Glossary of Computer terms:

1. Accounting application software. Computer

programs and related documentation that are

used to perform the data processing for such

accounting tasks as preparing payroll checks or

maintaining accounts receivable files.

Accounting software is application software that records

and processes accounting transactions within functional

modules such as accounts payable, accounts receivable,

payroll, and trial balance.

2. ADA. A high-level programming language

named after Lady Ada Augusta Byron that was

developed for the Department of Defense and

primarily is used for specialized control systems.

3. Address. A number used to designate a location

in memory.

4. Address register. Locates where instructions and

data are stored in memory.

5. Advanced microcomputer. A state-of-the-art

microcomputer, typically used by business or in

education or research applications, that has such

advanced features as a hard disk, a large

expandable memory, and the ability to accept a

large number of peripheral devices.

6. Analog computer. A device that transforms,

manipulates, or stores data in analog forms -- for

example, electrical voltage in vacuum tubes.

7. Analytical graphics. Traditional line graphs, bar

charts, and pie charts used to illustrate and

analyze data.

8. APL. An acronym for "A Programming

Language." This is a high-level programming

language developed to express complex

mathematical expressions in compact formats

and used for scientific purposes

9. Application programs. Computer programs that

perform end-user applications such as

accounting or word processing (as opposed to

operating-system or utility-program chores).

10. Arithmetic-logic unit (ALU). The portion of the

CPU used for arithmetic operations (e.g.,

addition, subtraction, multiplication, and

division) and logic operations (e.g., comparing

numbers to see if they are equal).

11. Arithmetic operations. Mathematical

calculations performed on data by the ALU.

12. Artificial intelligence. The study and use of

computers to replicate or improve upon such

intelligent human thought processes as reasoning

or learning.

13. ASCII. American Standard Code for

Information Interchange. This is a common

binary code in use today. A coding scheme using

7-bit characters to represent data characters.

14. Assembler. A program that translates assembly

language programs into machine language so

that the computer can execute the instructions.

15. Assembly language. A machine-dependent,

second-level programming language. Each

instruction typically consists of a name or label

field, an operation code, an operand, and a

comment field.

16. Attribute. Column of a relation in a relational

database.

17. Audio input. The use of sound to input data to a

computer.

18. Audio response output. Computerized output

that is translated into sounds or spoken

language.

19. Auto-answer. Automatic answering by a modem

of incoming calls from another modem.

20. Automated report generation. A data base

management system's ability to format, adjust,

print, and re-create printed output.

21. Automatic teller machine (ATM). Machines at

banks that process inputs and outputs -- for

example, using magnetic strips affixed to cards.

22. Background mode. The ability of a computer

program to execute certain instructions without

user interaction, thereby freeing the computer

for some more immediate ("foreground") chore.

23. Backup copy. A second copy of a computer

program or file that is used in case the original

copy is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.

24. Backup procedures. Procedures for copying data

and programs onto spare magnetic disks or

magnetic tapes to provide security.

25. Band printer. A line-at-a-time, impact printer.

The characters of this printer are embossed on a

metallic band and output an entire line at one

time.

26. Bar code reader. An input device that interprets

bar codes such as the universal product code

(UPC) found on supermarket items and inputs

the data as digitized information to a computer.

27. Bar graph. A type of graph or picture that uses

bars or heavy lines to depict data relationships.

28. BASIC. A high-level programming language

that is easy to learn, yet possesses great power in

writing formulas expressing input/output

instructions. BASIC stands for Beginner's All-

Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code.

29. Batch processing. Processing data in a group, or

batch, as opposed to processing data singly in

real time. Typically, the data is collected over

time and processed periodically when the use of

a computer is likely to be cost effective.

30. Bi-directional printing. The ability of the print

head of a printer to print in both a forward and

backward direction.

31. Binary code. A code composed of a set number

of bits in which each different combination of

bits is used to represent a different character

(e.g., EBCDIC).

32. Binary coded decimal (BCD) code. A binary

code that uses six bits to represent letters and

numbers.

33. Binary digit (bit). The fundamental unit of

storage in all digital computers. A binary digit

has two settings, conventionally represented by

"0" and "1".

