printers can be used for limited graphics. Plotters and
some dot matrix printers will produce acceptable
graphics output. Laser and ink jet printers often can
print both text and graphics. Graphics can be a useful
tool for RPs in nearly all commands but particularly for
those serving in school commands, staff headquarters,
and training development.
DATA BASE MANAGEMENT
Data management software allows for the storage,
manipulation, and retrieval of data. A very important
step you should take before you begin to set up a data
base is to determine what data you wish to store and how
you want to use it. The data management program will
prompt you how to define data fields, set up display
screens, and enter your data records. The system saves
the records on a disk or tape. Once you have a file
entered and stored, you can organize and retrieve
information by searching the records for specific data.
For example, if you want a list of chapel volunteers who
joined before January of a given year, you could tell the
system to search the file and print selected fields. You
can identify the various fields by categories such as
name, Mr. or Mrs., rank or rate, SSN, and date joined
and you can specify where (what print position) to print
them. At the same time, you can specify in what order
you want the report printed. For example, you may want
some of your reports to be printed in alphabetical order
by last name. The software also provides routines to
allow you to add, delete, and change records easily.
DISK OPERATING SYSTEM
Every computer task requires that you put facts into
the computer, process the facts in a detailed way, and
produce an output. Your computer does this work with
a complex system of components. The disk operating
system (DOS) tells the computer what to do. It is a
program used to manage, assist, or direct all other
programs that run on a computer system. The DOS
organizes the computer’s duties and manages the
storage of programs and other information. The DOS
tells the computer how to interpret instructions and data,
how to earmark its hardware resources to perform a job,
and how to control surrounding tools such as a printer
or a video screen. Most important, the DOS provides a
way for you and the computer to interact directly,
organizing such activities as the movement and storage
of programs and data files.
Input devices such as a keyboard or a “mouse” will
allow you to feed information and programs into the
computer. Temporary memory (called RAM for
random-access memory) holds information and
programs during processing. Output devices such as
display screens and printers display the consequences of
the processing. External storage devices, such as disks
or tapes, provide long-term electronic filing for
programs and data. These devices combine input and
output functions. The computer can copy information
from a disk into temporary memory for processing and
copy the results of processing back onto the disk or tape.
Scanners and modems can also be helpful in providing
data input.
A few fundamental programs are permanently
stored in the computer’s read-only memory (ROM).
When the computer is turned on (booted), the built-in
programs give the central processing unit (CPU) its
initial instructions. These instructions tell the CPU how
to find the operating system hardware and establish a set
of user commands and computer responses that allow
the user to control the computer.
The center of the computer’s system of hardware is
the CPU that coordinates the movement of information
and does the actual computing. By design, the CPU
recognizes an instruction set-electronic codes that tell
it to perform specific functions. All programs are made
up of a variety of sequences of these codes. When a
program is run, the CPU executes one instruction at a
time at very high speed.
You should understand the full range of the
computer capabilities to support the administration of
the office of the chaplain. Through the use of these
capabilities, complete and extensive religious program
planning is possible. Make efficient and economic use
of all resources available. Computers can help you
manage your environment to assure meeting your
program objectives.
COMMUNICATIONS
As we mentioned in the beginning of this manual,
the RP must understand the chaplain’s purposes, have a
strategy for reaching the CRP’s goals, and should
progress toward these purposes and goals in a
measurable way. Moreover, you have the responsibility
of creating an environment that provides easy and
natural paths for communications within the office and
from the office to others outside it.
Understanding and facilitating the chain of
command is of primary importance. Keeping lines of
communication open within the chaplain’s office and to
those seeking to communicate from outside the office is
6-16
