SOFTWARE
|
An easy procedure-oriented programming language implemented on many computers, particularly on personal computers.
|
binary
|
Pertaining to the numeration system with the base or radix of two.
|
binary arithmetic
|
The arithmetic of the mathematical numeration system involving only two digits: 1 and 0.
|
binary cell
binary code
HARDWARE
|
A storage cell of one binary digit capacity. A hardware element capable of being in only one of two states: off or on.
(3) A system in which the encoding of data is done through the use of bits - that is, 0 or 1.
|
bistable
HARDWARE
|
A device with only two stable states, such as 'on' and 'off.
|
bit:
Binary Digit
|
Either 1 or 0, used in binary notation to represent numbers. A “binary number” consists of a sequence of bits.
|
Bubble memory
HARDWARE
|
Computer memory that uses magnetic ‘bubbles’ – logically magnetized areas that can move about in a magnetic material. Permits very high capacity.
|
buffer
HARDWARE
|
A temporary storage device used to compensate for a difference in data handling rates when transmitting data from one device to another.
|
byte
(bait)
|
A small group of adjacent binary digits considered as a single unit of information within a computer, generally, the smallest division of memory that can be accessed as a unit by a computer. A byte is usually eight binary digits.
|
capacity
|
The volume of information that can be physically contained within a single piece of computing machinery. Also, the amount of information that can be passed through a given line, as in the circuit capacity of a transmission line.
|
card
|
A paper card storage medium, 18.7 x 8.3 cm, in which data is represented by punched holes denoting numerical values and alphanumeric codes. Also referred to as a 'computer card', 'data card', 'Hollerith card', "Punched card'.
|
card reader
HARDWARE
|
An input device that reads information punched into cards and transfers it to the computer's memory.
|
cell
HARDWARE
|
A storage or memory location capable of containing one character, one byte or one word.
|
character
|
Any symbol, letter, punctuation mark or digit stored or processed by computing equipment.
|
character set
character string
|
The symbols, numbers, letters associated with a given device or coding system.
A string of alphanumeric characters.
|
chip
HARDWARE
|
A small integrated circuit containing many logic elements. A small piece of silicon impregnated with impurities in a pattern to form transistors, diodes and resistors. Electrical paths are formed on it by depositing thin layers of aluminium or gold.
|
COBOL:
Common Business Oriented Language
SOFTWARE
|
A higher-level language developed for business data processing applications. A procedure-oriented language.
|
code
|
A set of rules outlining the way in which data may be represented. To represent data or a computer program in a form acceptable to a computer. To write a computer program.
|
coding
|
The writing of a list of instructions to cause a computer to perform specified operations.
|
command
|
A control signal, or loosely, an instruction in machine language.
|
communication link
HARDWARE
|
The medium of communication in an electronic telecommunication system. The path through which electrical transmission may take place. Also called 'communication channel'.
|
compile
|
To prepare a machine language program from another program written in a higher level language.
|
compiler
SOFTWARE
|
A program which translates a higher level language into a machine language.
|
compiler language
SOFTWARE
|
A source language that uses a compiler to translate program statements from a higher level language into an object language.
|
computer
HARDWARE
|
A device capable of solving problems by guiding most of its operations, following a set of instructions (called a program) stored in its memory.
|
computer network
HARDWARE
|
A complex consisting of two or more interconnected computer systems, terminals and communication facilities. Systems are frequently some distance apart.
|
computer operator
|
One who is in charge of the operation of the computer and peripheral devices. The operator also performs functions such as loading a disk drive, placing cards in the card reader, removing printouts from the printer rack, and so forth.
|
computer program
SOFTWARE
|
A series of statements and instructions to cause to perform a particular operation or task.
|
computer programmer
|
A person skilled in the preparation of programs for a computer. Designs, codes, debugs and documents programs. Also a 'programmer'.
|
computer science
|
The study of algorithms and their implementation through programming languages in the environment of hardware.
|
computer system
HARDWARE
|
All the physical equipment plus the software which is used as a unit to process data. It includes the central processing unit, its operating system, peripheral equipment and programs under its control.
|
console
HARDWARE
|
The interface, or communication device which enables human operators to communicate with a computer system.
|
control
HARDWARE
|
Means or devices which direct and regulate a process or sequence of events. The section of a digital computer that determines the interpretation and execution of instructions in proper sequence.
|
control section
HARDWARE
|
The portion of the central processing unit which directs the step-by- step operation of the entire computing system. Also called: 'control unit'.
|
core
HARDWARE
|
A principal, internal memory section of a computer. Sometimes called 'core memory', 'magnetic memory'.
|
core storage
HARDWARE
|
A storage device utilizing magnetic cores, usually strung on wires in the form of an array.
|
counter
HARDWARE
|
A device such as a register or computer storage location used to represent the number of occurrences of an event.
|
CPU:
Central Processing Unit
HARDWARE
|
The part of the computer containing the circuits required to interpret and execute the instructions. Synonymous with 'central processor'.
