splorp . newton . glossary

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The almost definitive guide to Newton-related terms and definitions.

Version 1.0.4

The Newton Glossary has been compiled by Grant Hutchinson, with gobs of help from Paul Guyot and Victor Rehorst. Nothing is absolutely perfect or completely finished, so if you have a suggestion or a correction for the glossary, please send a message to glossary@splorp.com. You can also search for specific terms using the searchable version of the glossary.

New! Go grab yourself a random term from the searchable glossary. Courtesy of Victor Rehorst.

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802.11: A family of standards developed by the IEEE for wireless networking. See also AirMac, AirPort, WaveLan and WEP. Source: GH
ACTFAQ: After Checking The FAQ. A statement made after searching in vain for an answer to a question in the FAQ, but prior to asking for help on the NewtonTalk mailing list. See also FAQ and NewtonTalk. Source: NTLK
Action Button: The small envelope button used in applications to invoke routing functions. When tapped, it displays a picker listing routing actions available for the current item. Source: NPG
Action Names: A contact management application created by Iambic Software which enhances the capabilities of the built-in Names and Dates applications. Also referred to as AN. Source: GH
Action Picker: A listing of various routing actions available for the current item. Activated by tapping on the Action Button. The Action button has the icon of an envelope on it and is sometimes referred to as the Envelope Button or Routing Button. See also Routing and Routing Slip. Source: GH
Address: A binary value specifying where in the memory a chunk of data or code exists. Source: PG
ADF: Application Definition Format. A text file format defined by Revelar Inc. that contains a description on how to display, edit, import, and export the data from an application soup so that the Revelar Connection Utility can handle it.
ADSP: Apple Datastream Protocol. A protocol original designed to facilitate communications between Mac OS computers and Dec Vax minicomputers.
AirMac: A brand name used by Apple in Japan for their version of the 802.11 wireless communication card, the AirPort. See also AirPort, WaveLan, and 802.11.
AirPort: A brand name used by Apple on their version of the 802.11 wireless communication card. See also AirMac, WaveLan, and 802.11.
Alert Box: A view that appears on the screen to warn the user or report an error. Source: NUIG
Alert Sound: An audible warning from the Newton's speaker that warns the user of an unusual or potentially undesirable situation. An alert sound may or may not be accompanied by a notification slip. Source: NUIG
Alias: An object that consists of a reference to another object. An alias saves space, since the alias object is small, and can be used to reference very large objects. Resolving an alias refers to retrieving the object that the alias references. See also Entry Alias. Source: NPG
AN: After Newton. The period of time that has elapsed since the cancellation of the Newton. Generally agreed to be any point after February 27th, 1998. AN is also an abbreviation for the Action Names software package. See also BN and DN. Source: NTLK
ANUG: Arizona Newton Users Group. See also Newton User Group.
API: See Application Programming Interface.
AppleTalk: A routable networking protocol developed by Apple for communications between Mac OS computers and other platforms over a Local Area Network. AppleTalk supports networking layers such as LocalTalk and Ethernet. Source: TE
Application: Software that performs a specific task, such as the Notepad, Dates, and Names. Source: NUIG
Application Base View: The topmost parent view in an application. The application base view typically encloses all other views that make up the application. See also Main View. Source: NPG
Application Card: A PC card that contains an application geared towards a specific use. Application cards are usually ROM-based, and therefore the user cannot modify or delete the data contained on them. Source: MPH
Application Programming Interface: A language and message format used by an application to communicate with the operating system or some other program. Also referred to as an API. Source: TE
Application Signature: A 4 to 10 character designation that uniquely identifies the creator or developer of a Newton application. This signature is embedded in an application when it is compiled into a package. Source: ADH
Arc: A portion of the circumference of an oval bounded by a pair of radii joining at the oval's center. Contrast a wedge, which includes part of the oval's interior. Arcs and wedges are defined by the bounding rectangle that encloses the oval, along with a pair of angles marking the positions of the bounding radii. Source: NPG
Ardis: A defunct wireless data carrier based in the United States. The Ardis network provided two-way data transmission based on radio packet technology. Ardis compatible wireless modems were used in the Motorola Marco Newton clone. See also Marco. Source: GH
Area 51: An easter egg found in the Newton OS which when activated displays the icon for a meeting as a person facing an alien, the icon for an event as a flying saucer, to-do tasks are represented by a robot, and so on. Source: OL
ARM: Advanced RISC Machines, the company that produced the processors used in Newton OS devices. See also StrongARM.
ARMageddon: One of two known NuBus-based cards that facilitated the running of a self-contained Newton development environment a Macintosh. Apple was to have produce these development cards in volume, but they proved to be expensive. It is thought that only about 50 were ever made. Shortly after they were introduced, prototype MessagePads appeared which could be used for development. Special software on the Macintosh was also required to use these cards. The ARMageddon card preceded the ARMistice card. Source: GH
ARMistice: A later version of the NuBus-based Newton development card. See ARMageddon. Source: GH
Array: A sequence of numerically indexed slots that contain objects. The first element is indexed by zero. Like other nonimmediate objects, an array can have a user-specified class, and can have its length changed dynamically. Also referred to as Array Elements. Source: NPG
Array Elements: See Array.
ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit. A VLSI computer chip, custom-designed to perform one or more particular functions. Advantages include fewer discrete components, lower power consumption, and increased reliability. Source: FOLDOC
ASK: Amplitude Shift Keying. An infrared communications protocol developed by Sharp used in Newton devices. See also IrDA. Source: CL
Assist: A function built into Newton device that can automatically perform certain tasks for you. See also Assist Drawer. Source: GH
Assist Drawer: The container view or that appears when the Assist function is called. See also Assist. Source: NBM
AT: See AppleTalk.
ATA: Advanced Technology Attachment. An interface standard generally used for data storage devices.
Auto Dock: The automatic transfer of data between a Newton device to another computer once a connection has been made. Auto docking is activated by grounding one of the Newton Interconnect pins.
Auto-Repeat: The repeated automatic generation of characters that happens when a user holds down a key or presses the pen on an on-screen keyboard. Source: NUIGA
Away City: The emporium that's displayed as a counterpoint to your home city. It defines such information as dialing area, time zone, and so on. Sometimes it is called the "I'm here" city. See also Emporium. Source: NPG
Backdrop: The one application that cannot be closed. The Notepad is the default backdrop on Newton MessagePad device and Newton Works is the default on the eMate, but a user can use the Extras Drawer to make a different application the backdrop. Source: NUIG
Backlight: The Electro-Luminescent Panel which illuminates the display of a Newton device.
Bacon Lettuce Tomato & Garlic: See BLTG.Source: PG
Batman: Code name for one of the original designs of the MessagePad incorporating a car hood-shaped lid. See also H1000, OMP, Junior, and Wedge. Source: AD
Battery Cage: A removable component of a MessagePad which contains the batteries.
Bazooka: Code name of the Newton keyboard. Source: BT
Beam: See Beaming.
Beaming: Transmitting data to or receiving data from another device via an infrared-based connection. See also Infrared and Squirting.
Bezel: A covering or panel on an electronic device. Generally used in conjunction with protecting a visual display or connection port.
Bic: Code name of the second generation Newton prototype. Source: NSSN
Binary Object: A sequence of bytes that can represent any kind of data, can be adjusted dynamically in size, and can have a user-specified class. Examples of binary objects include strings, real numbers, sounds, and bitmaps. Source: NPG
Bitmap: A set of bits in the Newton's memory that represent the pixels of a picture. Source: NUIG
Blinking Line: A flashing line indicating where new text will be inserted. See also Caret.
BLTG: A value found in RAM on a Newton device which is used to indicate whether the globals which live across reboots are valid or not. The BLTG acronym is defined in the Newton development header files and can also be found in the Newton OS source code. As referred to as Bacon Lettuce Tomato & Garlic. Source: PG
BN: Before Newton. The period of time prior to the introduction of the Newton. Generally agreed to be any point before August 2nd, 1993. See also AN and DN. Source: NTLK
Bobby: An application used by a developer to test various portions of a device driver in isolation on a Newton device. See also Lantern.
