

page composition program - (See desktop publishing program.)
page preview - A special mode of modern programs that provide an accurate view of what a full printed page
would look like.
paint program - A type of graphics program that provides a variety of tools and options which make it easy to
create, display and print pictures on the computer. Objects created with a paint program can be edited one pixel
at a time, as opposed to objects created with a draw program which are edited as "whole" objects.
paper tape - A type of system that was used in the early days of computing to get information into the computer.
parallel conversion - A method of converting to a new computerized data-management system in which both the
old and new systems are run simultaneously for awhile while users learn about the new system. (See also direct
conversion, phased conversion, and pilot conversion.)
parallel processor system - A computer system that uses more than one processor. These computers can
complete certain types of data processing much faster than single processor computers because data
management tasks can be shared by cooperating processors.
parent record - An element in a data-organization model which views data relationships as a family tree. Parent
records (sometimes referred to as the root records) can have one or more children and are therefore higher on
the family tree (See also hierarchical data model, network data model, relational data model, and object-oriented
data model.)
parity bit - A binary code which is attached to characters being transmitted within the CPU to assure that no data
has been lost during transmission.
password - A special code word that must be entered before a computer system can be used or before access to
computer-stored information is allowed.
PC - (personal computer) (See microcomputer.)
PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) - A small, battery-powered computer designed to be held in the hand while in
use. These computers do not include a keyboard but instead usually use a pen as the input device. (See also
laptop computer, portable computer, and handheld computer.)
personal computer - (PC) (See microcomputer.)
phased conversion - A method of converting to a new computerized data-management system in which one
module is implemented, tested and refined before the next module is converted. (See also direct conversion,
parallel conversion, and pilot conversion.)
pie chart - A method of graphically representing data relationships as if data elements were slices of a pie.
pilot conversion - A method of converting to a new computerized data-management system in which the new
system is implemented only in one part of the organization. (See also direct conversion, parallel conversion, and
phased conversion.)
plotter - A type of nonimpact printer that uses colored pens to produce graphics output, in black and white or
color, on paper of varying sizes.
pointing device - Any input device that is used to point to and select options and objects on the computer screen.
The mouse is a good example of this type of input device because it is used to point to objects on the computer
screen in order to initiate commands and select options. Pointing devices such as the mouse became very
important to computer users with the advent of graphical user interfaces and sophisticated draw and paint
programs.
point-of-sale - (POS) Product scanning systems in stores that tie into the store's computer inventory system to
provide an accurate record of sales and product availability.
point-to-point - A communications configuration in which two computer devices are connected with no other
devices on the line. (See also multipoint.)
POS - (See point-of-sale.)
portable computer - A small, relatively transportable computer that may be battery-powered and therefore used
while traveling. (See also laptop computer, PDA, and handheld computer.)
presentation program - A type of graphics program used to make computer-based presentations. Often this type
of program includes options to turn numerical information into charts and graphs.
primary memory - The random-access memory (RAM) that comprises the primary storage unit of the CPU (used to
temporarily store data during processing). (Also known as main memory.)
printer - A common type of output device used to created a printed copy (hard copy) of computer-stored data.
Privacy Act of 1974 - A law that makes it illegal for government agencies to collect information on citizens for
illegitimate reasons.
private line - A dedicated line for computer communications that is owned by the organization that uses it.
procedural language - A type of high-level programming language that requires that each computer instruction be
listed and carried out in sequence.
professional groups - A group organized around a common professional interest that is related to the use of
computers.
program editor - A program often provided with programming languages so that the programmer can use the
keyboard to enter code into the program during the programming process.
programmer - The creator of a computer program.
programmer documentation - Refers to the information created by computer programmers to describe the
programming logic of a program.
programming - The act of creating a computer program.
programming language - Software used to create the set of special instructional statements used by computer
programmers to control the activities of the computer. These programs are used to create all of the programs we
use on the computer including applications programs, systems software programs and the programming
languages themselves.
programming software - A type of software used to create all other types of computer programs. It is used to
develop and then store the complex sets of instructions that control the computer: every program, including all of
the systems and applications programs, and even the programming languages themselves, begin as a set of
specific instructions to the computer.
protocol converter - Because data is often transmitted in a variety of different formats (known as protocols), many
organizations use multiplexers that include a protocol converter to provide a way for different types of computers
using different types of transmission methods to communicate with each other. Such systems are often used to
allow communications between microcomputers and mainframes.
