Individual Essay on Input/output Considerations
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Introduction
This paper will take a closer look at data input and also data output considerations. There are many different choices when it comes to data input/output options. While it is good to have many choices, there are usually some considerations that are required to make the best possible decision. The second section of this paper will concentrate on the difference between primary and secondary storage. Lastly, the different roles of computer components and their impact on overall computer speed will be explored.
Data Input considerations
Data input and its accuracy are very important. Without accurate data input, the whole process of processing, massaging and interpreting data may be flawed. However, data comes from a large number of different sources and therefore proper data input treatments and processes must be considered. In the first example, printed questionnaires must be input. As they are in printed form, it is important to ensure that they are clearly printed and that the paper is as clean as possible. The preferred method of inputting this data would be to scan in these pages, and then use a OCR program to convert the input into editable text. OCR stands for “Optical Character Recognition”. OCR software “involves computer software designed to translate images of typewritten text (usually captured by a scanner) into machine-editable text, or to translate pictures of characters into a standard encoding scheme representing them in (ASCII or Unicode) (Wikipedia). Another form of data input may be the results of a telephone survey. Since this involves most likely recorded conversations or written surveys filled in by the telephone operator, it may require different methods of input. If the surveys are of a recorded nature, they may have to be transcribed by a person to transform the data in to digital format. If the survey was using paper forms, OCR software may be acceptable again to convert the data. Alternatively, and perhaps the best choice, the operator should input the data directly in to an electronic form directly on the computer, either via a custom application or via a web form that is customized to collect such data in to a database. Many banking customers today use online banking as a convenient method of transferring money, or paying bills. In addition, written checks can be cleared and even viewed online to ensure that they are indeed written by the account holder. This online check viewing is accomplished by scanning the cleared checks in to a database application. Upon accessing an account, a customer then has the choice to view one or many of his or her cleared checks image. Typically, the scanned image of each checks front and rear picture is stored as a JPEG file, which makes the files small enough to be conveniently viewed over any Internet connection. In retail, how do stores know what inventory they have on hand, what they are sold out of and how many of each item they have sold in the past 7 days? They use a data input method on each retail tag that is called a bar code. “A barcode (also bar code) is a machine-readable representation of information in a visual format on a surface. Originally barcodes stored data in the widths and spacings of printed parallel lines, but today they also come in patterns of dots, concentric circles, and hidden in images. Barcodes can be read by optical scanners called barcode readers or scanned from an image by special software. Barcodes are widely used to implement Auto ID Data Capture (AIDC) systems that improve the speed and accuracy of computer data entry” (Wikipedia). Lastly, long documents, such as books, reports or medical or legal papers, can be input conveniently for later viewing or editing. If editing is not required, the documents could simply be scanned in and converted to PDF format. PDF is a portable document format that is a de facto standard for document interchange and is accepted anywhere. If editing is required, these document could also be OCRd and stored in editable formats, such as Word document, XML document or the Open Document (ODF) Format.
Data Output considerations
While convenience is key, quality output also contributes to a better understanding and usage of available data. Hand held computers are a good example of good quality output. Their screens have improved dramatically over the past years. They have become brighter, carry a higher resolution which makes images look sharper and more life-like and also contain a higher color depth, which also aides in image representation. Hand held computers may also benefit from audio output, with newer technology speakers enhancing the sound and understandability of stored sound files. A color photograph, on the other hand, may be best output by a color laser printer on photo paper. When searching for a new job, one would be advised to print a resume on professional, thicker paper stock, and not use Xerox printing paper. The data may be the same, but the end result (output) will certainly look different. Conversely, a memorandum output could simply be printed and distributed on regular Xerox paper. As an alternative, it could also be distributed via email, another efficient output method. Statistical reports, on the other hand would be best output via a graphic application, such as Microsoft Excel. Making statistical data appear in charts via Excel will make this data more readable and is probably the best possible output option. Finally, great care is taken by most companies to create a annual report that looks professional, is accurate and very readable. The reports that I have seen are output in 4-color, bound glossy stock with large type for easier readability. This is probably the best possible output format for these very important business documents.
Storage comparison
There are two main types of storage within a computer system. The first is referred to as “primary storage”, or also known as internal memory. It is typically interfaced directly with the computers central processing unit for faster access and processing of data. Therefore, primary storage is fast and efficient. On the downside, this memory is also volatile. This means that if the computer is turned off, the contents of this memory will be irrevocably lost. Secondary storage, on the other hand, is non-volatile, but also slower and not directly connected to a computers CPU. This storage is accesses via a system bus and could be internal such as hard disks, floppy disks, and CD-ROM drives or external, such as external hard-disks, tape drives, USB drives. Newer technology, such as DVD-R and CD-R are also secondary storage solutions.
Storage types and their use
Different