Glossary of Terms

This glossary defines some of the terms that are used throughout WebHelp.

Definitions
Account Statement	A record of transactions and their effect on account balances over a specified period of time, for a given account. A bank account statement lists the debit and credits that took place over the relevant time period, while a customer statement lists the purchases and sales and other transactions performed over a given time period.
Accounting Period	See Period.
[ALT]	A special key on your keyboard that is used in conjunction with other keys to quickly perform a function. Example: To exit WebHelp, press [ALT] [f] [c]. See also: Keyboard Shortcuts
Amortization	The repayment of a loan by installment.
Application	A group of modules. Examples: Edifice™, Invision™, INSight™ See also: Module
APR	(Annual Percentage Rate) Finance charge on a loan over a one year period expressed as a percentage. This method is used to calculate and compare the actual finance costs.
Arrears	The state of being behind in payments; e.g. an account in arrears.
Back flow	A prevention device used to protect water supplies from contamination or pollution.
Backup	An electronic copy of a program or files stored separately from the original.
Balance Forward	An accounting system that lists charges and payments for each account. To find out the balance at any point in time, you add the charges, add the payments, and then subtract total payments from total charges. A billing statement is sent out every month with any balance carried forward from the previous statement.
Bill	A printed itemized list or statement of fees and charges. Also called: Statement
Bond	A written promise to repay money or a certificate of debt (usually interest-bearing or discounted) that is issued by a government, local government, water districts, companies and many other types of institutions in order to raise money; the issuer is required to pay a fixed sum annually until maturity and then a fixed sum to repay the principal.
Browser	A software package that enables you to display and interact with documents (pages) hosted by web servers on the Internet. Popular browsers include Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. Tip: Do not confuse the term browser with search engine. A search engine, such as Google or Yahoo, works within the framework of a browser to help you find documents on the Internet.
Budget Plan	An agreement between a customer and the utility company that allows the customer to pay the same amount for service each month for a set number of months.
Button	An image that is clicked to perform an operation. Buttons sometimes appear raised when inactive and sunken (or depressed) when activated. Examples: , Tip: If a button appears focused, outlined like the first Save button below, you can automatically click the button simply by pressing [ENTER]. Focused Not focused See also: Icons
Button Bar	Contains a group of buttons for functions commonly used within the module. The Button Bar is located below the Menu Bar, which is near the top of the window. Example Buttons on the Button Bar: Save , Search , and Clear . See also: Menu Bar, Status Bar, Taskbar, Title Bar, Tool Bar
Character-Based	A text-only interface that only allows systematic keyboard entries. Note: Many of the application modules operate in two versions, character-based and GUI-based. See also: GUI
Charge off	A loan or service amount that no longer is expected to be repaid and is written off as a bad debt.
Choose	To position the pointer over an item, and then click the mouse button. See also: Select
Click	To press the left mouse button once. See also: Double-Click and Right-Click
Context-Sensitive Help	A type of Help built into the software that displays information related to the particular field or function in use. See also: Field-Level Help, Form-Level Help
[CTRL]	A special key on your keyboard that is used in conjunction with other keys to quickly perform a function. Example: To clear data, press [CTRL + x]. See also: Keyboard Shortcuts
Cue Cards	A level of help that displays information about entering data in a specific field, such as data type (alpha or numeric) and field length. Tip: You can toggle the cue cards off and on by clicking the Cue Card on the Button Bar. See also: WebHelp, Tool Tips
Data	Information that is stored and processed by the system.
Database	A collection of data stored in some organized fashion, usually consisting of a file or set of files.
Default	A pre-loaded setting or value for a field that is displayed in a field to save data entry time. You can override the default value, if needed.
Desktop	See: NDS Desktop
De-select	To remove or clear a checkmark from a check box, which prevents a function from being performed.
Detailed History	Reading, billing and payment history maintained with detailed transactions for each customer. See also: Summary History
Dialog Box	A small window that prompts for information or parameters for the operation being performed. See also: Prompt
Double-Click	To press the left mouse button twice in rapid succession. See also: Click and Right-Click
Drag	To move the mouse while holding the left mouse button down. Dragging moves windows from one location on the screen to another. Also called: Drag and Drop
Email Profile	A special file that contains several preset parameters about a user and activates the email feature within a module. Tip: For more information, contact NDS Technical Support.