pseudocode - A set of statements in English that map out the program plan before the programming process is
started.
public domain software - Software that is available for free or for a nominal copying fee. Users are free to make a
copy of this type of software and use it without the restrictions of licenses found on commercial software.
pull-down menu - A type of information-providing method that displays a set of keywords across the top of the
screen. When a user selects a keyword, a list of available options appears to open from the top of the screen.
punched card - A paper card with holes punched in it that was used in the early days of computing to get
information into the computer.
query - A request by a computer user for information about stored data. The result (output) of the query may be
in the form of a list or it may be structured as a special report. The data may be displayed on a computer screen
and/or printed on paper.
query language (4 GL) - A fourth-generation programming language used to organize data and print out reports
based on information stored in a database. This type of program is referred to as a very high-level language
because it is even easier to use than high-level languages.
ragged justification - One of several word processing or desktop publishing options for aligning text in a
document; in this case, the lines of text are not aligned along the right margin. (See also centered justification and
right justification.)
RAM - (See random access memory.)
random access memory - (RAM) (Also known as main memory.) This primary storage system gets its name from
the fact that information can be accessed at any time and in any order. Data stored in RAM is lost when the
computer is turned off.
random file organization - (See direct file organization)
read head - The component of a disk-based storage device that is used to read data from the disk.
read-only memory - (ROM) A type of permanent memory referred to as "read-only" because the computer cannot
store data to ROM but data can be read from ROM as often as needed.
real memory - Refers to the computer's primary memory (RAM) as opposed to virtual memory which uses
secondary storage to temporarily store part of a program that is too large for primary memory.
record - In a file management system, the user defines individual fields each to hold a single fact or data element.
All of these fields together make up a record.
record management system - (See file management system.)
reduced instruction set computer - (RISC) A type of simplified CPU architecture used in the development of faster
computers.
registers - Temporary storage locations in the CPU's control unit and arithmetic logic unit (ALU), which manage
instructions and data as they are being processed.
relational data model - A descriptive model of data organization in which data is organized as a series of tables.
Each table is composed of a series of columns and rows that correspond to those in the records contained in the
database. The tables are all formatted the same with the same number of columns and the same number of rows.
Certain data elements are repeated from one table to the next and serve as reference points for interrelating
information between tables. (See also hierarchical , network data model, and object-oriented data model.)
relative organization - (See direct file organization.)
rendering program - A type of computer graphics program that provides the capability for the lighting, coloring,
and texturing on-screen images. Rendering programs may also give the user a way to interactively control the
perspective and angle of view of a drawing or alter the depth of field.
report generator - A feature of file-management programs which provides a way to create reports based on the
stored data, and to display it on the computer's screen, or output it to a printer.
resolution - Refers to the clarity of the image on a display monitor which is determined by the number of pixels or
pixel elements used.
RGB monitor - A type of display monitor which uses three electron beams to activate the screen's phosphors with
a combination of three basic colors, red, green, and blue.
right justified - One of several word processing or desktop publishing options for aligning text in a document; in
this case, the end of each line of text (except the last line in a paragraph) is aligned with the right margin. (See
also centered justification and ragged justification.)
ring network - A type of networking configuration in which computing devices are connected in a circular pattern.
Each computer is connected directly to two adjoining devices on the network. (See also token ring network.)
RISC - (See reduced instruction set computer.)
robotics - The use of robots for such manufacturing tasks as spot welding, drilling, lath work, and product
assembly.
ROM - (See read-only memory.)
root record - (See parent record.)
ruler line - A feature of some word processing and desktop publishing programs that provides a visual
representation of the current margins, indents, and tab settings.
satellite channel - A type of communication channel wherein the transmission is relayed by a satellite that is
placed in orbit 22,300 miles above the earth's surface.
save option - An option in modern programs used to save data to disk.
scroll bar - A feature in modern word processing and desktop publishing programs providing several methods for
moving quickly to a new location in your document.
secondary storage - Refers to a type of permanent storage for data and programs. Examples include storage
provided by diskettes, magnetic tape, CD-ROM and optical disks. Secondary storage devices store data not
currently being processed.
second-generation programming language - Assembly languages that provided a simplified programming
approach in comparison with the first generation machine-languages.
sequential file organization - A type of database file organization in which files are retrieved in sequential order,
one at a time. The order in which records are accessed can't be changed. (See also direct file organization and
indexed file organization.)
serial port - The port (plug connection) on a computer device that is used to connect serial devices (devices to
which data is sent sequentially).
shareware - A type of inexpensive software which is frequently sold at computer swap meets, conventions, or
through the mail. The software may be copyrighted, but generally the developer allows users to make copies and
use the software without an initial charge. However, if you intend to use the software beyond a brief tryout, the
developer requests that you pay for the program.
signal type - 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 bits that can have one of two values. Systems that use analog
signals send data as a wave pattern that varies continuously.
simplex - 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.