34. Bit. The fundamental unit of storage in all digital

computers. A binary digit has two settings,

conventionally represented by "0" and "1".

35. Bit-mapping. Graphics in which picture

elements (pixels) are controlled by a

corresponding bit in computer memory. Each bit

in memory is turned on or off as needed to make

the associated screen pixel appear light or dark.

36. Blocked records. Two or more logical file

records that have been groups together to form

one physical record. When used on magnetic

disk or tape, blocked records are separated form

each other by interrecord gaps.

37. Boilerplate (word processing). Reports, form

letters, and other prewritten documents that can

be coordinated with mailing lists and other

variable information to produce personalized

hard-copy output.

38. Bold declaration. The imbedding of print-control

characters in a word-processing document to

make the text appear darker on a printed page.

39. Bold face. Printing of characters or words in

darker type than the surrounding characters or

words.

40. Boolean operator (in data base programs). An

instruction that enables users to create more

complex criteria for file searchers (e.g., OR,

AND, or NOT).

41. Booting. Loading an operating system or

application program into computer memory and

then transferring control to it for execution.

42. Branching. A decision point in a program where

the processing logic much choose among tow or

more paths.

43. Broadband channel. Data communications

channels that are capable of transmitting large

amounts of data. Broadband channels include

coaxial cables, microwaves, communication

satellites, and optical fibers.

44. Bubble memory. A garnet chip inclosing one or

more thin layers of magnetic film. A bubble

represents the presence of a bit and the lack of a

bubble represents the absence of a bit.

45. Buffer memory. Temporary memory that is used

to hold (buffer) input or output. This frees the

CPU for other tasks.

46. Byte. A 8-bit group used to represent a single

letter, number, or special symbol in a computer.

47. C. A sophisticated programming language

invented by Bell Labs in 1974.

48. CAD. Computer-assisted design.

49. CAM. Computer-assisted manufacturing.

50. Cathode ray tube (CRT). The major component

of a visual display terminal and one that closely

resembles the picture tube of a television screen.

51. Cell (in a spreadsheet). A memory location in a

spreadsheet identified by its row and column

coordinates and that is used to store labels,

numbers, formulas, or instructions.

52. Cell referencing. Spreadsheet formulas that use

the addresses of other cells (e.g., B4) as

arguments.

53. Central processing unit (CPU). A device that

performs the actual data processing tasks of a

computer system.

54. Chain address. A data field in an index or record

that contains the disk address of a related record.

A chain address is also commonly called a

pointer address.

55. Chain printer. An impact printer that can

assemble an entire output line at one time.

Multiple sets of character are arranged on a

chain much like a bicycle chain

56. Channel. A data communications path through a

medium that data can take to accomplish a

communications task.

57. Character. A letter, number, or special character

(such as $).

58. Character addressable. Refers to computers that

address data as a series of single characters.

59. Character-at-a-time printers. Printers that only

print one character at a time; often called serial

printers.

60. Clipboard. A temporary holding area where data

is stored when being transferred between

software applications in an integrated software

package.

61. Clone. A personal computer that closely imitates

the operation and architecture of the IBM

Personal Computer

62. Closed architecture. Personal computer design

that limits add-ons to those that can be plugged

into the back of the machine.

63. COBOL. A high-level programming language

that uses instructions resembling English

statements and imposes an overall framework

for a program. COBOL stands for COmmon

Business Oriented Language.

64. Coding. The process of writing instructions for a

computer program in a specific language (e.g.,

BASIC or COBOL).

65. Command-driven system. The opposite of

menu-driven software -- in other words,

application software that requires the user to

memorize commands rather than select options

from a screen menu.

66. Command menu. The menu of commands in an

applications software program such as Lotus 1-

2-3.

67. Command program (in a data base). A program

designed by a user to manipulate computer file

data within a data base management system

using the DBMS's command language.

68. Compacted printing. The ability of a printer to

compress print characters so that more of them

can be printer in the same horizontal space -- for

example, to print 132 characters in the space

normally used for 80 characters.

69. Compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM).

Optical data storage technology using disk

formats identical to audio compact disks.

70. Compiler. A program that translates high-level

programming language instructions into

machine code.