Book: See Newton Book.
Book Definition File: An output file produced by Newton Book Maker. It is used as input to Newton Toolkit to build a book package or create Newton application help. Source: NBM
Book Maker: See Newton Book Maker.
Book Maker Commands: Text-based commands used to tag and differentiate specific content items in a Newton book sourec file. For example, specifying the title and layout of a Newton book require different commands. Sometimes referred to as Dot Commands. See also Book Source File and Newton Book Maker. Source: NBM
Book Reader: See Newton Book Reader.
Book Source File: A word processor file containing content items tagged with Newton Book Maker commands. See also Book Maker Commands and Dot Commands. Source: NBM
Boolean: A special kind of immediate value. In NewtonScript, there is only one Boolean, called true. Functions and control structures use nil to represent false. When testing for a true/false value, nil represents false, and any other value is equivalent to true. Source: NPG
Brain Wipe: See Hard Reset.
Break Loop: A state of the Newton processor in which program execution is suspended and the Newton accepts input only from an Inspector connection. Source: NTK
Broink: The distinct sound that an eMate makes when the tension spring in the hinge breaks. After an eMate goes broink, it will develop a serious case of Floppy Lid. Source: MOB
Build: A version of a complied program. Also refers to the act of compiling various project files into the executable program.
Bun Warmer: See Bunn Warmer. Source: NSSN
Bunn Warmer: Affectionate nickname for some of the first Newton development prototypes. So called because of their flat design and heat they generated, similar to the coffee decanter warmers manufactured by the Bunn-O-Matic Corporation. Source: NSSN
Busy Cursor: A graphical signal that the system displays automatically while it is temporarily unable to process user input. Source: NUIG
Button: A small graphic object that performs an action when tapped. See also Picture Button and Text Button. Source: NUIG
Button Bar: A thick black line with buttons on it. Can also refer to the set of icon buttons found at the bottom of the Newton screen used to launch commonly used applications. See also Soft Button and Hard Button. Source: NUIG
Button Host: An application that receives buttons from another application known as a button provider. Source: NPG
Button Provider: An application that adds a button to another application known as the button host. Source: NPG
Byte Code: The hardware-independent instructions that are interpreted when a NewtonScript function executes. Source: NTK
C++ Heap: One part of reserved memory used specifically by native program functions. Sometimes this part of the heap is confused with all parts of reserved memory which are not part of the NewtonScript Heap. See also Heap and NewtonScript Heap. Source: PG
Cadillac: Code name of the first fully designed, tablet-style Newton prototype. See also Figaro, Mont Blanc, and Senior. Source: NSSN
Call Slip: An input container for recording data associated with a telephone call. See also Calls.
Callback Spec: A frame passed as an argument to an endpoint method. The callback spec frame contains slots that control how the endpoint method executes, along with a completion method that is called when the endpoint operation completes. See also Output Spec. Source: NPG
Calligrapher: The cursive handwriting recognition system found in all Newton devices except the eMate. Calligrapher was also used as the print recognizer in NOS 1.x Newton devices. See also Cursive Recognizer.
Calls: The built-in application for making and storing information about telephone calls. See also Call Slip.
Card: Short for a PCMCIA card. Also, a view of information about an entry in the Names soup, formatted as a business card. Source: NPG
Caret: A symbol (^) displayed where the Newton will next insert text that a user writes, prints, or types. He caret symbol is only used in the 2.x versions of the Newton OS. Earlier versions used a blinking line to indicate where new text would be inserted. See also Blinking Line, Carrot, and Gesture. Source: NUIG
Carrot: What the Caret symbol is mistakenly called in the NetHopper User Guide. Perhaps the fault of a renegade spell checker. See Caret. Source: NH
CDIL: Communication Desktop Integration Layer. A code layer that provides a stream based interface for exchanging data with Newton devices over a variety of communications services. See also Desktop Integration Library. Source: PN
Character: Any symbol that has a widely understood meaning and thus can convey information. Some characters - such as letters, numbers, and punctuation - can be displayed on the Newton, faxed, sent in an e-mail message, and printed on a printer. Source: NUIG
Checkbox: A standard Newton control that displays a setting, either checked (on) or unchecked (off). Tapping a checkbox or its text label reverses its setting. One or more checkboxes can be checked. Compare to Radio Button. Source: NUIG
Child: A frame that references another its parent frame. With regard to views, a child view is enclosed by its parent view. See also Parent. Source: NPG
Cigarette Pack: A nickname for the original Newton fax modem. So called because its dimensions were similar to that of a package of cigarettes. Source: GH
Cirrus: See Voyager.
Clank: The sound made by the Newton device after scrolling to the end of a boxed list of text items, generally when using local scroll arrows. Referred to as Clanking in the NetHopper User Manual. See also Local Scroll Arrows and Scrolling List. Source: NH
Clanking: See Clank. Source: NH
Claris XTND: See XTND. Source: GH
Class: A symbol that describes the data referenced by an object. Arrays, frames, and binary objects can have user-defined classes. Source: NPG
Classroom Exchange: Software that allows the connection one or several eMate devices to a Mac OS computer and transfer information between the eMate devices and the computer simultaneously. See also eMate 300.
Clone: A Newton device manufactured by a third party company using licensed technology licensed from Apple. Examples of Newton clones include the Sharp ExpertPad, the Motorola Marco, and the Digital Ocean Tarpon. Source: GH
Close: To make a container view go away by tapping the Close box. Source: NUIG
Close Box: A small square box with an X inside, located in the lower right corner of a container view. Tapping it closes the container view. Compare to Large Close Box. Source: NUIG
Cold Boot: A method of resetting a Newton device that erases all data, removes any System Update installed, and sets the Newton OS back to factory defaults. Requires the removal of all power sources to the Newton device. See also Deep Reset, Soft Reset, Hard Reset, Power Reset, and System Reset. Source: NFAQ
Command: An instruction that causes the Newton or a device connected to it to perform some action. The user issues a command by tapping a button or choosing an item from a picker. Source: NUIG
Confirmation Slip: A view that appears on-screen to have the user confirm or cancel an action that may have far-reaching consequences. Source: NUIG
Connection: The built-in application used to perform the action of connecting or docking to another computer. In Newton 2.1, the same application is named Dock. See also Dock.
Constant: A value that does not change. In NewtonScript the value of the constant is substituted wherever the constant is used in code. Source: NPG
Container View: A framed object that displays information (text, graphics, or both) and may contain controls that the user operates by tapping, as well as areas where the user can write and draw. Source: NUIG
Content Command: A Newton Book Maker command that defines a content item, such as text or graphics, to be displayed on a Newton device. Source: NBM
Content Flag: A flag that modifies an individual content item; most flags in the Newton Book Maker language are content flags. Source: NBM
Context Sensitive: Describes an application that can adjust its actions according to the current situation. For example, an application with context-sensitive user input adjusts handwriting recognition according to the type of field (name, date, time, number, phone number, and so on). Source: NUIG
Control: An object in a container view that a user can manipulate with a pen to cause instant action with visible results or to change settings to modify a future action. Source: NUIG
Copperfield: The internal system code name for the built-in book reader application. See also Newton Book Reader. Source: PG
CPU: Central Processing Unit. The primary computing part of a digital device. In conjunction with a timing circuit and memory, makes up a computer. Source: TE
Crib: Code name for the MessagePad 110/120/130 charging cradle. Also referred to as the Lindy Crib. See also Lindy. Source: VR
Cursive Recognizer: The algorithmic component of the hand writing recognition system that identifies written or calligraphic characters. See also Calligrapher and Print Recognizer.
