There are six stages of the data processing cycle. These are:
• Data collection
• Data processing
• Data input
• Data processing
• Data storage
• Data output
When referring to computers, data processing is the process whereby a computer program takes entered data and summarizes, analyzes or otherwise converts it into information that is useful and usable. This tends to be an automated process. Data processing systems are also often referred to as 'information systems'.
Once data has been collected, it is then necessary to process it, in order to convert it into useful information. The data is processed repeatedly until the accurate result is achieved. The process of achieving the accurate result, is what is referred to as the data processing cycle. The three basic activities of the cycle are input, processing and output.
Input is the process through which collected data is transformed into a form that the computer understands. It is an important step because correct output result is dependent on the input data. The data needs to firstly be verified as correct, then coded, then stored on the secondary storage as a file.
The processing step will then generate an output. The output is mostly stored on the storage media for later use. A process of classification, storing, calculations and summarizing will take place.
Finally, the output is generated to get the required result. The output can be retrieved from the storage media at any time and can be converted into different forms (for instance graphics) and can be communicated to different places.
A more thorough explanation of the process can be viewed at www.free-computer-tips.info/general-computer/data-processing
• Data collection
• Data processing
• Data input
• Data processing
• Data storage
• Data output
When referring to computers, data processing is the process whereby a computer program takes entered data and summarizes, analyzes or otherwise converts it into information that is useful and usable. This tends to be an automated process. Data processing systems are also often referred to as 'information systems'.
Once data has been collected, it is then necessary to process it, in order to convert it into useful information. The data is processed repeatedly until the accurate result is achieved. The process of achieving the accurate result, is what is referred to as the data processing cycle. The three basic activities of the cycle are input, processing and output.
Input is the process through which collected data is transformed into a form that the computer understands. It is an important step because correct output result is dependent on the input data. The data needs to firstly be verified as correct, then coded, then stored on the secondary storage as a file.
The processing step will then generate an output. The output is mostly stored on the storage media for later use. A process of classification, storing, calculations and summarizing will take place.
Finally, the output is generated to get the required result. The output can be retrieved from the storage media at any time and can be converted into different forms (for instance graphics) and can be communicated to different places.
A more thorough explanation of the process can be viewed at www.free-computer-tips.info/general-computer/data-processing
