HP 3000 Manuals HP 3000 Manuals
GLOSSARY
This glossary defines terms found in the Fundamental Skills and Advanced
Skills courses. Terms that appear only in the Advanced Skills course are
identified by the notation (AS) following the definition.
abort A procedure that terminates a program or session if
an irrecoverable error, mistake, or malfunction
occurs, or if the system manager requests
termination.
access codes Access codes are assigned by the system manager to
accounts. Access codes are assigned by the account
manager to groups and users. Access codes regulate
who has the ability to read, write, append, lock,
save, or execute a given file.
account An account is a collection of users and groups. Each
account on the system has a unique name. A user must
specify a valid account to access the system.
account librarian AL capability: Assigned by the account manager to
capability one or more users within an account. An account
librarian is allowed special file access modes to
maintain specified files within the account.
account manager AM capability: Assigned by the system manager to one
capability user within each account who is then responsible for
establishing users and groups.
account structure The account structure provides organization,
security, and billing for the system. It is used to
allocate use of system resources such as central
processor time, online connect time, and file space.
The account is the principal billing entity for the
use of system resources.
append To join all or part of one existing file to the end
of another existing file.
application An application program is a set of computer
program instructions that executes a specific set of tasks.
Applications include spreadsheets, word processing,
graphics, database management, and data communication
programs.
ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange:
ASCII is the standard method of representing
character data (seven data bits plus one that can be
used for parity). This method was established by the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to
achieve compatibility between data devices during an
exchange of information. (AS)
attribute Attributes enable the computer to determine what
functions it will or will not allow a user, group, or
account to perform. They include file access codes
and special capabilities. They enable the computer
to determine what functions it will or will not allow
a user, group, or account to perform.
backreference A technique of referencing a previously defined file.
Backreferencing uses an asterisk (*) before a formal
file designator to indicate it that has been
previously defined with the FILE command. (AS)
backup A process that duplicates computer data to offline
media such as magnetic tape. Backups protect data if
a system problem occurs.
batch processing A method of submitting a job for processing. A job,
which is submitted as a single entity, can consist of
multiple commands such as program compilation and
execution, file manipulation, or utility functions.
Once submitted, no further interaction between the
user and the job is necessary.
binary A method of representing numbers, alphabetic
characters, and symbols in digital computers. Binary
is a base two number system that uses only two
digits, 0's and 1's, to express numeric quantities.
(AS)
Boolean A data type with a value that is either TRUE or FALSE
(binary 1 or 0). (AS)
byte A combination of eight consecutive bits treated as a
unit. A byte represents one letter or number. The
size of memory and disk storage is measured in bytes.
(AS)
capability A method for determining what commands account
members are allowed to execute. Capabilities are
assigned to accounts, groups, and users to provide
system security and access to the operating system.
Account capabilities are assigned by the system
manager when the account is created. The account
manager then assigns capabilities to groups and users
within the account.
carriage control Carriage control characters determine such things as
characters (CCTL) double spacing, vertical line spacing, and page
ejects.
catalog A system file containing information such as a
listing of user-defined commands. A UDC file is
cataloged with the SETCATALOG command and
the information is added to the system file
COMMAND.PUB.SYS. (AS)
central processing CPU: A part of a computer system that interprets and
unit executes instructions and contains all or part of
internal storage.
command A system-reserved word that directs the operating
system, subsystem, or utility program to perform a
specific operation.
command file A file a user creates to execute multiple MPE
commands (except DO and REDO). To execute commands or
UDCs referenced with the command file, enter the
command file name at the MPE/iX system prompt.
command CI: An MPE/iX program that reads command lines
interpreter entered at the standard input device; interprets
them; determines if they are valid, and if so,
executes them.
command line See history stack.
history stack
communication The ability of one computer system to access or
"talk" to other computer systems by way of
telecommunication devices.
compile The process of changing a program written in a source
language (for example, BASIC, C, FORTRAN) into a
machine language routine that the computer can
understand. The compiled routine is then ready to be
loaded into storage and run.
computer A device that accepts information, processes it, and
produces an output. A computer usually contains
memory, a control unit, arithmetic and logical
manipulators, and a means for input and output.
configuration The way in which a computer and peripheral devices
are programmed to interact with each other.
