Apple GeoPort Telecom Adapter Kit - Manual (Page 79)

S
serial communication Data that is transmitted one bit
at a time over one wire, as compared with parallel
communication, where data is transmitted several bits at a
time over several wires.
serial interface connection A socket (or port) on the
back of your computer designed to connect with a device
that receives characters one at a time (serially).
serial modem A modem that uses a serial interface and
serial communications.
synchronous Having a constant time interval between
successive bits, characters, or events. The term implies that
all the equipment in the system is in step.
synchronous transmission A transmission process
such that between any two significant instances there is
always an integral number of unit (time) intervals.
T
telecommunications The transmission of information
across long distances, such as over telephone lines.
terminal An input/output device consisting of a
typewriter-like keyboard and a display device, used for
communicating with a large computer. Personal computers
typically have all or part of a terminal built into them.
terminal emulation Software that transforms your
Macintosh into a remote terminal for any dial-up computer
system.
79 Glossary