Computer Science

• System


  An organised and purposeful structure that consists of interrelated and interdependent elements. All systems have inputs, processes and outputs.
• User roles


  The roles which workers have in a system. Normally used when evaluating the context in which a new system is being installed.
• Change management


  Change management is the approach taken to deal with the different externalities due to the change of a system in an organization.
• Compatibility issues


  Compatibility issues occur when data cannot be processed in different computers due to different data types, formats or algorithms.
• Legacy system


  An outdated computer system which often requires a change.
• Business merger


  When two organisations decide to join. This has implications on the systems used as data has to be merged, giving rise to compatibility issues.
• Software as a Service (SaaS)


  A software licensing and delivery method in which software is licensed on a subscription basis and is centrally, remotely hosted.
• Remote host


  A computer that resides in some distant location from which data are retrieved e.g. a server in a private network or the public Internet or a user's PC in another location that is accessed for file transfer or remote control operation.
• Methods of implementation


  The ways in which systems are implemented in an organisation.
• Parallel running


  A new system is started while the old is kept running in simultaneously (side by side) for a while. All of the data is inputted to both systems, and the old system is stopped when the new system has been proven to work.
• Pilot running


  The new system is trialed in one part of the organisation (e.g. department) and once it is running successfully in that part it is implemented in the entire organisation.
• Direct changeover


  The old system is shut down and the new system is automatically turned on.
• Phased conversion


  The new system is split into a number of parts or modules, and replaces the old system by implementing modules in stages.
• Data migration


  The process by which data is transferred between storage types, formats or computer systems.
• File formats


  A standard way that information is encoded for storage in a computer file.
• Data structure


  A data structure is a way of organizing data in a computer so that it can be used efficiently. Different kinds of data structures are suited to different kinds of applications.
• Validation rules


  Rules for checking that the data input is of the right type, range and format so that it is suitable for error-free processing.
• Testing


  Measures to check the performance, quality or reliability of a determined system. Needed to make sure if the system is working well and improve it if possible.
• User acceptance testing


  Process by which the actual software users test the software to make sure it can handle required tasks in real-world scenarios, according to specifications.
• Debugging


  The process of identifying and removing errors from computer hardware or software.
• Beta Testing


  Testing a software in final stages (prior to release) by releasing it to the end-users (unrelated with the development) to test complete functionality.
• User documentation


  Documentation for a product/service provided to the end-users, designed to assist them to use the product.
• User training


  Process of teaching a user how to use a new system. It is can be done by videos, lessons or by written instructions.
• Data loss


  When information is destroyed due to failures or neglect in storage, transmission or processing.
• Releases


  The process by which a computer system goes available to the market.
• Updates


  A new version of a system, which usually include new features and less bugs.
• Patches

  Fixes to program bugs, usually downloadable and inserted into an executable program.
• Hardware


  The physical components of a computer.
• Software


  Computer instructions or data stored electronically in a computer system that work as a program.
• Network


  Any set of interconnected computer systems that share resources and data.
• Human resources


  Humans employed in the use or building of computer systems.
• Client


  Desktop computer or terminal used to access a computer-based system.
• Server


  1. A program that provides services requested by client programs. 2. A computer that provides services to another computer connected over a network.
• Email server


  Computer within a network that runs software dedicated to sending, delivery and storage of electronic mail messages. Allows for quick communication which can be of critical importance.
• DNS server


  A computer in a network registered to join the Domain Name System. It translates host domain names into numerical IP addresses and contains a database of network names and addresses for other Internet hosts.
• Router


  A device that identifies the destination of messages and sends them via an appropriate route.
• Firewall


  Hardware or software that blocks unauthorised connections being made to a computer. Normal data is allowed to go through, but unknown data is blocked.
• Stakeholders


  People that get affected by the application and running of a system.
• System requirements


  The hardware and software components of a computer system that are required to install and use software efficiently.
• Surveys


  Structured questions with discrete possible answers, to gather information on the current system and the requirements of a new one.