1 - IT - Systems-Intro Revised
1 - IT - Systems-Intro Revised
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
- is an integrated set of components for collecting, storing, and processing data and for delivering information, knowledge, and
digital products. Business firms and other organizations rely on information systems to carry out and manage their operations,
interact with their customers and suppliers, and compete in the marketplace.
Definition of terms:
INFORMATION is termed to as processed data, while data is considered as raw facts.
SYSYTEM is an interrelationship of resources leading to the achievement of a goal.
COMPONENTS of a SYSTEM
a. GOAL – the objective of the firm
b. RESOURCES – can be considered as your, hardware, software and peopleware.
b.1. Hardware - Physical equipment that makes up a computer system.
b.2. Software - Organized information in the form of operating systems, utilities, programs, and applications that enable
computers to work.
b.3. Peopleware - refer to anything that has to do with the role of people in the development or use of computer software
and hardware systems, including such issues as developer productivity, teamwork, group dynamics, the psychology of
programming, project management, organizational factors, human interface design, and human-machine-interaction.
c. INTER-RELATIONSHIP – the means by which every resource communicate with each other.
DATA PROCESSING - Manipulation of input data with an application program to obtain desired output as an audio/video,
graphic, numeric, or text data file.
1. INPUT – data feed to a system that is transformed by the system to become an output.
2. PROCESS - Sequence of interdependent and linked procedures which, at every stage, consume one or more resources to
convert inputs into outputs.
3. OUTPUT - A result produced by a computer that is internal to the system
- One of the important tools in an EDP Environment is the use of electronic devices which may consist of different types of
computers.
COMPUTER
- Computer is an electronic device that is designed to work with Information. The term computer is derived from the Latin
term ‘computare’, this means to calculate. Computer cannot do anything without a Program. Computer is an advanced
electronic device that takes raw data as input from the user and processes these data under the control of set of instructions
(called program) and gives the result (output) and saves output for the future use.
TYPES OF A COMPUTER
A. Supercomputer
- Supercomputer is a broad term for one of the fastest computers currently available. A supercomputer is a computer that
performs at or near the currently highest operational rate for computers. A supercomputer is typically used for scientific and
engineering applications that must handle very large databases or do a great amount of computation (or both).
Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of
mathematical calculations (number crunching). For example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of
supercomputers scientific simulations, (animated) graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, electronic
design, and analysis of geological data (e.g. in petrochemical prospecting). As of November 2012, the Titan supercomputer is
the fastest in the world. It is almost 20 billion times faster than the first supercomputer (the CDC 6600).
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B. Mainframe
C. was a term originally referring to the cabinet containing the central processor unit or "main frame" of a room-filling Stone
Age batch machine. After the emergence of smaller "minicomputer" designs in the early 1970s, the traditional big iron
machines were described as "mainframe computers" and eventually just as mainframes. Nowadays a Mainframe is a very
large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users simultaneously. The chief
difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few
programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs concurrently. In some ways,
mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they support more simultaneous programs. But supercomputers
can execute a single program faster than a mainframe. The distinction between small mainframes and minicomputers is
vague, depending really on how the manufacturer wants to market its machines.
D. Minicomputer
- It is a midsize computer. In the past decade, the distinction between large minicomputers and small mainframes has blurred,
however, as has the distinction between small minicomputers and workstations. But in general, a minicomputer is a
multiprocessing system capable of supporting from up to 200 users simultaneously.
E. Workstation
- It is a type of computer used for engineering applications (CAD/CAM), desktop publishing, software development, and other
types of applications that require a moderate amount of computing power and relatively high quality graphics capabilities.
Workstations generally come with a large, high-resolution graphics screen, at large amount of RAM, built-in network
support, and a graphical user interface. Most workstations also have a mass storage device such as a disk drive, but a special
type of workstation, called a diskless workstation, comes without a disk drive.
- A computer designed for technical or scientific applications. Intended primarily to be used by one person at a time, they are
commonly connected to a local area network and run multi-user operating systems. Like personal computers, most
workstations are single-user computers. However, workstations are typically linked together to form a local-area network,
although they can also be used as stand-alone systems.
N.B.: In networking, workstation refers to any computer connected to a local-area network. It could be a workstation or a personal
computer.
F. Personal computer
- It can be defined as a small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for an individual user. In price, personal computers
range anywhere from a few hundred pounds to over five thousand pounds. All are based on the microprocessor technology
that enables manufacturers to put an entire CPU on one chip. Businesses use personal computers for word processing,
accounting, desktop publishing, and for running spreadsheet and database management applications. At home, the most
popular use for personal computers is for playing games and recently for surfing the Internet.
1. Tower model The term refers to a computer in which the power supply, motherboard, and mass storage devices are stacked
on top of each other in a cabinet. This is in contrast to desktop models, in which these components are housed in a more
compact box. The main advantage of tower models is that there are fewer space constraints, which makes installation of
additional storage devices easier.
