APPLICATION SOFTWARE - Software that interfaces between the user and the system software to allow the user to perform specific tasks - i.e. Admission Module

DATABASE - Collection of related files stored together in a logical manner

DOWNLOADING - The process of receiving data from a computer and storing them on media located at the user's computer.

FILE - A collection of similar groups of data (records) that fall under one name or heading

FIELD - Each data item contained in a record

FIXED LENGTH RECORD - A record in which its data length is set to a specific number of characters. Any unused spaces are stored as blank spaces in the record.

KEY FIELD - A field in a record that contains data that uniquely identifies that record in a file

LIBRARIES - Libraries are used to group related objects. It can be thought of as a Directory. Libraries are used to group related programs and data. Libraries are made up of OBJECTS and MEMBERS which contain all programs and data files needed for an application

MAIL-MERGE - The process of combining two documents into one. For example, a form letter can be merged with a file containing names and addresses to personalize the letter.

MENU - In application software, a screen listing of COMMANDS, ACTIONS, or other ALTERNATIVES from which the user may select. The menu selection may perform an action or bring up another menu. The menu presents the choices to the user from that particular point in the program.

MINICOMPUTER - A computer in the large-scale category but having less processing capabilities than a mainframe computer.

OPERATING SYSTEM - (OS) A set of programs that controls and supervises a computer system's hardware and provides services to programmers and users.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT PROCESS - The process of developing a computer program; consists of the following steps: (a) defining the problem; (b) designing the algorithm [a finite set of step-by-step instructions for the purpose of solving a problem]; (c) coding the program; (d) testing and debugging the program; (e) implementing the program and training the users; and (f) maintaining and updating the program. Documentation is maintained throughout all six steps.

PROGRAMMER - The person who writes the instructions, or code, that tell the computer what to do.

RECORD - A collection of related data items. The data items are particular to that record, but fall under the general heading of the file name.

RELATIONAL DATABASE STRUCTURE - A type of database structure in which data do not rely on parent-child relationships. Data are grouped in tables, and relationships are structured as they are needed.

STATUS LINE - May be one or more lines, located at the top or bottom of the display screen, that provides information about the current file or operation in progress.

SYSTEM ANALYSIS - The process of analyzing an information system to ascertain whether or not it meets the user's current or projected needs.

SYSTEM ANALYST - A person who works with a user to determine his or her data processing needs.

UPLOADING - The process of reading data from a user's disk and sending it to another computer.

VARIABLE LENGTH RECORD - A record in which spaces are allotted only to actual data. This eliminates the storage of empty spaces.

Introduction to Computers and Information Systems by R. Szymanski, D. Szymanski, N. Morris and D. Pulschen