Data Input

Printed questionnaires- The best method of data input would be a keyboard and mouse. One can enter many types of data and use the mouse to click, drop and drag symbols or other pieces of data that will help develop any specific design one needs. There are also many software programs available to help one design the appropriate format still using the keyboard and mouse.

Telephone survey – A voice input device would work well for phone surveys in that one could prepare a specific survey and set up the device for voice recognition. When using voice recognition a person would answer the questions as designed. i.e. the questions may be set up to be multiple choices, so the party answering would have a select amount of choices to choose from. Voice recognition bank checks – MICR is an input device that would work well for banking documents. The most common use is processing checks. The magnetic ink in encoded with the amount of the check and is processes quickly, read and stored on a disk. Even if the check gets a little mutilated it is common that the magnetic strip is still readable. (Computer Principles, 2006)Retail tags – POS devices are best when wanting to use retail tags to identify the item the store stocks or the customer purchases. The POS device may be a barcode scanner that contains information about a specific item and the cost. This data is entered into the computer system then assigned a bar code that reads all the data specified for the product. This information can help a company keep track of sales of specific items and can also track inventory.

Long documents – When inputting data that is very large the best method would be an Optical Data Reader. This type of scanner recognizes characters and with the software that is available the characters can be translated into digital data. (University of Phoenix, 2006). I can think of one place that would truly use this type of input devise and that would be mortgage companies. Many of us have purchased a home during our lifetime and the paper work that is involved in the transactions is extensive so being able to scan documents is an easy way for the company to make changes without having to redo the entire document.

Convenience and quality of output are important. Explain what method of output would be best for each of the following situations and explain why: Hand held computer – This output device can be used to transmit information that one may want to send in forms such as an e-mail or text message. A hand held computer can be used remotely to synchronize ones messages, keep and schedule appointments. When traveling on business or pleasure one can always be in touch with anyone, anywhere, because of the computers wireless capabilities. Some hand held computers may have a camera so one can take pictures and enables one to send the photo wireless. With the built in keyboard the hand held computer is a mini version of the personal PC.

Color photograph – The best output device for a color photograph is a color photo printer. A color photo printer uses special pigment inks that give photos the vibrant color that is expected and dries quickly. The photo printer has more precise color accuracy then a standard color printer, and if one has the right photo printer and software the printer can also detect red eye in a portrait photo and automatically correct the color.

Resume – An appropriate output device for a resume would be a hard disk. No matter where one is whether work or traveling having a resume handy on a hard disk is a quick and easy way of sending information to a potential employer.

Memorandum – E-mail is the best output device for a memorandum. One enters the message to convey and sends the information via e-mail to the intended audience. This saves time and money and is a much quicker way of communicating.

Statistical report – Using information from other computers CPU’s the transferring of data is used to compile a statistical report. There can be a few methods of output; the first being in spreadsheet form then converted to a chart where the statistical report can be illustrated on an overhead projector; another method of output would be to print off the information for distribution.

Company annual report – With the need to go paperless most company’s annual report is set up on the company’s intranet. This would be the best form of output because of the cost savings in the printing and mailing of the report.

Different types of storage devices are optimal for different situations. Explain what situations are appropriate for the following