Cursor: An object returned by the Query method. The cursor contains methods that iterate over a set of soup entries meeting the criteria specified in the query. The addition or deletion of entries matching the query specification is automatically reflected in the set of entries referenced by the cursor, even if the changes occur after the original query was made. Source: NPG
Dante: Code name of the MessagePad 130 device and according to some sources, the Newton OS version 2.0. See also Quark. Source: BT
DataDef: See Data Definition. Source: NPG
Data Definition: A frame containing slots that define a particular type of data and the methods that operate on it. The entries defined are used by an application and stored in its soup. A data definition is registered with the system. The shortened term dataDef is sometimes used. See also View Definition. Source: NPG
Data Form: A symbol that describes the transformations that must occur when data is exchanged with other environments. When you send data or set endpoint options, the data form defines how to convert the data from its NewtonScript format. When you receive data or get endpoint options, the data form defines the type of data expected. Source: NPG
Data Link Layer: The layer in device communications that translates data into a format that can be used with a specific hardware device. Devices using the data link layer on the Newton are typically PC cards. For example, the Lantern Driver can interface an ethernet PC Card to the Newton OS. See also Device Driver and Lantern Driver. Source: PG
Database: A set of related files that is created and controlled by a software-based management system. Source: TE
Date Book: See Dates.
DateMan: A Newton application created by Standalone Software which works in conjunction with Names and Dates to give an overall view of your entire agenda. Also referred to as DM. Source: GH
Dates: The built-in application for recording and viewing appointments and calendar notes, setting alarms, entering repeating events, and keeping a to-do list. See also Meeting. Source: NUIG
Daughterboard: A small, secondary circuit board that generally is attached to the main logic board. The daughterboard in a Newton device contains the ROM chips.
DB: See Database.
DDK: See Driver Developer Kit.
Declaring A Template: Registering a template in another view (usually its parent) so that the template's view is preallocated when the other view is opened. This allows access to methods and slots in the declared view. Source: NPG
Deep Reset: A method of resetting a Newton device by pressing and holding the Reset button. A deep reset resets at a slightly lower level than a Soft Reset and does not cause any data loss. Also referred to as a Hardware Reset. See also Cold Boot, Hard Reset, Soft Reset, Power Reset, and System Reset. Source: NFAQ
Default Action: The completion action that users are most likely to take among the safe alternatives in the key view. Source: NUIGA
Deferred Recognition: The process of recognizing an ink word that was drawn by the user at an earlier time. Usually initiated when the user double-taps on an ink word. Deferred recognition was introduced with Newton OS 1.3. See also Ink and Ink Word. Source: NPG
Denali: The alternate code name for the dynamic programming language developed at Apple that was to run on the original Newton platform. See also Dylan and Ralph. Source: AOM
Desktop: See Desktop Computer.
Desktop Computer: Either a Mac OS or Windows-based computer. Sometimes called simply a Desktop. Source: NPG
Desktop Integration Library: A collection of code which allows developers of applications for desktop operating systems to directly synchronize data between their applications and a Newton device. See also CDIL, FDIL, HLFDIL, and PDIL. Source: PN
Development Verification Test: An late stage engineering prototype of a piece of hardware very close in specifications to a final product device. Source: NFAQ
Device Driver: A software program that facilitates the connection of a peripheral device to an operating system. See also Lantern Driver and Data Link Layer.
DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A protocol that dynamically allocates IP addresses to computers on a network.
DIL: See Desktop Integration Library.
Dimmed: Describes words or objects that appear gray. In a Newton application, text or objects that are disabled or unavailable are generally hidden rather than dimmed. Source: NUIG
DIN: Deutsches Institut fur Normung. A type of connector defined by the German Standards Institute. Generally used to connect peripherals such as mice, modems, and keyboards to computing devices. The DIN connector found on 1x0-series Newtons and the eMate is a DIN-8 connector, so called because it has eight pins. See also Mini-DIN. Source: TE
DIN-8: See Mini-DIN. Source: GH
Display Area: The portion of a Newton device screen on which information is displayed. See also Non Display Area. Source: NBM
Divider Bar: See Separator Bar. Source: NUIG
DIY: Do it yourself.
DM: See DateMan. Source: GH
DN: During Newton. The period of time between the introduction of the Newton and its cancellation. Generally agreed to be between August 2nd, 1993 and February 27th, 1998. See also AN and BN. Source: NTLK
DNUG: Danish Newton Users Group
Dock: To connect a Newton device to another computer, in most cases to transfer data. The Dock is also a built-in application under Newton OS 2.1 used to perform the action of connecting to another computer. See also Connection.
Document Command: A Newton Book Maker command that affects the book source file. Source: NBM
Document Flag: A flag that affects an entire book source file, such as the noReLayout flag. Source: NBM
Dongle: A serial adapter that plugs into the propriatary Newton InterConnect port converting it to a standard DIN-type connector. See also DIN, Mini-DIN, Dongle Destoyer, and Newton InterConnect. Source: GH
Dongle Destroyer: A physical modification to a 2x00 series Newton device which adds a standard serial port alongside the proprietary Newton InterConnect port. So named because it eliminates the need for the infamous serial Dongle. The two serial connections cannot be used at the same time. See also Newton InterConnect. Source: GH
Dot Commands: Another name for the book commands used to tag content items in a Newton book source file. So called because the commands must appear beginning with a period or dot. See also Book Commands, Book Source File, and Newton Book Maker. Source: NBM
Double Tap: To touch the same spot, or nearly the same spot, twice in rapid succession with the pen. Source: NUIG
Drag: To place the pen on a movable object, slide the pen to move the object, and lift the pen to stop moving the object. Source: NUIG
Drag Handle: A small control that a user can drag to move a container view. It is a small black tab with a central hole, and is centered in the view's top border. Source: NUIG
DRAM: Dynamic Random Access Memory. A memory chip that requires power to hold its content. Typically uses one transistor and a capacitor to represent a bit. The capacitors must be energized hundreds of times per second in order to maintain the charges. See also SRAM and Flash RAM. Source: TE
Drawer: A container view that slides open and closed at the bottom of another container view. Source: NUIG
Driver: See Device Driver.
Driver Developer Kit: A set of software routines, tools, and libraries help programmers create device drivers.
DTMF: Dual Tone Multi-Frequency. The technical term describing Touch Tone dialing. Basically the combining of two tones, one low frequency and one high frequency. Source: TE
DTS: Developer Technical Services. A group within the Apple organization which provides technical support and programming tools for third party software and hardware developers. Also referred to as Developer Technical Support. Source: GH
DVT: See Development Verification Test
Dylan: The high-level dynamic programming language developed at Apple that was to run on the original Newton platform. Known for being slow and difficult to write programs with. Also referred to as Ralph. See also Denali, Junior, and Senior. Source: DG
Dynamic Language: See Dylan.
Edit: To change or modify. For example, to insert, remove, replace, or move text. Source: NUIG
EEPROM: Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. A memory chip that is programmable, reusable, and able to hold its content until erased using electric current. Source: TE
Egg Freckles: An easter egg found in the Newton OS which when activated displays an image from a Doonesbury cartoon lampooning the accuracy of the early Newton hand writing recognition.
EL: See Electro-Luminescent Panel.
Electro-Luminescent Panel: An illumination technology consisting of a thin film phosphor layer sandwiched between a substrate. When charged, the phosphor in that emits visible light. The ELP in the Newton has a distinguishing bright green color. Source: TE
Electronic Ink: The marks a user sees as the user writes or draws on the screen, as opposed to the typeset words or regular shapes the system displays when it recognizes the user's writing or drawing. Source: NUIG
ELP: See Electro-Luminescent Panel.
eMate: See eMate 300.
eMate 300: A translucent, clamshell-cased Newton device with a built-in keyboard. Primarily aimed at the educational market.
