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A data entry is a specialized component or form of an information processing (sub)system. Its chief difference is that it tends to perform a dedicated function (i.e., its program is not readily changeable). Its dedicated function is normally to perform some (intermediate) step of converting input ('raw' or unprocessed) data, or semi-processed information, in one form into a further or final form of information through a process called decoding/encoding or formatting or re-for- matting or translation or data conversion before the information can be output from the data processor to a further step in the information processing system.

For the hardware data processing system, this information may be used to change the sequential states of a (hardware) machine called a computer. In all essential aspects, the hardware data processing unit is indistinguishable from a computer's central processing unit (CPU), i.e. the hardware data processing unit is just a dedicated computer. However, the hardware data processing unit is normally dedicated to the specific computer application of format translation.

A software code compiler (e.g., for Fortran or Algol) is an example of a software data processing system. The software data processing system makes use of a (general purpose) computer in order to complete its functions. A software data processing system is nor- mally a standalone unit of software, in that its output can be directed to any number of other (not necessarily as yet identified) information processing (sub)systems.

Elements of Data Processing

In order to be processed by a computer, die data needs first to be converted into a machine readable format. Once data is in digital format, various procedures can be applied on the data to get useful information. Data processing includes all the processes from data entry up to data mining: data entry, data cleaning, data coding, data translation, data summarization, data aggregation, data validation, data tabulation, statistical analysis, computer graphics, data warehousing, data mining.

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Exercises

A. Comprehension

1. Define the term 'data processing'.

2. Explain the reference to data-processing systems as information systems, their difference.

3. Answer these questions:

1. What are data defined as?

2. What distinction is there between data processing and data conversion?

3. What is the established practice of using the term data process- ing? Why?

4. What does the term of data analysis focuse on?

5. How are data processing measurements typically represent- ed?

6. What processes can be viewed as examples of data processing systems?

7. What is the usage of me terms data processing and information systems restricted to refer to?

8. What is a data processing system?

9. What functions does data entry perform?

10. How can a software data processing system be exemplified?

11. What elements does data processing include?