Date: 02/02/2024 The

CanvasBox

1. Concepts of ICT - Part 1

Content
Basics of Information and Their Characteristics

Creating, Disseminating, and Managing Data and Information

Abstract Model of Information Creation

1.1 Basics of Information and Their Characteristics

1.1.1 Life Cycle of Data
The process of converting data into information is classified into several sections. It is so divided according to
the tasks performed in each section. Those steps are identified as the life cycle of data processing.

Data creation
Management
Removal of Obsolete Data

1.1.2 Data Vs Information

Data
The basic facts that can be expressed quantitatively or qualitatively even though they cannot be used for
decision-making are known as data.

Data may exist in several ways such as,

Letters
Numbers
Pictures
Sounds
Shapes
Mainly, data can be divided into two types as follows.

1. Quantitative Data
2. Qualitative Data
Quantitative data

Any data we can mention using measurement units such as length, height, area, volume, weight, speed,
temperature, sound levels, or cost is called quantitative data. Quantitative data can be used for calculations,
and counts and can be expressed in numerical terms. Quantitative data can be classified into two continuous
and discrete data. Whole numbers such as 5,6 can be given as examples for discrete data. Values such as 3.265,
mass, height, length, time, date, and age can be given as examples for continuous data.

Qualitative data

The data that provides insights and understanding about a particular problem and that can be approximated
but cannot be computed are known as qualitative data. The facts that cannot be expressed quantitatively but
can be expressed qualitatively belong to this category. The health condition of a person, shape, or color of
something can be mentioned as examples for qualitative data. Qualitative data can be expressed using;

Images
Symbols
Documents

Characteristics of Data

Can be collected and stored.

Can be carried (transmitted) from one place to another place using a communication system.
Can be processed. (Mathematical operations, Analyzing, etc.)

1.1.3 Information
Information is a kind of data that has been processed in such a way as to be meaningful to the person or
organization who receives it. Information obtained after processing data. They are meaningful and can be
used for the decision-making process.

Comparison Data Information

Definition Data is raw, unorganized facts When data is processed,

that are required to be organized, structured, or
processed presented in a given context to
make it useful, it is called
information

Usability Useless (Meaningless) until it is Meaningful and can be used for

organized or process decision-making

The process of converting data into information is called the processing of data.
Data Processing Methods

1. Manual data processing

2. Mechanical data processing
3. Electronic data processing

1.1.4 Characteristics of Information

1. Availability (Accessibility)
2. Accuracy
3. Reliability
4. Relevance
5. Completeness
6. Level of detail/Conciseness
7. Presentation
8. Timeliness

The value of the information is decided according to its freshness. Information has a maximum value at the
time it is created or released. This is called the Golden Rule of Information. This means the value of
information decreases along with the time.

1.1.5 The Need to Handle Large Volumes and Other Complexities of Data
Big Data

Big data is data which is in large volume that requires advanced technologies to handle as existing traditional
technologies cannot manage such enormous datasets, for extracting useful information.

Characteristic of big data - 5V

1. Volume
2. Velocity
3. Variety
4. Veracity
5. Value

Criteria Traditional data (Small data) Big data

Data Architecture Centralized database Distributed database

Volume Small amount of data (Capacity Large amount of data (Capacity

may be Mega byte, Giga byte, may be Petabyte, Exabyte)
Tera byte)

Manipulate (Mathematical Easy to manipulate Difficult to manipulate

operations)

Database tools Traditional database tools are Special kinds of database tools
enough to process data are required to process data

Traditional data - Small Data

All business organizations maintain their data to keep track of their business and to generate various types of
information they need. The following example can be mentioned as a traditional data system.

Employee personal data

Sales data related to the organization
Student's attendance data in a school

1.2 Creating, Disseminating, and Managing Data and Information.

1.2.1 Applicability of Information in Day-to-Day Life
Decision Making
Policy Making
Predictions
Planning and Supervision Activities

1.2.2 Drawbacks of Manual Methods Used in Manipulating Data and Information

Consuming a longer time
The cost incurred is high
Having no value of the information as they are not timely
Doubt about the accuracy of the information
Inefficiency

1.2.3 Usage of IT to Overcome the Drawbacks of Manual Methods of Data Processing

Speed of processing
Data storage capacity
Accuracy
Ability to produce various formats
Improved security of data

1.2.4 Development of Mobile Communication, Mobile Computing and Cloud Computing

The very first generation of commercial cellular networks was introduced in the late 1970s with the facility of
voice transferring. Currently, mobile communication has come to an extremely developed level. At present, in
addition to voice communication text, images, and video transferring also take a leading place. Nowadays
business organizations use mobile communication because they can enjoy a lot of facilities. A few of them are
mentioned below.

Higher efficiency and productivity of staff

Better quality and flexibility of service you offer your customers
The ability to accept payments wirelessly
Increased ability to communicate in and out of the workplace
Greater access to modern apps and services
Improved networking capabilities
Mobile Communication

Transmission of data and information over a distance without the help of wires can be identified as mobile
communication.

Mobile Computing

Mobile computing is the latest technology used within the information technology environment that enables
to transmission of data from one device to another device without using a physical transmission medium.

Cloud Computing

The concept of cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of ICT services such as computer processor power,
disk storage capacities, software packages, and other IT-relevant resources through the internet to client
devices. It is a service that allows customers to work over the Internet.
Features of Cloud Computing

Ability to access data and services from anywhere in the world

Rapid development in
Reliable service.
High security for data than that in a personal computer

Main Services Provide by Cloud Computing

Infrastructure as a Service – IaaS

Platform as a Service – PaaS
Software as a Service – SaaS
Advantages of Cloud Computing·

Enabling users with the opportunity to work with data and information with the above-mentioned
facilities with the rapid usage of mobile devices.
Ability to use the software with low costs and store data.
As mobile devices are powered by batteries the power of the battery drains quickly when processing
data etc. But the battery can be used for a long, by allowing that data to be processed outside the device.
Fewer problems in maintaining.
The ability to use the latest software, as the cloud server owners update the software frequently.
Ability to connect and work in an environment that is technically improved.
Unlimited storage capacities.
Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

Need for continuous internet connectivity.

Decrease in processing speed under low internet connections.

1.3 Abstract Model of Information Creation

1.3.1 Abstract model of information creation
After entering the data into the computer, it can be used to process the data to make it useful for the people.
In the past, the computer was used mainly for calculation purposes only. But, with the development of the
technology gradually, by now, it can be used as a multi-purpose machine. Using the computer for various
tasks and purposes, in addition to calculations has been the reason for that. The process of transferring data
into information can be mentioned as follows.

Input means entering data and the commands/ instructions on how to process data. The preparation of data
according to the commands given is called process. Displaying processed information to the external world is
called output.

The Gihan Wanninayaka

Canvas
Box
+94-740941770/ +94-702857272
[email protected]