====== Glossary ======

Definitions of common terms used throughout the Synchronet documentation. For FidoNet-specific terminology see the [[ref:fidonet_glossary|FidoNet Glossary]].

Terms marked //(historical)// describe the dial-up / modem era. They are preserved here for context — modern Synchronet runs over Internet protocols and does not use serial-line modems at runtime.

===== Alias =====
A handle or pseudonym that a user is known by. Whether aliases are allowed at all is configured per-system in [[util:scfg|SCFG]] → System → Toggle Options → Allow User Aliases. When disabled, all users are known by their real names.

===== ANSI =====
The ANSI X3.64 terminal standard and its escape sequences for cursor positioning and text attributes. Synchronet emits ANSI sequences to terminal clients (e.g. [[resource:term|terminal programs]] like [[howto:syncterm|SyncTERM]]) when the user has ANSI capability enabled. See also [[ref:ansi|ANSI]].

===== Archive =====
A single file that contains multiple (typically compressed) files that can be expanded back to the originals. The most common formats are ZIP (Synchronet's default), 7z, GZ, BZ2, RAR, and ARJ. Archive handling is configured in [[util:scfg|SCFG]] → File Options.

===== ARS =====
[[access:requirements|Access Requirement String]] — a small expression language used throughout [[util:scfg|SCFG]] to express access controls (e.g. minimum security level, required flags, time-of-day restrictions, exemptions, etc.).

===== ASCII =====
American Standard Code for Information Interchange. The 7-bit character encoding for English letters, digits, punctuation, and control codes. Synchronet text is typically CP437 (extended ASCII) or UTF-8 depending on the user's terminal.

===== Baja =====
A scripting language used historically to author command shells and modules for Synchronet. See [[util:baja]]. Most modern modules are written in [[custom:javascript|JavaScript]].

===== Baud =====
//(historical)// An obsolete term for the number of signal-level changes per second on a modem connection. The CCITT now prefers //symbols per second//. For example, a V.22bis connection transfers 600 symbols per second, but each symbol can represent up to four values, yielding an effective 2,400 [[#bps|bps]]. Often misused as a synonym for bps.

===== BBS =====
//Bulletin Board System.// A networked or dial-up service that lets users connect (today usually over Telnet, RSH/RLogin, or SSH; historically over a phone modem) to read and post messages, exchange files, chat, and run online games. See the [[bbs:|listing of public Synchronet BBSes]].

===== BPS =====
//Bits Per Second// (a.k.a. //Bit Rate//) — the rate of data transmission. Historically describing the modem-to-modem rate; now more generally any data rate. Each transmitted byte (8 bits) is also accompanied by start/stop bits in async serial transmission, for a total of 10 bits per data byte.

===== Chat =====
Real-time text communication between users — either line-by-line ([[config:chat_features|multinode chat]]) or character-by-character (private chat). The sysop can also chat directly with a user via the [[module:str_cmds|;CHAT]] command.

===== COM Port =====
//(historical)// The RS-232 communications port on an IBM PC compatible computer through which digital signals were exchanged with a modem (or other peripheral). Either a 25- or 9-pin male connector. See also [[#serial_port|Serial Port]] and [[#uart|UART]].

===== Command Line =====
The complete syntax used to invoke a program — the program path/name plus any arguments. Command lines configured in [[util:scfg|SCFG]] (e.g. for external programs and protocol drivers) support [[config:cmdline|Command Line Specifiers]] for variable substitution.

===== Co-sysop =====
A trusted user with partial sysop privileges. Co-sysops typically hold a [[access:level|security level]] in the 80-89 range, plus selected [[access:exemptions|exemption]] flags granting specific sysop functions. See [[access:sysop|Sysop]] for more.

===== Compression =====
See [[#archive|Archive]].

===== Conference Mail =====
See [[#echo_echomail|EchoMail]].

===== CR =====
Carriage Return (ASCII 13). The character that conventionally marks the end of a line of text, typically generated by the //Enter// key.

===== CrashMail =====
[[network:fidonet|FidoNet]] NetMail flagged for immediate, direct delivery to the destination's network address — bypassing normal hub routing. The CR title-prefix (or the ''F'' [[access:exemptions|exemption]]) controls whether a user may send Crash NetMail.

===== DCE =====
//(historical)// //Data Communications Equipment.// In RS-232 parlance, the dial-up modem that establishes and controls a data link via the telephone network.

===== DCE Rate =====
//(historical)// The data transfer rate between two modems on a phone line.

===== Decompression =====
See [[#extraction|Extraction]].

===== Directory =====
A section within a [[#library|file library]] containing one related set of files for upload/download. Synonymous with //file area//. Configured in [[config:file_areas|SCFG → File Areas]].

===== Download =====
Transfer of a file from the BBS (or another host) to the remote user. The opposite of [[#upload|upload]].

