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                    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.

