ZIMSEC ORDINARY LEVEL COMPUTER SCIENCE

BASIC DEFINITIONS

Algorithms: A series of instructions or steps for the solution of problem in a simple structured
language.

Animation:- a technique in which pictures are manipulated to appear as moving images.

Cartoons on television is one example of animation.

Application Software: a generic term for software which is written for a particular task such as
word processing, database management etc

Assembler: A language-translation program that translates assembly-language code into

machine language code.

Actuators:- Hardware devices, such as motors, which react according to signals given to them
by the computer. For e.g. an actuator motor can be used to open a window in a greenhouse when
it gets too hot.

Alpha Numeric Character: -a type of data that contains a combination of alphabets and
numbers.

Archiving: It means placing important computer files in a safe place so that they can be found
easily if needed.

Analogue Computers: Analogue computers are used to process physical quantities that have
infinite number of values such as temperature, pressure, position, etc। Analogue computers are
quite rare and mainly use for control of processes in factories and some forms of modelling.

Barcode Reader: A barcode reader is an optical scanner that can read printed barcodes, decode
the data contained in the barcode and send the data to a computer.

Batch processing: batch processing is used when a particular job needs to be done in one go
rather than in a number of parts. All the relevant data is collected and processed together. The
main advantage with batch processing is that the computer operator can load the data in only one
operation, regardless of the amount of data. The batch processing is used in payroll systems, the
production of gas / electricity bills etc.

Buffer:- A special storage area where data is stored temporarily, often to compensate for
difference in speed. Usually found in peripheral devices such as printer, keyboard etc

Buffer:-The speed of data transfer of a device connected may be different to that of the
computer; usually a special storage area called a buffer is used to hold data temporarily to

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compensate for any difference in speeds. E.g. a buffer in a printer is used to hold the queue of
printing jobs sent by the user(s).

Byte: -A block of 8 bits is called a byte. The amount of memory needed to store one character,
such as letter or a number.

Command-Driven User Interface: with a command-driven user interface, the user just has to
type in an instruction, which is usually abbreviated, in order to get something done. This type of
user interface is usually found in hand held communication devices such as cell phones.

Compiler:- A language translator program that translates a high level language into machine
code in one go. After compilation two files are produced one is .LST or .ERR (contains list of
errors) and another is .Exe file (used to run the program)

Computer Aided Design (CAD): -It is a use of computer to help in the drawing of designs from
which objects are going to be constructed or manufactured. In CAD the computer is involved in
all the stages from design to manufacture.

Computer Aided Manufacturing: It describes the use of computers to assist in the

manufacturing of components and products. They act on given instructions that have been
programmed into them. They are being used in knitting and embroidering processes, car
industries, engineering processes etc.

Computer-Aided Learning (CAL): it is a process of using computers for the instruction,

training or testing of learners. Features available in Computer-Aided Learning packages are:

• Tutorials

• Drill and practice

• Simulation

• Games

• Tests

Computers in Education:

• As a teaching aid in many different subjects

• To access the internet to get information on almost any subject

• In monitoring progress and testing pupils

• For electronic mailing systems, both inside the school and to communicate with other schools
or organizations

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• To assist in administration

• For career advice, or helping to find a place in a college or university

Control Signals:- These include signals sent out by the main processor to the printer to tell it to
ready to receive some data.

Check Digits:- When the large number of data is input there is a chance of error. To avoid these
errors an additional digit is usually included, placed at the end of the original number. This
additional digit is called a check digit and is calculated from the other [Link]. Can be used
to validate the ISBN.

Data:- Raw facts and figures are called data. It is information in the form which computer can
understand. Facts and figures often have little meaning until they are sorted or calculated; this
sorting or calculation is called data processing, which later produces information.

Data Signals:- These are the group of binary digits that are used to represent characters.

Data Capture: Getting the information into a structure in which it can be processed by the
computer is called the data capture. Data can be captured by using various devices such as
MICR, OMR, OCR, barcode readers, voice recognition etc.

Database: A database is an organized collection of information or data. Eg. The collection of all
the students record can be organized in a file so the different file processes can be performed.

Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs): Data flow diagrams are used to graphically represent the flow of
data in an information system.

Data Integrity: it is concerned with the correctness of the data. Validation and verification
checks are performed on data to ensure its integrity.

Data Logging: a data logging system automatically collects data over a certain period of time.
Weather forecasting is the common application which uses data logging.

