Transforming Data into Information

Transforming Data into Information

Courtney Sumpter

PRG/211

March 2014

Edwin Torres

Transforming data into information is an important part in the decision making process in a business as well as life. In order to make a good decision, one must process data received from various places and convert the data into information. Throughout this paper, it will contain information on how this is done, along with the input, processing and output of data. Also additional information will be covered about, the various computer components, the definition of data and information, the application program along with the operating system, higher language, machine code, and lastly graphical versus mathematical or statistical output.

Input, processing, and output are the basic beginnings of turning data into information. When creating any program for any type of information, the first step is to input the data we have received and needed for the program. The data could be for any type of situation, such as how many customers have purchased a certain product or have they been satisfied with the product. This type of information is received due to the customer feedback data. Once this data is input into program writing software, it then must be processed into computer language to give you the information you require. The input and processing portion is very important in the program writing evolution, as it is where the bulk of your work will be completed. Once the data has been processed, you will receive the output information. This is where your information will come from.

The computer’s inner components will allow one to complete tasks of running programs. The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is essentially the brain of the computer. The CPU processes data in the software programs and executes it for the user. The memory, or RAM, in a computer is the temporary or short-term memory. The RAM allows you to open or close programs with more speed. The hard-drive in a computer is for storing all of the programs and files. All of this is combined, allows one to run a computer program with speed and efficiency. The computer’s hardware is stored on the computer’s hard-drive, and when it becomes outdated the user is able to re-program with new in-memory instructions.

Data is used in the three step process of input, processing, and output. Data is known as information output by a sensing device that includes both useful and irrelevant information that must be processed to be meaningful. In an easier explanation, "data is unorganized facts that need to be processed. Data can be simple and seemingly random and useless until it is organized. When data is processed, organized, and structured or presented in a given