Computer Terms
CADDY: The case that holds your CD inside the drive mechanism. All drives do not require a caddy, and those that do usually come with one CD caddy.
CD-ROM: An acronym for Compact Disk Read Only Memory. A special optical storage device that can contain millions of bytes of information. You cannot save (or write) to Read Only CD.
CERTIFICATION CODE (CRT): Appearing on the Parts Exchange New Locate Report, this code indicates a part is certified © by CAPA (Certified Aftermarket Parts Association).
CLASSIFICATION CODE (CLS) COLLISION: A type of Loss if damage to an insured vehicle results from impact with another vehicle or object. Usually abbreviated as COLL or COL.
COMPREHENSIVE: A type of Loss if damage to an insured vehicle results from something other than collision (e.g. fire, hailstorm or vandalism).
COMPUTER GRAPHICS: Pictorial representations such as diagrams, drawings, or charts generated on a computer.
CONFIGURATION: The specific combination of hardware and software being utilized in a personal computer application, or the selected parameters that determine the operation of a device.
CONTROL ENTRY: Any Damage Entry in an Audatex Estimate that contains a Guide Number.
CONTROL LOG NUMBER: In the Audatex system, the log number assigned to the transaction used to initiate the original Estimate (or Schedule) is the Control Log Number.
CORRECTION/UPDATE: In the Audatex system, the log number assigned to the transaction used to initiate the original Estimate (or Schedule) is the Control Log Number.
CPU: An acronym for Central Processing Unit. Another term for a computer's microprocessor (i.e. the control center of the computer where all calculations take place).
CURSOR: Blinking rectangle or other graphic symbol indicating where the next keyboard input will be placed.
DATA BASE: Integrated file of information organized for access and retrieval.
DATA TRANSMISSION: A communications event where data is transmitted from one device to another.
DEDICATED LINE: A telephone line used for the sole purpose of data transmission via a computer.
DEFAULT: The standard choice, option or selection automatically used by a computer program unless changed by the user.
DIAGNOSTICS: A specific software or hardware procedure designed to verify a computer's operation and identify reasons for failure.
DISK: The magnetic medium on which the computer stores information. The disk can be a floppy disk or a hard disk.
DISK DRIVE: The mechanism that rotates a disk past the read/write device (or head) inside a CPU.
DOWNLOAD: A method of data transmission whereby a computer receives data from another device (i.e. a host or personal computer).
DRIVER: A specific software that enables and controls the interaction of a device (e.g. a printer) with a computer program.
FACTORY PROVIDED: All standard and optional vehicle parts installed at the factory by the original manufacturer of the vehicle.
FIELD INSPECTION: An inspection where the estimator
FILE: A collection of information stored on a disk (e.g. document, a system file, or an application).
HARDWARE: The physical components of a system (i.e. mechanical or electrical).
INCLUDED OPERATION: Any operation (e.g. removal and replacement of a part) completed in its entirety while performing another separate operation.
INSURED: The person purchasing the insurance policy from the insurance company.
INTERFACE: Boundary where two or more devices interact, or a program enabling separate elements to work together. K:Abbreviation for kilobyte (in relation to computers); represents 1,000 bytes.
LABOR RATE: The dollar amount applied to flat rate labor (time) specifically quoted in dollars per hour by labor category (frame; mechanical/electrical; refinish; sheetmetal).
LIABILITY: A type of Loss resulting from damage or injury one individual causes to another for which the first individual is legally liable. Abbreviated LIAB.
LOG ON, LOG OFF: Typing a password or designated work before starting to use an application and typing another to indicate when you are finished.
MANUAL ENTRY: A damage entry for a apart or operation that is not assigned a guide number.
MEMORY: The place in the computer that (temporarily) stores information while you are working with it.
MENU: A list of options or commands in a computer program visible on the screen.
MENU BAR: The horizontal strip at the top of the screen that contains menu titles.
MICROCOMPUTER: Personal computer containing processor, input and display devices, and memory.
MICROPROCESSOR: The computer's main brain, the control center for the computer. This lets computers communicate over the existing phone lines.
