Computer Notes

Mr.
Kwambiana
Education Background
• BSc with education (Math’s & ICT)
• MSc. Information Technology and System (ITS)
Contact
Phone: 0745854660
Email: kwambianas@gmail.com
Course Information
Code: GSU 07102
Name: Information Systems
Learning Context: Lecture, Group discussions,

demonstrations and seminars.
Number of Credits: 12
Integrated Method of Assessment:
Continuous Assessment: 40%
Semester Examination: 60%
Learning Materials: Text books, journals,

internet, manuals and hand-outs
References
• Arens and D. Dewey Ward (2012), Systems Understanding
Aid, 8th Edition, Armond Dalton.
• Darril Gibson (2014), Managing Risk In Information
Systems (2014), 2nd Edition, Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• David Kim, Michael G. Solomon (2013), Fundamentals Of
Information Systems Security, 2nd Edition, Jones & Bartlett
Learning.
• Laudon, Kenneth and Loudon, Jane (2012), Essentials of
Management Information Systems, 10th Edition, Prentice
Hall.
References
• R. Kelly Rainer, Brad Prince, and Casey G. Celgielski (2013),
Introduction to Information Systems: Supporting and
Transforming Business, 5th Edition, Wiley.
• Ratzan, Lee and Lee Ratzan (2004), Understanding
information systems: what they do and why we need
them, American Library Association.
• Turban, E. McLean and J. Wetherbe (2007). Information
Technology for Management: transforming Organizations
in the Digital Economy 6th Edition, Wiley
• William Stallings (2013). Data and Computer
Communications 10th Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall.
1. Concepts of computer systems in an organization
Explain computer systems; evolution of
computer; types of computers and their
limitations
Explain the impact of computers to people
and organizations
Explain computer input devices, processing
unit, storage devices, and output devices
2. Information system in an organization
Explain information systems; types of
information systems
Describe the characteristics of
information systems
Explain the importance of information
systems in real world
3. Information technology techniques to develop
information system in an organization
Explain information systems development
process
Describe steps for developing information
systems
Develop information systems using
information technology methods and
techniques
Conduct information system quality assurance
4. Concepts of information systems security
and privacy in an organization
Identify security threats to organization
information and information systems
Describe techniques for data security and
privacy
Describe ethical issues related to the use
of information systems in an organization
5. Electronic commerce skills in business
operations
Explain e-commerce; e-business; strategic
business operations
Explain benefits and limitations of e-
commerce in business operations
Compare e-commerce from e-business
Perform business operations (market
research, advertising, online publishing,
trading and customer support ) by using e-
commerce
6. Accounting information system in business
Explain accounting information system
Explain functions of accounting information
system
Explain parts of accounting information
system
Explain the reliability of accounting
information system
Explain internal controls for accounting
information systems
Topic 1: Explain concepts of computer
systems in an organization
Explain computer systems; evolution

of computer; types of computers and
their limitations
Explain the impact of computers to
people and organizations
Explain computer input devices,
processing unit, storage devices, and
output devices
Computer systems
Meaning of Computer
 A Computer is defined as an electronic
machine that accepts input (data), processes it
and gives out results (information).
Basically, a computer performs five major

operations or functions;
Functions of computer
These are:
1. Input
- It accepts data or instructions by way of input
2. Storage
- It stores data
3. Processing
- It can process data as required by the user
4. Output
- It gives results in the form of output, and
5. Control
- It controls all operations inside a computer.
Components of a computer
A computer is divided into two main components
namely; Hardware and Software:-
Computer hardware is defined as the physical

components of the system; the system unit
(system box), monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.
CPU
system unit Mother Board
Power Cable
Data Cable
Fan CMOS battery Power Supply
Categories of computer Hardware.

