GE TermiNet 300 Operator's Manual page 17

DEFINITION OF TERMS
Data - A general term used to denote numbers, letters, symbols, and control
codes.
Character - A letter, digit, or symbol that can be printed; a non-printable
character such as a space or a character that is used for a
control function. Each character is made up of a seven bit code
that is
written on the tape.
Tape (Magnetic Tape) - A special mylar (or similar type material) tape that
is coated with a magnetic material. The tape can be
magnetized in such a way that data is stored on the
tape. (Data is stored a character at a time.)
Cassette - An enclosure with two built-in spools for transportation of the
tape. The cassette is usually made of a plastic or similar material.
Write - ''\Vrite" (record or store) data on the tape. The data is "Written" one
character at a time.
Read - "Read" (Playback) the data on the tape. Usually printing the data so it
can be used. The data is "Read" one character at a time.
Character Space - That space required on the tape that one character of data
can
be
"Written"
or
''Read''.
Advance - Physically moving (at a rapid rate) the tape from one spool of the
cassette to the other spool in such a direction that data
(if
previously
"Written") is moving from the beginning to the end.
Incremental Backup - The tape backs up one character space at a time.
"Block'' and "Inter-Block" Gap - A "Block'' is a set of related data on the tape.
For example; a letter, parts list, computer
program, etc. Several ''Blocks'' can be put on a
tape cassette. The number of "Blocks" on a tape
depends on the length of each "Block". Each
"Block" must be separated by a space of no data
called an "Inter-Block Gap".
Figure~
graphically
shows how "Blocks" are "Written" on a tape.
Rewind - Physically moving (at a rapid rate) the tape from one spool of the
cassette to the other spool in such a direction that data
(if
previously
"Written") is moving from the end to the beginning.
3