The data processing cycle

The data processing cycle

We learned that the computer processes data into information. We use input devices like keyboards and scanners to provide data to the computer, and output devices like printers and monitors to view information.

 The central processing unit (CPU) converts data into information. The information can be stored one primary storage devices like the RAM and secondary storage devices like hard disks and CDs. In this unit, we will learn more about these steps and the data processing cycle.

Stages of the data processing cycle

The input, processing, output, and storage functions are all connected to each other. These steps occur in a sequence. The data-processing cycle describes this sequence of steps for converting data into usable information. In book 1, we described this as a linear sequence. It begins with the input stage and ends at the output stage. We will now study these steps as part of a cycle. This means that the ending point of one sequence of activities becomes the starting point for another sequence of activities

The input stages 

Data exists all around us. We hear sounds through our ears and see objects without eyes all the time. The input stage is the stage when data is fed into a data processing system to be converted into information. We know about the various devices that are sued to provide such input.

But why do we need to input data? Data does not contain any meaning. A series of numbers like 35, 34,33, 32 is data because we do not know what these numbers are the temperatures of r the past five days, we understand that the weather is becoming cooler. The data has become information.

 

Data collection 

is the stage of gathering data from the environment and preparing it for input. In the above example, this would mean recorded when it is collected for five days. the paper or document on which data is recorded when it is collected is called a source document.

 

Data capture

is the stage of entering the collected data into a data-processing system such as a computer. This is also called the encoding stage.

 

Encoding 

means converting data into a form that is easier to input into a date-processing system. The date can be encoded as DD/MM/YYYY. The name of a person named Shahid Ali may be encoded as SA. This saves a lot of time and reduces errors.

 

Data transmission is the stage of sending input data to the processor and carrying it across its various components. It also involves carrying data from the processor to the output devices.

 

Data communication is the set of activities that allow data to be sent from one data-processing system to another.

 

The processing stage

The processing stage is where raw data is transformed into meaningful information to be understood by users. Modern data-processing systems such as computers follow instructions called programs to process data. Typical programs include a web browser

 

The output stage

The output stage is where processed data (information) is presented to users. Output is presented through several output devices like points, monitors, and speakers. After users have viewed the output, they can understand what the data means and make decisions on the basis of their understanding. This is called decoding.

Decoding occurs when the information that a code represents is made available to users. When we enter the initials SA and the computer displays the name Shahid Ali on the monitor, it is called decoding.

The storage stage

A lot of time can be saved if the output can be stored for future use. A list of the daily temperatures for one week can be useful next year if we need to compare the average temperature for two years. The storage is stage is where information is stored so that it can be used later. But where can we keep that information for so long? Hard drives and USBs are used to store information.

Such information becomes data for the next processing activity. A document that contains the results of one processing activity had more data added to it, and is used as input for another processing activity is called a turnaround document.

 Such documents are commonly used in preparing utility bills.