Copyright: Copyright© 1999 Symantec Corporation.  All rights reserved.
Citation: Copyright© 1999 Symantec Corporation.  All rights reserved.


ACS

Asynchronous Communications Server. A computer with one or more modems that can be accessed by workstations on the network. An ACS can be dedicated, meaning the computer is only used as a communication server, or non-dedicated, meaning the computer can be used for other functions as well.


API

Application Program Interface. An interface that makes it possible for one program to talk to another. Essentially, a go-between.

See Communications API.


ASCII

American Standard Code for Information Interchange. Pronounced "Askey." A standard for assigning a number to character so that text can be stored in a computer. The ASCII character set contains each upper and lower case letter in the alphabet in addition to numerals and punctuation marks. There are 32 additional control characters such as escape and carriage return. The characters in the set are represented by numbers 0 through 127, each of which takes only seven bits to create. Extended or Highbit ASCII consists of characters represented by numbers 128 through 255. Extended ASCII characters are eight bit characters. The extended ASCII character set varies, depending on the current character set in use. These upper characters usually consist of line drawing characters and special use symbols.


ASPECT

The programing language that comes with Procomm Plus. ASPECT allows you to create programs or scripts to automate the functions of Procomm Plus.

ASPECT is completely documented in the ASPECT help file, located in pw4asp.hlp. If the following link, ASPECT Script Reference, does not work or if you're unable to find this file, the ASPECT help file may not have been installed. Run Procomm Plus's  installation program, and use the Custom Installation feature to install the ASPECT help file.

See Script.


AT Command Set

The set of modem commands that are preceded with the letters AT, as in "ATtention." The AT alerts the modem that commands will follow. Usually a modem can accept as many as thirty eight additional command characters including spaces. The command string is then activated by pressing E. Almost every modem uses the AT command set. This command system was introduced by Dennis Hayes, and thus modems that preface commands with AT are referred to as Hayes Compatible.


Action Bar

The row of icons available in each mode of Procomm Plus, as well as in many of its tools. The Action Bar is designed to keep common features within easy reach. In the connection windows, the Action Bar is configurable.

See also Icon.


Adaptive Answer

Modems that support this feature can distinguish between a fax call and a data call, since negotiation tones are different for fax and data. Procomm Plus supports this feature for modems that have this capability.


Address

See COM port Address, and URL.


Address Book Entry

Procomm Remote uses Address Book entries to store all of the information it needs to connect to a particular Host. Once you’ve created an entry in the Call Manager, double-click on the entry’s icon to connect and log onto the Host.

See also Call Manager.


Analog Signal

A signal that mimics a sound wave, analogous to sound. Modems are designed to convert the digital data of a computer into analog signals for the phone system.

See Digital Signal.


Anchor

An image or special text (usually colored) that marks a hyperlink. An anchor may refer to a hypertext link or a hypermedia link. Click on the anchor to access the linked material.


Anonymous FTP

A public access FTP host that accepts the word "anonymous" or "ftp" as the user ID, and a valid Internet mail address as the password. Other FTP hosts require a designated User ID and password.

See also FTP, and Archie.


Archie

An Internet search engine that looks specifically for files. An Archie server contains a database of anonymous FTP servers and their files. You can Telnet to an Archie site, or use an Archie client.


Asynchronous

A type of data transfer that is not dependant on timing. Each discreet unit of data has a start bit, a stop bit, and a designated number of data bits. In this way the receiving side is more forgiving of pauses that may occur in the transaction because it can count the bits to see when a new unit is starting or ending. A port setting such as E71, represents Even Parity, seven Data Bits, and one Stop Bit. The start bit is implied.

See also Parity.


Auto Answer_1
Auto Answer

A setting that defines how Procomm Plus will respond to an incoming call on the active modem. Both the Data and Fax options have an effect on how Procomm Plus will activate the modem to answer a call.


Auto Baud Detect

A software setting that tracks the connection speed of the modem, and then forces the port speed to be the same. The Connect messages from the modem are used to track the connection speed.

This setting is usually disabled for data-compressing modems, since the port must be at a higher speed than the connection rate, in order to handle the speed once the data has been decompressed. Also, the Connect message for a some data-compressing modems is set to CONNECT, as opposed to CONNECT 9600, for example. This can cause the port speed to be forced down to 300 bps if auto baud detect is enabled.


Automatic Download

Allows the sending computer to initiate a download on the receiving computer. This simplifies file transfers, since only the sender needs to activate the transfer. This feature is supported by the Zmodem and Kermit file transfer protocols.


BBS

See Bulletin Board System.


BFT

Binary File Transfer. Although it sounds like a typical file transfer protocol, this three letter acronym refers to a file transfer using fax technology. The important difference between a BFT and a fax transmission is that with a BFT, the recipient receives a file in its original state. With a fax transmission, the recipient receives a graphic representation of a document.


BPS

Short for Bits Per Second. This refers to the number of bits of information transmitted each second over a serial connection. For instance, if the signal rate is 600 baud, and four bits of information can be transmitted with each signal change, then the transmission rate is 2400 bps. Baud rate and BPS are often used interchangeably.

See Baud Rate.


Bandwidth

The amount of information that can be sent through a wire or other media during a given time interval. As bandwidth increases, so does the amount of information or "data" that can be transferred per time unit.


Batch Transfer

A file transfer procedure where a list of files has been selected to be transferred.


Baud Rate

The number of discrete signal events per second occurring on a communications channel. For instance, if a wave changes from a high frequency to a lower frequency 600 times per second, the connection is at 600 baud. The term "Baud Rate" is commonly used to indicate the amount of data transmitted in a given time span.

See also BPS.


Binary File

Any file that is not a text file. Think of a text file as a document that could be created with a typewriter. Every character in the file represents a viewable character, with the exception simple control codes like "line-feed." Binary files have information in them not intended to be viewable characters. A common example of a binary file is a document created by an editor that uses special fonts, bold, underline, tables, and formatting. Other binary files include executable programs, graphics, and sound. An ASPECT script is a readable text file while you are entering the information. When you compile it, it becomes a binary script file. If you try to view the compiled version of your script in an editor, you will see strange characters not meant to be viewed.


Bit

The smallest unit of information that can be stored on a computer. Since computers use a binary system to store data, a bit can have one of two values: one or zero.

See Byte.


Bitmap

A graphic file that is formed by describing the color and location of each point in an image, a literal bit map. Images that are formed by describing each dot of color are also called raster images. There are a number of different types of bitmaps or raster files, Microsoft’s .BMP files and CompuServe’s .GIF files are both bitmap formats.

The opposite of a raster image would be a vector image such as a metafile. Instead of giving an exact location and color for each bit, vector files describe a set of instructions to create given image.

See Metafile.