console A terminal, usually designated logical device 20,
given unique status by the operating system. The
operator uses the console to monitor and manage jobs,
sessions and resources, respond to requests, and
communicate with other user terminals. It is used to
boot the system and receive system loader error
messages, system error messages, and system status
messages.
continuation An ampersand (&) character entered as the last
character character of a command line. A continuation
character tells the command interpreter that the
command is longer than one line and is continuing
onto a second or subsequent lines. (AS)
cursor A character, such as a flashing rectangle or blinking
underline character, on a terminal screen. The
cursor marks the position where text or data can be
entered, modified, or deleted.
database A collection of logically related data files, and
structural information about the data.
default A predefined value or condition that is assumed, and
used, by the operating system if no other value or
condition is specified.
delimiter A special character used to mark the end of a string
of characters. Common delimiters are the semicolon
(;), equal sign (=), Return, or the comma (,).
dereferencing Dereferencing substitutes the value of a variable in
place of the variable name. See also explicit
dereferencing and implicit dereferencing. (AS)
device See peripheral.
device file A file associated with a nonshareable device (a spool
file). Input and output spool files are identified
by a number in the DFID (device file identification)
column of the SHOWIN and SHOWOUT command displays. A
device file may also refer to any nondisk device,
such as $STDIN and $STDLIST, the default input and
output device files for a terminal. (AS)
directory A system table defining where groups, users,
accounts, and files are located. A directory may
also contain information such as file size, creation
date, modification dates, creator, or security
information. (AS)
disk drive A peripheral device that reads information from and
writes information to the disk.
echo To display on the terminal screen data being typed on
the keyboard. If echo is turned off, the computer
receives the data but nothing appears on the screen.
(AS)
editor A word processing application used to prepare,
modify, or delete text and program files. EDIT/3000
is the text editor used with MPE/iX.
environment file A compiled disk file containing all the
specifications for a printed page of data. These
specifications, which are not a part of the data, may
include the page size, character fonts, and forms to
be used in conjunction with the laser printer. (AS)
error listing A report generated by the system describing the
step-by step processing of the job. (AS)
error message A system message describing errors that occurred
during either an interactive session or batch job.
The messages appear on the standard list device,
which is usually a terminal for a session, or a line
printer for a job.
execute When a command is entered, the computer carries out
the instructions or performs the routine indicated.
explicit When the command interpreter encounters an
dereferencing exclamation point immediately before a variable name,
it substitutes the value for the variable name.
Explicit dereferencing may be used in any MPE/iX
command. See also implicit dereferencing. (AS)
expression A statement consisting of variables, constants, and
operators. (AS)
FCOPY An HP 3000 subsystem that allows the user to copy,
append, translate data from one type to another (for
example, ASCII to EBCDIC), verify, and compare files.
The subsystem is activated with the MPE/iX FCOPY
command. (AS)
file A group of related records that represent either
ASCII text (text files) or binary data (such as
executable code).
file equation A method of equating a file name to a device or
another file. The MPE/iX FILE command is used to
establish the relationship of the file to the device.
Generally used to direct the input or output of a
program, job, or session to a particular device by
referencing the device class, such as TAPE or LP.
(AS)
file name An MPE/iX file name is a string of up to eight
alphanumeric characters, the first of which must be
an alphabetic character. The file name is assigned
when the file is created or first saved.
formal file An "alias" file name that is used either
designator programmatically or in a file equation to reference a
file. The formal file designator is not the file
name found in the system file directory. (AS)
fully qualified A complete file description that includes the file
file name name, the group to which the file belongs, and the
account to which the group belongs. The fully
qualified file name of the LETTER file in the PUB
group of the SYS account is expressed as
LETTER.PUB.SYS.
function keys Special keys on the terminal keyboard that are
labeled sequentially, F1, F2, F3...and correspond to
the windows that appear at the bottom of the terminal
screen. Function keys are used to perform various
activities.
group A group is part of an account and is used to organize
the account's files. All files must be assigned to a
group; and within an account, each group has a unique
name. Groups are the smallest entity for which use
of system resources is reported. A PUB group is
designated for each account when it is created.
Additional groups are created within the account, as
needed, by the account manager.
group librarian GL capability: Assigned by the account manager, to a
capability user within an account. A group librarian is allowed
special file access modes for the maintenance of
certain files within the user's home group.
hard reset A method to reset the computer or a terminal. A hard
reset erases all information in memory. See also
soft reset.
hardware All the physical components of the computer including
the CPU cabinet, tape drives, disk drives, terminals,
and other peripherals.
header The first page printed when output is directed to a
line printer. It contains the session name (if
designated), session number, logon identification,
day of the week, date, and time. It corresponds to
the trailer printed as the last page of the output.
