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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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.

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

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

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

18. 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:

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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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