Blank Screen

In Procomm Remote, blank screen refers to hiding the display of a Host or controlling computer. If the Controller blanks the Host’s screen, the entire display of the Host appears black. If the Host blanks the Controller’s screen, the Controller’s Session window appears black and displays the message, "The other user has disabled your display, please wait."


Bookmark

Used by Web browsers and Gopher clients, a bookmark is a copy of the current Internet address that is saved to a list, so that you can find it again at a later time.


Break

An asynchronous communication signal used to alert the remote system. The break differs from usual data bytes in that it consists of only start bits, no data bits and no stop bits.


Bridge

A computer that routs information from one network or subnet, to another. Bridge is a generic term meaning either a router or a gateway.

See also Router, and Gateway.


Buffer

A block of memory or disk space, set aside for temporary data storage.


Bulletin Board System

Also called a BBS. A computer equipped to automatically answer incoming calls and allow users to leave messages and access information. Other functions of a BBS may include uploading and download capabilities, and support for interactive games.


Byte

A group of eight bits stored together that comprise a character or data element.

See Bit.


CCITT

See ITU-T.


CD

See Carrier Detect.


COM Port Address

The memory location that an application writes to, in order to communicate with a COM port. When the jumpers on a modem are configured for COM1, the modem is assigned the starting address (Base Port Address) of 0x3f8. If a different COM port is already configured as COM1, one or both of the conflicting devices will typically fail to respond when an application writes to that address.


COM port

Short for Communications Port, also called a Serial Port. The plug or connector where a PC receives communication or data from various serial devices such as a serial mouse or a modem. COM ports use the RS-232 standard.

A COM port is visually distinguished from a parallel port because it has two rows of pins sticking out of the PC, where a Parallel port has two rows of holes going into the PC. A COM port may have nine or twenty-five pins.


CR

Carriage Return. Used to mark the end of a line of text under DOS and Windows operating systems. The Carriage Return is also sent to most modems after an AT command string, causing the modem to process the command and clear its command buffer.

The ASCII notation for a Carriage Return is represented by the two characters ^M.


CRC

Cyclic Redundancy Check. An error checking method which performs a mathematical calculation on a "block" of data in order to detect transmission errors.


CTS

Clear To Send. One of the two hardware flow control lines in a serial port connection. If Clear to send is "on," the modem is ready to send. If the CTS line is "off," the buffer is full and the computer of terminal should wait. Part of the RS-232 standard.

See also RTS, and Hardware Flow Control.


Cache

A buffer where frequently accessed data or program modules are stored temporarily. Information from a local cache can be used to save transfer time, if the same information is repeatedly referenced.


Call Manager

In Procomm Remote, the Call Manager stores Address Book entries for your Hosts. You can manage these entries by editing, renaming, and deleting them. Most importantly, you use the Call Manager and its entries to call Hosts.

See also Address Book Entry.


Call Waiting

A service provided by the phone company, that notifies you during a call that there is another incoming call. You can temporarily disable this service from Setup, since Call Waiting can interrupt a file transfer or even cause the modem to go offline. Check with your phone company for the specified code to disable call waiting.


Callback

A security procedure used to establish a secure connection between a remote caller and a Host. If you are using the Procomm Plus Host script, and Callback in enabled, the remote modem caller must login, hang up, and have the Host call back using a designated number. The Callback settings are located in the Hostutil ASPECT script.

In Procomm Remote’s Host, you can specify how and when the Host must callback a Caller Profile after the initial logon. By having the Host callback, you can reverse phone charges, as well as increase your security by ensuring that a Controller is at a specific location.


Caller ID

A service provided by the telephone company that identifies the calling party while your phone is ringing. You can only make use of caller ID if your modem supports this feature and you subscribe to this service from your phone company.


Caller Information

Information related to a particular caller, stored in the Caller Information database. This information is used in relation to Caller ID. It may include information such as the caller’s name, the answer response, or an automated script.

See Caller ID.


Caller Profile

The Caller Profile screens all callers, and protects your Host system from unauthorized callers. When you create a Caller Profile, you can specify the privileges given to callers when they log onto your Host using a profile you’ve created.

See also Host.


Calling Card

See Phone Card.


Capture

In reference to a data transfer. Taking data that is being received without the use of a file transfer protocol, and storing it by saving it to a file or printing it.


Card

Thin card-shaped circuit board that slides into a slot inside a computer. Many computer peripherals are in the form of a card, such as a network card, an I/O card, a sound card, or an internal modem card.

See also PC Card.


Carrier

The tone used by a modem to transfer data across a phone line.


Carrier Detect

A specific COM port line that indicates the absence or presence of a connection to another modem. Some modems artificially force Carrier Detect (CD) high, making it difficult for communications software to determine if a connection has actually been established. The modem command that configures the modem to accurately report CD is AT&C1.


Character

A single symbol such as a a plus sign, or a letter from the alphabet.


Chat

An interactive, real-time, text based electronic conversation using computers. The display typically shows out-going characters as well as the incoming response.


Checksum

A mathematical process used at the receiving end of a data transfer to check each packet of data for errors.


Class1

A fax modem standard that stipulates the interactions between the modem and the PC. Class1 fax modems rely on the software to implement most of the fax transmission.


Class2

A fax modem standard that stipulates the interactions between the modem and the PC. Class2 fax modems rely on the modem to implement most of the fax transmission.


Class2.0

A fax standard similar to Class2, but which has not been widely adopted by the industry and is not supported by Procomm Plus.


Client

In a dialog between computers, the client computer accesses shared information or services from a server or host computer. Data and resources on the client cannot be accessed by another client.

The software on the calling machine may also be referred to as a client, as in FTP Client and Telnet Client.

In Procomm Remote, the client is your local computer that you use to control the Host. The client computer is usually the one that places the call and starts the remote control session. This documentation primarily uses the term Controller, rather than client.

See also Client/Server, and Peer-to-Peer.


Client / Server

A many-to-one relationship between computers where a server provides client computers with shared resources. Communications servers give PCs access to modems. There are print servers, file servers, and Web servers, to name a few.

The Client must have software that can communicate with the specific type of server in order to be able to access the information. An example of this would be using FTP client software to access an FTP server.


Clipboard

A buffer that Windows reserves so you can move or copy data from one place to another within an application, or between applications. Typical terminology when dealing with the Clipboard is to cut or copy data to the Clipboard, and paste data from the Clipboard. All previous data is lost from the Clipboard when new data is cut or copied to it, or when you exit Windows.

See File Clipboard.


Communications

Getting data from one computer to another by modem, network, or direct connection.


Communications API

Software that allows a communications application to interface with a network. Windows applications use Winsock to interface with a TCP/IP network stack. NASI, Int-14, and E-Bios are all APIs used by network-aware communication applications. These APIs access network modems by establishing a dialog between the workstation and communications server.

See also API.


