glossary

							                                          GLOSSARY

ActiveX – a set of technologies from Microsoft that combines different programming
       languages into a single, integrated Web site; ActiveX is not a programming
       language as such, but rather a set of rules for how applications should share
       information
address bus – the bus that transmits signals for locating a given address in primary
       storage
American National Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) – a standard
       for encoding alphanumeric symbols into bits, made common with personal
       computer
amplitude – one parameter of an analog signal; refers to the height of the wave
analog signal – continuous waves that “carry” information by altering the characteristics
       of the waves
analysis graphics – software that provides users with the ability to convert previously
       analyzed data into graphic formats, such as bar, line, and pie charts
applet – a small executable section of computer code that is downloadable from a server
       and will run on client machines (usually associated with Java)
application/data independence – allows data fields to be added, changed, and deleted
       from a database without necessarily affecting existing application programs
application layer (OSI model) – includes activities related to users, such as supporting
       file transfer, handling messages, and providing security
application software (also application program) – a set of computer instructions written
       in a programming language, with the purpose of providing functionality to the user
applications logic (of an application in client/server environment) – created by the
       business rules of the application
arithmetic-logic unit (ALU) – performs all arithmetic and logic comparison operations
       for a central processing unit
assembler – a systems software program that translates an assembly language program
       into machine language
assembly language – programming language developed in the 1950s that resembles
       machine language but substitutes mnemonics for numeric codes
asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) – transmission standard for packet-switched
       networks, allowing almost unlimited bandwidth on demand; divides data into
       uniform cells, each with 53 groups of eight bytes, eliminating the need for protocol
       conversion
asynchronous transmission – only one character is transmitted or received at a time;
       during transmission, the character is preceded by a start bit and followed by a stop
       bit, so that the receiving device knows where a character begins and ends
attribute – each characteristic or quality describing a particular entity (corresponds to a
       field in a database); a column in the relational database model
attributes – data elements contained in an object or in a class

backbone network – a long-distance, high capacity, high speed network that links
      computing resources across an enterprise or links the resources of the Internet
bandwidth – the capacity of a communications channel as measured by the difference
        between the highest and lowest frequencies that can be transmitted by that channel
baseband – local area network channel technology that provides a single path for
        transmitting either text, graphics, voice, or video data at one time
baud rate – the amount of data that can be transmitted through a communication channel
behaviors (also called methods) – the actions that an object can perform
binary digit (bit) – the smallest unit processed in a computer; numerically, a 0 or a 1
binary relationship – a relationship between two entities
bits per second (bps) – the unit of measure for the speed of a communications channel
bridge – connects two networks of the same type
broadband – local area network channel technology that provides several paths for
        transmitting text, graphics, voice, or video data so that different types of data can
        be transmitted simultaneously
broadband ISDN – second generation of ISDN, which provides transmission channels
        capable of supporting transmission rates greater than the primary ISDN rate
bus – a channel or a “highway” through which information is passed in an electronic form
bus network topology – network nodes are arranged along a single length of twisted-pair
        wire, coaxial cable, or fiber optic cable that can be extended at the ends
byte – the number of bits used to represent one alphanumeric character; commonly eight
        bits in most computers

C++ -- an object-oriented programming language
cache memory – temporary, very fast, digital storage for a central processor
cellular radio technology – radio transmission that switches the mobile user from cell to
        cell, each cell with its own broadcasting antenna
central processing unit (CPU) – the “brains” of a computer, controlling all
        computational, input, output, and storage activities
centralized database – a database with all files in one location
chat programs – allow the user to send messages to people who are connected to the
        same channel of communication at the same time
cheapware – public domain software
class – a template or general framework that defines the methods (behaviors) and
        attributes (data) to be included in a particular type of object
class library – predefined class hierarchies included in a software package
client/server architecture – a type of distributed architecture where end-user PCs
        (clients) request services or data from designated processors or peripherals
        (servers)
clock – a component, located within the control unit, that provides the timing for all
        processor operations
coaxial cable – a communications medium that consist of insulated copper wire; can
        transmit large volumes of data quickly
communications media (communications channels) – the pathways for data to be
        communicated from one location to another
communications software – allows computers to exchange data over dedicated or
        public cables, telephone lines, satellite relay systems, or microwave circuits
compact disk, read-only memory (CD-ROM) – a common form of optical disk on
       which data, once recorded, cannot be modified
compiler – special system software that translates a higher-level language into
       machine language for execution by the computer
complex instruction set computer (CISC) – uses a complete set of instructions to
       direct the CPU
computer assisted software engineering (CASE) – the automation of step-by-step
       methodologies for software and systems development to reduce the amount
       of repetitive work the developer needs to do
concentrator – a telecommunications computer that collects and temporarily stores
       messages from terminals until enough message are ready to be sent economically
conceptual design (of database) – the abstract model of a database from the perspective
       of the user or the business
connectivity – the ability of the various computer resources to communicate with each
       other through network devices without human intervention
control bus – the bus that transmits signals specifying whether to “read” or “write” data
       to or from a given primary storage address, input device, or output device
control unit – the component of the central processor that interprets and carries out
       instructions contained in computer programs, and controls input and output
       devices and the data transfer processes from and to memory
crossware – a new class of platform-independent, on-demand applications built
       using dynamic HTML, Java, and JavaScript

