what is data processing. how its work in computer

 

Introduction of data processing.

Data processing is simply the conversion of raw data to meaningful information through a process. Data is technically manipulated to produce results that lead to a resolution of a problem or improvement of an existing situation. Similar to a production process. It follows a cycle where inputs (raw data) are fed to a process (computer systems, software, etc. ) to produce output information and insights).

Generally,organizations employ computer systems to carry out a series of operations on the data in order to present,interpret, or obtain information. The process activities like data entry,summary, calculation,storage, etc. Useful and informative output is presented in various appropriate forms such as diagrams, reports graphics, doc viewers etc.

 

1. Data processing methods:

In manual data processing manually without using any machine or tool to get required results. In manual data processing, all the calculations and logical operations are performed manually on the data. Similarly, data is transferred manually  an-other.

 This method of data processing is very slow and errors may occurs in the output. Mostly if is processed manually in many small business firms as well as government  offices & institutions. In an educational institutes, for example mark sheets, fee receipts and other financial calculation(transactions) are performed by hand.

 This method is avoided as far as possible because of the very high probability of error, lobar intensive and very time consuming. This type of data processing forms the very primitive stage when technology was not available or it was not affordable with the advancement in technology the dependency on manual methods has drastically decreased.

 

2. Mechanical Data processing:

In mechanical data processing method,data is processed by using difficult devices like typewriter,mechanical printers or other mechanical devices. This method of data processing is faster and more accurate than manual data processing.

These are faster than manual mode but still from the early stages of data processing. With invention and evolution of more complex machines with better computing power this type of processing also started fading away. Examination bods and printing press use mechanical data processing devices frequently.

 3. Electronic data processing.

Electronic data processing (EDP) is the modern technique to process data. The data is processed through computer;Data and set of instructions are given to the computer as input and the computer automatically processes the data according to the given set of instruction.

 The computer is also known as electronic data processing machine.

The method of processing data is very fast and accurate. For example, in a computerized education environment results of students are prepared through computer; in banks,accounts of customers are maintained (or processed) through computer etc.