Chaordic Mind

Someone turned me on to this article on fearing the auditor which made me think of other information sources we might fear.  The author of that article claim there are three types of auditors: the good, the bad, and the ugly (ok, so I paraphrased.)

Variance in individual quality should be no surprise since we see this in just about every industry.  There are a range of skills in just about every profession including penetration testing, auditing, and yes analysts.  So let me propose that there are three types of analysts:

1. Polar Bears: These are people who believe that polarizing the conversation is the best way to improve the industry.  They are masters of the catch phrase and speak only in sounds bites.  They survey a few people and make bold statements that reflect only one segment of the industry.  What they lack in substance and facts they make up for in cliches.
2. Gold Mine Speculators: These are people who do not know what the actual answer is but they speculate, typically in 5-10 year projection statements.  They may be correct 25% of the time but that’s good enough.  If they are correct people call them visionaries; if they are not they pick a new industry and re-speculate.
3. Educators: They understand that there is no one simple answer but that solutions are custom made and long term collaborations.  They are not in the news as much since they are not making polar speculative claims, but they help bring a holistic analysis of the options and present the pros/cons with every statement.

I like analysts but believe that in every profession one should “seek first to understand and then to be understood”.

Yesterday our friend Julie Michell, of CALIBER and ilivehere::sf, had her photos at Secession, a gallery/store event in the Mission.  We went and met a number of great people, one of which is the on-the-spot poet Silvi Alcivar.  She runs a portable business called The Poetry Store where she will create you a poem based on a seed thought/word/idea from you.

She has a cute, red ROYAL typewriter that she types them out on and some great little accessories to put your poem in, ranging from message-in-a-bottle to picture frames.  I chatted with her a while and it turns out not only does she pop up at events around town but also does weddings.  She is forward thinking enough to keep a carbon (literally) copy of the poem in the hopes of eventually publishing a book of them in the future.

Since I’ve been watching the drama-turn-soap-opera Dexter lately, I asked her to write me a poem about secret serial killers.  The following is what she created.

in the night
for mike

secret serial killers come out
with the stars, catching glimpses
of the moon on their knives. with
more stealth than cheetahs
they pierce the necks of their
prey, a tiny imperceptible bite.

silvi
2.12.10
secession

The best part of all is the nice, happy Little Rabbit paper, which looks strangely like Hello Kitty, that it’s typed on.

A friend recently reminded me of something so important to every day life.  He relayed to me the harshness of his life growing up, professionally, and physically.  Putting some of his experience in perspective reminds me that we shouldn’t sweat the small stuff and that (most) everything is the small stuff!  So let’s explore some of the reasons we make decisions and how not sweating the small stuff can help.

Why Do We Act The Way We Do?

One of my favorite written pieces ever is Max Ehrmann’s Desiderata.  I especially like the following note:

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

In life we end up comparing ourselves to others around us, either our friends, peers, or those in the media.  We take on ideas of what life “should be like” and try to “keep up with the Joneses”.  This is both a futile and destructive pursuit and not one that will bring happiness.

To state the corollary of the Desiderata we have a quote from Elbert Hubbard.

“If men could only know each other, they would neither idolize nor hate.”

We are all human.  We experience the range of emotions from love and hate to fear and confidence.  So why is it that we idolize and hate?  I’m sorry, but it’s all just a misunderstanding.

A misunderstanding of what we want, believe, feel is right, or how we believe life should or will eventually end.  To live this way falls to the fallacy of how something “should be”.  So many misunderstandings have been escalated to the point of no return because people project on themselves or others their own ideology with the assumption that others must subscribe to the same.  This is part of what makes us think that we are “right” in situations when there is really just a different of opinion based on different premises.  Why is it that we make life decisions based on emotion?

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

In your day to day life you may consider what’s a Big issue.  Take for example one day.  Make a list of all the Big issues that day.  Then make a list of all the Big issues happening in one week.  Then do it for a month.  Then a year.  One thing you may notice is that as the period of time increases the number of things you consider Big stays the same.  So why are the the same number of Big issues in one month as there are in 12?

The reason for this is that we imagine the intensity of an issue in proportion to the surrounding events.  Given a long enough time spectrum perhaps there are only an small handful of Big issues and the rest is simply small stuff.  This is what my friend taught me.

He taught me that all my current woes are nothing really to worry about.  In the immortal words, “This too shall pass.”  And a great calm came over me.  The moment that occurred I was able to make a more rationale decision based on facts and not emotions.  No longer was there angst or turmoil in my life.   He gave me perspective into what might be a Big issue and my current problems were not that.

So What?

I don’t mean to diminish massive events in peoples life, and certainly they can hit you with full force, but remember that those experiences have now taught you how bad things can get.  Perhaps one day in the future, another event will teach you how minor your current experiences are in comparison.  Life is about a series of ups and downs.  Instead of feeling down, remember that over time these events will pass and be but a faint memory or comical story.

Focus inward, not outward, and you will find true direction, meaning, and fulfillment.

“The real trouble with this world of ours is not that it is an unreasonable world, nor even that it is a reasonable one.  The commonest kind of trouble is that it is nearly reasonable, but not quite.  Life is not an illogicality; yet it is a trap for logicians.  It looks just a little more mathematical and regular than it is; its exactitude is obvious, but its inexactitude is hidden; its wildness lies in wait.”
-G.K. Chesterton

“The whole world of economics is enormously more complex than the world of physics. And therefore the teaching of business schools, including Yale’s, is unrealistic. Even though economics is a very old subject, it has not truly come to grips with the main difficulty, which is the inordinate practical importance of a few extreme events.”
- Mandelbrot

“The sign above the players’ entrance to the field at Notre Dame reads ‘Play Like a Champion Today.’ I sometimes joke that the sign at Nebraska reads ‘Remember Your Helmet.’  Charlie and I are ‘Remember Your Helmet’ kind of guys. We like to keep it simple.”
-Warren Buffett

I cannot deny the fact that 2009 was less than optimal, which I hear is Fedspeak for “oh yeah, it sucked but we got through it.”  In fact, more than getting through it we have found a rebirth and I’d like to share a few of those with you.

