UNIT I

B. Sc. (Hons.) – II Semester

Course Title: Fundamental of IT (CABSVO2005)
Under VOC Category of FYUP
Dr. Shabbir H. DAY-5 Date: 19.02.2024

Concept of Data Processing

Data is defined as any collection of facts. Thus, sales reports, inventory figures, test scores,
customers’ names and addresses, and weather reports are all examples of data. Note that data
may be numerical (e.g., inventory figures and test scores) or they may be numerical (e.g.,
names of students and addresses, drawings).

Data processing is the manipulation of data into a more useful form. It is the modern name for
paperwork and involves the collecting, processing, and distributing of facts and figures to
achieve a desired result. Data processing includes not only numerical calculations but also
operations such as the classification of data and the transmission of data from one place to
another. In general, we assume that these operations are performed by some type of machine
or computer, although some of them could also be carried out manually. Data processing
system refers to the equipment or devices and procedures by which the result is achieved.

Stages of Data Processing Process

Data processing process involves a series of stages to transform raw data into meaningful
information. Here are the six fundamental stages of data processing process:

1. Collection
The process begins with the collection of raw data from various sources. The stage
establishes the foundation for subsequent processing, ensuring a comprehensive pool of
data relevant to the intended analysis. It could include surveys, sensors, databases, or any
other means of gathering relevant information.

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2. Preparation
Data preparation focuses on organizing, data cleaning, and formatting raw data. Irrelevant
information is filtered out, errors are corrected, and the data is structured in a way that
facilitates efficient analysis during subsequent stages of processing.

3. Input
During the data input stage, the prepared data is entered into a computer system. This can
be achieved through manual entry or automated methods, depending on the nature of the
data and the systems in place.

4. Data Processing
The core of data processing involves manipulating and analysing the prepared data.
Operations such as sorting, summarizing, calculating, and aggregating are performed to
extract meaningful insights and patterns.

5. Data Output
The results of data processing are presented in a comprehensible format during the data
output stage. This could include reports, charts, graphs, or other visual representations that
facilitate understanding and decision-making based on the analysed data.

6. Data Storage
The final stage entails storing the processed data for future reference and analysis. This is
crucial for maintaining a historical record, enabling efficient retrieval, and supporting
ongoing or future data-related initiatives. Proper data storage ensures the longevity and
accessibility of valuable information.

Advantages of Data Processing

– Highly efficient

– Time-saving
– High speed
– Reduces errors

Disadvantages of Data Processing

– Large power consumption

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 – Occupies large memory
– The cost of installation is high
– Wastage of memory
GUIs
A Graphical User Interface (GUI) is an interface through which a user interacts with electronic
devices such as computers and smartphones through the use of icons, menus and other visual
indicators or representations (graphics). GUIs graphically display information and related user
controls, unlike text-based interfaces, where data and commands are strictly in text. GUI
representations are manipulated by a pointing device such as a mouse, trackball, stylus, or by
a finger on a touch screen.

The first human/computer text interface worked through keyboard input, with what is called
a prompt (or DOS prompt). Commands were typed on a keyboard at the DOS prompt to initiate
responses from a computer. The use of these commands and the need for exact spelling
created a cumbersome and inefficient interface.

DOS vs Windows
The followings are the points to discuss the difference between DOS and Windows and also
why windows is preferable over DOS regarding GUI based interaction.

a. DOS is text/console based OS. Windows is GUI based OS. DOS shell is command user
interface or CLI, Windows provides graphical user interface GUI.
b. DOS application does not obey any standard user navigation and user interaction
protocol. Windows defines a set of standard widgets like menues, dialogs, windows,
buttons, textboxes etc. which are common to all GUI based OS.
c. DOS is single tasking OS. Windows is multitasking OS. User has flexibility to run more
than one application at a time and can work simultaneously.

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 d. DOS is based on 8086 16bit processor which can access up to 20bit of addess which is
1MB max. Windows is based on 386 32bit processor and can access 32bit which is 4GB
or for 64bit this limit is even beyond.

CLI vs GUI
DOS works in 80x25 text-based console and the user interacts with the operating system by
means of some commands. DOS has basic commands like dir, cd, type, move, del, deltree, edit,
fdisk, sys, etc. to manage files and folders. Basic text files can be managed. Multimedia and
formatted documents cannot be used. DOS can switch video mode to VGA (640x480) and can
run different DOS games.

Windows works in graphical mode and the user interacts with the operating system via GUI
elements. Windows being GUI based operating system has numerous advantages.

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The screen size is 1024x768 (screen resolution) and larger so more information can be
displayed at any point in time. It is easy to interact with files and folders with a mouse. Very
little keyboard interactions are required to manage files and folders. Graphical and multimedia
files like pictures, animation, audio, and video files can be seen or edited only in Windows.
Formatted rich-edit text documents, presentations, etc. can be viewed and edited. Windows
can run a wide variety of games with direct rendering and DirectX interface of the graphics.

User interaction
DOS application does have any standard for text-based menu navigations and interactions.

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Graphical interfacing in Windows follows standard GUI design. A set of standard widgets like
menus, dialogs, windows, buttons, textboxes, etc. are used in Windows which are common to
all GUI-based OS.

Multitasking
DOS can use only the default core 0 of the CPU and the operating system is single-tasking. DOS
cannot have multitasking capability.

Windows can enable multitasking facility in single-core CPU. It can even access multicore cores
for multitasking (octa core). The user has the flexibility to run one application in the foreground
and numerous tasks in the background. User can switch between different tasks and can
interact as needed.

Resource and Memory

DOS is based on x86 16bit processor architecture which can access up to 20bit of address which
is 1MB maximum range.

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Windows is based on 386 32bit processor and can access 32bit which is 4GB or more using a
physical address extension (36bits) up to 16GB. Windows 64bit has a maximum memory limit
of several TBs.

Summary DOS vs Windows

DOS Windows

Command line user interface (CLI) Graphical User Interface

User interaction not standard User interaction is unified for all GUI based OS

Single Tasking Multitasking

Based on 8086, 16bit OS, can Based on 80386, 32bit OS, can access up to
access upto 1MB address apce 4GB address space for 32bit

UI vs. UX (not in syllabus)

In digital design, user interface (UI) refers to the interactivity, look, and feel of a product screen
or web page, while user experience (UX) covers a user's overall experience with the product or
website.

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