Compile

To take program source code that is in text form, readable by humans, and change it into instructions designed for computers to read. Programs and scripts must be compiled before they can run.


Compressed Files

Files that have been encoded so that they will take up less space. Compressed files must be decompressed before they can be executed or read.


Connect Strings

See Result Codes.


Connection Directory

The central location within Procomm Plus that you select a site to connect to, whether you are faxing, or calling a BBS. When a mode such as Data is selected in the Connection Directory, all related entries are available. The Connection Directory replaces the Dialing Directory from earlier versions of Procomm Plus.


Connectionless Session

A communications session where the computer does not stay online with the host. Web Browsers make a connectionless session; as soon as they download a page, they go offline from the host. If you are making a dial-up connection, you will still remain online with the service provider.


Controller

In Procomm Remote, the Controller is your local computer that you use to control the Host. The controlling computer is usually the one that places the call and starts the remote control session.

See also Client, and Host.


DCE

Data Communications Equipment. In communications sessions, the modem is referred to as the DCE. See also DTE.


DCE Rate

The speed at which one modem communicates to another modem. This speed changes depending on the modem’s negotiation with the other modem.

See also DTE Rate.


DDE

See Dynamic Data Exchange.


DLL

Dynamic Link Library. A file containing code that can be accessed by an executable program. Basically a group of procedures and functions. A DLL can be a shared resource, or it may be proprietary like the different versions of winsock.dll.


DNS

See Domain Name Server.


DOS Application

A program designed to work under the DOS operating system. They can run under Windows, but they cannot use the Windows shared resources such as the Clipboard, drag-and-drop, print drivers, and DDE Link interprogram communication. Procomm Plus cannot fax a DOS document unless the document can be viewed from a Windows editor such as Notepad. The fax creation process uses a DDE link to activate the document’s editor.


DSR

Data Set Ready. An RS-232 control signal sent by the modem to indicate that it is powered on and not in a test mode.


DTE

Data Terminal Equipment. In a communications session, this refers to the PC or the terminal.

See also DCE.


DTE Rate

The rate of speed at which the DTE (the computer) can receive data from the DCE (usually the modem). This rate is higher than the modem’s connect speed for modems that support data compression.

See also DCE Rate.


DTR

Short for Data Terminal Ready. A signal indicating whether or not the computer is ready for the modem to make a connection to another modem, as stipulated in the RS-232 standard.

Dropping DTR should cause the modem to hang up. If DTR is disabled, software commands are used instead, to make the modem hang-up.


Data Bits

See Asynchronous.


Data Compression

Temporarily reducing the number of characters to be transmitted, so that it takes less time to transfer the file. One method of data compression is to encode data if a character is repeated several times in a row.

There are a number of different standards that modems use to compress data. Many newer modems employ the V.42 bis standard of data compression. This allows a transfer rate of up to four times higher than the "listed" bps rate of the modem. A 14,400 bps modem using the V.42 bis standard can send data to the PC at up to 57,600 bps.


Data_1
Data

Information. In PC communications, data refers to bits being transmitted from one computer to another, not including transfer information overhead.


Database

An organized storage bank of information that can be read and edited by a program. Database may also refer to the program that manages the data.


Default

A value set automatically during installation, generally the most common or preferable setting.


Dialer

The part of a SLIP or PPP stack package that is programmed to dial up a specific service provider.


Dialing Directory

See Connection Directory.


Dialog Box

A window that facilitates user input and interaction. Dialog boxes may incorporate a number of standardized objects such as Buttons, Option Buttons, and Check Boxes.


Digital Signal

A signal that communicates using binary data, as opposed to sending analog sound waves. ISDN uses a digital signal to transfer data. Modems use converters in order to communicate over digital systems.

See Analog Signal.


Direct Connect

A communications connection from a PC to another serial device, without the use of a modem. Direct connections may require the use of a null modem cable so that the Data Send and Data Receive pins of the serial port will be correctly routed to the other serial port.


Directory

An organizational structure used by operating systems to manage files stored on a computer. Computer directories are like the drawers of a filing cabinet which store certain files together for organization. Directories may branch into one or more layers of subdirectories. Not related to Connection Directory.

See also Connection Directory.


Domain Name

The name granted certain Internet sites in addition to their numeric IP address. A domain name can be used instead of a numeric IP address, but it must then be translated into numbers by a Domain Name Server (DNS).

For Internet e-mail addresses, the domain name is the portion that comes after the "@" symbol. The portion that precedes the domain name is the specific person that the message is addressed to, for example: wendy@never.land.org.


Domain Name Server

Computers on the Internet that store the IP address related to each domain name. Each time you access an Internet host with a domain name, the domain name server translates the name into numbers that a router can understand. One DNS can access another DNS to obtain additional address information. If the DNS is down or can’t find the domain name listed, you won’t be able to access the site unless you know the numeric IP address of the desired host. For this reason, it is good to have more then one DNS listed in your configuration. See your Internet provider for a list of suggested Domain Name Servers.


Door

A program on a BBS that you control remotely. Usually you select the IBM PC as your Procomm Plus "terminal" since this interface transmits the actual key codes as if you are typing at the BBS computer. Doorway mode is typically used to play interactive games over a BBS.


Download

To receive a file from a remote computer. Typically downloading involves a file transfer protocol to facilitate error correction and greater speed.


Drag and Drop

A mouse action that triggers an event when an object is "dragged" from one location to another. For example, dragging a file icon to a different location may cause a file to be copied or moved to a different directory.

To move an object with Drag and Drop, put the mouse pointer on an object, then click the mouse button but do not release it. With the mouse button held down, move the mouse until the pointer is on the destination location. At that point release the mouse button to "Drop" the object in the new location. If you want to copy instead of move, hold down the <Ctrl> key while you drag-and-drop.


Driver

Software that controls a particular hardware device. For example, there are mouse drivers, keyboard drivers, video drivers, and communications drivers. Microsoft Windows makes extensive use of drivers for various tasks. DOS applications often make use of drivers as well.


Dynamic Data Exchange

A Windows protocol that allows one Windows application to communicate with another Windows application. Programs that support Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE), typically have a simple list of commands that they will respond to, as well a list of commands they can use to request services from other programs.


Dynamic IP Address

An Internet address that is temporarily assigned to you by an Internet Service Provider when you logon. Some service providers assign a static IP address to each of there customers. A computer that is directly connected to the Internet through a local network will also have a static IP address.


E-Mail

Electronic Mail. Messages, typically created off-line, sent electronically over a network to specific individuals.

See also Internet Mail.


EBIOS Redirector

A network communications API that allows a work station to access a network modem or serial device. Similar to the Int 14 redirector, but with more advanced features.

See Communications API.


Echo

The process of a character being typed, transmitted out the port, and then returned by either the remote computer, or the modem in offline state. The character can then be displayed on the monitor. This process is used in full duplex mode. In half duplex mode, the remote computer does not echo characters back to the local computer.

