Computer data processing is any process that uses a computer program to enter data and summarise, analyse or otherwise

convert data into usable information. The process may be automated and run on a computer. It involves recording, analysing, sorting, summarising, calculating, disseminating and storing data. Because data is most useful when well-presented and actually informative, data-processing systems are often referred to as information systems. Nevertheless, the terms are roughly synonymous, performing similar conversions; data-processing systems typically manipulate raw data into information, and likewise information systems typically take raw data as input to produce information as output Types of Data Processing

The data processing is very important activity and involves very careful planning. Usually, data processing activity involves three basic activities. 1. 2. 3. 1. Input It is the process through which collected data is transformed into a form that computer can understand. It is very important step because correct output result totally depends on the input data. In input step, following activities can be performed. i) Verification The collected data is verified to determine whether it is correct as required. For example, the collected data of all B.Sc. students that appeared in final examination of the university is verified. If errors occur in collected data, data is corrected or it is collected again. ii) Coding The verified data is coded or converted into machine readable form so that it can be processed through computer. iii) Storing The data is stored on the secondary storage into a file. The stored data on the storage media will be given to the program as input for processing. Input Processing Output

Data processing goes through a cycle of input, processing and output. This is done by using specific actions or patterns to attain the needed outputs. The types of data processing correspond to the specific actions as discussed below. 1. Recording o This is a type of data processing that pertains to transmitting facts into various structures or documents. It is also the processing of facts from intermediary records and data from computations. Verifying o This pertains to the cautious examination of the documented information for any inaccuracies.

2. Processing After completing the processing step, output is generated. The main purpose of data processing is to get the required result. Mostly, the output is stored on the storage media for later use. In output step, following activities can be performed in a systematic manner. Some of the important activities are: i) Classification

Duplicating o This data processing pertains to the replication of records into numerous copies or files.

Sorting o This data processing pertains to assembling or regrouping data in a preset order, such as an alphabetic or numeric arrangement.

The data is classified into different groups and subgroups, so that each group or sub-group of data can be handled separately. ii) Storing The data is arranged into an order so that it can be accessed very quickly as and when required. iii) Calculations The arithmetic operations are performed on the numeric data to get the required results. For example, total marks of each student are calculated. iv) Summarizing

Summarizing and Reporting o This type of data processing wraps up a compilation of facts and provides conclusions that correspond to the significance of the data presented.

Once data is collected, it is processed to convert it into useful information. The data is processed again and again until the accurate result is achieved. This is called data processing cycle.

The data is processed to represent it in a summarized form. ft means that the summary of data is prepared for top management. For example, the summary of the data of student is prepared to show the percentage of pass and fail student examination etc. 3. Output After completing the processing step, output is generated. The main purpose of data processing is to get the required result. Mostly, the output is stored on the storage media for later user. In output step, following activities can be performed. i) Retrieval Output stored on the storage media can be retrieved at any time. For example, result of students is prepared and stored on the disk. This result can be retrieved when required for different purposes. ii) Conversion The generated output can be converted into different forms. For example, it can be represented into graphical form. iii) Communication The generated output is sent to different places. For example, weather forecast is prepared and. sent to different agencies and newspapers etc. where it is required. iv) Feedback After generated output and performing all activities on the output, feedback about the generated output is collected. It is very important activity It is used to improve performance of the data processing system, so that better output can be generated in future. The output phase also involves activity through which output result is tested. If the output result is accurate, the data processing cycle is completed. If output result is not accurate, some of the abovementioned steps (or all steps) are repeated again and again until the accurate result is achieved. http://www.free-computer-tips.info/computer-hardware/types-ofcomputers.html Computer data processing is any process that a computer program does to enter data and summarise, analyse or otherwise convert data into usable information. The process may be automated and run on a computer. It involves recording, analysing, sorting, summarising, calculating, disseminating and storing data. Because data is most useful when well-presented and actually informative, data-processing systems are often referred to as information systems. Nevertheless, the terms are roughly synonymous, performing similar conversions; data-processing systems typically manipulate raw data into information, and likewise information systems typically take raw data as input to produce information as output.

Data processing may or may not be distinguished from data conversion, when the process is merely to convert data to another format, and does not involve any data manipulation. Elements of data processing In order to be processed by a computer, data needs first be converted into a machine readable format. Once data is in digital format, various procedures can be applied on the data to get useful information. Data processing may involve various processes, including: y y y y y Data summarization Data aggregation Data validation Data tabulation Statistical analysis

There are three basic steps in every data processing cycle, which are: input, processing, and output. The input portion of the cycle is when you input information or data into a centralized location and as consistent as possible. The processing portion of the cycle is also known as data cleansing and there is usually some type of program or software that you run the data through to clean it up, so that you can move on through the cycle. The processing step is the longest, as you will have to repeat it until the data is as clean as you can get it; sometimes taking months or even years. The output portion of the cycle is when you place the information or data into its intended final location.