1. New Blog. That’s right, I have a new blog wherein I write mostly personal information peppered with thoughts on the professional world around me.  My favorite sections are those no the topics of becoming fearless, becoming immortal, and the ever popular sexy geeks post.
2. Security B-Sides. In 2009 we completed two BSides events: BSidesLasVegas and BSidesBay.  We are starting 2010 with plans for 4+ BSides events: BSidesSanFrancisco, BSidesBoston, BSidesLasVegas, and BSidesAustin.  This is just January.  There are many more plans ahead. BSides is brought to you by the hard working people who make it happen.
3. New Job. I’ve taken a job that, for the first time, I can do from just about anywhere – not just in the US but anywhere around the globe.  That being the case, I am considering taking a page from the 4 Hour Workweek and taking this show on the road.  This year I have a rather lofty goal of ditching the home and living/working 1 month abroad in a country where the cost of living is less than San Francisco, which should not be too hard to find.
4. New Column. I found out today that I’ll be writing a new column for a yet-unnamed magazine.  I need to prepare an editorial calendar and much more.  This is really a small part of a longer term goal of mine which is to write several books.  I have stalled at this in the past but plan on using this new opportunity to spur my ideas.
5. New Conferences. I’m lucky/good enough to know some really amazing people.  This past year brought me to speak at ITWeb Security Summit in South Africa wherein those fun Sensepost guys enabled Hackers on Safari.  I want this year to be another of new events, places, and people.  For the first time I’ll be presenting/attending ShmooCon 2010 and hope to add many others to this list shortly.  (I hope to meet Heidi Potter and appreciate the 0wn the c0n talk.)  Stay tuned here and on twitter.
6. New Webmaster. I’ve taken the role of “webmaster” for the people I camp with (Barbie Death Camp and Wine Bistro) at Burning Man.  I uploaded 10 years of photos to Flickr and got the blog going at barbiedeathcamp.com.
7. New Laptop? Ok, I’m getting small here, but I have been pining over a MacBook Pro for quite some time.  The purchase was not in the stars for 2009 but I’m hoping this year will bring new possibilities. I actually don’t want one of the new Apple Tablet or netbook.  Call me old fashion but I just want a sleek, unibody laptop.

So let’s take a deep breath.  Take one last look back.  And plow ahead into the new year that lies before us.

Good luck and good night.

After reading Violet Blue’s list of the Top 10 Sexy Geeks I thought it only appropriate that we qualify that list and highlight some of the sexy infosec geeks.

It took ignoring large amounts of analytical data and bayesian analysis to bring you a list like this.  We leveraged many hours of questionably reputable consultants to mine the minds of infosec geeks around world.  The result is the following list of the Top 10 sexy infosec geeks of 2009.  (Feel free to disagree or add to the list via comments.)

10. Jeff Moss (Dark Tangent)

Founder of Black Hat and Defcon, Jeff has arguably brought together more information security geeks than anyone else. He was most recently appointed to the Homeland Security Advisory Council and enjoys a comfortable following in both the black/grey/white hat words. Jeff is certainly one of the more well known and certainly connected infosec geeks out there.

09. Justine Aitel

Justine is rumored to be one of the few many women in information security who writes shell code.  She is CEO of Immunity Inc, the creators of the CANVAS security testing tool.  What she carries in her pocketbook might just be the scariest device around.

08. Chris Wysopal (Weld Pond)

Former founder of the L0pht Heavy Industries and author of netcat and L0phtCrack, Chris is a veritable force when it comes to computer security and turning computer hackery into big business.  Chris is currently CTO of Veracode, a software security testing company.

07. Erin Jacobs

Erin has done more than create the controversial  secxy pillow fight at Defcon.  She started the first ever panel (that I know of) about professional image and gender issues in information security.  This brought together women from across the spectrum to raise the level of conversation and its awareness.  In addition she is a musician, motorcyclist, and daytime CSO.

06. Dino Dai Zovi

Dino is a hacker who literally wrote the book, The Mac Hackers Handbook.  In addition to that he won the very first pwn2own at CanSecWest in 2007, was named one of Violet Blue’s Top 10 Sexy Geeks in 2007, and named one of the 15 most influential people in security by eWeek in 2008.

05. Katie Moussouris

Katie knows all about the Security Development Lifecycle and has presented on it at numerous international security conferences.  In addition, she founded the Microsoft Vulnerability Research Program (MSRP) and the Symantec Vulnerability Research Program.  Katie is presently working with the ANSI standards body defining standards for the entire industry.

04. Christopher Hoff

Chris is known for his provocative statements such as Cloudifornication.  He is a sought after speaker on cloud computing and security and one of the few people in the industry who is both smart and a good entertainer. In addition to being sharp in mind he is tattooed tough while practicing Brazilian Jujitsu. He is currently Director of Cloud and Virtualization Systems at Cisco, but better known to friends as Father Cloud.

03. Stacy Thayer

Stacy is the only one in the bunch with a Ph.D.  She founded SOURCEBoston and quickly took it global with SOURCEBarcelona.  Stacy has been connected to the information security industry for some time and creating SOURCE conferences help bring together hundreds and thousands of individuals every year to collaborate and share their common interest.

02. Jacob Appelbaum

Jake can be complicated but certainly is directed towards hardware hacking, cryptography, extreme travel, languages, and photography.  He is currently executive director of the hackerspace Noisebridge in San Francisco.  He works for the Tor project but was formerly a sysadmin for Kink.com. You don’t get more sexy than that.

01. Jack Daniel

Jack is just this guy, ya know.  He looks as sexy as ZZ Top and probably hasn’t shaven his beard since before you were born, but that experience brings with it the tenacity to know true security from common theater. He seems to be everywhere at once and always willing to help people with his guidance, sarcasm, or even sock puppets.

There’s an old poem that was originally meant to imply that “children should be seen and not heard.”  Though that analysis is an incorrect approach, one can apply the following words to so many situations.  This poem stood on the wall of my grandmother’s house for so long.  It’s another one of the items that has shaped me and my adoption of information and friends.

A wise old owl lived in an oak
The more he saw the less he spoke
The less he spoke the more he heard.
Why can’t we all be like that wise old bird?

I believe strongly in the idea of listening before you speak.  Even when you feel that you know what the other person is thinking or feel you are right and need to tell them why, stop and listen.  Only when you fully understand the other person’s premises for debate can you finally engage.  Use the Socratic method.

Remember Mark Twain who said:

Better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.

(Re-post from a carding forum online.  I hope Dave Thomas “El Mariachi” can help clarify any questions or misstatements in this list.)

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Bank-emitent (Issuing bank) -> bank which has issued the card

Billing address -> the card owner address

Drop -> innerman. His task is to receive the money or goods and, accordingly, to give the part of the earnings to you.

