Final answer:
In a computerized accounting system, a transaction file serves as the digital counterpart to a physical journal, recording transactions and providing instant information on the file size and contents.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a computerized accounting system, the equivalent of a manual journal is a transaction file. This digital file records the financial transactions in a manner similar to a traditional journal but with added capabilities. For instance, a transaction file can easily provide information on the size of the file, just as one can physically assess the heft of a folder containing papers.
In a manual system, understanding the contents of a journal requires a physical examination, such as counting the entries or pages. However, in a digital system, this information is instantaneously available, akin to how an orbital filling diagram necessitates counting arrows for each element, while an electron configuration presents this data succinctly as summed numbers. This comparison illustrates the efficiency and enhanced data management of using transaction files in electronic accounting environments.