See also Half Duplex, and. Full Duplex.


Editor

A tool or application that allows you to create, edit, and view files such ASPECT scripts, fax documents, and the Caller Information database.


Encryption and Decryption

Encryption is a process by which data is encoded or scrambled into an unreadable form for security purposes. Decryption reverses the process, converting encoded or scrambled data back to its usable form.


Error Correction

A common feature of data transfer, error correction checks for corruption of the data as it is received. If a problem is found, replacement data is requested. Uses of error correction include: error correcting modems, network transmissions, and many file transfer protocols.


Escape Sequence

Characters used by terminals to indicate that a command will follow, as opposed to the regular data flow which simply needs to be displayed on the screen. Escape Sequences are so named because many terminals actually use the "escape" character as part of the sequence. ^[ is the ASCII representation for the escape character.


Extended ASCII

See ASCII.


FAQ

Stands for Frequently Asked Questions. A FAQ is a type of document commonly found on the Internet, that contains basic information about a given topic.


FECM

See Fax Error Correction Mode.


FTP

File Transfer Protocol. FTP is a specific protocol designed to transfer files over TCP/IP networks such as the Internet. Procomm Plus includes an FTP Client.

See Client.


Fax Annotation

The ability to overlay graphics and text on a fax-format document.


Fax Back

A system where a caller requests one or more faxes and then leaves a fax number. The FaxBack server then dials the number and faxes the requested document(s). The Procomm Plus Host script supports this feature.


Fax Cover Sheet

An optional signature sheet that usually includes some graphics, as well as information about the fax, such as the date, the name of the receiver, and the number of pages. In the Procomm Plus cover sheet templates, some of the information fields remain blank until the fax is created. The information is entered automatically during the fax creation.


Fax Error Correction Mode

A protocol used by Class1 fax modems to detect and correct errors in a fax.


Fax Polling Defined
Fax Polling

When a fax modem or fax machine connects to a host and automatically receives a preset selection of faxes.


Fax Resolution

The number of dots per inch in a fax image. Higher numbers of dots per inch, create a sharper image.


Fax Viewer

The Procomm Plus tool that is used to view fax documents. In addition to viewing the fax, the user may also add graphics and text to the fax, clean a received fax, or use OCR to convert a fax document (which is in graphic format), into a text document which can be edited in a word processor.

See also Fax, OCR, and Fax Annotation.


Fax_1
Fax

An image that is sent over a telephone wire to a remote machine. Originally a facimily machine would receive the image and print it (hard copy). Now there are fax modems that allow storage of fax images as files on a computer. A document in fax format is no longer an editable document. It is a graphic image of a document, ready for printing. It can be annotated with overlay graphics, or converted to a text document by using OCR.

See Optical Character Recognition.


File Clipboard

A dialog box that stores file names that have been copied from the Terminal display. Different from the Windows Clipboard, the File Clipboard is designed to simplify download, by storing a list of desired file names.


File Transfer

The process of copying files from one computer to another, usually facilitated by use of a file transfer protocol.

See also Upload, and Download.


File Transfer Protocol

A set of rules and conventions for communication during a file transfer. File Transfer Protocols involve a dialog between the two machines. There are many different file transfer protocols such as Zmodem, CIS-B+, and Kermit. The important thing to note, is that both machines that are involved in a file transfer must use the same file transfer protocol. Otherwise, there can be no dialog.


File Transfer Window

In Procomm Remote, the File Transfer window allows you to copy files between the Controller and Host.


Firewall

A security measure that protects information and resources on a local network, from outside intrusion. Firewalls can also prevent users on the local network from accessing certain resources on outside networks. The term Firewall is a general term that refers to a number of different security implementations. Some Firewalls block all incoming data not initiated from the local network, while others allow outside access when you enter the correct password and user ID.

If your system employs a firewall, you will probably need to be in Passive Mode when you connect to an FTP server.

See also Passive Mode.


Flow Control

Signals exchanged between two computers, that suspend and resume the flow of data. During serial communications, one side of the connection may require the other side to pause while it processes the information it has received. Flow control signals are either software (XON/XOFF) or, more commonly, hardware (RTS/CTS).


Font

The style and size of text, as well as of the specific character set.


Full Duplex

Two-way communications in which data is sent in both directions at once.

See also Echo, and Half Duplex.


Full Screen Mode

In Procomm Remote, Full Screen mode makes the Host desktop completely cover the Controller’s display, rather than appear in a Session window.

See also Windowed Mode.


GIF

Graphics Interchange Format. A common standard for storing graphics in the form of bitmaps. GIF is a CompuServe standard.

See Bitmap.


Gateway

A computer that transfers data between two networks that use dissimilar network hardware.

See also Router.


Glossary

A

ACS

Action Bar

Adaptive Answer

Address

Address Book Entry

Analog Signal

Anchor

Anonymous FTP

API

Archie

ASCII

ASPECT

Asynchronous

AT Command Set

Auto Answer

Auto Baud Detect

Automatic Download

B

Bandwidth

Batch Transfer

Baud Rate

BBS

BFT

Binary File

Bit

Bitmap

Blank Screen

Bookmark

BPS

Break

Bridge

Buffer

Bulletin Board System

Byte

C

Cache

Call Manager

Call Waiting

Callback

Caller ID

Caller Information

Caller Profile

Calling Card

Capture

Card

Carrier

Carrier Detect

CCITT

CD

Character

Chat

Checksum

Class1

Class2

Class2.0

Client

Client / Server

Clipboard

COM port

COM Port Address

Communications

Communications API

Compile

Compressed Files

Connect Strings

Connection Directory

Connectionless Session

Controller

CR

CRC

CTS

D

Data

Data Bits

Data Compression

Database

DCE

DCE Rate

DDE

Default

Dialer

Dialing Directory

Dialog Box

Digital Signal

Direct Connect

Directory

DLL

DNS

Domain Name

Domain Name Server

Door

DOS Application

Download

Drag and Drop

Driver

DSR

DTE

DTE Rate

DTR

Dynamic Data Exchange

Dynamic IP Address

E

E-Mail

EBIOS Redirector

Echo

Editor

Encryption and Decryption

Error Correction

Escape Sequence

Extended ASCII

F

FAQ

Fax

Fax Annotation

Fax Back

Fax Cover Sheet

Fax Error Correction Mode

Fax Polling

Fax Resolution

Fax Viewer

FECM

File Clipboard

File Transfer

File Transfer Protocol

File Transfer Window

Firewall

Flow Control

Font

FTP

Full Duplex

Full Screen Mode

G

Gateway

GIF

Gopher

Group III fax

H

Half Duplex

Hardware flow control

Hayes Compatible

Helper Application

Home Page

Host

Host Script

Hot-Keys

HTML

HTTP

Huffman Encoding

Hyperlink

Hypertext Transfer Protocol

I

I/O card

Icon

Initialization string

Install

Int 14 Redirector

Internet

Internet Mail

Internet Service Provider

IRQ

ISDN

ITU-T

J

K

L

LAN

Log On

Logon

M

Mail

Mail Gateway

Mainframe

Manual Connect

MAPI

Master Password

Messaging

Meta Key

Metafile

MIME

MNP

Mode

Modem

N

Name Server

NASI

NCSI

NetBIOS

Network

Newsgroup

Non-Connect strings

Null Modem Cable

O

OCR

OCR Cleanup

Offline

Online

Open Access

Option Set

P

Packet

Parallel Port

Parameter file

Parity bit

Passive Mode

Path

PC Card

PCMCIA

Peer-to-Peer.