2. Desktop model A computer designed to fit comfortably on top of a desk, typically with the monitor sitting on top of the
computer. Desktop model computers are broad and low, whereas tower model computers are narrow and tall. Because of their
shape, desktop model computers are generally limited to three internal mass storage devices. Desktop models designed to be
very small are sometimes referred to as slimline models.
3. Notebook computer An extremely lightweight personal computer. Notebook computers typically weigh less than 6 pounds
and are small enough to fit easily in a briefcase. Aside from size, the principal difference between a notebook computer and a
personal computer is the display screen. Notebook computers use a variety of techniques, known as flat-panel technologies,
to produce a lightweight and non-bulky display screen. The quality of notebook display screens varies considerably. In terms
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of computing power, modern notebook computers are nearly equivalent to personal computers. They have the same CPUs,
memory capacity, and disk drives. However, all this power in a small package is expensive. Notebook computers cost about
twice as much as equivalent regular-sized computers. Notebook computers come with battery packs that enable you to run
them without plugging them in. However, the batteries need to be recharged every few hours.
4. Laptop computer A small, portable computer -- small enough that it can sit on your lap. Nowadays, laptop computers are
more frequently called notebook computers.
5. Subnotebook computer A portable computer that is slightly lighter and smaller than a full-sized notebook computer.
Typically, subnotebook computers have a smaller keyboard and screen, but are otherwise equivalent to notebook computers.
6. Hand-held computer A portable computer that is small enough to be held in one’s hand. Although extremely convenient to
carry, handheld computers have not replaced notebook computers because of their small keyboards and screens. The most
popular hand-held computers are those that are specifically designed to provide PIM (personal information manager)
functions, such as a calendar and address book. Some manufacturers are trying to solve the small keyboard problem by
replacing the keyboard with an electronic pen. However, these pen-based devices rely on handwriting recognition
technologies, which are still in their infancy. Hand-held computers are also called PDAs, palmtops and pocket computers.
7. Palmtop A small computer that literally fits in your palm. Compared to full-size computers, palmtops are severely limited,
but they are practical for certain functions such as phone books and calendars. Palmtops that use a pen rather than a keyboard
for input are often called hand-held computers or PDAs. Because of their small size, most palmtop computers do not include
disk drives. However, many contain PCMCIA slots in which you can insert disk drives, modems, memory, and other devices.
Palmtops are also called PDAs, hand-held computers and pocket computers.
8. PDA Short for personal digital assistant, a handheld device that combines computing, telephone/fax, and networking
features. A typical PDA can function as a cellular phone, fax sender, and personal organizer. Unlike portable computers, most
PDAs are pen-based, using a stylus rather than a keyboard for input. This means that they also incorporate handwriting
recognition features. Some PDAs can also react to voice input by using voice recognition technologies. The field of PDA was
pioneered by Apple Computer, which introduced the Newton MessagePad in 1993. Shortly thereafter, several other
manufacturers offered similar products. To date, PDAs have had only modest success in the marketplace, due to their high
price tags and limited applications. However, many experts believe that PDAs will eventually become common gadgets.
PDAs are also called palmtops, hand-held computers and pocket computers.
2. Motherboard - The motherboard is an underlying circuit board that holds all the computer components together. Computer
components, including the CPU, RAM, hard drive and optical drives, plug into the motherboard. This allows the separate
components to interact with each other to create a fully functional machine. While each computer part has a unique function, they
would be utterly useless without the unifying motherboard.
3. DATA STORAGE – Every computer requires additional storage space, such as hard disk. Data storage may be fixed, semi fixed
or even removable. When a computer is turned on, initial start-up is executed from storage disks, these is usually called the
process of boot strapping or initial program load. The operating system is then loaded together with the BIOS Setup (Basic
Input/Output System)
a. Internal Memory (fast, expensive, short-term memory): Enables a computer to store, at least temporarily, data, programs, and
intermediate results.
1. RAM – Random Access Memory( Primary Memory). Random access memory provides a buffer between the hard drive
and central processing unit. When files are requested for processing, they transfer from the hard drive to the memory.
The CPU then processes the file and replaces it in the memory. The memory provides a temporary storage that will be
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eliminated if power is removed from the machine. It is important to save modified files to the hard drive so that they will
be retained if the power turns off.
2. ROM – Read Only Memory. Data stored in ROM cannot be modified, or can be modified only slowly or with difficulty,
so it is mainly used to distribute firmware (software that is very closely tied to specific hardware, and unlikely to need
frequent updates).
b. Mass storage device (slower, cheaper, long-term memory): Allows a computer to permanently retain large amounts of data
and programs between jobs. Common mass storage devices include disk drives and tape drives.
1. Hard Drive - A hard drive provides permanent storage for the operating system, programs and files on a machine. When
files are saved to the hard drive, they are retained through power outages. New computers are usually equipped with
SATA drives, which have replaced the older IDE drive technology. These drives use slimmer cables, smaller power
connections, and have numerous performance benefits over the older hard drive types. SATA hard drives do not get as
hot and can transfer data faster.
