Computer terminology is a specialized and unique language. To the first-time or uninitiated computer owner, this “jargon” can be misleading or confusing.
Each issue, we’ll list some of the common (and not so common) computer terms. These highly simplified definitions will help you better understand your computer and its “lingo”. Spend a few minutes to learn these terms, and you’ll soon be talking like a computer professional.
Bug — A bug is an error in a program which causes the program to fail (stop) or causes the program to run in a fashion that does not produce the intended result. A Syntax error, for example, is a type of bug. However, the T/S Personal Computer identifies the Syntax error immediately; you won’t spend hours looking for it later.
Debugging — Systematic approach to isolating — and correcting — bugs in a program. When a program is debugged, the programmer examines the program — line-by-line — to identify a bug, and then proceeds to edit the program to enter the correction.
Report Code — Identifies a bug in a program. It is signified — at the bottom of the screen — by a number (or letter) and a statement number (indicates the statement at which the program stopped). A list of error (report) codes are listed in the rear of your T/S 1000 User Manual for easy reference.
Flowchart — Pictorial diagram to identify all steps of a program.
Graphic Characters — Characters used to create a graphical display such as a bar graph or a picture. Resulting graphics can be reproduced on your TV screen or TIMEX Printer. Twenty graphics keys — on the T/S 1000 keyboard — can be used to produce the appropriate graphics.
Intelligent Terminal — A particular type of terminal which can perform certain functions independently of the computer. Since the program is stored in the terminal’s memory — instead of in the computer — additional memory is available in the computer for other programs and/or data.
Keyword — Certain commands which prompt the computer to perform a particular function (i.e. PRINT). The TIMEX Personal Computer offers a unique system of displaying any of the 37-keywords by pressing a single key (sometimes the SHIFT key must also be pressed) rather than the tedious practice of typing each word individually.
Load — Method by which, a program (with or without data) that is stored on an external storage media (tape or disc) can be transferred into the computer’s internal memory.
Save — Method by which, a program (with or without data) — stored in the computer’s internal memory — can be transferred to an external storage media (tape or disc).
Special Character — On the TIMEX Personal Computer, any character other than a number, letter, or graphics character is a special character (i.e. $, +, etc.). The T/S 1000 incorporates 21-special characters within the 40-key keyboard.
Thermal Printer — A Printer that utilizes a combination of heat and chemically treated paper to print letters, numbers, graphic characters, or special characters as hard copy.