data administration – an organizational function for managing the organization’s data
        resources, concerned with information policy, data planning, maintenance of
        data dictionaries, and data quality standards
data bus – the bus that moves data to and from primary storage
data communications – the electronic collection, exchange, and processing of data or
        information, including text, images, voice, and other information that is digitally
        encoded and intelligible to a variety of electronic machines
data definition language – a language for defining database objects; defines the link
        between the logical and physical views of a database
data dictionary – a comprehensive list or collection of information, usually arranged
        alphabetically, giving the form, function, meaning, and syntax of the data in a
        database; tool that stores the descriptions of all the entities defined during a
        system’s development
data element – a field
data inconsistency – different data values in the same field across applications
data integrity – data values that do not conform to constraints; e.g., no alphabetic
        characters in a social security field
data isolation – a situation in which applications cannot access needed data
data link layer (OSI model) – provides a reliable means of transmitting data across a
        physical link; breaks up the input data into data frames sequentially and processes
        the acknowledgment frames sent back by the receiver
data management component (of an application in a client/server environment) –
        consists of the storage and management of the data needed by the application
data manipulation language – provides users with the ability to retrieve, sort, display,
        and delete the contents of their databases
data mart – a subset of the data warehouse, usually created for a specific purpose or
        major data subject
data mining – technology for finding hidden patterns and previously unknown
        relationships in large databases and inferring rules from them to predict future
        behavior
data redundancy – data stored in multiple, unnecessary places
data repository – contains information about a system that can be used, for example, by
        CASE tools
data warehouse – a subject-oriented, integrated database, with reporting and query tools,
        that stores current and historical data extracted from various operational systems
        and consolidated for management reporting and analysis
database – a collection of data organized to service many applications at the same time
        by storing and managing data so that they appear to be in one location
database administrator – responsible for ensuring that the database fulfills users’
        business needs, in terms of functionality as well as for the data itself
database management system (DBMS) – special software to create and maintain a
        database and enable individual business applications to extract the data they
        need without having to create separate files or data definitions in their
        computer programs
demodulation – the conversion from analog signals to digital signals
dense wave division multiplexing (DWDM) – a technology that facilitates the process
        of managing signals as wavelengths or colors of light, not electrical streams of bits;
        increases the capacity of fiber optics
desktop publishing software – personal productivity software that assists a designer of
        publications requiring layout, graphics, images, and control of multiple fonts and
        typefaces
determinant – when a functional dependency exists between attributes, one attribute may
        be said to be a determinant of the other; i.e., knowing the value of one attribute,
        enables the user to determine the value of the other attribute
digital video disk (DVD) – a disk that looks like a five-inch CD-ROM disk, but with the
        ability to store about 135 minutes of digital video and accompanying sound track
digital scanner – input device that translates images such as pictures or documents into
        digital form for processing
digital signal – discrete on-off electrical pulses that convey information in terms of
        0s and 1s
direct file organization – a method for storing data records in a file so that they can be
        accessed in any sequence without regard to their actual physical order on the
        storage media
distributed database – a database that is stored in more than one physical location; parts
        or copies of the database are physically stored in one location, and other parts
        or copies are stored and maintained in other locations
distributed database (of client/server architecture) – all three components on the client,
       with database management distributed between the client and the server
distributed logic (of client/server architecture) – data management is on the server and
       presentation logic is on the client, with applications logic distributed between the
       two
distributed presentation model (of client/server architecture) – presentation component,
       applications logic, and data management component are on the server, but the
       presentation logic is distributed between the client and the server
DOS (disk operating system) – operating system for 16-bit PCs based on the IBM
       personal computer standard
dynamic HTML – software that makes Web pages more like dynamic applications and
       less static; allows the user to interact with the content of Web pages without
       having to download additional content from the server

