IT1707

Information Systems
Computing – is the process of utilizing computer technology to complete a task. This may involve the use of computer
hardware and software, but must involve some form of a computer system.
Information System – is used for managing and processing data using a computer. This is a complete interconnected
environment in which raw data is turned into useful information that can be used for decision making in an organization.
Elements of an Information System
 People – are the end users of the information system. The first step in planning an information system is to analyze
the requirements of the people.
 Hardware – consists of the physical equipment. This equipment processes the data to create information.
 Software – a program consists of the step-by-step instructions that tells the computer to perform a certain task. The
purpose of software is to convert data into information.
 Procedures – this are the rules or guidelines for people to follow when using software, hardware, and data. Such as
user manuals.
 Data – this consists of unprocessed data including text, numbers, images, and sound. Information is data that has
been processed by the computer.
Types of Computers
Computer – an electronic device that can follow instructions to accept input from the users, process that input, and produce
information.
Four (4) Types of Computer
 Personal Computers – these are designed for only one (1) person to use at a time. There are several types of personal
computers:
o Desktop computer – this type of personal computer consists of a large metal box called system unit that
contains most of the essential components, with a separate monitor, keyboard, and mouse that all plug into
the system unit.
o Notebook computer – also known as laptop computers, this is a portable computers designed to fold up like
a notebook for carrying. This consists of built-in screen, keyboard, and pointing device.
o Tablet computer – a portable computer that consists of a touch-sensitive display screen mounted on a
tablet-size plastic frame with a small computer inside. It consists of a software-based keyboard pops up on
the screen when needed.
o Smartphones – a mobile phone that can run computer applications. Smartphones usually have a touch-
sensitive screen. Other mobile computers include wearable devices, such as smart watch.
 Supercomputers – these are the largest and most powerful type of computer. These machines are special and high-
capacity computers used by large organizations. These are typically used to process massive amounts of data, such
as weather forecasting.
 Mainframe computers – a large and powerful computers, but not nearly as powerful as supercomputers. These are
capable of processing and storing large amounts of data at once. For example, a mainframe might collect all the sales
data in a large department store.
 Midrange computers – these are also referred as servers. These are computers with processing capabilities less
powerful that a mainframe computer, but more powerful than a personal computer. Servers are used to provide a
centrally accessible storage space for data, and share common devices like printers and scanners. A group of servers
located together in a single facility is called server cluster.
Types of Software
Software – also called as program, tells the hardware what to do, but different types of software accomplish a task at
different levels.
Two (2) Types of Software
 System Software – This are type of software or programs that control or maintain the operation of a computer. This
is the type of software that starts the computer and keep it running, performing basic system tasks such as running
application, managing files, and correcting errors. System software are divided into different categories:
o Basic Input Output System (BIOS) – it is the most basic software. This software is stored on a read-only chip
on the motherboard. This helps the computer start up and performs some basic testing on the hardware.

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 IT1707

o Operating System (OS) – this manages all the activities of the computer after startup. The operating system
serves several purposes:
 It provides the user interface that users use to communicate commands and receive feedback.
 It runs applications, and enables users to interact with them.
 It controls and manages the file storage system.
 It communicates with the hardware, instructing it to take action to accomplish tasks.
o Utilities – it is one (1) of the main component of an operating system. A utility software is also available,
either provided free with the OS or added on. Utility programs assist with a wide range of system
maintenance and security functions, such as checking storage disks for errors, blocking security and privacy
threats, and backing up important files.
 Application Software – This are software that works with the operating system to meet a specific need or perform
a specific task. The OS keeps the computer running, but the applications give end users to use the computer.
o Productivity Software – this application software category helps users to accomplish tasks, such as writing
documents, storing data, and sending email. Example of this category is Microsoft Office applications, a suite
of applications that includes different applications. A suite is a group of applications that are designed to
work well together and that share some common interface and characteristics.
Computer System Components
Computer System – is a system that can take a set of inputs, process them, and create a set of outputs. This is done by a
combination of hardware and software. It has input devices to provide data. This data is then processed in a certain way.
The outcome of the processing is sent to an output device or it may be stored in a storage device until some event happens
to cause it to be output.
A computer system has multiple electronic components. These components are divided into four (4) categories and serve
different purposes in the information processing cycle:
 Input – components that help users put data into the computer, such as keyboard.
 Processing – components that move and process the data inside the computer. The motherboard and its processor
and memory chips fall into this category.
 Output – components that provide the results of the processing to users, such as monitor.
 Storage – components that store software and data until it is needed, such as hard drives.

REFERENCES:
O’Leary, T., O’Leary L., and O’Leary D. (2017). Computing essentials 2017. USA: McGraw-Hill Education.
Wempen, F. (2014). Computing Fundamentals Digital Literacy Edition. United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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