Phone Card

PIN Number

Ping

POP

PPP

Protocol

Provider

Q

QWKMail

R

RAM

Rapid Dial

Reboot

Remote Computer

Result Codes

RIPscrip

Router

RPI

RS-232

RTS

S

Scale Screen

Scanner

Script

Scroll Bar

Scrollback Buffer

Search Engine

Serial Number

Serial Port

Service Provider

Session Window

Sierra

SLIP

SMTP

Software flow control

Sound Card

Stack

Status Line

Stop Bits

String

Synchronize

SYSOP

SYSTEM.INI

T

TCP/IP

Telnet

Terminal

Terminal Emulation

Text File

Thread

Translate Table

U

UART

UNIX

Upload

URL

Usenet

UUEncode

V

V.32bis

V.34

V.42bis

V.Fast

Variable

Video Driver

Virus

W

WAIS

WAN

WAVE file

Web Browser

Web Page

Web Server

Windowed Mode

Windows Socket Compliant

WinSock

Wizard

Workstation

World Wide Web

Web

X

XON / XOFF

Y

Z


Gopher

A menu-driven Internet navigation tool with a text based interface. A precursor to the World Wide Web, Gopher helps you locate information on the Internet by clicking on menus. Once you access a Gopher server, its menu options may connect you to other servers. Gopher makes use of bookmarks and connectionless sessions. It can access online information as well as download files.

See also World Wide Web. See also Bookmark. See also Connectionless Session.


Group III fax

A standard for fax modem interaction. Group III fax modems comprise the bulk of modems in use.


HTML

Hypertext Markup Language. This is the behind-the-scenes code that is used to design World Wide Web documents. HTML code includes information about the format and characteristics of a document, as well as anchors that are hyperlinked to other resources.

See also Anchor, and Hyperlink.


HTTP

See Hypertext Transfer Protocol.


Half Duplex

Two-way communication in which data is only being transmitted in one direction at a time. When you are communicating in half duplex, transmitted characters are not echoed back from the remote computer. In order to be able to see what you are typing in half duplex mode, Procomm Plus sends a character to the monitor in addition to the character sent out the port.

See also Echo, and Full Duplex.


Hardware flow control

Data flow control using the RS-232 lines: RTS and CTS. Because this form of flow control depends on the state voltage in a physical line, it is called hardware flow control. Hardware flow control is commonly used to mediate the difference between the port speed of the computer, and the connection speed of the modem.


Hayes Compatible

See AT Command Set.


Helper Application

Any additional utility or viewer that a Web browser can activate when a given MIME type is encountered. The ability to configure additional helper applications, allows Web browsers to stay current with the multitude of new MIME types emerging on the Internet.

See also MIME.


Home Page

The introductory page that gives you information about a Web site. It is usually linked to other resources, and is often referred to at the end of other pages offered by the same site.


Host

A server offering a specific service. A host allows clients to log in and access shared information and services. You typically need the proper client for that specific host type.

In Procomm Remote, the Host is the computer that has the files or resources you want to access while you’re away, such as projects you are working on, your e-mail connection, or powerful programs you want to run. Typically, the Host waits for a call from a Controller or client.

See also Client, Controller, and Client / Server.


Host Script

In Procomm Plus, a script that sets your computer up as a single-line BBS with menus, Fax Back, RIPscrip, chat, and e-mail.


Hot-Keys

A combination of key strokes used to activate a program function, instead of clicking on a menu option or icon with the mouse.


Huffman Encoding

A form of data compression that encodes characters based on the frequency of a given character’s use.


Hyperlink

A graphic image or text item that can be clicked on in order to access an additional resource. Hyperlinks are used extensively in Windows Help files and World Wide Web pages.


Hypertext Transfer Protocol

HTTP. The protocol used to transfer information across the Internet, between a World Wide Web server and a Web browser. This protocol incorporates the use of URLs, a Web specific address format.

See also URL.


I/O card

Input/Output card. A device that allows data to flow in and out of the computer. A typical I/O card supports two COM ports, a parallel port, and a game port.


IRQ

Interrupt Request. A hardware method of temporarily interrupting the operation of the central processing unit (CPU), so that a hardware device can get the service that it needs.

Certain hardware devices such as the keyboard and the internal clock have a specific standard settings, while other devices such as modems and network cards can work with a range of different settings. No two devices should share the same IRQ, since this may block communication to one or both of the devices.


ISDN

Integrated Services Digital Network. Although certain functions in the public telephone network already use digital technology, ISDN is a standard for using digital signals instead of analog signals right up to the communications equipment in a home or office.

ISDN has been in use for a number of years in certain European countries, and is now being offered by phone companies in the United States. The primary advantage is that ISDN can get nearly five times the throughput of an analog line, with higher accuracy. ISDN service requires a special phone line to the site, as well as digital computer adapters to replace modems. The service charge may be monthly, or based on the amount of use.


ITU-T

International Telecommunication Union’s standardization sector. The organization, previously called the CCITT, that sets international electronic communications standards for the industry.


Icon

A small graphic symbol that represents a program, data file, or specific action. Click on an icon to activate a program or dialog box. The Procomm Plus Action Bar is made up of configurable icons.


Initialization string

A set of commands sent to a modem to enable, disable, and configure certain options, in order to optimize the modem’s performance.


Install

To make a piece of software or hardware available locally on your computer. For software this usually means copying it to your hard drive and configuring it, or using the setup.exe file for an automated installation.


Int 14 Redirector

Interrupt 14h Redirector. A method of replacing an interrupt service routine so that communications are redirected from the COM port to the network card. The Int 14 redirector is one of the simpler communications APIs used to access a network modem.

See Communications API.


Internet

A global network of computers joined together by the TCP/IP network protocol, and a common computer address system. Although the Internet has traditionally been self-governed, mutual respect and a loose adherence to the constantly evolving protocols, help keep access to information open and viable in a global environment.