71. Compressed printing. The ability of a printer to

compress print characters so that more of them

can be printer in the same horizontal space -- for

example, to print 132 characters in the space

normally used for 80 characters.

72. Computer. An electronic device with the ability

to (1) accept user-supplied data, (2) input, store,

and execute programmed instructions, (3)

perform mathematical and logic operations, and

(4) output results according to user

specifications.

73. Computer-assisted design (CAD). A

computerized application used primarily for

research and design of new products.

74. Computer-assisted manufacturing (CAM). A

computerized application used by industrial

manufacturers to produce products.

75. Computer branch exchange (CBX). Telephone

equipment such as PBX's or PABX's that are

used to create a computer network with data-

over-voice modems connected to standard

telephone jacks.

76. Computer hardware. Computer equipment such

as a CPU, disk drives, CRT, or printer.

77. Computer program. A set of instructions that a

computer can execute to accomplish a data

processing task

78. Computer software. Programs that instruct a

computer how to process data and

documentation that explains how these programs

should be used.

79. Control unit. The component of the central

processing unit responsible for fetching,

interpreting, and supervising the execution of the

instructions of computer programs.

80. Copy command (in spreadsheet). A spreadsheet

option that allows users to copy existing

formulas into other, unoccupied cells.

81. Copy protection. A software or hardware block

that make it difficult or impossible to make

unauthorized copies of software.

82. Correspondence quality printing. The print

quality of dot-matrix printers that occurs when a

second printing pass is completed to fill in the

spaces between the dots made by the first pass.

83. CP/M. An abbreviation for "Control

Program/Microcomputers." This is an operating

system developed by Digital Research

Corporation to run on 8-bit microcomputers

84. CPU. Central processing unit.

85. CRT. Cathode ray tube.

86. Cursor. A tiny rectangle, dash, or line on a

display screen that indicates where the user will

input data.

87. Cursor-control keys (keyboard). Keys on

terminal or microcomputer keyboards, usually

designated with arrows, that position the screen

cursor up, down, right or left.

88. Cut and paste. A word-processing term meaning

to move text from one place to another within a

document.

89. Daisywheel printer. A serial, impact printer that

uses a plastic or metal typing element to create

characters on paper in a way similar to certain

typewriters.

90. Data. A single fact, figure, or statistic that, out of

context, often lacks meaning. Data is not

analogous with information (data which has

been processed and placed in a proper

conceptual framework is referred to as

information).

91. Data base. A set of one or more computer files

that is used by one or more application programs

and that minimizes data redundancy.

92. Data base management system (DBMS). Special

computer programs that enable users and

application programs to create, maintain,

manipulate, and retrieve file data and create

useful reports.

93. Data field. The set of characters comprising a

data item in a filed record (e.g., employee name,

employee address, or employee social security

number).

94. Data input screen. A template or model that is

used to enter data for a programming

application.

95. Data redundancy. Duplicate information that

typically gets created on the files of related

computer applications.

96. Data transcription. The process of converting

source documents into machine-readable format

for computer processing.

97. Data transmission. The process of sending data

from one location to another location within a

computer or between computers and/or

equipment.

98. DBMS. Data base management system.

99. Dedicated computer. A computer specially

configured to perform a single, data-processing

function such as performing security tasks at a

computer center.

100. Dedicated word processing system. A

microcomputer or minicomputer that is

developed, marketed, and used primarily for

word processing applications.

101. Desktop publishing. The use of specialized

hardware and software to crate professional-

looking, high-quality text and graphics -- for

example, an in-house weekly newspaper

containing feature stories and maps of the local

region.

102. Digital computer. A device whose fundamental

unit of storage is the binary digit or bit.

103. Digitizer. A device that converts analog input

into digital data.

104. Digitizing tablet. A graphics input device that

allows the user to create images. It has a special

stylus that can be used to draw or trace images,

which are then converted to digital data that can

be processed by the computer.

105. Direct access storage device (DASD). A device

such as a magnetic disk that is able to assign a

unique address to each data record.

106. Direct file organization. Organization of records

so each is individually accessible.

107. Direct file processing. Processing that allows the

user to access the record wanted directly by

using a record key.