electronic bulletin board – mailing lists on which users can leave messages for other
        people and receive information
electronic mail (e-mail) – allows multiple-access communication delivered exclusively on
        a computer network
encapsulation (also called information hiding)– the inaccessibility of an object’s data
        values (attributes)
enterprise software – computer programs or applications that manage a company’s
        vital operations, from order taking to manufacturing to accounting; also supports
        human resources management and financial management (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
entity – a person, place, thing, or event about which information must be kept
entity-relationship (ER) diagram – a methodology for documenting databases
        illustrating the relationship between various entities in the database
Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC) – a standard scheme
        for encoding alphanumeric characters into bits; most common on mainframe
        computers
extensible markup language (XML) – a language optimized for document delivery
        across the Web

fat client – have large storage and processing power, and the three components of a
         client/server application can be processed
field – a logical grouping of characters into a word, a group of words, or a complete
         number, such as a person’s name or age
fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) – a network transmission standard that allows
         data transmission with a bandwidth of 100 Mbps (100 million bits per second)
fiber optic cable – a fast, light, and durable transmission medium consisting of thin
         strands of clear glass fiber bound into cables; data are transmitted as light pulses
fifth generation languages (see natural language processing)
file – a logical grouping of records
file transfer protocol (FTP) – a member of the TCP/IP family; enables users to transfer
         documents from the Internet
floppy disk (see magnetic diskette)
floptical disk (see rewritable optical disks)
fourth generation language (see nonprocedural language)
frame relay – faster and less expensive version of packet switching; a shared network
       service that packages data into “frames” that are similar to packets; frame relay
       does not perform error correction
freeware – software that is free to the user
frequency – one parameter of an analog signal; refers to the number of waves in a given
       time
front end processor – a specialized computer that manages all routine communications
       with peripheral devices for a larger computer
full duplex transmission – uses two circuits for communications; transmission takes
       place in both directions simultaneously
function – statistical, financial, and other business formulas that are preprogrammed,
       usually included in spreadsheet software
functional dependency – a relationship between or among attributes, where, given the
       value of one attribute, we can obtain (or look up) the value of another attribute

gateway – a communications processor that can connect dissimilar networks by
       translating from one set of protocols to another
geographical information database – a database that contains locational data for
       overlaying on maps or images
geosynchronous satellite – a satellite orbiting 22,300 miles above the earth’s surface; the
       satellite remains stationary over a fixed point on the earth’s surface
gigabyte – approximately one billion bytes of storage capacity
global position system – a wireless system that uses satellites to enable users to
       determine their position anywhere on the earth
gopher – a tool that provides access to a wide range of textual information available on
       the Internet; it is a delivery system for retrieving documents on the Internet, based
       on a hierarchical menu system
graphical user interface – a system in which users have direct control of visible objects
       (such as icons) and actions that replace complex command syntax
groupware (see workgroup software)

half duplex transmission – uses only one circuit; transmission can take place in both
       directions, but only one direction at a time
hardware – physical devices employed in computer systems
hierarchical database model – one type of logical database model that organizes data in
       a tree structure; a record is subdivided into segments that are connected to each
       other in one-to-many parent-child relationships
hyperlink – the process of automatically moving from a certain Web page to another
       by clicking on a highlighted word or icon
hypermedia – combines several types of media such as text, graphics, audio, and video
       linked by association
hypermedia database model – an approach to data management that organizes data as a
       network of nodes linked in any pattern established by the user; the nodes can
       contain text, graphics, sound, full-motion video, or executable programs
hypertext – form of an electronic document (or information base) in which nodes with
      textual information are interconnected by meaningful links to allow nonsequential
      access to the text
hypertext markup language (HTML) – the standard language used by the World Wide
      Web for creating and recognizing hypermedia documents; i.e., the language
      enables users to establish dynamic links to other documents stored in the same or
      remote computers
hypertext transfer protocol (http) – a procedure for retrieving hypermedia and hypertext
      documents

