Definition

1. Noun:
   • A terminal designed for a particular application: A "job-oriented terminal" is a specialized computer terminal or workstation configured and used for a specific type of task or job function, rather than for general-purpose computing.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The factory floor uses job-oriented terminals for inventory management and quality control.
  • In the 1980s, many travel agencies relied on job-oriented terminals to access airline reservation systems.

Advanced Usage

• Context in Computing History: The term is often used in historical or technical discussions about early computing and dedicated systems, where hardware and software were tightly coupled to a single business function.
  • Before the proliferation of PCs, banks commonly employed job-oriented terminals for teller operations.

Variants and Related Words

• Dumb terminal (n): A display terminal with no independent processing capability, often used for a specific host-based application. (Note: A "job-oriented terminal" may be a type of dumb terminal, but it specifically implies a dedicated purpose.)
• Workstation (n): A powerful, general-purpose computer for a single user, often used for technical applications. (Contrast: A workstation is typically more versatile than a job-oriented terminal.)
• Application-specific terminal (n): A near-synonymous phrase emphasizing the terminal's design for one application.

Synonyms

• Dedicated terminal
• Special-purpose terminal
• Application terminal

Related Phrases

• Point-of-sale (POS) terminal: A common example of a modern job-oriented terminal used in retail.
• ATM (Automated Teller Machine): A specialized, self-service job-oriented terminal for banking.

Noun

1. a terminal designed for a particular application