Biling -> office, which has agreement with a bank. Also this office assumes payments for the cards.

Card bill -> it’s a Bank emitent card bill.

Bank-equirer -> bank, in which the store opens the account.

Merchant account -> bank account for accepting credit cards.

Merchant Bank -> bank, through which occur the payments between the buyer and the salesman (frequently it is used as synonym “bank-equirer”).

Cardholder -> owner of the card.

Validity -> suitability card using.

White plastic -> a piece of the pure plastic, where the information is plot.

CR-80 -> rectangular piece of pure white plastic (without the drawing image) with the size of a credit card with the magnetic strip.

Transaction -> charege to the credit card

POS terminal (Point Of Sale terminal) -> reading card device, which stands at commercial point.

PIN-code -> the sequence, which consists of 4-12 numbers. It is known only to the owner of card. By simple words password for the work with ATM and so on.

AVS -> the card owner address checking. It is used for the confirmation of the card belonging exactly to its holder.

“Globe” -> card holographic gluing with the image of two hemispheres (MasterCard).

Pigeon (hen) -> card holographic gluing with the image of the flying pigeon (VISA).

Reader -> information reading device for the readout from the magnetic strip of card.

Encoder -> read/write device for the magnetic track of the card.

Embosser -> card symbol extrusion device.

Card printer -> card information printing device.

Exp.date -> card validity period.

Area code -> the first of 3 or 6 numbers of the card owner phone.

CVV2, cvv, cvn -> 3 or 4 additional numbers, which stand at the end of the number of card.

ePlus -> program for checking the cards.

BIN -> first 6 numbers of the card number due to those it is possible to learn what bank issued out the card and what is the type of this card (ATM-card, credit, gold, etc.). Synonym of word “Prefix”.

Chargeback -> the cardholder’s bank voids the removal of money from its card.

Dump -> information, which is written to the magnetic strip of the card, it consists of 1,2 or 3 tracks.

Track (road) -> a part of the dump with the specific information. Every 1-st track is the information about the owner of the card, 2-nd track -> information about the owner of card, about the bank issued the card, etc. 3-rd track -> it is possible to say -> spare, it is used by stores for the addition of the points and other.

Slip -> synonym to the word “cheque” (conformably to card settlings).

Card balance -> money sum that finding on the card account.
MMN Mothers Maiden Name, important if you want to change the billing address

Parking (parked) -> Installing device

Lips -> Reader

Jacket (dress jacket) -> Installing reader on ATM

Trousers -> Pinpad

Dress trousers -> Installing pinpad on ATM

Ironing jacket -> Charging battery of reader

Ironing trousers-Charging battery of pinpad

Cover -> Big panel, on which pinpad placing

Piece of iron , box, parking -> ATM

Stuff -> Cards or tracks

Second step -> Cashing

Institute -> Bank (like Finance institute)

Observer -> Person, who take care of all working

Fitter -> Person, who install and take off device

Inhabitant -> Cardholders

Side-show -> Time of device working (ex: today a lot of inhabitant on side-show)

Sofa -> Model of ATM

Citroen -> Model of ATM

Flat -> Model of ATM

Toothed -> Model of ATM

Disco -> Model of ATM

Tourists -> Group of workers who must install device

Chief -> Head of group

Harvest -> Stuff from one ATM

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SOME OTHER TERMS:
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Automated Clearing House (ACH) -> the automated clearing house. The voluntary association of depositors, which achieves clearing of checks and electronic units by the direct exchange of means between the members of association.

AMVA -> Association of American Motor Vehicle Agencies

ACCOUNT NUMBER -> A unique sequence of numbers assigned to a cardholder account that identifies the issuer and type of financial transaction card.

ACQUIRER -> A licensed member that maintains the merchant relationship and acquires the data relating to a transaction from the merchant or card acceptor and submits that data into interchange, either directly or indirectly.

ADDRESS VERIFICATION SERVICE -> A fraud prevention tool designed for mail order, telephone order and Internet transactions.

AMC -> American Magnetics Corporation

AUTHORIZE -> A process defined in operations regulations whereby a transaction is approved by or on behalf of an issuer; commonly understood to be receiving a sales validation by the merchant, by telephone, or authorization terminal.

AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINE (ATM) -> An unattended, magnetic stripe-reading terminal that dispenses cash; accepts deposits and loan payments; enables a bank customer to order transfers among accounts and make account inquiries.

BANKCARD -> A debit or credit card issued by a bank or other financial institution, such as a MasterCard card or Visa card. BIOMETRICS -> Biometrics utilize “something you are” to authenticate identification. This might include fingerprints, retina pattern, iris, hand geometry, vein patterns, voice password, or signature dynamics. Biometrics can be used with a smart card to authenticate the user. The user’s biometrics information is stored on a smart card, the card is placed in a reader, and a biometrics scanner reads the information to match it against that on the card. This is a fast, accurate, and highly-secure form of user authentication.

BIT (Binary Digit) -> The smallest unit of information in a binary system: a 1 or 0 condition.

BPI -> Bits Per Inch.

BYTE -> A binary clement string functioning as a unit. Eight-bit bytes are most common. Also called a “character”.

BUSINESS CARD -> A Business card is similar to the Corporate card, but issued to a business with a few employees and where each employee is responsible for their purchases.

CARDHOLDER -> The customer to whom a card has been issued or the individual authorized to use the card.

CARDING -> Credit card fraud. Carding texts offer advice on how to make credit cards, how to use them, and otherwise exploit the credit card system.

CASH DISBURSEMENT -> A transaction that is posted to a cardholder’s credit card account in which the cardholder receives cash at an ATM, or cash or travelers checks at a branch of a member financial institution or at a qualified and approved agent of a member financial institution.

CIRRUS SYSTEM INCORPORATED -> A wholly owned subsidiary of MasterCard International Incorporated, operates the international ATM sharing association known as “Cirrus® ATM Network.”

COB -> Change of billing. Used for online carding, to change the billing address of a card since Online Stores will only ship large items if the billing and shipping address match. You can obtain these from vendors in CP. Once you have this, you can easily change the card address to that of your drop so that the stores ship items to your drop, since the billing and shipping addresses will match.

CLEANING -> The process of exchanging financial transaction details between an acquirer and an issuer to facilitate posting of a cardholder’s account and reconciliation of a customer’s settlement position.