MODEM: A device that takes electronic informationfrom a computer and converts it into sounds that can be transmitted over phone lines. This lets computers communicate over the existing phone lines.
MULTI-LEVEL ASSEMBLY: The combination of two or more assemblies, plus related component parts, that are sold by the manufacturer under one part number.
NAGS (NATIONAL AUTO GLASS SPECIFICATION, INC.): An organization that specifies, certifies, and publishes pricing for automotive glass.
NON-OEM: All parts that are considered Aftermarket, Economy, Salvage; not made by the original manufacturer.
OEM (ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER): A new replacement part or accessory that is manufactured by and available through the vehicle manufacturer's parts distribution network.
ON-LINE: To be on and ready to go. For example, when a printer is on-line, it's turned on, contains paper, and is all ready to print.
ORIGINAL PRICE: The part price effective on the date that an estimate was originally processed.
OVERHAUL: A type of flat rate labor that contains R&I and R&R labor plus time to completely disassemble and re-assemble an assembly (e.g. bumpers, suspension, drive axles, and steering).
PAINT MATERIAL: The cost for paint and materials is calculated by multiplying the value entered in Rate 5 of the Audatex Rates/Caluculations screen by the total number of net labor.
PARTIAL REPLACE OPERATION: The partial replacement of a service part (e.g. quarter panel belt cut, moulding kit, etc).
PASSWORD: Required code permitting an individual estimate preparer's entry into protected parts of a program.
PERIPHERALS: Any item attached to the outside of the computer such as a printer, modem, monitor, or keyboard.
PORT: A connection on the back of a computer to which are attached various peripherals. The two primary ports are the serial port and the printer port, although the keyboard and monitor connections can also be called ports.
PRELOAD: A feature that allows the estimate preparer to create reusable files with data common to many estimates (e.g. remarks, labor rates, etc.).
PRIMARY IMPACT: Indicates the area of the Loss vehicle that sustained the most severe damage.
PRINTOUT: Printed output from a computer.
PROGRAM: A special file on disk that contains instructions for the computer.
PROMPT: A symbol (i.e. c:\>) or a field where a command is given, information is entered or a choice (i.e. Y/N) is made.
R&I (REMOVE AND INSTALL): Refers to a flat rate labor for the removal and reinstallation of the same part or assembly (generally to gain access to another part).
RAG RULE: Because the Radiator, Air conditioning condenser, and Gas tank usually require removal from a vehicle when they are repaired, the automatic addition of the necessary R&I labor.
RAM: Random Access Memory, the primary type of memory storage in a PC that stores information temporarily while you are working on it. Information in RAM is temporary; gone forever if you turn the power off without saving.
RATES: The percentage or dollar amounts applied to labor, labor tax and parts tax.
RELATED PRIOR DAMAGE: Damage to the vehicle that occurred prior to the current loss. When prior damage exists, the estimator determines an amount to be deducted from the cost to repair or replace the damaged part since the part was not in original condition when the current loss occurred.
ROM: Read-Only Memory, the part of memory that contains information or instructions, Information in ROM cannot be changed as it is Read-Only.
SCROLL: To move what is displayed on a computer's screen (e.g. a list, a document) so that a different part of it is visible. This can be done by using the page up and page down keys.
SOFTWARE: Programs (or programs) containing instructions that control computer hardware.
SUPPLIER CODE (SPL CDE): A numeric code (i.e. 01, 02, 03 etc.) identifing the supplier(s) of each individual part. The supplier code is helpful when multiple suppliers are listed on the report.
TRANSMIT: To send a transaction to another system by way of a modem.
TWO-STAGE PAINT: The application of a clear coat of paint over a base color coat of paint on an automobile.
UNRELATED PRIOR DAMAGE: Damage to a part of the loss, vehicle that was present prior to the current loss.
UPLOAD: A method of data transmission whereby a computer send data to another device (i.e. a host or personal computer).
VIN: The vehicle identification number assigned to each automobile by its manufacturer to identify the model, year, production sequence and other vehicle specific information.
WRITE-PROTECT: The tab setting on a diskette that makes it impossible to alter data. a 3.5" diskette is write-protected when you can see through the little hole in the upper right corner.