GIANNE D.

JAVONILLO

Homework #1
1. What is data processing
2. What is data
3. What is information
4. What is data processing cycle? Put a diagram
5. What are the data of data processing
6. What are the categories of data processing
7. What are the methods of data processing

ANSWERS:

WHAT IS DATA PROCESSING?

Manipulation of data by a computer. It includes the conversion of raw data to
machine-readable form, flow of data through the CPU and memory to output
devices, and formatting or transformation of output. Any use of computers to
perform defined operations on data can be included under data processing. In the
commercial world, data processing refers to the processing of data required to run
organizations and businesses.
WHAT IS DATA?
Data can exist in a variety of forms -- as numbers or text on pieces of paper, as bits
and bytes stored in electronic memory, or as facts stored in a person's mind. Strictly
speaking, data is the plural of datum, a single piece of information.
The quantities, characters, or symbols on which operations are performed by a
computer, being stored and transmitted in the form of electrical signals and
recorded on magnetic, optical, or mechanical recording media.
WHAT IS INFORMATION?
Data that is accurate and timely, specific and organized for a purpose, presented
within a context that gives it meaning and relevance, and can lead to an increase in
understanding and decrease in uncertainty.
Information is stimuli that has meaning in some context for its receiver. When
information is entered into and stored in a computer, it is generally referred to as
data. After processing (such as formatting and printing), output data can again be
perceived as information.

WHAT IS DATA PROCESSING CYCLE? PUT A DIAGRAM

Modern data processing usually is assumed to involve one or more

systems, with the majority of the processing taking
within a software application.

computer
place

Collection of the raw data occurs during the

input phase of the data-processing cycle. This
data could be census details or sales figures, for
example. At this point, some cycles require the data
undergo preparation for the next stage. Often, raw
data
requires verification of accuracy or transformation
into
another format prior to processing. Once the data is
collected and input into the computer system, the processing stage of the
cycle occurs. In this stage, the data is manipulated according to parameters
programmed into the application. Processing generates output to the user. This
output could be results displayed on the monitor or a printout, for example. Next,
the user interprets the information. The cycle could end at this point, but many
organizations incorporate two additional stages in the process: feedback, during
which the output is compared with the desired results in order to improve the dataprocessing cycle for the future, and storage, during which the raw data is archived
electronically or in physical form for future reference if needed.
If one has to look at the information processing cycle diagram, he will see that there
are four events in the sequence of events. The sequence of events, which make up
the information processing cycle are:
Input
Processing
Output
Storage
In some of the events, certain sub-events can also be added. Without wasting any
more time we will turn towards the information processing cycle in detail.

Input
This is the first event in the cycle. This stage involves collection of data from the
outside or also from within the system. One can break this stage into three more
stages, namely acquisition, data entry and validation. After the data has been
acquired from the source, it is entered into the current system, upon which the data
is validated, so that correct results are given at the end of the cycle. The input

devices are many. The commonly used input devices are computer keyboard, bar
code readers, scanners, output from another system, etc.

Processing
In this stage the computer processes the minutest details entered. This processing
makes the data entered usable. If the computer was not to process the data, it
would not be of any use and it would also be a big mess of data. For example, if the
spreadsheet was not to process the data, then the data in the spreadsheet would
only be a mess of numbers. The spreadsheet is a program which gives the data out
back to the user in the usable form. The system used for processing, along with the
data entered will decide the kind of output, which the user will get.

Output
If you have to look at the diagram of information processing cycle, the step after
processing is the output stage. The processed information is now transmitted to the
user. This stage can also be further divided. After processing the data, there can be
further interactive queries asked or routine reports can be given. There are different
forms in which the output can be given to the user. There can be print report, which
may be given to the user. The output can also be given in the form of audio, video
as well. In some cases, the results may only be displayed on the computer monitor.

Storage
After the data has been processed, along with the output to the user, the data is
also stored. Different computer storage devices can be used for the same. Some of
the commonly used data storage methods are disk storage, tertiary storage, etc.
Storing the data also serves another purpose. You will not have to repeat the entire
cycle again. Often the storage is done in both digital as well as hard copy format. At
the same time, backup of the digital format is also maintained, which can be
retrieved in case of system crash.

