Data Processing and Information

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the lecture on data processing and information.

Data

Raw numbers, letters, symbols, sounds or images with no meaning.

Information

Data that has been processed and given context and meaning, making it useful for analysis.

Direct Data Source

Data collected from a primary source for a specific purpose, not previously collected.

Indirect Data Source

Data collected from a secondary source that already existed for another purpose.

Data Logger

A device used to collect and record data from sensors.

Batch Processing

A method of processing data where transactions are collected over a time period and processed together.

Transaction Processing

A system that processes data transactions one at a time, immediately updating the master file.

Real-Time Processing

Processing that takes place instantly to meet real-world time deadlines, often used in control systems.

Encryption

The process of converting information into a code to prevent unauthorized access.

Symmetric Encryption

A type of encryption that uses the same key for both encryption and decryption.

Asymmetric Encryption

An encryption method that uses a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption.

Validation Check

A process to ensure that data entered into a system is sensible, reasonable, complete, and within acceptable limits.

Range Check

A validation method that sets boundaries to ensure data is within a specified range.

Checksum

A value used to verify the integrity of a file or data transfer.

Master File

A permanent file that stores the important data of an entity, used for transactions.

Transaction File

A temporary file that contains data for transactions to be processed.

Presence Check

A validation technique ensuring that a required field cannot be left blank.

Consistency Check

A type of check that verifies data entered is logically consistent across multiple fields.