Computer Concepts

MODULE #01
Applications of Digital Technology in your Field of
Specialization
 Electronics and Electrical field of engineering is NOTHING without
the digital technology
 Introduction to sophisticated machines like drones
 Applicationof Software used in creating blue prints, drafting,
computations, surveying, simulations, GPS, etc.
 Application of artificial intelligence and robotics.
Limitations or Disadvantages of Application of
Computers in your Field of Specialization

 Costly: Acquisition of equipment, purchasing/development of software,

training of personnel
 Threat to information security and privacy of an individual or an
organization.
 Prone to computer crimes
 Since all is “visual”, at one point it requires manual labor or actual
application.
Computer Concepts
Computer is an electronic, programmable device that can store, retrieve, and process data. It is a data processing
machine which accepts data via an input device and its processor manipulates the data according to a program.
Characteristics of Computers
1. Speed. Speed is may be defined as the "turn-around time". Computer speed is measured
in terms of MHZ and GHZ.
2. Accuracy. Computers can perform large number of tasks without errors.
3. Diligence. Computers can perform repetitive tasks without getting tired or creating
errors.
4. Versatility. Computers can perform different types of work.
5. Storage and Retrieval. Computers can store information.
6. Automatic. Computers are programmable.
7. Non-intelligent. Computers do not have emotions.
 Positive Impacts of Computer

 It facilitates business process and other activities. It makes the work

simple and less time consuming.
 We can store so much information on computer which makes easy to
handle the information for business applications.
 We can perform multitasking and multiprocessing capabilities of data.
 It is very easy to access and use data for computer system.
 It gives error free result so that we can use it for research, engineering,
and other areas.
 It can be used for various purposes like education, business, industries,
etc.
 It is used for communication system also. Use of internet. Email, and
Internet phone system.
 It helps to automate the office and business process.
 It provides greater access to computerized resources using internet and
computer-based encyclopedia.
Negative Impacts of Computer

 It is an expensive system so people may not be able to afford it.

Using this system creates digital divide in society.
 It encourages and facilitates for data piracy.
 It has bad impact on job market. It may increase
unemployment.
 Chances of data stolen and hacking that destroys data.
 It is fast changing technology, so it is required to be update
timely.
 Some people of society may be badly affected due to illiteracy of
computer.
 It facilitates computer crime and cyber theft.
Data is defined as any collection of unprocessed facts. It can be
numerical or non-numerical.

Information is the processed data. It is the data that has already

been manipulated and transformed into something useful.

Program is a set of instructions for a computer to follow. It is a

code executed by the central processing unit designed to help
users solve problems or perform tasks.
Data processing is the method of collecting raw data and translating it
into usable information.

What type of data needs to be processed?

Data in any form and of any type requires processing most of the time. It
can be categorized as personal information, financial transactions, tax
credits, banking details, computational, imagery and simply almost
anything you can think of.
Applications of Data Processing
• Commercial Data Processing: Commercial data processing involves a large
volume of input data, relatively few computational operations, and a large volume
of output. For example, an insurance company needs to keep records on tens or
hundreds of thousands of policies, print and mail bills, and receive and post
payments.
• Data Analysis: In a science or engineering field, the terms data processing and
information systems are considered too broad, and the more specialized term data
analysis is typically used. Data analysis makes use of specialized and highly
accurate algorithms and statistical calculations that are less often observed in the
typical general business environment.
• Real World Applications: With the implementation of proper security algorithms
and protocols, it can be ensured that the inputs and the processed information is
safe and stored securely without unauthorized access or changes. With properly
processed data, researchers can write scholarly materials and use them for
educational purposes. The same can be applied for evaluation of economic and
such areas and factors.

