Handbrake not working - calipers out - rear brake out??

[Avinash Chopde <avinash@acm.org>]

My hand brake just stopped working, and according to a
mechanic, the rear calipers are "stuck", and need to be
replaced.

I did not think much of it, since everything else (including
normal brake) was working ok.

But now I am wondering, what does "calipers" stuck mean?
Do they get stuck in an open or closed position? Does this
also mean that I've basically lost my rear-braked, and when I
push the brake pedal, it only works on the front brakes?

Thanks for any info...

-- 
Avinash Chopde
e-mail: avinash@acm.org
home page: http://www.paranoia.com/~avinash/