Digital Computers: digital computers like to be given their information in the form of numbers
(i-e Binary digits). All information has to be turned into groups of binary digits. Digital watch,
barcode, data stored on a magnetic disk, and the traffic light sequence are the common examples
of digital data.

Digital Data:- It is a discrete data which is understood by a computer in a form of binary

numbers.

De-skilling: the process by which skilled labour within an industry or economy is eliminated by
the introduction of technologies operated by semiskilled or unskilled workers.

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Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) the electronic exchange of business documents, such as
orders, delivery slips and invoices.

Electronic mail: the transmission of messages over communications networks.

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT): the electronic transfer of money over an online network.

Electronic Funds Transfer at Point-of-Sale terminal (EFTPOS): an electronic payment

system involving electronic funds transfers based on the use of payment cards, such as debit or
credit cards, at payment terminals located at points of sale

Encryption: a process in which information is converted into a form which cannot be

understood by an unauthorised user.

Expert System: A computer application that performs a task that would otherwise be performed
by a human expert. For example, there are expert systems that can diagnose human illnesses,
make financial forecasts, and schedule routes for delivery vehicles.

OR

Expert systems are programs that mimic the intelligence of a human expert in a specific field of
knowledge. For instance an expert system could be set up to give medical advice.

Electronic Scabbing: An electronic scabbing, when computer networks are used to transfer
work from a striking workforce to a non-striking one.

Fact Finding: The formal process of using techniques such as interviews and questionnaires to
collect facts about a system, requirements and preferences.

Feasibility Study: an assessment of the practicality of a proposed project or system.

Field:- A field is an area of a record reserved for one particular piece of data. Each field contains
one or possibly more, data [Link]. roll number, name, age can be the possible field names of a
student database.

Flowcharts: a graphical representation of an algorithm. As a visual representation of data flow,

flowcharts are useful in writing a program or algorithm and explaining it.

File Directory: directory is a container that is used to manage folders and files. It organises files
and folders into a hierarchical manner.

File Generation: File generations are backup copies of a file that are created at specific times.
The latest one is called a son and previous one becomes father and the older one becomes the
grand-father file.

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Gateway: A gateway is a hardware device that acts as a link between two networks. It may be a
router, firewall, server, or other device that enables traffic to flow in and out of the network.

Giga Byte: It is a largest measuring unit to measure the storage capacity of storage devices and
the data stored on this. 1024 Mega Bytes (MB) makes one Giga Byte (GB)

Graph Plotters: They enable accurate line diagrams to be produced on paper. They are ideal for
plans, maps, line diagrams and three-dimensional drawings.

Graphical User Interface: GUI provides a way for the user to communicate with the computer
through pictures (icons) and pull down menus. Microsoft Windows is an example of GUI.

Grandfather-Father-Son Principle: A method for storing previous generations of master file

data that are continuously updated. The son is the current file, the father is a copy of the file from
the previous cycle, and the grandfather is a copy of the file from the cycle before that one.

Handshakes: It is the exchange of signals which establishes the communication between the
devices. For example a microprocessor sends some signals (control signals) to check the
availability of the printer before sending the data signals that carry a document user has sent for
the printing.

Hierarchical Network: it’s a type of network where two or more servers exist to provide several
network facilities such as file server, printer server, application server, message server, database
server etc.

High Level Languages (HLL): They are English like programming languages used to develop
programs that are used in problem solving. BASIC, HTML, COBOL, C++ are the common
examples of programming languages.

Icons: -An icon is a small picture on the screen which replaces a written menu option. Each icon
represents a particular application.

Icon: An Icon is a small picture representing an item such as piece of software, a file, storage
medium or command.

Information: The information is the meaning we attached to data. In other words it is the
processed form of data.

Indexing: - (it’s a feature of a word processor) It allows you to highlight words that you would
like to use in an index. The word processor keeps a record of the words, and creates an index
when instructed to.

Installation: - The process of adding an accessory or software in computer system and making it
ready for use.

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Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN): it is a service provided by the
telecommunications companies that enable ordinary telephone lines to carry digital
communications; user does not need separate line for voice, video or data transmission. it
requires having an ISDN terminal adopter. It provides the faster way of communication.

Implementation:-The process of converting over a new system in an actual environment.

Job Control Language: A job control language (JCL) is a programming language used for
communicating with the operating system. It has control structures just like any other
programming language for sequence, selection and iteration.

