1 In computer technology, the state or condition of a device or equipment that is under the direct control of another device 2 In computer technology, the status of a device that is functional and ready for service
Accessible by computer For a computer sitting on a desk, only data on disks are on-line If the computer also has a modem, and can connect to a computer network, than anything on that network is on-line Any computer that accepts incoming modem connections can make information available to other computers (via modem) on-line
A printer communicating with a computer is said to be "on line " "Off line" means the printer is communicating with itself Form and line feed only work when the printer is off line A printer cannot receive data from a computer unless it is "on line " Internet users are often said to be "on line," but it's bad terminology