Information Systems Chapter 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are the parts of an information system?

Only hardware and software

Data and the internet

People, software, hardware, and data

People, procedures, software, hardware, data, and the internet (correct)

Who are the most important part of any information system?

People

What are the two major types of software?

System software and application software

What is system software?

Software that enables application software to interact with the computer hardware Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of system software?

Operating systems and utilities Signup and view all the answers

What are operating systems?

Programs that coordinate computer resources Signup and view all the answers

What do utilities do?

Perform specific tasks related to managing computer resources Signup and view all the answers

What is application software?

Software designed primarily for end users Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of application software?

General-purpose, specialized, and (mobile) apps Signup and view all the answers

What are general-purpose applications?

Widely used in nearly all career areas Signup and view all the answers

What are specialized applications?

Programs focused on specific disciplines and occupations Signup and view all the answers

What are mobile apps?

Small programs designed for mobile devices Signup and view all the answers

What are computers?

Electronic devices that can accept input, process that input, and produce information Signup and view all the answers

What are the four types of computers?

Supercomputers, mainframe computers, midrange computers, and personal computers Signup and view all the answers

What are supercomputers?

The most powerful type of computer Signup and view all the answers

What are mainframe computers?

Powerful computers capable of great processing speeds and data storage Signup and view all the answers

What are midrange computers?

Less powerful than mainframe computers, but more powerful than personal computers Signup and view all the answers

What are personal computers?

The least powerful, yet the most widely used type of computer Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of PCs?

Desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and wearables Signup and view all the answers

What are the four basic categories of PC hardware?

System unit, input/output, secondary storage, and communication Signup and view all the answers

What is the system unit?

The container that houses the electronic components of a computer system Signup and view all the answers

What is input/output?

Input: translates data humans can understand to data computers can process; Output: translates processed information into a form humans can understand Signup and view all the answers

What is secondary storage?

Holds data even after electric power has been turned off Signup and view all the answers

What is data?

Raw, unprocessed facts Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of files?

Document files, worksheet files, database files, and presentation files Signup and view all the answers

What is connectivity?

The capability of your PC to share information with other computers Signup and view all the answers

What are the three things that are driving the impact of technology on our lives?

Cloud computing, wireless communication, and the Internet of Things Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Information System Components

An information system consists of people, procedures, software, hardware, data, and the internet.

Importance of People

People are the most crucial component of any information system, driving its effectiveness and functionality.

Software Types

Software is categorized into two main types: system software and application software.

System Software

System software enables application software to interact with computer hardware.
Functions as "background" software, managing the computer's internal resources.
Comprises a collection of programs.

Types of System Software

Operating systems and utilities fall under system software.

Operating Systems

These programs coordinate computer resources and provide an interface for user interaction.
They facilitate the execution of applications, with examples like Mac OSX.

Utilities

Utilities are specialized programs performing specific tasks for managing computer resources, such as antivirus software.

Application Software

Application software is often referred to as end-user software.

Types of Application Software

There are three major categories: general-purpose, specialized, and mobile applications.

General-Purpose Applications

Widely utilized across various career fields.

Specialized Applications

Tailored programs focused on specific disciplines or occupations, encompassing thousands of options.

Mobile Applications

Designed primarily for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Computer Definition

Computers are electronic devices capable of processing input and producing information.

Computer Types

The four classifications of computers include supercomputers, mainframes, midrange computers (servers), and personal computers (PCs).

Supercomputers

The most powerful computers, employed by large organizations for complex tasks.

Mainframe Computers

Less powerful than supercomputers but still possess significant processing speed and data storage capabilities.

Midrange Computers

Servers that offer more power than personal computers but less than mainframes.

Personal Computers (PCs)

The most widely used and least powerful type of computer.

Types of PCs

Include desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and wearables.

PC Hardware Categories

Falls into four basic categories: system unit, input/output devices, secondary storage, and communication tools.

System Unit

The core housing for a computer's electronic components, such as the microprocessor and memory (RAM).

Input/Output Devices

Input devices translate human-understandable data into computer-processable data (e.g., keyboard, mouse).
Output devices convert processed data into a human-readable form (e.g., monitor).

Secondary Storage

This storage retains data even when the computer is powered off.

Data

Defined as raw, unprocessed facts including text, numbers, images, and sound.

Types of Files

Common file types include document files, worksheet files, database files, and presentation files.

Connectivity

Refers to a PC's ability to share information with other computers, central to networking.

Technological Impact Drivers

Major influences on technology's role in daily life include the internet, cloud computing, wireless communication, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

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Description

Test your knowledge about the foundational components of information systems with these flashcards. This chapter covers essential terms including hardware, software, data, and the crucial role of people. Perfect for beginners looking to grasp the basics of information technology.