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GLOSSARY.DOC
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.pl 66
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Alphanumeric A set of characters consisting of
either the letters A through Z, the
digits 0 through 9, special symbols,
or a combination of all of these. For
example, the set of characters, MISC.
#2, is alphanumeric
Backup Stored data files which can be used if
the original files are lost or incorrect.
BASIC BASIC is an acronym which stands for
Beginners All-purpose Symbolic
Instruction Code. Basic is the
computer programming language used
with user-oriented computers.
Character One of a set of elements which may be
arranged in ordered groups to express
information. Characters include the
letters A through Z, the digits 0
through 9, punctuation marks, and
other special symbols.
Data Information in the form of letters,
numbers, symbols, etc., which the
computer processes or produces.
Default Value A value assigned automatically by the
computer when the operator does not
enter any information before pressing
the RETURN or ENTER key.
Disk Cartridge A large volume data storage device
which consists of a rigid platter with
a magnetic coating. Sometimes one or
more of these platters are enclosed in a
plastic cartridge. A disk cartridge is
also called a hard disk.
Diskette A data storage device which is coated
with magnetic recording material and
looks like a 45-rpm phonograph record
enclosed in a plastic envelope. The
diskette and plastic envelope are
inserted into the disk drive together.
A diskette is also called a floppy
disk or a flexible disk.
Disk Unit or The electronic machine and housing
Disk Drive used to store and retrieve information
on a disk cartridge or diskette. When
several disk units are used simultane-
ously, each one is assigned a number
beginning with 0, 1, 2, etc, or in CP/M,
A:, B:, C:, etc.
Field A single item of information. For
example, a field within the general
ledger would be the Description.
Another field in this file would be the
Tag.
File A group of related records on the
diskette. Each file has a name by which
it is accessed. An example of this is
the General ledger file, which records
all GL and Posting for print-out.
FORMAT Format is a system related program used
to prepare new diskette for use or an
old diskette for re-use. Formatting
DESTROYS all data on the diskette. For
more information on formatting consult
the system manual.
Input Information which is entered into a
computer from outside via the type-
writer-like keyboard attached to the
video unit.
Memory A capacity for storage of programs and
data being used by the computer.
Menu A computer video display of options
available to the operator.
Numeric Description of numerical information.
For example, the set of characters
"012345" is numeric.
Output Information transferred from the
computer memory to output devices such
as a printer or video unit.
Password A code word which must be entered
before the computer will allow the
operator to perform tasks.
Processing The programmed computations and
actions by which the computer uses
input data to produce output data.
Program A set of sequential instructions which
direct the computer in performing the
desired operations.
Prompt A computer message on the video unit
which indicates that the operator
should key in response.
Record Collected information fields which
make up a file.
Software The software portion of a computer
system includes programs, procedures
and computer languages. Hardware refers
to the mechanical devices used, such as
the disk drive, printer, computer, and
video unit.
Tag Is a field used in this package it must
be Non-zero or the record will be
considered deleted. A suggestion is
make the tag equal to the Record number.
Video Unit or A device which has a T.V. like screen
Terminal for displaying data and a typewriter-
like keyboard for entering data.