Enter	Without brackets, refers to typing data into a field. In brackets, refers to the [ENTER] key on the keyboard. You usually press [ENTER] when ready to perform a function, such as saving a record. Tip: If a button appears focused, outlined like the first Save button below, you can automatically click the button simply by pressing [ENTER]. Focused Not focused
[ESC]	A special key on your keyboard that is used to escape from the current function. [ESC] usually closes the active window.
Fast Access Maintenance	To open the file maintenance window for a data field in order to review, edit or create a new code for that field: Click the star next to a data field . Keyboard shortcut: [CTRL + o] Tip: This is commonly used for a data field that is a code.
Fast Access Toolbar	A small floating toolbar containing buttons for quickly launching or switching to related programs and functions. To display the fast access toolbar of buttons, select the appropriate menu option. Example:
Field	A segment of a record pertaining to a specific data element. There are multiple fields within a record. You can enter or modify the data within one or more fields in a window. Note: Spreadsheet programs, such as Microsoft® Excel®, often refer to fields as columns. Example: Customer Name is a field within the Customer Master record. See also: File, Key, Record
Field-Level Help	A level of help that displays the specific Web Help topic for the field in which you are working. See also: Form-Level Help
File	A group of related records. Example: The Customer Master file contains a separate record for each customer. See also: Field, Key, Record
Focus	Describes a button, field, or other area that is active. If you tab to a button or a field, it is in focus. Tip: If a button appears focused, outlined like the first Save button below, you can automatically click the button simply by pressing [ENTER]. Focused Not focused
Form	A window containing fields in which you enter data.
Form-Level Help	A level of help that displays the specific Web Help topic for the field in which you are working. See also: Field-Level Help
Function Keys	A sequence of 12 special keys that usually reside in the top row of your keyboard. They provide a quick method for running pre-defined functions. In some modules, you can change the operation performed by a function key by modifying the System Parameters. Example: [F1], [ F2], [ F3]
GUI	Graphical User Interface. Pronounced GOO-ee. GUI is a graphical interface where you can interact with the program using both the keyboard and the mouse for point-and-click operations. GUI is recognizable by its colored windows containing text and representations of buttons, icons, and other images or pictures. Note: Many of the application modules operate in two versions, character-based and GUI-based. See also: Character-Based
Hard Copy	A printed copy, especially of the output of a computer or word processor.
Help	Generally refers to any online documentation that describes how to use the software. For more information, refer to Levels of Help. See also: WebHelp, Cue Cards, Tool Tips, Field-Level Help, Form-Level Help
Highlight	verb: To mark text so that it becomes selected. noun: Color or intensity change to bring attention to an area on the screen. Notes: Highlighting can take the form of... Changed background color, which surrounds a block of text. Changed button color when hovering over the button with the pointer.
HIPAA	Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Pronounced HIP-pah. A government mandate for protecting individuals' privacy.
HTML	Hypertext Markup Language, a markup language used to structure text and multimedia documents and to set up hypertext links between documents, used extensively on the Internet.
HTTP	Hypertext Transfer Protocol. A protocol used to request and transmit files, especially web pages and web page connections, over the Internet or other computer network. The HTTP address is the Internet address. Tip: HTTP:// usually is the prefix to an Internet address. Most browsers will enter HTTP:// for you automatically. See also: URL
Hyperlink	Specially activated pictures or text that you can click to instantly display the information you need. Tips: When the mouse pointer passes over a hyperlink, it changes to a hand shape . Text with a hyperlink usually is underlined and blue. Click here for an example. After you have visited a page for a specific hyperlink, the text usually turns purple. Also called: jump, link, hypertext, hot spot, hot link, or shortcut
Internet	An interconnected system of networks that connects computers around the world via the TCP/IP protocol. Also called: World Wide Web
Internet Address	The address of a web page on the Internet. Also called: Browser
Icon	A graphical representation of an object that a user can select and open, such as a folder, document, or program. Examples: My Computer, Print See also: Button
Internet Explorer	The Microsoft application used to browse the Internet (or an internal intranet), which displays HTML based documents and graphics. Note: WebHelp runs within the Microsoft® Internet Explorer. See also: Browser
Job	A work project to be performed such as, work in a new or existing subdivision, new street or building.
