Introduction to Information and Data Systems

Study Notes

Hardware includes physical components like input devices, the system unit, output devices, and storage devices.

Computer: A programmable machine capable of performing logical and arithmetic operations, converting data into meaningful information.
Bit: The smallest unit of data, represented as a 0 or 1, representing a binary digit
Byte: A group of 8 bits used to represent a character, digit, or symbol
Default: The pre-set setting used by a computer unless explicitly changed
Toggle: To switch between different modes of operation - Example: the Show/Hide mode in a word processor
Update: To install the latest patches to improve or fix a software or device driver
Upgrade: Enhance a piece of hardware or obtain the latest version of a software program
Boot: To power on the computer and initiate the operating system

Computers vary in size, configuration, and capabilities.
Advancements have enabled smaller, more powerful computers with increased storage and speed

Supercomputers are the fastest, most expensive, and most powerful computers.
Often consist of multiple high-performance computers operating in parallel.

A mainframe is a large computer capable of supporting hundreds of users simultaneously.
Features include substantial data storage, extensive memory, multiple input/output devices, and a fast processor.
Often used in universities and hospitals

Laptop: Portable computer with built-in display, keyboard, and touchpad
Desktop: Stationary computer with a separate monitor, keyboard, and mouse
Tablet: Smaller than a laptop, featuring a touchscreen interface
Smartphone: Combines phone functionality with computing features, like internet access and applications.

Server: Controls access to software, hardware, and specialized services (e.g., web server, firewall server, database server)
Workstation: A desktop computer with enhanced capabilities, more power, and memory for specialized tasks

Microcomputer: small, single-user computer with its own CPU, memory, and storage. Often referred to as PCs or desktops
Laptops/Notebooks: Portable and smaller, offering similar power and capabilities as desktops but at a higher cost
Netbooks: Ultra-portable laptops, smaller and cheaper than regular laptops but with less processing power

Tablets: Smaller than laptops but larger than smartphones, featuring a touchscreen interface.
Internal parts are similar to computers but with a smaller, more efficient form factor, like a smaller processor.
Often powered by rechargeable batteries lasting around 10 hours

Smartphones: Devices like iPhones and Android phones, supporting phone calls, internet access, email, texting, GPS, games, and various applications
Healthcare professionals use these devices for quick access to reference information during clinical encounters

Healthcare Information Systems: complex, interconnected systems designed to manage and process patient data, improve efficiency, and enhance patient care.
Hardware: Physical components like computers, servers, medical devices, and networking infrastructure
Software: Applications used to manage workflows, record patient information, analyze data, and support decision-making
Data: Patient information, medical records, scheduling data, financial records, and administrative data
People: Healthcare professionals, administrators, patients, and support staff

Patient Management: Patient records, scheduling appointments, managing medications, tracking treatment plans.
Clinical Decision Support: Providing medical professionals with evidence-based information and recommendations to aid in diagnosis and treatment plans.
Financial and Administrative Management: Managing billing, payments, inventory, and staff payroll.
Public Health Surveillance: Tracking disease trends, reporting outbreaks, and analyzing health data.
Research and Development: Supporting medical research by providing data analysis, storage, and collaboration tools.