12/14/22, 11:16 PM IGCSE ICT - Types of Processing

The ICT Lounge

 
Section 7.7:  
Types of Processing
Data can be processed by a computer in three main ways. These are:
Key Concepts of this section:
1 Batch Processing # Understand the differences between the three main
2 Online Processing types of computer processing.
# Be able to discuss what each type of processing is
3 Real-time Processing typically used for and give examples.

Data Processing Key Words:

Processing, Sorting, Searching,
Querying, Converting
What is data processing?
# Data processing is when raw data is fed into a computer and then analysed and
changed into useful information. This useful information can be output and used.

# Examples of data processing include the following:

Sorting data (ascending / descending)

Searching / Querying data
Converting data into another form (e.g. numbers into graphs)
etc.....

Computers 'process' data

https://www.ictlounge.com/html/types_of_processing.htm 1/6
12/14/22, 11:16 PM IGCSE ICT - Types of Processing

Types of Processing Key Words:

Batch, Online, Real-time,

# As stated above, there are three different types of computer processing:

Batch Processing
Online Processing
Real-time Processing.

Batch Processing

https://www.ictlounge.com/html/types_of_processing.htm 2/6
12/14/22, 11:16 PM IGCSE ICT - Types of Processing

# This is where a number of similar jobs or tasks are collected together (batched)
and processed by a computer all at once rather than individually. Examples:

For example - producing electricity bills for consumers requires similar

calculations. These calculations can be batched together and
carried out all at once.

# The collected jobs are loaded into the computer by a human but from there the computer
takes over and finishes the processing without human intervention.

# Batch processing can take a long time to perform. This is due to the large number of Household bills are Batch Processed
jobs that are being processed.

Batch processing is not suitable for tasks that need to be processed right away.

# Batch processing is used in the following areas:

Producing bills (e.g. electricity, water, gas etc)

Payroll
Stock Control
Producing monthly credit card statements
Processing bank cheques.
Marking multiple choice examination papers

  Employee pay-slips are Batch Processed

Advantages / Disadvantages of Batch Processing  
Advantages Disadvantages

Jobs can be processed without a human Batched jobs can take a long time to
present. process.

Long jobs can be left processing overnight 'Batching' the input data to feed into
when everyone has gone home. the system can take a long time.

NOTE!
Examples of batch processing are discussed in greater detail in unit Multiple choice exams are Batch Processed
7.11 - Applications in Finance when marked

Online Processing
https://www.ictlounge.com/html/types_of_processing.htm 3/6
12/14/22, 11:16 PM IGCSE ICT - Types of Processing

# This type of processing is where a user communicates directly with the computer
system. Examples:
# When the user makes a change to the data stored in the computer, the system will
automatically update and re-process. This ensures that the system always contains
up-to-date information.

For example - Music Concert booking systems need to use online processing. This
is because the system needs to constantly recalculate how many
seats are left as people reserve their tickets.

If the system did not instantly update then people could be paying
for seats that are actually no longer available.

# Online processing is used in the following areas: Online processing automatically updates
 
Booking systems / Ticket reservations (airlines, cinema, theatre, concerts)
ATM's (recalculates how much money is left in the account)
Purchasing goods on the Internet (e.g. Amazon recalculates how many items
are left in stock)

Advantages / Disadvantages of Online Processing

Advantages Disadvantages

Processing is carried out automatically Needs virus/hacker security (especially Online processing allows systems to make sure
with no need for human supervision. for online booking systems). that concerts are not overbooked

Real-time Processing

https://www.ictlounge.com/html/types_of_processing.htm 4/6
12/14/22, 11:16 PM IGCSE ICT - Types of Processing

# Real-time processing is similar to Online processing in the sense that the computer system
automatically updates it's data as changes are made. Examples:
# The difference is that real-time processing often uses sensors rather than human
input in order to obtain it's data. Real-time processing is used with control systems.

# This type of processing is carried out in real-time (immediately). This means that the
computer responds to inputs without any delays.
   
  After processing is complete, the system will send instructions to 'control devices' telling
  them what to do.

# Real-time processing is used in the following areas:

Aircraft warning systems are updated immediately in
'real-time'
Warning systems on aircraft
Guiding missiles to their target (updates coordinates etc)
Automatic greenhouses
Burglar alarms
Alarm systems in hazardous zones (e.g. monitoring of radiation levels in
power stations)
Flood warning systems.

 
Advantages / Disadvantages of Real-Time Processing NOTE!
Advantages Disadvantages Real-time processing is used in
computer control and we covered
Can carry out jobs that humans are Very expensive to buy. this in greater detail in unit 7.4 -
unable to (e.g. monitoring radiation). Control Applications.
System failure can cost lives
(e.g. faulty airplane warning system)

Previous - Ways in which ICT is used - Next - Work-Based Communication

Part 2 main menu Applications

Links to Theory Units:

Section 1: Types and Components of Computer Systems Section 2: Input and Output Devices Section 3: Storage Devices and Media
Section 4: Computer Networks Section 5: Data Types Section 6: The Effects of Using ICT
Section 7: The Ways in which ICT is used Section 7: Part 2 Section 8: Systems Analysis and Design
 
Links to Practical Units:
https://www.ictlounge.com/html/types_of_processing.htm 5/6
12/14/22, 11:16 PM IGCSE ICT - Types of Processing

Section 9: Communication Section 10: Document Production Section 11: Data Manipulation
Section 12: Integration Section 13: Output Data Section 14: Data Analysis
Section 15: Web site Authoring Section 16: Presentation Authoring

Back to top

https://www.ictlounge.com/html/types_of_processing.htm 6/6