Batch

1. A term from the days before real-time processing when data was collected together throughout the day in batches waiting for the IT staff to run the End of Day routines which included 'batch processing'. This approach requires less computer power than real-time processing since account balances and other record are not changed until the end of the working day and, effectively the system is on 'enquiry only' status until the next processing run. In some ways batch processing is more secure than real-time since there is more time to check transaction data before it reaches the computer's files, however the advantages of having accurate, up-to-the-minute information (especially in banking and finance) are generally viewed as outweighing any benefits batch processing may offer.
2. Batch files (files with the extension .bat) are small 'programs' instructing the computer to perform some processing, start another program running, recognise some hardware etc., The most common example is the autoexec.bat file (standing for AUTOmatic EXECution) found on virtually every PC which runs each time the PC is started.

   
   

   *** The Information Security Glossary ***