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a device in a computer system designed for input of data and output of information—for example, in man-machine interaction.
Most computer users are some distance from time-sharing computer centers; therefore, they gain access to the computer through terminals linked to the computer by data transmission channels. Examples of terminals include teletypewriters, telephone apparatus equipped with a keyboard for transmitting addresses and commands, cathode-ray tube data displays, and automatic text readers. Terminals are used in systems for automatic control and design, information retrieval, and programmed learning. A distinction is made between terminals designed only for direct data input and output, which sometimes include a memory unit for temporary storage of data, and terminals that incorporate a small computer and are used for preliminary data processing, the solution of problems that are common for specific users, and control of data transmission processes.
Terminals are coming into use in hospitals, libraries, commercial establishments, hotels, and advance ticket sales offices.
REFERENCESWilkes, M. Sistemy s razdeleniem vremeni. Moscow, 1972. (Translated from English.)
Chachko, A. G. Chelovekzapul’torn. Moscow, 1974.
A. G. CHACHKO
terminal(1) An input/output (I/O) device for a computer that has a keyboard and mouse for input and a video screen for output. Older terminals did not have a mouse and used a printer for output. See dumb terminal and ATM machine.
(2) Any entrance or exit node for input or output; for example, a scanner or camera for input or a monitor or printer for output.
(3) A connector used to attach a wire. The wire is fastened by pressure, by a clip of some type or by tightening a screw. See bindings.
(4) (Terminal) A command line interface on a Unix-based computer. The following example from a Mac OS X computer shows two commands; one that switches the current folder (directory) to the desktop and another that lists the files that begin with "X."
Function Unix Command Change directory to desktop cd desktop List files beginning with X ls X*
|The Terminal Window|
|The two commands required to list files that begin with "X" on the desktop are shown in this Mac example.|