Computer Hardware is classified into four main
categories namely
Input Devices.
-For example mouse, keyboard, joysticks,
scanners, microphones etc
Keyboard Mouse A scanner Joystick Microphones

Processing Devices.
-For example central processing unit and fan
Fan Central Processing Unit - CPU

Output Devices.
-For example Monitor, printers, projector,
speaker, etc
Monitor Speaker Projector Printer

Storage Devices.
Are divided into primary and secondary storage
Primary storage, this memory is for execution;
RAM – Random Access Memory
ROM - Read only Memory
A ROM Chip
RAM
ROM
Secondary storage, this is permanent storage

where data are stored even if there is no
power. Hard Disk Drives (HDD), floppy disks,
Portable disk drives, and CD ROMS are all
examples of permanent storage.
Hard Disk Drives

floppy disk
Portable disk drives
A USB flash Disk Memory Card
CD ROMS
Digital Versatile Disc - DVD Compact Disk - CD

Computer software is defined as the set of

instructions (computer programs) that directs a
computer what to do.
Types of Computer Software
1. System Software is software that controls the
hardware components of the computer.
System software includes the Operating
systems (OS), BIOS, Utility programs and
Device drivers.
 Operating systems (OS)
- An operating system is a set of programs that
coordinates all the activities among computer hardware
devices.
Examples of OS are:
• Disk Operating System (DOS)
• Mac OS (Macintosh)
• Windows such as Window 98, Windows NT, Windows XP
and Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and
Window 10
• Unix/Linux
• Xenix
• Ubuntu etc
Basic Tasks of an Operating System.
• An operating system has the following primary
tasks:-
• Processor (CPU) management.
• Memory management.
• Device management.
• Storage management.
• File system management.
BIOS
- BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is the
program of personal computer's
microprocessor uses to get the computer
system started after you turn it on. It also
manages data flow between the computer's
operating system and attached devices such as
the hard disk, video adapter, keyboard, mouse
and printer.
Utility programs
- A program that performs a specific task
related to the management of computer
functions, resources, or files, password
protection, memory management, virus
protection, and file compression
Utility Example of a program

Task
Virus Protection Kaspersky Antivirus
File Compression WinZip
Firewall Windows firewall
Resource management Disk defragmenter (included in
Windows OS)
Memory management Detect Unintended Memory
Access (or DUMA)
Encryption Software AxCrypt
File management System File Checker
Device drivers
- A device driver is a software program that
controls a particular type
of hardware device that is attached to a
computer. When buying an operating system,
many device drivers are built into the product.
However, if a user later buys a new type of
device that the operating system did not
anticipate, the new device driver will have to
be installed.
A device driver essentially allows smooth
communication between a connected
hardware device and the operating system
(OS).
Note: DriverPack is recommended for windows
operating system
2. Applications software is the type of software

that provides the user with the application
programs they want to use.
Examples:
• Offices Applications.
• Games.
• WhatsApp, Face Book, Instagram, BBM
• Database Management Systems.
• Management Information Systems, Web sites
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe reader and etc
Differences between Application Software and
System Software
Assignment 1:
Individual assignment – 100% Marks
Discuss the difference between application software

and system software.
Start a Program
How to Start a Program

Alternative-1
• Click start Button
• Choose Programs or All Programs
• Click the program name you want to start.
Alternative-2
• On the Desktop Select the Shortcut for the
program
• Press Enter(or Double click the icon) to execute the
program (or Right click the icon then click open)
FILES MANAGEMENT
FILES MANAGEMENT
• File Management is the organization of folders
and files in the Computer.
• It is important to organize your files and
documents well so that you can easily manage
them in the future. Files can be stored directly
in the Hard Disk (Drive), in the folders within
the Hard Disk or in the subfolders.
FILES MANAGEMENT
Drive
• Drive is defined as a media or device used for
data storage. Examples of drives include all
secondary storage.
• The operating system usually name installed
Drives with letters A, B, C, D……Z as follows.
FILES MANAGEMENT
Folder/Directory
• Folder/Directory is defined as a named storage
location which can contain files and/or
subfolders/Subdirectories. While Subfolder is
defined as a folder inside another folder.
File
• File is defined as a collection of related data
given a unique name.
FILES MANAGEMENT
• Every file must have a name and a file

extension.
File name: - Uniquely identifies the file for ease of
access.
File extension: - Describes the type of the file and
directs the operating system to assign the
appropriate program to execute it.
FILES MANAGEMENT
File extension
BACK UP DATA
Media for storage of Backup Data

The most common examples of Backup media are
• Hard Disks Drive (an external hard disk drive)
• Optical discs (CD/DVD).
• Portable disk drives
• Online Storage such as Google Drive
• Keep in mind that you should not store backups on the

same hard drive as the files that you're backing up. If you
do and anything happens to that hard drive, you will have
lost both the originals and the backups.
BACK UP DATA
Where to store Backup Media?

