simultaneously.

V

varString  A string that contains parameters for modem setup, such as the phone number and whether the modem’s speaker is on or off during dialing.

volume
 A portion of the hard disk that has been partitioned and is treated by the Macintosh as if it is a separate disk.

W

WAN
(Wide Area Network)   A communications network that connects geographically separated areas.

Wide Area Network  See WAN .

window  The area that displays information on a desktop; you view a document in a window. You can open or close a window and move it around on the desktop and sometimes change its size, scroll through it, and edit its contents. 

X

XOn/XOff (Transmitter On/Transmitter Off)   A method of inband flow control used when a computer is sending information to a slower device. Printers often use XOn/XOff handshaking. When the buffer is almost full, XOff (Control S or ^S) is sent to the host, which suspends output until the printer, or other attached device, sends an XOn (Control Q or ^Q). See flow control .

Z

zoom box  A small box with a smaller box enclosed, found on the right side of the title bar of some windows. Clicking the zoom box expands the window to maximum size; clicking it again returns the window to original size.