GLOSSARY absolute cell reference Refers to cells in a specific location.

By putting a dollar sign in front of a column or row reference, the reference becomes absolute and will not change when copied or moved. access time The time taken to retrieve an item of data from storage address A storage location on a storage media or in memory, where a data item or instruction is stored aggregate query A special type of query within Access that allows you to group your numerical data to perform specific mathematical functions. algorithm A step by step set of instructions which when followed in sequence, solves a specific problem. alignment Describes the position at which text appears on a line on the page analog The term used to describe a quantity whose value changes continuously. An analogue device is one that uses or measures a continuously varying quantity. application software The name given

to software that instructs a computer to carry out a specific task. Examples of application software include word processing, databases, drawing/painting and spreadsheets Arithmentic and Logic Unit (ALU) Part of the Central Processing Unit which performs the arithmetic operations (calculations) and logic operations (alphabetic and numeric sorting) ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange a binary coding system used on mini and microcomputers, representing each alphanumeric symbol as a 7 or 8 bit code assembler A program which converts text in Assembly Language into Machine Code to be used by a computer attachment A file that is sent with an e-mail message back up To make a copy of a program, disk or data backing storage Storage media used to preserve data for future use. Magnetic media (floppy disks, hard disk,

magnetic tape) and optical media (CDs and DVDs) are the most common backing storage devices used bandwidth The characteristic of a communication channel representing the range of frequencies which can be transmitted by the channel.This determines the speed at which data can be transmitted over the channel barcode A set of vertical bars of different widths that is printed on an item for sale, and is used to identify the item and its price. Barcodes are read by a special laser scanner. Libraries also use barcodes to identify books, videos and CDs batch processing A method of processing data where the data is gathered into a series of batches before being processed BCD An abbreviation for Binary Coded Decimal. In this number system, each decimal digit of a number is written as a 4-bit binary number rather than converting the entire number. For example, 207 would be coded as 001000000111, the binary codes for 2, 0 and 7.

bistable device An electronic device which, like a switch, can store one of two voltage levels they are combined in memory circuits to represent the binary digits in computer data.The high voltage representing a binary 1, the low voltage representing a binary 0.

Glossary

bit A bit (binary digit) is the smallest item of information a computer can work with. It is represented by either the binary 0 or 1 border In printing a spreadsheet certain groups of column or rows may be fixed so that the information they contain appears as left or top borders and will appear on all pages of the print-out broadband This type of channel bandwidth can carry the widest range of data signal frequencies, e.g. coaxial cable and fibre optics cables browser A software application that allows you to go to resources and websites on the Internet buffer A temporary block of memory bulletin board An electronic equivalcnt

of a conventional bulletin board. It is used as part of a communication network where users cam post messages, read messages posted by other users, communicate with the system operator and upload or download programs byte A unit of data that is eight bits long. A single byte (binary term) corresponds to a single letter, number or other symbol on a keyboard. Computer memory and storage sizes are measured in thousands or millions of bytes.The units are kilobyte (kb), megabyte (Mb) and gigabyte (Gb): 1 Gb = 1024 Mb = 1 048 576 kb. cache A special memory or store where the computer temporarily keeps frequently used data. For example, often-visited web pages are stored in a cache directory on the hard disk. By caching data, computers work faster CADD Computer-Aided Design and Drafting.This is the use of computers and graphics in design and drafting process

CAM Computer-assisted manufacturing.This is the use of computers to control machines in the manufacturing process. cathode-ray tube (CRT) A tube in which a controllable beam of electrons is produced and focused onto a screen to produce a visible image.The CRT is the basis of the computer screen and the TV screen CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) An optical device that uses a laser to store and read data. It can store 650 Mb of data. Being read-only, data cannot be changed or deleted. cell The position on a spreadsheet where a row and a column intersect. See also absolute cell reference. central processing unit (CPU) The brain of a computer which controls how the rest of the computer works. It processes all of the information and instructions used by the computer character codes Binary patterns used to represent characters in a computer system. See ASCII characters The set of symbols that are

represented in a computer. Characters may be letters, digits or symbols as listed in the ASCII and EBCDIC character sets chart A pictorial or visual representation of data contained in a spreadsheet client A client computer has access to a network but does not share any of its resources with other computers on the network. It imports shared network resources provided by another computer called a server. See server client/server The term used to describe the splitting of the workload on a LAN between a client computer and a server computer. See server clipboard A temporary storage place where text is placed when it is cut or copied. command-line interface A means by which a user can interact with a computer.The user has to type commands, using a special language, for the computers operating system to respond. See also graphical user interface; menu-driven interface compiler A program that translates a program written in a high-level