A best practice for storing backups is to keep a
copy of the backup files on-site (in your home
or office) for easy access and a copy off-site in
case of fire, flood, or other damages to your
location which could damage or destroy the on-
site backup copy.
COMPUTER CLASSIFICATIONS
COMPUTER CLASSIFICATIONS [Types of
Computers]
Computers are classified according to physical
size and processing power as well as
functionality (like Analog, Digital and Hybrid)
Types of Computer according to physical size
and processing power
1. Mainframe Computers:
Highly critical applications such as bulk data
processing
Multiple operating systems and operate as a
number of virtual machines
6 feet tall
2. A supercomputer :
Mainframe computer that has been optimized
for speed and processing power.
Supercomputers are used for extremely
calculation-intensive tasks such simulating
nuclear bomb and global weather patterns
3. Microcomputers or Personal computers (PC’s) :
Microprocessor (central processing unit - CPU)
They do not occupy space as much as
mainframes do
A monitor, a keyboard and other similar input-
output devices, computer memory and power
supply unit come packaged in a Microcomputer
Best choice for single-user tasks
The following are categories of Microcomputer/
personal computer
1. Desktops: A desktop is intended to be used on
a single location
2. Laptops: Similar in operation to desktops,
laptop computers are miniaturized and
optimized for mobile use
Their portability and capacity to operate on
battery power have proven to be of great help
to mobile users.
3. Netbooks: They fall in the category of laptops,
but are inexpensive and relatively smaller in
size.
4. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA): It is a
handheld computer and popularly known as a
palmtop. It has a touch screen and a memory
card for storage of data.
5. Tablet Computers: Tablets are mobile
computers that are very handy to use. They
use the touch screen technology. Tablets come
with an onscreen keyboard or use a stylus or a
digital pen.
6. Servers: They are computers designed to
provide services to client machines in a
computer network
A Server
7. Smartphones: They are computers designed to
provide Communication between users.
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
Historical background of Computers
The history of computers can be traced back to
the time when human were struggling to
invert tools that could perform mathematical
Calculations such as addition, Subtraction,
Division, Multiplication. The following are
tools developed for the purpose of performing
mathematical calculations.
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
• Abacus
Abacus means a calculating board. It was
invented by Chinese people back in 3000 BC.
Abacus is a mechanical counting device invented
to count large numbers by early man.
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
• Napier’s bones
Napier’s bones was developed by a Scottish
mathematician called John Napier in the 17th
century. It performed calculations of products
and quotients of numbers. It is made up of
marked strips of wood or bones, placed side by
side to each other.
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
• Slide ruler
Slide ruler is a mechanical machine used to
perform arithmetic operations. It was inverted
by William Oughtred in 17th century. Slide ruler
was commonly used to perform arithmetic
operation up to 1970’s when electronic
calculators was invented and took over.
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
• Slide ruler
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
• La Pascaline machine (Pascal’s adding and

subtraction machine)
La pascaline machine (Pascal’s machine) was
invented by Blaise Pascal in the 17th century.
This machine performed addition and
subtraction operations. It consisted of gears and
cylinders.
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
• Leibniz Multiplication and dividing machine

This was the first mechanical calculator capable
of performing multiplication and division, it was
invented by a German mathematician Gottfried
Leibnitz.
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
• Babbage’s Analytical Engine (The Analytical engine)

Analytical engine was a project by an English
mathematician called Charles Babbage. Before
designing Analytical engine Charles Babbage designed
a machine that could calculate a long series of
numbers and printing the outcome. This machine was
called The Difference engine in 1830. Later in 1832 he
improved the difference engine by introducing an idea
of programming by using punching cards and called
that machine The Analytical Engine.
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
It is believed that Charles Babbage is the first

computer programmer and thus he is entitled the
father of computers. Later in 1936 Howard Aiken
developed the modern version Analytical Engine
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
The difference machine The Analytical Engine

COMPUTER EVOLUTION
• The Mark I
It was invented in 1944 by Howard Aiken who was
funded by IBM Company. In this project Howard
Aiken approached IBM for funding and received
$1Mil (1 million US-Dollars). Mark-I Launched IBM
into business machine development. IBM stands
for International Business Machines
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
COMPUTER GENERATIONS
• After the design of Analytical engine by Charles
Babbage it took some years before emergence of
electronic computers. Computer evolution is
classified into five generations depending on the
technology used.
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
• First Generation Computers (1951-1957)