Emporium: The permanent internal descriptions of places the user works with a Newton device. (Home and Office are obvious examples, but so might be "Tokyo Office" if the user travels a lot.) Choosing an emporium sets up information such as local area code, dialing prefixes, time zone, and so on. This term is sometimes called "locale." The plural is "emporia." Also known as Work Site. Source: NPG
Endpoint: A type of communications connection such as a serial connection, modem, infrared beam, or AppleTalk network. Also an object created from protoBasicEndpoint, or one of its derivative protos, that controls a real-time communication session. This object encapsulates and maintains the details of the specific connection, and allows you to control the underlying communication tool. Source: NPG
Endpoint Option: An endpoint option is specified in a frame passed in an array as an argument to one of the endpoint methods. Endpoint options select the communication tool to use, control its configuration and operation, and return result code information from each endpoint method call. Source: NPG
Engineering Verification Test: An early engineering prototype of a piece of hardware. Source: NFAQ
Enroute: An integrated Newton-based internet email package developed by Netstrategy Software and bundled with most Newton devices running Newton OS 2.x. Also referred to as EnRoute Inet. Source: ER
Enroute Inet: See EnRoute. Source: ER
Entry: A frame stored in a soup and accessed through a cursor. An entry frame contains special slots that identify it as belonging to a soup. Source: NPG
Entry Alias: An object that provides a standard way to save a reference to a soup entry. Entry aliases themselves may be stored in soups. Source: NPG
Enumerated Dictionary: A list of words that can be recognized when this dictionary is enabled. See also Lexical Dictionary. Source: NPG
Envelope Button: See Action Picker. Source: NTLK
EOP: End of packet indicator. Source: NPG
EPROM: Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. A memory chip that is programmable, reusable, and able to hold its content until erased under ultraviolet light. Source: TE
Espy: One of the default fonts used on the Newton. Derived from the Espy family of sans serif typefaces originally found in Apple's doomed eWorld online service. See also eWorld. Source: GH
Evaluate Slot: A slot that's evaluated when Newton Toolkit compiles the application. Source: NPG
Event: An entry in the Dates application for a day, but not a particular time during that day. field An area in a view where a user can write information. Source: NPG
EVT: See Engineering Verification Test
eWorld: Apple's one time foray into the realm of consumer online service. Based on the same operational platform as America Online, eWorld offered a wealth of electronic publications and services targeted mainly at Apple customers. See also Espy and HideE. Source: GH
Expando: An input area that expands when tapped to become large enough for writing. Source: NUIG
ExpertPad: A Newton clone developed by Sharp Electronics. Two versions of the ExpertPad were produced, the ExpertPad 7000 which is equivalent to a Newton OMP and the ExpertPad 7100 which is equivalent to a MessagePad 100. See also Clone. Source: TNC
Extension: A package that adds some sort of functionality to the operating system or other packages.
External Store: An external memory card that stores packages and user data.
Extras Drawer: A built-in container view that displays named picture buttons a user can tap to open applications. field One item of data input. Also, the place in a container view where a user can input a data item by tapping, typing, writing, or drawing. Source: NUIG
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions. A moderated and frequently updated document containing answers to common questions, as well as historical, technical, or esoteric information pertaining to a particular subject. The Newton FAQ is one such document. See also ACTFAQ. Source: GH
FDIL: Frame Desktop Integration Layer. A code layer responsible for the management of NewtonScript-compatible objects, which supercedes the High Level Frame Desktop Integration Layer. See also Desktop Integration Library and HLFDIL. Source: PN
Field: A place in a container view or input slip where a user can enter text-based data. See also Field Label, Input Area, and Input Line. Source: GH
Field Label: A static piece of text which describes the type of content contained within an associated data field. An example of a field label would be the text "Address:" beside an area where the user could enter a street number. See also Field. Source: GH
Figaro: A speculative pen-based tablet computer concept that predated the original Newton project. Figaro would evolve into the Newton Plus device, code named Senior. See also Cadillac and Mont Blanc. Source: AD
Find Slip: An input container that allows the user to enter a term or phrase to be located within the data stored on the Newton device.
Finder: A frame containing methods and/or objects that enumerate data items found to match criteria specified via the Find slip. Source: NPG
Flag: A value that is set either on or off to enable a feature. Typically, flag values are single bits, though they can be groups of bits or a whole byte. Also a keyword that is added to a Newton Book Maker command to enable a feature. Source: NPG
Flash Card: A memory card using Flash RAM chips that can be rewritten and hold its content without power. Also referred to as a Storage Card. See also Flash RAM. Source: TE
Flash RAM: A memory chip that can be rewritten and hold its content without power. See also DRAM and SRAM. Source: TE
Floating Container View: A container view that initially appears in front of all open sibling views. Source: NUIG
Floppy Lid: The net result of the failure of the tension spring found in the hinge of an eMate lid. The tension spring will normally hold the lid and display at any given angle. When the tension spring fails, the lid flops down. See also Broink. Source: MOB
Folder Tab: A control that allows users to select which folder's contents are currently displayed in a container view. The folder tab goes at the top of the container view and displays the name of the currently selected folder. Source: NUIG
Font: A complete set of characters in one typeface design. See also Styles. Source: NUIG
Font Size: The size of a font in points. Examples of font size are 12 point and 18 point. See also Styles. Source: NUIG
Font Spec: A structure used to store information about a font, including the font family, style, and point size. See also Styles. Source: NPG
Font Style: A set of stylistic variations other than size, such as bold, italic, and underline. See also Styles. Source: NUIG
Frame: An unordered collection of slots, each of which consists of a name and value pair. The value of a slot can be any type of object, and slots can be added or removed from frames dynamically. A frame can have a user-specified class. Frames can be used like records in Pascal and structs in C, and also as objects that respond to messages. Source: NPG
Free Form Entry Field: A field that accepts any characters as user input. Source: NPG
Freeze: To suspend the activity of an application or extension package. Freezing a package is similar to removing a PC card that the package is stored on and in most cases should free up memory. See also Frozen Package, Snowflake, Thaw, and Thawed Package.
Freezing: See Freeze.
Frozen Newton: A custom-built, Japanese clear case Newton MessagePad 2100 project.
Frozen Package: A package that has been suspended and is not active. See also Freeze, Snowflake, Thaw, and Thawed Package. Source: HFAQ
Function Call Stack: A virtual stack that contains an activation record for each active function. See also Stack Activation Record. Source: NTK
Function Object: A frame containing executable code. Function objects are created by the function constructor: func(args) funcBody An executable function object includes values for its lexical and message environment, as well as code. This information is captured when the function constructor is evaluated at run time. Source: NPG
Garbage Collection: The removal of objects and other data created by packages that the system no longer uses. Source: HFAQ
Gauge: An object with a marker that indicates an amount, degree, or value in relation to a range of possible values. A user can only read a gauge. See also Slider. Source: NUIG
Gelato: Code name of the MessagePad 120 device. Source: BT
GeoPort: A serial port standard from Apple designed primarily for voice and telephony applications. It is basically a standard RS 422 serial connector with an additional 5V DC pin to power external devices. Source: TE
Gesture: A handwritten mark that is recognized as having a special meaning in the Newton system, such as tap, scrub, caret, and so on. Source: NPG
Glance: A small container view that closes itself automatically after it has been displayed for a brief period. Also, if a user taps the view, it closes immediately. Source: NUIG
Global: A variable or function that is accessible from any NewtonScript code. Source: NPG
Global Data File: A Newton Toolkit file named Global Data, in the same folder as the NTK application, that is compiled once each time you launch NTK. You can place in this file NewtonScript code that you want available from any project. Source: NTK
Graffiti: Software based text input system that converts predefined pen strokes and gestures into character data. Originally developed by Palm Computing.
Grammar: A set of rules defining the format of an entity to be recognized, such as a date, time, phone number, or currency value. Lexical dictionaries are composed of sets of grammars. See also lexical dictionary. Source: NPG
Graphical User Interface: The use of pictures rather than just words to represent the input and output of a program. Will generally include the use of a windowing system, icons, buttons, and dialog boxes to facilitate user interaction. Also referred to as simply GUI. See also User Interface. Source: FOLDOC
Gravity: A drawing feature that causes the endpoints of a newly drawn line to snap to nearby corners and midpoints of existing graphic shapes. Source: NUIG
Green Bug: An affliction which causes an individual to display uncommon affinity for the Newton platform. Source: NTLK
Green Widow: The partner, spouse, or significant other of a Newton user. Source: NTLK
Grip Of Death: A system freeze in early model MessagePads due to a lack of adequate heap space. In later versions of the Newton OS this condition notified the user of a problem instead of causing a system freeze. See also Heap. Source: BT
GUI: See Graphical User Interface.
H1000: The model number of the original MessagePad and the subsequent MessagePad 100. See also OMP.
Hammer: A low-level debugger for Newton development that runs on a Macintosh. Used to debug C, C++, or ARM Assembler code that runs on a Newton. See also Newtsbug.