language into executable machine code and saves the code to a file (the object program) for later execution. computer program A set of instructions that tell a computer what to do and how to do it computer virus A program that infects computer files and makes them do something unexpected or damaging constant A variable whose value does not change its value in the program CPU See Central Processing Unit data dictionary Provides documentation which helps to eliminate redundancy, by storing the name, description and other details of each data item data flow diagram A pictorial representation showing how data moves through an information system. Data flow arrows illustrate the flow of data to and from processes within the system data logging The automatic collection of data over set periods of time, such as the collection of weather information. data processing Sorting, searching, or performing calculations on data in

order to achieve some form of output database An organised collection of related items of information. Databases can be of several types which vary in their complexity, e.g. an address book with names, addresses, telephone numbers, birth dates is a simple example. database management system (DBMS) The term for programs that handle the storage, modification and retrieval of data, as well as controlling who has access to the information. OR Software which provides the tools necessary for the efficient management of databases on the computer.The computer user can create and manage databases of varying complexity with the tools provided. Examples of Database Management Systems include Dbase IV,Microsoft Access, Lotus Approach data-capture form A form used to collect data, such as a questionnaire debugging The process of finding the errors in the source code (detection), understanding why they occurred

(diagnosis) and correcting them decision table A pictorial representation of program logic illustrating, in the form of a table, the appropriate actions to be taken for each combination of conditions decision tree A pictorial representation of program logic illustrating in the form of mathematical tree, the actions to be taken for each combination of conditions. default When software is installed on a computer, it is automatically set up to start in a certain way.This is known as being installed with the default settings. Default settings can often be changed by a user. digital The term used to describe the representation of data as different combinations of the binary digits (bits) 0 and 1. See analogue. digital versatile disk (DVD) Using optical storage technology, a DVD can store up to 17 Gb of data typically 20 times more data than CDROMs. This means that full-length feature films can be put on DVD. As a result, DVDs are often referred to as digital

video disks.
Glossary

direct access This is where data stored on a media can be retrieved in any order from the storage media. Magnetic disk and optical disk (CD, DVD) provide direct access to data diskette See floppy disk download The process whereby programs or data are transferred via communications channels from a computer and stored on media located at the users computer driver Effectively a specially written main program which accepts test data, feeds it to the module being tested, and displays results of testing for comparison with expected results dry run When a programmer manually follows through the source code of a program using test data to ensure that the logic correctly solves the original problem duplex A transmission system that allows data to be transmitted in both directions at the same time.This system is sometimes called full duplex EBCDIC Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code.This represents each character using 8binary digits thus allowing a character

set of 256 characters. e-commerce The buying and selling of goods and services on the Internet and, in particular, on the World Wide Web electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS) A system used in shops to read the magnetic strip on a customers credit, debit or store card. By swiping such a card through a reader, the customers account information and the cost of the goods bought are transferred to the banking system electronic mail (e-mail) Messages transmitted electronically by computers via communication channels. It is usual for such messages to be held in a central store (a mailbox) for retrieval at the users convenience electronic point of sale (EPOS) See Point of Sale Terminal encryption Encoding data before transmission so that it appears unintelligible unless it is decrypted using a software key entity-relationship diagram (ERD) Diagram that illustrates the logical structure of a database EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). A type of

memory chip that can be erased by removing it from the computer motherboard and exposing it to ultraviolet light.The chip can then be reprogrammed with new data. expert system Computer systems developed to simulate the knowledge of a human expert in a specific field. These systems are used for consultation, diagnosis and to assist in problem solving within a specialised application extranet An intranet which allows authorised outsiders limited access feasibility study In-depth study of an application area for the purpose of establishing whether a new system of automation should be developed. In general, the expected benefits should exceed the combined cost of installing the new technology and developing the system field (1) A section of a record containing data relating to one attribute of an entity (2) Part of a machine instruction containing an operation or address file The basic unit of storage in a computer.A file is a collection of data,