Internet Mail

Electronic Mail that is sent across the Internet network using SMTP (Simple Mail Transport Protocol). To create and send mail, and to access the messages on your Internet mail server account, you use an Internet mail client. The Procomm Plus Internet Mail client supports the SMTP protocol, and POP3 Internet mail servers.

See also POP, andSMTP.


Internet Service Provider

An organization that supplies dial-up Internet connectivity. The service may be commercial, governmental or educational. An Internet Service Provider typically offers a SLIP and/or PPP server, Usenet news, an Internet Mail server and of technical support.


LAN

Local Area Network. A network of computers in a small geographic location, usually in one building. A LAN is typically owned by one organization.

See WAN.


Log On

(verb) To provide the necessary information so that security implementation will allow you to access the information and resources on a given system.


Logon

(noun) The information provided that allows you to access the secured information and resources on a given system. A common logon consists of an assigned user identification and a password.


MAPI

Messaging Application Programming Interface. A Microsoft standard that allows applications to communicate with MAPI compliant e-mail applications such as Windows 95 Microsoft Exchange.


MIME

Multipurpose Internet Mail Extentensions. Originally designed to add capabilities to e-mail messages, MIME is used to attach eight bit binary files to seven bit text e-mail messages.

The MIME protocol is now also used extensively by the World Wide Web to link graphics, video, and various other mediums to a Web page. The different types of files that can be hyperlinked to a Web page are called MIME Types.

See also Helper Application.


MNP

A series of early modem standards that define certain error correction and data compression protocols.


Mail

See E-Mail.


Mail Gateway

A computer that routs e-mail between two networks that use dissimilar protocols. A common use is for routing mail from the Internet, which uses SMTP protocol, to a network which implements a different e-mail protocol. In this way you can receive Internet e-mail as well as your local mail in the same inbox.


Mainframe

A large and powerful computer that can handle millions of transactions at one time. Mainframe computers are typically used by large companies or universities to provide information and services to many users.


Manual Connect

Option in Procomm Plus that allows you, depending on which mode you have selected, to type in connection information such as a phone number. When you connect manually, the current configurations in Setup are used instead of using Connection Directory information.


Master Password

For additional security in Procomm Remote’s Host, you can specify a master password that must be entered to access any of the Host’s settings and Caller Profiles.


Messaging

E-mail related activities. Often used to describe interactions with the MAPI interface in a Microsoft environment.


Meta Key

A Procomm Plus feature that allows you to map certain keys for added hotkey functionality in the Terminal mode.


Metafile

A file with instructions for creating a graphical image. Different from bitmaps in that they have relational coordinates, and as such, are easier to resize and change. Metafiles are used in Procomm Plus for some of the graphics in the supplied fax cover sheets.

See Bitmap.


Mode

Used to describe the form of communications that Procomm Plus is using, for example, Internet mail, fax, and terminal modes.


Modem

A device used by PCs to send and receive data over an analog phone line. A modem is not designed to transmit data directly over a digital system such as an ISDN line. Modems include a MOdulator, used to convert digital data into analog sound waves for transmission over phone lines. They also have a DEModulator that converts analog signals back into digital information that can be used by the PC.


NASI

NetWare Asynchronous Services Interface. The portion of the Novell communications API that resides on the workstation, used to access a network modem. The other portion of this communications set resides on the communications server and is used to manage the network modem bank. NASI is one of several communications-related API.

See also API, andCommunications API.


NCSI

A precursor to NASI.

See also NASI.


Name Server

See Domain Name Server.


NetBIOS

Network Basic Input/Output System. An early peer-to-peer network protocol, designed by IBM for PC networks.

See also Peer-to-Peer.


Network

A group of computers linked together, sharing a common transportation language and address system needed for communication and data transfer.


Newsgroup

A member of the UseNet service. A discussion group pertaining to a specific topic. Similar to e-mail use except that a newsgroup message posted, is distributed to news servers, and can then be read by other subscribers of that newsgroup.

See also Usenet.


Non-Connect strings

Modem messages that indicate an attempted connection has failed. These messages include: no carrier, busy, no dialtone, no answer, and voice.

See also Result Codes.


Null Modem Cable

Similar to a modem cable, except that the Data Send and the Data Receive wires (DS/DR) are crossed. These cables are use when direct connecting two PCs, so that data transferred from one machine will be sent to the Data Receive pin on the other machine. The hardware flow control lines (RTS/CTS) are also crossed to facilitate two way communication between ports with identical send and receive flow control lines.


OCR

Optical Character Recognition. Creating a text document by interpreting a graphic image. The text in a fax cannot be edited since it is a graphic representation of a document. In order to change a fax into a working text document, you use OCR to interpret the image and to create a text document.


OCR Cleanup

A method to clean up any spots or blotches from a fax, before using OCR to interpret the fax image and create a text document.

See OCR.


Offline

A modem state that indicates that the modem is not communicating to a remote modem or computer. This is typically determined by the state of carrier detect in the modem. When you are using a SLIP or PPP stack, Offline will indicate that you aren’t connected to your service provider. If you are using a network card instead of a modem, it will indicate that your Winsock TCP/IP stack is not loaded.


Online

A modem state that indicates that the modem is communicating to a remote modem or computer. This is typically determined by the state of carrier detect in the modem. When you are using a SLIP or PPP stack, Online will indicate that you are connected to your service provider. If you are using a network card instead of a modem, it will indicate that your Winsock TCP/IP stack is loaded.

A term also used to mean accessible by computer communications, as in "online information service."


Open Access

In the Procomm Remote Host, the Caller Setup dialog contains an Allow open access to this computer check box. If you enable this check box, all Caller Profiles are disabled, and there is no logon security on your Host computer. Any Procomm Remote controller can log onto your Host.


Option Set

A group of options that can be customized, given a user defined name, and referred to in other portions of Procomm Plus. An example is the Current Data Options option set.


PC Card

Also called a PCMCIA card. Creditcard- sized computer devices used extensively with laptop computers. These small devices can easily slip in and out of a special computer slot. Some of the types of PC cards are modems, hard drives, video capture cards, and network cards. PC cards use various drivers for configuration, including setting the IRQ and COM port address.


PCMCIA

See PC Card.


PIN Number

The part of a phone card security number that is not on the physical phone card. Not used by some phone card providers.


POP

Post Office Protocol. A protocol used by Internet mail clients to access e-mail from the Internet mail server. Servers that support this protocol are called POP servers. Procomm Plus supports the POP3 protocol; the predominant version of POP used on the Internet. The other part of the e-mail system is the SMTP protocol which is used to send mail across the Internet.

See also SMTP.


PPP

Point to Point Protocol. A dial-up type of TCP/IP network stack. PPP is used for making a connection to a TCP/IP network, by using a modem to contact a PPP server. The PPP server is a computer that is connected to the network, but it can also accept modem calls using the PPP protocol. Similar to SLIP, PPP is more advanced, with error correction capabilities not included in SLIP.

