V. Glossary

algorithm

a procedure for solving a problem especially in mathematics or computing.

batch processing

grouping data before processing information rather than processing one data at a time.

bit

a unit of memory often represented as a 0 or a 1..

boolean

a data type which can only have value of "true" or "false".

byte

eight bits or 1 character.

clicking

a computer term which means moving the mouse pointer to the desired command and pushing the mouse button to do that command.

database

a large collection of data organized especially for rapid search and retrieval.

Delphi 2.0

a windowing programming language used for implementing this program..

dialogue box

a window.

export

taking the existing data and sending to a file.

form

a window.

Gigabyte

one billion bytes. eg. a 1 gigabyte harddrive can hold 1 billion characters.

HTML

Hypertext Markup Language;a programming language used for making webpages on the Internet.

import

taking existing data and bringing it into the database from a file.

interactive processing

processing information as the user inputs data.

MLS

Multiple Listing Service;a real estate service compiling a large number of listings.

multi-user

a computer system that allows many people to use the available. resources at one time.

network

a system of computers connected by wires.

operating system

a program that acts as an intermediary between a user of a computer and the computer hardware.

password

a series of characters specific to each user to control access privileges.

psuedo

a prefix that means "not exactly" or "sort of". eg. pseudocode means code which should work in theory.

queries

a question posed to a program to obtain needed information.

RAM

Random Access Memory; a volatile electronic workspace used by computers to run programs and hold data.

SQL

Structured Query Language, provides a way of communicating with the database.

search engine

a program which allows the user to look for information by entering key terms and responding with the info related to the terms.

SVGA

Super Video Graphics Array; a hardware standard for displaying images at high resolution. A generic term which refers to any video card that can drive a display at a higher screen resolution than 640 x 480

username

a name that the user inputs to get on the system.