108. Directory (disk). A disk's table of contents,

which stores the name of files stored on the disk

and the sector locations where the starting record

for each file can be found.

109. Disk drive. A device used to read data from, and

write data to, a magnetic disk.

110. Documentation. Written or displayed

information that explains how computer

programs should be used.

111. Dot command. An instruction or command

beginning with a period or dot.

112. Dot-matrix printer. A serial, impact printer that

creates characters out of a "grid" or matrix of

tiny dots.

113. Double-density diskette. A floppy disk that can

store twice as many characters (about 360k) as a

single-density disk.

114. Double-sided diskette. A floppy disk that can

store data on both of its sides.

115. Downloading data. Transferring files, programs,

or other data from a larger mainframe or

minicomputer to a smaller minicomputer or

microcomputer.

116. Draft quality printing. The relatively poor print

quality created by the first pass of a dot-matrix

printer.

117. Drum plotter. A hard-copy-producing device

that creates plotted or graphic output and that

uses a single arm to move a pen across its

cylindrical, or drum, writing surface. The drum

moves the paper forward and backward to

enable the pen to draw in any vertical direction.

This type of plotter is normally very expensive

and used in conjunction with large scale

computing operations.

118. Dumb terminal. A computer terminal that cannot

be programmed to perform the "intelligent"

tasks of a smart terminal.

119. Dvorak keyboard. A keyboard designed to be

more efficient than the QWERTY keyboard, but

one that has not gained popular use.

120. Dynamic partitioning. The ability of a computer

operating system to divide the memory of the

CPU into portions of varying sizes as needed to

efficiently store several programs.

121. EBCDIC. Extended Binary Coded Decimal

Interchange Code is a common binary code in

use today. Established by IBM and used in IBM

mainframe computers.

122. Eight-bit microcomputer. A microcomputer

whose microprocessor can process only eight

bits, or one byte, of data at a time.

123. Electron gun. The electronic component in a

cathode ray tube (CRT), such as a television or

monitor, that aims a stream of electrons against

the screen's phosphor elements, thereby creating

a screen image.

124. Electronically altered PROM (EAPROM). A

programmable read-only chip that can be

electronically erased and reprogrammed.

125. Electronically erased PROM (EEPROM). A

programmable read-only chip that can be

electronically erased and reprogrammed.

126. Electronic bulletin board. A file that is

accessible to the users of a local area network

and typically contains notices of current interest

such as advertisements, messages, and

announcements.

127. Electronic mail. The use of a computer for

personal or business communications, in which

users leave short, written message in each other's

computer "mail boxes".

128. Electronic spreadsheet (ESS). A software

program that creates a large number of cells,

each of which can be referenced by its row and

column coordinates. Because cells can store

alphabetic or numeric data, formulas, or macro

instructions, spreadsheet users can create many

different types of worksheets electronically

129. Emulation. The use of special control programs

to make a new computer system "act" like an

older one, thus enabling a business to execute its

older programs while software conversion takes

place.

130. Encryption. The process of scrambling

computerized data using a predefined formula or

algorithm in order to protect it during

transmission or storage.

131. End user. Usually nontechnical individuals who

use computer resources to accomplish daily

tasks.

132. Erasable programmable read only memory

(EPROM). A programmable read only memory

that can be erased and programmed with special

devices.

133. Erasable read only memory (EROM). A type of

read only memory that can be erased by

exposure to ultraviolet light.

134. Execution time (E-time). The portion of one

machine cycle needed by a CPU's supervisory-

control unit to execute an instruction.

135. Expansion card. Electronic components that

have been wired onto a flat board and that slip

into an expansion slot of a microcomputer.

136. Field. A set of character spaces reserved for a

specified data item (such as an employee's last

name) in a computer record. A set of related

characters

137. FIFO. First-in, first-out. First-in, first-out

(FIFO). A method of prioritizing job requests in

which the first user to request service gets it.

138. File. A set of computer records that have been

stored together on tape or disk for some

common data processing purpose. A collection

of related records.

139. File management program. A program that

allows the user to enter data on forms and make

requests for particular types of data items.

140. Firmware. Computer software that has been

permanently installed into a computer, and that

performs tasks normally associated with

computer hardware.

