The following terms are the modes of electronic data processing:
1. Real Time Processing:
A real time processing is one in which the data is processed without any significant delay. The computer waits for the input and as soon as the data is received it is processed and the result can be produced quickly.
2. Batch Processing:
In the batch processing program or the data is collected together in batches before processing. Each batch is called a job. A job queue is the number of jobs waiting to be processed. Batch processing is often used where large amount of data has to be processed.
Batch process is most economical and efficient for large and very large organizations.3. Online Processing:
Online processing is used when the devices are directly under the control of CPU. In online processing one uses the devices directly connected to the CPU for either data entry or for inquiry purposes. This method has been developed to address the deficiencies of batch processing.
4. Multi Programming:
In multi programming several programs are executed on a single computer under the control
of an overall system program. The purpose of the multi programming is to make good use of the processor, storage devices and peripherals (scanner, plotter, printer etc.).5. Multi-Processing:
In multi-processing the CPU’s of the computer are linked together or the CPU of a single computer is provided with more than one arithmetic unit. These CPU’s or arithmetic units operate in parallel allowing simultaneously execution of several programs.
6. Time Sharing:
Time sharing is a way of organizing a computer for multi-processing. Time sharing is the system where the computer allows each terminal in turn a small amount of processing time before it goes to the other computer or assigning and relinquishing CPU from different jobs on the basis of time (i.e time slice) is called time sharing.