CO-BRANDED CARD -> A credit card issued by a member bank and a merchant, bearing the “brand” of both.

CARDJET CARDS -> Teslin®-based, CR-80 size cards with a surface that is specially formulated for thermal inkjet printing. CardJet Inks bond to cards and dry instantly, without smearing. CardJet cards stand up well to abrasion, dye-migration and UV fading.

Continuous Acqusition and Life-cycle Support (CALS) -> the integrated system of the production guaranteeing, purchase and expluatation. This system makes possible to computerize all data about the design, development, production, servicing and the propagation of the production.

CHECK READER -> A peripheral device used to read encoded information on a check to be transmitted and processed by a computer or register for authorization and approval.

COERCIVITY -> The measure of how much magnetic force is needed to change the state of a magnetized element. The higher the coercivity, the more force is needed. There are two types of magnetic stripe cards, low coercivity and high coercivity. While low coercivity cards can be erased if they get too close to a common magnet, high coercivity cards are not as easily erased.

COLOR MATCHING -> Several color matching options are included with FARGO Card Printer/Encoders. These options are built directly into the printer driver so they are easily selected. Colors print with more clarity, detail, and accuracy.

COLOR MONITOR -> A monitor that displays data and graphics in color. Color monitors vary in the number of colors, dot-pitch and intensities they can produce.

COMMPORT -> Communications Port. Most IBM compatible computers have from one to four commports used to communicate with devices attached to the computer (COM1, COM2, COM3, COM4). You need a commport to communicate with the 712 Encoder.

COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL -> The rules governing the exchange of information between devices on a data link.

CONTACT SMART CARD ENCODER -> The contact smart card encoder connects the ISO contact pins mounted on the e-card docking station to a Gemplus GemCore 410 smart card coupler mounted inside the printer. The GemCore 410’s digital I/O is converted to a RS-232 signal which is accessible to application programs through a dedicated DB-9 port on the outside of the printer labeled “Smart Card.”

CONTACTLESS SMART CARD ENCODER -> The contactless smart card encoder connects an antenna mounted on the e-card docking station to a Gemplus GemEasyLink 680SL coupler mounted inside the printer/encoder. Application programs can access Mifare® contactless cards via a RS-232 signal through a dedicated DB-9 port on the outside of the printer labeled “Mifare/Contactless.”

CONTROL NUMBERS -> Measure card usage and be used as a tracking device if the card is lost. ID Services will print these on cards after the numbers have been supplied.

CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION -> The process in which a credit card is accepted, read and approved for a sales transaction. Credit card authorization is normally accomplished by reading a credit cared through a credit card reader that is integrated into a register or stand-alone reading device. Generally, pertinent credit information is transmitted via a modem and telephone line to a credit card “clearinghouse”. The clearing house (authorization source) communicates with the credit card’s bank for approval and the appropriate debit amount of the sale.

CREDIT CARD READER (Magnetic Stripe Reader) -> A device that reads the magnetic stripe on a credit card for account information to automatically be processed for a transaction. A credit card reader is either integrated into a register, attached onto a register as a separate component or is part of a stand-alone terminal dedicated for the sole function of processing credit card transactions.

CURSOR -> A blinking symbol on the screen that shows where data may be entered next.

CUSTOMER POLE DISPLAY -> A peripheral device designed to show customers information about their transaction. This information normally consists of a description and price of the product they are purchasing. Customer pole displays are also used to display marketing information and other messages.

COMMERCIAL CARDS -> This is the formal name for a group of cards issued to businesses, commercial organizations and governments. Types of commercial cards include: Corporate Card, Purchase Card, and Business Card. Corporate card A Corporate card is usually issued to the employees of a corporation, where the corporation assumes all liability for the card’s usage. These tend to be to larger corporations.

CURRENCY CONVERSION -> The process by which the transaction currency is converted into the currency of settlement or the currency of the issuer for the purpose of facilitating transaction authorization, clearing and settlement reporting. The acquirer determines the currency of the transaction; the currency of the issuer is the preferred currency used by the issuer, and most often, the currency in which the cardholder will be billed.

DEBIT CARD -> A plastic card used to initiate a debit transaction. In general, these transactions are used primarily to purchase goods and services and to obtain cash, for which the cardholder’s asset account is debited by the issuer

DECODE -> A term used to describe the process of interpreting scanned or “read” information and presenting it in a usable fashion to the computer.

DENSITY -> Defined in bits per inch (BPI), recording density is the number of information bits which are recorded on one inch of a magnetic strip.

DIRECT THERMAL -> Direct thermal is a printing technology method in which the printer utilizes a paper that reacts chemically to heat. The label rolls are coated with a thermo-sensitive layer that darkens when exposed to intense heat. Direct thermal printers require no ink or ribbon and are typically used when a bar code label needs to endure for a year or less.

DIRECT-TO-CARD (DTC) PRINTING -> The Direct-to-Card printing process prints digital images directly onto any plastic card with a smooth, clean, glossy PVC surface.

DISKETTE / FLOPPY DISK -> A flexible disk which holds information that can be read by the computer.

DOS (Disk Operation System) -> The standard operation system for all computers advertised as “IBM Compatible”.

DOT-MATRIX PRINTER -> A printer that forms characters or images using a matrix of pins that strike an inked ribbon.

DOWNLOADING -> The process of sending configuration parameters, operating software or related data from a central source to remote stations.

DPI (dots per inch) -> Measurement of a printer’s resolution. Example: 600 dpi indicates that the printer can produce 600 dots of color in each inch of a card. NOTE: When judging color reproduction for a CardJet Card Printer, the inkjet resolution must be at 2400 dpi or better to achieve the color equivalent of a 300 dpi dye-sub printer.

DUAL HOPPERS -> Select FARGO Card Printer/Encoders provide a dual-stack, 200 card capacity Card inp<-b>ut Hopper. This unique dual hopper allows you to load up to 200 of the same type of card for maximum card production or allows you to load a different stack of cards into each hopper for added versatility and efficiency. Loading two different stacks of cards is often beneficial if, for example, you are using two types of preprinted card backgrounds (i.e. gold cards versus silver cards) in order to more easily distinguish between two types of members, employees, students, etc.

DUAL TRACK -> A type of credit cared reader that is capable of reading both Track 1 and 2 on a credit card.

