COMPUTER  OUTPUT Output  from  computer  processing,  the  work  that has  been  completed,  may  take  the  form  of  a  printed document, magnetic tape, or magnetic disk or diskette. In all cases, you are responsible for and must ensure that all completed jobs run successfully. In addition, you are responsible  for  identifying  and  coordinating  the  various outputs  for  each  job,  and  for  initiating  their  correct distribution. OUTPUT  PRODUCTS To  determine  whether  a  job  (or  system)  ran successfully (to a normal EOJ) and that all processing steps were properly performed, you may have to review the computer console printout. This printout indicates such  things  as  the  number  of  input  records  read,  the various input files updated, all error conditions (error messages)  that  the  operator  encountered  during  the  run, and the resulting actions taken, the various output files created, and so on. Most of the time, the computer console printout will provide you with the answers you are looking for when it  comes  to  reconciling  processing  discrepancies.  For example, it will inform you of the reasons certain output products,  tapes,  diskettes,  or  report  listings,  were  not produced.  Possibly  the  operator  selected  an  incorrect program option, or the input parameters were incorrect or incomplete before starting the job. In short, you are responsible  and  also  accountable  for  every  job  you work on, from the time it is submitted by the user until its delivery back to the user. When checking the user’s output, you should once again refer to the run sheet and/or task folder to verify that all items requested were, in fact, produced. If the output is in the form of magnetic tape, disk, or diskette, be   sure   it   is   labeled   properly,   given   the   proper classification,   and   it   is   on   the   appropriate   media (magnetic media that has been designated for mail-out or  distribution  only). When checking reports, make sure that they were run on the proper forms (size and type), that no pages are missing  and  the  correct  number  of  copies  were  printed, and that all print is legible and lined up properly. Once it is completed, you then package each copy of the report, along with any other output products and the original input, place it in the proper pickup area, and log the job out in the job control log. You may need to notify the user when the job is ready. 2-2 If,  during  the  course  of  checking  over  the  user’s output, you happen to come across something unusual or you find an error, by all means pull (reject) the job immediately, bring it to the attention of your superior, and notify the user of the delay. Even at this late stage, it is  better  to  reject  a  job  to  correct  any  problems  or discrepancies  rather  than  release  it,  only  to  have  it returned for rerun later. OPERATING  ENVIRONMENT You  work  in  air-conditioned  environments  that other AIS personnel (programmers, analysts, and so on) would probably consider intolerable. The coolness of the  computer  room  or  center  is  a  constant  source  of discomfort.  Computer  rooms  have  to  be  kept  at  a constant  and  fairly  cool  temperature  to  ensure  ideal operating  conditions  and  prevent  equipment  failures. The humidity must also be controlled, for the protection of   the   equipment   and   storage   media. This   is accomplished  by  some  sort  of  dehumidifier  system. Although the requirements usually call for 70°F to 74°F, temperatures  often  range  from  65°F  to  70°F,  and  the humidity ranges between 30 to 60 percent. Fortunately for  us,  most  minicomputers  and  microcomputers generate  far  less  heat  and  humidity  than  mainframes during operation and, as a result, require only a minimal amount of cool air. You will be using a hypothermagraph to monitor the temperature  and  humidity  of  the  computer  room.  There are   several   different   models   and   styles   of hypothermagraphs,  each  with  its  own  specific  operating requirements. Check  the  operator’s  manual  for  the specifics  of  your  equipment.  The  hypothermagraph uses  a  paper  chart  and  marking  pens  to  record  the temperature  and  humidity.  The  chart  is  normally  a 7-day graph showing the day and a number range. It uses two different colors, usually red for humidity and blue  for  temperature,  to  show  the  temperature  and humidity  on  the  chart. COMPUTER  CONSOLE  OPERATION CPUs aren’t the computers you may have seen in the movies  with  all  the  blinking  lights,  although  their  basic functional units are still the same. The CPU of today, regardless of its size, still contains an arithmetic-logic section,   a   control   section,   and   an   internal   storage (memory)  section,  as  we  discussed  in  chapter  1. However,  today’s  CPU  contains  relatively  fewer  lights, switches,  levers,  and  dials  when  compared  to  earlier models. So you may be thinking, but aren’t all these