8. Hardware used in CDP

Mainframe Computers

CDP systems use very powerful computer systems, known as mainframes. These have very powerful processors, lots of internal memory and high capacity backing storage.

In the airport, these powerful computer systems have terminals attached to them so that operators can enter and update information. A good example is the BA check-in terminals that are all linked to their central computer system.  

Other specialised hardware devices used in Commercial Data Processing include:

• Large or specialised screens to display information to large groups e.g arrivals and departure screens used in Train Stations and Airports.
• Fast Scanners and Readers to read Bar Codes, OCR documents, MICR bank cheques, Magnetic Scanners for cards.
• Fast Printers to print out Bar Codes, Tickets, Receipts, Invoices etc.

 

What you have to do!

Either in a new Word Document or in your Brain. Under a Sub Heading Hardware Devices complete the following tasks.

1. Think of your local supermarket and list the hardware devices that might be used?

2. For each of the devices you've listed, explain why they are used..
   

 

 

What you should now be able to do!

• Provide a list of specialised hardware devices that might be used in Commercial Data Processing to:

  • Capture information - input.

• Output information.

• Give reasons for why each device is used for the purpose chosen.

   

 

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