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A design intended for a particular end or case at hand without consideration
of wider application.
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A general term which refers to a collection of forms and other layouts,
linked together using buttons, so that all functions for a particular set of tasks can be accomplished.
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A group or individual responsible for the analysis, design, organization,
development, documentation and support of a data systems applicaton.
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A plain, unformatted text file that can be imported from or exported to.
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A record of transactions in an information system that provides verification
of the activity of the system. The simplest audit trail is the transaction itself. If a person's salary is increased, the change transaction
includes the date, amount of raise and name of authorizing manager.
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A utility that creates regular duplicate copies of data on different storage
media for emergency purposes.
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A way of displaying multiple records from a table or set in tabular
format; the rows display records, the columns display fields.
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A program that lets you look through a set of data.
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CHARACTER-SEPARATED ASCII FILE
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A file that uses a field delimiter, such as a comma, to indicate where a
field ends, and another delimiter, such as a carriage return and a line-feed combination, to indicate where a record ends.
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In a set, a table linked directly or indirectly to the primary table.
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A browse table row that includes a combination of parent and child
table fields from a set.
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An interface element that accepts user input.
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CROSS-FILE VALIDATION RULE
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A field rule that enables you to validate new field values based on values
that exist in other tables.
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An operation that enables you to summarize field values within the two
levels of record grouping you specify. For example, you can use a crosstab to summarize sales totals for different sales people by
region, creating a two-dimensional view of sales totals.
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Information that is stored in tables and sets that you can manipulate and
display.
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A file that is created with every new table or set; it stores any
component object created by the table or set such as forms, browses, reports, query definitions, and scripts: the data dictionary for a table
also stores the field rules.
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A collection of tables, sets, and other objects used in a total
data-management solution. For example, a company may have separate databases for its personnel department and its sales department, and each
department's database may be used for a variety of purposes.
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Database software that performs a primary and highly specialized function.
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An operation that takes data from a table or set, and creates an export file
in the format you specify in the export parameters.
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A field is a component of a record that stores data related to that record.
It is the smallest unit in which data is stored. A record can be comprised of one or more fields.
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Determines what type of data a field accepts. The field types are character,
numeric, date, logical, and memo, Rich Text Memo, bitmap, and OLE.
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An operation that uses your source file and import parameters to create a
new, or result, table.
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A connection between two tables that have related data.
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The process of reorganizing a single table into smaller, more efficient,
structured tables. this process removes redundant information and reduces total storage needs for the data.
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A row of data in a table. The data can describe an individual person, place,
or thing. Records are stored in tables.
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Restoring data that has been physically damaged or corrupted on a disk or
tape. Disks and tapes can become corrupted due to viruses, bad software, hardware failure as well as from power failures that occur while the
magnetic media is being written. Of course, data can also be damaged by fire and other accidents, and laptop disks are especially vulnerable
being bounced around from one location to another.
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A collection of related tables linked together in some logical way. For
example, a table of department names in a company may be linked to a table with the employee names in each department.
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A collection of information related to a particular subject, object, or
purpose stored in a file. Tables are divided into records, and then subdivided into fields.
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A pop-up window that provides or requests information; it appears in front
of the session window from which it was called.
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1) From the computer perspective, the term initially only referred to a word processing file. Since the advent of the Macintosh, Apple has called virtually any file created on the computer a document, and this usage has migrated to the Windows environment.
(2) From a general office perspective, it is a paper form that has been filled out by typewriter or by hand.
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The narrative and graphical description of a system. Following are the kinds
of documentation required to describe an information system for both users and systems staff.
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Operating Procedures
1. Instructions for turning the system on and getting the programs initiated (loaded).
2. Instructions for obtaining source documents for data entry.
3. Instructions for entering data at the terminal, which includes a picture
of each screen layout the user will encounter.
4. A description of error messages that can occur and the alternative methods for handling
them.
5. A description of the defaults taken in the programs and the instructions for changing them.
6. Instructions for distributing the
computer's output, which includes sample pages for each type of report.
System Documentation
1. Data dictionary - Description of the files and databases.
2. System flow chart - Description of the data as it flows from source document
to report.
3. Application program documentation - Description of the inputs, processing and outputs for each data entry, query, update and
report program in the system.
Technical Documentation
1. File structures and access methods
2. Program flow charts
3. Program source code listings
4. Machine procedures
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A way of moving an object; you first point the cursor at an object, press
and hold the left mouse button, move the cursor so the selected object is where you want it, and then release the mouse button.