identifier – an attribute that uniquely identifies an entity instance
information hiding (see encapsulation)
infrared – infrared light is red light, not commonly visible to human eyes, that can be
        modulated or pulsed for conveying information
inheritance – the ability of a subclass to inherit the method and variable definitions of
        the more general class
impact printer – output device in which the printing element strikes the paper to produce
        the impression
input device – a computer system component that accepts data from the user (e.g.,
        keyboard or mouse) or from a process (e.g., optical scanner or bar code reader)
instance – a specific object derived from a class; the representation of a particular entity
        in a database model
integrated CASE tools (I-CASE) – support prototyping and reusable systems
        components, including component repositories and automatic computer code
        generation
integrated services digital network (ISDN) – high-speed data transmission technology
        that allows users to simultaneously transfer voice, video, image, and data at high
        speed; uses existing telephone lines and provides basic rate ISDN and primary rate
        ISDN
interactive multimedia presentation – allows a user to alter the sequence or flow of
        information, similar to looking at an encyclopedia or a photo album
interface card (for local area network) – specifies the data transmission rate, the size of
        message units, the addressing information attached to each message, and the
        network topology
Internet – international network of networks that is a collection of millions of servers
        and is accessible by millions of client machines
Internet kiosk – terminals placed in public places like libraries which provide Internet
        access for those who do not have computers of their own
interoperability – the ability of systems to work together by sharing applications, data,
        and computer resources
interpreter – a special translator of source code into machine code that translates each
        source code statement into machine code and executes it, one at a time
intranet – a corporate network that functions with Internet technologies (e.g., HTML,
        browsers, search engines) and uses Internet protocols
Java – an object-oriented programming language that can deliver only the software
       functionality needed for a particular task as a small applet downloaded from the
       network; can run on any computer and operating system
JavaBeans – platform-neutral, component architecture for Java; used for developing or
       assembling network-aware solutions for heterogeneous hardware and operating
       system environments, within the enterprise or across the Internet
jukebox – a device for storing and retrieving many optical disks
joystick – a hand grip device used to position a cursor

key field (also called a key) – a field in a record that uniquely identifies instances of that
        record so that it can be retrieved, updated, or sorted
kilobyte – approximately one thousand bytes of storage capacity

language translator (see translator)
laptop computer – a small, portable computer with the functionality of a desktop
        computer
laser printer – a nonimpact printer that produces a high-quality printed output
light pen – a special input device using a light-sensing mechanism to detect and send
        signals to a computer; typically used for selecting items from a computer-screen
        menu
local area network (LAN) – connects two or more communicating devices within a
        relatively short distance, so that every user device on the network has the potential
        to communicate with any other device
logical view (of database) – the user perspective of a database which represents data in a
        format that is meaningful to the user and concentrates on what data are in the
        database, not how they are stored
low earth orbit (LEO) satellite – located 400 to 1000 miles above the earth’s surface;
        these satellites are closer to the earth than geosynchronous or MEO satellites,
        reducing signal delay
lower CASE tools – help with programming and related systems development activities,
        such as testing

machine cycle – the series of operations required to process a single machine instruction
machine language – programming language consisting of the 1s and 0s that comprise the
      actual instructions understood and directly executable by the CPU; lowest-level
      computer language
macro – a single instruction or formula that combines a number of other simpler
      instructions
magnetic disk – steel platters coated with iron oxide and used for secondary storage
magnetic diskette – a relatively soft, plastic platter coated with ferric material for storing
      data as magnetized spots
magnetic ink character recognition – input technology that translates characters written
      in magnetic ink into digital codes for processing
magnetic tape – a plastic ribbon coated on one side with an iron-oxide material that can
      be magnetized by electromagnetic pulses for storing data
main memory (see primary storage)
mainframe computer – relatively large computers built to handle very large databases,
        thousands of user terminals with fast response times, and millions of transactions
massively parallel computers – computers that use hundreds or thousands of processing
        chips to attack large computing problems simultaneously
medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite – located about 6,000 miles above the earth’s
        surface
megabyte – approximately one million bytes of storage capacity
megahertz – a measure of cycle speed, or the pacing of events in a computer; one
        megahertz (MHz) equals one million cycles per second
messages – the manner in which objects interact (i.e., objects interact by sending each
        other messages)
metasearch engine – a software tool for searching the Web that integrates the findings of
        the various search engines (e.g., Spider, Savvy Search, Metacrawler)
methods (see behaviors)
microsecond – one millionth of a second
microwave – a wireless communications transmission medium that transmits very high
        frequency, high volume radio signals in a line-of-sight path between relay stations
        spaced approximately 30 miles apart (due to the earth’s curvature)
millisecond – one thousandth of a second
minicomputer – a relatively smaller, cheaper, and more compact computer that performs
        the same functions as a larger, mainframe computer, but to a more limited extent
mobile computing – the use of portable computer devices in multiple locations
modem – the device that translates analog signals into digital signals and vice versa
modulation – conversion from digital signals to analog signals
monitor – most common output device; most monitors today are color, utilize
        RGB (red-green-blue) cathode ray tubes, and provide high resolution
mouse – a handheld device with one or more selection buttons used to move a cursor on a
        computer screen and make selections
multimedia – technologies that facilitate the integration of two or more types of media
        such as text, graphics, sound, voice, full-motion video, or animation, into a
        computer-based application
multimedia database – data and procedures are stored as objects containing various
        multimedia (e.g., audio, voice, video clips, images, etc.)
multimedia extension (MMX) – a set of optimized instructions for high-performance
        communications and multimedia processing
multiplexor – an electronic device that allows a single communications channel to carry
        data transmissions simultaneously from many sources
multiprocessing – an operating system feature for executing two or more instructions
        simultaneously in a single computer system by using multiple central
        processing units
multiprogramming – a method of executing two or more programs concurrently
        using the same computer; the CPU executes only one program but can
        service the input/output needs of others at the same time
multitasking – the multiprogramming capability of primarily single-user operating
       systems, such as those for microcomputers
multithreading – multitasking within a single application

