Fundamentals of Information Systems

Fundamentals ofInformation Systems

MBA 606

Introduction to Computers

• ComputersComputers

• Information Systems Information Systems & Technology& Technology

• HardwareHardware– Input, CPU, Output, Input, CPU, Output,

StorageStorage

• SoftwareSoftware

Basic Concepts ofComputers & Information Systems

1.1 Concepts of Information1.1 Concepts of Information“Data is recorded facts or figures; information

is knowledge gained by processing data” (Kroenke, 1983).

“Data can be defined as any representation of facts, observations, or occurrences. . . Information can be defined as data that has been transformed into a meaningful and useful form for specific human beings” (O’Brien, 1982).

DefinitionDefinition

• Information: data that has been processed into a form that is meaningful to the recipient and is of real or perspective value in current or perspective action or decision (Davis & Olson, 1985).

• Data: Raw facts that are collected (Simon, 1996).

Data / Information FlowData / Information Flow

Data InformationInformationProcessingProcessing

1.2 Systems Concepts1.2 Systems Concepts

• System: is a set of components which interact to accomplish some purpose

General Model of a SystemGeneral Model of a System

Input Process Output

Feedback

Information Systems definedInformation Systems defined

• An information system: components that work together to provide desired information in the proper format at an appropriate time.

• Computer-based information systems

(CBIS).

1.3 Information-System Components

1.3 Information-System Components

Hardware Software

People

Data Procedures

HardwareHardware

• Physical equipment including the computer itself, keyboard, mouse, monitor, other peripheral devices such as printer, projector, etc.

Input/Processing/OutputInput/Processing/Output

ComputerComputer

InputInput ProcessingProcessing OutputOutput

Data and Data and programsprograms InformationInformation

Input DevicesInput Devices

InputInput

Keyboard

Output DevicesOutput Devices

Output

Overview of Computer ProcessingOverview of Computer Processing

DataData

ProgramsPrograms

Secondary Secondary StorageStorage Primary MemoryPrimary Memory

Central Processing Unit

Computer System UnitOther Input

OtherOutput

General Procedures in Processing Data

General Procedures in Processing Data

• Data is read from secondary storage into primary memory for processing. Results are then displayed on the computer screen.

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PrimaryMemory

SecondaryStorage

Result

Action

Storage MediaStorage Media

• Punch cards• Magnetic

– Tape– Disk

• Optical– CD-ROM/DVD-ROM– WORM/CD-R– MO

SoftwareSoftware

• Software is the term used for the step-by-step instructions provided to the hardware; a.k.a. programs.

Application ProgramsApplication Programs

• Software for specific purposes or business uses

• Word processors, spreadsheets, database, etc.

Operating system programsOperating system programs

• OS

• directs the hardware’s activities and operations

• MS-DOS, Mac-OS, Windows95/98/NT/2000/XP, UNIX, VAX/VMS, etc.

DataData

• Data is the raw facts about some topic

• Typically data is stored in database, files, records, or fields

ProcedureProcedure

• Just as hardware needs instructions (software) to tell it how to perform work in the desired manner, people also need instructions. These instructions are called procedure in IS.

PeoplePeople

• Manufacturers

• Programmers, Operators, Analysts

• Users

• GIGO: inaccurate input will produce inaccurate output

ISA (Information Systems Acronyms)ISA (Information Systems Acronyms)

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ISA (Information Systems Acronyms)ISA (Information Systems Acronyms)

Personal ComputerPersonal Computer

Disk Operating SystemDisk Operating System

Garbage In, Garbage OutGarbage In, Garbage Out

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