DYE-SUBLIMATION -> Dye-sublimation is the print process FARGO Card Printer/Encoders use to print smooth, continuous-tone, photo-quality images. This process uses a dye-based ribbon roll that is divided into a series of color panels. The color panels are grouped in a repeating series of three separate colors along the length of the ribbon: Yellow, Magenta, and Cyan (YMC). As the ribbon and card pass simultaneously beneath the Printhead, hundreds of thermal elements heat the dyes on the ribbon. Once the dyes are heated, they vaporize and diffuse into the surface of the card. Varying the heat intensity of each thermal element within the Printhead makes it possible for each transferred dot of color to vary saturation. This blends one color into the next. The result is continuous-tone, photo-realistic color images.

Debit Card -> Card, which resembles the credit card by the method of using, but making possible to realize direct buyer account debiting at the moment of the purchase of goods or service.

Delivery Versus Payment (DVP) -> the system of calculations in the operations with the valuable papers, which ensures the mechanism, which guarantees that the delivery will occur only in the case of payment and at the moment of payment.

Direcht debit -> payment levy method, mainly, with the repetitive nature (lease pay, insurance reward, etc.) with which the debitor authorizes his financial establishment to debit his current account when obtaining of calculation on payment from the indicated creditor.

Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) -> the remittance of means, initiated from the terminal, telephone or magnetic carrier (tape or diskette), by transfer of instructions or authorities to financial establishment, that concern to the debiting or crediting of the account (see Electronic Fund Transfer/Point of Sale -> EFT/POS).

Electronic Fund Transfer/Point of Sale -> EFT/POS -> debiting from the electronic terminal, for the means transfer purpose from the account of a buyer into the payment on the obligations, which arose in the course of transaction at the point of sale.

E-CARD DOCKING STATION -> FARGO provides an optional e-card docking station on select models that can be ordered with encoders for one, two or three different types of e-cards. These printer/encoders allow application software to read and/or store information in the memory of e-cards. The optional encoders provide everything needed for an application program to communicate with a specific type e-card through a standard RS-232 interface. The FARGO e-card docking station comes standard with the read/write pins (as defined by ISO) needed to communicate with contact smart cards. The e-card docking station can also be ordered with a magnetic stripe encoder for either an ISO magnetic stripe that supports dual high/low coercivity tracks 1, 2 and 3 or a JIS II magnetic stripe.

E-CARD ENCODER -> Select FARGO Card Printer/Encoders support reading and/or storing information in up to three different types of e-cards: ISO 7816 contact smart cards, Mifare® contactless smart cards and HID proximity cards.

EDGE-TO-EDGE -> Refers to the maximum printable area on a card. Printer/Encoders with edge-to-edge printing capability can print just to the edge of a card resulting in printed cards with virtually no border.

EMBOSSING -> Raised characters are produced through the use of a male and female die brought together by pressure applied above and below a marking surface. Embossing is ideal for variable information data cards, strip tags, and identification molding processes.

EBT (ELECTRONICS BENEFITS TRANSACTION) -> Allows governments to implement social aid programs such as food stamps through the use of a magnetic-stripe card, which can be accepted at merchant locations set up to accept this plan.

ELECTRONIC DRAFT CAPTURE (EDC) -> A system in which the transaction data is captured at the merchant location for processing and storage.

ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER (EFT) -> A paperless transfer of funds initiated from a terminal, computer, telephone instrument, or magnetic tape.

EMBOSS-The process of printing identifying data on a bankcard in the form of raised characters.

ENTERPRISE -> An “enterprise” e-commerce solution indicates technology for a large business enterprise. This usually involves a number of systems that are required to interface with each other as well as a central database management system. The design and management of an enterprise solution can be very complex.

EMULATION -> The imitation of a computer system, performed by a combination of hardware and software, that allows programs to run between incompatible systems.

ENCODER -> A device used to write data onto magnetic stripe cards.

EPROM -> Read-only, non-volatile, semi-conductor memory that is erasable via ultra violet light and reprogrammable.

EXPANSION BOARD / EXPANSION SLOT -> The optional device board that is usually added inside the system cabinet at an available expansion slot.

FACTORING -> Also known as laundering. When a merchant submits transactions for another merchant that were not conducted at the original merchant’s business establishment, this is known as factoring.

FIRMWARE -> A computer program or software stored permanently in PROM or ROM.

FIELDS -> A specific position on each track where data may be written or read.

FIXED DATA -> Data which doesn’t change. In Card Template, data remains constant from encoding session to encoding session. This means that, until it is modified, each card will encoded with this information. In Set-Up/Encode Fields, data is fixed.

FOIL -> Decorative foils are applied to cards with heat. If you have a specific foil in mind, we can apply it for you, ID Services has a wide variety to choose from.

HAND-HELD DATA COLLECTOR -> See Portable Data Collector

HARD DISK DRIVE -> Enclosed disk drive that contains one or more metallic disks for data storage. A hard disk has many times the capacity of a diskette.

HIGH COERCIVITY -> See coercivity.

HIGH-VOLUME PRINTING -> Fast, efficient printing for producing large quantities of cards with minimal down time for supplies loading or maintenance.

HIGH DEFINITION PRINTING™ (HDP™) -> The High-Definition Printing process prints full-color images onto clear HDP transfer film. The HDP film is then fused to the card through heat and pressure via a heated roller. This revolutionary technology enhances card durability and consistently produces the best card color available – even on tough-to-print matte-finished cards, proximity cards, and smart cards.

HIGH SPEED PRINTING -> FARGO Card Printer/Encoders are among the fastest desktop card printer/encoders in the industry. High-speed printing allows for more efficient card production – saving time, money, and resources.

HOLOGRAM -> This security feature prevents the reproduction of ATM/Bank cards and credit cards. ID Services has a variety of holograms to choose from or will apply your own custom hologram.

HOST COMPUTER -> A central computer, such as a mainframe computer at a company’s headquarters or central office. The central computer in a star network.

ISO -> International Standards Organization specification for magnetic stripe encoding. The FARGO encoder supports dual high/low coercivity and tracks 1, 2 and 3.

ID CARDS -> An important record-keeping tool for hospitals, nursing homes, healthcare providers, insurance companies and colleges/universities are ID cards. ID Services offers them in four sizes, CR50, 60, 70 and 80, to fit any standard imprinting or embossing system. ID Services offers a variety of card compositions to meet the needs of the specific application. Composite cards are recommended for College/University ID’s due to their flexibility and long life span.