nanosecond – one billionth of a second
narrowband – used by slow, low-capacity transmissions, such as those transmitted over
       telegraph lines
natural language – a human-computer interface that lets a user retrieve data with simple,
       human languagelike (e.g., English) commands
natural language processing (NLP) – a knowledge-based user interface that allows the
       user to carry on a conversation with a computer-based system in much the same
       way as he or she would converse with another human
network computer (NC) – a simplified desktop computer that does not store software
       programs or data permanently; users download whatever software or data they
       need from a central computer over the Internet or an organization’s own internal network
network database model – a logical database model that creates relationships among
       data through a linked-list structure in which subordinated records can be linked to
       more than one parent; this model is useful for depicting many-to-many
       relationships
network layer (OSI model) – routes information from one network computer to another;
       accepts messages from source host and sees to it they are directed toward the
       destination
neural network – an array of interconnected processing elements (usually simulated by
       software) in which knowledge is represented by the pattern of
       interconnections among them and by the adjustable weights of these
       connections; sometimes referred to as a type of sixth generation computer
       language
newsgroup (also called Usenet or News) – newsgroups are organized by category and
       allow users to read all the messages sent by other members on a particular topic of
       interest
nonimpact printer – output device that does not rely on striking the paper for printing an
       image (e.g., laser printers and ink-jet printers)
nonprocedural language – allows the user to specify the desired results without having
       to specify the detailed procedures needed for achieving the results; oriented to
       what is required
normalization – the process of creating small stable data structures from complex groups
       of data when designing a relational database
notebook computer – a portable computer, smaller than a laptop, with the functionality
       of a desktop computer

object – a specific instance of a class that models a real-world entity; objects perform
       services and hold data
object-oriented database – stores both data and procedures acting on the data, as
       objects; these objects can be retrieved and processed
object-oriented programming – an approach to software development that combines
       data and procedures into a single software entity, called an object
object program – the set of instructions produced after translation into machine
       language
online service – a commercial enterprise that sells access to large databases
open systems interconnection (OSI) – international reference model for linking different
       types of computers and networks
operating system – software that supervises the overall operation of the computer,
       including monitoring the computer’s status, handling executable program
       interruptions, and scheduling of operations, which include controlling the
       input and output processes
optical character reader (OCR) – a device for source data automation that reads
       specially designed data off source documents and translates the data into digital
       form for the computer
optical scanner – a device that scans text and graphics forms for input to a computer
       system
optical storage – storage on rigid plastic disks onto which data are recorded by special
       lasers that physically burn pits in the disk surface
OS/2 – a 32-bit operating system from IBM that is used with Intel microprocessors;
       support multitasking, accommodates larger applications, allows applications
       to be run simultaneously, and supports networked multimedia and pen
       computing applications
output device – the part of a computer system that produces processed data or
       information

