SOFTWARE THAT ALLOWS PARTICIPANTS TO IMPORT DATA

Many software applications use data created or originally collected by other applications. The data is moved across for further processing in some other software application. For example, images are collected using a digital camera and then moved to a computer where they are edited using a graphics application. These images are then imported into a broad range of software applications, such as word processors, desktop publishing applications and HTML editors. Data held in databases is often moved to or imported into other applications for specialised processing. For example, word processors use databases when mail merging to create personalised letters.

Spreadsheets import data from databases so they can perform statistical analysis or create charts. Web browsers in combination with search engines are used to locate and download data over the Internet. This data can then be used by other software applications. In essence, the destination software application is collecting existing data created by another application.

Importing data often, but not always, involves altering the organisation of the data to suit the needs of the destination software application. Therefore, although importing is essentially a collecting process, it often includes organising and perhaps other information processes as sub-processes. For example, if a photograph is to be used on a web page then the image would likely be resized, compressed and saved using the JPEG format. In this case the conversion changes the data and its file format so both processing and organising processes are performed by the graphics application. The HTML editor imports the resulting JPEG image file without altering its content or organisation. In other cases the source application exports the data in a format understood by both applications. In this case both the source and destination applications reorganise the data. For instance, many database management systems (DBMSs) are able to output delimited text files. These text files can be imported into spreadsheets. In this case, the DBMS converts or reorganises the data from its native format to create the delimited text file. The spreadsheet performs a conversion from the text format to reorganise the data into its own format. There are also scenarios where just the destination or importing application performs the conversion. For example, most word processors include the ability to import files that are in the native format of other word processors – for instance, Microsoft Word can import files in WordPerfect format. In this case Microsoft Word performs the reorganisation as it imports or collects the WordPerfect file.

Web browser and search engines used to locate and download Internet data.

Web browsers are software applications used to collect data and information from web servers. The problem is not so much actually getting the information from the web server to your browser, rather the problem is to locate the web server that holds the information you require. Search engines are websites dedicated to assisting in the task of locating information on the World Wide Web. When using a search engine you are not directly searching the web, rather the search engine queries its own database for possible URLs of relevant web sites. When suitable data or information is located on a website it can be collected by copying and pasting, downloading files or by saving the HTML code. When collecting data in this way it is difficult to control the format of the data and even more difficult to reliably assess its integrity.

GROUP TASK Discussion

Why is it difficult to control the format and assess the integrity of data collected directly from the web using a web browser? Discuss.

SET 3C

1. Software is:

(A) all the components of an information.

(B) instructions that collect data from the environment.

(C) the instructions that control and direct the operation of the hardware.

(D) programs that solve a specific problem.

2. A program that provides an interface between a peripheral device and the operating system is called:

(A) a HID.

(B) a utility program.

(C) application software.

(D) a device driver.

3. Which of the following statements is FALSE?

(A) Data usually travels from the collection device through the device driver and then to the software application.

(B) The operating system directs data from the device driver to the software application.

(C) Software applications usually communicate directly with collection devices.

(D) Most hardware can only communicate with the operating system via their device driver.

4. Data that accurately reflects its source, is said to have high levels of:

(A) data validation.

(B) data integrity.

(C) data security.

(D) data verification.

5. The phrase ‘self-validating screen component’ means:

(A) the user is unable to enter inaccurate data.

(B) the data entered can never cause an error.

(C) it is only possible to enter reasonable and valid data items.

(D) the data entered will always be correct.

6. After completing a web-based form the user is presented with a screen asking them to confirm that the data entered is correct. This is an example of:

(A) data validation.

(B) data integrity.

(C) data verification.

(D) data accuracy.

7. The user interface can be best described as:

(A) all of the various screens displayed during execution of software.

(B) the instructions used to control the collection of data into software.

(C) the means by which users interact with software. This includes the display of information for the user.

(D) The design and placement of components on screens.

8. To import data from a source application to a destination application requires:

(A) the data to be in a format that both applications can understand.

(B) the data to be reorganised by the importing application.

(C) requires the source application to reorganise the data into a format the destination application can read.

(D) both applications to be installed on the user’s system.

9. PHP is used because:

(A) it ensures all users view identical data in an identical format.

(B) it allows web pages to be adjusted automatically to suit the individual user.

(C) users do not require any extra software, apart from a browser to view web pages.

(D) Both (B) and (C).

10. A user interface should include all of the following features EXCEPT?

(A) Consistency of design.

(B) Feedback after every user action.

(C) Bright colours and fonts to attract attention.

(D) A method of reversing dangerous actions.

Refer to the following screen when answering questions 11, 12 and 13.

11. Identify and describe any self-validating components on the above screen.

12. Identify and describe aspects of the above screen that provide feedback to the user.

13. Critically evaluate the above screen. As part of your evaluation include practical suggestions that would improve the design.

14. Describe how software interfaces with hardware collection devices.

15. Collecting data using the Internet involves many of the seven syllabus information processes.

Describe the process of collecting data using the services of an Internet search engine in terms of the seven information processes.