The processing of data or the accomplishment of jobs accumulated in advance in such a manner that the user cannot further influence the processing while it is in progress. 2. The processing of data accumulated over a period of time. 3. Loosely, the execution of computer programs serially. 4. Pertaining to the technique of executing a set of computer programs such that each is completed before the next program of the set is started. 5. Pertaining to the sequential input of computer programs or data.