input, processing, output, storage, feedback

data entered into system by:

• keyboard to manually enter data
• mouse to select from a list of options
• scanning a barcode
• using a optical mark reader
• MICR

examples

• data collected by a temperature sensor being automatically entered into a central heating system
• student grades entered into a school database

data is malipulated to produce meaningful information. includes a number of stages: sorting, searching, calculating and graphing

example

• sorting a list of customer data into alphabetical order

where information is presented to user in a sutiable format

example

• a printout of exam results from highest to lowest

information needs to be stored for use at a later datw. it can be stored at any stage of the process, fore example:

• after data has been input into a system, it may be stored without any changes being made to it
• output stage- films stored as DVD's

where the output from a system is fedback into the system in order to influence tyhe input

example

• when you try and withdraw too much money from a bank account a warning on the screen will appear and advise you it isn't possible and suggesting you try a smaller amount