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CHAPTER 15
ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING AND
SOURCE DATA SYSTEM
The world is constantly changing. Using
computers has changed the way business is done.
Today’s Navy operates through the use of modern
state-of-the-art weapons and computer systems. New
computer technology has had a tremendous impact on
the efficiency of operation, and as a PN, you will be able
to accomplish more by using a computer keyboard or
mouse. Because of this advanced computer technology,
jobs that used to take a long time to accomplish can be
done rapidly and more easily. In this chapter, you will
learn about electronic data processing, different
computers, the Source Data System (SDS), and a
relatively new computer system allowing fleet
personnel access to the Bureau of Naval Personnel,
known as BUPERS ACCESS. This chapter also
discusses the handling of documents by PNs and DKs.
ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING
For one person to know all there is about existing
automatic data processing (ADP) equipment and
systems is impossible; in fact, it is beyond the scope of
this chapter. ADP encompasses all operations, from the
collection of raw data to the final preparation of
meaningful reports. The important thing to remember
is that data processing systems, regardless of the size
and type, share certain common fundamental concepts
and principles.
After you read this chapter, you will have some
knowledge concerning different computers and an idea
of how the Navy’s operations are changing with the use
of modem computer technology. This chapter contains
a discussion on some computers currently used in the
Navy.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPUTERS
Did you know that computers can be classified in
many different ways? They can be classified by the
purpose for which they were designed (special-purpose
or general-purpose), by the method by which they
handle data (digital or analog), by the amount they cost
(from $50 to $10 million and up), and even by their
physical size (hand held to room size). In this section,
you will learn about the purposes and types of functions
performed by special-purpose and general-purpose
computers and by analog and digital computers.
Special-Purpose Computers
A special-purpose computer, as the name implies,
is designed to perform a specific operation and usually
satisfies the needs of a particular type of problem. Such
a computer system would be useful in weather
predictions, satellite tracking, or oil exploration. While
a special-purpose computer may have many of the same
features found in a general-purpose computer, its
applicability to a particular problem is a function of its
design rather than of a stored program. The instructions
that control it are built directly into the computer, which
makes for a more efficient and effective operation.
However, a drawback of this specialization is the
computer’s lack of versatility. It cannot be used to
perform other operations.
General-Purpose Computers
On the other hand, a general-purpose computer is
designed to perform a wide variety of operations. It can
do this because different programs can be stored in the
central processing unit (CPU). In most situations,
flexibility makes up for any loss in speed.
Analog Computers
All analog computers are special-purpose
computers. They are designed to measure continuous
electrical or physical conditions, such as current,
voltage, flow, temperature, length, or pressure. Then,
they convert these measurements into related
mechanical or electrical quantities. The early analog
computers
were strictly
mechanical or
electromechanical devices.
They did not operate
digitally. If digits were involved at all, they were
obtained indirectly. Your wrist watch (if nondigital)
and your car’s speedometer, oil pressure, temperature,
and fuel gauges are considered analog computers. The
output of an analog computer is often an adjustment to
the control of a machine; such as an adjustment to a
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