• Almost all fields: It is impossible to think of any area which is untouched by data
processing or its use. Let it be agriculture, manufacturing or service industry,
meteorological department, urban planning, transportation systems, banking, and
educational institutions. It is required at all places with varied level of complexity.
Why is data processing gaining popularity?
Processing of data is becoming a popular topic because of the various new laws and
uses associated with the data. Big companies and MNCs are collecting data by
various means which comprises of personal information, customer data, health
information, contact information, location data etc.
Due to collection of this data, there is an increasing concern over how it is collected
and how it will be used.
Collecting, storing, and processing the sensitive information such as income, medical
records, spatial information etc. is becoming a concern worldwide. New laws are
being framed to regulate what data is collected and how it is processed and keeping
in mind the user privacy.
Different types of output files obtained as “processed” data
• Plain text file
• Table/ spreadsheet
• Charts & Graphs
• Maps/Vector or image file
• Other formats/ raw files

Data Processing Cycle

The data processing cycle consists of a series of steps where raw data (input) is fed
into a process (CPU) to produce actionable insights (output). Each step is taken in a
specific order, but the entire process is repeated in a cyclic manner. The first data
processing cycle's output can be stored and fed as the input for the next cycle.
Step 1: Collection
The collection of raw data is the first step of the data processing cycle. The type of raw
data collected has a huge impact on the output produced. Hence, raw data should be
gathered from defined and accurate sources so that the subsequent findings are valid and
usable. Raw data can include monetary figures, website cookies, profit/loss statements of
a company, user behavior, etc.

Step 2: Preparation
Data preparation or data cleaning is the process of sorting and filtering the raw data to
remove unnecessary and inaccurate data. Raw data is checked for errors, duplication,
miscalculations, or missing data, and transformed into a suitable form for further analysis
and processing. This is done to ensure that only the highest quality data is fed into the
processing unit.
Step 3: Input
In this step, the raw data is converted into machine readable form and fed into the
processing unit. This can be in the form of data entry through a keyboard, scanner,
or any other input source.

Step 4: Data Processing

In this step, the raw data is subjected to various data processing methods using
machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms to generate a desirable
output. This step may vary slightly from process to process depending on the source
of data being processed (data lakes, online databases, connected devices, etc.) and
the intended use of the output.
Step 5: Output
The data is finally transmitted and displayed to the
user in a readable form like graphs, tables, vector
files, audio, video, documents, etc. This output can be
stored and further processed in the next data
processing cycle.

Step 6: Storage
The last step of the data processing cycle is storage,
where data and metadata are stored for further use.
This allows for quick access and retrieval of
information whenever needed and allows it to be used
as input in the next data processing cycle directly.
Methods of Data Processing
Manual Data Processing. Data is processed manually without using any machine or tool to get
the required results. In manual data processing, all the calculations and logical operations are
performed manually on the data.

Mechanical Data Processing. In this method, data is processed by using different devices like
typewriters, mechanical printers, or other mechanical devices. This method of data processing is
faster and more accurate than manual data processing.

Electronic Data Processing. Electronic Data Processing is the fastest and best available method
with highest reliability and accuracy. Technology used is the latest as this method uses computers.
Manpower required is minimal. Processing can be done through various programs and predefined
set of rules. Processing of large amount of data with high accuracy is almost impossible which
makes it best among the available types of data processing.
Types of Data Processing

 Batch Processing. This is one of the widely used type of data processing which is
also known as Serial/Sequential, Tacked/Queued offline processing. The
fundamental of this type of processing is that different jobs of different users are
processed in the order received. Once the stacking of jobs is complete, they are
provided/sent for processing while maintaining the same order.

This processing of a large volume of data helps in reducing the processing cost thus
making it data processing economical. Batch Processing is a method where the
information to be organized is sorted into groups to allow for efficient and
sequential processing.
 Real time processing. This is required where the results are
displayed immediately or in lowest time possible. The data fed to
the software is used almost instantaneously for processing purpose.
The nature of processing of this type of data processing requires use
of internet connection and data is stored/used online.

No lag is expected/acceptable in this type and receiving and processing

of transaction is carried out simultaneously. This method is costly than
batch processing as the hardware and software capabilities are better.
 Online Processing. Online Processing is a method that utilizes
Internet connections and equipment directly attached to a computer.
This allows the data to be stored in one place and being used at an
altogether different place. Under this method the job received by the
system is processed at same time of receiving. This can be
considered and often mixed with real-time processing.

Cloud computing can be considered as an example which uses this

type of processing. It is used mainly for information recording and
research. It is used mainly for information recording and research.
 Distributed Processing. This method is commonly utilized
by remote workstations connected to one big central
workstation or server. ATMs are good examples of this data
processing method. All the end machines run on a fixed
software located at a particular place and make use of exactly
same information and sets of instruction.