Help facility An online utility providing information on all MPE/iX
commands. Information can be accessed by topic areas
or by task.
hexadecimal A method of representing a single character with a
combination of four bits. Hexadecimal also describes
the base 16 number system, in which the first ten
digits are 0 through 9, and the last six are A
through F. A number written in base 16 is preceded by
a dollar sign ($). For example, $F3 is the
hexadecimal representation for the decimal number
243. (AS)
history stack The history stack is a CI table that contains, by
default, the 20 most recent commands entered at the
system prompt during a session. The history stack is
used with the REDO and DO commands. To display the
commands in the history stack, use the LISTREDO
command.
home group A home group may be assigned to each user. If no
other group is specified with the HELLO or JOB
command, users are logged on to their home group by
default. If no home group is assigned, the user must
always specify a group when logging on. The account
manager assigns the home group when a user's name is
first defined.
HP Desk HP Desk is Hewlett-Packard's electronic mail product.
IF-THEN-ELSE A statement used to determine what action occurs.
statement When the IF condition is true, the THEN action is
performed. When the IF condition is false the ELSE
action is performed. (AS)
implicit A way of substituting the value of a variable in
dereferencing place of the variable name. Implicit dereferencing
may be used with the CALC, IF, SETVAR, and WHILE
commands. See also explicit dereferencing. (AS)
input priority A number in the range of 1 (lowest priority) to 14
(highest priority) assigned to input jobs. The input
priority can be assigned by the system (default is 8)
or by the user. Jobs with an input priority less
than or equal to the system jobfence (default 7) are
deferred. (AS)
integer A data type that is either a positive or negative
whole number, or zero. (AS)
integer value A sequence of digits preceded by a +, -, $, or %
sign. When neither a + nor - sign is provided a
positive number is assumed. A $ indicates a
hexadecimal integer and a % indicates an octal
integer. (AS)
interactive An interactive session allows users to enter commands
and data at the terminal and receive an immediate
response. Sessions are useful for data entry and
retrieval, text editing, or program development when
direct dialog with the computer is preferred.
job A job is a method of submitting multiple operating
system and utility commands for processing with a
single command. Once submitted, the job executes
independently of the user's session. Jobs are used
to compile source programs, modify files, or perform
other functions that do not require user interaction.
See also batch processing and stream.
jobfence A limit established to manage jobs. If a job has an
input priority higher than the jobfence, it executes.
If it has an input priority less than or equal to the
jobfence, it does not execute. (AS)
job file A job file is used to define a job to the system. It
must start with a JOB command and end with an EOJ
command. (AS)
job limit A limit set to manage jobs. The system manager or
operator can restrict system usage by limiting the
number of jobs allowed to run on the system. If the
LIMIT command is used to set the job limit to 0
(zero), no additional jobs can log on to the system.
job listing See listing.
job number A system assigned identification number given to each
job when it is submitted for processing.
keyboard A keyboard is attached to a terminal and used to
input data to communicate with the system.
keyword A word assigned a specific meaning by the operating
system, a subsystem, computer language, or utility.
K file A recovery file created by EDIT/3000, with a name in
the form K#######, where the first three character
(ddd) show the Julian day, and the next four (hhmm)
show the time in hours and minutes when work began on
the files. A new K file is created every time a new
editor file is created or an existing file is loaded
for editing. If a system problem occurs, the data in
the new or loaded file is saved to the K file for
recovery purposes.
laser printer A hardware device used for system output. A laser
printer prints output one page at a time.
LDEV number See logical device number.
line editor A line editor requires you to press Return to end one
line of text and to begin another. EDIT/3000 is an
example of a line editor.
line printer A hardware device used for system output. A line
printer prints output one line at a time.
link To merge a compiled file and its libraries to create
an executable file that allows a program to run.
listing A listing is the output of a job usually in the form
of a printed document.
local mode A standalone method of terminal operation. A
terminal is operating in local mode when it is not
connected to the computer. See also remote mode.
lockword A word used as a security device on files. A
lockword can be assigned to a file when it is created
or renamed, and must be supplied to regain access to
the file. The word may be from one to eight
alphanumeric characters long and must begin with an
alphabetic character. (AS)
logical device An LDEV number is assigned to all peripherals of a
number computer system and is used for identification
purposes.
log off A method of terminating a session. To log off MPE/iX
enter the BYE or EXIT command.
log on A method of initiating a session. To log on to
MPE/iX enter the HELLO command and a valid user and
account name, plus a group name if necessary, and any
required passwords.
log on identity A security device used to verify users to the system.
