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Differences between data and information
The interchange of the words data and information is widespread, but M150 should help you to develop a clearer understanding of the differences between the two.
Data
* Facts, statistics used for reference or analysis.
* Numbers, characters, symbols, images etc., which can be processed by a computer.
* Data must be interpreted, by a human or machine, to derive meaning
* "Data is a representation of information" *
* Latin 'datum' meaning "that which is given"
* Data plural, datum singular (M150 adopts the general use of data as singular. Not everyone agrees.)
Information
* Knowledge derived from study, experience (by the senses), or instruction.
* Communication of intelligence.
* "Information is any kind of knowledge that is exchangeable amongst people, about things, facts, concepts, etc., in some context." *
* "Information is interpreted data" *
Saturday, June 5, 2010
DBMS
A Database Management System (DBMS) is a set of computer programs that controls the creation, maintenance, and the use of the database with computer as a platform or of an organization and its end users. It allows organizations to place control of organization-wide database development in the hands of database administrators (DBAs) and other specialists. A DBMS is a system software package that helps the use of integrated collection of data records and files known as databases. It allows different user application programs to easily access the same database. DBMSs may use any of a variety of database models, such as the network model or relational model. In large systems, a DBMS allows users and other software to store and retrieve data in a structured way. Instead of having to write computer programs to extract information, user can ask simple questions in a query language. Thus, many DBMS packages provide Fourth-generation programming language (4GLs) and other application development features. It helps to specify the logical organization for a database and access and use the information within a database. It provides facilities for controlling data access, enforcing data integrity, managing concurrency controlled, restoring database.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Using the SUM Feature of MS EXCEL
Using the SUM Function
The SUM function in Excel is specifically designed to add values from different ranges. The SUM Function can be typed into a cell in Excel, or inserted via the Insert Function tool to the left of your Formula bar. The syntax of the SUM Function is SUM(number1,number2, ...). SUM is the function name, and contained within the brackets are "arguments", or the pieces of information that Excel requires to complete the Function. The SUM function allows from 1 to 30 arguments (number 1, number ....) for which you require the total value or SUM.
Using Ctrl to Mark Cells
If you wish to add cells that are non-contiguous (not joined together), type in your function =SUM( click in the first cell you wish to add. Hold down your Ctrl key and click in all other cells you wish to add up, then type in a ). Typing in a comma instead of selecting with your Ctrl key also works just as efficiently as well.
Using SUM to Add a Range from a Different Worksheet.
You can easily use SUM to add up the same range in different worksheets. Click in the cell you want the result of your addition in, then holding down the Shift key, click on the next worksheet that you wish to include in your calculation and highlight the range to be used, then click Enter.
One thing to note here however, is that if you insert a worksheet in the middle of the range that you have told the SUM function to add, then the same range on that worksheet will be included in your sum.
TIP! If you wish to force any new inserted worksheets to be included in the SUM range, try this. insert a blank worksheet at the beginning of your sheets in your workbook, and a blank sheet at the end. Now in the cell that you wish the result of your addition to appear in type in =SUM( and then click on the new first blank worksheet and highlight the range you require to be added in all worksheets.
Hold down your Shift key and click on the new last blank worksheet, then close your bracket ) and hit enter. Now hide the first sheet and the last sheet by going to Format>Sheet>Hide. This will force any new worksheets to be included in the SUM range as all new worksheets will be between the 2 blank ones.
The SUM function in Excel is specifically designed to add values from different ranges. The SUM Function can be typed into a cell in Excel, or inserted via the Insert Function tool to the left of your Formula bar. The syntax of the SUM Function is SUM(number1,number2, ...). SUM is the function name, and contained within the brackets are "arguments", or the pieces of information that Excel requires to complete the Function. The SUM function allows from 1 to 30 arguments (number 1, number ....) for which you require the total value or SUM.
Using Ctrl to Mark Cells
If you wish to add cells that are non-contiguous (not joined together), type in your function =SUM( click in the first cell you wish to add. Hold down your Ctrl key and click in all other cells you wish to add up, then type in a ). Typing in a comma instead of selecting with your Ctrl key also works just as efficiently as well.
Using SUM to Add a Range from a Different Worksheet.
You can easily use SUM to add up the same range in different worksheets. Click in the cell you want the result of your addition in, then holding down the Shift key, click on the next worksheet that you wish to include in your calculation and highlight the range to be used, then click Enter.
One thing to note here however, is that if you insert a worksheet in the middle of the range that you have told the SUM function to add, then the same range on that worksheet will be included in your sum.