The most important advantage of the information processing cycle, is that the
information is processed quickly. At the same time retrieving the data is an easy
task as well. The processed information can further be passed unto the next stage
directly in case the need be. The necessary data is stored, which helps in avoiding
duplication of data as well as time.

WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF DATA PROCESSING?

The five basic stages of information processing are

1. Collection of Data -- capturing data from their sources and recording it onto
some media (e.g., paper).
2. Preparation of Data -- copying, grouping, or arranging data in a more
convenient way for input.
Checking and verifying the data collected are often done at this stage.
3. Input of Data -- entering the data or sending the stored data into the
processing system.
Checking the accuracy and validity of the input data are often done at
this stage.
4. Processing of Data -- calculating or manipulating the input data and even
storing the results for
future use.
5. Output of Information -- giving out the processed results in a readable form
(e.g., a report)

WHAT ARE THE CATEGORIES OF DATA PROCESSING?

Data is processed to get the required results. Different operations may be
performed on data. Therefore, data processing is defined as:
"A sequence of operations on data to convert it into useful information is called data
processing."

The important operations that can be performed on data are:

Arithmetic and logical operations on data to get required results.
To send and receive data from one location to another.
Classification of data.
Arranging data into a specific order etc.

The data processing is divided into three categories or levels.

1. Manual Data Processing: In manual data processing, data is processed manually

without using any machine or tool to get required result. In manual data processing,
all the calculations and logical operations are manually performed on the data.
Similarly, data is manually transferred from one place to another. This method of
data processing is very slow and errors may occur in the output.
In Pakistan, data is still processed manually in many small business firms as well as
government offices & institutions.

2. Mechanical Data Processing: In mechanical data processing, data is processed by

using different tools like calculators or other mechanical devices. This method of
data processing is faster and more accurate than manual data processing.

3. Electronic Data Processing: It is the modern technique to process data. The data
is processed through computer. Data and set of instructions are given to the
computer as input and the computer automatically processes the data according to
the given set of instructions.
The computer is also known as electronic data processing machine. This method of
processing data is very fast and accurate. Now-a-days, the data is processed and
analyzed through computers. For example, the results of students are prepared
through computer; in banks accounts of customers are processed through
computers etc.

WHAT ARE THE METHODS OF DATA PROCESSING?

Batch Processing
` This is a method where the information to be organized is sorted into groups
to allow for efficient and sequential processing.
Online Processing
This is a method that utilizes Internet connections and equipment directly
attached to a computer. It is used mainly for information recording and research.
Real-Time Processing
This technique has the ability to respond almost immediately to various signals
in order to acquire and process information.
Distributed Processing

This method is commonly utilized by remote workstations connected to one big

central workstation or server. ATMs are good examples of this data processing
method.

GIANNE D. JAVONILLO

Homework #2
1. What is computer?
2. What are the characteristics of a computer
3. What are the capabilities of a computer
4. What are the limitations of a computer
5. What are the classifications of a computer
6. What are the components of a computer

ANSWERS:

WHAT IS COMPUTER?
A computer is a device that accepts information (in the form of digitalized
data) and manipulates it for some result based on a program or sequence of
instructions on how the data is to be processed. Complex computers also include
the means for storing data (including the program, which is also a form of data)
for some necessary duration. A program may be invariable and built into the
computer (and called logic circuitry as it is on microprocessors) or different
programs may be provided to the computer (loaded into its storage and then
started by an administrator or user). Today's computers have both kinds of
programming.

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A COMPUTER?

The characteristics of computers that have made them so powerful and

universally useful are speed, accuracy, diligence, versatility and storage
capacity. Let us discuss them briefly.

Speed
Computers work at an incredible speed. A powerful computer is capable of
performing about 3-4 million simple instructions per second.
Accuracy
In addition to being fast, computers are also accurate. Errors that may occur can
almost always be attributed to human error (inaccurate data, poorly designed
system or faulty instructions/programs written by the programmer)
Diligence
Unlike human beings, computers are highly consistent. They do not suffer from
human traits of boredom and tiredness resulting in lack of concentration.
Computers, therefore, are better than human beings in performing voluminous
and repetitive jobs.
Versatility
Computers are versatile machines and are capable of performing any task as
long as it can be broken down into a series of logical steps. The presence of
computers can be seen in almost every sphere Railway/Air reservation, Banks,
Hotels, Weather forecasting and many more.
Storage Capacity
Todays computers can store large volumes of data. A piece of information once
recorded (or stored) in the computer, can never be forgotten and can be
retrieved almost instantaneously.

