Tag: Glossary

A computer network architecture in which each computer or process on the network is either a client or a server. “Servers” are powerful computers or processes dedicated to managing disk drives (file servers), printers (print servers), or network traffic (network servers). “Clients” are personal computers or workstations on which users run applications. Clients rely on… Continue reading Client/Server Architecture

Structural design that defines a computer network’s general characteristics as well as its precise mechanisms. In broad terms, a computer network can have open or closed architecture. Open architectures allow the system to be connected easily to devices and programs made by other manufacturers. Open architectures use off-the-shelf components and conform to approved standards (see… Continue reading Computer Network Architecture

A computer network that spans a relatively large geographical area. Typically, a WAN consists of two or more LANs. Computers connected to a WAN are often connected through public networks such as the telephone system. They can also be connected through leased lines or satellites. The largest WAN in existence is the Internet.

A computer network that spans a relatively small area. Most LANs are confined to a single building or group of buildings, and connect workstations and personal computers. Each individual computer or node in a LAN has its own central processing unit with which it executes programs, but it is also able to access shared data… Continue reading Local Area Network (LAN)

A group of two or more computer systems linked together for the purpose of communications or application distribution. There are many types of computer networks, including local area networks (LANs)—made up of computers that are geographically close, and wide area networks (WANs)—where computers are farther apart and are connected by telephone lines or radio waves… Continue reading Computer Network

A class of software that provides a controlled development environment for computer programming teams. CASE systems offer tools to automate, manage, and simplify the program development process. These tools can include software for summarizing initial requirements, developing data flow diagrams, scheduling development tasks, preparing documentation, controlling software versions, and developing program code. While many CASE… Continue reading Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools

A set of conventions that governs the communications between processes. These conventions specify the format and content of messages to be exchanged and allow different computers using different software to communicate.

The reexamination and redesign of business processes with the aim of achieving significant improvements in system performance measures such as cost, quality, safety, and reliability.

A group of activities that takes one or more types of inputs to produce an output that is of value to customers. For example, pavement repair is a business process consisting of several tasks using agency labor, materials, and equipment to restore the smoothness of the roadway.

A computer-based procedure designed to move large data files. The procedure usually involves data compression, blocking, or buffering to maximize data transfer rates.