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A record that has the same key value as another record.
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The transmission of memos and messages over a network. Within an enterprise,
users can send mail to a single recipient or broadcast it to multiple users. Mail is sent to a simulated mailbox in the network mail server or
host computer until it is interrogated and deleted. You can set up your mail program to query the mail server every so many minutes and alert
you if new mail has arrived.
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1. Operation that ensures that a failure of equipment, process, or system
does not propagate beyond the immediate environs of the failing entity.
2. A control operation or function that prevents improper
system functioning or catastrophic degradation in the event of circuit malfunction or operator error.
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A design technique that provides for closed loop processing.
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A set of rules that govern data entry; they make data entry faster, more
powerful, and help ensure that it is accurate, consistent, and complete.
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A collection of bytes stored as an individual entity. All data on disk is
stored as a file with an assigned file name that is unique within the folder (directory) it resides in.
To the computer, a file is
nothing more than a string of bytes. The structure of a file is known to the software that manipulates it. For example, database files are made
up of a series of records. Word processing files contain a continuous flow of text.
Except for ASCII text files, which contain only raw
text, other files have proprietary structures. Formatting and other types of information are contained in headers or interspersed throughout
the file.
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The act of choosing particular records while filtering out others; filtering
is also referred to as selecting.
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A form command that allows you to type criteria directly into the same form
you use for viewing, entering, or changing data. Once criteria have been specified, you can use the Find Next and Find Previous commands to
search for the next or previous matching record.
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A tool that is available in both browses and forms, which allows you to find
the first record whose key value most closely matches the key value you specify. The key value is the value of the field or fields by which the
records are ordered. For example, if you have a Customer table in which records are ordered by LASTNAME, you can enter the letter
"s," and Alpha Five brings you to the first record in the table in which customers' last names begin with the letter "s."
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A tool that searches one or more fields for the text you type.
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A method for implementing security policies designed to keep a network
secure from intruders. It can be a single router that filters out unwanted packets or may comprise a combination of routers and servers each
performing some type of firewall processing.
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"FISHBONE" DIAGRAM
CAUSE & EFFECT DIAGRAM
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The cause & effect diagram is the brainchild of Kaoru Ishikawa, who
pioneered quality management processes in the Kawasaki shipyards, and in the process became one of the founding fathers of modern management.
The cause and effect diagram is used to explore all the potential or real causes (or inputs) that result in a single effect (or
output).
Causes are arranged according to their level of importance or detail, resulting in a depiction of relationships and hierarchy
of events.
This can help you search for root causes, identify areas where there may be problems, and compare the relative importance of
different causes.
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A diagram that shows step-by-step progression through a procedure or system
especially using connecting lines and a set of conventional symbols
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Like a paper form, it enables you to view individual records one at a time,
and can be combined with design objects to create an aesthetically pleasing and well-functioning data entry window.
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FUNCTIONAL DESIGN LEVEL APPLICATIONS
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A level of design implemented without disciplined analysis and preparation.
Typically AD HOC systems do not include more sophisticated design features of feedback, quality
assurance, data protection, data auditing
and data recovery. (see AD HOC DESIGN)
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A collection of related records in an index or query sequence. Grouping data
enables you to put related data together, and also limits the scope of a calculation by specifying the level from which values are taken.
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Software that supports multiple users working on related tasks. Group ware
is an evolving concept that is more than just multiuser software which allows access to the same data. Group ware provides a mechanism that
helps users coordinate and keep track of ongoing projects together.
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The physical components (as electronic and electrical devices) of a vehicle
(as a spacecraft) or an apparatus (as a computer)
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A small graphic symbol that represents an application or menu item.
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An ordered listing of records that is automatically updated whenever you
add, change, or move records.
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An electronic communications network that connects computer networks and
organizational computer facilities around the world
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Internet service provider
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An operation that enables you to combine the data and table structure of two
tables to create a third table.
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A field or combination of fields used to put records into a specified
sequence; when you build a record list, keys are generated and added to the record list, and then sorted alphabetically.
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A field used to establish the link between records in a parent and child
table.
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A field value used to establish the link between records in a parent and
child table.
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A unit of one hour's work by one person that is used especially as a basis
for cost accounting and wages
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To indicate which records in a table are to be included in a group.
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The table that is acted upon (e.g., changed) during an operation. Some
operations involve only the master table. Other operations also involve a transaction table that provides input data to the operation.