Computers in this generation were characterized
mainly by vacuum tubes. The following are the
basic characteristics of first generation computers
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
Characteristics:
a) Used vacuum tubes
b) Emitted a lot of heat
c) Very large in size (occupied a large space)
d) Consumed a lot of power (high power consumption)
e) Difficult to program, use and maintain
f) Slow in operation and unreliable
g) Short life span
h) Used machine language
i) Used magnetic drum memories
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
Examples of first generation computers include

Electronic Numeric Integrator and Calculator
(ENIAC), Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic
Computer (EDVAC) and Universal Automatic
Computer (UNIVAC I).
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
(ENIAC) Computer
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
(UNIVAC I
Computer full view)
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
• Second Generation Computers (1958-1963)

This generation introduced use of Transistors.
Computers in second generation used transistors
to replace vacuum tubes.
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
Characteristics:
a) Emitted less heat compared to first generation
computers.
b) Transistors were used in place of vacuum tubes
c) Relative smaller in size compared to first
generation computers
d) Used assembly language programming
e) Relied on magnetic core memories.
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
IBM 7000, NCR 304 (National Cash Register), IBM

650, IBM 1401, ATLAS and Mark III are the
examples of second generation computers.
(IBM 650 Computer)

COMPUTER EVOLUTION
• Third Generation Computers (1964-1970)
During the period of 1964 to early1970’s Third
generation computers were developed. The third
generation computers emerged with the development
of IC (Integrated Circuits). The invention of the IC was
the greatest achievement done in the period of third
generation of computers. IC was invented by Robert
Noyce and Jack Kilby in 1958-59. IC is a single
component containing a number of transistors.
Transistors were miniaturized and placed on silicon
chips, called semiconductors, which drastically
increased the speed and efficiency of computers.
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
Keyboards and monitors developed during the

period of third generation of computers. The third
generation computers interfaced with an
operating system, which allowed the device to run
many different applications at one time with
a central program that monitored the memory
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
Characteristics
a) IC was used instead of transistors in the third
generation computers.
b) Third generation computers were smaller in size
and cheaper as compare to the second generation
computers.
c) They were fast and more reliable.
d) High level language was developed.
e) Magnetic core and solid states as main storage.
f) They were able to reduce computational time and
had low maintenance cost.
g) Input/Output devices became more sophisticated.
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
PDP-8, PDP-11, ICL 2900, IBM 360 and IBM 370 are
the examples of third generation computers.
(IBM 360 Computer)
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
• Fourth Generation Computers (1971-1990)
After 1971 the fourth generation computers were
built. The fourth generation computers were
the extension of third generation technology. The
fourth generation computers emerged with
development of the VLSI (Very Large Scale
Integration).With the help of VLSI technology
microprocessor came into existence. The
computers were designed by using microprocessor,
as thousands of integrated circuits were built onto a
single silicon chip.
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
What in the first generation filled an entire

room could now fit in the palm of the hand.
The fourth generation computers became
more powerful, compact, reliable and
affordable. As a result, they give rise to
personal computer (PC) revolution.
For the first time in 1981
IBM introduced its computer for the home
user and in 1984
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
Characteristics
a) The fourth generation computers have
microprocessor-based systems.
b) They are the cheapest among all the computer
generation.
c) The speed, accuracy and reliability of the
computers were improved in fourth generation
computers.
d) Many high-level languages were developed in the
fourth generation such as COBOL, FORTRAN, BASIC,
PASCAL and C language.
e) A Further refinement of input/output devices was
developed.
f) Networking between the systems was developed.
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
IBM 4341, DEC 10, STAR 1000, PUP 11 and APPLE II

are the examples of fourth generation computers.
Apple II computer
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
• Fifth Generation Computers (1990 to present)

