Functions of Input Controls Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Functions of Input Controls - Assignment Example The main significance of these controls is that they are easy to manage: with input controls, database administrators are required to possess only specific skills to manage the outsourced data. The minimum knowledge of database administrators allows for flexibility, especially in the evolving nature of computer technology; higher turnover of employees; and outsourcing of data input (Lee, Chen, & Ilie, 2012). In light of these reasons, it behoves system administrators to make the system free from unnecessary data as much as possible by going the input control way. Types of input controls File input controls allow users to attach specific documents from the personal computer; for example, an outsourced data-entry may be achieved by enabling the user to select and upload copies of his or her personal documents during application for a job. Such documents may include; curriculum vitae, passport size photo etcetera. File input controls often support different file formats such as .doc, .jpeg, and .pdf, among others. A checkbox is a small box that enables end-users to check or uncheck predefined options by ticking the values they want by clicking the mouse (Lee, Chen, & Ilie, 2012). A checkbox allows the user to send the value that is attached to it, as the right choice. Radio buttons are selected by a mouse click on the widget, or by striking a keyboard shortcut to this effect, in which case, the checked button relays the value to the database, when the form is submitted. Submit input control enables users to send the correct form after filling an HTML form of structure d query variables. In most cases, a â€Å"submit† button is found at the end of the query variables, and usually after the use of the other input controls. Transcription errors Input controls are very important in data-entry because they limit data entry integrity errors. Failure to use input controls could open a floodgate to transcription errors. A transcription error is a particular type of data entry error that is usually made by end-users (Murray, & Haubl, 2011). Human transcription errors are usually caused by typographical faults: that is, typing incorrect characters during touch typing. Input controls, oftentimes limit data transcription errors resulting from improper entries; for example, the typing of â€Å"1th,† rather than â€Å"1st† in outsourced data-entry. In this case, datetime input control or number input control, would easily eliminate the chances of the transcription error and eases the work of database administrators, sorting and checking th e data for any inconsistency. Advantages and disadvantages of restricting user interfaces The rapid development of new technologies in the twenty-first century has resulted in the growth of human-machine interactions. Tech-savvy developers are usually guilty of creating user interfaces that are largely restricted and difficult to comprehend and use, assuming that machine operators can think and use them as they do (Hearst, 2011). They are usually quite ignorant of the extent of prior understanding of the user, which according to them seems to be easily discerned on the monitor, and are incapable of being aware of the needs of users, who do not have enough technological knowhow. This is often compounded by the lack of incorporating the user contributions or the lack of human