Hi Denis -- on Apr 15 2020 at 22:32, you wrote:


DM>  To give you a better idea of the different aspects of computers and
[...]
DM>  Q(uestion). What is the difference between the various types of
DM> record in computing, a paper record, and the kind of record that
DM> would be sold in the shop?

(as an aside) This question reads as though it were some sort of exam.
The language is upper high school, but the knowledge level required to
answer is middle school (at least for us old folks!).

The pop record is a flat vinyl disk containing spiral grooves which a
mechanical arm ("needle") follows to convert the movements from analogue
to audible (via an amplifier of some sort). Once very popular, the
invention of the CD almost destroyed the industry but it is now making a
comeback.

A paper record is a way of tracking purchases, sales, returns, and taxes
(and possibly inventory) on a sheet(s) of paper. A very traditional
method of record keeping and still in use in some small shops.

A computer record is digital information stored ("encoded") such that a
computer can convert the digital information into analogue text to be
read on a screen or printed out. It duplicates the paper records
mentioned above, but offers the advantage of automatic calculations,
speed of entry, the ability to sort quickly through a listing to extract
information. The disadvantage is that being only digital the information
is easily destroyed by power surges, physical damage, etc.



Cheers... Dallas

--- timEd/NT 1.30+