(See also data flow, half-duplex, and full duplex.)
single-tasking - Computers that can only handle one task at a time. The early computers were single-tasking
computers.
site license - A special license sold by some software manufacturers which allow you to use a program throughout
an organization. The organization saves money by purchasing a number of copies of the software at a discounted
price.
software - In contrast to the computer's physical components or hardware, the software refers to the computer's
programs. These programs provide instructions to the computer's hardware.
software interface - Refers to the way in which a computer program presents information and options to the user.
In recent years a graphical software interface has become popular because it presents information to the user in
the form of pictures or other graphical representations rather than using text.
software licensing agreement - An written agreement generally attached to the packaging of computer software
that outlines the terms under which you may use the software.
software piracy - The computer crime of illegally making copies of copyrighted computer programs.
source document - A document (often a business form or a report of a business transaction) which is the source
of the data to be input into a computer system.
source program - The term used for a computer program before it has been translated into a binary form of 1s
and 0s (object program) that can be understood by the program.
spell checker - A feature of modern application that provide a way to check a text file for spelling errors.
SQL - (See Structured Query Language.)
stacked bar graph - (See grouped bar graph.)
star network - A networking type typically used to connect a group of computers or terminals to a host computer
that manages communications between computers and other devices on the network. One advantage to this
configuration is that devices attached to the host computer are independent; that is, a malfunctioning network
device does not affect other devices on the network. On the other hand, the entire network is dependent on the
host computer that is at the center of the star configuration.
status information - A feature of modern application programs to include information at the top or bottom of the
screen regarding the status of the file you are working on.
storage devices - Devices used to store data that can be retrieved later.
structured programming - A modern programming technique that breaks the design and development of a
complex programming task into less-complex segments.
Structured Query Language - (SQL) A type of fourth-generation query language. (See query language.)
stylus - A pen-like device (light pen) that is attached to the computer by wire. When the pen touches the screen
special sensors detect the location and initiated commands.
subject area database - (See operational database.)
summary report - An information system must be capable of providing users with many different types of reports.
Reports designed to provide summarize information about stored data are known as summary reports). (Contrast
with detail report).
supercomputer - Similar in basic design to a mainframe, this type of powerful computer is able to process data
faster than any other type of computer.
super VGA - (S-VGA) A type of display monitor that produces images in up to 256 color shades simultaneously at
a resolution of 800 by 600 pixels.
S-VGA - (See super VGA.)
switched line - Two computer devices may be connected using this type of line which is the type used by the
telephone system in which the phone company directs the call and establishes the connection. When the
transmission is completed, the line is disconnected. (Contrast with dedicated line.)
synchronous - One of two methods commonly used to transmit characters over a channel. This method sends a
block of characters in a timed sequence. Although this method requires more sophisticated communications
equipment, it can be used to send data at higher transmission rates. (Contrast with the asynchronous
transmission method.)
syntax - The words, symbols, and rules of grammar that are used in a programming language.
syntax error - Refers to errors in a program that are due to incorrectly entering keywords.
System 360 - A family of six computers introduced in 1964 by the IBM Corporation which allowed growing
companies to purchase increasingly more powerful computers as needed without having to rewrite their software.
systems analyst - A professional who has the education and knowledge required to develop an organization's
computer system. Their function is to design and implement systems that facilitate the storage and processing of
data, and methods for accessing that data. They may also be involved in updating or modifying existing systems.
systems development cycle - One of the most frequently used models for systems development, in which the
development process is broken down into a number of manageable phases or cycles.
systems software - The group of programs that control and coordinate the resources and operations of the
computer system itself.
Copyright ©2003, part of The YKTA Corporation, and its licensor's. All rights reserved.
|
Look At This
|
Are you looking for good Articles about.... Try these free to republish. You can use them for your needs or for friends or your site.
CLICK HERE
|
|