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Glossary of Terms
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Term
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Definition
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10 / 100
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An Ethernet network capable of sending data at either 10 or 100 megabits per second.
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10bT
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Pronounced "10 base T". The RJ-45 connector used on an Ethernet network; capable of transmitting data at 10 megabits per second.
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A4 Paper
(A,B or C-size) Paper
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European (Japanese, etc.) use letter designations (in millimeters) for specific paper sizes. These are different than the US designations (Letter, Legal, Ledger).
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ADF
(see DADF, RADF)
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Automatic Document Feeder. A device used for automatically feeding multiple pages into a printer or scanner.
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analog
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Refers to the process of producing a copy by means of reflecting light off of the original and onto a photoconductive material or drum. Analog machines are characterized by a lack of features and poorer image quality than a digital device.
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bins
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Old-style analog copiers used multiple bins or exit trays to collate (or separate) the output.
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bond
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A standard type of copy or print paper.
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booklet
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The process of imposing or arranging the pages on duplexed documents so they appear in the correct order when folded in half.
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bridge unit
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Some add-on finishers require a bridge unit to connect to the copier itself.
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business color
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A class of color printing that is characterized by lower requirements around color accuracy. Business color usually refers to things like PowerPoint presentations - most any situation where spot color is being used and doesn't have to exactly match a specific printed or Pantone color (or the need for halftone reproduction).
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buy-out
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The amount owed at the end of a lease in order to own the equipment outright (the residual). Sometimes the buy out is rolled in with the remaining stream of payments in order to upgrade a client before the lease is up.
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bypass tray
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An input paper source on a copier, fax or printer that is generally used for feeding specialty paper into a machine. The bypass tray is for occasional use and the ability to feed heavier stocks.
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card reader
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Usually a credit card style reading device for controlling access to a copy machine.
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cassette
(see drawer)
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The holding area for the paper in either a copier or printer.
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clicks
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Pages produced on an output device; either copies or prints. 5,000 clicks-per month means 5,000 pages or copies per month.
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CMYK
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Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and black; the process of generating a color image by absorbing light and reflecting what's left. This is a complimentary process to RGB color generation. CMYK is the process for all commercial printing and most color copiers. CMYK images are less vibrant than RGB (smaller color gamut).
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collate
(see sort)
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The means by which original sets are separated from each other for easy identification.
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color calibration
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Usually an electrical process of setting the image quality (and color correctness) to a known standard such as a test sheet.
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color separation
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The process of separating an electronic or hardcopy image into 4 base color components (CMYK) in preparation for printing on a color press.
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coverage
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Describes how much information (toner usage) is on a piece of paper. A standard business document is generally thought to contain between 8% and 14% coverage.
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CPC
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Cost Per Copy; refers to a type of sale where the equipment, service and finance charges are rolled into a single, per impression (click) charge. CPC deals are generally sold with a minimum number of copies referred to as the base.
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CPM
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Copies Per Minute - the maximum speed that an output device is capable of delivering paper to the output. May be affected by job specifics such as stapling or sorting and may be affected by the data stream.
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CRD
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Central Reproduction Department. In a larger company, the room with the "big" copier in it. CRDs are generally responsible for large print and copy jobs, specialty binding, etc.
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creative color
(see Graphic Color)
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Creative Color refers to upper-end requirements for color printing and copying. Creative color generally refers to clients with needs such as matching specific colors (Pantone), matching previously printed output, etc. Creative color clients typically use Macintosh computers.
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DADF
(see RADF)
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Duplexing (or Recirculating) Auto Document Feeder. A document feeder capable of reading both sides of an original in a single pass.
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data stream
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Refers to the electronic signal going to a printer. The data stream carries the PDL (page description language) information.
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densitometer
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A device used to measure the color shade and density from a printed image; used in conjunction with a printed test target and calibration software to set a color machine to a known value.
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desktop
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A copier, printer or fax that can sit directly on a counter or desktop instead of a dedicated stand.
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digital
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The new "breed" of copiers. Digital copiers scan to a digital image and print on the integrated laser printer to produce the copy. Because the image is digital, the quality is better and features such as reduction and enlargement are easier to implement because they are done via software.
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document feeder
(see ADF, DADF, RADF)
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The generic term for an automatic document feeder; a way of feeding a stack of paper into a copier or scanner unattended.
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domain
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A domain can be either or single server or multiple servers acting as on single network.
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domain controller
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The central computer in the domain that is responsible for authenticating or verifying a user's logon name and password.
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dot matrix printer
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A printer that creates characters and graphics by means of a small row of wires on its print head. The wires move forward and strike the paper through an inked ribbon, creating small dots on the page that make up the image. Dot matrix printers are characterized by extremely low quality print and high ribbon costs.
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DPI
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Dots Per Inch. The measure of resolution or the amount of information in a digital file. Also, a printing term used to indicate output quality.
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drawer
(see cassette)
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The holding area for the paper in either a copier or printer.
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duplex
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A document with information on both sides. Usually refers to output or printing, but can also be used to describe the original documents.
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duty cycle
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Refers to the amount of work that can be expected from a particular device (scanner, copier, printer, fax, etc). Duty Cycle is frequently an arbitrary number and may be hard to compare from one manufacturer to another. Usually calculated on a monthly basis.
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EDM
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Electronic Document Management; the process of storing and retrieving documents, both scanned images and electronic files, in a centrally controlled and secured location.
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engine
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An "engine" (short for Print-Engine) is the portion of a digital device that is responsible for printing.
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enterprise
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Generally refers to larger, more spread out networks. Companies that look at "Enterprise" solutions are looking at larger, more costly systems, usually to cover multiple servers and a large number of end-users.
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Ethernet
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A type of physical network connection. Ethernet uses a specific kind of wire, connector and way of communicating on the network. If the client uses Ethernet, their network connected equipment must use Ethernet.
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Exchange email
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An email server that utilizes Microsoft Exchange rather than SMTP or Lotus Notes. Clients who use Exchange email must use compatible devices.
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fax
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Short for facsimile (a copy). A fax machine sends a digitized copy of a document through a phone line to another fax machine.
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finisher
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An add-on accessory for a copier or printer that provides the finishing options; stapling, collating or sorting, folding, hole punching, etc.
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finishing
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Describes how the printed output is to be completed: stapled, collated, sorted, folded, etc.
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firmware
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A memory chip containing software that can be changed by a technician through a process of "burning" or "flashing" new instructions onto the chip. Firmware is used inside copiers to control internal operations and features.
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FTP
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