141. First-generation programming language. A

machine language written in binary code and

stored in primary memory.

142. Fixed disk. A disk drive whose disk pack has

been permanently mounted.

143. Fixed-length record. A computer record that

uses the same amount of space as every other

record on the file.

144. Flat panel display screen. A liquid crystal

display (LCD) screen that contains a grid of

luminescent substances which glow when

excited by electricity.

145. Floppy disk. A flexible mylar disk often used

as secondary storage and commonly called a

diskette.

146. Flowchart. The pictorial representation of an

orderly step-by-step solution to a problem.

147. Font. The typestyle used in printing a

document -- e.g., Roman, gothic, pica, or elite.

148. Footers. The lines of text that appear at the

bottom of every page of a word-processing

document.

149. Foreground mode. Computer processing that is

immediately controllable by the user. The

opposite of foreground mode is background

mode.

150. Formula (in spreadsheets). A calculation to be

performed and stored in certain cells, typically

using data from other cells.

151. Formula Display (in spreadsheets). A

spreadsheet's ability to display the actual

formula programmed in a particular cell

instead of the value the formula computes.

152. FORTRAN (FORmula TRANslator). The first

high level language, introduced in 1954 by

IBM; it is scientifically oriented.

153. Full-screen display. The ability to use 80

columns and 25 lines on a video display

screen.

154. Function keys. Special keys programmed to

execute commonly-used commands which are

usually labeled "F1", "F2", etc.

155. Gantt chart. A bar chart commonly used to

depict schedule deadlines and milestones.

156. General-purpose register. A register used for

several functions, such as arithmetic and

addressing purposes.

157. Gigabyte (GB). One billion bytes.

158. GIGO. Garbage in, garbage out: The quality of

the output is directly dependent on the quality

of the input.

159. Graphics printer. A printer such as a dot-

matrix printer that is capable of preparing

graphics (such as charts or drawings) as well

as text output.

160. Graphics system. A set of computer hardware

and software for creating, storing,

manipulating, changing, and outputting

graphics images.

161. Graphics terminal. A terminal with the ability

to produce pictures, line drawings, graphs,

charts, and other pictorial displays in

numerous eye-pleasing formats, often in color.

162. Grid chart. A row-and-column chart

commonly used in the systems analysis phase

of a computer project to document input and

output specifications.

163. Hard-copy output. Computer output that is

permanent -- for example, output that is

printed or graphed on paper.

164. Hard disks. 5 inch or 3 1/2 - inch Winchester

disks in sealed modules.

165. Hardware. The computer and its associated

equipment.

166. Head crash. An accident caused by a

read/write head touching (crashing) the disk,

and which destroys the heads, disks, and data

stored on the disk.

167. Headers. The lines of text that appear at the

top of every page of word processing

documents.

168. Help facility. A computer program's ability to

provide users with on-screen explanations of

system commands, formatting conventions, or

usage techniques. A help facility is typically

accessed by typing a function key -- for

example, the F1 key.

169. Help key. A function key that enables a user to

obtain additional explanatory information on

the input requirements or acceptable codes of

an application program.

170. Hexadecimal number system. A number

system that uses 16 symbols to represent data.

171. Hierarchical model. A database model in

which records in a file are associated in a one-

to-many, or parent-child, relationship.

172. High-level languages. English-like

programming languages developed after the

development of symbolic languages.

173. IBM 360. The first third-generation computer.

It was characterized by use of integrated

circuits, was a general-purpose family of

computers, and supported user migration

through consistent instruction sets.

174. Icon. A small figure on the computer screen

that represents a computer activity.

175. Impact printer. A printer that forms characters

by physically striking the paper.

176. Indexed file organization. Combination of

sequential and direct file organization.

177. Indexed sequential access method (ISAM). A

method of file organization in which records

are stored sequentially but the location of these

records is stored in one or more indexes.

178. Ink Jet printer. A serial, non-impact printer that

forms characters by spraying a very fine jet of

magnetically charged ink through a nozzle.

179. Interpreter. A program that translates and

executes high-level languages on instruction at a

time.

180. Interrupt. Condition that causes normal program

processing to be suspended temporarily.

