Data Processing And Computers Systems Flashcards
what is data processing?
Data processing is the restructuring or reordering if data by people or machine to produce their usefulness and add value for a specific purpose.
describe data processing cycle.
INPUT——PROCESSING———OUTPUT
INPUT—————-the input data is prepared in some comment form for processing
PROCESSING——in this step the input data is changed to produce data (information).
OUTPUT————-at this stage the results of the processing stage is collected.
what are Computer systems?
a collection of entities working together to process and manage data into information.
system–components–working together= common purpose
list and describe 3 elements of a computer system
The main components of a computer system are:
- Hardware: Physical , or tangible components such as:
- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Memory (RAM)
- Storage devices (hard drives, solid state drives)
- Input/Output devices (keyboards, mice, monitor, mother board)
- Software: a term that describes various Programs running on the computer, including:
- Operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Productivity applications (Microsoft Office, Google Docs)
- Utility software (antivirus programs, disk formatting tools)
•they are intagible & valuable parts of a computer
- Firmware: screen refered to hardware with software embedded in them by the manufacturer.
Permanent software stored in read-only memory (ROM), such as:- BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
- UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)
In summary, computer systems are integrated combinations of hardware, software, and firmware components that work together to process, store, and communicate information.
can you compare and contrast between Computer resources and elements
they are related but distinct concept in computing
Computer Resources:
- Tools the computer uses to get work done (like a hammer or saw)
- Examples: CPU, memory, storage, printer, internet connection
- Like tools in a workshop, resources help the computer complete tasks
Computer Elements:
- Basic parts that make up the computer (like bricks or Lego pieces)
- ## Examples: keyboard, mouse, CPU, memory, screen
Can you differentiate between data and information
Data refers to:
- Raw, unorganized facts and figures
- Numbers, words, images, and sounds
- Unprocessed, uncategorized, and uninterpreted content
- Examples: numbers, words, images, audio files, sensor readings
Information refers to:
- Organized, structured, and processed data
- Meaningful and useful content
- Data that has been interpreted, analyzed, and contextualized
- Examples: reports, summaries, insights, conclusions, recommendations
To illustrate the difference:
- Data: A list of numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Information: A report showing the average, median, and trend analysis of those numbers
In other words:
- Data is the raw material
- Information is the finished product
Data becomes information when it is processed, analyzed, and given meaning and context.
compare and differentiate between data and information
Similarities:
- Both data and information are used to represent knowledge or facts.
- Both are used to communicate meaning and insights.
- Both can be stored, processed, and transmitted using digital technologies.
Differences:
- Structure: Data is unorganized and unstructured, while information is organized and structured.
- Meaning: Data has no inherent meaning, while information has meaning and context.
- Purpose: Data is collected for storage, while information is used for decision-making and action.
- Processing: Data requires processing to become information, while information is the result of that processing.
- Value: Data has limited value until it is processed, while information has significant value due to its meaning and insights.
- Example: Data: “John Doe, 123 Main St, 30” vs. Information: “John Doe, a 30-year-old resident of 123 Main St, has been a loyal customer for 5 years.”
In summary, data is the raw material, while information is the refined product that provides insights and meaning
