daisywheel printer - A type of impact printer which uses a replaceable wheel (that looks something like a daisy)
with embossed characters that are of one type and size.
data - Information stored by computer.
database - A collection of data that is managed by computer methods.
database management system - (DBMS) A computer program that provides a way to manage data that is
stored in different files. A DBMS differs from a file manager in that it provides a way to establish relationships
between data elements in different files. (See also file management.)
data bus - (See data path.)
data dictionary - A dictionary of data-storage information for use by a relational database-management system.
In order for a relational database-management system to locate information, a data dictionary must be created
which includes the number and names of all the fields, the location of the various fields in the tables, and the
relationships between the tables.
data encryption - A method of scrambling data so that even if an authorized person gains access to
computer-stored data, they will not be able to use programs or make sense of data. A special decoding
program is required to unscramble the encrypted data before it can be used. This security method can be used
to protect data on floppy disks, fixed disks, and other types of magnetic media.
data entry screen - File-management software generally provides this type of screen display to prompt the user
during data entry to indicate how the user is to enter data into each field of a data record.
data flow - Data flow can be managed in one of three modes - simplex, half-duplex, or full-duplex. These three
modes refer to the direction of the data flow. If you are using a communications system in the simplex mode,
data can only travel through the channel in one direction. Since this mode restricts communication to a one-way
transmission, either sending or receiving, it is not used very often for communications between two computers.
Using the half-duplex mode, on the other hand, data can be sent in both directions, but not at the same time.
Using the full-duplex mode, data can be transmitted in both directions at the same time. Systems with special
types of wiring may be able to transmit data at higher speeds using the full-duplex mode. However, the
half-duplex mode is more commonly used when transmitting data between two computers. (See also simplex,
half-duplex, and full-duplex.)
data path - (data bus) The circuits used to transfer data between CPU components.
data rate - Since the rate at which information is transmitted over a channel varies, communicating computer
devices must be capable of transmitting and receiving data at differing rates. Data rates are measured in bits
per second or bps. Each type of channel has a maximum rate at which data can be transmitted, based on the
type of media used in the channel and its design. Generally, channels with data rates less than 300 bps are
referred to as narrowband. Rates of 300 to 9,600 bps are known as voiceband or voice-grade. The fastest
channels are referred to as wideband or broadband. They are considered to be high-speed channels and can
carry data at rates in the hundreds of thousands or even millions of bits-per-second. These high-speed
channels require the use of special coaxial or fiber-optic cables. (See also narrowband and wideband or
broadband.)
date field - A type of data-entry field in a database that has been defined by the user to hold a date (usually in
the dd-mm-yy format).
DBMS - (See database management system.)
debugging - The process of finding and fixing a program's errors.
decentralized information system - A decentralized information system uses separate computers - usually
minicomputers or microcomputers - within individual departments. Sometimes there is a central mini or
mainframe computer for applications that are shared between groups, but the basic design gives control of
computers to individual departments. The advantage of a decentralized system is that users have more
immediate access to information and do not have to wait for processing time as they may have to with a
centralized system. (See also centralized information system and distributed information system.)
decimal system - The base-10 numbering system that is commonly used in non-computing situations.
dedicated line - Two computer devices may be connected using this type of line which is never disconnected.
defined style - A set of parameters for the display of text in a word processing or desktop publishing program.
These parameters can be predefined as a named style and applied to any text in a document.
demodulation - When computers transmit data using standard communications systems (such as the phone
system), binary data must be converted to the analog signals used by that system. This is known as
modulation. When such data is received by computers, it must be converted back again to its digital form. This
is known as demodulation. (See also modulation and modem.)
desktop computer - (See microcomputer.)
desktop publishing program - (Also known as a page composition program.) A program that provides most of
the line-oriented word processing functions, but, in addition, add special page-oriented capabilities for
displaying and managing graphics, fonts, and other page-design features like lines and boxes. These programs
are designed to help you work on page details. They attempt to show you as close a representation of what
your printed pages will look like as possible.
detail report - An information system must be capable of providing users with many different types of reports
structured according to the needs of the user who is making the request. Reports designed to provide detailed
information about stored data are known as detail reports. (Contrast with summary report).