such as a program or a usercreated document, e.g. a letter created on a word processor file compression Reducing the size of a file for storage, or for sending via the Internet file conversion The process of changing one data file or form to another without changing or damaging the data. An example is saving a Word file (.doc) as text (.txt) file organisation The way in which the records of the file are organised on a secondary storage device file protection Preventing any changes being made to a file by, for example, allowing read-only access or assigning passwords file server A high-performance computer that is available to all users on a network, allowing them to share application programs and data. See also server filtering The process of selecting some of the records of a worksheet on the basis of certain criteria. See also query floating-point number A number that

is expressed in two parts.The first is called the mantissa and the other the exponent floppy disk A flexible magnetic coated disk, commonly used with microcomputers, on which data can be stored magnetically.They are housed in a rigid plastic case having a sliding shutter which automatically closes when the disk is removed from the disk drive font A collection of characters (letters, punctuation marks, numbers and special characters) of a particular size and style form A graphical user interface designed specifically for entering, displaying, and searching data formatting The process of preparing a magnetic disk for storing data by creating a map of the tracks and sectors on the media surface. Formatting a disk enables data to be written to and read from the disk directly formula A series of instructions that performs a calculation and displays the result Fourth generation language (4GL) A computer programming language

which allows the program to specify what is to be achieved rather than how it is to be achieved function A ready-made formula built into a spreadsheet, e.g. SUM, IF gigabyte 1024 consecutive megabytes of data. See Byte global variable A variable that exists throughout the run of a program graphical user interface (GUI) A visual way by which a user can interact with a computer. hacking The unauthorised access and use of networked or stand-alone computer systems to steal or damage data and programs half duplex A transmission system that allows data to be transmitted in one direction at a time along a communication channel.The system can transmit and receive data but not at the same time hard disk A sealed disk unit which records data magnetically on a set of aluminum disks. Its rigid construction allows for higher storage densities. Access times for a hard disk are much faster than for floppy disks.

hardware This is the name given to the physical parts of a computer. Hardware includes the central processing unit, the memory, storage devices, input devices and output devices. See also peripherals home page The main web page available for access at a World Wide Web site intended to greet visitors, provide information about the site, and direct them via hyperlinks to other web pages with more related information host (server) Computer on the Internet that provides services such as e-mail, news or data to other computers hub The device to which each computer in a star network is connected human-readable Output which is printed as reports, graphs and so on, which can be read and interpreted hypertext links Links between text, or other objects, on web pages. Hypertext links (usually underlined words displayed in a different colour) enable users to jump to another web page or to another website HyperText Markup Language

(HTML) A computer language used for documents on the World Wide Web HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) The set of rules (protocols) used to show web pages on a computer that have been retrieved from web servers.The abbreviation http in an address tells you that it is a website immediate access storage The primary memory located on the computer motherboard. Used by the CPU for temporary storage of data importing Bringing data from one system or program into another. indexed file A file which contains pointers to records in an associated database file and allows for the rapid location of records in the file in random order information Produced from the processing of raw data files, the results of which can be used for decision making information system A term to describe any record-keeping system manual, mechanical, mechanised or computerised inherent addressing The address mode in which the address fields are implied in the operation code

integrated software This is a program that joins together, in a single package, all the major types of application word processing, spreadsheet, database, etc. Data is shared easily between these integrated programs interactive processing A processing system that provides a direct communication link and an interface between computer system and the user Internet A worldwide network linking up millions of computers Internet Service Provider (ISP) A company that provides access to the Internet for individuals, businesses and other organisations interpreter A computer program which interactively translates and executes the source code of a program without permanently storing any executable code intranet A private network based on Internet standards, available only within a business or other organisation. Nobody else is allowed access to this network. joystick An input device that uses a

lever to control movement of the cursor or graphic images justification The adjustment of alignment of one or more lines of text with a particular margin, e.g. alignment with the left margin, the right margin or both.The term justification often is used to refer to full justification of the alignment of text along both margins
Glossary

key field The field in a database that always has a unique value, regardless of how many records there are. It is also known as the primary key keyboarding The process of entering data into a computer accurately using a keyboard as an input device key-to-disk Keyboard entry of data at a computer for direct storage to magnetic disk without previous storage on another medium keywords Instructions within a computer program kilobyte 1024 consecutive kilobytes of data. See byte labels Non-numeric data that a spreadsheet will not use in calculations, such as a persons name or an address light pen A light-sensitive input device which when it touches the screen