See also Internet Service Provider.


Packet

Unit of data sent in a transfer protocol. Usually packets include error correction information in addition to the actual data. Often the packet number, destination, and point of origin are also included.


Parallel Port

An I/O port that transfers more than one bit at a time, as opposed to a serial port. Parallel ports are used most often by printers, and look similar to a 25 pin serial port except that instead of having pins, they have two rows of small holes going into the PC.


Parameter file

The pw4.prm file where selected options and configurations from Setup are stored.


Parity bit

A bit added to serial data, that is used to check for errors. Most systems use more advanced methods of error detection, but the parity bit is still added when the port is set to use seven data bits.


Passive Mode_1
Passive Mode

A state of communication between an FTP client and an FTP server, where the client tells the server which specific data port to open for a file transfer. Passive mode is used when a network computer is behind a security wall, and cannot accept outside communication through common ports.

See also FTP.


Path

The location of a file or directory on a given drive or disk. An example of a complete path for a Windows or DOS machine is:

C:\dir\subdir\file.ext

A different usage is the path command, which tells DOS and Windows which directory(s) to look in when a specified file is not found in the current directory. The search path is configured in the autoexec.bat file.


Peer-to-Peer.
Peer-to-Peer

A network structure where each computer offers data and/or services to the other computers on the network. Generally used for smaller networks where there is not one computer dedicated to offering services and files.

See also Client / Server.


Phone Card

A credit card for phone calls that allows you to dial in security numbers and then make a long distance call, to billed at a later time.


Ping

A network troubleshooting utility used to test the ability to contact to a specific network site. There are many reasons that a Ping can fail, but if the Ping is successful, it will help you rule out many possible problems.


Protocol

Agreed upon conventions and procedures. Protocol usually refers to a standard for communications, so that various computers can receive and interpret data. Common examples are: file transfer protocols and network protocols.


Provider

See Internet Service Provider.


QWKMail

The QWK standard allows a caller to download messages and files compressed as a single packet, from most bulletin board systems. Messages can be read with a QWK Mail viewer, and any replies can be uploaded to the BBS as a single file.


RAM

Random Access Memory. The work space of a computer. Also referred to as "memory." RAM, is the space a computer uses for data and program instructions that are actively running. The amount of RAM available has a direct impact on the speed of a computer. It is not a storage space; when the computer is turned off, everything in RAM is lost. When you Save your work or install a program, the information is stored on a hard drive or on disk. Consequently, the size of a hard drive may be 500 or 1000 megabytes, while the typical RAM size is four to sixteen megabytes.


RIPscrip

A graphical terminal emulation with mouse support. It is popular on many BBSs and on-line systems. The RIP graphic standard uses 7-bit ASCII characters, allowing connections between various systems.


RPI

A type of modem that relies on software to compress data, instead of using hardware on the modem.


RS-232

The standard that defines electronic connection between two serial ports. The standard includes such specifications as voltage and pin diagrams for communications functions.


RTS

Request to Send. One of the lines defined by the RS-232 standard. RTS is used for hardware flow control. It indicates whether the COM port is ready to send data or not.

See also Hardware Flow Control, and CTS.


Rapid Dial

A feature on the Procomm Plus Action Bar that lets you select connection entries without opening the Connection Directory.


Reboot

A method of restarting your computer, usually by holding down the C+A keys and pressing the = key (a "warm" boot), or by turning the computer off completely and then restarting it with the power switch (a "cold" boot). If possible, it is better to exit Windows before rebooting, as files may become corrupt if they are not closed properly.


Remote Computer

As opposed to a local computer. The computer you are not at physically. Remote computer can refer to a computer on another desk in your office, or it can refer to an Internet site in an other country.

Not to be confused with Remote Control, which entails seeing the remote computer’s display on your monitor, and controlling its programs from your console.


Result Codes

Modem responses that indicate the status of an attempted connection. The result codes may indicate the connection speed, type of error correction, and type of data compression negotiated. The type of result code displayed, is usually configured within the modem initialization string commands.

See also AT Commands.


Router

A piece of hardware or software that sends network packets between networks. A router can communicate between networks that use similar network protocols or dissimilar network protocols.

See also Gateway.


SLIP

Serial Line Internet Protocol. A simple dial-up type of TCP/IP network stack that mimics the interactions of a a network stack with an actual network card. SLIP is used for making a connection to a TCP/IP network, by using a modem or direct connect to contact a SLIP server. The SLIP server is a computer connected to a network, that can also accept modem connections using the SLIP protocol.

See also Internet Service Provider, and PPP.


SMTP

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. The protocol used to send e-mail across TCP/IP networks such as the Internet. The SMTP protocol is used to send e-mail from a client to a local server, and from the local server to the destination server. When you wish to access the mail from your server, you use a protocol such as the POP protocol to logon and download mail messages.

See also POP.


SYSOP

System Operator. The operator of a bulletin board system (BBS), or other on-line service.


SYSTEM.INI

An important Microsoft Windows configuration file which predominantly contains information about hardware drivers. The system.ini is used less in Windows 95, but it is still an important part of the Windows configuration.


Scale Screen

Procomm Remote offers a Scale Screen feature to change the Session window size. When you click on the Scale Screen button, Procomm Remote scales the entire Host desktop to fit into the Session window. With this button depressed, you can also click and drag on the edge of  the Session window to resize it;  Procomm Remote automatically scales the Host desktop to fit into the Session window.


Scanner

A hardware device that digitizes printed material into images you can display on your PC.


Script

A program designed and compiled using one of the higher level languages such as ASPECT. An ASPECT script is not a stand-alone executable program; Procomm Plus must run the script.


Scroll Bar

A common Windows control. A narrow bar with arrows that you can click on to view lists or parts of documents too big to fit in the window.


Scrollback Buffer

The buffer set aside to temporarily store text and images that have scrolled across the Terminal display. The size of the scrollback buffer can be changed according to memory constraints, and page history requirements.


Search Engine

Used to find information on a network. There are different types of search engines. Some list menus, documents, and sites for selected topics, others search for the key word or words within a document. Web search engines are as easy to use as following your interests with the click of your mouse.


Serial Number

A unique number identifying each copy of Procomm Plus. To see your serial number, select Help | About Procomm Plus from the menu.


Serial Port

See COM port.


Service Provider

See Internet Service Provider.


Session Window

The Session window displays the Host's screen after you connect to the Host. From this window, you control the Host, and perform other activities such as chat with the Host user and transfer files.


Sierra

A fax modem standard that, unlike Class1 and Class2 fax modems, can only send faxes. Some modems may have the Sierra name in their modem identification response to the ATi modem command, but only a few modems actually use the Sierra sendfax protocol.