===== DTE =====
//(historical)// //Data Terminal Equipment.// In RS-232 parlance, the device that generates or is the final destination of data — i.e. the computer.

===== DTE Rate =====
//(historical)// The data transfer rate between the computer and the modem on its serial port.

===== Echo / EchoMail =====
A networked sub-board where messages posted on one BBS are distributed to every other BBS that carries the same area. The term originates with FidoNet //EchoMail//. Synchronet's echomail tosser is [[util:sbbsecho|SBBSecho]]; see [[network:fidonet]].

===== EchoMail Program =====
A separate program that handles echomail tossing/scanning when the front-end mailer doesn't do it directly. Synchronet ships with [[util:sbbsecho|SBBSecho]]. Other historical examples: TosScan, Squish, GEcho, FreeMail.

===== E-mail =====
Private messages between users (or between a user and the BBS, or via Internet [[server:mail|SMTP/POP3/IMAP]]). E-mail is stored on the BBS until the recipient deletes it.

===== Escape Sequence =====
A character sequence introduced by an //escape// control code, used to change terminal attributes or cursor position. See [[#ansi|ANSI]].

===== Exemptions =====
Single-letter flags (A-Z) granting a user extended privileges or exempting them from specific limitations. See [[access:exemptions]].

===== External Programs =====
Programs run by Synchronet to extend its functionality — door games, mail tossers, text editors, file archive/extract drivers, etc. Configured in [[config:external_programs|SCFG → External Programs]]. Often called //doors// or //chains//.

===== Extraction =====
The splitting (and possible decompression) of an [[#archive|archived]] file back into the original set of files.

===== FidoNet =====
A worldwide store-and-forward [[#message_network|message network]] originally for dial-up BBSes, still operating today over IP transports. Synchronet supports FidoNet via [[util:sbbsecho|SBBSecho]] for tossing/scanning and [[howto:binkd|BinkD]] (or [[module:binkit|BinkIT]]) as the mailer. See [[network:fidonet]] and the [[ref:fidonet_glossary|FidoNet glossary]].

===== File Transfer Protocol =====
See [[#transfer_protocol|Transfer Protocol]].

===== Flag =====
One of 26 sysop-defined toggle flags (A-Z) per [[access:flags|flag set]] (Synchronet has four flag sets). Used to express custom access controls in [[access:requirements|ARS]] expressions.

===== Front-end Mailer =====
A program that handles inbound/outbound FidoNet sessions and hands off mail/echomail packets to the BBS or tosser. Examples: [[howto:binkd|BinkD]], BinkIT, BinkleyTerm, FrontDoor.

===== Group / Message Group =====
A group of related [[#sub-board|sub-boards]] (e.g. "Politics", "Programming"). Configured in [[config:message_areas|SCFG → Message Areas]].

===== Hardware Flow Control =====
//(historical)// The modem's use of the CTS (Clear to Send) and RTS (Request to Send) RS-232 lines to throttle the flow of data between the computer and the modem.

===== JavaScript =====
The primary scripting language for Synchronet modules and user-facing programs in v3+. See [[custom:javascript]].

===== LAN =====
//Local Area Network.// A group of computers connected in a local environment for sharing data, applications, and peripherals.

===== Level =====
A user's [[access:level|security level]] — a value in the range 0-99 controlling time online, lines per message, and (combined with [[#flag|flags]]) access to message areas, file areas, external programs, and so on. Levels 90+ are sysops.

===== Library =====
A group of related [[#directory|file directories]] (e.g. "Games", "Utilities"). Configured in [[config:file_areas|SCFG → File Areas]]. Sometimes abbreviated //Lib//.

===== Logon =====
The act of authenticating with a user account on the BBS.

===== Message =====
A user-created item in the message base. Messages may contain text, [[custom:ctrl-a_codes|Ctrl-A attribute codes]], and [[#ansi|ANSI]] sequences. Messages are either //public// (posted on a [[#sub-board|sub-board]]) or //private// ([[#e-mail|e-mail]]).

===== Message Network =====
Two or more BBSes sharing public messages, where posts on one BBS are distributed to others. Synchronet supports [[#fidonet|FidoNet]] (echomail), [[ref:qwknet|QWKnet]], and [[network:dove-net|DOVE-Net]] (an IP-based network).

===== Modem =====
//(historical)// A device that //mod//ulates digital signals from a computer into an analog form for transmission over a phone line, and //dem//odulates received signals back to digital. Combined: //modem//.

===== MQTT =====
A lightweight publish/subscribe messaging protocol. Synchronet can publish system events (logons, calls, errors, etc.) via [[howto:mqtt|MQTT]] for monitoring and integration.

===== Multinode =====
A BBS configuration that allows multiple users to be connected and using shared resources (message bases, file bases, chat, etc.) simultaneously. Each connection is a //node// (see [[dir:node]]).

