Reference Guide

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Glossary

ASCII

American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A standardized way of assigning codes to characters and control codes. The system is widely used by manufacturers of computers, printers, and software.

buffer

See memory.

cpi (characters per inch)

A measure of the size of fixed-width text characters.

default

A value or setting that takes effect when the printer is turned on, reset, or initialized.

developer cartridge

A component of the printer that contains the toner that creates the printed image on paper.

dots per inch (dpi)

The number of dots per inch is a measure of printer resolution. The higher the number of dots, the higher the resolution.

dpi

See dots per inch (dpi).

driver

The part of a software program that converts commands from the program into commands used by the printer. Also known as the printer driver.

font

A set of characters and symbols that share a common typographic design and style.

halftone

A grayscale image that is composed of small dots. The dots can be close together to create black or more widely spaced to create gray or white areas in the image. Newspaper photographs are common examples of halftones.

initialization

The act of returning the printer to its defaults (fixed set of conditions).

interface

The connection between the printer and the computer. A parallel interface transmits data one character or code at a time, and a USB interface transmits data one bit at a time.

landscape

Printing that is oriented sideways on the page. This orientation gives you a page that is wider than it is high and is useful for printing spreadsheets.

memory

The part of the printer's electronic system that is used to store information. Some information is fixed and is used to control how the printer operates. Information that is sent to the printer from the computer (such as downloaded fonts) is stored in memory temporarily. See also RAM and ROM.

orientation

Refers to the direction in which characters are printed on a page. This direction is either portrait or landscape.

photoconductor unit

A component of the printer that contains a light-sensitive print drum which permanently fixes the toner onto paper.

pitch

A measure of the number of characters per inch (cpi) for fixed-width fonts.

portrait

Printing that is oriented upright on the page (as opposed to landscape, in which printing is oriented sideways on the page). This is the standard orientation for printing letters or documents.

printer driver

See driver.

RAM

Random Access Memory (RAM) is where temporary information is stored.

reset

To refresh the printer's memory and erase the current print jobs.

resolution

A measure of the fineness and clarity of images produced by the printer
or monitor. Printer resolution is measured in dots per inch. Monitor resolution is measured in pixels.

RITech

Resolution Improvement Technology. A feature that smooths the jagged edges of printed lines or shapes.

ROM

Read Only Memory (ROM) is where permanent information is stored.

status sheet

A report that lists the printer settings and other printer information.

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