detects the presence or absence of light.The user can point to specific areas on the screen and modify or change them linking Combining pieces of code and data together to form a single executable object code local area network (LAN) A group of computers, printers and large hard disks linked up to form a network, usually on one site local variables Variables declared within a subroutine (procedure or function). They are created when the subroutine is started and only exist for the time the subroutine is run logic errors Mistakes in the sequence of program sentences, such as using the wrong mathematical formula or operator machine code A sequence of numeric codes which is stored in memory and used by the CPU to carry out the instructions of the program machine-readable Output in a form that only a computer can process, such as microfilm magnetic disk A circular mylar (floppy disk) or metallic (hard disk) plate on

which electronic data can be stored magnetically; suitable for direct or random access data storage and retrieval magnetic tape A storage medium made of a flexible plastic strip tape covered with magnetic material on one side. Provides serial or sequential access to data. It is available in spools or cassettes magnetic-ink character recognition (MICR) A method of input that reads characters printed in magnetic ink. MICR is used by banks to process cheques mail merge A word processing facility that uses data from a database such as names and addresses, together with a written document usually a letter, to create multiple, individualised copies of the document much like personalised letters. Each copy contains some common text but each bearing different addresses main memory Electronic highspeed circuits, which the computer can use to store and retrieve data quickly. See

immediate access storage mainframe computer Large scale computer with one or more powerful CPUs, high capacity backing storage media and a variety of peripheral devices connected. Used to link hundreds of computer users via a network in the same building or across a large geographical region margins Space provided to the left, right, top and/or bottom of a page of text or data media (singular: medium) The physical materials on which a computer keeps data, instructions and information for future use megabyte 1024 consecutive kilobytes of data. See byte memory A device where data can be stored and from which it can be retrieved.A memory usually consists of a silicon chip (or chips) that temporarily stores data and instructions. See random-access memory; read-only memory menu A list of options from which you can choose what you want to do. Application programs use menus as an easy alternative to having to learn program commands merge The combination of two or more files on the basis of common

field (key field) microcomputer A computer built using a microprocessor (CPU) microfiche An output medium consisting of microfilm sheets.Very high-density storage can be attained using this method of storage. microprocessor The Central Processing Unit consisting of a single chip which contains the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) and the control unit (CU) modem An input and output device that enables a computer to send data to, and receive data from, another computer, over a telephone line monitor A television-like device used to display data mouse An input device that controls the movement of the cursor.The cursor moves in response to the movement of the mouse on a flat surface multi-tasking A method of organising computer systems so that several different tasks or applications can be accessed at the same time multi-user Many users can access the computer system simultaneously, each having different access rights and a share of the resources

musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) This connects computers to musical instruments and music synthesisers so that musical data can be manipulated in digital format network The linking up of computers and peripherals to share files, programs and other resources.The computers can be in the same site or different sites. See bus network; local area network; ring network; star network; wide area network network card An interface, known as a card, that is put inside a computer to allow it to access other computers or printers on a computer network numeric data Data comprising digits on which mathematical operations can be performed by a computer system object code Machine language program produced by a compiler object-oriented programming Programming where the description of the data is contained in code called objects.The data is manipulated using blocks of code specific to that object

objects Components that make up a database (e.g. tables, forms, queries, reports) on-line A processing technique whereby terminals and other peripherals are connected to and controlled by the central processor. It provides the means for a user to have interactive conversational-mode processing and immediate response from the computer system operating system (OS) Software that controls and supervises the hardware and how all the other software works. The operating system is the software on which all applications depend. It also provides an interface between the user and the computer. optical character recognition (OCR) Scanning handwritten or printed text and turning it into a file that can be edited optical mark recognition (OMR) A method of entering data by precisely positioned marks on a form, e.g. a lottery ticket.The marks are read by a

special scanner and the data input to a computer peripherals Devices which can be added to a computer system, such as a printer, a scanner and a modem which can be controlled by the central processing unit (CPU) pixel Picture (pix) element.Thousands of pixels make up the image seen on a computer monitor plotter An output device specially designed to produce a hard copy of graphical data point-of-sale (POS) terminal Shops and supermarkets with EPOS systems have scanners which read the barcodes on goods to produce customers bills. The barcodes also tell a store what has been sold. Popular goods are then reordered automatically. See Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale primary key One particular field of each record contains an item which is used to identify the record. See also key field printer A device specially designed to produce a hard copy of computer

output procedure A piece of code which performs a specific task, such as drawing a square on screen, or prompting you to enter some values program listing A printout or soft copy of the source program instructions program loading Copying a program from hard disk to the main memory in order to put the program in a readytorun state programming The process of putting the solution to a problem into a language that a computer can understand protocol A set of rules and procedures controlling the transmitting and receiving of data so that different devices can communicate with each other pseudocode English-like statements used to define the steps of an algorithm query (also known as a filter or search) Used to answer a question using the data in a database.The database is searched to find all the records that match a particular condition (or criterion) RAID -