Hand Writing Recognition: The algorithmic conversion of hand-written text into digital text.
Hard Button: A permanent Icon button found in the button bar at the bottom of 1x0 series Newton devices. Used either to open a built in application such as Dates or to perform a system wide operation such as Undo. See also Button Bar, Silk Screen Button, Soft Button, and RYO. Source: GH
Hard Reset: A technique to completely erase all user installed or entered data from a Newton device. Also referred to as a Brain Wipe. See also Cold Boot, Deep Reset, Soft Reset, Power Reset, and System Reset. Source: HFAQ
Hardware Reset: See Deep Reset.
Heap: An area of memory reserved for use by programs. On a Newton device, sometimes heap refers to specifically to just the NewtonScript Heap. See also C++ Heap and NewtonScript Heap. Source: PG
Heap Space: See Heap.
Heavy Mark: A large dot that appears when you hold the pen down in one place on the Newton screen. Used to start the action of selecting a block of text or a shape. See also Squeak. Source: MPH
Help Book: The file that Newton Book Maker produces when it processes a book source file with the Help Size option checked. Help books are displayed using the Help Browser built into all Newton devices. See also Newton Book Maker and Help Browser. Source: NBM
Help Browser: An outline-based help screen interface that uses Help Book data created by the Newton Book Maker. Generally used to provide information on how to use a specific applications. The Help Browser provides only a subset of the capabilities of the Newton Book Reader. See also Help Book, Newton Book Maker, and Newton Book Reader. Source: NBM
HideE: An application installed on later versions of the Newton which disabled and hid the stationery used to access Apple's discontinued eWorld online service. See also eWorld. Source: NH
Highlight: To make something visually distinct, typically when it's selected. Usually done by reversing black and white areas. Source: NUIG
HLFDIL: High Level Frame Desktop Integration Layer. A code layer responsible for the management of NewtonScript-compatible objects, superceded by the Frame Desktop Integration Layer. See also Desktop Integration Layer and FDIL. Source: NTJ
Hobbit: A code name for the AT&T developed chip originally targeted to be used for the Newton platform. The Hobbit chip was replaced by the RISC-based chip developed by ARM. AT&T went on to use the Hobbit in its own pen-based computer, the EO. See also RISC, ARM, and StrongARM. Source: DG
Home City: The emporium the system uses to modify dialing information, time zone, and so on. It is usually the user's home, but the user may set it to another city when traveling. Source: NPG
Hot Spot: A small unnamed control that responds like buttons when tapped. Usually there are many hot spots in a view, and they can be visible or not. Source: NUIG
HWR: See Hand Writing Recognition
Icon: A symbol that graphically represents an object or a concept. For example, icons in the Extras Drawer represent applications. Source: NUIG
IEEE: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. An organization of engineers, scientists, and students in electronics and associated fields that is involved with the setting of computer and communications standards. Source: TE
Immediate: A value that is stored directly rather than through an indirect reference to a heap object. Immediates are characters, integers, or Booleans. See also Reference. Source: NPG
Implant: A processor accelerator upgrade for Newton devices developed by the Pixsolution Group in Germany.
Implementor: The frame in which a method is defined. See also Receiver. Source: NPG
In Box: A list of items in the In/Out Box application where received items can be viewed, filed, and managed. The In Box is a separate application in NOS 1.x. See also In/Out Box and Out Box.
In/Out Box: The application that serves as a central repository for all incoming and outgoing data handled by the Routing and Transport interfaces. The In/Out Box application is specifically part of NOS 2.x, In NOS 1.x, there are separate applications for the In Box and Out Box. Source: NPG
Infrared: Electromagnetic waves in the frequency range just below visible light. Infrared-based sources and receivers are used in Newton devices for communication with other devices. Source: FOLDOC
Infrared Data Association: An industry body developing standards for infrared data transfer. Source: IRFAQ
Inheritance: The mechanism by which attributes (slots or data) and behaviors (methods) are made available to objects. Parent inheritance allows views of dissimilar types to share slots containing data or methods. Prototype inheritance allows a template to base its definition on that of another template or prototype. Source: NPG
Ink: The raw data for input drawn by the user with the stylus. Also known as Raw Ink or Sketch Ink. Source: NPG
Ink Text: Words written in electronic ink. Source: NUIG
Ink Word: The grouping of ink data created by the recognition system, based on the timing and spacing of the user's handwriting. Ink words are created when the user has selected Ink Text in the Recognition Preferences slip. Ink words can subsequently be recognized with deferred recognition. Source: NPG
InkBar: A collapsible toolbar interface for the InkWell system that allows customization of various preferences. Source: ZD
Inker: A low-level task in the Newton operating system which takes the user input and then draws the appropriate data on the screen. In effect, converting physical pen strokes into electronic ink. Source: DG
InkPad: A simple notepad interface where handwritten input is converted into editable text within the InkWell system. Source: ZD
InkWell: The purported name given to the Mac OS version of the Newton handwriting recognition system. See also Rosetta. Source: ZD
Input: Information transferred into a Newton from some external source, such as the pen or a modem. Compare to Output. Source: NUIG
Input Area: A place in a container view where a user can write or draw. See also Field. Source: NUIG
Input Line: An input area where a user can write one line of text. See also Field. Source: NUIG
Input Spec: A frame used in receiving endpoint data that defines how incoming data should be formatted; termination conditions that control when the input should be stopped; data filtering options; and callback methods. Source: NPG
Insertion Point: See Caret. Source: NUIG
Instantiate: To make a run-time object in the NewtonScript heap from a template. Usually this term refers to the process of creating a view from a template. Source: NPG
Interface: See Newton User Interface and User Interface. Source: NUIG
Internal Store: A portion of the built in system memory that stores packages and user data.
Invert: To highlight by changing white pixels to black and vice versa. Source: NUIG
IP: Internet Protocol. Part of the TCP/IP communications protocol. IP implements the network layer containing a network address, and is used to route messages to different networks. See also TCP/IP and TCP. Source: TE
IR: See Infrared.
IrDA: An infrared communications protocol standard used in Newton OS 2.1 devices. See also ASK and Infrared Data Association. Source: IRFAQ
IrDA-LAP: The link access protocol component of the IrDA communications protocol. See also IrDA. Source: IRFAQ
IrDA-LMP: The link management protocol component of the IrDA communications protocol. See also IrDA. Source: IRFAQ
IrDA-SIR: The serial infrared component of the IrDA communications protocol. See also IrDA. Source: IRFAQ
Item Frame: The frame that encapsulates a routed (sent or received) object and that is stored in the In/Out Box soup. Source: NPG
Item Info Slip: A slip that reports statistics for an item headed by a separator bar. The statistics include the item's title, type, creation date, size, and storage location. A user can change an item's title in the Item Info slip. Source: NUIG
JAE: Japan Aviation Electronics. A company that produces connectors and other electronic equipment components. Supplier of the infamous Newton InterConnect.
Jaggies: A condition where objects and text on the Newton screen appear overly jaggy or bitmapped. Thought to be an electro-mechanical problem between the LCD display and the connector. Source: NTLK
Jumptable: A series of instructions for the microprocessor, each of which tells the microprocessor to branch or jump to another location in memory. Source: PG
Junior: Code name for the final design of original MessagePad device. Also referred to as Pocket Newton. See also Batman, H1000, Wedge, and OMP. Source: DG
K: Code name of the eMate 300 device. See also eMate 300, Schoolbook, and Shay. Source: AD
Kernel: The essential part of an operating system, responsible for operation such as resource allocation and low-level hardware communication. See also Newton Operating System. Source: FOLDOC
Key View: The container view that receives keyboard input and contains the text-insertion caret or text selection (if either exists). Source: NUIGA
Keyboard Equivalent: A keyboard command that is the equivalent of tapping a button or choosing from a picker. Source: NUIGA
Kiosk: A navigational page in a Newton Book. Tapping an item on the kiosk page, such as a picture, takes the user directly to the subject matter it represents. Source: NBM
Lantern DDK: The driver development kit used to write a Lantern Driver. The Lantern Library or Lantern API is included in the Newton Devices package and is required in order to use any Lantern Drivers you write with the DDK. See also Lantern Driver and Newton Devices. Source: PG
Lantern Driver: A data link layer driver which allows Newton applications to use specific hardware (typically an ethernet card) in conjunction with the Lantern Library (incorporated into the Newton Devices package). See also Device Driver, Data Link Layer, and Newton Devices. Source: PG
Lantern Library: See Newton Devices.
