Fundamentals of Information Systems MBA 606

Introduction to Computers ComputersComputers Information Systems & TechnologyInformation Systems & Technology HardwareHardware –Input, CPU, Output, Storage SoftwareSoftware

Basic Concepts of Computers & Information Systems

1.1 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).

Definition 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 Flow DataInformationProcessing

1.2 Systems Concepts System: is a set of components which interact to accomplish some purpose

General Model of a System InputProcessOutput Feedback

Information 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 Hardware Software People Data Procedures

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

Input/Processing/Output Computer InputProcessingOutput Data and programs Information

Input Devices Input Keyboard

Output Devices Output

Overview of Computer Processing Data Programs SecondaryStorage Primary Memory Central Processing Unit Computer System Unit Other Input Other Output

General Procedures in Processing Data Data is read from secondary storage into primary memory for processing. Results are then displayed on the computer screen. Primary Memory Secondary Storage Result Action

Storage Media Punch cards Magnetic –Tape –Disk Optical –CD-ROM/DVD-ROM –WORM/CD-R –MO

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

Application Programs Software for specific purposes or business uses Word processors, spreadsheets, database, etc.

Operating system programs OS directs the hardware’s activities and operations MS-DOS, Mac-OS, Windows95/98/NT/2000/XP, UNIX, VAX/VMS, etc.

Data Data is the raw facts about some topic Typically data is stored in database, files, records, or fields

Procedure 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.

People Manufacturers Programmers, Operators, Analysts Users GIGO: inaccurate input will produce inaccurate output

ISA (Information Systems Acronyms) A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z PC DOS GIGO

ISA (Information Systems Acronyms) Personal Computer Disk Operating System Garbage In, Garbage Out PC DOS GIGO A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z