compiled by Gaelyne R. Gasson

Reprinted from Commodore World Issue #4

Web published with permission of Go64!/Commodore World.

103

Officially, 'Bell 103' which is the standard controlling transmission
at 300 bps in the United States.

212A

Officially, 'Bell 212A' which is the standard controlling transmission
at 1200 bps in the United States.

alias

A name that users can use on a bulletin board that is not their
own. [Also called handle].

ANSI emulation

The ability to send, receive, and display ANSI graphics.

ANSI graphics

A set of cursor control codes which originated on the VT100 smart
terminal.

answer mode

When a modem is ready to pick up the phone when it rings. After
picking up the phone, the modem will attempt to make a connection
with another modem. All BBS's are in answer mode.

ASCII

An acronym for American Standard Code of Information Interchange.
MS-DOS style computers use this, while Commodore computers use
PETASCII. Most CBM terminal programs can translate text files
between the two formats.

auto-answer

When a modem has the ability to automatically pick up the phone
when the phone rings and then attempt to connect with another
computer.

auto-baud detect

The ability of a modem to change to a lower bps rate if the computer
it is calling is unable to communicate at the requested speed.

auto-download

The feature of some protocols where the BBS can automatically
make your communications program start a download or upload. Novaterm's
Z-Modem download has this ability.

auto-reliable

The ability of a modem to be able to communicate both with modems
that do have error-control and/or data compression, and those
that do not.

batch file transfer

This is when more than one file is sent at a time by a file transfer
protocol.

baud

A term referring to the speed at which modems communicate. Technically,
it is the number of changes in an electronic signal per second.
Since the number of changes used to be the same as the number
of bits sent or received per second, bps and baud are often used
interchangeably.

BBS

An acronym for Bulletin Board System. Usually it is a home computer
that has a modem attached and is waiting for calls from other
computers. BBS can also be expanded more simply to 'bulletin board'
or 'board'.

block

A group of data bytes. For example, when downloading a program,
block sizes of 128 or 1024 characters are common.

block size

This term, when used with either error control or data compression
protocols, refers to the number of characters to be sent at one
time. If error control is used, the codes are sent immediately
following this block.

bps

Bits Per Second. The transmission speed of most modems is measured
in baud or bps. Bps is literally the number of bits sent by the
modem every second.

buffer

To save all incoming data in memory. Most term programs have buffers.
Usually what is saved to buffer is then manually saved to disk
by the user.

bulletin

A special message posted on a BBS, usually written by the SysOp.

capture

To 'catch' text that is being sent to your computer from a BBS
and put it in a buffer or a file.

capture buffer

The area in a computer's memory where a communications program
stores incoming data that is to be saved.

carrier

The tone that the modem sends over the phone lines. Data is modulated
onto this tone, so it is referred to as the carrier tone.

carrier detect

when the modem senses a carrier, you are connected to a BBS or
online service. [Abbreviated as CD].

characters per second

The number of bytes or characters sent over the phone lines in
1 second. [Abbreviated as CPS].

chat mode

A terminal program mode used to "chat" with someone on the other
end of the line. Only after the return key is hit will the line
of text be sent to the modem.

checksum

Commonly used when downloading a program, and in error control
protocols. The checksum is the result of a mathematical equation.

Co-SysOp

Person who assists the Sysop of a BBS and has a little more access
than regular users.

conference

A group of related messages on a BBS. Often, many BBS's are linked
together for a conference so that users on all the BBS's can see
and reply to the messages.

connect speed

The speed, generally stated in bits per second, which your modem
uses when it connects with another.

connection

The actual contact with another computer.

control character

Any of the 32 ASCII characters that do not print on your screen
or printer. These characters are usually used to control your
computer.

CRC

Stands for Cyclic Redundancy Check. CRC is a system to make sure
that a block of data is as free from error as possible.

CTS

Clear To Send. This is when the modem lets the other computer
know that it can send information to the other computer.

CTS/RTS

The method of flow control that uses the CTS and RTS signals on
an RS-232 connection. This is a form of hardware handshaking,
enabling connected systems to determine when data can be transferred.

data bits

[1] The number of bits that the modem uses to represent one byte.
This is usually 8, though it can be 7, since ASCII text characters
need only 7 of the 8 bits. [2] The actual data bits within a byte
being sent through the phone lines.

data compression

Using data compression, a modem can send information faster. Both
sending and receiving modems must have this ability to use it.
It does not compress files which are already compressed, however.

data modem

A modem that does not have the ability to send or receive fax
transmissions.

DB-25

The 25 pin plug that connects an RS-232C cable to the RS-232 port.
Modems generally use this connector.

DB-9

The 9 pin plug that connects an RS-232C cable to the RS-232 port.

DCD

Data Carrier Detect. This tells the computer whether or not the
modem is connected to another modem.

