Computer Software

Lecture 3
Two major types of software
1) Application Software-use to perform
a general purpose task.
Two major types of software
2) System Software-consists of several
programs. OS acts as a master control
program that runs the computer.
Topics:
• Data Processing Cycle
• Three Primary Stages of Application Development
• Areas of Data Processing
Data
Data
The word data is derived from Latin language. It is plural of
Datum (But Data is usually used as a singular term.) Datum
(singular) – Data (plural). Data is any collection of facts of
figures. The data is the raw material to be processed by a
computer.
Example
Names of students, marks obtained in the examination,
designation of employees, addresses, quantity, rate, sales
figures or anything that is input to the computer is data. Even
pictures, photographs, drawings, charts and maps can be
treated as data. Computer processes the data and produces
the output or result
Types of Data
Mainly Data is divided into two types:
1. Numeric Data
2. Character Data
1. Numeric Data
The data which is represented in the form of numbers is known as Numeric Data.
This includes 0-9 digits, a decimal point (.), +, /, – sign and the letters “E” or “D”.
2. Character Data
Character data falls into two groups.
i. String Data
ii. Graphical Data
String Data
String data consists of the sequence of characters. Characters may be English
alphabets, numbers or space. The space, which separates two words, is also a
character. The string data is further divided into two types.
a. Alphabetic Data
b. Alphanumeric Data
Graphical Data
It is possible that pictures, charts and maps can be treated as data. The scanner is
normally used to enter this type of data. The common use of this data is found in
the National Identity Card.
Information
A collection of data which conveys some meaningful idea is information. It
may provide answers to questions like who, which, when, why, what,
and how.
or

The raw input is data and it has no significance when it exists in that form.
When data is collated or organized into something meaningful, it gains
significance. This meaningful organization is information
or

Observations and recordings are done to obtain data, while analysis is

done to obtain information
Data Processing
Data processing:
Any operation or set of operations performed upon data,
whether or not by automatic means, such as collection,
recording, organization, storage, adaptation or alteration to
convert it into useful information.
 Data Processing Cycle
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 processing is very important activity and involves

very careful planning. Usually, data processing activity
involves three basic activities.

1. Input
2. Processing
3. Output
Data Processing Cycle
Step-1
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.
Data Processing Cycle
Step-2
2.Processing
The term processing denotes the actual data manipulation techniques such as
classifying, sorting, calculating, summarizing, comparing, etc. that
convert data into information.

i) Classification
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
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.
Data Processing Cycle
Step-3
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.
Types of Data Processing
1) Manual Data Processing:
This method of data processing involves human
intervention. The manual process of data entry implies many
opportunities for errors, such as delays in data capture, as
every single data field has to be keyed in manually, a high
amount of operator misprints or typos, high labor costs from
the amount of manual labor required. Manual processing
also implies higher labor expenses in regards to spending for
equipment and supplies, rent, etc.
Types of Data Processing
2) EDP
EDP (electronic data processing), an
infrequently used term for what is today usually called
"IS" (information services or systems) or "MIS"
(management information services or systems), is the
processing of data by a computer and its programs in an
environment involving electronic communication. EDP
evolved from "DP" (data processing), a term that was
created when most computing input was physically put
into the computer in punched card form or in ATM
cards form and output as punched cards or paper
reports.
Types of Data Processing
3) Real time processing
In a real time processing, there is a continual input,
process and output of data. Data has to be processed in
a small stipulated time period (real time), otherwise it
will create problems for the system.
For example, when a bank customer withdraws a sum
of money from his or her account it is vital that the
transaction be processed and the account balance
updated as soon as possible, allowing both the bank
and customer to keep track of funds.
Types of Data Processing
4) Batch processing
In a batch processing group of transactions
collected over a period of time is collected,
entered, processed and then the batch results
are produced. Batch processing requires
separate programs for input, process and
output. It is an efficient way of processing high
volume of data.
For example: Payroll system, Examination
system and billing system.
Computer Processing
Operations
A computer can perform only the following
four operations which enable computers to
carry out the various data processing activities
we have just discussed.

(a) Input/Output operations

A computer can accept data (input) from
and supply processed data (output) to a wide
range of input/output devices. These devices
such as keyboards, display screens, and printers
make human-machine communication possible.
Computer Processing
Operations
(b) Calculation and text manipulation
Operations

Computer circuits perform calculations on

numbers. They are also capable of manipulating
numerics and other symbols used in text with
equal efficiency.
Computer Processing
Operations
(c) Logic/Comparison Operations
A computer also possesses the ability to perform logical
operations.

For example, if we compare two items represented by the

symbols A and B, there are only three possible outcomes.
A is less than B (A<B); A is equal to B (A=B): or A is greater
than B
(A>B).

A computer can perform such comparisons and the,

depending on the result, follow a predetermined path to
complete its work. This ability to compare is an important
property of computers.
Computer Processing
Operations
(d) Storage and Retrieval Operations

Both data and program instructions are

stored internally in a computer.

Once they are stored in the internal memory,

they can be called up quickly
or retrieved, for further use.
Areas of Data Processing
1. Business DP -limited arithmetic operations and a
relatively large volume of output.

2. Scientific DP - involves volume of inputs and

many logical or arithmetic
operations.