===== Multitask =====
The act of performing multiple tasks seemingly simultaneously. In the dial-up era, running multiple Synchronet nodes on a single PC required a multitasker like DESQview or OS/2.

===== NetMail =====
A private message addressed to a specific user at a specific [[#fidonet|FidoNet]] (or other network) address. Most commonly used in reference to FidoNet.

===== Network =====
Two or more computers connected to share resources. See [[#lan|LAN]] and [[#message_network|Message Network]].

===== NUP =====
//New User Password// — a semi-secret password the sysop sets in [[util:scfg|SCFG]] → System → New User Password to gate new user account creation.

===== Online / Offline =====
//Online// is the state of a user currently connected to the BBS. //Offline// is the state of a node not accepting connections, or a user not currently connected.

===== Post =====
The act of writing and saving a message on a [[#sub-board|sub-board]] (i.e. a public message), as opposed to sending [[#e-mail|e-mail]].

===== Protocol =====
A defined set of rules for communication between two parties. In a BBS context, this typically refers to either:
  * a [[#transfer_protocol|transfer protocol]] for moving files (e.g. [[ref:zmodem|Zmodem]]),
  * a network protocol for connecting users (e.g. Telnet, RLogin, SSH, or HTTP for the [[server:web|web client]]).

===== QWK Packet =====
A compressed file (typically ZIP) containing the new messages, e-mail, bulletins, and a list of new files for an offline message reader. The filename is the system's //QWK ID// followed by ''.QWK''. Created by Synchronet for download by users (and used in [[ref:qwknet|QWK networking]]). See [[ref:qwk]].

===== REP Packet =====
A QWK //reply// packet — a compressed file containing messages or e-mail composed offline by the user with their reader. The filename is the system's QWK ID followed by ''.REP''. The user uploads the REP packet to deliver the messages.

===== Restrictions =====
Single-letter flags (A-Z) restricting a user from specific BBS features. See [[access:restrictions]].

===== RS-232 =====
//(historical)// The Electronic Industries Association (EIA) interface standard defining the signals and voltages exchanged between a computer (or terminal) and a modem (or serial printer). Typically connected via a cable with a 9- or 25-pin male connector.

===== SCFG =====
The [[util:scfg|Synchronet Configuration Utility]] — the [[ref:uifc|UIFC]]-based console program used to configure most Synchronet settings. Run as ''[[dir:exec]]/scfg''.

===== Serial Port =====
See [[#com_port|COM Port]].

===== SMB =====
[[ref:smb|Synchronet Message Base]] — the on-disk format used for both message bases and (since v3.19) file bases. Maintained with [[util:smbutil]], integrity-checked with [[util:chksmb]], and rebuilt with [[util:fixsmb]].

===== Sub-board =====
A single message area within a [[#group|message group]]. Also called a //conference//, //forum//, or //SIG// (Special Interest Group). Configured in [[config:message_areas]].

===== Sysop =====
//System Operator// — the BBS owner/administrator. In Synchronet, any user with [[access:level|security level]] 90 or above is considered a sysop. See [[access:sysop]] and [[access:user_editor|in-BBS User Editor]].

===== Text File Sections =====
Sysop-curated text files made available to users for reading (e.g. about-the-BBS info, ANSI art galleries, news). Distinct from the [[#directory|file transfer]] section: text files are not subject to credit/transfer access requirements. Configured in [[config:text_files|SCFG → Text File Sections]].

===== Throughput =====
//(historical)// The effective rate of data flow for a file transfer, measured in bits per second. Throughput depends on the connect rate plus error-control and data-compression protocols, if any.

===== Transfer Protocol =====
A protocol for moving file content between the BBS and the user's terminal. Synchronet supports [[ref:xmodem|Xmodem]], [[ref:ymodem|Ymodem]], and [[ref:zmodem|Zmodem]] over the terminal session, plus [[server:ftp|FTP]] for batch transfers.

===== UART =====
//(historical)// //Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter.// The integrated circuit that controlled the serial-port I/O on a PC. Each [[#com_port|COM port]] needed its own UART. The 8250 and 16450 were typical; high-speed (9600 bps+) modems often required the buffered 16550AFN. Modern hardware integrates UARTs into peripheral controller chipsets (or eliminates them entirely in favor of USB and Ethernet).

===== Upload =====
Transfer of a file from the user to the BBS. The opposite of [[#download|download]].

===== User-to-User Transfer =====
A file uploaded by one user that is delivered to a specific other user (or set of users), rather than the public file base. Reached via the ''/U'' command at the transfer menu; the destination user retrieves it with ''/D''.

===== See Also =====
  * [[ref:|Reference index]]
  * [[ref:fidonet_glossary|FidoNet Glossary]]
  * [[access:|Access Control]] (sysop, level, flags, exemptions, restrictions, ARS)
  * [[config:|Configuration]]
  * [[history:origins|Origins of Synchronet]]

{{tag>glossary reference terms}}
