1. AS Computing 5.3.3 Handling of data in information system

2. Manual data input method Example: Each year, school process a lot enrolment forms. These forms are then processed by school secretaries. This is an example of manual data input system. The data is collected first and then it is entered in via a keyboard by the secretaries. It is not ‘entered’ in to the computer by ‘feeding’ the data into the computer automatically using MICR, or any other automatic methods.

3. Keyboard Practically all computers have QWERTY keyboard and these devices can therefore be used to enter data. They are very efficient in the right hands and not so efficient if a user has limited training. They can be very slow and mistakes are easy to make, although software tools can automatically fix many of them. There is a health and safety problem for people who use then all the time. An important consideration for this kind of manual data input is the design of the form on the computer screen along with the paper-based data collection form.

4. Touch-sensitive keyboards and concept keyboards A Concept Keyboard is a flat, touch sensitive board, usually A3 or A4 in size, that you can plug into your computer and use as an addition to the QWERTY keyboard. They can be used in fast food restaurants, operators simply press on pictures on the keyboard. They can be used to customise keyboard because some touch-sensitive keyboards allow you to program what you want to happen when an area is pressed.

5. Touch screen A touch screen enables a user to touch their VDU screen to make selections. Touch screens allow very fast selections from choices. They could be used in places where people need to find out information but may have zero computer skill, for example, an information system in a library or a museum.

6. Graphics tablets These are touch-sensitive pads that allow you to ‘draw’ on them with a stylus. The pressure from the stylus on the pad is sent to the computer, which reproduces what was done on the pad in a drawing program or CAD program. These types of data input devices are far more natural for designers to use than trying to use a keyboard and mouse to draw with.