Topic 1 Data

Topic 1 Data

1. Keywords and Definitions

   • GIGO
     • Abbreviation for garbage in garbage out.
   • Data
     • Raw facts and figures with no meaning.
   • Processing
     • Data is processed by a computer. Performs caculations/arranging the data into a meaningful order.
   • Information
     • Data that has been processed by a computer.
   • Knowledge
     • Derived from information by applying rules to it.
   • Encoding
     • Assigning codes to the data reducing its size.

2. Examples

   • Dat + Context + Meaning = Information
   • Data can be numbers, words, images or sound.
   • Processing example would be working out an athelete's average age over 3 years.
   • 99=Data, £99 price of a TV=Information, I only have £90 therefore i do not have enough money to buy this TV=Knowledge.
   • Encoding: Small=S, Medium=M, Large=L
   • GIGO means if rubbish is put into the computer, Rubbish will come out.

3. Advantages and Disadvantages

   • Encoding
     • A: Takes up less storage space, easily transferable, easier to back.
     • D: Easily stolen, training needed, security problem, viruses ect.

4. Typical Exam Questions and Answers

   • Give 3 types of data. (3 marks)
     • Images.
     • Sound.
     • Numbers.
   • Describe 2 reasons why data is encoded. (2 marks)
     • Encoded data takes up less storage space.
     • Encoded data is faster to access.
   • Explain the meaning of the term GIGO? (2 marks)
     • Garbage In Garbage Out
     • Inaccurate data put in, inaccurate data put out.