Integrated Circuit (IC) Card -> It is known also as chip card. Card equipped with one either several computer micros-chip or integrated microcircuits for identification and storing of data or their special treatment, utilized for the establishment of the authenticity of personal identification number (PIN), for delivery of permission for the purchase, account balance checking and storing the personal records. In certain cases, the card memory renewal during each use (renewed account balance).

International Standardisation Organisation (ISO) -> International organization, which carries out standardization, with the staff office in Geneva, Switzerland.

IN-COUNTER SCANNER -> A bar code scanner that normally has multiple laser beams emitting from it to read bar codes in high-speed environments (i.e. grocery stores). An in-counter scanner is usually mounted into a countertop so that products can quickly and easily be passed over the scanner for bar code reading.

IMPRINTER -> A device supplied to the merchant to produce an image of the embossed characters of the bankcard on all copies of sales drafts and credit slips.

ISSUER -> A member that enters into a contractual agreement with MasterCard or Visa to issue MasterCard or Visa cards.

JIS II -> Japanese Industrial Standard for magnetic stripe encoding, published and translated into English by Japan Standards Association.

KEYLOCK CARDS -> Hotels and resorts all over the world are changing the traditional door locks to electronic swipe key cards. Keylock cards are becoming a necessity to keep hotel guests safe. For excellent performance, the cards must match the system and the applications. ID Services offers roll-on magnetic stripes as well as laminated magnetic stripes in both high energy and low energy coercivity with the hotel and/or its logo perfectly printed.

KEY GENERATOR -> Any tool designed to break software copy protection by extracting internally-stored keys, which can then be entered into the program to convince it that the user is an authorized purchaser.

KEY LOGGER -> (Keystroke Logger). A program that runs in the background, recording all the keystrokes. Once keystrokes are logged, they are hidden in the machine for later retrieval, or shipped raw to the attacker. The attacker then peruses them carefully in the hopes of either finding passwords, or possibly other useful information that could be used to compromise the system or be used in a social engineering attack. For example, a key logger will reveal the contents of all e-mail composed by the user. Keylog programs are commonly included in rootkits and RATs (remote administration trojans).

LCD DISPLAY -> The LCD – or Liquid Crystal Display – shows the current status of the printer, and changes according to the printer’s current mode of operation. LCD communicates an error with text, which is easier to interpret than LED lights.

LOW COERCIVITY -> See coercivity.

LASER SCANNER -> A bar code scanner that utilizes laser technology. These scanners emit laser beams that read bar codes. Laser scanners have “depth of field” which enables them to read bar codes from short distances away (6″ to a few feet).

LED (Light Emitting Diode) -> A semiconductor light source that emits visible light or invisible infrared radiation.

LOCKABLE HOPPER -> Some FARGO Card Printer/Encoders provide a lockable Card Hopper Door. This lock is intended to help prevent theft of your blank card stock. This feature is especially helpful if using valuable card stock such as preprinted cards, smart cards, or cards with built-in security features such as holograms.

MAGSTRIPE STRIPE -> The magnetically encoded stripe on the bankcard plastic that contains information pertinent to the cardholder account. The physical and magnetic characteristics of the magnetic stripe are specified in ISO Standards 7810, 7811, and 7813.

MAGNETIC STRIPE READER -> A device that reads information recorded on the magnetic stripe of a card.

Magnetic Ink Character Recignition (MICR) -> System, which ensures the machine reading of the information, substituted by magnetic inks in the lower part of the check, including the number of check, the code of department, sum and the number of account.

MEMBER -> An institution that participates in the programs offered by MasterCard International Incorporated.

MERCHANT -> A retailer, or any other person, firm, or corporation that (pursuant to a merchant agreement) agrees to accept credit cards, debit cards, or both, when properly presented.

MAS (Merchant Accounting System) -> The Vital back-end system that handles settlement, interchange and billing.

MERCHANT BANK -> A bank that has entered into an agreement with a merchant to accept deposits generated by bankcard transactions; also called the acquirer or acquiring bank.

MCC (MERCHANT CATEGORY CODE) -> Four-digit classification codes used in the warning bulletin, authorization, clearing, and settlement systems to identify the type of merchant business in various stages of transaction processing.

MMS (MERCHANT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM) -> The Vital front-end system that handles point of sale functions such as terminal types, cut-off times, etc.

MOTO (MAIL ORDER/TELEPHONE ORDER) -> A transaction initiated by mail or telephone to be debited or credited to a bankcard account.

MAGNETIC STRIPE -> The black stripe found on the back of most credit cards and many other types of identification cards and drivers licenses. Used to encode and read data, usually identifying the owner of the card.

MAGNETIC (“MAG”) STRIPE -> Mag Stripe refers to the black or brown magnetic stripe on a card. The stripe is made of magnetic particles of resin. The resin particle material determines the coercivity of the stripe; the higher the coercivity, the harder it is to encode -> and erase -> information from the stripe. Magnetic stripes are often used in applications for access control, time and attendance, lunch programs, library cards, and more.

MAGNETIC STRIPES -> Offered in five different sizes and are available in both low coercivity (300 oersteds) and high coercivity (2750 (USA), or 4000 (European) oersteds.)

· 1/8″ Covers one track (HEM only)

· 5/16″ Covers two tracks

· 6/16″ Covers three tracks (3/8″)

· 7/16″ Covers three tracks

· 8/16″ Covers three and one half tracks (1/2″)

· 9/16″ Covers four tracks (super stripe)

· We can apply roll-on magnetic stripes as well as flush laminated magnetic stripes.

For additional security ID Services offers holo-magnetic stripes. The stripes are custom made with your company name appearing in the stripe. Multiple magnetic stripes can be applied to each card.

MAGNETIC STRIPE READER -> See Credit Card Reader

MASTER REGISTER -> A cash register that acts as the central register or “file server” in a multiple register environment. The master register normally controls “slave” registers that are networked and cable to it.

MEGABYTE -> A unit of measure that consists of 1,014 bytes.

MICROCOMPUTER (Personal Computer) -> A small. low cost computer originally designed for individual users. Recently, microcomputers have become powerful tools for many businesses that, when networked together, have replace minicomputers and in some cases mainframes and information tools.

MICRO-PRINTING -> Very small text printed into the plastic card and generally look like thin lines to the naked eye. The text is printed at 9600 dpi (dots per inch) and require a magnifying glass to view the micro-printed text. Desktop card printers print at 300 dpi and can not reproduce micro-printing making micro-printing a very handy feature when checking for counterfeit cards.

