Английский для пользователей компьютеров. Ч.1. Белобородова М.Л - 10 стр.

Each organization has different processing requirements, depending on the nature
of its business and activities and how quickly the data needs to be processed. To
accommodate these differing needs, the computer-based information system can
be designed to use one or both of two basic types of processing approaches: batch
and on-line. These approaches differ in terms of the methods for collecting the
data for input, the amount of time that passes between data input and actual
processing, and the speed with which the output is produced. In the batch
approach, data recorded manually on source documents is gathered together in
batches and input all at one time. In the on-line approach, data is input
immediately, on a case-by-case basis, and is processed immediately. On-line
processing used for immediate decision making is often called real-time
processing.
In many organizations, we can see a direct relationship between computer-related
functions and management's organizational philosophy. As a result, organizations
set up their computer facilities differently, using either a centralized,
decentralized, or distributed computer facility. A centralized computer facility has
all its equipment in one location. This equipment serves all the company's
departments. A decentralized facility has separate computer equipment for each
department in the company. A distributed facility combines aspects of both the
centralized and the decentralized facilities: users have microcomputers with
communication programs so that they may switch to the main computer from time
to time. They have the choice of working independently or with the central
computer.

      BE SURE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF THE KEY TERMS:
batch
batch entry
case-by-case basis
centralized computer facility
computer-based information system
decentralized computer facilities
distributed computer facility
on-line

EXERCISES