181. Joy stick. A graphics input device that allows

fingertip control on a CRT screen.

182. Key. Unique identifier for a record.

183. Keyboard. A common input device similar to

the keyboard of a typewriter.

184. Kilobyte (KB). 1024 bytes or 8192 bits.

185. Labels (in spreadsheets). Headings, row titles,

and other alphabetic text in a spreadsheet.

186. LAN. Local area network.

187. Laser memory. A type of secondary storage that

uses a pit etched in a plastic medium by a laser.

Also called videodisks.

188. Laser printer. A printer that uses a light beam to

transfer images to paper.

189. Letter-quality printer. A printer, such as a daisy

wheel, ink jet or laser printers, that produces

high-quality output.

190. Light pen. A graphics input device that allows

the user to interact directly with the computer

screen.

191. Line printer. A printer that assembles all

characters on a line at one time and prints them

out practically simultaneously.

192. Liquid crystal display (LCD). The flat display

screen found on laptop computers.

193. Local area network (LAN). A network designed

to share data and resources among several

computers.

194. Logical operations. Comparing operations. The

ALU is able to compare numbers, letters, or

special characters and take alternative courses of

action.

195. Logic function. A predefined spreadsheet

formula that is normally used to test data for a

specific condition -- for example, an IF test.

196. Logic operations. The ability to compare two

pieces of data to determine if they are equal or

which is larger.

197. Looping. The process of executing the same

instructions over and over.

198. Low-level programming language. A computer

programming language such as machine

language or assembly language requiring

instructions to be written at a very detailed,

hardware-dependent level.

199. Machine language. The lowest level of language

that represents information as 1s and 0s. A first

generation computer language.

200. Magnetic disk. An oxide-coated disk on which

data is recorded as magnetic spots.

201. Magnetic-ink character recognition. A method

of machine-reading characters made of

magnetized particles. Used by banks for check

processing.

202. Mailing list. A computerized file of names and

addresses that is used to distribute printed

documents.

203. Mail merge. A word processing option that

enables users to merge the variable information

(such as name and address information) of one

file with the standard information of a memo,

letter, or other document stored in a second file.

204. Mainframe computer. A fully configured

computer intended for substantial, high-volume

data processing. It contains large primary

memory, substantial processing capabilities, the

ability to attach numerous peripheral devices,

and data communication capabilities.

205. Megabyte (MB or M). One million bytes of

computer storage.

206. Megahertz. Millions of cycles per second -- a

measure of the processing speed of a

microprocessor.

207. Memory. The electronic circuitry that

temporarily holds data and program instructions

needed by the CPU.

208. Menu. A set of processing choices displayed on

a computer display screen.

209. Menu-driven. Systems that give users of video

terminals a list of selections and prompts from

which to make choices. Menu-driven systems

are usually considered user-friendly systems.

210. Microcomputer. The smallest and least-

expensive computer. Often called a lap-top

microcomputer, personal computer, or portable

microcomputer.

211. Microprocessor. A chip in a microcomputer that

contains the arithmetic/logic and control

functions. The speed of a microprocessor is

measured in megahertz.

212. Microsecond. One millionth of a second.

213. Microwave. High-frequency radio waves that

can transmit data signals up to 40 miles

214. Minicomputer. A computer that is larger than a

microcomputer and less powerful than a

mainframe computer.

215. MIPS. MIPS stands for millions of instructions

per second -- a method of measuring the

computational speed of microprocessor chips.

216. Modem. A data communications device

standing for "modulator-demodulator" and

which translates digital signals into analog ones

(and vice versa).

217. Monitor. A video display screen commonly

used with microcomputers and graded by its

display size, display resolution, graphics

capabilities, and ability to display outputs in a

single color (monochrome) or several colors.

218. Monochrome. A computer screen that displays

information in only on color on a black or dark

background.

219. Mother board. The major physical connector for

the expansion slots of a microcomputer and also

the electronic components into which cards are

installed.

220. Mouse. A small box with a round ball on the

bottom and one or more depression-switches on

the top. It is attached to a terminal or

microcomputer by a cable and commonly used

to draw figures or point to menu choices on a

CRT screen.

