Hardware and Software Concepts
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52 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 Access Time | The time it takes a program and device to retrieve data and make it available to the microprocessor. |
| ASCII - American Standard Code for Information Interchange | Provides a standard representation for English characters, with each letter assigned a number from 0 to 127. These codes enable data to be exchanged from one computer to another. |
| Assembly Language | A programming language in which each machine language instruction is represented by mnemonic characters. |
| Bar Codes | Special identification labels found on most merchandise. A code include vertical lines of differing widths that are read by an optical scanner. |
| Bulletin Board System | A computer system that functions as a centralized info source and message switching system for a particular interest group. |
| CD-ROM | A storage device that uses laser optics for reading data rather than magnetic storage devices (600 megabytes each) |
| Central Processing Unit (CPU) | The hardware that contains the circuits that control the interpretation and execution of instructions and that serves as the principal data processing device |
| Checkpoint | Any one of a series of points during a long processing run at which an exact copy of all data values and status indicators of a program are captures, also backs up data. |
| Compiler | A computer program that converts a source program into an object program. |
| Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) | A manufacturing approach in which much of the manufacturing process is performed and monitored by computerized equipment. |
| Cooperative processing | A system that permits the computers in a distributed proceiing network to share the use of another end user's application program. |
| Data buffer | A temporary storage area, usually in RAM, that holds data before or after being processed by the microprocessor. |
| Database Management System (DBMS) | A complex software package that permits users to access info from the database. Does no actually run application programs. |
| Decision Table | A table that indicates the alternative logic conditions and actions to be taken in a program. |
| Direct Conversion | An approach to converting from one system to another in which the old system is discontinued after which the new system is started (burning the bridges or crash conversion) |
| Docking Station | These devices allow a user to plug in a laptop and use it with input/output devices similar to a desktop computer. |
| Embedded Audit Module | Special portions of application programs that track items of interest to auditors, such as any unauthorized attempts to access the data files |
| Facilities Management Organization | Manages an organizations in-house data processing facilities under the user's guidelines. |
| Fuzzy Logic | Systems suitable for dealing with imprecise (ambiguous) data and problems having many solutions. |
| Generalized Audit Software (GAS) | Designed to allow auditors to select sample data from files and check computations |
| Hardware Controls | Controls built into the computer by the manufacturer to detect computer failure, including duplicate circuitry, echo checks, and dual reading |
| Indexed Sequential Access Method (ISAM) | A file organization and access approach in which records are stored in sequential order by their primary key on a direct access storage device, with an index file |
| Input Device | Hardware used to enter data into the computer system |
| Integrated Test Facility (ITF) | A testing technique in which a dummy computer or division is introduced into the company's computer system, and test transactions are conducted from it. |
| Langauge Processor | A type of conversion progem that converts source program into instruction codes that the CPU can execute. |
| Linked List | A file structure that contains a field that has the address of the next record |
| Machine Language | Programs or data that have been converted into binary code. |
| Macro | A series of keystrokes or commands that can be given a name, stored, and activated each time the keystrokes must be repeated. |
| Magnetic Disk | A round plate on which data can be encoded, old school |
| Magnetic Ink Character Recognition | The recognition of characters printed by a machine that uses special magnetic ink, using in the banking industry |
| Magnetic Tape | A secondary storage medium that is about 1/2 inch in width and that has a magnetic surface on which data can be stored. |
| Modem | Modulator/demodulator, a communications device that converts the computers digital signal into analog signals that can be sent or received over phone lines. |
| Multiprocessor Computer System | A computer that allows multiple processing units to function simultaneously, therefore allowing simultaneous execution of more tasks. |
| Multiprogramming | A technique used to enable an operating system to handle two or more independent programs by overlapping their execution |
| Object Technology | Permits developers to reuse portions of program code and this decrease the amount of new program code that is required for an application |
| Operating System | A software progrma that controls the overall operation of a computer system |
| Optical Character Recognition (OCR) | The use of light-sensitive hardware devices to convert characters readable by humans into computer input. |
| Parallel Conversion | A systems conversion approach in which the new and old systems are run simultaneously until the orgnaization is assured the new system is functioning correctly |
| Performance Monitoring | The systematic measurement and evaluation of operating results such as transaction rates, response time, and incidence of error conditions |
| Pilot Conversion | The implementation of a system in just one part of the org., such as a branch location |
| Point of sale recorders | Electronic devices that function as both a terminal and a cash register |
| Random Access Memory | A temporary storage location for computer instructions and data |
| Read only memory | Internal CPUE memory that can only be read and usually may not be changed |
| Service Programs | Application programs that can be called in by the user's programs to perform some common, subordinate function "canned" |
| Software monitor | Collects data on the use of various hardware componenets during a computer run |
| Spreadsheet | A table of values |
| Storage | Placement of data in internal memory |
| Systems software | Software that interfaces between the hardware and the application program |
| Teleconferencing | An electronic meeting conducted among several parties at remote sites |
| Trojan Horse | A set of unauthorized computer instruction in an authoized and otherwise properly functioning program. |
| Usenet Groups | Public electronic discussion groups in which anyone on the internet can participate |
| Windowing | A characteristic of a microcomputer system that can display more than one program on the screen at the same time |
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