difference engine - (See analytical engine.)
digital - Coded information can be transmitted as either digital signals or analog signals. A system that uses
digital signals sends information coded as a set of discrete bits that can have one of two values. The two values
are usually referred to as off or on, zero or one. (Contrast with analog.)
digital computer - A computer system that manages data in digital form. (See also digital.)
digital video - Most of the video images we are used to seeing on our home televisions sets were originally
captured using a video camera and stored on video tape using analog data-storage methods. But today,
special devices make it possible to store video images in digital form on a computer's magnetic media as
computer graphics. By rapidly delivering these digital graphics images to the computer's screen one after the
other, we can simulate the same kind of video image as we see on our television set.
direct conversion - a method of converting to a new computerized data-management system in which all users,
with training and technical support, convert immediately to the new system. (See also parallel conversion,
phased conversion, and pilot conversion.)
direct file organization - (Also known as random or relative organization.) A method of organizing stored data in
which records organized in this way are accessed by their storage location. Direct file organization is more likely
to be used when the records in the file need to be accessed randomly. (See also indexed file organization and
sequential file organization.)
diskette - (floppy disk) A form of permanent storage that can be inserted into a computer that has a compatible
disk drive. Some personal computers use a 5 1/4-inch diskette housed inside a flexible plastic jacket; however,
the trend is toward smaller 3 1/2-inch diskettes enclosed in a hard plastic case. Both types of diskettes use the
same thin, flexible plastic disk inside that is coated with a magnetic substance, but their storage capacities can
vary from 360,000 bytes to more than 2 million bytes.
display monitor - The computer's main output device used to display text and images on a view screen. Today,
monitors can present information in many colors and in many forms, including pictures.
distributed database - Computer-stored information that is maintained by individuals and departments within the
organization. Often much of the information contained in a distributed database is composed of specialized
information downloaded from the organization's operational databases. (See also operational database and
management database.)
distributed information system - Computer systems in which the computers of each group are networked so that
they can communicate. The system may use a local-area network to connect the computers that are in one
building or a wide-area network to connect computers that are located at some distance from one another. A
distributed system can provide quick access to data and more control over applications by individual
departments and incompatible applications used by individual departments is less of an issue. (See also
centralized and decentralized information systems.)
documentation - There are two types of computer-related documentation. For computer users, the set of user's
manuals that come with applications software and with other computer hardware and software components are
known as user documentation. For computer programmers, information about the design and function of
computer programs are known as program documentation.
dot-addressable monitor - A bit-mapped, graphic monitor that uses a system of mapping the video display in
which every picture element (pixel) on the display screen is identified by a corresponding bit in the computer's
memory. For that reason, every pixel is addressable with software. (See also graphic display monitor or
bit-mapped monitor .)
dot-matrix printer - The most common type of impact desktop printer based on a technology that places a dot
on paper when one of a group of pins in the printhead strike through an inked ribbon; a series of these dots
are used to represent characters or graphic images.
download - To retrieve data from a distant computer to your local computer. (Contrast with upload.)
draft quality - Computer-printed copies that have been intentionally printed with limited quality to save on printer
resources.
dragging - Many modern computer programs support the use of a mouse as a pointing device. If so, you can
"drag" on-screen images or highlight text with the mouse pointer by holding down a button on the mouse as you
move it.
draw program - A type of graphics program that is used to draw objects (points, lines, arcs, or combinations of
them) on the computer screen and print them. Images created with a draw program are manipulated and edited
as "whole" objects, as opposed to objects created with a paint program which can be edited one pixel at a time.
drum printer - A type of high-speed line printer that uses a rotating drum with characters embossed on it.
dumb terminal - A display monitor and a keyboard that is attached to a remote computer. Referred to as "dumb"
because it has no built-in processing capability, depending entirely on the remote computer.
ease-of-use - Refers to user interface issues which can make a program easier to use. Generally, programs
which are more intuitive and provide a visual, common-sense approach will be easier to use.
EBCDIC - (Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code) A computer coding system used on IBM
mainframes and on other large computers.