Redundant array of independent Disks a technology that allowed computer users to achieve high levels of storage reliability from low-cost and less reliable PC-class disk-drive components, via the technique of arranging the devices into arrays for redundancy. random access memory (RAM) RAM chips hold data temporarily in memory while programs are using the computer.This is the place where the central processing unit (CPU) receives the instructions and data it needs to do its job. Data held in RAM is lost when the computer is turned off read-only memory (ROM) Randomaccess memory in which the basic input/output instructions are fixed when the computer is made.These instructions can be read, but not changed, and are available every time the computer is switched on. real time The term used to describe a computer system which processes data as it is generated record In a database, a record is a collection of related fields register A permanent location in the internal memory of a processor used

for the temporary storage of data during processing operations relational database A database that has links (relationships) with data held in more than one table or file report Summarises and formats data from either table or query data in a database resolution A characteristic of a monitor representing the number of pixels which can be displayed per unit area. Higher resolution monitors (e.g. 1048 x 1024) display graphics of better quality than lower resolution monitors (e.g. 800 x 640) ring network In this type of computer network, the computers (network nodes) are connected in a closed loop or ring. scrolling The act of shifting the contents of the screen up or down. In upward scrolling the lines formerly appearing at the top of the screen are scrolled away, those below are moved up and new lines of data which exist below those formerly on screen now

come into view, In downward scrolling the reverse takes place. Scrolling usually proceeds a line at a time and may also be performed sideways to the left or right using left and right cursor movements. search Process of locating data in a database file by reference to a key fields in the records. search engine A software application used on the World Wide Web for finding web sites using keyword searches. Search engines have their own web sites section break A mark inserted to show the end of a specific part of a document, and the end of the formatting that is applied to that section sector A pie-shaped division of each disk track. semantics The meaning associated with the words, symbols and punctuation that make up a computer language server A computer that is on a network and shares application programs and data with other computers connected to the network. A file server may be

dedicated only to the task of managing shared files or may be used as a client as well. (See client.) Some networks also use a printer server that is dedicated to managing all printers on a network. See also file server simplex A transmission system that allows data transfer in one direction only along a communication channel simulation Using a computer to imitate (simulate) something real or imaginary. Examples are computer games and flight simulators to train pilots smart card A plastic card which has a microchip inside it.The chip can be loaded with data, allowing the card to be used for many purposes, such as paying for goods, making telephone calls and storing music software The computer programs that tell (instruct) the hardware what to do. See hardware software package A fully documented program or set of programs generalised and designed to be used with little of

no modification sort Redistribution of data into an order on the basis of the contents of a key a item (sort-key) source code Program written in a given computer language spell-check A dictionary feature associated with a word processor which allows the user to easily detect and correct errors in spelling. spreadsheet An application program that allows text, numbers and formulae to be entered into a grid of rectangular cells stand-alone A computer that is not networked star network Each computer is connected to a central hub, giving the network a star-like appearance statement A description of an action or condition in a computer program storage devices Devices which allow a computer to permanently store data. They include floppy disk drives, hard disk drives, CD-ROM drives, DVD drives and magnetic tape drives. See also digital versatile disk; readonly memory structure chart A pictorial representation of a system depicting the interrelationships between the

modules of the system structured programming, Blocks containing programming statements (code) are executed one after another subroutine A named section of a program that can be repeatedly called on to perform a given function by other parts of the program supercomputer A dedicated mainframe that may be specifically designed for tasks such as performing highly complex and repetitive calculations syntax A set of rules defining the structure of a computer program syntax errors Errors that result from not obeying the rules (syntax) of the programming language system life cycle The key stages in the development of an information system: analysis, design, implementation, testing, user documentation and evaluation TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/Internet protocol) The set of rules, sometimes known as a protocol, for sending and receiving data over the Internet telecommunication The sending and receiving of any type of data by means of wires, optical fibres or radiowaves,

including computer data, television pictures, images, voice, sound and fax telecommuting A method of working where an off-site employee uses computer and a communication channel to communicate with the office computer