Chapter 1

1. Chapter 1 Data, information, knowledge and processing

2. Data, information and knowledge Data is made up of alphanumeric characters Information = data + structure + context + meaning Knowledge is the application and use of the information

3. Representationmethods Text (including writing) Graphics (including pictures) Sound (including voice) Moving pictures (animation or video) LED (sequence of lights)

4. Data types Boolean: true or false Real: numbers with decimals Integer: whole numbers Text/String: alphanumeric characters Date/Time

5. Sources of data Direct and indirect A direct source is where you have collected the data An indirect source is where someone else has collected it, either for the same or for a different purpose

6. Static and dynamic data Static data cannot be changed (e.g. CD-ROM) Dynamic data can be updated (e.g. web pages)

7. Quality of information Accuracy Relevance Age Completeness Presentation Level of detail

8. Encoding data Validation Ensures data entered is reasonable, complete, sensible and within acceptable boundaries This is achieved by: range checks type checks presence checks length checks picture checks

9. Encoding data Verification Ensures the source and object data are the same This is achieved by: proofreading computer verification

10. Back-up and archive Back-up is making a copy of the data Archive is removing the data from direct access

11. Cost of information Hardware: specialist equipment, such as scanner, camera, graphics tablet, etc. Software: desktop publishing or graphics software, etc. Personnel: new employees and the training of individuals Consumables: electricity, ink and paper

12. Input–process–output feedback loop Input: external data placed into the system Process: manipulating the data Storage: holding the data for later use Output: data being passed outside of the system Feedback: output influencing the input