What You Need To Know About Data
Data are raw facts that are yet to be processed to give a complete meaning. Data can be numeric (0 – 9), Alphabetical (A – Z), Alphanumeric (12th) or Signs and Symbols ( #, @). Datum is the Singular form of Data – a single digit of Data. Examples of Data include: Name (Paul, Benson), BBM pin (52AD0338), Amount ($5000) etc.
Information, on the other hand, are data which have been processed to produce meaningful outcome. Data are combined or manipulated to give a meaningful outcome when we need to produce information. Let say, “Benson bought a new Blackberry for $5000 with BBM pin 52AD0338.” The illustration shows that we have processed various data gathered (by constructing sentence) to produce meaningful outcome.
Computer does the same in producing meaningful results. The computer only understand what we called Machine Language(Binary), so it has to receive the data through the input devices, processed it in the language it understands, and give a meaningful outcome through the output devices.
There are two major sources of data: the internal sources (where data are originated from) and the external source (where we can retrieved stored or collection of data)
There are about six (6) stages of Data processing which are discussed below.
* Data Gathering: at this stage, data are collected from various sources to be processed into information. We can either get it through internal sources or external sources. This stage can also be referred to as the Data Collection stage. Imagine when you go to library to get some data for your project, surf the internet for assignments, asked customer care for details on service etc. You are actually gathering data for processing.
* Data Sorting: This stage deals with the arrangement of Data before we start processing. In our English class, we were thought how to outline our points before writing an essay, we were told after writing the outlines, we should ARRANGE them in order of importance; that is what data arrangement is all about. We filter the ones we need and take out the one we don’t need.
* Data Input: After we have sort out the data, we can now start inputting it into our computer through the input devices(we shall treat this in our coming class). Like the example we use concerning essay, we started writing the essay into our notes which means we are inputting the sorted data.
* Data Processing: The data gotten are being processed to produce a meaningful outcome. The computer is meant to perform its processing work through the Central Processing Unit(we shall treat this as a topic) to produce a meaningful outcome. Let’s use ATM as example here, we input our details into the machine, and the machine process it; if the details are correct, we will receive a favourable outcome, but if the details are not, otherwise is the case.
* Data Output: The results gotten from processed data are received by the recipients. The output can either be in Softcopy or Hardcopy. Let’s use the ATM to explain this - when you receive a cash from the machine, it can be refer to as Hardcopy outcome while the recharge card you purchased through the machine can be referred to as Softcopy. The email you receive is also ......
* The Storage Stage: This is the stage where information are stored for immediate or future use. At this stage, data are stored on the computer for references.


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elijah2u:
Keenly following. God bless

Amen... And you too