Fifth generation computers are in developmental
stage which is based on the artificial intelligence.
The goal of the fifth generation is to develop
the device which could respond to
natural language input and are capable of learning
and self-organization. Quantum computation and
molecular and nanotechnology will be used in this
technology. So we can say that the fifth
generation computers will have the power of
human intelligence.
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
Characteristics
1) The fifth generation computers will use super large
scale integrated chips.
2) They will have artificial intelligence.
3) They will be able to recognize image and graphs.
4) Fifth generation computer aims to be able
to solve highly complex problem including decision
making, logical reasoning.
5) They will be able to use more than one CPU for
faster processing speed.
6) Fifth generation computers are intended
to work with natural language.
7) Massive connectivity to Internet and Intranet
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
COMPUTER SECURITY
Note:
• To prevent your computer from virus attack you
need to install Antivirus software and update it
frequently. Examples of antivirus software are
Window defender, Avast, AVG, MacAfee,
Kaspersky, Norton etc.
Advantages of using Computers
Advantages (pros or positive effects or

significances) of computers
• They are fast
• They are reliable (failure is minimal)
• They are accurate
• They can store Massive amount of information
• They can move information very quickly from
one place to another.
Advantages of using Computers
• It can help you communicate with friends,

coworkers and other contacts.
• It has many search engines to help you find
information quickly.
• It helps you to automate various tasks that you
cannot do manually.
Disadvantages of using Computers
• Too much work at the computer can result in

painful nerve injuries (e.g. carpal tunnel
syndrome)
• Computer failure can cause hazards e.g. air
traffic computer failure
• Computer may displace workers by automating
tasks that people used to perform or by
enabling fewer workers to perform tasks more
efficiently and less salary.
Characteristics of Computer
• Efficiency: performing accurate, and long time

without get tired
• Speed: It is with very high processing speed. The
computer can process more than 50 million
instructions in one second. Now a day, very high
speed computers are available with core i7
microprocessor chips
• Storage Capacity: It can stores vast amount of
information in the form of books, graphics, charts,
animation, audio, video etc. Now a day, the hard
disk of more than 1 TB is also available in market.
Characteristics of Computer
• Versatility: It has capacity of multitasking. You

can enjoy multimedia, word processing,
printing, communicating etc.
• Reliability: The computer is a reliable electronic

multipurpose and multiprocessing machine. It
processes data with high accuracy without any
mistakes.
Advantages of Computer in an Organization.
• Data Storage
• Education
• Research
• Marketing
• Creating and Editing of Business documents
• Transfer of information
• Communication
• Human Resources Management
Disadvantages of computers in an organization.
• Requires Training
• Computer Crime
• Require Additional Infrastructure
• Replaces Human Labor

Revolution of Information Technology
Information Technology covers a broad spectrum

of hardware and software solutions that enable
organizations to gather, organize, and analyze
data that helps them achieve their goals.
• Pre-mechanical age, time between 3000B.C.

and 1450 A.D, simple picture drawings were
used to communicate.
• Mechanical age, time between 1450 and 1840.
A lot of new technologies are developed in this
era like slide ruler (an analog computer used for
multiplying and dividing) were invented.
• Electromechanical age, time between 1840 and

1940. These are the beginnings of
telecommunication.
• The Electronic age is where we currently live in.
It can be defined as the time between 1940 and
right now. The ENIAC was the first high-speed,
digital computer capable of being
reprogrammed to solve a full range of
computing problems.
How is computer is being applied in your field of
study?
Get ready for Topic 2
Topic 2: Demonstrate knowledge of
information system in an organization
Explain information systems; types of

information systems
Describe the characteristics of
information systems
Explain the importance of
information systems in real world
Explain information systems; types of
information systems
Information is a processed data.

When data are processed, interpreted,
organized, presented so as to make
them meaningful or useful, they are
called Information.
Information provides context for data
information systems
System
Is a collection of various components
that solve specific problems.
information systems
Information System
Is an interrelated components working
together to collect, process, store, and
disseminate information to support
coordination and decision making in
an organization.
information systems
information systems
Types Information System

Mainly in an Organization we have
four major types of Information
systems which are depend on decision
marking levels of an organization.
information systems
information systems
• Executive Information Systems

