Data processing refers to capturing, validating, processing, storing, and outputting data in response to queries or routine reports. It can also refer to recording or processing data with computers. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with information processing, but data is typically the raw material while information has undergone processing. Programs like Microsoft Excel can process data easily, while other programs are used for more complex tasks like seismic data prediction or business statistics.
Used specifically, data processing can refer to a discrete stage in the information processing cycle where data is captured, entered, validated, processed, stored and output, either in response to queries or in the form of routine reports ; processing is the stage that organizes information to form the desired output. Used more generally, data processing can also refer to the act of recording or otherwise processing one or more sets of data, and is often carried out with the aid of computers. The word data is commonly used to mean “information” and often suggests large amounts of information in a standardized format. The data can consist of letters, numbers, equations, dates, pictures and other material, but usually does not include whole words.
Processing of data and information
One of the key points of the term data processing is that it is used by some as a synonym for the term information processing, while others make a distinction between the two. In most cases, however, the word data is used to mean the original form of the output, while information is meant to define data that has been organized or altered in some way. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in its Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 edition, has an entry for “Data Entry and Information Processing Workers.” Here a distinction is made between “data”, which is raw material, and “information”, which has undergone some processing: the two are treated as distinct, with data preceding information.
Calculation data
In computing, data processing can be used to refer to the use of a software application to organize an input data type in order to create a desired output. The result could be anything from a media file to an image or text file. Usually, inputting words as you think of them doesn’t count as data entry, so writing a story using a word processor wouldn’t qualify as a true form of data processing; however, entering your income and expenses for the month into a spreadsheet program and printing a report would do the trick.
Programs designed to process data are numerous, and their capabilities range from basic to very in-depth. An example of a program that can process data easily is Microsoft Excel®, which is essentially a spreadsheet that can be used to organize data, especially mathematical equations. The program can be used for basic processing or, if the user is familiar with the program, it can also be used for more in-depth output. Other types of computing programs include programs used to organize accounting data to determine losses or gains, seismic data used to predict earthquakes, and business statistics to help businesses run more efficiently, just to name a few.
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