Cadi Ayyad University

High School of Technology Essaouira

Pr. EL FILALI

Business Intelligence & Data Science

Professional Communication

DATA Processing

Data processing is the conversion of data into usable and desired form. This conversion or
“processing” is carried out using a predefined sequence of operations either manually or automatically.
Most of the processing is done by using computers and thus done automatically. The output or
“processed” data can be obtained in various forms. Examples of these forms include image, graph,
table, audio, charts or any other desired format. The form obtained depends on the software or method
of data processing used. When done itself, it is referred to as automatic data processing. Data center is
a key component as it enables processing of data, data storage, data access, data sharing and data
analysis etc.

One of the most significant developments in data processing that came about in response to business
needs was computer data storage and retrieval, or databases and database management systems. A
database is an organized collection of logically related data, which can be shared by different
computer programs known as application programs. A database management system (DBMS) is
a computer program that creates, maintains, and accesses the database. The database approach has
many advantages over simply storing data directly in computer programs. Database systems originated
in the late 1950s and early 1960s, have been developed in response to the needs of the business
community. Today, one of the most popular database and program combinations is the relational
database and the relational database management system (RDBMS).

With today's personal computers, many data processing applications developed for business use are
now routinely available to everyone. Some examples include spreadsheets, database programs, and
personal finance software. Although they can be used in other ways, spreadsheets were developed for
accounting and are basically automated ledger books. They utilize columns and rows to display
numbers and text, and allow calculations to be performed on the data. Some typical software packages
include Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, and QuatroPro. Database and database management systems are valuable
data processing tools. Oracle, MySQL, and Access are database programs readily available today.
Personal finance software such as Quicken or Money can help people manage money and budgets as
well as aid in calculating taxes.

Data processing is a vital function of business and personal computers, and the desire to find easier
ways to handle large amounts of numeric data was one of the major driving forces in the development
of the digital computer. Indeed, numeric calculations are the backbone of computer operations since
all operations are based on binary digits (0, 1), or simple numbers. Consequently, even when an
application is functioning as a "word processor," or a user is playing games, the computer is, in fact,
doing data processing.

1. Define at least 5 terms that you are unfamiliar with.

2. Summarize the text (in the summarizing process please concentrate on the following
elements: keep the most important ideas, paraphrase sentences using your own words, avoid
details, be concise and precise, proof read your work)
3. Do an online research about Data processing methods and bring your work with you the
class for discussion