Summary for 7/1/2009

In this chapter, I am able to know the five parts of an information system: people, procedures, software, hardware and data. People are the most essential part of an information system. Procedures are rules, guidelines to follow when using software, hardware and data. Software provides step-by-step instructions to control the computer to convert data into information. Hardware is the physical equipment of a microcomputer. Data is unprocessed facts.

There are two major kinds of software: system software and application software. System software enables application software to interact with computer hardware. It consists of a variety programs: Operating system, utilities and computer drivers. Application software includes basic and specialized applications. Basic applications are widely used in nearly all career areas. Specialized applications focus on specific disciplines and occupations.

Hardware is the physical equipment in an information system. Supercomputer, mainframe, minicomputer and microcomputer are four types of computer. Microcomputers can be desktop, notebook, tablet PC or handheld (palm). PDAs are the most widely used handheld computer. There are four basic categories of hardware devices: system units, input/output devices, secondary storage and communication devices.

Data is the raw facts unprocessed about something. Common file types include:
• Document files
• Worksheet files
• Database files
• Presentation files

Connectivity is a concept describing the ability of end users to tap into resources well beyond their desktops. Networks are connected computer that share data and resources. The wireless revolution is the widespread and increasing use mobile (wireless) communication devices. The internet is the world’s largest computer network. The web provides a multimedia interface to resources available on the internet.