• Decisions support Systems
• Management Information Systems
• Transaction Processing Systems.
information systems
information systems
Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)

are used to record data about everyday
transactions. Examples of transactions
include selling a product, employees
punching in and out on a time clock,
students submitting assignments. Each of
these transactions requires some data to
be recorded.
information systems
For example, when a product is sold, we

must capture something to identify the
item, the quantity, the sales price and the
date of the sale.
Good examples of TPS are Payroll systems,
Order Processing systems, Reservation
systems, Stock control systems, Systems for
Payments and Funds Transfers.
information systems
information systems
Role of TPS
• Produce information for other systems
• Cross boundaries (internal and external)
• Used by operational personnel and
supervisory levels
• Efficiency oriented
information systems
Examples of TPS
• Payroll processing
• Sales and order processing
• Inventory management
• Accounts payable and receivable
information systems
information systems
OBJECTIVES OF TPS
• Efficient and effective operation of the
organization
• Provide timely documents and reports
• Increases the competitive advantage
• Provides necessary data for tactical and
strategic systems such as DSS
• Provide a framework for analyzing an
organization’s activities
information systems
Management Information Systems (MIS)

are the most common information systems in
business. MIS are management level systems that
are used by middle managers to help ensure the
smooth running of the organization in the short to
medium term. MIS involves basic arithmetic:
addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and
average, minimum and maximum
information systems
MIS have routine reports that are printed

periodically: daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly,
annually or on demand.
Examples of Management Information Systems are
Sales Management Systems, Inventory Control
Systems, Budgeting systems, Management
Reporting Systems (MRS), Personnel (HRM)
Systems, staff information systems, student
information systems
information systems
Role of MIS
• Based on internal information flows
• Support relatively structured decisions
• Inflexible and have little analytical capacity
• Used by lower and middle managerial levels
• Deals with the past and present rather than the
future
• Efficiency oriented
information systems
Some examples of MIS
• Sales management systems
• Inventory control systems
• Budgeting systems
• Management Reporting Systems (MRS)
• Personnel (HRM) systems
information systems
information systems
OBJECTIVES OF MIS
• Provide summary information of
organizational activity at periodical intervals
• Operational control and efficiency
• Focus on internal information
• Useful to structured decisions
information systems
information systems
Decision Support Information Systems.

A decision Support System (DSS) can be seen as a
knowledge base system, used by senior managers,
which facilitates the creation of knowledge and
allow its integration into the organization.
These systems are often used to analyze existing
structured information and allow managers to
project the potential effects of their decisions into
the future.
information systems
Such systems are usually interactive and are used to

solve all structured problems.
Examples of Decisions support systems are, Group

Decision Support Systems (GDSS), Computer Supported
Co-operative work (CSCW), Logistics Systems, Financial
Planning Systems, and Spreadsheet Models.
information systems
information systems
Role of DSS
• Support ill- structured or semi-structured
decisions
• Have analytical and/or modelling capacity
• Used by more senior managerial levels
• Are concerned with predicting the future
• Are effectiveness oriented
information systems
Some examples of DSS

• Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS)
• Computer Supported Co-operative work (CSCW)
• Logistics systems
• Financial Planning systems
• Spreadsheet Models
information systems
information systems
information systems
Executive Information Systems

Executive Information Systems are strategic-level
information systems that are found at the top of
pyramid.
They help executives and senior managers analyze
the environment in which the organization
operates to identify long- term trends and to plan
appropriate courses of action.
information systems
The information in such systems is often weakly

structured and comes from both internal and
external sources.
information systems
Role of EIS
• Are concerned with ease of use
• Are concerned with predicting the future
• Are effectiveness oriented
• Are highly flexible
• Support unstructured decisions
• Use internal and external data sources
• Used only at the most senior management levels
information systems
Some examples:
Executive Information Systems tend to be highly
individualized and are often custom made for a
particular client group.
However, a number of off-the-shelf Executive

Information System packages do exist and many
enterprise level systems offer a customizable EIS
module
information systems
Expert systems can be used in several areas of an
organization:
• Accounting and finance
• In selecting forecasting models
• In providing tax advice
• Marketing
• In establishing sales quotas
• In responding to customer inquiries
• Manufacturing
• In determining whether process is running correctly
• In analyzing quality and providing corrective actions
• In product design and layout
• Procurement and supply.
• Others
• In assessing project proposals, etc
information systems
information systems
Describe the characteristics of
information systems
The purpose of Information system is to help
management team of an organization to make
decisions that advance the organization's goals.
An effective Information System assembles data