WHAT ARE THE CAPABILITIES OF A COMPUTER?

IT IS SELF DIRECTING.
The user merely feeds all the instruction to the computer at the start
and later proceeds without any need for human intervention.
ABILITY TO STORE AND RETRIEVE INFORMATION.
The computer has the ability to remember or recall data when fiinds
the need for them.
ABILITY TO PERFORM MATHEMATICAL OPERATIONS AND SOLVE COMPLEX
FORMULA AT HIGH SPEED AND WITH GREAT PRECISION.
A very fast computer can perform the addition of 20 million pairs of
ten-digit numbers in one second.
ABILITY TO PERFORM LOGIC OPERATION

The computer is capable of comparing numbers, letters of alphabet

and special characters. Based on the result of comparison, the
computer can direct to take alternative actions.

WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF A COMPUTER?

IT CAN DO ONLY WHAT IS DESIGNED OR PROGRAMMED TO DO.

IT CANNOT CORRECT INPUT DATA.
IT CANNOT THINK AND CANNOT DERIVE MEANINGS FROM OBJECTS
IT CAN ONLY PROCESS JOBS EXPRESSED IN NUMBERS OF STEPS LEADING TO
A PRECISELY DEFINED GOAL
IT CANNOT COMPLETELY AVOID MAKING ERRORS DUE TO POWER
FLUCTUATIONS, SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS AND HUMAN DISORDERS

WHAT ARE THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF A COMPUTER?

According to purpose, computers are either general purpose or specific purpose.
General purpose computers are designed to perform a range of tasks. They have
the ability to store numerous programs, but lack in speed and efficiency. Specific
purpose computers are designed to handle a specific problem or to perform a
specific task. A set of instructions is built into the machine.

According to data handling, computers are analog, digital or hybrid. Analog

computers work on the principle of measuring, in which the measurements
obtained are translated into data. Modern analog computers usually employ
electrical parameters, such as voltages, resistances or currents, to represent the
quantities being manipulated. Such computers do not deal directly with the
numbers. They measure continuous physical magnitudes. Digital computers are
those that operate with information, numerical or otherwise, represented in a
digital form. Such computers process data into a digital value (in 0s and 1s).
They give the results with more accuracy and at a faster rate. Hybrid computers
incorporate the measuring feature of an analog computer and counting feature
of a digital computer. For computational purposes, these computers use analog
components and for storage, digital memories are used.

According to functionality, computers are classified as:

Analog Computer
An analog computer (spelt analogue in British English) is a form of computer
that uses continuous physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical, or
hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved
Digital Computer

A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities

represented as digits, usually in the binary number system
Hybrid Computer (Analog + Digital)
A combination of computers those are capable of inputting and outputting in
both digital and analog signals. A hybrid computer system setup offers a cost
effective method of performing complex simulations.

On the basis of Size

Super Computer
The fastest and most powerful type of computer Supercomputers are very
expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require immense
amounts of mathematical calculations. For example, weather forecasting
requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers include animated
graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, and petroleum
exploration.
The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a
supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few programs as fast as
possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs
concurrently.
Mainframe Computer
A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even
thousands, of users simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts with a simple
microprocessor (in watches, for example) at the bottom and moves to
supercomputers at the top, mainframes are just below supercomputers. In some
ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they
support more simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can execute a single
program faster than a mainframe.
Mini Computer
A midsized computer. In size and power, minicomputers lie between
workstations and mainframes. In the past decade, the distinction between large
minicomputers and small mainframes has blurred, however, as has the
distinction between small minicomputers and workstations. But in general, a
minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4 to about
200 users simultaneously.
Micro Computer or Personal Computer
Desktop Computer: a personal or micro-mini computer sufficient to fit on a
desk.

