NETWORK ENVIRONMENT

1. A network environment is a communication system that enables computer users to share

computer equipment, application software, data, and voice and video transmissions

2. A file server is a computer with an operating system that allows multiple users in a network to

access software applications and data files

3. Basic types of networks

a. Local area network (LAN)

b. Wide area network (WAN)

c. metropolitan area network (MAN)

CIS ENVIRONMENTS – DATABASE SYSTEMS

1. DATABASE – a collection of data that is shared and used by many different users for different

purposes

2. Two components of database systems:

a. Database

b. Database management system (DBMS) – software that creates, maintains, and

operates the database

3. Characteristics of database systems:

a. Data sharing

b. Data independence

TERMS USED IN CIS ENVIRONMENTS

HARDWARE

1. COMPUTER HARDWARE – consists of the configuration of physical electronic equipment

2. CONSOLE – a special CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) used for communication between the operator and

the computer.

3. PERIPHERAL EQUIPMENT – all non-CPU hardware that may be placed under the control of the

processor. This consists of input, storage, output, and communication devices

4. CONTROLLERS – units designed to operate (control) specific input/output devices

5. CHANNELS – units designed to handle the transfer of data into or out of primary storage

(memory)
6. BUFFER MEMORY (BUFFER) – temporary storage unit used to hold data during input/output

operations

7. OFF-LINE – peripheral equipment not in direct communication with the CPU

8. ON-LINE – peripheral equipment in direct communication with, and under the control of the CPU

9. INPUT DEVICES – provides a means of transferring data into CPU storage

a. Magnetic tape reader – capable of sensing information recorded as magnetized

spots on magnetic tape. It is also used as an output device and storage medium.

b. Magnetic ink character reader( MICR) – reads characters by scanning temporarily

magnetized characters using magnetic ink

c. Optical character recognition (OCR) – reads characters directly from documents

based on their shapes and positions on the source document

d. Cathode ray tube (CRT) – a typewriter-like device that decodes keystrokes into

electronic impulses

e. Key-to-tape and Key-to-disk – systems in which input data can be entered directly

onto magnetic tape, magnetic disk, or floppy disk through CRT

10. STORAGE DEVICES – devices which store data that can be subsequently used by the CPU

a. Random access – data can be accessed directly regardless of how it is physically

stored (e.g., magnetic disk)

b. Sequential access – data must be processed in the order in which it is physically

stored (e.g., magnetic tape)

11. OUTPUT DEVICES – produce readable data or machine-readable data when further processing is

required. Examples are CRT, printer, and CRT COM (Computer output to Micro film)

12. TERMINALS – CRT devices or microcomputers used for input/output (communication) with the

CPU

3713. POINT-OF-SALE DEVICES – a terminal connected to a computer. It takes the place of a cash

register or similar devices which allows instant recording and is capable of keeping perpetual

inventory

14. MODEM – a device for interfacing communications equipment within communication networks