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A field that accepts all alphanumeric characters; the number of characters
is limited only by the available disk space.
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The horizontal area near the top of a window (below the window title) that
includes the names of various pull-down menus.
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An index that is defined using more than one field (e.g., Lastname +
Firstname). Sorting is done by the first field, then the second, etc.
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A system that transmits any combination of voice, video and/or data between
users. The network includes the network operating system in the client and server machines, the cables connecting them and all supporting
hardware in between such as bridges, routers and switches. In wireless systems, antennas and towers are also part of the network.
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A movable, re-sizable element that you position on a layout. Types of
objects include: fields, text objects (e.g., field labels), Rich Text, browse objects, sub-forms, bitmap objects, OLE objects, frames,
lines, and page breaks.
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OLE (OBJECT LINKING AND EMBEDDING)
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A method of including an object (e.g., a graph) from a file that was created
in another Windows application. Alpha Five provides two ways that you can work with OLE objects: placing an OLE object on a layout, or
specifying that a memo field accepts OLE objects.
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A relationship between two tables, where one parent table record can match
more than one child table record.
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A relationship between two tables, where one parent table record can match
only one child table record.
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A process you define that modifies data, performs calculations using data,
imports or exports data from different applications (such as spreadsheets and word processors), or manipulates data in some other way.
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The act of taking a series of records and sorting them into a particular
sequence. For example, in a table that contains names of customers, you may order the records alphabetically by last name. Ordering is also
referred to as sorting.
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In a set, the table to which a child table is linked.
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A security measure used to control access to a table's structure, a layout
or a button. If a password is defined, you must enter it in order to change the table or layout or use the button.
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In DOS, the hierarchy of directories that you use in opening and saving
documents.
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A window that "pops up," appearing in a second window over the
current session; For more information, see pop-up card.
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An operation that enables you to add, subtract, or replace values in one
table using values in another table.
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A graphic representation of a printed output that you can view before
printing.
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The table at the top of the set structure hierarchy.
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PROJECT RFP
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
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A document that invites a vendor to submit a bid for hardware, software
and/or services. It may provide a general or very detailed specification of the system.
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PROJECT RFQ
REQUEST FOR QUOTE
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A document that invites a vendor to submit a quote for hardware, software
and/or services. It may provide a general or very detailed specification of the system.
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PROJECT STATUS:
PROTOTYPE STAGE
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A first full-scale and usually functional form of a new type or design of a
construction.
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PROJECT STATUS:
ALPHA STAGE
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The second level of testing using production data and processes with the
expectation of further refinements and modifications being understood.
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PROJECT STATUS:
BETA STAGE
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The third level of testing using production data and processes with the
expectation that the system/application is soon to be released to the PRODUCTION STAGE.
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PROJECT STATUS:
PRODUCTION STAGE
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The final stage of the product is put into production. Initially the system
is monitored for predicted results and for user inconsistencies.
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The index that is currently selected.
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A language used to write instructions for the computer. It lets the
programmer express data processing in a symbolic manner without regard to machine-specific details.
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(1) Software used to monitor the time and materials on a project. All tasks to complete the project are entered into the database, and the program computes the critical path, the series of tasks with the least amount of slack time. Any change in the critical path slows down the entire project.
(2)
A person who keeps track of an information systems project either from inception to deployment or through a single stage. Project managers have varying levels of responsibilities and authority.
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An attribute that controls the size, appearance, and functionality of
objects.
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(Quality Assurance) A design function, procedure, program or
department within a system or organization that is involved in testing hardware and/or software. QA ensures that all products and systems
perform as originally specified or designed.
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Order and selection criteria that you use to generate an ad hoc record list,
called a query list.
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A way of selecting a record list (a query list or index) and then further
limiting the records displayed by that record list by specifying a starting and ending key value, a filter, and other restrictions.
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A list of records based on selection and ordering criteria; the record list
can be a query list or an index.
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Boxes along the left side of the browse control that enable you to select,
view, and modify individual or multiple records.
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A series of rules that manages the link between parent and child records.
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RELATIONAL DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (RDBMS)
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A system that enables you to establish links between data in several tables.
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A printed or microfilmed collection of facts and figures with page numbers
and page headings.
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The table that is created during a Copy, Summary, Crosstab, Join, or Import
operation. The Result table contains the results that are generated using the data in the input table(s) you select for the operation.