A log on identity includes a valid user name and
account name in the form user.account.
log on prompt A system prompt (MPE XL:) that indicates the computer
is ready to initiate a session. See also prompt.
magnetic tape A data storage device used to duplicate online data
to offline media. The duplicated data may also be
copied from the tape back to disk. MPE/iX supports
the use of magnetic tape in reel form.
MPE/iX Multiprogramming executive with integrated POSIX: The
operating system for the 900 Series HP 3000
computers. MPE/iX manages all system resources and
coordinates the execution of all programs running on
the system.
$NEWPASS A system-defined file. $NEWPASS is used as temporary
storage for processes such as compilation. Only one
$NEWPASS file may exist during a single job or
session. $NEWPASS is the name temporarily assigned
to any file referenced by $OLDPASS. (AS)
nonshareable ND capability: Assigned to accounts and users
device capability allowing account members to own nonshareable devices
such as unspooled tape drives, line printers, serial
disks, and volumes.
$NULL A system-defined file. $NULL is a nonexistent file
that is treated as an empty file. When referenced as
an input file by a program, that program receives
only an end-of-file indication upon first access.
When referenced as an output file, the associated
write request is accepted by MPE/iX but no physical
output is actually performed. $NULL can be used to
discard unneeded output from an executing program.
(AS)
octal Octal is a base eight number system in which digits 0
through 7 are used. One octal digit can be
represented by three binary digits. Octal numbers
are preceded by a percent sign (%); for example, %775
is the same decimal 509. (AS)
$OLDPASS A system-defined file. $OLDPASS is the name of the
temporary file last closed as $NEWPASS. (AS)
online Data stored in memory that is updated as soon as it
changes and is, therefore, constantly current and
accessible.
operating system A software program that enables the computer to run.
It contains programs such as basic file and I/O
manipulators. All subsystems run upon the operating
system.
optional parameter A parameter that is not required when entering a
command. In MPE/iX reference manuals, optional
parameters appear within brackets ([ ]). (AS)
outclass priority A value in the range of 1 to 13 used to determine if
a job's error listing will print. If the outclass
priority is higher than the system outfence value,
the error listing will print.
outfence A number in the range of 1 (lowest priority) to 14
(highest priority) used to control access to the
system printer. If a job does not have an output
priority higher than the system outfence (default 7),
it will not print. (AS)
output priority A number in the range of 1 (lowest priority) to 13
(highest priority) assigned to an output spool file
either by the system (a default value) or by a user.
The output priority is used by MPE/iX to determine
the order in which files are be printed. (AS)
overwrite A method of erasing and replacing an existing file.
If a file is saved under a name that already exists
on disk, the new file overwrites the existing file.
paging A method to limit the amount of data appearing on the
terminal screen to one full screen ("page") of
information rather than having the data scroll.
parameter A value passed to a procedure, which then uses it in
calculations or to determine operations within the
procedure.
partly qualified A designation identifying the group in which a file
file name resides. A partly qualified file name may be used to
access a file in another group of the account to
which you are logged on.
password A password is a string of predefined ASCII
characters. The system uses the string as a security
device to verify the identity of a user, group, or
account.
path See search path.
peripheral Hardware devices that are attached to and controlled
by the computer. Peripherals include terminals, disk
drives, or printers.
permanent file A permanent file is stored on disk and has an entry
identifying it in the system directory. To delete a
file from the system, use the PURGE command. (AS)
printer A hardware device used for system output. There are
various types of printers available for use with
MPE/iX, including line printers and laser printers.
program A program is a sequence of instructions that tells
the computer how to perform a specific task.
programmer A person who writes sets of instructions (programs)
telling the computer how to perform a specific task.
(AS)
prompt A character(s) displayed on the terminal screen,
indicating that the system is ready for a command.
The default system prompt is a colon (:). Other
subsystems have different prompts. See also log on
prompt.
PUB group The public group of an account. Programs and files
available to all account users reside here.
