Data Input Methods

Data Input Methods

Optical data readers

The best data input method for printed questionnaires would be Optical Data Readers. Optical Data Readers are a special type of scanning device to be used on documents. Optical Data Readers fall under two categories, optical mark recognition (OMR) and optical character recognition (OCR) (Stair, R., Reynolds, G., 2004). Printed questionnaires which, for instance, can be used for surveying groups of people regarding a particular subject can utilize OMR through the utilization of OMR paper refer to as "mark sense form". This special type of paper requires those completing the questionnaires to fill in boxes using pencils. From there, the readers can recognize their marks in response to the questions on the questionnaire in order to gather the needed information. Also, for more in-depth questionnaires, OCR readers, which reflect light to recognize various characters, can convert handwritten or typed documents into digital data by utilizing special software (Stair, R., Reynolds, G., 2004).

Voice recognition devices

For a telephone survey, a voice-recognition device would be the best method to input data. Voice-recognition devices utilize microphones and special software to record and convert the sound of the human voice into digital signals. This method would pork best because these voice recognition devices can record and translate into digital signals as the telephone survey is being conducted (Stair, R., Reynolds, G., 2004).

Magnetic ink character recognition device

Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) is the best method for reading and inputting bank check data quickly. When using MIRC, data is placed on the bottom of a check using a special magnetic ink. Data which is printed utilizing this special ink uses a special character set can be read by both people and computers (Stair, R., Reynolds, G., 2004).

Bar code scaners

Bar code scanners utilize a laser scanner to read a bar-coded label on retail tags. Retailers can utilize this technology to control and keep track of their merchandise by scanning their retail tags as merchandise comes in and goes out of the store. This would be the best method of inputting retail data because this allows the system to track how much inventory is left within the store (Stair, R., Reynolds, G., 2004).

Scanning device

Documents such as long documents would best be inputted using an input device such as a scanning device. Scanning devices works similarly like a photo machine. The page is place into the scanner and the data on that page is scanned into the computer. These scanners can convert monochrome or color pictures, forms, text, and other images into machine-readable digits. Many companies use scanning devices to help them manage their documents and cut down on the high cost of using and processing paper (Stair, R., Reynolds, G., 2004).

Data Output Methods

Hand held computer

Liquid crystal displays are flat-panel displays which make them an ideal output method for more compact devices such as hand held computers. The way LCDs work is that they are flat displays that use liquid crystals - organic, oil-like material placed between two polarizers - to form characters and graphic images on a backlit screen (Stair, R., Reynolds, G., 2004).

Color photograph

A color photograph can be best view in two ways. One way is through a display monitor. A display monitor is a TV-screen-like device in which output from a computer is displayed. If one uses a digital camera to take pictures, more than likely that user would have to first transfer those images to a computer in order to view them. The secondary output would to then print them out onto photo paper through a printer. A printer would allow the user to have a hardcopy of the image.

Resume

Resumes would best by viewed through either a display monitor or outputted through a printer for a physical hardcopy. Many employers accept resumes via Internet so they can access and view one's resume through the display monitor. Another method for one to view a resume would be through a hardcopy, printed via printer on to actual printer paper.

Memorandum

A memorandum tends to be a small note of information. Most memos travel from user to reader via paper, but printing out a short message onto paper can be considered wasteful. The best way one can share a memorandum is through a computer which would be displayed on a display monitor. Whether the memorandum is through email or online chat, viewing it on a display monitor would be the most efficient method.

Statistical report

Statistical reports would best be viewed through plotters. Plotters are a type of hard-copy output device used for general design work. If one were presenting this statistical report in a meeting to a group of people, the user can utilize plotters to show any statistic data he or she may have. Standard plot widths are 24 inches and 36 inches with the length being whatever length may be suitable for the group size. The plotters can also be made on transparencies, thus allowing the graphs to be projected on a screen to further enhance the view ability for the audience (Stair, R., Reynolds, G., 2004).

Company annual report

A company's annual report contains a lot of data and information. The best method of output would to be through a printer. That way the data can be readily accessible if one would need to refer to any statistical data regarding the company.

Primary & Secondary Storage

Primary storage works with the central processing unit (CPU) to help the computer function the way it needs to in order to complete the necessary task the user requires it to complete. Primary storage such as primary memory or the main memory, which holds program instructions and data, works closely with the CPU, as well as external devices, to ensure the computer is functioning in the manner it was designed to function. The primary memory stores the data that the computer needs to run applications. This data is held temporarily until it is no longer needed. The more memory a computer has means that there is more room for instructions. This in turn results on a faster computer and enables the computer to run multiple programs at once. Secondary storage is devices that store larger amounts of data, instructions, and information more permanently than allowed by the main memory