Introduction Flashcards
Basic computer concepts
System
Objective of a system
A collection of components that work together towards a common goal.
Recieve input and transform these into outputs.
Information systems
Interrelated components working together to collect, process, store and disseminate information to support decision making, coordination, control, analysis and visualisation in an organisation
Business
An activity or an organisation that produces goods and services to customers
Business information systems
A group of interrelated components thatbsork collectively to carry out input, processing, output, storage and control actions in order to cobert data into information that can be used for operational activities in an organisation.
Data processing
Collection and manipulation of data to produce useful information
Information technology
Technology which supports activities involving the creation, storage, manipulation and communication of information, together with their related methods, management and application.
Information systems vs information technology
IT is a subset of IS. IS incorporates the technology, people and processes involved with information. It is the design and implementation of information or data within the IS
Components of IS
People: end users who use computer to make themselves productive
Procedures: specify rules or guidelines for computer operations.
Software: a program that consists of the step by step instructions that tell the computer how to do its work.
Hardware: the equipmjets that processes the data to create information
Data: the raw unprocessed facts, including text, numbers,images and sounds
Network (Internet): almost all IS provide a way to connect to other people and computers, typically using the Internet.
Hardware
Physical components of technology. Anything tangible
E.g. computers, hard disks, network cables etc.
Software
A set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do.
Not tangible. Cannot be touched
Types: system and application software
Network
Used to connect computer systems and portable and wearable devices and to transmit information.
Made up of hardware and software, but it is such a core feature of today’s IS
Data
The raw, unprocessed facts, including text, numbers, images and sounds
It has to be processed or provided with a context, before it can have meaning
Procedures (processes)
A process is a series of steps undertaken to achieve a desired outcome or goal
Importance of IS
Information storage: IS makes it simple to store operational data, revision histories, communication records and documents.
Better decision making: IS easiest the process of deceives making and simplifies the process of delivering the required information and hence assists in taking better decisions instantly.
Competitive advantage: IS helps a business create a competitive advantage over their rivals.
Operational excellence: businesses can constantly improve their efficiency of their operations in order to achieve higher profitability
A computer
An electronic device that can perform activities that involver mathematical logical and graphical manipulations.
An electronic device that takes in input, pricess it and produces an output based on the input.
Input - Processing - Output
A computer consists of 3 pieces
A processor to interpret and execute programs
A memory to store both data and programs
A mechanism for transferring data to and from the outside world
Input devices
Key board
Mouse
Microphone
Digital camera
Includes all kinds of data: letters, numbers, symbols, images, colour, sound, light, temperature, game command
How data is represented on a computer
Smallest unit of data is a bit
A bit is a single binary digit, with either 1(on) or 0 (off)
8 bits can combine to make a byte, which is an 8 digit binary number
Information
Data that has been processed within a context to give it meaning.
Data that has been manipulated for the use of dcsions making.
Processing of data into information
Done by the CPU (an electronic circuitry that executes instructions to process data).
Knowledge
Consists of data and/or information that have been organised and processed to convey understanding, experience, accumulated learning and expertise as they apply to a current business problem
Data - information - knowledge
Features of good information
Relevant Up to date Meet user needs Ease of use Worth the cost Reliable Accurate
Functions of a computer
Receives data and instructions from the input device
Processes the data as per instructions
Provides the result (output) in a desired form
Stores data
Characteristics of a computer
Automatic - Performs tasks without human intervention
Speed - Perform several or simple arithmetic operations in seconds
Accuracy - Perform every calculations with the same accuracy
Diligence - Free from monotony, tiredness and lack of concentration
Versatility- it can Perform a wide variety of tasks
Memory - store huge amounts of information and can recall any price of this information whenever required
No IQ - it cannot take its own decisions and has to be instructed what to do and in what sequence.
No feelings- it cannot make judgements based on feelings and instincts.
Limitations of computers
Dependency on man Lack of intelligence Failure to detect logical error Devious making Empathy Creativity and imagination
Types of computers (classified as per the data they process)
Digital computers - recognize and process data by counting using digital called binary digit (bit). They process discrete data. Eg business computers.
Analog computers - recognoze and measure data as continuous physical quantity likeelectrical voltage. They are mainly measuring devices in scientific and industrial systems. Eh speedometer, thermostat etc
Hybrid computers - it has a combination features of digital and analogue computers. Hybrid computer asset used in several applications eh ATM, ultra sound etc.
Types of computers (classified as per their size, power and capacity)
Super computers - most powerful type of computer. They are special, high capacity computers used by very large organisations. Used to process massive amounts of data eg to analyse and predict worldwide weather patterns.
Mainframe computers - occupy specially wired air conditioned rooms. Although not nearly as powerful as supercomputers. They are capable of great processing speeds and data storage.
Mid range computers/servers - computers with processing capabilities less powerful than a mainframe computer yet more powerful than a personal computer. Used to support or serve end users for specific needs such as retrieving data from a data base or supplying access to application software.
Personal computers
Least powerful yet the most widely used and fastest growing type of computer.
Types of PCs:
Desktop computers Laptop computers Tablets Smartphones Wearable
How computers are used today
News
Shopping
Homework
Managing businesses
Role of computers in science
Storing and analysing scientific data collected from experiments
Doing complex scientific calculations
Predicting earthquakes and forecasting weather
Providing help to physically designated people
Scanning body organs by CAT scans and MRI machines
Maintaining a database of patients history
Roles of computers in education
Perform accounting functions like salary and fees calculations
Prepare time tables, date sheets for examinations
Prepare syllabus and course materila
Provide computer based teaching CBT
Provide email and Internet facilities
Computerised library informational services
Generated documents like letters
Role of computers in entertainment
Computer games programs
Graphic software
Mulitu media and animation software
Internet Web pages and chatting a
Why are computers so popular
Perform functions very quickly Produce accurate and reliable results Store large amounts of data Versatile and cost effective Becoming more powered more useful everyday