TIP! If you wish to force any new inserted worksheets to be included in the SUM range, try this. insert a blank worksheet at the beginning of your sheets in your workbook, and a blank sheet at the end. Now in the cell that you wish the result of your addition to appear in type in =SUM( and then click on the new first blank worksheet and highlight the range you require to be added in all worksheets.
Hold down your Shift key and click on the new last blank worksheet, then close your bracket ) and hit enter. Now hide the first sheet and the last sheet by going to Format>Sheet>Hide. This will force any new worksheets to be included in the SUM range as all new worksheets will be between the 2 blank ones.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Computer, Types , Functions
• Computer:
A computer is an electronic device that processs data, converting it into information that is useful to people. Any computer is controlle by programmed instructions, which give the machine a purpose and guide it what to do.
•
• •
•
• The first step of solving a problem a a computsfs is to develop a computer program and them store it in the memory. The computer them executes the instructions in the program. The instructions generally direct the computer to perform three basic functions over and over again; these are processing, output. Collectively, these functions constitute the data processing cycle.
• Input: Input devices feed the computer facts or data to be processed.
• Processing: The control and storing of data, numerical comparisons and arithmetic operations are performed on the input data to produce the results.
• Output: The computer feeds the processed data or information to the output devices.
A computer reads a program and stores it in the memory and executes instructions to:
• Input data from disk, keyboard, and other storage media.
• Process data and
• Output results to display screen, disk or other media.
A computer is an electronic device that processs data, converting it into information that is useful to people. Any computer is controlle by programmed instructions, which give the machine a purpose and guide it what to do.
•
• •
•
• The first step of solving a problem a a computsfs is to develop a computer program and them store it in the memory. The computer them executes the instructions in the program. The instructions generally direct the computer to perform three basic functions over and over again; these are processing, output. Collectively, these functions constitute the data processing cycle.
• Input: Input devices feed the computer facts or data to be processed.
• Processing: The control and storing of data, numerical comparisons and arithmetic operations are performed on the input data to produce the results.
• Output: The computer feeds the processed data or information to the output devices.
A computer reads a program and stores it in the memory and executes instructions to:
• Input data from disk, keyboard, and other storage media.
• Process data and
• Output results to display screen, disk or other media.
Mini Computer v Micro Computer
Mini Computer which is great/large than micro computer but smaller than mainframe computer is called Mini Computer. Certainly it can be set up on a medium scale table; its weight is not more than 25 kg, Terminal facilities are avialable here.
Mini computer is also used is statistical and Banking purposes.
Example-IBM S/34, IBM S/36, IBM AS/400 etc.
Mini computer is also used is statistical and Banking purposes.
Example-IBM S/34, IBM S/36, IBM AS/400 etc.
Computer Generations
Development over the years have resulted in machines with greatly increased speeds, storage, memory, and computing power. The developments were so far-reaching and numerous that they are generally categorized by generations. Each generation is initiated by significant advances in computer hardware or computer software.
• First Generation (1942-1959): First-generation computers utilized vacuum tubes in their circuitry and for storage of data and instructions. The vacuum tube was bully, caused tremendous heat problems, and was never a reliable device, it caused a great number of breakdowns and inefficient operations. [Magnetic cords began to replace vacuum tubes as the principal memory device in the early machine. Small doughnut-shaped cores were strung on wires within the computer.] Programs were written in machine language employing combinations of 0 and 1. Examples of first generation computers are IBM 650, IBM 7O4, IBM 705, IBM 709, Mark II, Mark III etc.
• Second Generation (1960-1965) The second generation computers raw the replacement of the vacuum tubes by transistor can be thought of as a switch, but no moving parts. Because of high speed operation and small size, computers of this generation could perform a single operation in microseconds and were capable of storing tens of thousands of characters. [Manufactures began producing business-oriented computers with more efficient storage and faster input and output capabilities. Second generation computers efficient storage and faster input and output capabilities. Second generation computers were reliable, compact in size, virtually free of heat problems.] Programming was done in both machine and symbolic languages. Symbolic languages utilize symbolic names for computer commands and allow the use of symbolic names for items of data. This language is also known as assembly language. Examples of second generation computers are: IBM 1400, CDC 1604, RCA 501, NCR 300, GE 200, IBM 1600 etc.
• Third Generation (1965-1971) These computers were characterized by integrated circuits with component so small that in many cases they were hardly visible to the naked eye. Third generation computers wre characterized by increased input/output, storage, and processing capabilities. Input/output devices could communicate with computers over distances via ordinary telephone lines or could scan a said and input the information directly into the computer even accept voice input.