 Laptop Computer: a portable computer complete with an integrated screen

and keyboard. It is generally smaller in size than a desktop computer and larger
than a notebook computer.
Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary /Notebook /PDAs: a hand-sized computer.
Palmtops have no keyboard but the screen serves both as an input and output
device.
Workstations
A terminal or desktop computer in a network. In this context, workstation is just
a generic term for a user's machine (client machine) in contrast to a "server" or
"mainframe."
Based on number of users, computers are classified into:
a.
b.
c.

Single User: - Only one user can use the resource at any time
Multi User: - A single computer shared by a number of users at any time.
Network: - A number of interconnected autonomous computers shared
by a number of users at any time.

Based on the number of microprocessors, computers can be classified into

a)
Sequential computers: Any task complete in sequential
computers is with one microcomputer only. Most of the computers (today)
we see are sequential computers where in any task is completed
sequentially instruction after instruction from the beginning to the end.
b)
Parallel computers: - The parallel computer is relatively fast.
New types of computers that use a large number of processors. The
processors perform different tasks independently and simultaneously thus
improving the speed of execution of complex programs dramatically.
Parallel computers match the speed of supercomputers at a fraction of the
cost.

WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER?

Computer system is composed of hardware, software, data, and users.
1. Hardware:
A computer's hardware consists of electronic devices; the parts you can
see and touch.The term "device" refers to any piece of hardware used by
the computer, such as a keyboard, monitor, modem, mouse, etc.
2. Software:
Software also called programs consists of organized sets of instructions
for controlling the computer. Some programs exist for the computer's use, to
help it manage its own tasks and devices. Other programs exist for the user,

and enable the computer to perform tasks for you, such as creating
documents.
3. Data:
Data consists of raw facts, which the computer can manipulate and
process into information that is useful to people. Computerized data is digital,
meaning that it has been reduced to digits, or numbers. The computer stores
and reads all data as numbers. Although computers use data in digital form,
they convert data into forms that people can understand, such as text,
numerals, sounds, and images.
4. Users:
People are the computer's operators, or users. either the programmer who
designs the program in programming languages, the end user who uses
applicable program's in managing daily terms, or the administrator who
management computer networks. Some types of computers can operate
without much intervention from people, but personal computers are designed
specifically for use by people.

Computer Parts and Hardware

Computer : Computer itself a combination of different type of separate
electronic device. i.e. Computer only will be computer if it has INPUT DEVICE,
PROCESS UNIT, and OUTPUT DEVICE.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) : It is heart and mind of the computer without
this unit computer unable to process.
Keyboard : This is an input device which is used to input the data into the
computer.
Mouse : This is also an input device which is used to input the data into the
computer.
Monitor : This is an output device which is used to show the result of the
instructions.
There are variety of monitor available in the market such as, CRT Monitor, LCD
Monitor, Touch Screen Monitor, TFT Monitor etc.
Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS) : This is and electronic device which is
used to manage the power supply of computer.
Hard Disk (HDD) : This is used to store the data in massive amount. There are
so many type of HDD available in the market, i.e. SATA, PATA, External HDD,
Internal HDD.

Printer : This is an out put device which is used to show the result on the
paper. There are plenty of printer available in the market like inkjet, Laser
printer, dot matrix printer etc.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) : This is used to connect the external device to the
computer.
Ethernet Cable : This is used to connect computer with other computer.
CD/DVD ROM : This is used to store the data.
Speaker : This is an output device which is used to listen voice, songs, etc.
Mike : This is an Input device which is used to record the sound .
Random Access Memory (RAM) : This is called primary memory. This is also
called main memory of the computer. Whatever data is written in this memory,
is lost after switching off the system.
Read Only Memory (ROM) : This is called primary memory. Data is written in
this memory by the vendor of the computer permanently.
Pen Drive : This is very popular device now a days for carrying data on move.
Blue Ray Disk : This is same as CD/DVD but only different is it can store multi
time of data from CD/DVD and faster than CD/DVD.
Scanner : This is an input device which is used to scan the document for the
soft copy.
LCD : It is known as Liqued Crystal Display. It is an output device as monitor.
Motherboard : It is a combination of electronic circuits.
Sound Card : This is also a combination of electronic circuits which helps to
give out put in the form of sound.
Graphics Card : This is also a combination of electronic circuits which helps to
give output the data into the monitor.