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A computer in a network that is used to provide services (as access to
files or shared peripherals or the routing of E-mail) to other computers in the network
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A window that is created each time you open a table; more than one session
window can appear inside the Alpha Five Main Application window.
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Something used or associated with and usually contrasted with hardware: as
the entire set of programs, procedures, and related documentation associated with a system and especially a computer system; specifically
: computer programs.
Software is a series of instructions that performs a particular task is called a "program." The
two major categories of software are "system software" and "application software." System software is made up of control
programs such as the operating system and database management system (DBMS). Application software is any program that processes data for the
user (inventory, payroll, spreadsheet, word processor, etc.).
A common misconception is that software is data. It is not. Software
tells the hardware how to process the data.
Software is "run."
Data are "processed."
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SOFTWARE APPLICATION TYPES
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FREEWARE / SHARE WARE
CONSUMER/PRODUCTIVITY SOFTWARE
COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE (GENERAL USE)
COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE (SPECAILIZED USE)
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SOFTWARE SUPPORT SERVICES AGREEMENT
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A contracted level of software applications support/oversight for important
applications based upon the license purchase price of the supported package.
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1) A GROUP OF RELATED COMPONENTS components that interact to perform a task.
(2)
A COMPUTER SYSTEM is made up of the CPU, operating system and peripheral devices.
(3)
An INFORMATION SYSTEM is made up of the database, all the data entry, update, query and report programs and manual and machine procedures.
(4) "The system" often refers to the operating system.
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(see APPLICATIONS DESIGNER)
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The useful life of an information system. Its length depends on the nature
and volatility of the business, as well as the software development tools used to generate the databases and applications. Eventually, an
information system that is patched over and over no longer is structurally sound enough to be expanded.
Tools like DBMSs allow for
changes more readily, but increased transaction volumes can negate the effectiveness of the original software later on.
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A function that returns an alphanumeric value for a given word; you use it
to compare similarly sounding or similarly spelled records.
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A feature of Alpha Five that allows you to record words, names, and other
character values that require special capitalization (e.g., MacPherson, O'Mahny). The case for those words is then verified during data entry.
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A data entry shortcut for frequently used values.
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A calculated field that uses multiple records to compute totals, averages,
and other Summary operations.
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Performs operations, such as a total or average, over multiple records in a
table or set; it enables you to summarize values in a field within the level of record grouping you specify.
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An operation that groups the data from the current table and summarizes the
records collected in these groups.
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A report that does not use the Detail section when displaying data; it
condenses data into totals, averages, or some other type of summary value.
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A file with one record on each line; fields start and end at the same column
in each record.
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A level of service for non-critial operations or applications.
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A table that contains data to be used in changing or updating the Master
table.
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A field rule that automatically transforms and inserts values into the
format you want, and defines shortcut abbreviations for entering commonly used words and phrases.
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An operation that replaces or changes the values in a field.
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A text box that enables you to type data directly into a field.
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A logical expression that must evaluate to TRUE in order for the field value
to be accepted.
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A field rule that helps ensure accurate and valid data entry.
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A component of the graphical user interface that contains system cards,
forms, browses, and other interface elements; you can resize, minimize, maximize, and move around the screen.
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The most widely used operating system for personal computers. Windows
provides a graphical user interface and desktop environment similar to the Macintosh, in which applications are displayed in re-sizable,
movable windows on screen.
Windows contains built-in networking, which allows users to share files and applications with each other if
their PCs are connected to a network. In large enterprises, Windows clients are often connected to a network of UNIX and NetWare servers. The
server versions of Windows NT and 2000 are gaining market share, providing a Windows-only solution for both the client and server.
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WORKING DESIGN LEVEL APPLICATIONS
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A level of design implemented with disciplined analysis and preparation.
Typically WORKING LEVEL systems include more sophisticated design features of feedback, quality
assurance, data protection, data auditing
and data recovery. (see FUNCTIONAL DESIGN LEVEL)
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(see INTERNET)
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URL
UNIVERSAL RESOURCE LOCATOR
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The address of a computer or a document on the Internet that consists of a
communications protocol followed by a colon and two slashes (as http://), the identifier of a computer (as www.m-w.com) and usually a path
through a directory to a file -- called also uniform resource locator, universal resource locator
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Any individual who interacts with the computer at an application level.
Programmers, operators and other technical personnel are not considered users when working in a professional capacity on the computer.
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Technical Definitions 
