What is Direct Data Entry?
A method of data processing where the data is input directly into the computer system automatically for immediate processing
Requires minimal human interaction.
What does a Magnetic Stripe Reader do?
Reads data stored in the magnetic stripes on plastic cards such as loyalty cards
The stripe contains data such as account numbers and expiry date.
List three uses of Magnetic Stripe Readers.
- Reading data off credit/debit cards
- ID card access
- Pre-payment cards for services
What are the advantages of using a Magnetic Stripe Reader?
1.Faster input of data by swiping as opposed to typing.
2. can be used as an alternative method for the chip and pin
3. waterproof
What are the disadvantages of Magnetic Stripe Readers?
- Magnetic stripes can only store a small amount of data.
- Can be easily damaged by magnetic fields
What is a Chip and PIN Reader?
Devices that read data encrypted in the chip on a credit/debit card.
How does a Chip and PIN Reader reduce fraud?
The true cardholder must input their PIN.
What are the advantages of the chip and PIN?
- reduce fraud
- harder to copy than magnetic stripes
- storage capacity is higher than of magnetic stripe
What is a disadvantage of Chip and PIN Readers?
1.People might forget their PIN
2. some countries do not allow it.
3. possibility of shoulder surfing
Define a Barcode Reader.
A device that inputs numbers using a series of parallel bars of differing widths.
List the advantages of using Barcode Readers.
- Faster than typing in numbers
- Greater accuracy compared to manual entry
- can be read from a distance for goods that are too heavy to be removed from the trolley
- Prices can be altered in the database, removing the need for price stickers
What are the disadvantage of Barcode Readers?
- Bar codes can sometimes be damaged, requiring manual entry.
- the laser scanners are expensive (hand-held are relatively cheap)
What does RFID stand for?
Radio Frequency Identification.
What is the function of RFID Readers?
They exchange data with RFID tags using radio frequency signals.
List the uses of RFID technology.
- Stock control in factories
- Automated passport/border control gates
- Cattle data and control
- Season tickets in car parks
- In librairies as a replacement to barcodes
What are the advantages of RFID tags?
- No need for contact between the reader and tag.
- You can store more data than in bar codes
What is one concern regarding RFID technology?
Personal information contained in the tag can be hacked.
is also very expensive
Define Optical Mark Reader (OMR).
Devices that read paper-based forms or cards (bubble sheets) with marks on them automatically.
List the uses of Optical Mark Readers.
- Voting forms
- tests
- lottery tickets
- school attendance registers
What are the advantage of Optical Mark Readers?
- They can read marked sheets at high speeds. -important for high amounts of data/sheets
- only one omr needed, therefore less expensive
What are the disadvantages of OMR
- only suitable for multiple choice
- high rejection rates if data is not inputted correctly
- paper will be rejected/jam machine if creased or folded
What is a limitation of Optical Mark Readers?
Only suitable for capturing certain data types.
What does Optical Character Reader (OCR) do?
Scans an image of the text and recognizes each individual character.
List the uses of Optical Character Readers.
- Reading account numbers
- Digitizing books
- in conjuction with CCTV to recognise car plates
- reading details on utility bills