available from company operations, external inputs
and past activities into information that shows
what the company has achieved in key areas of
interest, and what is required for further progress.
information systems
Therefore the most important characteristics of an
Information System are those that give decision-
makers confidence that their actions will have the
desired consequences.
• Correctness:
-The information system should meet all the stated
specifications.
• Usability:
-The information system should be user-friendly. That is, the
software use little amount of effort or time required to learn
how to use the software.
information systems
• Integrity:
- Information system should not have/create any
adverse side effects.
• Reliability:
- Information system should be defect-free. It should
not fail during execution.
• Efficiency:
- Information system should make effective use of
resources.
information systems
• Security:
- Information system should not cause ill effects on data
and hardware. The data should be kept secure from
external threats.
• Maintainability:
- Information system maintenance should be easy for
any kind of user.
• Flexibility:
-Changes in information system should be easy to make.
information systems
• Testability:
-Testing the information system should be easy.
• Scalability:
-Easily upgradeable for more work or for larger number
of users
• Extensibility:
-Accessible across multiple platforms/devices
Explain the importance of information
In almost every sector in world today (Public and

Private) sectors are implementing computer
technology for the better performance of the
Organization.
Information System can be applied in the following
sectors; education, Finance, government, health
care, manufacturing, and in large and small
businesses; information systems play a prominent
role.
Every day work, communication, information

gathering, and decision making all rely on
information technology (IT). When we visit a travel
agency to book a trip, a collection of
interconnected information systems is used for
checking the availability of ﬂights and hotels and
for booking them.
When we make an electronic payment, we interact

with the bank’s information system rather than
with personnel of the bank. Modern supermarkets
use IT to track the stock based on incoming
shipments and the sales that are recorded at cash
registers.
Online travel agencies, tax authorities, and

electronic bookshops can be seen as IT companies
given the central role of their information systems.
Impacts of information systems on
organizations.
The main purpose of Information Systems is to

provide the right information to the right people at
the right time.
It is used to track, store, manipulate and distribute

the information from gathered data to appropriate
persons when necessary.
organizations.
Positive effect on Organizations

• Communication, instant messaging, emails,
voice and video calls becomes quicker, cheaper
and much efficient.
• Globalization, information system bring nations
together in sharing scarcity resources.
organizations.
• cultural gap, implementing information

systems we can bring down the linguistic,
geographical and some cultural boundaries.
languages and cultures becomes much easier through

sharing the information, knowledge, and relationships
between different countries.
organizations.
• Availability of organizational activities,

Information systems has made it possible for
businesses operate 24×7 all over the globe. This
means that a business can operate anytime
anywhere, making purchases from different
countries easier and more convenient.
organizations.
• Creation of new types of jobs, One of the best

advantages of information systems is the
creation of new and interesting jobs. Computer
programmers, Systems analyzers, Hardware and
Software developers and Web designers are
just some of the many new employment
opportunities created with the help of IT.
organizations.
• Increase productivity, information system

promotes more efficient operation of the
company by fasten decision-making and other
activities which also increase competitive
advantage.
organizations.
Cost effectiveness, the running cost of information

system is low compared to advantages of using it.
However there are some frustrations can be faced

by system users which are directly linked to lack of
training and poor systems performance.
organizations.
Negative impacts of Information Systems on

organizations
1. Unemployment and lack of job security

2. Dominant culture
3. Security issues
4. Implementation expenses
5. User frustrations
Topic 3: Use information technology
techniques to develop information
system in an organization
 Explain information systems development
process
Describe steps for developing information
systems
Develop information systems using
techniques
Documentation of information systems
Conduct information system quality
assurance
Explain information systems development
process
When someone has an idea for a certain task to be

performed by a computer, how does that idea
become reality? If a company wants to implement
a business process and needs computer hardware
or software to support it, how do they go about
making it happen?
Therefore, the process of taking those ideas and
bringing them to reality is called information
systems development.
Explain information systems development
process
By definition:
Information systems development, is the
systematic approach of engineering the
Implementation of information system.
Information systems development process, is the

procedure of understanding how an information
system (IS) can support business needs by designing
a system, building it, delivering it to users, and do
the maintenance.
Describe steps for developing information
systems
systems
The procedure of designing information system,