E-cycle - (See execution cycle.)
EFT - (See electronic funds transfer.)
EGA - (See extended graphics adapter.)
electroluminescent - (EL) displays A type of flat-screen technology that uses a specially treated film on the
screen that glows when electric current is applied at the intersection of a horizontal line and a vertical line. The
image produced is of a very high quality.
Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 - A government act that provides privacy protection for
computer communications, including electronic mail. This act makes it a federal crime to intercept these kinds of
computer-based transmissions.
electronic funds transfer - (EFT) The use of computers to electronically transfer funds from one account to
another without the need for paper work.
electronic-mail - (e-mail) Computer-based systems that provide individual computer users with an "address" to
which computer messages can be sent.
electronic spreadsheet - Based on the traditional large paper worksheets that have long been used by
accountants and financial analysts, these computer programs provide a way to analyze numerical data and
display the results. Like the traditional paper worksheet, the data is displayed in columns and rows and data
may be addressed by cell address (the intersection of a column and a row).
electrostatic plotter - A type of nonimpact printer that produces graphics by applying an electrostatic charge to
rolls of special paper.
e-mail - (See electronic mail.)
end user - The individual who will use a computer or a computer program.
end-user documentation - (See documentation.)
ENIAC - A large-scale computing device based on electro-mechanical switches and radio vacuum tubes
developed shortly after World War II by John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert. This device was known as the
Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator (ENIAC) and is now seen by many as the first electronic
computer.
ergonomics - The study of how humans interact with all kinds of machines, including computers.
errors in logic - Errors in a computer program that are related to programming logic. For example, if a program
that is supposed to add two numbers together does not carry out the addition function correctly, it is known as
an error in logic.
E-time - (See execution cycle.)
execution cycle or E-cycle (E-time) - The period of time it takes the CPU to execute an instruction and store the
result in a register.
expert systems - Artificial intelligence programs that use the same rules as human experts to make decisions
based on available evidence.
Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code - (See EBCDIC.)
extended graphics adapter (EGA) - A type of display monitor that produces images in up to 16 different colors
at a resolution of 640 by 350 pixels.
with embossed characters that are of one type and size.
data - Information stored by computer.
database - A collection of data that is managed by computer methods.
database management system - (DBMS) A computer program that provides a way to manage data that is
stored in different files. A DBMS differs from a file manager in that it provides a way to establish relationships
between data elements in different files. (See also file management.)
data bus - (See data path.)
data dictionary - A dictionary of data-storage information for use by a relational database-management system.
In order for a relational database-management system to locate information, a data dictionary must be created
which includes the number and names of all the fields, the location of the various fields in the tables, and the
relationships between the tables.
data encryption - A method of scrambling data so that even if an authorized person gains access to
computer-stored data, they will not be able to use programs or make sense of data. A special decoding
program is required to unscramble the encrypted data before it can be used. This security method can be used
to protect data on floppy disks, fixed disks, and other types of magnetic media.
data entry screen - File-management software generally provides this type of screen display to prompt the user
during data entry to indicate how the user is to enter data into each field of a data record.
data flow - Data flow can be managed in one of three modes - simplex, half-duplex, or full-duplex. These three
modes refer to the direction of the data flow. If you are using a communications system in the simplex mode,
data can only travel through the channel in one direction. Since this mode restricts communication to a one-way
transmission, either sending or receiving, it is not used very often for communications between two computers.
Using the half-duplex mode, on the other hand, data can be sent in both directions, but not at the same time.
Using the full-duplex mode, data can be transmitted in both directions at the same time. Systems with special
types of wiring may be able to transmit data at higher speeds using the full-duplex mode. However, the
half-duplex mode is more commonly used when transmitting data between two computers. (See also simplex,
half-duplex, and full-duplex.)
data path - (data bus) The circuits used to transfer data between CPU components.
data rate - Since the rate at which information is transmitted over a channel varies, communicating computer
devices must be capable of transmitting and receiving data at differing rates. Data rates are measured in bits
per second or bps. Each type of channel has a maximum rate at which data can be transmitted, based on the
type of media used in the channel and its design. Generally, channels with data rates less than 300 bps are
referred to as narrowband. Rates of 300 to 9,600 bps are known as voiceband or voice-grade. The fastest
channels are referred to as wideband or broadband. They are considered to be high-speed channels and can
carry data at rates in the hundreds of thousands or even millions of bits-per-second. These high-speed
channels require the use of special coaxial or fiber-optic cables. (See also narrowband and wideband or
broadband.)
date field - A type of data-entry field in a database that has been defined by the user to hold a date (usually in
the dd-mm-yy format).