packet switching – used in VANs; breaks up blocks of text into small, fixed bundles of
        data called packets; VAN uses different communications channels to send the
        packets independently through the network; packets are reassembled at the
        destination
palmtop computer – small personal computers that provide increased portability and less
        functionality than desktop computers
parallel data transfer – most often used for local communication, employs a
        communications interface with a series of dedicated wires, each serving one
        purpose; both data and control signals are transmitted simultaneously
parallel processing – a type of processing in which more than one instruction can be
        processed at a time by breaking down problems into smaller parts and processing
        them simultaneously with multiple processors
parity bits – act as accuracy controls for data transmissions; these bits are like check
        sums added to characters and/or blocks of characters at the sending end of the line;
        parity bits are checked and verified at the receiving end of the line to determine
        whether bits were lost during the transmission
partitioned database – a subdivided database, so that each location has a portion of the
        entire database (usually the portion meeting users’ local needs)
peer-to-peer connection – when two devices on a network have the same relative
        standing, as with two microcomputers
peer-to-peer network architecture – allows two or more computers to pool their
        resources together; information stored across these networks is uniquely
        decentralized; each computer acts as both a client and a server
pen-based system – a small computer that can accept input from a stylus or pen by
        digitizing handwriting; commonly used for filling out forms or taking notes
personal computer (also called microcomputers) – relatively small, inexpensive
        computer systems that are primarily designed for single users
personal computing service (PCS) – uses lower-power, higher-frequency radio waves
        than does cellular technology; PCS telephones are effective in places where cellular
        telephones are not (e.g., inside office buildings); PCS telephones need less power,
        are smaller, and are less expensive than cellular telephones
personal digital assistant (PDA) – small, pen-based, hand-held computers capable of
        entirely digital communications transmission; they have built-in wireless
        telecommunications capabilities, including e-mail, fax, calendar, and notepad
        software
physical design (of database) – shows how the database is actually arranged on direct
        access storage devices
physical layer (OSI model) – provides physical connection for the transmission of data
        among network entities and creates the means by which to activate and deactivate
        a physical connection
physical view (of database) – used by database personnel to see how the data are
        physically arranged on storage devices
picosecond – one trillionth of a second
pixel (picture element) – the smallest unit of data for defining an image on the display
        screen
plotter – a printing device that produces high-quality line drawings by moving either pens
        or electrostatic charges over paper
point of sale (POS) terminal – input devices used in retail establishments to enter data
        when and where a transaction occurs
point-to-point connection – when two devices on a network are directly connected
polling – the simplest network transmission protocol; a master device contacts each node
polymorphism – the ability to send the same message to several different objects or
        classes, and have different, desired results returned
portability – the ability to move applications, data, and people from one system to
        another with minimal adjustments
POTS – plain old telephone service
presentation component (of an application in client/server environment) – the application
        interface or how the application appears to the user
presentation graphics – software that allows the user to create pseudo-three-dimensional
        images, superimpose multiple images, highlight certain aspects of a drawing, and
        create freehand drawings
presentation layer (OSI model) – messages are translated from and to the format used in
        the network to and from a format used at the application layer
presentation multimedia – presents a sequential procession of information similar to a
        movie or television show; the order of events is fixed
primary memory (see primary storage)
primary storage (primary memory, main memory) – stores data and computer code for
       the central processing unit
printer – a computer output device tat provides paper hard copy output in the form of
       text or graphics
private branch exchange (PBX) – a special-purpose computer that controls telephone
       switching at a company site; carry both voice and data and perform a variety of
       functions such as call waiting, call forwarding, and voice mail
procedural language – a language that requires programmers to specify, step by step,
       exactly how the computer will accomplish a task (e.g., FORTRAN, COBOL, C);
       oriented to how the result is to be produced
programming language – the basic building blocks for all systems and application
       software; a set of symbols and rules used to write program code
protocol – the set of rules and procedures governing transmission across a network

query-by-example (QBE) – allows users to easily choose which table(s) to ask questions
      of, select the fields to be included in the answer, and then enter an example of the
      data wanted
QuickTime – an extension of System 8 that allows users to integrate video clips, stereo
      sound, and animated sequences with conventional text and graphics software

radio – a wireless type of communications technology that transmits voice or data over
       the air using a lower frequency band than microwaves
random access memory (RAM) – volatile, digital storage or memory that can be directly
       written to or read
random file organization (see direct file organization)
read only memory (ROM) – non-volatile, digital storage or memory can be read directly
record – a group of logically related fields; subsets of data about an entity; an instance
       or occurrence of an entity
reduced instruction set computing (RISC) – technology used to enhance the speed of
       microprocessors by embedding only the most frequently used instructions on a
       chip; i.e., a very small set of instructions are “hard-wired” into the CPU, while
       less frequently used instructions are kept in software
redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) – disk storage technology to boost disk
       performance by packaging more than 100 smaller disk drives with a controller chip
       and specialized software into a single large unit to deliver data over multiple paths
       simultaneously
register – a specialized, high-speed memory area for storing temporary results of ALU
       operations as well as for storing certain control information
relations – tables of entities with corresponding attributes and tuples
relational database model – a type of logical database model that treats data as if they
       were stored in two-dimensional tables; this model can relate data stored in one
       table to data in another as long as the two tables share a common data element
remote data management (of client/server architecture) – database management is on the
       server, with the other two components on the client
remote presentation (of client/server architecture) – applications logic and database
       management are on the server, and the presentation logic is on the client
replicated database – a database that has complete copies of the entire database in
       several locations, primarily to alleviate the single point-of-failure problems of a
       centralized database as well as to increase user access responsiveness
reusability – the ability to use computer code, particularly objects, repeatedly
ring network topology – network nodes are arranged along the transmission path so that
       a signal passes through one station at a time before returning to its originating
       node
router – directs messages through several connected LANs or to a WAN