221. MS-DOS. A disk operating system developed

for microcomputers by Microsoft, Inc. that

resides on a floppy disk instead of primary

memory.

222. Multiplexer. A data communications device that

allows several users to share communication

channels.

223. Multitasking. A microcomputer or operating

system's ability to perform several tasks

concurrently -- for example, through the use of

several active onscreen "windows".

224. Nibble. Half a byte or four bits.

225. Nonimpact printer. Printers that do not use page

striking to create images. Examples are ink jet

printers and laser printer.

226. Numerical key pad. A ten-key pad on a

keyboard used to enter numerical data.

227. Object code (object program). Computer

program instructions that have been translated

into machine language.

228. OCR. Optical character recognition.

229. Octal numbering system. A number system

based on eight symbols.

230. On-screen editing. The ability to change screen-

displayed data -- for example, by using the

backspace key and retyping -- in order to correct

mistakes or change input.

231. Operating system. A set of programs through

which a computer manages its own resources.

232. Optical-character recognition (OCR) devices.

Input devices that use a light source to read

special characters and convert them to electrical

signals to be sent to the CPU.

233. Optical read-only memory (OROM). Optical

storage media that cannot be written to but can

be used to supply software or data.

234. Optical-recognition system. A system that

converts optical marks, optical characters,

handwritten characters, and bar codes into

electrical signals to be sent to the CPU.

235. Output. Raw data that has been processed into

usable information.

236. Output devices. Devices, such as printers, that

make processed information available for use.

237. Page formatting. The margins and other print

settings in a word processing system, DBMS, or

other software package that enable users to

create useful and convenient printed output.

Many packages also enable users to store these

setting in separate files (style sheets) for later

use.

238. Parallel data processing. The ability of a

computer to execute several instructions

concurrently instead of sequentially.

239. Parallel data transmission. The simultaneous

transmission of bits along several wires.

240. Parameters (in spreadsheets). Values in

spreadsheets that remain constant for any single

analysis but that can be varied in subsequent

analyses.

241. PASCAL. A high-level programming language

widely used in such academic disciplines as

computer sciences and engineering. Pascal

instructions are simple to express and impose

structure upon programming logic.

242. PC-DOS. A special version of the MS-DOS

operating system developed for IBM

microcomputers.

243. Pico second. One trillionth of a second.

244. Pixel. Picture element on a computer display

screen.

245. Presentation graphics. High-quality business or

educational graphics designed to allow the user

to share information with others.

246. Processor. The central processing unit (CPU) of

a computer

247. Program. A set of step-by-step instructions that

directs a computer to perform specific tasks and

produce certain results.

248. Programming language. A set of rules that

instructs a computer what operations to perform.

249. PROM. Programmable read-only memory.

250. Prompt. A signal that the computer or operating

system is waiting for a command from the user.

251. Protocol. A set of rules for the exchange of data

between a terminal and a computer or between

two computers.

252. Psuedocode. An English-like way of

representing structured programming control

structures.

253. QWERTY keyboard. The standard keyboard

used on most conventional typewriters and

computer terminals.

254. RAM disk. A chip that lets the computer regard

part of its memory as an additional disk drive.

255. Random-access memory (RAM). Memory that

provides volatile temporary storage for data and

program instructions

256. Read-only memory (ROM). Memory that can be

read only and remains after the power is turned

off. Non-volatile memory.

257. Record. A collection of related fields.

258. Refreshed. refers to the maintenance of the

image on a CRT screen.

259. Register. A temporary storage area for

instructions or data.

260. Relational data base. A data base that relies on

external tables or indexes for storing and

retrieving file information.

261. Resolution. Clarity of a video display screen or

on the printed page.

262. Retrieval. Recovery of data stored in a computer

system.

263. RGB monitor. Refers to red, green, and blue

colors which are used to produce color video

images on the video screen.

264. Screen. A television-like output device that

displays data and output.

265. Scrolling. A word processing feature that allows

the user to view any part of the document on the

screen in 20-line chunks.

266. Search and replace. A word processing function

that finds and changes each instance of a

repeated item.

267. Secondary storage. Additional storage for data

and programs that is separate from the CPU and

memory.

