Hotel Front Office Management, 3rd Edition

PROCEDURE FOR PERFORMING A NEEDS ANALYSIS 103Keypad: a numeric collection of typewriter keys and function keys that allow the operatorto enter numbers or perform math functions in a computerKeyboard: a standard or Dvorak-type typewriter-style keypad that allows the operatorto enter or retrieve dataPrinter: computer hardware that produces images on paper:Dot-matrix: produces small dots printed with an inked ribbon on paperInk-jet: produces small dots printed with liquid ink on paperLaser: produces photo images on paperLetter-quality: a better type of dot-matrix printDraft-style: a good type of dot-matrix printTractor-fed: a type of printer that uses a continuous roll of paperSingle-sheet: a type of printer that uses single-sheet paperModem: computer hardware that allows for transfer of data through telephone lines;expressed in baud—information transfer—ratesCPS (characters per second): measure of the speed with which individual characters areprintedComputer supplies: paper, forms, ribbons, ink cartridges, and floppy disks needed tooperate the systemMegahertz (MHz): one million cycles per second; indicates computer speedPPM (pages per minute): printing speed capabilityZip drive: a computer accessory that holds data; a 100-megabytes Zip drive holds anequivalent of 70 floppy diskettesThe front office manager must be aware of the operational capabilities of the PMS.Computer texts and trade journals can help you understand the various hardware optionsavailable; Personal Computer magazine, in particular, is very helpful for keeping up todate on hardware configurations and software applications. Visits to hospitality industrytrade shows will also keep you informed on state-of-the-art systems.The standard hardware used to operate a PMS is shown in Figure 4-4. The basichardware requirements are organized around the various points-of-sale and customerservice areas. Keyboards, monitors, disk drives, and printers constitute the basic usersetup. The data manipulation and storage area is part of the mainframe, minicomputer,or personal computer.The ability to interface among computer databases (sharing or networking of information)is very important. As computer applications become more sophisticated, sharingTLFeBOOK