satellite communications – a communications medium for high volume, digital, line-of-
        sight transmissions
scalability – the ability to run applications unchanged on any open system where the
        hardware can range from a laptop PC to a supercomputer
schema – the logical description of the entire database and the listing of all the data items
        and the relationships among them
search engine – a tool for locating specific sites or information on the Internet; primarily
        used to search the World Wide Web
secondary storage – stores data in a format that is compatible with the data stored in
        primary storage, but provides space for storing and processing large quantities of
        software and data for
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************************************************ session layer can manage the
dialogue in an orderly manner
shareware – software where the user is expected to pay the author a modest amount for
        the privilege of using it
simplex transmission – uses one circuit in one direction only; transmission can take place
        in only one direction
sixth generation languages – advanced machine learning languages (e.g., see neural
        network)
Smalltalk – a pure object-oriented language
smart card – a storage medium the size of a credit card that contains a microprocessor
        capable of storing and processing information
software – programs that control the operation of a computer system
software licensing – protection for developers from having their software illegally copied
        and distributed without compensation
software suite – collections of applications software packaged and integrated in a
        bundle (e.g., Microsoft Office, Corel Perfect Office, Lotus SmartSuite)
source data automation – an approach to data collection that involves capturing data at
        its source and recording it accurately, in a timely fashion, with minimal manual
        effort, and in a form that can be directly entered into a computer
source program – the set of instructions written in a user-oriented language
spaghetti code – complex computer code that has been patched often over a period of
       time and has a confusing logic path
spreadsheet software – application software that enables the user to manipulate data
       represented in a grid of rows and columns
star network topology – network has a central node that connects to each of the other
       nodes by a single, point-to-point link
structured query language (SQL) – the emerging standard data manipulation language
       for relational database management systems
subclass – a subset of a more general class
subschema – the specific set of data from the database that is required by each application
superclass – the more general class (contains subclasses)
supercomputer – the most powerful and most expensive computer systems with the
       fastest processing speeds
switched hub technologies – used to boost local area networks; switched hubs can turn
       many small LANs into one big LAN
synchronous transmission – a group of characters is sent over a communications link in
       a continuous bit stream while data transfer is controlled by a timing signal initiated
       by the sending device; sender and receiver must be in perfect synchronization to
       avoid errors in data transmission
System 8 – a 32-bit operating system used with Apple Macintosh microcomputers;
       features multitasking and powerful graphics capabilities
system control programs – control the use of the hardware, software, and data resources
       of a computer system during its execution of a user’s information processing job
system development programs – programs that help users develop information
       processing programs and procedures and prepare user applications
system performance monitors – monitor computer system performance and produce
       reports containing statistics concerning the use of system resources, such as
       processor time, memory space, input/output devices, and system and
       application programs
system security monitors – programs that monitor the use of a computer system to
       protect it and its resources from unauthorized use, fraud, or destruction
system support programs – support the operations, management, and users of a
       computer system by providing a variety of services (e.g., performance monitors,
       security)
system utility programs – programs that accomplish tasks such as sorting records,
       merging sets of data, checking the integrity of magnetic disks, creating
       directories, restoring accidentally erased files, and managing memory usage
systems development – the activities that go into producing an information systems
       solution to an organizational problem or opportunity
systems network architecture (SNA) – a networking standard developed by IBM that is
       widely used in private networks; SNA uses a layered approach, although the layers
       differ from the OSI model
systems software – the class of programs that controls and supports the computer
       hardware and its information processing activities
systems programming – the creation or modification of systems software

