Information Systems Chapter 1 Flashcards

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).