Key to Disk: A way of inputting data directly into a computer and onto disk by using the
keyboard.

Kerning: - The process of adjusting the spacing between the characters.

Key Field: -A key field is a field that may be used to search a file. It is always useful have one
field which is unique to a particular records.

Local Area Network (LAN): A local-area network (LAN) is a computer network that spans a
relatively small area. Most often, a LAN is confined to a single room, building or group of
buildings.

Low-level language (LLL): LLL are the languages that are easy for the computer to understand
but more difficult for the programmer to understand.

Menu-Driven User Interface: This type of user interface produces a list of commands or
options available within a program and the user can make a selection by user either a mouse or a
keyboard.

Modelling: a computer program that is designed to simulate what might or what did happen in a
situation.

3D Model: the process of using software to create a mathematical representation of a 3-

dimensional object or shape. These are often set up by architects and design engineers to see
what finished building or product will look like before it is built or produced.

Modem (Modulator Demodulator) : a device or program that enables a computer to transmit

data over, for example, telephone or cable lines. Computer information is stored digitally,
whereas information transmitted over telephone lines is transmitted in the form of analog waves.
A modem converts between these two forms. Modems are used to establish network and internet
connections.

Mailbox: the destination to which electronic mail messages are delivered. It is the equivalent of
a letter box in the postal system.

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Merging:- To combine data or contents of two or more files from two or more different sources,
to form a single file.

Multi-access/Multi-user operating system: a computer operating system which allows

multiple users to access the single system with one operating system on it.

Multimedia: It is the combination of text and graphics with motion and sound including video,
audio, animation and photographs.

Multi Programming/Multiprocessing: -Multiprogramming/Multiprocessing is a process which

enables two or more programs/jobs to run, apparently at the same time.

Microprocessor: - It is a single chip made up of silicon with thousands of tiny electronic

components that performs all the functions of a central processing unit (CPU). It contains the
ALU, CU and possibly some part of the MU. It is commonly found in micro computers,
household appliances and machinery used in industrial processes and manufacturing goods.

Macros (macroinstruction): - Macros allow you automatically to produce a sequence of

keystrokes so that, for example, you can just press one key or a combination of keys and have
your name and address printed at the top of the page. Macros are very useful for things that need
to be done repetitively.

OR

Macros are saved actions. These can be grouped together and run as required.

Modification: - It means to make changes, to make amendments or to edit a file.

Networks: a network is a series of computer systems that are linked together so that they are
able to share the information and resources such as computing power and storage facilities.

Optical Character Reader (OCR):- It is a method of inputting text or images into the system
using a scanner with the help of special software.

Peripheral Devices: These are the devices outside the CPU but under its control. Such as
keyboard, mouse, scanner etc.

Process Control: The process of monitoring and controlling of different operations. These can
operate through real time system.

Process control: This is the control of machinery or industrial processes by means of a

computer. Sensors continually monitor data such as temperature, pressure, composition of
substances and so on and the computer reacts accordingly. Thousands of tasks including the
operation of a nuclear power station, controlling processes in chemical engineering, monitoring

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and controlling medical equipment in hospitals and the manufacture of a wide range of goods
provide examples of process control.

Protocols: a set of rules governing exchange of information in an easy, reliable and secure way.
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)/Internet Protocol (IP) and File Transfer Protocol
(FTP) are commonly used protocols.

Polling: the continuous checking of other programs or devices by one program or device to see
what state they are in, usually to see whether they are still connected or want to communicate.

Random Access Memory (RAM): the internal memory of the CPU for storing data, program,
and program results. It is a read/write memory which stores data when the machine is working.
As soon as the machine is switched off, data is erased.

Random Files: In random files records are stored and accessed randomly. These files have to be
stored on the disk. It provides the faster way to access any record randomly

Real-time processing: with real time processing the system is automatically updated when a
change is made due to a transaction occurring. The advantage with real-time systems is that the
current situation is always being shown. Real-time processing is essential for computer
controlled systems such as traffic lights controlling, robots, process controlling (Chemical
processes), flight reservations systems, and flight simulators etc.

Read Only Memory (ROM): Read-only memory (ROM) is a type of storage medium that
permanently stores data on personal computers (PCs) and other electronic devices. Because
ROM is read-only, it cannot be changed; it is permanent and non-volatile, meaning it also holds
its memory even when power is removed.

Rogue Value: - A rogue value or data terminator is a special value put at the end of a list of data
items so that the end of the list can be detected. It is used to terminate a loop or a certain part of a
program.

