Components of Information System - PC 227 Information System

Information System Components

• Hardware: Refers to physical equipment such as computers, servers, and devices that are integral to an information system.
• Communication: Describes the exchange of data between different devices over a network, enabling connectivity and interaction.

Software and Data

• Software: A collection of programs that instruct a computer on how to perform specific tasks, essentially the brain of the system.
• Data: The raw information utilized by a system, including text, numbers, and images, serving as the foundational input for processing and analysis.

Procedures and Processes

• Data Management Protocols: Defined procedures and steps that govern how data is collected, stored, and utilized within the system, ensuring order and efficiency.
• Body of the System: Hardware is often referred to as the 'body' of the information system, providing the physical infrastructure for operations.

Roles and Functions

• Primary Function of Software: Facilitates the execution of tasks and processes within the information system, acting as an intermediary between the user and hardware.
• Data Exchange Facilitation: Hardware components and communication networks work together to facilitate the exchange of information between devices and systems.

System Operation and Governance

• Role of Data: Acts as the core element within an information system, driving decision-making and operational processes through its analysis and manipulation.
• Users: The 'hands' (operators) and 'minds' (analysts) behind an information system, responsible for managing, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Rules of Operation: Software and protocols define the structure and rules guiding the operation of the system, ensuring consistent and reliable performance.