Processing is a broad notion that often includes several interrelated smaller operations. Processing includes operations of calculations, sampling, searching, combining, merging, sorting, filtering, etc. It is important to remember that processing is a systematic execution of operations on data (information, knowledge); the process of transformation, calculation, analysis and synthesis of any forms of data, information and knowledge by systematic execution of operations on them.

Data processing is the process of performing a sequence of operations on data. Usually separately distinguish operations on data, information and knowledge.

Information processing technology is an orderly interconnection of actions performed in a strictly defined sequence from the moment of information emergence to obtaining specified results.

Information processing technology depends on the nature of tasks to be solved, the computing equipment used, the number of users, information processing control systems, etc. At the same time, it is used when solving well-structured tasks with the available input data and algorithms, as well as standard procedures for their processing.

The technological process of information processing may include the following operations (actions): generation, collection, registration, analysis, processing itself, accumulation, search for data, information, knowledge, etc.

Information processing occurs in the process of implementing the technological process defined by the subject area. Let us consider the main operations (actions) of the technological process of information processing.

Processing often includes several interrelated smaller operations. Processing may include such operations as: performing calculations, sampling, searching, combining, merging, sorting, filtering, etc. Processing is a systematic execution of operations on data, the process of transformation, calculation, analysis and synthesis of any forms of data, information and knowledge by means of systematic execution of operations on them.

When defining such an operation as processing, there are concepts of “data processing”, “information processing” and “knowledge processing”. In this case, the processing of text, graphic, multimedia and other information is noted.

Text processing is one of the tools of the electronic office. Typically, the most time-consuming process of working with electronic text is its input into the computer. It is followed by the stages of text preparation (including editing), its formatting, saving and output. This type of processing provides users with various tools to increase the efficiency and productivity of their activities. At the same time, there are programs that recognize scanned text, which makes working with such data much easier.

Image processing became widespread with the development of electronic equipment and technology. When processing images requires high speed, large amounts of memory, specialized hardware and software. At the same time there are tools for scanning images, greatly facilitating their input and processing in the computer. Vector, raster and fractal graphics are used in computer technologies. Images have different appearance, can be two- and three-dimensional, with selected contours, etc.

Spreadsheets are processed by special application programs, augmented with macros, charts, analytical and other features. Spreadsheet processing allows you to enter and update data, commands, formulas, define relationships and interdependencies between cells (cells), tables, pages, files with tables and databases, data in the form of functions whose arguments are records in cells.

Data processing is a process of sequentially managing data (numbers and symbols) and converting them into information.

Data processing may be implemented in interactive and background modes. This technology is mainly developed in DBMS.

The following data processing methods are commonly known: centralized, decentralized, distributed and integrated.

Centralized data processing in a computer was mainly a batch processing of information. In this case the user delivered the initial information to the computing center (hereinafter – CC) and then received the results of processing in the form of documents and (or) media. The peculiarities of this method are: complexity and laboriousness of setting up fast, uninterrupted operation, high workload of the CA (large volume), time constraints of operations, organization of security of the system from possible unauthorized access.