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Synopsis
Data Processing Concepts explains basic data processing concepts for new DP users.  Students will also learn how to write and execute a simple program.

Audience
This course is for managers, new DP users, entry-level programmers and DP support staff.

Time
4 - 9 hours

Product Code: COM401
After completing this course, the student should be able to:
 
Define a computer system
Write a simple program
Submit a job to the computer system
Store and access data
Define an operating system

What is a Computer?
Discusses data processing concepts.
 
What is a Computer?
Definition of the following terms: central processing unit, arithmetic, logic, input/output, peripheral devices, data, main memory, hardware, software, languages and categories of programs.


Data in the Computer
Explains terms related to data.
 
Bits and Bytes
Definition of the terms bit, byte and element/character.
Data Structures
Definition of the terms field, file, record and database.
Data Sets and Files
Definition of the following terms: fixed/variable length records, blocked/unblocked records, inter-record gap, label, sequential/random access methods, physical data set, tapemark and logical file.


Programming Concepts
Illustrates the four major steps to follow when writing a simple program.
 
Programming Concepts
Definition, analysis, design and coding of a simple BASIC program.  Identification of input, logic, output and branching statements in BASIC.  Definition of the following terms: field, record, file, instruction, high-level language, syntax, diagnostic message, ABEND, dump and bug.


Submitting Your Job (JCL)
Describes what JCL is, what JCL looks like, what a job is and how JCL relates to a program.
 
JCL Concepts
What JCL is and what it looks like.  What a program is.  How a program differs from JCL.
Overview of Statements
What JOB, EXEC, DD and null statements look like.  How a program differs from a procedure.


Libraries
Explains how a library works in a computer system.
 
Libraries
What libraries/partitioned data sets are and their use.  How an index/directory is used.  What members are and how they are used.  How the concatenation of data sets is used.


Job Processing
Explains how the operating system controls job processing and supervises its own activities.  Describes Job Entry Subsystem (JES) and how it works.
 
Job Processing
Functions of an operating system and JES.  Definition of spooling, priority and hold.  Functions of an input queue, initiator and output queue.


Data Processing Terms
Provides a glossary of data processing terms and an overview of computer languages.
 
Data Processing Terms in Alphabetical Order
Definition of terms.


 

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