1.
Access Time: The time it takes a program and device to retrieve data and make it available to the microprocessor.
2.
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.
3.
Assembly Language: A programming language in which each machine language instruction is represented by mnemonic characters.
4.
Bar Codes: Special identification labels found on most merchandise. A code include vertical lines of differing widths that are read by an optical scanner.
5.
Bulletin Board System: A computer system that functions as a centralized info source and message switching system for a particular interest group.
6.
CD-ROM: A storage device that uses laser optics for reading data rather than magnetic storage devices (600 megabytes each)
7.
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
8.
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.
9.
Compiler: A computer program that converts a source program into an object program.
10.
Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM): A manufacturing approach in which much of the manufacturing process is performed and monitored by computerized equipment.
11.
Cooperative processing: A system that permits the computers in a distributed proceiing network to share the use of another end user's application program.
12.
Data buffer: A temporary storage area, usually in RAM, that holds data before or after being processed by the microprocessor.
13.
Database Management System (DBMS): A complex software package that permits users to access info from the database. Does no actually run application programs.
14.
Decision Table: A table that indicates the alternative logic conditions and actions to be taken in a program.
15.
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)
16.
Docking Station: These devices allow a user to plug in a laptop and use it with input/output devices similar to a desktop computer.
17.
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
18.
Facilities Management Organization: Manages an organizations in-house data processing facilities under the user's guidelines.
19.
Fuzzy Logic: Systems suitable for dealing with imprecise (ambiguous) data and problems having many solutions.
20.
Generalized Audit Software (GAS): Designed to allow auditors to select sample data from files and check computations
21.
Hardware Controls: Controls built into the computer by the manufacturer to detect computer failure, including duplicate circuitry, echo checks, and dual reading
22.
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
23.
Input Device: Hardware used to enter data into the computer system
24.
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.
25.
Langauge Processor: A type of conversion progem that converts source program into instruction codes that the CPU can execute.
26.
Linked List: A file structure that contains a field that has the address of the next record
27.
Machine Language: Programs or data that have been converted into binary code.
28.
Macro: A series of keystrokes or commands that can be given a name, stored, and activated each time the keystrokes must be repeated.
29.
Magnetic Disk: A round plate on which data can be encoded, old school
30.
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition: The recognition of characters printed by a machine that uses special magnetic ink, using in the banking industry
31.
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.
32.
Modem: Modulator/demodulator, a communications device that converts the computers digital signal into analog signals that can be sent or received over phone lines.
33.
Multiprocessor Computer System: A computer that allows multiple processing units to function simultaneously, therefore allowing simultaneous execution of more tasks.
34.
Multiprogramming: A technique used to enable an operating system to handle two or more independent programs by overlapping their execution
35.
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
36.
Operating System: A software progrma that controls the overall operation of a computer system
37.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR): The use of light-sensitive hardware devices to convert characters readable by humans into computer input.
38.
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
39.
Performance Monitoring: The systematic measurement and evaluation of operating results such as transaction rates, response time, and incidence of error conditions
40.
Pilot Conversion: The implementation of a system in just one part of the org., such as a branch location
41.
Point of sale recorders: Electronic devices that function as both a terminal and a cash register
42.
Random Access Memory: A temporary storage location for computer instructions and data
43.
Read only memory: Internal CPUE memory that can only be read and usually may not be changed
44.
Service Programs: Application programs that can be called in by the user's programs to perform some common, subordinate function "canned"
45.
Software monitor: Collects data on the use of various hardware componenets during a computer run
46.
Spreadsheet: A table of values
47.
Storage: Placement of data in internal memory
48.
Systems software: Software that interfaces between the hardware and the application program
49.
Teleconferencing: An electronic meeting conducted among several parties at remote sites
50.
Trojan Horse: A set of unauthorized computer instruction in an authoized and otherwise properly functioning program.
51.
Usenet Groups: Public electronic discussion groups in which anyone on the internet can participate
52.
Windowing: A characteristic of a microcomputer system that can display more than one program on the screen at the same time
