Module 5.6.2 Designing Computer-based Information Systems Characteristics of modern computer based information systems

Characteristics of Modern Computer-based Information Systems All computer systems consist of these main parts: Input Processing Output Storage Feedback

Characteristics of Modern Computer-based Information Systems The Input relates to the hardware necessary to input the data into system. For example: Keyboard Monitor Mouse Touch screen microphone

Characteristics of Modern Computer-based Information Systems It also relates to the software required to enable you to input the data. For example: User Interface Command line Menu GUI Operating System Specific application software

Characteristics of Modern Computer-based Information Systems The data may be entered via a variety of devices, for example: Personal Computer P.D.A. W.A.P. phone

Characteristics of Modern Computer-based Information Systems Once the data has been input into the system, it must be processed. The input data is processed, converted or manipulated in some way to become information As part of the processing, the data held may be updated

Characteristics of Modern Computer-based Information Systems The processing method may be: Real time Interactive Batch The medium being used may be: Serial Sequential Random Indexed sequential The method used will affect the response time of the system

Characteristics of Modern Computer-based Information Systems Once the data has been processed, it usually requires hardware to output the results: Monitor Printed Voice Text on a phone

Characteristics of Modern Computer-based Information Systems All systems need to be backed up to ensure that the data is kept secure against theft, damage, loss or corruption. Typical storage media might include: Magnetic tape Removable hard disk DVD-RW

Characteristics of Modern Computer-based Information Systems A school information system might store details such as: Student’s names Addresses Emergency contact number Date of birth Allergies Timetable Records of achievement or concerns Exam results Reports to parents

Characteristics of Modern Computer-based Information Systems Hardware which would be required for such a system: Computers for people to enter data and access the system A network File server to store the system and data Software which would be required for such a system: An operating system A user interface The application itself

Characteristics of Modern Computer-based Information Systems Processing which would take place in such a system: Searching for details on individual students Merging student data into the report forms Creating automatic alerts for students who have too many ‘causes for concern’ Finding sets of students who need to be entered for an examination

Characteristics of Modern Computer-based Information Systems Output from such a system would require hardware such as: Monitors to view the results of the searches/queries Printers to print out class lists, timetables, exam entries, reports to parents Automated telephone call to inform parents that their child is not in school

Characteristics of Modern Computer-based Information Systems Storage which would be used to support this system: Daily backups onto magnetic tape so that the system can be recovered Archived storage to keep records of students which have left – possibly magnetic tape or DVD.

Characteristics of Modern Computer-based Information Systems An information system in a doctor’s surgery might store details such as: -

Characteristics of Modern Computer-based Information Systems Hardware and software which might be required for input with this system might include: -

Characteristics of Modern Computer-based Information Systems Processing which might take place with this system might include: -

Characteristics of Modern Computer-based Information Systems Output from this system might include: - Hardware which might be required to support the output from this system might include:

Characteristics of Modern Computer-based Information Systems Storage for such a system might include: -

Characteristics of Modern Computer-based Information Systems Modern computer based systems need certain characteristics in order to make them user friendly: User interface WIMP interface Easy to use Interactive Informative buttons, labels, error messages Intuitive to use These are the key points for this section – the characteristics

Characteristics of Modern Computer-based Information Systems Use modern technology E.g. Touch screen Voice input Rapid response Of input, processing and output So customer is not kept waiting Robust Not easy for staff or customers to damage or delete data secure These are the key points for this section – the characteristics

Characteristics of Modern Computer-based Information Systems Many developments in technology have helped to encourage the growth and usage of information systems: Personal computers Modern telephone systems – including mobiles and W.A.P. Networks Satellite links PDAs

Characteristics of Modern Computer-based Information Systems Video conferencing Easy access to the Internet Ability to access and transfer large amounts of data quickly and accurately between offices around the world Ability to update systems in in real-time no matter where you are in the country – banks and bank accounts, booking systems