LANUG: Los Angeles Newton Users Group. See also Newton User Group. Source: GH
Large Close Box: Behaves the same as a Close box but looks slightly larger to match the standard height of a text button. Source: NUIG
Layout: A Newton Book Maker command that specifies the placement of text and graphics on the page. Source: NBM
Layout Command: A Newton Book Maker command that defines a layout. Source: NBM
Layout File: A file that contains view templates laid out by Newton Toolkit. Source: NTK
Layout Flag: A flag used to modify a layout command; the flag affects any page using that layout. Source: NBM
Layout View: The topmost parent of all other views in a single Newton toolkit layout file. Source: NTK
LCD: See Liquid Crystal Display.
Lexical Dictionary: A list of valid grammars, each specifying the format of an entity to be recognized, such as a date, time, phone number or currency value. See also Enumerated Dictionary and Grammar. Source: NPG
Lindy: Code name of the MessagePad 110 device. Source: BT
Lindy Crib: See Crib. Source: VR
Line: A shape defined by two points: the current x and y location of the graphics pen and the x and y location of its destination. Source: NPG
Liquid Crystal Display: An thin electro-optical device used as the display technology on the Newton and other electronic devices. Source: FOLDOC
Llama: The name of the unofficial mascot of the developer technical support team in Apple's now defunct Newton Systems Group. See also DTS, LlamaDOS, and Newton Systems Group. Source: ADC
LlamaDOS: A software package of dubious utility which provides an alternate input interface for system management on the Newton. It mimics the command line environment of Microsoft DOS. The LlamaDOS name refers to the unofficial mascot of the Newton technical support group. See also Llama. Source: PN
Local: A variable whose scope is the function within which it is defined. You must use the local keyword to explicitly create a local variable within a function. Source: NSPL
Local Scroll Arrows: Scroll arrows used to control a scrollable list of text item within a specific application. See also Universal Scroll Arrows, Scroll Arrows, and Scroll. Source: GH
Long Term Storage: An extended period of disuse of a Newton device or other piece of equipment. Part of the preparation process is to remove the main and backup batteries so as not to cause any damage to the Newton device. Also referred to as LTS. Source: GH
LTS: See Long Term Storage. Source: NTLK
Macintosh Programmers Workshop: A comprehensive collection of core development tools from Apple designed to support C, C++, and assembly-language programmers developing Macintosh software. Also referred to as MPW.
Magic Pointer: A constant that represents a special kind of reference to an object in the Newton ROM. Magic pointer references are resolved at run time by the operating system, which substitutes the actual address of the ROM object for the magic pointer reference. See also Pointer. Source: NPG
Magic Pointers Table: A series of NewtonScript pointers that indicate the location of various NewtonScript objects. This table can be partially replaced by System Patch Pages, allowing a System Patch to replace specific Magic Pointers. See also Pointer. Source: PG
mAh: Milliamp Hours. A unit measuring the amount of electric current used by a circuit in thousandths of amps multiplied by the hours of use. mAh is used to describe the capacity of rechargeable batteries. For example, a battery rated at 1500 mAh can power a device drawing 100 mAh for 15 hours.
Main Logic Board: The primary circuit board holding the processor chip and the system ROM inside a Newton device.
Main View: A principal container view that serves as a center of user operations for an application. See also Application Base View. Source: NUIG
Mapping: The relationship of virtual addresses to physical addresses using the address translation tables in the Memory Management Unit. Source: PG
Marco: A Newton clone developed by Motorola. The Marco featured a wireless modem that used the Ardis wireless networking service. See also Ardis and Clone. Source: TNC
Matte Border: A thick gray border framed with black. Source: NUIG
Meeting: An entry in the Dates application for a specific time during the day. People can be invited and the meeting can be scheduled for a particular location. See also Dates. Source: NPG
Memory Effect: A condition of a rechargeable battery in which it will hold less and less of a charge over time. Source: TE
Memory Info Slip: A slip that reports statistics on the amount of memory installed and available to a Newton device. Source: PG
Memory Management Unit: A computer component responsible for the translation of the virtual address assigned to a chunk of data into the physical (or actual) address of that data.
Memory Page: A segment of memory containing addresses translated by the Memory Management Unit or MMU. A page consists of a group of bytes considered indivisible by the MMU. The MMU for the ARM processor divides the memory into sections of 1 MB, which can then be divided into pages of 4 KB and 64 KB. See also Memory Management Unit. Source: PG
Message: An instruction to execute a method, as in a programmed function. Also referred to as a symbol with a set of arguments. A message is sent using the message send syntax, where the message, messageName, is sent to the receiver, frame. Source: NSG
MessagePad: The base model name of all Apple manufactured Newton devices except the eMate.
MessageSlate: A prototype Newton featuring a larger screen.
Messaging Card: A PC card developed by Motorola that allowed a Newton device to receive and store wireless network pages over various paging systems and news services. Source: MTR
Method: A programmed function. Each method contained in a template processes a particular message for the view that the template defines. When a view receives a message for which it has a method, the Newton executes that method. Also referred to as a function in a frame slot that is invoked in response to a message. Source: NUIG
MI: See MoreInfo.
Mini-DIN: A style of plug and socket generally used to connect serial devices such as keyboards and modems. The serial connector found on 1x0 series Newton devices and the eMate is an eight pin Mini-DIN, sometimes referred to as a DIN-8 connector. See also DIN. Source: TE
MLB: See Main Logic Board.
MMU: See Memory Management Unit. Source: PG
MMU Tables: Information used by the Memory Management Unit which instruct it how to handle the translation of virtual addresses to physical addresses. Source: PG
MoBo: Motherboard. See Main Logic Board. Source: NTLK
Mont Blanc: Code name for the final Newton Plus product design. This device was apparently engineering and tooled for production before being shelved and subsequently replaced by the Pocket Newton, code named Junior. See also Cadillac, Figaro, and Senior. Source: AD
MoreInfo: Software created by SilverWare which seamlessly extends the built-in information management applications of the Newton OS. Also referred to as MI. Source: GH
Motherboard: See Main Logic Board.
MP: See MessagePad.
MP100: MessagePad 100
MP110: MessagePad 110
MP120: MessagePad 120
MP130: MessagePad 130, the first Newton device to incorporate backlighting.
MP2000: MessagePad 2000, also referred to as MP2K.
MP2100: MessagePad 2100, the last Newton device released by Apple.
MP2K: MessagePad 2000, also referred to as MP2000.
MPW: See Macintosh Programmers Workshop.
N2: The code name for the Voyager based platform for licensed, or clone, Newton devices. N2 is the base platform for MP2x00 series Newtons and can theoretically support up to 4 PCMCIA slots, 4 MB of DRAM, 12 MB of Flash RAM, and 16 MB of ROM. See also Voyager. Source: PG
Name Reference: A frame that contains a soup entry or an alias to a soup entry, often, though not necessarily, from the Names soup. The frame may also contain some of the individual slots from the soup entry. Source: NPG
Names: The built-in application for storing names, addresses, phone numbers, and other information about people. Source: NUIG
Names File: See Names.
NAP: See Newton Associates Program.
NASP: See Newton Aluminum Shell Project.
NBE: See Newton Backup Express. Source: GH
NBM: See Newton Book Maker.
NBR: See Newton Book Reader.
NBU: See Newton Backup Utility.
NBX: See Newton Backup Express. Source: GH
NCK: See Newton Connection Kit.
NCQ: An instant messaging program for the Newton. NCQ is compatible with the standard Mirabilis ICQ protocol but only implements a subset of its features. Source: IBT
NCT: See Newton C++ Toolbox.
NCU: See Newton Connection Utilities.
NDB: See Newton Data Browser.