JPEG	Joint Photographics Experts Group. Pronounced JAY-peg. JPEG is a type of graphic used for storing images in some software modules. The JPEG file is recognized by the file name extensions .jpg or .jpeg.
Key	noun: A number, letter, symbol, or special function key on the computer keyboard. verb: To type or enter data into a field. noun: The field of information that is used to uniquely access records in a file. Example: The Account Number is the key to the Customer Master file. See also: Field, File, Record
Keyboard Shortcuts	Keyboard entries that quickly open or perform certain functions. Also called: hot keys or shortcut keys
Lien	A type of legal claim upon a customer for the satisfaction of a debt such as, non-payment of services.
Liened Property	A property that has an outstanding debt obligation. Generally, the Certificate of Title for the property lists the individuals as the registered owners with the lender as the lien holder.
Log On	To launch an NDS software module, which requires your User ID and possibly a password. To gain access to a computer system by entering a name and password or other appropriate commands. This also requires the User ID.
Macro	A series of menu selections, keystrokes and/or commands that have been recorded and assigned a name or keystroke combination. When the macro name is called or the macro key combination is pressed, the steps in the macro are executed from beginning to end.
Menu Bar	Contains multiple menus that "drop-down" when you click the menu name. The Menu Bar is usually located near the top of the window, below the Title Bar. Menu Examples: Files, View, Images, Windows See also: Button Bar, Status Bar, Taskbar, Title Bar, Tool Bar
Module	A module is a group of programs within an application that work together within a specific business area. Examples: Edifice module: Utility Billing Workbench Invision modules: Payroll Workbench, Assessing Workbench, Cash Receipts Workbench See also: Application
Navigation Pane	The Navigation Pane is the left side of the WebHelp window and contains tabs for the Table of Contents, Index and Search. Tip: To show and hide the Navigation Pane, click Show Table of Contents or Hide Table of Contents . See also: Viewing Pane
NDS	Northern Data Systems, Inc.
NDS Desktop	The main screen that contains icons for all of the NDS modules. Note: The NDS desktop is the window area that includes the Windows® Start button, Taskbar and optional icons for programs. It is usually the area displayed after your computer starts up. See also: Desktop
Open Item
Operator Number	A number for each person or group of people used for Sign On security. See also: User ID, User Number
Panel	An area within a window, which usually can not be resized or moved. See also: Window, Tab
Period	In general. the time period reflected by a set of financial statements. The General Ledger provides fourteen periods for each Fiscal Year - one for each month, a thirteenth period for facilities that use thirteen four-week periods, and a fourteenth period for closing. Also called: Accounting Period
Pop-Up	A help topic that appears in a smaller window on top of an existing topic, when you click the hyperlink for the pop-up. It is usually used for additional information, such as a field definition. Tip: To close a pop-up, simply click once anywhere on the screen. Also called: Popup
Position	To move the pointer to a particular location on the screen.
Post	A procedure that processes transactions to update the module's database. Sometimes posts are run daily, weekly, or monthly.
Process	A program function that performs operations that require only minimal interaction with the user. A process may take several minutes when accessing large files. Note: You can monitor the progress of a process using Process Control Options.
Prompt	The statements or questions that appear on the screen as the system runs. Example: The Printing Options dialog box prompts for the printer identification number. See also: Dialog Box
Pro-rate	To divide or assess proportionately billing charges in cases where service or service rates were changed during a billing period. Example: Pro-rate a customer's bill for new service started mid-way through a billing period. See also: Pro-ration Utility
Query	A question or request for information asked to a database. A query needs to be set up and executed in order to generate information that will then be passed on to report generator.
Quick Launch Bar	Contains buttons for launching various programs. It usually appears next to the Windows® Start button. See also: Desktop, System Tray
Record	A group of related fields within a file. Note: Spreadsheet programs, such as Microsoft® Excel, often refer to records as rows. Example: Account Number, Customer Name, and Owner Name are fields within the Customer Master record. There is a unique Customer Master record for each customer in the Customer Master file. See also: Field, File, Key
Right-Click	To press the right mouse button once, usually to display a shortcut menu. See also: Click and Double-Click
Sales Tax Rate	A percentage tax on the selling price of goods and services.