PUB.SYS The public group of the system account. Programs and
applications available to all users of the system
reside here.
queue A job management technique. Jobs waiting in a line
(queue) are usually processed on a first in, first
out basis or by priority, if specified. For example,
the output produced by a program is generally stored
on disk in a queue until a printer becomes available.
As each output is printed, the next job in priority
is selected and processed.
quiet mode When a session is running in quiet mode, messages
sent from other jobs or sessions are not displayed on
the terminal screen. Warning messages from the
system console override quiet mode and are displayed
on the terminal screen.
record A collection of data treated as a unit, residing in a
file. (AS)
recursion The ability of a procedure or function to call
itself.
redo stack See history stack.
reexecute A second or subsequent execution of a command.
remote mode A method of terminal operation. A terminal is
operating in remote mode when it is transmitting to
and receiving data from a remote (or host) computer.
See also local mode.
required parameter A parameter that is required when entering a command.
In MPE/iX reference manuals, required parameters
appear within braces ({ }). (AS)
RESTORE subsystem A system utility program allowing the retrieval of
user files from SYSGEN or Store tapes and writing
them to disk. The RESTORE subsystem is activated
with the RESTORE command. (AS)
save file SF capability: Assigned to users and accounts
capability allowing users to save the files that they create.
scheduling A method of determining when a job will be processed
by the computer. Jobs are scheduled using the STREAM
command.
scroll A way to roll data up or down on the terminal screen.
search path The hierarchy by which MPE/iX searches the system for
UDCs, commands, programs, and command files. When
you enter a command at the system prompt the standard
MPE/iX search path is UDCs first, MPE/iX commands
second, and file names (including command files and
programs) last. (AS)
security MPE/iX provisions to protect the system from
unauthorized use. The most basic level of security
includes organizing files into groups and users into
accounts, both of which may be assigned a password.
Security also refers to the ability to read, write,
append, lock, save, and execute files. Assigned to
accounts by the system manager and to groups and
users by the account manager.
session An interactive way of communicating with a computer.
In a session, commands are entered by way of the
keyboard, and the computer responds with an action or
a message to the terminal's screen. A session is
initiated with the HELLO command and is terminated
with the BYE command.
session limit The maximum number of sessions allowed to log on at
any given time. This is set with the LIMIT command.
(AS)
session name An optional identification method for a session. A
session name is specified when logging on in the form
session,user.account.
session number A system assigned identification number given to each
new session as it is logged on to the system.
soft keys See function keys.
soft reset A method of resetting a computer or terminal. A soft
reset initializes various terminal functions but does
not reset the memory. See also hard reset.
software A set of computer instructions. Software programs
are concerned with the operation of a computer and
provide it with instructions on how to perform
specific operations.
SORT-MERGE/iX An MPE/iX utility program. The SORT program allows
you to sort data alphabetically or numerically. The
MERGE program allows you to combine previously sorted
data into a new file.
source code A file(s) containing the instructions of a program.
It must be compiled into machine-readable data
(object code) and linked before it can be executed by
the computer. (AS)
spool file A file on a storage device (usually a disk drive)
that is either spooled from an input device or
spooled to an output device. Spool Files may be in
any of the following states: OPEN, ACTIVE, READY,
CREATE, PRINT, DEFER, SPSAVE, PROBLM, DELPND, or
XFER. These states describe different stages of the
spooling process depending upon whether the file is
an input or an output spool file. (AS)
spooling A method of managing jobs. Multiple users can send
output to a nonshareable device, such as a tape or
line printer, and their output is directed to spool
files on disk. The output is printed on a priority
basis as the printer becomes available. Users can
proceed with other processing activities without
waiting for the printer.
standalone See local mode.
$STDIN A system-defined file name. $STDIN refers to the
standard input device used to initiate a session or
job; usually a terminal or tape drive. (AS)
$STDLIST A system-defined file name. $STDLIST indicates the
standard job or session listing file corresponding to
the particular input device being used. The listing
device is usually a printer for batch jobs and a
terminal for sessions. (AS)
STORE subsystem An HP 3000 subsystem used to save files to magnetic
tape. The Store subsystem is executed by using the
STORE command. (AS)
stream A method of running a batch job. A batch job is
initiated from a session or a job by using the STREAM
command. Once a job is streamed, it executes as a
separate process without any further user input or
supervision.
string value A sequence of characters surrounded by quotation
marks. (AS)
subcommand A command performed under another command. For
example, the EDIT/3000 MODIFY command enables you to
use the D (delete), I (insert), and R (replace)
subcommands.
subsystem A system supported utility or program. MPE/iX
subsystems include FCOPY, SORT-MERGE/XL, and
EDIT/3000.
syntax A set of rules defining the structure of a language,
instruction, or command.