telecommunications – refers to all types of long-distance communication through the
        use of common carriers, including telephone, television, and radio
telecommunications software – special software for controlling and supporting the
        activities of a telecommunications network
telecommunications system – a collection of compatible hardware and software
        arranged to communicate information from one location to another; systems
        can transmit text, graphics, voice, documents, or full motion video information
Telnet – a type of TCP/IP protocol, that allows users to connect to computers other than
        their own and interactively search for files, text, software, etc.
terabyte – approximately one trillion bytes of storage capacity
thin client – may have no local storage and limited processing power, meaning that they
        can handle presentation only in a client/server application (e.g., network computer)
third generation language (see procedural language)
time sharing – the sharing of computer resources by many users simultaneously by
        having the CPU spend a fixed amount of time on each user’s program before
        proceeding to the next
token passing protocol – a small data packet, called a token, circulates around a
        network; if a device wants to transmit a message, it must wait for the token to
        pass, examine it to see if it is in use and pass it on, or use the token to help route
        its message to its destination on the network
touch screen – a computer input device that enables a user to select entries and choose
        commands by making manual contact with a screen
transistor – also known as solid-state devices or semiconductors, are small, fast, and
        cheap electronic switches
translator – systems software that converts high-level programs into machine language
        code
transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) – a file transfer protocol,
        which can send large files of information across sometimes unreliable networks
        with assurance that the data will arrive in uncorrupted form
transport layer (OSI model) – provides a network-independent transport service to the
        session layer; accepts data from session layer, splits it up into smaller units as
        required, passes these to the network layer, and ensures all pieces arrive correctly
        at the other end
tuple – a row in the relational database model
twisted-pair wire – a transmission medium consisting of pairs of twisted copper wires;
        used to transmit analog telephone conversations but can be used for data
        transmission

uniform resource locator (URL) – represent hypermedia links and links to network
      services with HTML documents; a document’s address on the WWW
upper CASE tools – focus primarily on the design aspects of systems development

value added network (VAN) – a type of WAN; private, multipath, data-only, third-party-
       managed networks that can provide economies in the cost of service and in
       network management because they are used by multiple organizations
very large scale integration (VLSI) – manufacturing technology that makes it possible
       to place millions of semiconductor devices (e.g., transistors) on a single
       silicon chip
virtual machine – a computer system that appears to the user as a real computer but,
       in fact, has been created by the operating system
virtual machine operating system – operating system that makes a single real machine
       appear as multiple machines to its users, each with its own unique operating
       system
virtual memory (also virtual storage) – a way of handling programs and applications
       more efficiently by the computer by dividing the programs into small fixed-
       or variable-length portions with only a small portion stored in primary
       memory at one time
virtual private network (VPN) – a set of hardware and software that provides a gateway
       between a corporate LAN and the Internet; allows access to a private network’s e-
       mail, shared files, or intranet via an Internet connection
virtual reality modeling language (VRML) – a file format for describing three-
       dimensional interactive worlds and objects
visual programming language – programming languages that are used within a
       graphical environment; enable the user to rapidly build applications by
       dragging the icons representing software objects with a pointing device and
       dropping them in the appropriate place in the application
voice recognition (see natural language processing) – the ability of a computer to
       understand the meaning of spoken words
voiceband – used by telephone lines

wand reader – handheld optical readers for scanning data
Web browser – the major software tool for accessing and working with the Web; the
       most widely used Web browsers are Netscape’s Navigator and Microsoft’s
       Internet Explorer
Web site – a computer network (or a single server) that has a connection to the Internet
wide area information service (WAIS) – an Internet directory designed to help end
       users find and retrieve information over the networks by providing efficient search
       methods
wide area network (WAN) – long-haul, geographically dispersed, broadband (analog),
       generally public access networks that cross right-of-ways and are provided by
       common carriers
Windows – a graphical user interface shell that runs in conjunction with the DOS PC
       operating system; support multitasking and some forms of networking
Windows 95 – a 32-bit operating system, with a streamlined graphical user interface
       that can support software written for DOS and Windows but can also run
       programs that take up more than 640K of main memory; features
       multitasking, multithreading, and powerful networking capabilities
Windows 98 – new version of the Windows operating system that is more closely
       integrated with the Internet
Windows NT – powerful operating system developed by Microsoft for use with
       32-bit PCs and workstations based on Intel and other microprocessors;
       supports networking, multitasking, and multiprocessing
word – a logical grouping of bits in memory and for data transmission over a bus
word length – the number of bits that the central processing unit can process at any one
       time
word processing software – personal productivity software that facilitates entry,
       storage, manipulation, and printing of text
workgroup software (also called groupware) – computerized technologies and tools
       that aim to support the work of people working in groups
World Wide Web (the Web or WWW) – a collection of hyperlinked multimedia (text,
       photos, graphics, voice, moving images) databases stored in computers known as
       servers all over the world and accessible via the Internet
write once, read many (WORM) – a technology using plastic platters like CD-ROMs
       that can be written to once and then read or accessed often
WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) – the process of displaying material
       on the monitor screen exactly, or almost exactly, as it will look on the final
       printed page (based on the type of printer connected to the computer)

X Windows – the standard for graphical user interfaces; runs on all types of computers;
     permits one display of several applications on one screen and allows one
     application to use several windows