NDC: Newton Developer Conference. A scheduled event periodically held for the Newton development community by Apple. At one time, these events allowed developers to meet each other and learn about the future direction of Newton specific business and technology. Source: ADH
NDE: See NewtDevEnv.
NDS: See Newton Developer Support.
NDU: See Newton Data Browser.
Newt: A nickname for Newton devices.
NewtApp: Newton application programming framework.
NewtDevEnv: Newton development environment created by Steve Weyer. Also referred to as NDE.
NewtDump: A desktop application able to extract In/Out Box messages and Notes to ASCII text using any Windows based desktop computer. Created by Victor Rehorst.
Newties: An affectionate nickname for Newton users. Also an annual award presented by the This Old Newt web site.
NewtIR: An infrared communications protocol based on the ASK standard and used in older Newton devices. This protocol includes extensions developed by Apple which make it substantially faster. Source: IRFAQ
Newton Aluminum Shell Project: A project to explore the possibility to create an aluminum replacement casing for the MessagePad 2100 device. Also known as NASP. Source: GH
Newton Associates Program: A defunct Apple development support program providing low-cost, self-help resources to Newton developers. Also known as NAP. Source: NTJ
Newton Backup Express: Software developed by a fellow named Bob Anderson as an alternative to Apple's own Newton Connection Utilities. It allowed users to backup, restore, browse, and install packages and data on their Newton devices. The software was never officially released and the author has subsequently disappeared. Also known as NBE and NBX. See also Newton Connection Utilities. Source: GH
Newton Backup Utility: Software developed by Apple that allows you to backup and restore data from a Newton device to a desktop computer. Also known as NBU. Source: GH
Newton Book: An electronic document created for viewing on a Newton device. Something referred to as a Newton Digital Book. See also Newton Book Reader and Newton Book Maker. Source: GH
Newton Book Maker: An application that processes a book source file to produce a book definition file. See also Book Commands, Newton Book Reader and Newton Book. Source: NBM
Newton Book Reader: An application built into the Newton OS as a system service that displays and allows navigation through interactive digital books on a Newton device. See also Newton Book and Newton Book Maker. Source: NBM
Newton Bowels: A project instigated by Paul Guyot to document the Newton OS APIs and mechanisms, and to provide related sample code and development tools. See also Application Programming Interface.
Newton C++ Toolbox: A complete MPW development environment for creating C++ code for the Newton. Also see Macintosh Programmers Workshop.
Newton Connection Kit: Software developed by Apple which allows users to exchange information with common desktop applications using a Newton device For use with Newton OS 1.x only. Also known as NCK. See also Newton Connection Utilities. Source: GH
Newton Connection Utilities: Software developed by Apple which allows users to exchange and share information from their Newton device with common desktop applications. This software also offers support for installing packages and using a desktop keyboard as an input peripheral on the Newton. For use with Newton OS 2.x only. Also known as NCU. See also Newton Connection Kit. Source: GH
Newton Data Browser: A desktop application used to retrieve and edit data on Newton devices. Created by Thomas Tempelmann. Also referred to as Newton DIL Tester and Newton Desktop Utility.
Newton Desktop Utility: See Newton Data Browser.
Newton Developer Support: A defunct group at Apple which supplied technical information and support for companies and individuals developing product for the Newton platform.
Newton Devices: A package containing various driver functions allowing communication using protocols such as AppleTalk and TCP/IP. The Newton Devices package incorporates the Lantern Library of driver functions, and other driver APIs. See also Lantern Driver. Source: PG
Newton Digital Book: See Newton Book. Source: NBM
Newton DIL Tester: See Newton Data Browser.
Newton Inc.: A defunct subsidiary of Apple spun out from the Newton Systems Group.
Newton Intelligence: A marketing-focused name for the core Newton operating system.
Newton InterConnect: The unique 26-pin port found on the MP2000, MP2100, and eMate devices. See also Dongle and Dongle Destroyer. Source: GH
Newton Internet Enabler: Software that runs in the background of the Newton operating system, enabling you to access the internet and other information services using a Newton device.
Newton Plus: See Senior. Source: AD
Newton Operating System: Also referred to as Newton OS. The base software control program that runs a computer. The main part of an operating system, called the kernel, resides in memory at all times. Also referred to as simply NOS or Newton OS. See Also Kernel. Source: TE
Newton OS: See Newton Operating System.
Newton Package Installer: Software developed by Apple to allow installing packages on a Newton device from a desktop computer. Also known as NPI. Source: GH
Newton Partners Program: A defunct Apple development support program providing expanded, expert-level resources to Newton developers. Source: NTJ
Newton Personal Data Sharing: A suite of software packages which allow a Newton device to act as an HTTP-based web server. Created by Matt Vaughn.
Newton Press: Software developed by Apple for creating and distributing electronic documents as Newton books.
Newton Print Pack: Originally a serial to parallel converter with built-in ROM-based drivers developed by Apple that allowed you to print from your Newton device to various PC printers. The later version of the Newton Print Pack was software based and could be used with third party converters.
Newton Programmers Guide: The definitive guide to Newton programming, providing conceptual information and instructions for using the Newton application programming interfaces. See also Newton Programmers Reference. Source: NPG
Newton Programmers Reference: A document which provides comprehensive documentation for the routines, system prototypes, data structures, constants, and error codes defined by the Newton system. See also Newton Programmers Guide. Source: NPG
Newton Streamed Object Format: A specific type of data which describes a NewtonScript frame along with everything that it contains. See also Stream File.
Newton Systems Group: The Newton platform development group within Apple Computer.
Newton Technology Journal: An Apple produced publication which supplied Newton developers with information on Newton platform technology, development tools, and marketing news. Source: NTJ
Newton Toolkit: The development environment for writing NewtonScript programs for Newton. See also NewtonScript. Source: NPG
Newton User Group: An organized group of Newton enthusiasts. Sometimes abbreviated as simply NUG. See also AMUG, DNUG, LANUG, and SONUG. Source: GH
Newton User Interface: The standard conventions for interacting with Newton devices. The interface ensures users a consistent means of interacting with all Newton devices and the applications designed to run on them. Source: NUIG
Newton Works: An integrated software application developed by Apple for devices running Newton OS 2.1 only. Functionality includes word processing and drawing.
NewtonMail: An electronic mail system supported by Apple specifically for Newton users. NewtonMail facilitated the creation of a single email account which let users exchange messages with most major online services including AppleLink, CompuServe, eWorld, America Online, as well as via an internet gateway. Source: MPH
NewtonScript: A dynamic, object-oriented programming language developed for the Newton platform. See also WallyScript. Source: GH
NewtonScript Heap: An area of RAM used by the system for dynamically allocated objects, including NewtonScript objects. Source: NPG
NewtonTalk: The NewtonTalk mailing list hosted by Victor Rehorst. Formerly hosted by the Planet Newton web site. Also referred to as NTLK. Source: GH
Newtourage: Software that allows a Newton device to synchronize contact information from the Names application with Microsoft Entourage on a Macintosh desktop computer. Created by John Del Pizzo.
Newtsbug: A low level debugger that is used when programming Newton software in the C or C++ languages. See also Hammer.
NewtWorks: See Newton Works.
NIC: See Newton InterConnect.
Nicad: See Nickel Cadmium.
NiCd: See Nickel Cadmium.
Nickel Cadmium: A rechargeable battery technology that is susceptible to the Memory Effect. Source: TE
Nickel Metal Hydride: A rechargeable battery technology that is not susceptible to the Memory Effect. Source: TE
NIE: See Newton Internet Enabler.
Nil: A value that indicates nothing, none, no, or anything negative or empty. The value nil represents "false" in Boolean expressions; any other value represents "true." Source: NPG
NiMH: See Nickel Metal Hydride.
Nipples: An affectionate term used by the original Newton developers for the small rubber feet found on the bottom of each Newton device. Also called Rubber Nubs. These small components are purportedly manufactured out of Unobtainium, due to the difficulty in locating replacements. Source: DG
Non Display Area: The portion of a Newton device screen between the area where information can be displayed and the edge of the plastic case. See also Display Area. Source: NBM
NOS: See Newton Operating System.
Notable: Software developed by Revelar Inc. which allows users to manipulate Notepad data on a Newton device in real time using a desktop computer. See also Revelar Connection Utility.