Storage capabilities wre increased and millions of characters could be stored and randomly accesssed in fractions of a second. Third-generation computers could process instructions in nanoseconds. In addition, computers were able to process several programs or sets of instructions simultaneously. Programmmers were able to make use of high-level problem oriented and procedure oriented languages that closely resembles the commonly used form of expressions. Examples of third generation computers are IBM 360, IBM 370, PDP-8, PDP-11, GE 600 etc.
• Fourth Generation (1972-Present) The fourth generation computers posses still greater input/output, storage, and processing capabilities. In the fourth generation computers, semiconductor storage devices were introduced. In the early 1970s IBM introduced the concept of virtual storage into their 5000 and 370 series of computers. Machines previously limited to a maximum internal storage capability in billions and trillions of characters. With this capability a machine could execute a program many times the size of the machine's actual memory. Microcomputers using microprocessors as the CPU proliferated in the fourth generation.
Now a days, the compact disk (CD) promises to become the data storage medium of choice. A compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) is encoded with on and off bits. Bits are stored on the disk's (3.5-inch diameter) aluminum surface as tiny pits at varying depths. The average CD can store about 4,800 million bits or 600 million characters of data. This is approximately a quarter of a million pages of text.
The most impressive advancement has occured in software. As a result of these changes, access to substantial computer power, previously only affordable by very large business concerns, is now economically feasible for small business and personal applications. Personal computers are examples of fourth generation microcomputers.
• Fifth Generation
Fifth generation of computers is yet to come. They will be capable of reasoning, learning, making inferences and behaving in ways usually considered exclusive of humans. These computers will be drugsed with massive primary-storage capabilities and extremely fast processing speeds. Software will proliferate and get much bigger. Hardware will continue to shrink in size but internal memory will increase dramatically. "Talking machines" will be common place. Voice-recognition, the ability for a machine to understand and obey spoken words will be developed. Industrial and personal robots will roll and wall. Experts systems software will place the knowledge of experts and consultants (such as doctors, lawyers and teachers) as the disposal of general power of an inconceivable magnitude. Artificial intelligence will be used extensively to enhance the system behavior in the future.
• First Generation (1942-1959): First-generation computers utilized vacuum tubes in their circuitry and for storage of data and instructions. The vacuum tube was bully, caused tremendous heat problems, and was never a reliable device, it caused a great number of breakdowns and inefficient operations. [Magnetic cords began to replace vacuum tubes as the principal memory device in the early machine. Small doughnut-shaped cores were strung on wires within the computer.] Programs were written in machine language employing combinations of 0 and 1. Examples of first generation computers are IBM 650, IBM 7O4, IBM 705, IBM 709, Mark II, Mark III etc.
• Second Generation (1960-1965) The second generation computers raw the replacement of the vacuum tubes by transistor can be thought of as a switch, but no moving parts. Because of high speed operation and small size, computers of this generation could perform a single operation in microseconds and were capable of storing tens of thousands of characters. [Manufactures began producing business-oriented computers with more efficient storage and faster input and output capabilities. Second generation computers efficient storage and faster input and output capabilities. Second generation computers were reliable, compact in size, virtually free of heat problems.] Programming was done in both machine and symbolic languages. Symbolic languages utilize symbolic names for computer commands and allow the use of symbolic names for items of data. This language is also known as assembly language. Examples of second generation computers are: IBM 1400, CDC 1604, RCA 501, NCR 300, GE 200, IBM 1600 etc.
• Third Generation (1965-1971) These computers were characterized by integrated circuits with component so small that in many cases they were hardly visible to the naked eye. Third generation computers wre characterized by increased input/output, storage, and processing capabilities. Input/output devices could communicate with computers over distances via ordinary telephone lines or could scan a said and input the information directly into the computer even accept voice input.
Storage capabilities wre increased and millions of characters could be stored and randomly accesssed in fractions of a second. Third-generation computers could process instructions in nanoseconds. In addition, computers were able to process several programs or sets of instructions simultaneously. Programmmers were able to make use of high-level problem oriented and procedure oriented languages that closely resembles the commonly used form of expressions. Examples of third generation computers are IBM 360, IBM 370, PDP-8, PDP-11, GE 600 etc.
• Fourth Generation (1972-Present) The fourth generation computers posses still greater input/output, storage, and processing capabilities. In the fourth generation computers, semiconductor storage devices were introduced. In the early 1970s IBM introduced the concept of virtual storage into their 5000 and 370 series of computers. Machines previously limited to a maximum internal storage capability in billions and trillions of characters. With this capability a machine could execute a program many times the size of the machine's actual memory. Microcomputers using microprocessors as the CPU proliferated in the fourth generation.