|
CRT:
Cathode Ray Tube
HARDWARE
|
An electronic tube that displays output data on a 'screen' by means of controlled electron beams.
|
cybernetics
|
The comparative study of automatic control systems in machines and living organisms.
|
daisy-wheel printer
HARDWARE
|
One which employs a rapidly spinning wheel with petal-shaped segments, each embossed with a single character; and a print hammer to strike and cause an impression when the character is momentarily in the correct position.
|
data base
|
A comprehensive collection of libraries of data. In large systems, data base analysis is usually concerned with large quantities of data stored in disk and tape files. Also called 'data bank'.
|
data collection
|
The act of bringing data from one or more points to a central processing point.
|
data communications
|
Movement of encoded information by means of electrical transmission systems. Ordinary telephone lines are very often used but sometimes specifically conditioned leased lines are required.
|
data processing
|
The operations performed on data to achieve a desired objective. Also, the operations performed by data processing equipment.
|
data structure
|
A data structure is a means of representing data in a computer. Fixed point numbers < floating point numbers < character strings, etc., are all represented by their unique sequence of bits, called primitive data types. Data structures are aggregates of primitive data types.
|
DBMS:
Data Base Management System
SOFTWARE
|
A software system for managing the storage, access, updating and maintenance of data bases.
|
debug
|
To detect, locate and remove mistakes from a routine or malfunctions from a computer system.
|
decode
|
To translate or determine the meaning of coded information. A basic function of the control unit of a computer.
|
delay
|
The length of time by which an event is retarded. Delays are generally used to permit 'synchronization', that is, to allow an event to be carried out to completion before the delayed event is initiated.
|
density
|
Generally, the number of bits per unit of recording medium. The most common example is that of the magnetic tape: the density is expressed as the number of bits per inch of track.
|
digit
|
A character used to represent one of the nonnegative integers smaller than those the base of the system.
|
disk
disk storage unit
HARDWARE
|
A peripheral storage device that uses magnetic recording on flat rotating disks.
A collection of magnetic disks within a single unit.
|
display
|
The visible representation of information in words, numbers or drawings on a console screen connected to a computer. A printed report or a diagram produced by a plotter.
|
display unit
HARDWARE
|
A device which provides visual representation of data.
|
DM:
Data management
SOFTWARE
|
A collective term referring to the functions of a system which provide access to data, enforce storage conventions and regulate the use of input/output devices.
|
encode
|
To translate a set of data into a form suitable for inputting to the computer.
|
ENIAC:
Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator
HARDWARE
|
The first all electronic digital computer built by J. Mauchly and J. Eckert at the Moore School of Electronic Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 1946.
|
exit
|
To momentarily leave or interrupt a repeated cycle of operation in a program. A location in a program or routine that ends the sequence or transfers control to some other place.
|
file
|
A collection of related records treated as a unit. Thus in inventory control, a line of an invoice will form an item, a complete invoice will form a record, and the complete set of records will form a file. Also referred to as a 'data file'
|
file processing
|
The periodic updating of master files to reflect the effects of current data; for example, a monthly inventory run updating the master inventory file.
|
fixed point
|
A numeration system in which the position of one decimal is fixed with the respect to one end of the numerals, according to some established custom.
|
floating point
|
A numeration system in which values are represented by a number called the mantissa, multiplied by a base raised to a power. When the base is 10, the term is synonymous with 'scientific notation'.
|
floating point arithmetic
|
That which uses variable location for the decimal point in each number. A method of calculation which automatically accounts for the location of the radix point.
|
floppy disk
HARDWARE
|
A small disk of oxide-coated mylar which has relatively limited storage capacity, often used on a micro or mini computer or an intelligent terminal. The regular size has a diameter of 8 inches (20.32 cm) and mini floppy disks have a diameter of 5.25 in. (12.70 cm). Synonymous with diskette. Contrast with disk.
|
flowchart
|
A direction graph that describes the flow of execution control of the program, with symbols used to represent operations, data flow, equipment, etc. Also called a 'flow diagram'.
|
format
|
The specific arrangement of data on a document or in a file.
|
FORTRAN:
Formula Translator
SOFTWARE
|
A higher level programming language used to perform mathematical, scientific and engineering computations.
|
general-purpose computer
HARDWARE
|
One designed to handle a wide variety of problems. The majority of digital computers are of this type. Contrast with: special purpose computer, stored program computer.
|
graphic
|
A symbol or illustration representing graphs, diagrams, lines or objects. The process of representing objects of two or three dimensions on a two-dimensional surface such as a plotter, video screen, etc. making use of mathematical rules of projection is referred to as 'computer graphics'.
|
graphic display
|
A computer terminal that displays information such as drawings and , pictures on a screen, usually a cathode ray tube, TV terminal, or video terminal.
|
hard copy
|
A printed copy of machine output in readable form; for example, reports, listings, documents, or summaries. Also called a 'print out'.
|
hardware
|
The physical, tangible, and permanent components of a computer or data processing system; this includes all electronic, magnetic, and mechanical devices.