268. Semiconductor. A crystalline substance that

conducts electricity when it is "doped" with

chemical impurities.

269. Semiconductor storage. Data storage on a

silicon chip.

270. Sequential file organization. Organization of

records in sequential order by key.

271. Shell. An operating environment layer that

separates the operating system from the user.

272. Single-density diskette. A floppy disk capable

of storing a limited amount of data -- e.g., less

than 100L of data per side.

273. Single-sided diskette. A floppy disk that can

only be recorded on one side.

274. Software. Instructions that tell a computer what

to do.

275. Sort. An operation that arranges data into a

particular sequence.

276. Sort key field. The data field in each computer

record of a file that is used to sequence the

records themselves -- for example, employee's

social security numbers in payroll records.

277. Source document. Original paper containing

data to be prepared as input to a computer.

278. Speech recognition. The process of presenting

input data to the computer through the spoken

word.

279. Spelling checker program. A word processing

program that checks the spelling in a document.

280. Spooling. A process in which files to be printed

are placed temporarily on disk.

281. Spreadsheet. A worksheet divided into rows and

columns that can be used to organize and

present business data.

282. Storage register. A register that temporarily

holds data taken from or about to be sent to

memory.

283. Supercomputer. The largest and most powerful

category of computers (i.e., Cray II).

284. Synchronous transmission. Data transmission in

which characters are transmitted together in a

continuous stream.

285. Syntax errors. Errors in use of programming

language.

286. Tab settings. Right and left margin and "ruler

settings" settings in a word processing program

that designates the horizontal positions where

the cursor should align when the "tab" key on

the keyboard is depressed.

287. Template (in spreadsheets). A skeleton or data

outline in a spreadsheet, containing the

appropriate labels and formulas of a required

report but lacking variable user information.

288. Terminal. A device that consists of an input

device, an output device, and a communications

link to the main terminal.

289. Thesaurus program. With a word processing

program, this program provides a list of

synonyms and antonyms for an overused word

in a document.

290. Touch pad. A computer input device consisting

of a flat pad with a special pin and an

electronically sensitive grid.

291. Touch screen. A computer screen that accepts

input data by letting the user point at the screen

to select a choice.

292. Track. On disk, one of many data-holding

concentric circles.

293. Translator. A program that translates

programming language into machine language.

294. UNIVAC I (UNIVersal Automatic Computer).

The first computer built for business purposes.

295. UNIX. A generic multiuser, time-sharing

operating system developed in 1971 at Bell

Labs.

296. Update. Keeping files current by changing data

as appropriate.

297. Uploading data. The transfer of data from a

small microcomputer or minicomputer to a

larger minicomputer or mainframe computer.

298. User friendly. Refers to software that is easy for

a novice to use.

299. Utility programs. Programs that perform routine

file conversions and sort/merge operations.

300. Vacuum tube. An electronic tube used as a basic

component in the first generation of computers

301. Variable length. Refers to records containing

different numbers of character.

302. Video display terminal (VDT). A terminal with

a screen.

303. Video graphics. Computer-produced animated

pictures.

304. Virtual memory or storage. A condition in

which part of the program is stored on disk and

is brought into memory only as needed.

305. Virus. A segment of program code which is

self-perpetuating and can corrupt other files.

306. Volatile. Refers to the loss of data in

semiconductor storage when the current is

interrupted or turned off.

307. Window (in spreadsheets). Any portion of a

worksheet or split screen of a worksheet

displayed on the screen at a given time.

308. Word (of computer memory). Four bytes or

thirty-two bits.

309. Word processing. Computer-based creation,

editing, formatting, storage and printing of text.

310. Word wrap. A word processing feature that

automatically starts a word at the left margin of

the next line if there is not enough room on the

line.

311. Write-protect. The user's ability to protect the

encoding on a floppy disk by covering a small

notch on the outside of the diskette.

312. WYSIWYG. "What you see is what you get," an

acronym referring to screen-oriented word

processing programs.

313. XENIX. An operating system written especially

for IBM-compatible microcomputers to serve in

a time-sharing environment.

314. Zoom (windows). A software option that allows

users to expand the size of a display window,

thereby revealing more detailed graphics images

or written information on-screen.