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- .pl 66
- 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.
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