DCE

Data Communications Equipment. These are computer peripherals
that communicate. A modem is a DCE.

dialout facility

A service which you dial a local number which connects you to
other computer systems. Telenet is an example.

disconnect

To hang up the phone and cause the connection between your modem
and another computer to be stopped.

door

An external program of the BBS. Usually either games or offline
mail facilities are doors.

download

To receive a computer file from a bulletin board.

DSR

Data Set Ready. This indicates that the modem is on, and ready
to accept input from the computer.

DTE

Data Terminal Equipment. This is computer equipment which is not
directly responsible for communicating, for example, the computer
itself and printers.

DTR

Data Terminal Ready. The DTR signal is sent from the computer
to the modem, to let the modem know that the computer is ready
to communicate.

E-mail

Electronic mail. Messages that are sent to individual people.
Through networks, it is possible to send mail to anyone on any
BBS in the network.

E-mail address

Similar to a postal mailing address, an address lets people know
how you can be reached on a network. It may consist of numbers
and/or words.

echo

A reference to an echomail conference. For example, "This echo
has too many messages." Also used to decribe when a bulletin board
or your terminal program sends back the characters that you type.

echomail

Many BBS's have message bases that are shared with other BBS's.
Sometimes echomail can extend across the world.

effective transfer rate

This is the rate at which data can be sent after data compression
has been accounted for.

error control

The ability of a modem to notice errors in trans-mission, and
have any incorrect data re-sent.

escape sequence

A sequence of characters (usually +++) that tell the modem to
change from data mode to command mode.

factory configuration

The way that your modem was set up when it left the factory. Typing
AT? normally returns your modem to this setting.

fall-back

The ability of a modem to change to a lower speed when there is
a problem communicating at the higher speed.

fall-forward

This is when a modem will change to a faster speed if line conditions
improve after a fall-back occurs.

faxmodem

A modem that can send and receive faxes.

feature negotiation

Part of hand-shaking, where a modem determines the best speed,
error control, and data compression protocols for connecting to
another modem.

feed

Connection between a BBS and a message network.

feedback

A message that is sent by a user to the SysOp of a bulletin board.

FidoNet

A public network connecting thousands of BBS's around the world.

flow control

A method of controlling when information is or is not sent.

freq

Short for "File REQuest." It is used to get program(s) from a
BBS, without logging on. Only Sysops can FREQ files from other
Sysops. Users generally ask the Sysop to FREQ file(s) for them.

FTP

File Transfer Protocol. This is the method of transfering files
on internet.

full duplex

The ability to simultaneously transmit and receive data.

half duplex

Mode which allows only one modem at a time to transmit information.

hand-shaking

General term for the methods two communications devices use to
synchronize with each other.

Hayes AT command set

This is the set of commands used to operate Hayes and Hayes-compatible
modems.

Hayes-compatible

Modem which supports the Hayes AT command set.

initialization string

A series of commands sent by your terminal program to configure
your modem, usually when the program is started or when auto-dialing
pre-defined communications service telephone numbers.

internet

This is the largest network of linked computers. Originally started
by the U.S. Government.

internet address

This is an address used to reach someone on the internet.

internet relay chat

On the internet, 2 or more users to talk (type) to each other
in "semi-real time". Messages may take a while to reach each other,
but quick enough that they can wait for replys and "chat." [Same
as IRC].

Kermit protocol

An almost error-free file transfer protocol usually used for text
transfers.

LAPM

Link Access Procedure for Modems. A type of error control used
by some modems. It is NOT a compression method, though some modem
manufacturers have incorrectly advertised it as such.

line noise

This is interference on the telephone lines. It causes garbage
to appear on your screen.

local echo

This is when a communications program will send information (either
that you type or from a file) to your screen, as well as to the
other modem.

logoff

To leave a BBS, and disconnect the phone line. [Same as exit,
quit, goodbye].

logon

The process of connecting to a BBS. "Logon" can include the process
of entering your name and password.

mailer

A program used by BBS's that allows other BBS's to call, so that
mail and/or files can be transfered automatically between the
two.

message base

A group of messages on a BBS pertaining to a certain topic..

MNP

Microcom Networking Protocol. A type of error control and data
compression, created by Microcom, that many newer modems use.
It is built into the modem, unlike software error correction in
file transfer protocols. There are different MNP levels. Levels
1-4 are error control protocols, and level 5 is a data compression
protocol that can compress data to about 50% of its original size.
A modem with MNP-5 also has MNP-4. MNP 1-4 is also included in
the CCITT V.42 error correction system.

modem

MODulator/DEModulator. The device used for computers to communicate
over telephone lines.

moderator

The person who is in charge of a conference. This person usually
has the task of making sure that users of the conference follow
the conference rules.

netmail

Messages that are sent over networks of BBS's to specific people.
Similar to Internet E-mail.

network

A group of BBS's that are "linked" together. This means that the
BBS's share messages and sometimes files.

non-volatile memory

This is memory that many modems have which is not destroyed when
the power is turned off.

