Apple Express Fax/Modem - Manual (Page 166)

application program A program that puts the resources and capabilities of the
computer to use for some specific purpose or task, such as word processing,
database management, graphics, or telecommunications.
ASCII Pronounced “ask-ee,” an acronym for American Standard Code for
Information Interchange; a code in which the numbers from 0 to 127 stand
for text characters (including the alphabet, digits 0–9, punctuation marks,
special characters), and control characters. Used for representing text inside a
computer and for transmitting text between computing devices.
asynchronous Not synchronized by or with a clocking signal.
asynchronous transmission Transmission in which each information character
is individually synchronized, usually by the use of start and stop bits. The gap
between each character isn’t necessarily fixed. Compare synchronous
transmission.
auto-answer A modem capability that allows automatic “pickup” when the
phone rings.
auto-dial The ability to make a connection with another modem
automatically.
B
background application An application that runs without the user knowing.
May have a user interface, but usually starts itself.
baud Unit of analog signaling speed taken from the name Baudot. The speed
in baud is equal to the number of signal events per second, regardless of the
information content of those signals. Compare bps.
BBS Bulletin Board System. A small database, usually accessible free of
charge, in which you can share information and programs with other
computer users.
binary The representation of numbers in terms of powers of 2, using the
digits 0 and 1. Commonly used in computers, since the values 0 and 1 can
easily be represented in physical form in a variety of ways, such as the
presence or absence of current, positive or negative voltage, or a white or
black dot on the display screen.
154 G L O S S A R Y