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Glossary
data bits Binary information sent to the printer; a character set grouping
containing letters, digits, and punctuation marks to be printed.
default A value, parameter, attribute, or option that is assigned by a
program or system when another has not been specified by the
user.
developer The developer unit uses the toner and carrier particles to produce
a developed image onto the surface of the photoconductor belt.
diagnostic Pertaining to the detection and isolation of a printer malfunction
or mistake.
diskette A thin, flexible magnetic disk containing software such as test
and diagnostic programs, initialization files, and all font
specifications for the printer.
electrophotographic A non–impact printing process in which electrical charges and
heat are used to transfer and fuse images to paper, as opposed to
impact printing, in which hammers or pins drive an inked ribbon
onto paper to form characters.
emulation Refers to the ability of a printer to execute the commands of
another printer protocol.
fuser The fuser unit uses heat and pressure to bond the toner to the
surface of the paper.
host computer The computer that stores, processes, and sends data to be printed,
which communicates directly with the printer. The term “host” is
used to indicate the controlling computer, since modern printers
are themselves microprocessor–controlled computer systems.
interface The hardware component used to link two devices by common
physical interconnection, signal, and functional characteristics.
LSU Acronym for Laser Scanning Unit. The beam of the laser scanning
unit shines on a rotating polygonal mirror which causes the beam
to scan across the OPC drum.