Data Input, Output, Storage And Access Methods

Data Input, Output, Storage and Access Methods

The purpose of this paper is to highlight some best practices for data input and output. In addition, this paper will highlight appropriate uses of various storage means. Lastly, it will address the effect certain components of a computer have on its overall speed.

Accuracy of Data Input

There are various methods for entering data into a computer system. Depending on the medium in which the original data is contained, and how it is to be stored and used later, there can be great differences in input methods. Printed questionnaires, for example, would be best entered by re-typing the answers given. A voice recognition system may be best suited for surveys taken over the telephone as there are no other means to take input over a telephone. In the case of bank checks, image scanners can capture not only the handwriting and MICR numbers on the front, but they also can capture the signature of the party cashing the check, and the date/time stamp that was used at the time of payment. Retail tags could take advantage of barcode scanners as a means to input the data they carry. There are several data points on a retail tag such as price, color, size, manufacturer, etc. These all can be captured in a single bar code, allowing it all to be input at the same time. Long documents, such as house mortgages, pre-nuptial agreements and the like, are ideal candidates for scanning input as well. However, character recognition scanning software is probably more appropriate, so that instead of a ‘picture’ of the document, it takes the file format of an actual digital document (.doc or .pdf, for example). One data is actually entered into a computer, there is a means by which it must be extracted.

Convenience and Quality of Data Output

As there are various methods for data being put into a computer, there are also several means by which data output can be created and viewed. For example, a handheld computer’s output would best be via the device’s screen. The handheld is more of a convenience device that is rarely used for high quality documents or graphics creation. Color photographs are best put to paper specifically designed to accept photographic images and ink. For a resume, the best way is via a laser printer, for its sharpness, on to high quality bond paper for a feel of quality and professionalism.