Last updated on October 30th, 2023 at 12:55 am
In Information technology, there are many different types of documents: turnaround, machine-readable, and human-readable documents. Additionally, there are hardcopy and softcopy documents. These types are used for different purposes. They also differ in the manner in which they are created and read.
Machine-readable documents
Machine-readable documents are those documents written in a format that can only be read by a device or computer. Additionally, a machine-readable document is typically prepared or written with the aid of a device. It is written in a manner that is difficult for the human mind to understand.
Specialized devices are used to extract and use the information in a machine-readable format.
Human-readable document
As the name suggests, these documents are written in a format that humans can read and understand. Such documents are written in alphanumeric characters in languages such as English, Spanish, French, etc.
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Differentiate between machine-readable and human-readable documents.
The primary difference between machine and human-readable documents is the device used to create access and process them.
- Creator: Machine-readable documents are typically created by machines, while human-readable documents are often created by human beings. However, with the advent of artificial intelligence, human-readable documents may be used to create these documents. However, these are early days for AI, and they are not very widely used to create entire documents independently.
- Reading or processing the documents: Machine-readable documents are meant to be read or processed by a computer or device, whereas a human-readable document is meant to be read and processed by human beings. No machine is needed to read or process a human-readable document.
There are many types of computers or devices designed to be used by humans. If you are interested in learning about the types of computers available, you may visit mainframe computers, supercomputers, and mobile devices.
Turnaround documents
Turnaround documents are forms that are prepared and output by a computer; information is added to it, after which the information is entered into the computer for processing. Such documents may be forms that are sent out to a receiver who fills in the required information and returns it to the original sender. The information on the form is then analyzed by the computer. There are several documents that may be classified as turnaround documents:
- Multiple choice question tests: These are generated by organizations that conduct examinations. Students fill in their answers and return their papers to the examining body. The information is then fed into a computer, where it is analyzed or processed.
- Quite often, companies send out forms in an effort to obtain relevant information. You and other end users fill in the information and return the forms to the point of origin, where the information contained within is then processed by a computer.
Soft copy
Soft copy documents are those documents that you create and store on a computer in electronic format.
Hard copy
These are documents that you can touch. Hard copies are documents that you have either written or printed from the computer.
Hardcopy vs. soft copy
Hard copies are documents that have been printed on paper, whereas soft copy refers to documents stored on a computing device. Electricity is required to access a softcopy document, whereas hardcopy does not.