Chapter 2
Idea of stored data and stored program
2.1 Idea of stored data
Data is a collection of raw facts which may be represented by numbers, text, graphics,
etc.
They become meaningful after being processed.
The processed data is called information.
Q1 Give 1 example of data in numbers, text and graphics.
Number: ______________________
Text: ______________________
Graphics: ______________________
We have to deal with a lot of data every day, for example, date of birth, weight,
height and telephone numbers.
To use data repeatedly, we need to store it.
Q2 Give 3 ways of storing data.
By ______________________, ______________________ and
______________________
A shopping checklist can be stored, e.g.:on paper, in a PDA
The checklists are examples of stored data.
Data can be managed and reused more efficiently if it is organized and stored
appropriately.
Activity 1: Bookmarking a web site
2.2 Idea of stored program
A program consists of a series of commands, which can instruct the computers to
perform a specific tasks.
Computer operate according to the order of the commands.
It is important to write the commands in a correct order. Otherwise, the computers
cannot perform the specific task successfully.
Stored programs are used to perform certain specific or repeated tasks, e.g.
preset programs stored in video recorders and washing machines
With stored programs, computers can perform tasks automatically and repeatedly.
Computers can relieve us of tedious tasks such as calculation and machine control.
2.3 Storage device
Storage device: another type of computer hardware
It is used for storing data and programs