
Outputs and inputs
computer for batch processing. Even data that consists of text need not be
typed again, because an optical character reader (OCR) can be used to scan
the printed or typed material and convert each character to ASCII code to be
fed into the computer. Readers of this type are available now for micro-
computers, and cheaper versions, called scanners exist (see earlier in this
chapter) which will make a copy of printed material to the VDU, though
elaborate software is needed in order to convert this to the form of ASCII
codes suitable for processing.
One very common and simple method, where typing has to be used, is to
have a