Data Preparation and Input

Data Preparation and Input

A keyboard operator is entering information into a computer system. Information is read from the data capture forms and typed in. Describe a method of verification which would help to reduce errors.

The following table contains a list of devices and media. Show whether each is used for input or output, by means of a tick ( √ ) in the correct column.

Which one of the following devices is most likely to be used off-line to a main computer? A Magnetic tape unit

B Disc drive

C Key-to-disc unit

D Operator’s console

E Graphical display unit

Many computer applications make use of optical methods such as mark sensing and OCR (optical character recognition) to input data.

(a) Name an application that uses mark sensing. State what data is input using mark sensing.

(b) Name an application that uses OCR. State what data is input using optical character recognition.

(c) Both of these methods of input have advantages. Give one advantage of each method of input.

(i) Mark sensing.

(ii) OCR.

The most common use of Magnetic Ink Character Recognition is in banks.

Give two reasons why MICR is used in banks.

The illustration below shows the Kimball tag from a pair of pyjamas. When the pyjamas are sold part of the tag is removed and kept by the shop.

(a) How is the information coded so that it can be read by the computer.

Draw a ring round this on the illustration.

(b) What two items of information might be coded’! Give an example to show what you mean.

(c) The tags are fed into a computer system. Give two tasks that the tags would help the company do.

The diagram above shows coded data that could be input into a computer.

(a) Which one of the following is the name given to this method of input?

A Magnetic ink character recognition

B Optical character recognition

C Bar code reading

D Cash-card reading

E Mark sensing

(b) State two applications that would use this method of data input.

(c) For one of the applications you have given, state two items of information that might be represented by the coded data.

(d) State what hardware is needed to enter the coded data into a computer and describe how this hardware is used.

The different parts of a bar code

Bar codes are being used on an increasing range of items.

(a) Where are bar codes often used?

(b) Give two reasons why bar codes are used.

Many banks now issue plastic cards that can be used to get cash from cash machines.

(a) How is the information about the identity of the customer held on the card?

(b) Describe the process of checking that the card user is the owner of the card.

Which of these is an input device only? A Light pen

B Magnetic disc drive C Printer

D Visual display unit

Name two devices which can be used for input only, describing a suitable use for each device.