Data Processing

Made Simple

2nd Edition - January 1, 1976
Author: Susan Wooldridge
Language: English
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 1 - 4 8 3 1 - 0 5 2 4 - 6

Data Processing: Made Simple, Second Edition presents discussions of a number of trends and developments in the world of commercial data processing. The book covers the rapid… Read more

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Data Processing: Made Simple, Second Edition presents discussions of a number of trends and developments in the world of commercial data processing. The book covers the rapid growth of micro- and mini-computers for both home and office use; word processing and the 'automated office'; the advent of distributed data processing; and the continued growth of database-oriented systems. The text also discusses modern digital computers; fundamental computer concepts; information and data processing requirements of commercial organizations; and the historical perspective of the computer industry. The computer hardware and software and the development and implementation of a computer system are considered. The book tackles careers in data processing; the tasks carried out by the data processing department; and the way in which the data processing department fits in with the rest of the organization. The text concludes by examining some of the problems of running a data processing department, and by suggesting some possible solutions. Computer science students will find the book invaluable.

Foreword Foreword to Second Edition Part One: Introduction to Data Processing 1 Modern Digital Computers The Basic Units of a Computer Analogue versus Digital Computers Scientific versus Commercial Computers Manufacturers and Models 2 Fundamental Computer Concepts Advantages and Disadvantages of Computers 3 Computers in the Commercial Environment Private, Public, and Civil Service Organizations The Information Hierarchy The Processing Loop The Computer as an Aid to Information Processing 4 Historical Perspective The Nineteenth Century Modern Pioneers The Second Generation The Third Generation The Fourth Generation Revision Questions Part Two: Computer Hardware and Software 5 The Central Processor Unit Magnetic Core Memory Semiconductor Memories Magnetic Bubble Memories Memories of the Future Binary Notation Binary Coded Decimal and Hexadecimal Zone Bits and Parity Bits Words and Bytes Characteristics of Memory Representation of Instructions and Data in Memory Environmental Controls 6 File Storage Devices Magnetic Tape Magnetic Tape Processing Direct Access Devices Direct Access Processing 7 Input Devices Punched Cards Paper Tape Magnetic Tape Encoding Data Entry Systems Mark Sensing Optical Character Recognition Magnetic Ink Character Recognition Turnaround Documents By-Product Input Direct and Remote Data Entry 8 Output Devices High-Speed Impact Line Printers Non-Impact Printers Laser Printers Graph Plotters Data Transmission Teleprinters Visual Display Units 9 Microfilm Examples of Applications Advantages and Disadvantages of COM On-Line versus Off-Line The Technology of COM Format of Microfilm Film Processing and Duplication Viewing and Reproduction Graphics and Special Characters Software Indexing and Retrieval Updating Right-Justification 10 Programming Languages Types of Instructions Machine Language Assembler Languages Macros High-Level Languages 11 Software Application-Independent Software Applications Packages Miscellaneous Software Generalized File Processors Data Base Management Systems Who Supplies Software? Why Use Software? Revision QuestionsPart Three: Developing and Implementing a Computer System 12 Planning The System Development Process Policy and Planning 13 The Feasibility Study The User Request The Feasibility Study 14 Information Gathering and Analysis Objectives and Scope of Information Gathering Planning Interviewing Data and Problem Analysis Problem Analysis Required Output for Design User Presentation and Authorizations 15 System Design System Design Methodology Objectives The Input Subsystem The Computer Subsystem The Output Subsystem Documentation of the Design User Presentation and Authorizations 16 Programming Design of the Program Structure Flowcharting Coding Testing Program Documentation 17 Implementing the System System Testing The System Test Plan Test Files File Conversion User Training Procedure Manuals Implementation 18 Maintenance Assignments and Responsibilities Types of Maintenance Work Revision Questions Part Four: Data Processing Today and in the Future 19 The Role of Data Processing Job Definitions The Data Processing Department within the Organization Organization of Work within the Data Processing Department Types of Projects Special Characteristics of Data Processing Work 20 Examples of Data Processing Applications Production Control System On-Line Sales Ledger System Information Retrieval System Real-Time Airline Seat Reservations System 21 The Social Impact of Computerized Data Processing Automation and the Quality of Life The Privacy Issue Appendix. Suppliers and Services Associations, Institutes and Societies The Central Computer Agency The Post Office Recruitment Agencies Leasing and Broking Companies Consultants and Software Houses Service Bureaux Technical Publications Suggested Further Reading Index