Data corruption The introduction of errors into data stored in a computer system
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Database A collection of data files that may be used by a number of applications with storage and access to the data controlled by a set of programs known as Database Management System. (DBMS)
Database Clerk see Data Entry Clerk
Data-capture forms Forms used to collect data for input to computer system.
Data Entry ClerkA data entry clerk is a member of staff employed to enter or update data into a computer system. Data is often entered into a computer from paper documents using a keyboard.
Data logging A method of automatic data capture where a reading from a sensor is input at regular intervals.
Data validation Data validation is the computerised checking of input data for errors before it is processed
Data verification Data verification is the checking for mistakes such as transcription errors when data is copied from one medium or device to another.
Database management systems(DBMS) A database management system is the term for programs that handle the storage, retrieval of information and modification of data.
Data flow diagram A pictorial representation of a network of processes linked by arrows illustrating the flow of data to and from processes in a system.
Decision table A pictorial representation of program logic illustrating, in the form of a table, the appropriate actions to be taken for each combination of conditions.
Debugging The process of finding and correcting errors in a program’s source code.
Decompiler a computer program that takes an executable file as input, and attempts to create a high level source file which can be recompiled successfully.
Desktop publishing (DTP) Desktop publishing programs allow documents to be seen on screen before being printed, giving individual users the opportunity to produce professional-looking material. Before DTP, copy for publication had been arranged by hand (typesetting) by skilled workers in the printing industry.
Device Driver A device driver is a program that controls a particular type of device that is attached to your computer. There are device drivers for printers, displays, CD-ROM readers, diskette drives.
Digital Camera A digital camera (or digicam) is a camera that encodes digital images and videos digitally and stores them for later reproduction.
Digital signal This can refer to an electrical signal that is converted into a pattern of bits(ones and zeroes). Unlike an analog signal, which is a continuous signal that contains time-varying quantities, a digital signal has a discrete (hidden) value at each sampling point.
Digitizer Tablet enables you to enter drawings and sketches into a computer. A digitizing tablet consists of an electronic tablet and a cursor or pen.
Diskettes Flexible magnetic tape data storage disks housed in a rigid plastic case. Also known as floppy disks.
Direct access Direct access allows data to be retrieved in any order from storage media such as CDs.
Direct mode The passing of COMMANDS to the OPERATING SYSTEM without the use of a program. Certain commands such a RUN, SAVE, and LOAD are nearly always used in direct mode by typing the command words on the keyboard then pressing the return key. Interpreted language like BASIC permit a much wider range of direct mode commands.
Downloading To download means to receive information from another computer on a network.
Dry-run A manual traversal of the logic of a program.
Duplex A transmission system that allows data to be transmitted in both directions at the same time. This system is sometimes called Full Duplex.
DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) An optical data storage device with the equivalent storage capacity of 26 CD-ROMs.