MICROPROCESSOR -> Integrated circuit chip that monitors, controls and executes the machine language instructions.

MICR READER -> MICR is an acronym for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. MICR Readers are normally used to read the encoded information within the ink on a check.

MODEM (Modulator – Demodulator) -> A device used to convert serial digital data for transmission over a telephone channel, or to reconvert the transmitted signal to serial digital data for acceptance by a receiving terminal.

MONOCHROME MONITOR -> A monitor that displays characters in only one color, such as amber or green.

MULTI-USER -> Multi-user systems consist of two or more computers that are connected together and that share data and peripherals. A multi-user system includes a host computer (file server) and one or more stations. All stations share the same hard disk and may share other devices such as printers.

MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) -> The average time between failures of a particular device based on statistical or anticipated experience.

NETWORK -> A communications system connecting two or more computers and their peripheral devices.

NETWORK CARD -> An expansion card that is installed in an available slot in a computer so that it may connect and communicate to another computer.

OPERATING SYSTEM -> System that consists of several programs that help the computer manage its own resources, such as manipulating files, running programs and controlling the keyboard and screen.

OUTPUT STACKER -> The Output Stacker stores printed cards in a first-in/first-out order. This feature makes it easy to keep printed cards in a specific order for faster issuance or to print serialized cards.

OVERSIZED CARDS -> Oversized cards are used for more efficient visual identification and are available in many non-standard sizes. The most popular sizes are CR-90 (3.63″ x 2.37″/92mm x 60mm) and CR-100 (3.88″ x 2.63″/98.5mm x 67mm).

OVERLAMINATE -> Protective clear or holographic material designed to offer advanced card security and durability. Two types are available from FARGO: Thermal Transfer Overlaminate is a .25 mil thick material that enhances card security and durability. PolyGuard Overlaminate is available in a 1 mil and .6 mil thick material and provides extraordinary protection for applications that require highly durable cards.

OVERLAY PANEL -> The clear overlay panel (O) is provided on dye-sublimation print ribbons. This panel is automatically applied to printed cards and helps prevent images from premature wear or UV fading. All dye-sublimation printed images must have either this overlay panel or an overlaminate applied to protect them.

OVER-THE-EDGE -> Refers to the maximum printable area on a card. Printer/Encoders with over-the-edge printing capability can print past the edge of a card resulting in printed cards with absolutely no border.

PARALLEL TRANSMISSION -> Transmission mode that sends a number of bits simultaneously over separate lines. Usually unidirectional.

PERIPHERAL DEVICE -> Hardware that is outside of the system unit, such as a disk drive, printer, cash drawer or scanner.

POLLING -> A means of controlling devices on multi-point line. Usually utilized to send/receive information via modem from remote computers to a central computer.

POLYGUARD™ -> A card overlaminate available in 1 mil and .6 mil thicknesses that provides extraordinary card protection; ideal for harsh or more secure environments. Available as clear or with embedded holographic-type security images.

POS (Point-of-Sale) -> Term normally used to describe cash register systems that record transactions or the area of “checkout” in a retail store.

PIN NUMBERS -> This security feature will activate usage of the card. Once the numbers have been supplied from our customers, ID Services can apply them to the customer cards.

PINPAD -> A “pin pad” is a small keyboard that normally contains numeric keys. PIN is an acronym for personal identification number which is normally entered into the keyboard “pad” to verify account information for a transaction (i.e. similar to an automated teller machine).

PORTABLE DATA COLLECTOR -> A hand-held computer that can be used as a stand alone portable unit for point-of-sale, inventory, receiving and other applications. A portable data collector is normally a temporary storage device that gathers information and downloads data into a main or central computer.

PROGRAMMABLE KEYBOARD -> A keyboard that is capable of being configured and programmed in a variety of ways. Programmable keyboards allow keys to represent special departments, functions, product, etc.

PROJECTION SCANNER -> A type of bar code reader that is normally placed vertically, and that projects laser beams horizontally to scan bar codes. Often used when high performance and speed to reading bar codes is critical.

PROTOCOLS -> A set of rules for the exchange of information, such as those used for successful data transmission.

PROXIMITY (“PROX”) CARD -> Proximity cards allow access and tracking utilizing contactless technology (usually by communicating through a built-in antenna).

PROX CARD ENCODER -> The prox card encoder uses a HID ProxPoint® Plus reader mounted on the e-card docking station inside the printer/encoder. The ProxPoint is a “read only” device producing a Wiegand signal that is converted to RS-232 using a Cypress Computer Systems CVT-2232. Application programs can read information from HID prox cards via a RS-232 signal through a dedicated DB-9 port on the outside of the printer labeled “Prox.”

PVC (POLYVINYLCHLORIDE) -> These cards are manufactured for mechanical style embossing and to be our least expensive card option. They are available in 23 different colors and three different card finishes. Heat distortion occurs at 130°F and the cards will flex approximately 2,500 flex cycles. Estimated normal card life: 18 months.

PDF (PORTABLE DOCUMENT FORMAT -> Adobe’s file format is the de facto standard for electronic document distribution. It is the preferred means of distributing documents online because it preserves fonts, formatting, colors and graphics regardless of the application or platform used to create it. The Adobe Acrobat Reader, required to read PDF files, is available free from the Adobe web site.

PIN PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER) -> A four-to-12 character secret code that allows an issuer to positively authenticate the cardholder for the purpose of approving an ATM or terminal transaction occurring at a point-of-interaction device.

POTS (PLAIN OLD TELEPHONE SERVICE) -> The standard analog telephone service with no enhancements like call waiting, etc.

PURCHASE CARD -> The Purchase card is issued to corporations, businesses and governments. It provides control over daily and monthly spending limits, total credit limits, and where the card may be used. It also reduces the administrative cost associated with authorizing, tracking, paying, and reconciling those purchases. Many employees may be issued the same card number.

RAM (Random Access Memory) -> Temporary storage that holds the program and data the CPU is processing.

RESIN THERMAL TRANSFER -> Resin Thermal Transfer is the process used to print sharp black text and crisp bar codes that can be read by both infra-red and visible-light bar code scanners. It is also the process used to print ultra-fast, economical one-color cards. Like dye-sublimation, this process uses a thermal Printhead to transfer color from the ribbon roll to the card. The difference, however, is that solid dots of color are transferred in the form of a resin-based ink which fuses to the surface of the card when heated. This produces very durable, single-color images.