SYS account A special account on the 900 Series HP 3000 that is
included with the system when it is first installed.
It contains all the files for system supported
subsystems, utility programs, and compilers.
system console See console.
system-defined Files defined by MPE/iX and made available to all
files users. They indicate standard input or output
devices, special temporary files, and files opened
for output that do not perform an actual write
operation. (AS)
system-defined Command interpreter variables are used to store
variables system assigned information. MPE/iX system-defined
variables usually begin with the letters "HP". They
have a string, integer, or Boolean value. (AS)
system manager SM capability: A user-assigned system manager
capability capability is responsible for installing the
computer, creating accounts, and assigning
capabilities and resource limits to each account
created.
system operator A user associated with the system console. The
system operator monitors the system console and uses
it to manage jobs and sessions, store and restore
data, and perform system backups.
system processing SPU: The SPU contains all the components of the
unit computer system including the central processing
unit. SPU does not refer to the system console or
any other peripheral devices. See also central
processing unit.
system prompt See prompt.
tape density Tape density is measured in bits-per-inch.
Hewlett-Packard supported tape densities are 800,
1600, and 6250 bits-per-inch. (AS)
tape drive A hardware device used to store and restore data from
disk to magnetic tape and from magnetic tape back to
disk.
temporary file A file that exists only for the duration of a session
or job. There is no entry in the system directory
for a temporary file. (AS)
terminal A hardware device consisting of a keyboard and a
display screen. It is used for entering data to and
receiving data from the computer.
trailer The last page printed when output is directed to a
line printer. It contains the session name (if
specified), session number, log on identification,
day of the week, date, and time. It corresponds to
the header printed as the first page of a document.
truncate To cut off or shorten data. If too many characters
appear on a line, they may not all be recognized by
the system or printed as output.
user A person logged on to the computer. Each user is
identified by a user and account name. A user logs
on to a session and can access files in the logon
group.
user command A user command is a UDC or command file created to
execute one or more MPE/iX commands. (AS)
user-defined UDC: A file, or portion of a file, containing
command user-defined commands. A UDC can be used to execute
one or more specified MPE/iX commands to perform a
specific task. The header (name) of the UDC is
defined before the commands are listed and is then
used to execute the UDC.
user-defined Used to store user-assigned information. Variables
variable can be used to assign a string value, an integer
value, or a Boolean value. (AS)
utility A utility is a system program that performs specific
functions such as copying files, sorting or merging
data, memory dump analysis, or monitoring available
disk space.
variable Variables can be system-defined or user-defined.
They are specified with the SETVAR command and the
values they contain may be constant or dynamic.
Variable names are a string of one or more
alphanumeric characters beginning with an alphabetic
character. (AS)
variable Variable dereferencing refers to the act of
dereferencing substituting the value of a variable in place of the
variable name. See also explicit dereferencing and
implicit dereferencing. (AS)
VERSION A subsystem utility used to display the attributes of
an executable file.
VOLUTIL Volume Utility: A subsystem that allows for the
management of volume sets (disk drives).
Warn message A message sent from the system console to all users.
A Warn message interrupts all sessions on the system,
including those running in quiet mode.
Welcome message A message created by the system operator that is
displayed each time a user logs on to the system. It
usually contains a greeting and important system
information.
WHILE loop A statement used to determine what action occurs.
When the conditions are true, the action is performed
repeatedly in a continuous loop. A WHILE statement
is terminated with an ENDWHILE statement. (AS)
wildcard character Wildcard characters are used to replace a character
or set of characters. MPE/iX uses the pound sign
(#), the at sign (@), and the question mark (?) as
wildcard characters. Other subsystems may use
different symbols as wildcard characters.
word A word consists of 32 bits (4 bytes) of information
on the 900 Series HP 3000 (MPE/iX). A word consists
of 16 bits (2 bytes) of information on other HP 3000
systems (MPE V). (AS)
word processor A word processor is a utility program that supports
the creation, modification, or deletion of letters,
memos, reports, and other written documents.