Slide 6-1 Chapter 6 Terms System Software Considerations Introduction to Information Systems Judith C. Simon

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Slide 6-3 Chapter 6 Terms Review ä Assembler: A language translator that converts assembly-language programs into machine language A language translator that converts assembly-language programs into machine language ä Back-end processor: Using a separate processor to house and maintain a database and reduce the activities performed by the main processor Using a separate processor to house and maintain a database and reduce the activities performed by the main processor ä Command-driven system: An orating system format in which words (commands) are entered to indicate desired activities An orating system format in which words (commands) are entered to indicate desired activities

Slide 6-4 Chapter 6 Terms Review ä Compiler: A language translator that converts an entire program into machine language and retains the translated code for future use A language translator that converts an entire program into machine language and retains the translated code for future use ä Concurrent processing: A capability that allows more than one task at a time to be in some stage of execution, although one processor can actually be processing one task at a given moment A capability that allows more than one task at a time to be in some stage of execution, although one processor can actually be processing one task at a given moment ä Control program: Instructions for the computer system that cause data to be changed or manipulated, which is a primary purpose of the system Instructions for the computer system that cause data to be changed or manipulated, which is a primary purpose of the system

Slide 6-5 Chapter 6 Terms Review ä Front-end processor: Using a separate processor to coordinate input/output activities and thus reduce the activities performed by the main processor Using a separate processor to coordinate input/output activities and thus reduce the activities performed by the main processor ä Graphical user interface (GUI): An operating system format that includes pictures or icons from which users can select desired activities, rather than entering commands through a series of key strokes An operating system format that includes pictures or icons from which users can select desired activities, rather than entering commands through a series of key strokes ä Interpreter: A language translator that converts high-level programs into machine language by translating and translating one statement at a time; the translated code is not retained A language translator that converts high-level programs into machine language by translating and translating one statement at a time; the translated code is not retained

Slide 6-6 Chapter 6 Terms Review ä Language translator: A facility that converts programs developed with high- level languages (source code) into machine language (object code) A facility that converts programs developed with high- level languages (source code) into machine language (object code) ä Open system: An operating system environment in which computers can communicate with each other regardless of the type or brand of equipment involved An operating system environment in which computers can communicate with each other regardless of the type or brand of equipment involved ä Operating system: the overall system that manages the computer activities; different operating systems have been developed for various types and brands of computers

Slide 6-7 Chapter 6 Terms Review ä Partition: Subdivision in a computer ‘s internal memory (partitions are also used to subdivide disk storage) Subdivision in a computer ‘s internal memory (partitions are also used to subdivide disk storage) ä Processing program: Instructions for the computer system that cause data to be changed or manipulated, which is a primary purpose of the system Instructions for the computer system that cause data to be changed or manipulated, which is a primary purpose of the system ä Proprietary system: Operating system developed for a specific computer, typically a mainframe Operating system developed for a specific computer, typically a mainframe

Slide 6-8 Chapter 6 Terms Review ä Serial processing: Execution of instructions one at a time; inefficient and no longer used, after being replaced by concurrent processing Execution of instructions one at a time; inefficient and no longer used, after being replaced by concurrent processing ä Simultaneous processing: Using multiple processors to provide the capability of processing more than one task at a given moment; multiprocessing and parallel processing are forms of simultaneous processing Using multiple processors to provide the capability of processing more than one task at a given moment; multiprocessing and parallel processing are forms of simultaneous processing ä Utility program: Various “housekeeping” capabilities available for computer systems, such as rearranging data on a disk into a more efficient arrangement Various “housekeeping” capabilities available for computer systems, such as rearranging data on a disk into a more efficient arrangement

Slide 6-9 Chapter 6 Terms Review ä Virtual memory: The appearance of having somewhat unlimited memory through a capability that allows only those programs that are needed to be held in memory at a given time and then exchanged wit other programs when appropriate The appearance of having somewhat unlimited memory through a capability that allows only those programs that are needed to be held in memory at a given time and then exchanged wit other programs when appropriate

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