Now a days, the compact disk (CD) promises to become the data storage medium of choice. A compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) is encoded with on and off bits. Bits are stored on the disk's (3.5-inch diameter) aluminum surface as tiny pits at varying depths. The average CD can store about 4,800 million bits or 600 million characters of data. This is approximately a quarter of a million pages of text.
The most impressive advancement has occured in software. As a result of these changes, access to substantial computer power, previously only affordable by very large business concerns, is now economically feasible for small business and personal applications. Personal computers are examples of fourth generation microcomputers.
• Fifth Generation
Fifth generation of computers is yet to come. They will be capable of reasoning, learning, making inferences and behaving in ways usually considered exclusive of humans. These computers will be drugsed with massive primary-storage capabilities and extremely fast processing speeds. Software will proliferate and get much bigger. Hardware will continue to shrink in size but internal memory will increase dramatically. "Talking machines" will be common place. Voice-recognition, the ability for a machine to understand and obey spoken words will be developed. Industrial and personal robots will roll and wall. Experts systems software will place the knowledge of experts and consultants (such as doctors, lawyers and teachers) as the disposal of general power of an inconceivable magnitude. Artificial intelligence will be used extensively to enhance the system behavior in the future.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
OS, Components, Functions/Tasks
Operating System
An operating system is a software system. It acts as an interface between a user of a computer and the computer hardware. The operating system provides an environment in which a user may execute programs. The goals of an operating system are to :
Make the computer system convenient for users.
Make the efficient use of the computer hardware.
An operating system is an important part of a computer system. A computer can be viewed to have four components :
Hardware (CPU, memory, I/O devices etc.)
Operating system
Application programs (compilers, database systems, video games, business programs etc.)
Users (people, machines or other computers).
The Tasks of an Operating System
The most important task of an operating system is to process commands and to provide coordination between different processing tasks.
Processing Commands: The operating system interprets instructions entered through the keyboard. When one uses an application program, the program's commands are interpreted by the operating system.
Multitasking: Modern operating system allow to multitask, that is, to perform multiple tasks, at the same time with different programs.
Multithreading: Most application process data and commands sequentially, i.e., when one task is finished they begin another. The application therefore follows a single thread from the begining of a session to the end and individual operations are strung like beads on a necklace.
Multi-user Support: Some operating systems are designed so that many users can be connected to the system at the same time. Multi-user operating systems are also multitasking because the multiple users run their programs at the same time.
Multiprocessor Support: Some application need huge processing power. Some operating systems support multiple processors-in some cases hundreds or even more.
Miscellaneous Tasks: In addition to the processing tasks discussed, an operating system also performs the following tasks:
The operating system continually monitors the system and if it detects something wrong, it outputs an error message.
The operating system manages the use of memory and stop each programs in its own protected space so that a problem with one program will not affect others.
The operating system allocates peripheral devices for different tasks.
To conserve power, power management cuts power at those times when it is not needed.
Management file stored on disks.
An operating system is a software system. It acts as an interface between a user of a computer and the computer hardware. The operating system provides an environment in which a user may execute programs. The goals of an operating system are to :
Make the computer system convenient for users.
Make the efficient use of the computer hardware.
An operating system is an important part of a computer system. A computer can be viewed to have four components :
Hardware (CPU, memory, I/O devices etc.)
Operating system
Application programs (compilers, database systems, video games, business programs etc.)
Users (people, machines or other computers).
The Tasks of an Operating System
The most important task of an operating system is to process commands and to provide coordination between different processing tasks.
Processing Commands: The operating system interprets instructions entered through the keyboard. When one uses an application program, the program's commands are interpreted by the operating system.
Multitasking: Modern operating system allow to multitask, that is, to perform multiple tasks, at the same time with different programs.
Multithreading: Most application process data and commands sequentially, i.e., when one task is finished they begin another. The application therefore follows a single thread from the begining of a session to the end and individual operations are strung like beads on a necklace.
Multi-user Support: Some operating systems are designed so that many users can be connected to the system at the same time. Multi-user operating systems are also multitasking because the multiple users run their programs at the same time.
Multiprocessor Support: Some application need huge processing power. Some operating systems support multiple processors-in some cases hundreds or even more.
Miscellaneous Tasks: In addition to the processing tasks discussed, an operating system also performs the following tasks:
The operating system continually monitors the system and if it detects something wrong, it outputs an error message.
The operating system manages the use of memory and stop each programs in its own protected space so that a problem with one program will not affect others.
The operating system allocates peripheral devices for different tasks.
To conserve power, power management cuts power at those times when it is not needed.
Management file stored on disks.
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