Data and information in digital organisation

What is Data

Data is a stream of raw facts representing things or events that have happened.

In ICT, we usually say that data is made up from four basic types:

• Numbers

• Text

• Images

• Sound

Storing Data

Inside the computer, however, all data is stored as numbers:

• Numbers – are stored as numbers, obviously!

• Text characters are stored as a code that represents each – e.g. ASCII

• Images are stored as numbers representing the amounts of red, green and blue for each pixel

• Sounds are stored as numbers representing the loudness at given intervals

How are the numbers represented

All data types are transformed into a uniform representation when they are stored in a computer and transformed back to their original form when retrieved. This universal representation is called a bit pattern.

Bits and Bytes

• Each of the 0s and 1s is called a bit – binary digit

• Eight bits together form a byte

• The longest number a computer can handle in one go is called a word – e.g. a 32-bit computer has a 32-bit word length

• 1024 bytes is a kilobyte, 1024 kilobytes is a megabyte, 1024 megabytes is a gigabyte, etc.

Storage of different data types

Storing Numbers

A number is changed to the binary system before being stored in the computer memory. For e.g. 39 is stored as:

Binary equivalent of 39 is : 100111

2 39 1

2 19 1

2 9 1

2 4 0

2 2 0

1

Storing Text

A section of text in any language is a sequence of symbols A section of text in any language is a sequence of symbols used to represent an idea in that language. used to represent an idea in that language.

To store text and symbols we use the ASCII codes which To store text and symbols we use the ASCII codes which is further coded to binary equivalent.is further coded to binary equivalent.

For example: For example: Text such as “CATS”, which is made up from four Text such as “CATS”, which is made up from four symbols, can be represented as four n-bit patterns, each pattern symbols, can be represented as four n-bit patterns, each pattern defining a single symbol and having certain numeric value in defining a single symbol and having certain numeric value in ASCII.ASCII...

Storing Audio

Audio is not countable and Continuous data, Audio is an Audio is not countable and Continuous data, Audio is an example of example of analog dataanalog data. .

For audio For audio we select only a finite number of points on the analog signal, measure their values, and record them, this records are known as sample.

The quantized sample values need to be encoded as bit patterns, to store in computer memory.

Storing Images

Images are stored in computers using two Images are stored in computers using two different techniques: different techniques: Raster graphics and and Vector graphics.

These graphics are stored in form of These graphics are stored in form of PixelPixel, Pixel , Pixel is picture element.is picture element.

To store Pixel there be a certain bit pattern.To store Pixel there be a certain bit pattern.

Information

• Information is data that has been processed to make it meaningful and useful

• Data + Meaning = Information

• For storing Information in digital organization we require a tool called database.

Database

A centralized and structured set of data stored on a computer system.

The database provides facilities for retrieving, adding, modifying and deleting the data when required.

A database is usually managed by a Database Administrator (DBA).

Traditional Database are organized by fields, records and files.

Data Management

Without data and the ability to process it, an organization could not successfully complete most business activities

Data consists of raw factsFor data to be transformed

into useful information, it must first be organized in a meaningful way

Digital Information Systems

Digital information system (DIS): single set of hardware, software, databases, telecommunications, people, and procedures configured to collect, manipulate, store, and process data into information

DIS components– Hardware: computer equipment used to perform input, processing, and

output activities– Software: computer programs that govern the operation of the computer– Database: organized collection of facts and information– Telecommunications: electronic transmission of signals for

communications– Networks: connect computers and equipment in a building, around the

country, and around the world

Business Information Systems

Most common types of information systems used in business organizations

E-commerce: any business transaction executed electronically between parties

Transaction processing system (TPS): organized collection of people, software, databases, and devices used to record completed business transactions

Management Information Systems (MIS): provide routine information to managers and decision makers

Decision support system (DSS) : used to support problem-specific decision making

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