Robot: a machine designed to execute one or more tasks automatically with speed and precision.

Remote sensing: The process where sensors are kept at distance and they send data signals
through telephone wires or radio links to a main computer fixed at a remote location. Commonly
used in weather forecasting, flood warning systems, pollution monitoring systems, traffic
controlling systems etc.

Search engine: a tool designed to search for information on the World Wide Web. The search
results are usually presented in a list and are commonly called hits. The information may consist
of web pages, images, information and other types of files.

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Sensors: a device that detects and responds to some type of input from the physical environment.
The specific input could be light, heat, motion, moisture, pressure, or any one of a great number
of other environmental phenomena.

Sequential Files: Records are held and accessed in a certain sequence, accessing these types of
files is slow when only one record has to be accessed but if all the records are required then it is
very fast.

Smart Card: A plastic card containing a computer chip and enabling the holder to purchase
goods and services, enter restricted areas, access medical, financial, or other records, or perform
other operations requiring data stored on the chip.

Simulations: - A computer simulation is the usage of a computer for the imitation of a real-
world process or system. Simulations are useful when, for example, for experiments that would
be too difficult, too dangerous, or too costly to carry out.

Sorting:- Arranging the records in a particular order. i.e. Ascending or Descending. For instance
a list of all pupils in school can be arranged in alphabetical order.

Spooling: Spooling is a technique used to speed up communication between devices, which

operate at differing speeds. Output to a printer, for example, may be spooled (written) to a disk,
which is a high-speed device. When the printer becomes free, the output will be printed

Spread Sheets:- A spreadsheet consists of a grid of cells into which may be placed text number
or formulae. It is used for what…if calculations and producing charts and graphs based on the
calculated values.

Teleconferencing: conducting online meetings from remote locations using webcam, speakers
and a VDU. It reduces traveling expenses, accommodation charges.

Technical Documentation: It is mainly use for program maintenance. It is necessary for

correcting errors at a later stage, modifying the program for new development. It includes
flowcharts or algorithms, program code, data dictionary, hardware and software specifications.

Turnaround document: A document produced by a computer and then used as an input

document by the computer. E.g. Scanner sheets for multiple choice questions or Lotto tickets.

Tailor made software: Custom software or Bespoke software is software that is specially
developed for a specific organisation.

Templates: A template is a file that serves as a starting point for a new document. For example,
you might use template in Microsoft Word that is formatted as a business letter. Templates can
either come with a program or be created by the user.

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User Documentation:- A user guide or manual of a system(application program) that the user
can turn to for learning a new procedure or for dealing with a problem that has arisen.

User Interface: Visual part of computer application or operating system through which a user
interacts with a computer or software. It consists of the cursors, prompts, icons, menus, etc.
which allows the user to get something done using the computer.

Utility Programs: programs that are used to manage maintain and control computer resources.
Examples include Disk defragmenters, System Profilers, Network Managers, Application
Launchers, Antivirus software, Backup software, Disk repair, Disk Cleaners, Registry Cleaners,
Disk Space analyser, file manager, File Compression, Data Security etc

Validation: It is a process of detecting any data that is inaccurate, incomplete or unreasonable.

Validation is performed by a computer program. Character type check, range check, format
check, presence checks and check digit are the example of validation checks.

Verification: verifications involve checking that what is on the input document is exactly the
same as what is entered into the computer. Double entry method and proofreading are commonly
used to verify the input data.

Visual Display Unit(VDU):- -displays images generated by a computer or other electronic

device. They are ideal for showing the results from an enquiry where no hardcopy is needed and
modifications can be made immediately.

Virus: malicious code that replicates by copying itself to another program, computer boot sector
or document and changes how a computer works.

Virtual Reality: computer technology which creates a simulated multidimensional environment

for the user. Commonly used for games, military purposes and flight simulators.

Voice Recognition:- The field of computer science that deals with designing computer systems
that can recognize spoken words. It is mainly used for handicapped people with limited
movement. A microphone is the input device for such systems.

Wide Area Network (WAN): a network that covers a wide geographical area and has no
limitations. Internet is an example of this type network.

WIMP interface: WIMP stands for Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointer/Pointing Device

Window: A window is an area on the screen through which a particular piece of software or a
data file may be viewed

WYSIWYG: - It stands for “What You See Is What You Get”. You see on the screen exactly
what will be printed out.

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