Terminals
Terminal is a display device that may be used for entering data online from a remote location and for retrieving data. Depending upon the processing capability, terminals may be classified as intelligent or dumb terminals.
Intelligent Terminal refers to a terminal with its own memory processor and a firmware that can perform certain functions independently. They are usually personal computers, having their own local data processing capability, data storage and input/output capability. For a PC to be a terminal, a communication adapter (may be a modem) is essential. If terminals are communicating to one or several hosts and peers, then a network program is also needed. There are two types of intelligent terminals, namely, General purpose and Job-oriented. The PC is an example of General Purpose Terminal. Typical General Purpose application of terminal is the Internet connection. This is the most pervasive terminal application and comes with modem and browser software. Job-oriented terminals are designed and developed for specific tasks. Typical job-oriented application of terminal includes airline reservation system terminal, a fast forward terminal ATM and a terminal for monitoring of a hospital patient. In such terminals hardware and software are customised to fit the application.
Dumb terminals are meant to enter the data and to receive output from the main computer, as they cannot process data on their own. These terminals are connected to the main computer through a communication link.
