data
file
A file consisting of data in the form of
text, numbers or graphics, as distinct from a program file
containing commands and instructions. Data files may also be
called documents or spreadsheets.
data
format
The arrangement of data within a
document file that typically permits the document to be opened
or edited by a certain application. Many applications can
store files in more generic formats, such as plain ASCII text.
date
window
A 100-year range that generally spans
two centuries, specified with a beginning and ending date (for
example, 1928-2027). The beginning date of the window becomes
a threshold to which a two-digit year shortcut is compared in
order to interpret the century for the date.
For example,
if the date window is set to be 1928-2027, the threshold is
then "28." A two-digit shortcut less than 28 will be
interpreted as 20xx (the later century). A two-digit shortcut
greater than or equal to 28 will be interpreted as 19xx (the
earlier century). In this example, if a user enters the dates
1/1/26, 1/1/27, 1/1/28 and 1/1/29, a program using this date
window would interpret these dates as 1/1/2026, 1/1/2027,
1/1/1928 and 1/1/1929.
desktop
computer
A computer that fits on the surface of
a business desk. Most personal computers as well as some
workstations are considered desktop computers.
device
A generic term for printers,
scanners, mice, keyboards, serial ports, video adapters, disk
drives and other computer subsystems. Such devices frequently
require their own controlling software, called device drivers.
device
driver
A software component that permits the
computer system to communicate with a device. Many devices,
especially video adapters on microcomputers, will not work
properly if at all without the correct device drivers
installed in the system.
disk
A round, flat piece of flexible plastic (floppy disk) or
inflexible metal (hard disk) coated with a magnetic material
that can be electrically influenced to hold information
recorded in digital (binary) form. In microcomputers, a disk
is the primary means of storing data on a permanent or
semi-permanent basis. Types of disks used with microcomputers
include floppy disks, Zip disks (IomegaTM), and
hard disks.
document
Any self-contained piece of
work created with a software program that is saved and given a
unique filename by which it can be retrieved. A document is a
data file that has been created by a word processor,
spreadsheet program, graphic program, or any other software
program. Also called document file or data file.
