DDE Devices Flashcards
What is a direct data entry device?
A DDE device is a method of data processing where data is inputted directly into the computer for processing.
What is a Magnetic Stripe Reader? Name it’s uses, advantages and disadvantages.
A magnetic stripe reader is a DDE device which is used to read data stored in the magnetic stripes on plastic cards, for example loyalty cards.
uses - swiping cards in buildings/arcades
Advantages - faster input of data than typing, alternative method to chip and PIN for credit/debit cards, avoid possible typing errors, stripes aren’t affected by water
Disadvantages - can only store small amounts of data, easily damaged by magnetic fields, can be duplicated easily, cannot read at a distance
What is a Chip Reader and PIN Pads? Name it’s uses, advantages and disadvantages.
A chip reader is a DDE device which is placed in cards to read the data encrypted in the chip. A PIN pad is a small numeric keyboard where the personal identification number (PIN) is entered to verify the user of the card.
Uses - credit/debit cards
Advantages - reduce fraud, harder to copy than magnetic stripe, storage much larger than magnetic stripe, less likely damaged
Disadvantages - not all countries can use the pair, people may forget their PIN, other people may observe your PIN
What is a RFID (radio frequency identification)? Name it’s uses, advantages and disadvantages.
A RFID is a DDE device which obtains data stored on a tag using radio signals.
Uses - season tickets to car parks or in stock control of factories
Advantages - no need for contact of reader and tag, more data can be stored than bar codes
Disadvantages - the reader and tags are expensive, tags can be read at a distance raising security issues.
What is a Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR)? Name it’s uses, advantages and disadvantages.
A MICR is a DDE device which reads magnetic ink characters printed on paper, usually cheques.
Uses - Cheques
Advantages - accuracy, difficult to forge, can be read easily (regardless of crumpling), high speed reading
Disadvantages - expensive readers
What is a Optical Mark Reader (OMR)? Name it’s uses, advantages and disadvantages.
A OMR is a DDE device which can read data on paper-based forms or cards which have marks on them.
Uses - voting forms, tests/assessments
Advantages - only need one computer and one OMR so less expensive, almost 100% accuracy, fast reading
Disadvantages - only suitable for certain data (multiple choice), need a lot of instructions, form cannot be creased or folded
What is a Optical Character reader (OCR)? Name it’s uses, advantages and disadvantages.
A OCR is a DDE device which works by scanning an image of the text and hen using special recognition software to recognise each individual character.
Uses - reading account numbers on utility bills, text of a book needing to be digitised, CCTV
Advantages - faster way than typing, avoids RSI, can recognise handwriting, reduces typing errors
Disadvantages - text must be clearly types or writing, forms may be rejected if incorrectly filled out
What is a Barcode reader? Name it’s uses, advantages and disadvantages.
A Barcode reader is a DDE device which can read the numbers below the barcodes (series of parallel bars of different widths), which is used to look up data in a database.
Uses - data from product database such as price and name, luggage labelling at airports
Advantages - faster than typing numbers, greater accuracy, read from a distance, can record car code at time/date, price can be changed by simply changing data in shop database
Disadvantages - can sometimes be damaged, expensive readers (laser are more expensive than hand held)