Notepad: The built-in application for taking and organizing notes, which may contain text and drawings. Source: NUIG
Notes: See Notepad.
Notification Slip: A view that appears on the screen to warn the user or to report an error. A notification slip may or may not be accompanied by an alert sound. Source: NUIG
Now Up To Date: Calendaring and scheduling software developed by Now Software, some version of which can syncronize with Newton devices. Also referred to as NUD. Source: GH
NP: See Newton Press.
NPDS: See Newton Personal Data Sharing.
NPG: See Newton Programmers Guide.
NPI: See Newton Package Installer.
NPP: See Newton Partners Program and Newton Print Pack.
NPR: See Newton Programmers Reference.
NS: See NewtonScript.
NSG: See Newton Systems Group.
NSOF: See Newton Streamed Object Format.
NST: Newton Software Technology. A generic phrase used to encapsulate all of the technologies, development tools, and training pertaining to the creation of software for the Newton platform. Source: ADH
NTJ: See Newton Technology Journal.
NTK: See Newton Toolkit.
NTLK: See NewtonTalk. Source: GH
NUD: See Now Up To Date. Source: GH
NUG: See Newton User Group.
NWT: The file extension used to identify a Newton Connection Kit workfile.
Object: A typed piece of data that can be an immediate, array, frame, or binary object. In NewtonScript, only frame objects can hold methods and receive messages. Source: NPG
Object Stream File: See Stream File.
OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer. A manufacturer that sells equipment to a reseller for rebranding or repackaging. Source: TE
OMP: Original MessagePad, not to be confused with the MP100 or MessagePad 100 which share the same model number. See also Batman, H1000, Junior, and Wedge.
Option Frame: A frame passed as a parameter to an endpoint method that selects the communication tool to use; controls its configuration and operation; and returns result code information from the endpoint method. Source: NPG
Orientation: The position of the contents displayed on a Newton device relative to the device itself. The Newton can display information in either horizontal or vertical orientation. See also Rotate.
Origin: The coordinates of the top-left corner of a view. The origin can be shifted, for example, to scroll the contents of a view. Source: NPG
Out Box: A list of items in the In/Out Box application where sent or queued items can be viewed, filed, and managed. The Out Box is a separate application in NOS 1.x. See also In/Out Box and In Box.
Output: Information transferred from a Newton to some external destination, such as a printer or a modem. See also Input. Source: NUIG
Output Spec: A special type of callback spec used with an endpoint method. An output spec contains a few additional slots that allow you to pass special protocol flags and to define how the data being sent is translated. Source: NPG
Oval: A circular or elliptical shape defined by the bounding rectangle that encloses it. Source: NPG
Owner: A person who uses the Newton device. Source: NPUM
Owner Info: A slip containing information about owners and worksites that the user of the Newton device has set up. Source: NPUM
Package: The unit in which software can be installed on and removed from the Newton. A package consists of a header containing the package name and other information, and one or more parts containing the software. Source: NPG
Package File: A file that contains downloadable Newton software. Source: NPG
Package Installer: A program that facilitates the transfer of software packages onto a Newton device.
Package Store: See Store Part. Source: NPG
Page: See Memory Page.
Page Script: A NewtonScript script attached to a layout in a Newton Book. Source: NBM
Palette: A small view that provides controls for modifying the contents of other views. The user can move a palette, and it floats on top of other views of the same application, so it can remain open for use in all visible views. Source: NUIG
Palmrest: The bottom portion of the case on MessagePad device where the users wrist is normally situated while entering data. Source: AD
Parent: A frame referenced through the parent slot of another frame. With regard to views, a parent view encloses its child views. Source: NPG
Parent View: A view that contains one or more other views. Source: NUIG
Part: A unit of software, either code or data, held in a part frame. The format of the part is identified by a four character identifier called its type or its part code. Source: NPG
Part Frame: The top-level frame that holds an application, book, or auto part. Source: NPG
Patch: A small piece of code intended to fix or modify a larger software program. See also System Update. Source: GH
Patchable Jumptable: A series of branching instructions directly pointing to native Newton OS functions. These instructions are ordered differently depending on the version of the ROM. This jumptable can be partially replaced by System Patch Pages, allowing system patches to replace specific operating system functions. Source: PG
Path Expression: An object that encapsulates an access path through a set of arrays or frames. Proto A frame that is referenced through another frame's _proto slot. Source: NSPL
PC Card: See PCMCIA
PCMCIA: Personal Computer Memory Card International Association. This acronym is used to describe the memory cards used by the Newton PDA. Newton memory cards follow the PCMCIA standards. Source: NPG
PDA: See Personal Digital Assistant.
PDIL: Protocol Desktop Integration Library. A code layer containing the protocol used to communicate with the Connection and Dock applications on Newton devices. See also Desktop Integration Library.
Pen: The hand held instrument used to enter data into a Newton device. Also referred to as a Stylus.
Persona: The permanent internal description of an individual person that uses a particular Newton PDA, or a particular public image of the Newton owner. The owner is the obvious example, but there can be many others. Choosing a persona sets up information such as name, title, birthday, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and so on. The plural is "personae." Source: NPG
Personal Digital Assistant: A small hand-held computer used to manage various types of personal and business related information. The original term is believed to be coined by former Apple honcho John Sculley. Source: FOLDOC
Personal Information Manager: A software program that stores and organizes data such as names, addresses, and other means of contact.
Personal Interactive Electronics Division: A short lived division of Apple which handled the development and marketing of the Newton.
Physical Address: A value representing the actual location of a piece of data. See also Virtual Address. Source: PG
Picker: A list of choices that appears when the user taps an adjacent text label marked by a solid diamond. A picker may also appear when a user taps a button. The user chooses one of the listed items by tapping it. Source: NUIG
Picture: A saved sequence of drawing operations that can be played back later. polygon A shape defined by a sequence of points representing the polygon's vertices, connected by straight lines from one point to the next. Source: NPG
Picture Button: A control that the user taps to designate or confirm an action implied by the icon displayed on the button. Source: NUIG
Picture Radio Button: A standard Newton control that displays its state, either on or off, and is part of a group in which the user can turn on only one button at a time. A picture on the on-off indicator identifies the kind of setting. Source: NUIG
PIE: See Personal Interactive Electronics Division.
PIM: See Personal Information Manager.
PIN: Personal Identification Number. A unique series of numerals that allows secure access to a system or device. Similar to a password.
Pixel: Short for picture element; the smallest dot the Newton can draw on the screen. On a Newton MessagePad, there are 80 pixels to an inch. Each pixel can be either black or white, so it can be represented by a bit; thus, the display is said to be a bitmap. Source: NUIG
PKG: Newton package format, usually seen as a file name extension on a desktop computer.
PN: Planet Newton, web site home to the NewtonTalk mailing list and download archive.
Pocket Newton: See Junior. Source: AD
Point: A unit of measurement for type. There are approximately 72 points to an inch. Source: NUIG
Pointer: An address, from the point of view of a programming language. A pointer may be typed, with its type indicating the type of data to which it points. See also Magic Pointers Table. Source: FOLDOC
Polygon: A shape defined by a sequence of points representing the polygon's vertices, connected by straight lines from one point to the next. Source: NPG
Poof: The sound associated with the puff of smoke animation which occurs after deleting text or ink drawings by scrubbing with the stylus on the screen. See also Scrubbing. Source: GH
Poof It: To erase something on a Newton device using the scrubbing action, in this case described by Anton Balaban's young son. See also Poof and Scrubbing. Source: AB
Pop-Up: See Picker. Source: NPG
Poutine: A culinary anomaly originating in Quebec consisting of cheese curds and gravy poured over French fried potatoes. Poutine is also a strangely recurrent theme on the NewtonTalk mailing list. Source: GH
Power Port: A connector on the Newton device which accepts a plug from an AC adapter or other external power source. Source: MPH
Power Reset: A method of resetting a Newton device by pressing the Reset button and holding down the power switch. A power reset does not cause any data loss but will reset the power manager. See also Cold Boot, Deep Reset, Soft Reset, Hard Reset, and System R