DBMS - (See database management system.)
debugging - The process of finding and fixing a program's errors.
decentralized information system - A decentralized information system uses separate computers - usually
minicomputers or microcomputers - within individual departments. Sometimes there is a central mini or
mainframe computer for applications that are shared between groups, but the basic design gives control of
computers to individual departments. The advantage of a decentralized system is that users have more
immediate access to information and do not have to wait for processing time as they may have to with a
centralized system. (See also centralized information system and distributed information system.)
decimal system - The base-10 numbering system that is commonly used in non-computing situations.
dedicated line - Two computer devices may be connected using this type of line which is never disconnected.
defined style - A set of parameters for the display of text in a word processing or desktop publishing program.
These parameters can be predefined as a named style and applied to any text in a document.
demodulation - When computers transmit data using standard communications systems (such as the phone
system), binary data must be converted to the analog signals used by that system. This is known as
modulation. When such data is received by computers, it must be converted back again to its digital form. This
is known as demodulation. (See also modulation and modem.)
desktop computer - (See microcomputer.)
desktop publishing program - (Also known as a page composition program.) A program that provides most of
the line-oriented word processing functions, but, in addition, add special page-oriented capabilities for
displaying and managing graphics, fonts, and other page-design features like lines and boxes. These programs
are designed to help you work on page details. They attempt to show you as close a representation of what
your printed pages will look like as possible.
detail report - An information system must be capable of providing users with many different types of reports
structured according to the needs of the user who is making the request. Reports designed to provide detailed
information about stored data are known as detail reports. (Contrast with summary report).
difference engine - (See analytical engine.)
digital - Coded information can be transmitted as either digital signals or analog signals. A system that uses
digital signals sends information coded as a set of discrete bits that can have one of two values. The two values
are usually referred to as off or on, zero or one. (Contrast with analog.)
digital computer - A computer system that manages data in digital form. (See also digital.)
digital video - Most of the video images we are used to seeing on our home televisions sets were originally
captured using a video camera and stored on video tape using analog data-storage methods. But today,
special devices make it possible to store video images in digital form on a computer's magnetic media as
computer graphics. By rapidly delivering these digital graphics images to the computer's screen one after the
other, we can simulate the same kind of video image as we see on our television set.
direct conversion - a method of converting to a new computerized data-management system in which all users,
with training and technical support, convert immediately to the new system. (See also parallel conversion,
phased conversion, and pilot conversion.)
direct file organization - (Also known as random or relative organization.) A method of organizing stored data in
which records organized in this way are accessed by their storage location. Direct file organization is more likely
to be used when the records in the file need to be accessed randomly. (See also indexed file organization and
sequential file organization.)
diskette - (floppy disk) A form of permanent storage that can be inserted into a computer that has a compatible
disk drive. Some personal computers use a 5 1/4-inch diskette housed inside a flexible plastic jacket; however,
the trend is toward smaller 3 1/2-inch diskettes enclosed in a hard plastic case. Both types of diskettes use the
same thin, flexible plastic disk inside that is coated with a magnetic substance, but their storage capacities can
vary from 360,000 bytes to more than 2 million bytes.
display monitor - The computer's main output device used to display text and images on a view screen. Today,
monitors can present information in many colors and in many forms, including pictures.
distributed database - Computer-stored information that is maintained by individuals and departments within the
organization. Often much of the information contained in a distributed database is composed of specialized
information downloaded from the organization's operational databases. (See also operational database and
management database.)