|
high-speed printer
HARDWARE
|
A peripheral device which prints computer output a line at a time at a very high speed.
|
higher level language
SOFTWARE
|
A programming language oriented toward the problem to be solved or the procedures to be carried used. For example FORTRAN, COBOL, etc.
|
Hollerith code
|
A code used to represent alphanumeric data on punched cards. Each card column holds one character and each decimal digit, letter, and special character is represented by one, two, or three holes punched into designated row position of the column.
|
hybrid computer
HARDWARE
|
One that combines analog representation of data, as in the analog computer, with discrete representation of data, as in the digital computer.
|
IBM Card
|
Another name for Hollerith Card or punched card.
|
IС:
Integrated Circuit
HARDWARE
|
A complex electronic circuit fabricated on a simple material, usually a silicon chip.
|
information processing
|
The manipulation of data so that new data (implicit in the original) appear in a useful form. Includes operations such as classifying, sorting, calculating, and recording.
|
information retrieval
|
A branch of computer technology concerned with techniques for storing and searching large quantities of data; and making selected data available by reproducing or displaying the required information contained within the data. Sometimes referred to merely as 'retrieval'.
|
Instruction
|
A group of characters, bytes, or bits that defines an operation to be performed by the computer. Usually made up of an operation code and one or more operands and commonly includes one or more addresses.
|
integer
integer programming
(2) SOFTWARE
|
A whole number, that is, a number having no fractional part.
A group of procedures for solving optimization problems where some or all variables must have integer values.
|
interact
|
The act of communication between a computer terminal and a central computer system in which the response to the input of the user is on an appropriate time scale - on the order of a few seconds.
|
interface
HARDWARE
|
The place or places at which two separate systems or portions of each join or interact. Can be mechanical, (adjoining hardware surfaces); electrical, (signal level transformation points); or human -machine.
|
internal storage
HARDWARE
|
Addressable storage directly controlled by the central processing unit of a digital computer. It stores programs while they are being executed and data while it is being processed. Also called: 'immediate access storage', 'internal memory', 'main storage'. See also: primary storage, main memory.
|
interrupt
|
To stop a running program in such a way that it can be resumed at a later time, mean-while permitting some other action to be performed.
|
interrupt routine
SOFTWARE
|
A program that analyzes as interrupt action and performs the appropriate function. See: interrupt.
|
I/O:
Input/Output
|
The techniques, media and devices employed for human/machine communication.
|
I/O Device:
Input/Output Device
HARDWARE
|
Equipment permitting input to and machine output from a computer to achieve human /machine communication.
|
JOVIAL:
Jules' Own Version of the International Algorithmic Language
SOFTWARE
|
A procedure oriented programming language derived from ALGOL, developed by Jules Schwartz. Used primarily for command and control applications. Widely implemented in US Air Force systems.
|
keyboard
HARDWARE
|
A device for the manual encoding of data by depressing keys that cause generation of the selected code element.
|
line printer
|
A printer that prints one line at a time.
|
low level language
|
An assembly language or machine language.
|
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)
|
A method of input the characters printed in magnetic ink are read directly in computer.
|
mouse
|
A hand-held input peripheral having buttons on top and a ball underneath. When the mouse is moved over a flat surface, a pointer on the screen moves in a corresponding direction.
|
multitasking
|
When one user is apparently running more than one program at the same time.
|
Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
|
An input method that can read printed characters.
|
Random access memory (RAM)
|
Read / write memory within the memory. RAM is volatile.
|
real time processing
|
The processing of input data that takes place so fast that when more data is input the results of the processing are already available. Real time processing occures in real time, i.e. as it happens.
|
remote access.
|
Access to a computer using a terminal located a long way from a computer.
|
sensor
|
A device used to sense environmental conditions.
|
sequential access
|
Similar to serial access but the data records are stored in some order.
|
software
|
Computer programs.
|
software package
|
A complete set of programs and documentation to enable a particular computer program to be used.
|
source document
|
A document or questionnaire used for data capture. It is the source of the data input to the computer.
|
speech recognition
|
A method of input to a computer by speaking to it.
|
syntax
|
The set of rules which defines the way an instruction in a programming language can be written.
|
time sharing
|
A method of meeting the demands of a multiaccess system.
|
track
|
The channels of a magnetic tape on which information is recorded by tape drivers. Also the concentric circle of a disk, which are similar to the grooves in a record, and on which information is stored.
|
transactions
|
An event which requires the creation of a record, the updating of a file or its processing.
|
turnkey systems
|
They are systems software and applications software products.
|
utility routine
|
A systems program which performs operations on files: it recognized files, transfers them from one medium of storage to another, etc. It is not concerned with the specific contents of the files.
|
viewdata
|
Information retrieval system which uses telephone lines to connect users to a computer database, using a television set as a terminal.
|
word processing
|
The use of a computerized typewriter to automate some of the secretarial tasks such as formatting and typing letters.
|
Adj. adjective имя прилагательное