2. CD and DVD drives
3. Floppy disk drive
5. INPUT/OUTPUT DEVICES
The I/O components are used to pass intructions/ information to the computer and to display or record the output generated by the
computer.
a. Input device: Usually a keyboard, a mouse or a touchscreen, the input device is the conduit through which data and
instructions enter a computer.
b. Output device: A display screen (monitor), printer, speaker, or other device that lets you see what the computer has
accomplished.
6. No I.Q
- It possess no intelligence of its own. It can only perform what is programmed to do. Hence, only the user can determine what
tasks a computer will perform. Computers have no sense of meaning, cannot perceive and are only able to make simple
robotic decision about the data they receive.
7. Common Data Used
- One item can be involved in several different procedures or accessed, update and inspected by a number of different users.
This can hinder the work of those who need access to data. As the time is changing, more and more facilities are being added
to the computers they can perform but in practical life many tasks are limited to these basic operations.
8. Diligence
- The computer is a machine, does not suffer from the human traits of tiredness. Nor does it loses concentration even after
working continuously for a long time.
- This characteristic is especially useful for those jobs where same tasks is done again and again. It can perform long and
complex calculations with same speed and accuracy from the start till the end.
9. Several Storage Capacity
- The computers have a lot of storage devices which can store a tremendous amount of data. Data storage is essential function
of the computer. Second storage devices like floppy disk can store a large amount of data permanently.
10. Consistency
- same output shall be provided as long as same input and program is used
11. No Feeling
Adequate data storage is an important issue in an information system. Controls need to be in place to ensure safe storage of data. In an
EDP audit the auditor is concerned with how many copies of the data exist and controls that are on use. It is amazingly easy to lose
control over electronic data.
Tape management systems (TMS) and Disk Management Systems (DMS) are used to help retain control over data files. These
automated systems can provide label and tracking management. The following are some of the common types of data storage media.
1. MAGNETIC HARD DISK
- These, metal disks mounted inside a sealed disk drive are high speed devices that are designed for permanent installation.
Hard disks are the most common method of online data storage. By using a special software, you can cluster drives into high
availability storage arrays. An example is RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)
3. MAGNETIC TAPE
- Available in reel or cartridge design, most common method of long term data storage. Examples include DLT (digital linear
tape, 3590 cartridge, VHS videos.
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5. FLASH MEMORY
- A special type of electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) which is used for flash BIOS, video
cameras and USB hand held memory sticks. The small size and high capacity can really be a security concern.
6. OPTICAL DISK
- With every new application and software there is greater demand for memory capacity. It is the necessity to store large
volume of data that has led to the development of optical disk storage medium. Optical disks can be divided into the
following categories:
a. Compact Disk/ Read Only Memory (CD-ROM)
b. Write Once, Read Many (WORM)
c. Erasable Optical Disk
- Often called as WMRM ( Write Many, Read Many)
Read Only Memory (ROM): There is another memory in computer, which is called Read Only Memory (ROM). The
storage of program and data in the ROM is permanent. The ROM stores some standard processing programs supplied by
the manufacturers to operate the personal computer. The ROM can only be read by the CPU but it cannot be changed.
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The basic input/output program is stored in the ROM that examines and initializes various equipment attached to the PC
when the power switch is ON. The memories, which do not lose their content on failure of power supply, are known as
non-volatile memories.
OTHER DEVICES
1. Universal Serial Bus (USB) - The most widely used hardware interface for attaching peripherals to a single standardized
interface socket and to improve the plug and play capabilities by allowing hot swapping; that is, by allowing devices to be
connected and disconnected without rebooting the computer or turning off the device.
- The most common type of computer port used in today's computers. It can be used to connect keyboards, mice, game
controllers, printers, scanners, digital cameras, and removable media drives.
A USB flash drive is a data storage device that includes flash memory with an integrated Universal Serial Bus (USB)
interface. USB flash drives are typically removable and rewritable, and physically much smaller than an optical disc.
RISKS
Viruses and other malicious software- Users can bring infected documents from home to their place of employment or take
home a business document to their infected PC, update the document and return the document to a corporate file server. Flash
drives present a vector for computer viruses that is very difficult to defend against.
Whenever files are transferred between two machines there is a risk that malware will be transmitted, and USB memory
sticks are no exceptions. Some USB memory sticks include a physical switch that can put the drive in read-only mode. When
transferring files to an untrusted machine, a drive in read-only mode will prevent any data to be written to the device.
Data Theft- Hackers, corporate spies and disgruntled employees steal data and, in many cases, there are crimes of
opportunity. With a flash drive, any unattended and unlocked PC with a USB port provides an opportunity for criminal
activity. Social engineering is a tool that can give a hacker physical access to a corporate PC in order to steal data and plant
spyware
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Data and media loss-The portability of USB flash drives opens another door for crime-the potential for lost data that can fall
into the wrong hands. Most of these devices have little or no security features. If you happen to lose your flash drives during
your morning commute, anyone who picks up the device may be able to access data on the drive.
Corruption of Data- If the drive is improperly unplugged, then data loss can occur to corruption.
Loss of confidentiality-