In modes of data processing, when a user communicates directly with the computer through peripheral devices (such as terminals, kiosks, or interactive screens), this is referred to as which processing mode?

Introduction / Context:
Information systems can process work interactively or in bulk. When users interact directly via terminals or other peripheral devices—and the system responds in near real time—the organization is using on-line processing. Recognizing this mode is important for designing user interfaces, responsiveness, validation logic, and concurrency controls.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The user interacts directly through a device (keyboard, scanner, POS terminal, kiosk).
• Feedback and confirmation are expected immediately or quickly.
• Transactions are typically processed individually rather than queued for later.

Concept / Approach:
On-line processing supports interactive tasks: order entry, ATM withdrawals, ticketing, and customer service operations. It requires session management, immediate validation, and database concurrency control. By contrast, batch processing accumulates transactions to run without user interaction at a scheduled time. “Remote-terminal” can describe location, not necessarily the interactive mode, and “intelligent terminal processing” is a hardware term that does not define the system processing paradigm itself.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the defining characteristic: direct user interaction via peripherals.Map this characteristic to processing categories.Select “On-line processing” as the standard term.

Verification / Alternative check:
Use cases like e-commerce checkout or teller screens demonstrate field-level validation and instant responses—hallmarks of on-line processing rather than batch jobs.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Batch mode delays execution until scheduled windows. Remote-terminal refers to connectivity/location and may still be on-line or batch behind the scenes. Intelligent terminals offload some logic but do not rename the processing mode. “None” is incorrect because the canonical term is on-line processing.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing terminal intelligence with processing mode; assuming any remote device implies batch processing; overlooking latency and availability requirements of interactive systems.

Final Answer:
On-line processing