RSA -> the coding and autentification technology, developed in 1977 in MIT by Rivest, Shamir and Adel’man, which subsequently opened their own company RSA Data Sechurity, Inc., purchased recently by the company Security Dynamics Technologies, Inc.

Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) -> the payment method, with which the transfer of means is achieved for each transaction in obtaining of instructions about the payment. Decrease the risk with the payment.

Smart Card -> card equipped with integrated circuit and microprocessor, capable to carrying out the calculations.

System risk -> the risk, with which the incapacity of one of the payment system participants either financial market participants as a whole to fullfill their obligations causes the incapacity of other participants or financial establishments to fulfill its obligations (including obligations regarding the realization of calculations in means transfer systems) properly. This failure can cause significant liquidity or crediting problems and, as result, it can cause loss to the stability of financial markets (with the subsequent action on the level of economic activity).

SCALE -> A scale is a peripheral device used to record the weight of an item and transmit the amount to a computer for processing.

SCRATCH-OFF PANELS -> Applied through hot stamping or silk screening. Typically they are used to cover pin numbers on pre-paid phone cards.

SERIAL TRANSMISSION -> Transmission mode that sends data one bit at a time. In most cases, in personal computers, serial data is passed through as RS232 serial interface port.

SIGNATURE CAPTURE -> A peripheral device that electronically captures an individual’s signature for customer identification and transaction applications.

SLAVE REGISTER -> A cash register that is driven by a “master” register in a multiple register environment.

SMART CARD -> A smart card contains a “chip” with memory and is typically used to hold customer account information and a “balance” of money similar to a checking account. The card is inserted into a device that can read and write to it updating information appropriately.

SMART CARD -> Smart cards have an embedded computer circuit that contains either a memory chip or a microprocessor chip. There are several types of smart cards: Memory, Contact, Contactless, Hybrid (Twin), Combi (Dual Interface), Proximity and Vicinity.

SMARTGUARD™ -> SmartGuard is a printer security option that uses a custom access card and a built-in reader to restrict printer access. With this feature, only those with a valid access card can print cards. This makes both your printed cards and your overall system more secure.

SMARTLOAD™ -> SmartLoad is an exclusive FARGO technology used in CardJet Card and Ink Cartridges to advise you on the status of your CardJet supplies. In CardJet Ink Cartridges, SmartLoad technology reports the number of prints remaining in the cartridge and alerts you when ink is low or out. In CardJet Card Cartridges, SmartLoad technology tells you to install a new cartridge when the card supply runs out.

SMARTLOAD CARD CARTIDGE -> Cartridge that is pre-loaded with CardJet Cards at the factory. They snap into the back of the printer in just seconds. SmartLoad technology inside the cartridges alerts you to install a new cartridge when the card supply runs out.

SMARTLOAD INK CARTIDGE -> CardJet Ink Cartridges are available with both full-color and black (used for infrared bar codes only) inkjet inks. Cartridges snap into the printer just like the cartridges used in other familiar office or home inkjet printers. SmartLoad technology inside the cartridges reports the number of prints remaining in the cartridge and alerts you when ink is low or out.

SMARTSHIELD™ -> This option allows the printer/encoder to print custom, reflective security images on the card that fluoresce under a black or UV light source.

SOLENOID -> Solenoids are commonly used in “dumb” cash drawers and incorporate a cable connected trigger which releases the drawer. Cash drawers with solenoids are interfaced to receipt printers that “drive” them. Solenoids have different voltages and are integrated into the cash drawer dependent on the printer they are interfaced to.

STANDARD CARDS -> The standard card size is CR-80. CR-80 dimensions are 3.375″ x 2.125″ (85.6mm x 54mm).

THERMAL TRANSFER -> Thermal transfer is a printing technology method in which printers use regular paper and a heat sensitive ribbon. The ribbon deposits a coating of dark material on the paper when exposed to intense heat. Thermal transfer printers produce a more durable label that won’t fade as quickly as direct thermal labels and are often used when a label needs to endure longer than a year.

THERMAL TRANSFER OVERLAMINATE -> A card overlaminate available in a .25 mil thickness that increases card security and durability; often used for moderate durability applications or when additional security (such as holographic images) are needed.

TILL -> The paper money and currency tray that holds money in a cash drawer. Tills are usually available in 4 or 5 till versions, available with lock and cover and are removable.

TRACK -> One of up to three portions of a magnetic stripe where data can be written.

TRACK 1 -> Track one is a “track” of information on a credit card that has a 79 character alphanumeric field for information. Normally a credit card number, expiration date and customer name are contained on track 1.

TRACK 2 -> Track two is a “track” of information on a credit card that has a 40 character field for information. Normally a credit cad number and expiration date are contained on track 2.

TRACK3 -> Track three is a “track” of information on a credit card that has 107 character field for alphanumeric information. Normally a credit card number, expiration date and room for additional information are available on track 3.

Truncation -> procedure, which makes it possible to limit the physical displacements of a paper document, in the ideal version, by the bank of the first presentation, by the replacement by electronic transfer of entire or part of the information, which is contained on this document (check).

Tipper -> a machine designed for use with PVC plastic cards to create raised print. (basically a plastic card embosser)
UNIX -> UNIX is a terminal based operation system in which “dumb” terminals are communicating back to a “smart” processing unit or host.

UPS -> An acronym for uninterruptible power source. A UPS is primarily used as a back up power source for computers and computer networks to insure on-going operation in the event of a power failure. Sophisticated units also have power conditioning and power monitoring features.

UV INKS -> most commonly used to put hidden graphics and text on a plastic card. The inks are invisible until the card is subjected to a certain colored light (for instance, when placing a California drivers license under a black light the image of the California flag will become visible in green and orange.) UV inks are used as an aid in detecting counterfeit cards. They come in a variety of colors and can react to different colored lights. Desktop card printers are unable to print UV ink.

VARIABLE DATA -> is information which changes with each encoding session or on a card-by-card basis.

VERTICAL SCANNER -> See Projection Scanner.

WAND -> A pen-shaped bar code scanner that emits a beam from the end or tip of the wand. Wands are older, bar code reading technology but inexpensive and still widely used where speed and performance are not crucial.

WEDGE -> A wedge decodes “read” data (i.e. bar codes, credit cards) and communicates that information through a keyboard port on a computer. The keyboard plugs into the wedge and the wedge device plugs into the computer where the keyboard was. Sophisticated wedges can accept a few different peripheral devices. Also See Decode