Software flow control

Data flow control, using software commands instead of electrical signals. XON and XOFF characters (ASCII 17 and 19) are used to suspend and resume data transmissions. If software flow control is disabled on the local computer, and enabled on the remote computer, flow control characters from the remote side can appear in the Terminal display as a triangle and a double exclamation point. Hardware flow control is much more common than software flow control.

See also Hardware Flow Control.


Sound Card

Today’s multimedia computers are equipped with audio cards that provide digital sound effects and MIDI music. These cards are typically called "sound cards."


Stack

The network software layers that: get data from a specific application, break the data into packets, attach destination and error correction information, send the packets out the network card or modem, receive packets, strip off the address and error correction information, and deliver the data to the correct application.


Status Line

The bar at the bottom of a Procomm Plus window that displays result codes, error messages, on/off-line status, and other information.


Stop Bits

See Asynchronous.


String

A sequence of ASCII characters.


Synchronize

In Procomm Remote’s File Transfer window, you can synchronize directories on the Host and Controller so that the directories are exact duplicates.


TCP/IP_1
TCP/IP

Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. A network protocol used to transport information between computers on the Internet. The TCP/IP protocol is also used on smaller networks, particularly those working with the UNIX operating system.


Telnet

A Terminal emulation that communicates over TCP/IP. A Telnet client logs on to a Telnet host, and can then access information. If supported by the host, file transfer protocols such as Zmodem and Kermit may be used to download files.


Terminal

A piece of hardware that looks like a personal computer, but typically has no CPU. Also called a "dumb terminal." Used for input to mainframes and other powerful computers. Terminals were more prevalent before the advent of personal computers.


Terminal Emulation

Software that makes a PC mimic a terminal. Since the terminal standards and protocols have been adopted by BBSs and other Information services, a wide range of terminal emulations allows you to logon to most services. Procomm Plus provides thirty-six different emulations.


Text File

A file containing only display characters from the ASCII character set, and a small number of control codes such as line feed and carriage return. When viewed, a text file looks like a document created on a typewriter, with no special fonts, formatting, or graphics.


Thread

In reference to CompuServe, a sequence of related messages. Each reply is added to the pertinent thread.


Translate Table

A powerful but not commonly used feature of Procomm Plus that allows you to filter specific incoming or outgoing characters, and translate them to a different character.


UART

Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter. The main COM port chip. The 16550 is the only UART with buffering capability (FIFO). In order to use the full capability of a most modems, your COM port must be a 16550, with FIFO enabled in your Windows configuration. The earlier 8250 and 16450 UARTs have no buffer capability, and limit the speed that the port can accept data to 19,200 bps under Windows.


UNIX

A multi-tasking multi-user operating system. Many of the protocols and standards used on the Internet were taken directly from the UNIX environment.


URL

Uniform Resource Locator. An address format used by World Wide Web browsers and servers, that identifies the type and location of an Internet site or resource. Web browsers use URL addresses to access other Internet services which may including anonymous FTP, UseNet News, Gopher, WAIS, and Telnet.


UUEncode

A way to encode 8 bit data into 7 bit data. This method is used to attach a binary file to a text based e-mail message. Once the Mail client has downloaded the message, it can then be UUdecoded to restore it to its original form.


Upload

Sending one or more files from your computer to another computer. To ensure that the transfer is error-free, uploads are usually performed with a file transfer protocol like Zmodem or FTP.

See also File Transfer Protocol.


Usenet

A system of several thousand discussion-based message groups available from almost any Internet provider. The Usenet is generally considered to be the "message base of the Internet."

See also MIME.


V.32bis

An extension of the V.32 protocol that allows modems to communicate at speeds of 14,400 bps through data compression. V.32 can achieve 9600 bps.


V.34

A protocol that allows modems to communicate at speeds of up to 28,800 bps.


V.42bis

A data-compression protocol that enables modems to provide up to a four-to-one compression ratio, depending on the type of file being transferred.


V.Fast

A protocol that allows modems to communicate at speeds of up to 28,800 bps.


Variable

As related to programing. A piece of information that can change depending on the results of a specified procedure or function, or the symbol chosen to represent this data. When you define a variable and label it, a small section of memory is allocated to hold the value. When the program is terminated, the information in the variable is lost unless it has been saved in a file.


Video Driver

Windows uses video drivers to display high resolution graphics on a wide variety of different hardware. These drivers are usually supplied by the hardware manufacturer.


Virus

A virus is a program that can regenerate itself. Most viruses are specifically written to disrupt the normal operation of your computer, without being detected. Virus detectors are constantly being created and updated to help protect users from new strains of viruses.


WAIS

Wide Area Information Server. A system used for finding information on a network. A search engine that looks at the contents of the documents in its database, not just the file name. Many of the World Wide Web search tools use WAIS technology.


WAN

Wide Area Network. Two or more local area networks linked together. WANs may span buildings, or even countries. A WAN is typically owned and managed by a conglomeration of organizations.

See also LAN.


WAVE file

A digitized sound file format supported by Microsoft Windows as a standard. A WAVE file has a .wav file name extension.


WEB

See World Wide Web.


Web Browser

A way to access Internet information, download files, and connect to Internet sites around the globe simply by clicking on menu items and hyperlinked text or graphics. Browsers use the World Wide Web protocol (HTTP) so they can access Web servers and display interactive, hyperlinked Web pages. A Web browser is a graphical interface that, in addition to displaying Web pages, manages a conglomeration of different client protocols such as WAIS, Gopher, and FTP.


Web Page

A single HTML display page sent by a Web server. Web pages contain formatted text as well as hyperlinks to resources such as graphics, animations, applications, Internet sites, and other Web pages.


Web Server

A computer connected to the Internet, that supports the World Wide Web transfer protocol, and that answers browser requests for Web pages. Some servers offer secure connections for financial and business transactions as well.


WinSock

The portion of a Windows TCP/IP stack that interfaces with a Windows application. The term "Winsock" often refers to the Windows Socket Compliant TCP/IP interface.

See also Windows Socket Compliant, and API.


Windowed Mode

In Procomm Remote, Windowed mode makes the Host desktop appear in a Session window, rather than completely cover the Controller’s display.

See also Full Screen Mode.


Windows Socket Compliant

A Microsoft standard for the interface between Windows applications and TCP/IP stacks. Both the stack and the application must be Windows Socket Compliant in order for the communication to take place.


Wizard

A series of automated help panels that lead you through a technical procedure step-by-step.


Workstation

A PC connected to a local area network. Workstations can access shared data and resources, and often access programs stored on a shared network server.


World Wide Web

An Internet service that allows you to search or browse the Internet by clicking on links in graphic documents. A network of computers on the Internet that use the HTTP protocol to transfer information, and that hyperlink a large portion of Internet sites through the use of imbedded addresses (URLs) in Web pages.


XON / XOFF

See Software flow control.