null modem

A connection between two computers locally, causing the computers
to act as if connected via a modem. Generally used to transfer
data from one machine to another.

off-line

When your computer is not connected to another BBS.

off-line mail reader

A program that allows you to read messages and reply to them after
you call a BBS.

on-line

When your computer is connected to a BBS.

on-line conference

This is when a group of people "get together" and have a conference
using their computers. Major on-line services have this feature.
[also called "real-time conference"].

on-line games

Any game that is played on a BBS.

on-line service

usually means a pay service such as Compuserve or GEnie.

packer

A BBS program which packs new messages together to be sent out
by a mailer or download by a user for offline mail reading.

padding

This happens when a file that is being transferred ends in the
middle of a block of data. The communications program must add
blank data to fill up the block. Some term programs will "strip"
this before saving the file to disk.

password

A special code that only you know which the BBS asks for each
time you logon. Passwords should be changed frequently and should
be something you can remember but that others won't guess.

post

To save a message that you have written on a BBS so that other
people can see it.

protocol

A method of sending and receiving a program. There are many methods
available, each with different advantages and disadvantages. Also
used to describe the way that hardware error control is managed.

QWK

A type of mail packet.

RD

Receive Data. This is the wire in an RS-232C cable that receives
data.

RJ-11

This is a normal phone jack. Modems usually have 2 jacks like
this, one to connect to the phone line, and the other to connect
to a telephone to use when the modem isn't in use.

RS-232 Interface

device which allows Commodore 64 and 128 computers to use common
external modems designed for other platforms.

RS-232C

The name of a standard (created by the Electronics Industry Association)
for communication between a computer and a serial device.

RTS

Request To Send. The computer tells the modem it wants to send
information to the other computer. Only used in half duplex mode.

script language

Many term programs allow the user to write a program, or script,
which allows them to use the program without actually typing anything.

SIG

Special Interest Group. This is similar to a message base, but
it may also contain files.

Sysop

Short for SYStems OPerator. Person who is in charge of a BBS.
Usually the person who paid for the BBS equipment and pays for
the phone line.

tagline

Offline mail readers allow you to havea "tagline" at the end of
your messages. This is often a funny saying or a quote.

terminal emulation

When a term program imitates a certain brand of terminal, such
as ANSI, VT100, etc.

terminal program

A program that controls a modem, and has features that allow the
user to do such things as upload, down-load, etc. Also called
communications program or term program.

thread

A group of related messages on a BBS, within the same message
base.

transfer

To send a computer program from one computer to another. "xfer"
is an abbreviated way to say the same thing.

upload

To send a program from your computer to a BBS.

V.17

The CCITT standard for fax transmission at 14,400bps.

V.21

The international standard, controls transmission at 300bps.

V.22

The international standard for transmission at 1200bps.

V.22bis

The international standard, controls data transmission at 2400bps.

V.23

The CCITT protocol for transmission of 1200bps one way, 75bps
the other way.

V.24

This, combined with V.28 is the CCITT standard equivalent to EIA's
RS-232C standard.

V.28

Part of V.24.

V.29

The CCITT standard for 9600bps half-duplex communications.

V.32

The international standard controlling transmission at 9600bps.

V.32bis

The international standard for 14,400 bps modems.

V.42

A standard error control system that includes LAPM, as well as
MNP 2-4.

V.42 compatible

Modem that follows all the V.42 specifications, except for LAPM
error control (uses MNP instead).

V.42 compliant

Modem which follows all the V.42 specifications, and uses LAPM
error control or MNP error control.

V.42bis

A CCITT standard for data compression. It can compress data with
about a 3:1 compression ratio, 4:1 under the right conditions.
Any modem with V.42bis also has V.42 error control.

V.Fast

The proposed CCITT standard for communications at up to 28,800bps.

Xmodem

A file transfer protocol developed by Ward Christensen. Slow by
today's standards, but almost every communications program offers
this protocol. [Same as Christensen protocol].

Xmodem-1K

Similar to Xmodem/CRC, but uses blocks of 1024 bytes, rather than
128. Faster than Xmodem, since it makes fewer error checks.

Xmodem/CRC

The same as Xmodem, but more reliable as it catches more errors.

Xoff

The CTRL-S character. This is often used to pause information
that is being sent. The information will be continued when an
CTRL-Q is received.

Xon

The CTRL-Q character. Continues paused information.

Xon/Xoff

The flow control method using the Xon and Xoff characters. This
is a form of software handshaking, used to determine when data
can be sent and/or recieved.

Ymodem

Protocol which transfers more than one file at a time. It can
use both 1024 byte blocks and 128 byte blocks.

Ymodem-g

Ymodem, but changed to provide best results with error-correcting
modems. Not widely available for Commodore terminal programs,
although included in at least one CBM 128 BBS package.

Zmodem

Protocol known for its speed, auto-download, and batch download
features.

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