Schema	Information about a database including information that describes the tables and its properties.
Screen	The entire monitor screen that contains the Windows® desktop Start button, Quick Launch Bar, and Taskbar. Tip: For a description of all of the parts of a screen, see Window Terminology. See also: Window, Panel
Scroll	To view information that does not currently fit in the displayed window by rolling up, down, left, or right. Methods: Click on the arrow at either end of the vertical or horizontal scroll bar. Or, drag the scroll button on the scroll bar. Or, rotate the scroll wheel on a specially equipped mouse device.
Search	A utility used to locate records within a file.
Select	To position the pointer over an item and click it by pressing the mouse button.
Service Order	A customer related order for service such as, a utility pole replacement or service hookup.
Shortcut Menu	Displays a pop-up menu when you click the right mouse button (right-click).
Summary History	Totals only reading, billing and payment history maintained for each customer. See also: Detailed History
Statement	See Account Statement.
Status Bar	Displays informational and error messages about the current function. The Status Bar appears at the bottom of the module window. See also: Button Bar, Menu Bar, Taskbar, Title Bar, Tool Bar
SQL	An abbreviation for Structured Query Language, is a language designed specifically for communicating with a database.
System Parameters	Fields that can be set to customize the operation of the module for your office. System parameters are set during installation; however, these features can be changed by your System Administrator as required.
System Tray	An area of the Taskbar that contains the clock and icons with information about special active functions. See also: Taskbar, Quick Launch Toolbar
Tab	A clickable projection that looks like a file folder tab. Allows you to change the panel displayed within a window. See also: Window, Panel
Table	A structured list of data of a specific type. A table is similar to a file in a filing cabinet, where you store related data. In the data world a file is called a table. Example: Customer Master, a table containing related customer information
Taskbar	Displays buttons that represent windows for programs that are currently running. Notes: Usually appears at the bottom of the NDS desktop, next to the Windows® Start Button. Your computer may be configured to hide the Taskbar when not in use. See also: Button Bar, Menu Bar, Status Bar, Title Bar, Tool Bar
Title Bar	Appears at the top of a window and usually displays the program or function name. Note: In the main module window, the Menu Bar and Button Bar appear below the Title Bar. See also: Button Bar, Menu Bar, Status Bar, Taskbar, Tool Bar
Tool Bar	Appears near the top of the Internet Explorer window and contains one or more rows of menus and buttons for commonly used tasks. See also: Button Bar, Menu Bar, Status Bar, Taskbar, Title Bar
Tool Tips	A level of help that displays a single-line description when the pointer hovers over a field or button. See also: WebHelp, Cue Cards, Field-Level Help, Form-Level Help
Type	To press a key or series of keys on the keyboard. To enter data.
Units	A measure of the utility being used, either in kilowatts or cubic feet depending on the type of service.
URL	Uniform Resource Locator. The address of a web page on the Internet. Also called: Internet address, web site address, HTTP address
User ID	The code that you enter when you log onto the NDS Software. Each person has a unique User ID. See also: User Number, Operator Number
User Number	A unique number automatically associated with each User ID. The User Number s stored in some files, displayed in some windows, and printed on some reports. See also: User ID, Operator Number
User Profile	A special file that contains several preset parameters for a user, including their NDS User ID, default printers, passwords, and other module-specific information. Tip: For more information, contact NDS Technical Support.
Viewing Pane	The right side of the WebHelp window containing the topic of information. See also: Navigation Pane
WebHelp	An online Help system that operates within an Internet browser application such as Internet Explorer. Also called: Web Manual See also: Help, Cue Cards, Tool Tips, Field-Level Help, Form-Level Help
Window	A bordered area within a screen that can be resized and closed independently of other windows on the screen.
Windows®	A Microsoft operating system.
Wizard	An interactive assistance routine that guides the user through a complex task. Wizards are often implemented as a sequence of prompts through which the user can move forward and backward, filling the details required. Example: Wizard Button
WWW	World Wide Web. Another name for the Internet.
XML	EXtensible Markup Language, a subset of SGML that is even richer than HTML. XML provides the easy interchange of documents on the Internet. Tip: Certain reports have the option to generate the data in XML format to provide flexibility for formatting the report.