distributed information system - Computer systems in which the computers of each group are networked so that
they can communicate. The system may use a local-area network to connect the computers that are in one
building or a wide-area network to connect computers that are located at some distance from one another. A
distributed system can provide quick access to data and more control over applications by individual
departments and incompatible applications used by individual departments is less of an issue. (See also
centralized and decentralized information systems.)
documentation - There are two types of computer-related documentation. For computer users, the set of user's
manuals that come with applications software and with other computer hardware and software components are
known as user documentation. For computer programmers, information about the design and function of
computer programs are known as program documentation.
dot-addressable monitor - A bit-mapped, graphic monitor that uses a system of mapping the video display in
which every picture element (pixel) on the display screen is identified by a corresponding bit in the computer's
memory. For that reason, every pixel is addressable with software. (See also graphic display monitor or
bit-mapped monitor .)
dot-matrix printer - The most common type of impact desktop printer based on a technology that places a dot
on paper when one of a group of pins in the printhead strike through an inked ribbon; a series of these dots
are used to represent characters or graphic images.
download - To retrieve data from a distant computer to your local computer. (Contrast with upload.)
draft quality - Computer-printed copies that have been intentionally printed with limited quality to save on printer
resources.
dragging - Many modern computer programs support the use of a mouse as a pointing device. If so, you can
"drag" on-screen images or highlight text with the mouse pointer by holding down a button on the mouse as you
move it.
draw program - A type of graphics program that is used to draw objects (points, lines, arcs, or combinations of
them) on the computer screen and print them. Images created with a draw program are manipulated and edited
as "whole" objects, as opposed to objects created with a paint program which can be edited one pixel at a time.
drum printer - A type of high-speed line printer that uses a rotating drum with characters embossed on it.
dumb terminal - A display monitor and a keyboard that is attached to a remote computer. Referred to as "dumb"
because it has no built-in processing capability, depending entirely on the remote computer.
ease-of-use - Refers to user interface issues which can make a program easier to use. Generally, programs
which are more intuitive and provide a visual, common-sense approach will be easier to use.
EBCDIC - (Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code) A computer coding system used on IBM
mainframes and on other large computers.
E-cycle - (See execution cycle.)
EFT - (See electronic funds transfer.)
EGA - (See extended graphics adapter.)
electroluminescent - (EL) displays A type of flat-screen technology that uses a specially treated film on the
screen that glows when electric current is applied at the intersection of a horizontal line and a vertical line. The
image produced is of a very high quality.
Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 - A government act that provides privacy protection for
computer communications, including electronic mail. This act makes it a federal crime to intercept these kinds of
computer-based transmissions.
electronic funds transfer - (EFT) The use of computers to electronically transfer funds from one account to
another without the need for paper work.
electronic-mail - (e-mail) Computer-based systems that provide individual computer users with an "address" to
which computer messages can be sent.
electronic spreadsheet - Based on the traditional large paper worksheets that have long been used by
accountants and financial analysts, these computer programs provide a way to analyze numerical data and
display the results. Like the traditional paper worksheet, the data is displayed in columns and rows and data
may be addressed by cell address (the intersection of a column and a row).
electrostatic plotter - A type of nonimpact printer that produces graphics by applying an electrostatic charge to
rolls of special paper.
e-mail - (See electronic mail.)
end user - The individual who will use a computer or a computer program.
end-user documentation - (See documentation.)
ENIAC - A large-scale computing device based on electro-mechanical switches and radio vacuum tubes
developed shortly after World War II by John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert. This device was known as the
Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator (ENIAC) and is now seen by many as the first electronic
computer.
ergonomics - The study of how humans interact with all kinds of machines, including computers.
errors in logic - Errors in a computer program that are related to programming logic. For example, if a program
that is supposed to add two numbers together does not carry out the addition function correctly, it is known as
an error in logic.
E-time - (See execution cycle.)
execution cycle or E-cycle (E-time) - The period of time it takes the CPU to execute an instruction and store the
result in a register.
expert systems - Artificial intelligence programs that use the same rules as human experts to make decisions
based on available evidence.
Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code - (See EBCDIC.)
extended graphics adapter (EGA) - A type of display monitor that produces images in up to 16 different colors
at a resolution of 640 by 350 pixels.
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