building it, and delivering it to users involves four
important steps. (That is Systems Development Life
Cycle (SDLC) involves four steps)
• Planning
• Analysis
• Design
• Implementation
systems
1. Planning
The planning phase is the fundamental process of
understanding why an information system should be
built and determining how the project team will go
about building it. It has two steps:
– Project initiation, Most ideas for new systems come
from outside the IS area (e.g., from the Procurement
and Logistic department, accounting department,
etc.) in the form of a system request.
systems
A system request presents a brief summary of a

business need, and it explains how a system that
supports the need will create business value. The IS
department works together with the person or
department that generated the request to conduct
a feasibility analysis.
systems
The feasibility analysis examines key aspects of the

proposed project:
• The technical feasibility (Can we build it?)
• The economic feasibility (Will it provide business
value?)
• The organizational feasibility (If we build it, will it
be used?)
systems
The system request and feasibility analysis are

presented to an information systems approval
committee, which decides whether the project
should be undertaken. Once the project is
approved, it enters project management
– Project Management, the project manager

creates a work-plan, staffs the project, and puts
techniques in place to help the project team
control and direct the project through the entire
SDLC
systems
The deliverable for project management is a project

plan, which describes how the project team will go
about developing the system.
2. Analysis
The analysis phase answers the questions of who
will use the system, what the system will do, where
and when it will be used. During this phase, the
project team investigates any current system(s),
identifies opportunities for improvement, and
systems
develops a concept for the new system.

This phase has three steps:
• An analysis strategy, analysis of the current
system (called the as-is system) and its problems
and then ways to design a new system (called the
to-be system).
• Requirements gathering, using data collection
methods.
• System concept and models
systems
Those concept and models are combined into a

document called the system proposal, which is
presented to the project sponsor and other key
decision makers (e.g., members of the approval
committee) who decide whether the project should
continue to move forward.
systems
3. Design
The design phase decides how the system will
operate, in terms of the hardware, software, and
network infrastructure; the user interface, forms
and reports; and the specific programs, databases,
and files that will be needed.
The design phase has four steps:

systems
• The design strategy is first developed. It clarifies
whether the system will be developed by the
company’s own programmers, whether the system
will be outsourced to another firm (usually a
consulting firm), or whether the company will buy
an existing software package.
• Architecture design - hardware, software, and
network infrastructure to be used. Also The
interface design specifies how the users will move
through the system and the forms and reports that
the system will use.
systems
• The database and file specifications are developed.
These define exactly what data will be stored and
where they will be stored.
• The analyst team develops the program design,

which defines the programs that need to be written
and exactly what each program will do.
The deliverables is a document called system
specification
systems
4. Implementation
The final phase in the SDLC is the implementation
phase, during which the system is actually built (or
purchased, in the case of a packaged software
design). This is the phase that usually gets the most
attention, because for most systems it is the longest
and most expensive single part of the development
process.
This phase has three steps:
systems
• System construction is the first step. The system is
built and tested to ensure it performs as designed.
Because the cost of bugs can be immense, testing is
one of the most critical steps in implementation.
Most organizations give more time and attention to
testing than to writing the programs in the first
place.
• The system is installed. Installation is the process by
which the old system is turned off and the new one
is turned on.
systems
It may include:
• Direct cutover approach - in which the new system
immediately replaces the old system
• Parallel conversion approach - in which both the
old and new systems are operated for a month or
two until it is clear that there are no bugs in the
new system
• Phased conversion approach - in which the new
system is installed in one part of the organization as
an initial trial and then gradually installed in others.
systems
The most important aspects of installation
• Training plan - that is to teach users how to use the
new system
• Support plan for the system. This plan usually
includes a formal or informal post-implementation
review as well as a systematic way for identifying
major and minor changes needed for the system.
systems
System testing
Process to identify the defects to ensure that the
product is defect-free and met the specified user
requirements in order to produce a quality product.
Types of system testing

• Acceptance Testing: Testing conducted to be
enabling a user/ customer to determine whether to
accept a software product.
systems
• Accessibility Testing: Verifying a product is
accessible to the people having disabilities (deaf,
blind, mentally disabled etc.)
• Black Box Testing: Testing based on an analysis of
the specification of a piece of Software without
reference to its internal workings. The goal is to test
how well the component conforms to the published
requirements.
systems
• Compatibility Testing: Testing whether software is
compatible with other elements of a system with
which it should operate, e.g. browsers, Operating
Systems, or hardware.
• Validation Testing: The process of evaluating
software at the end of the software development
process to ensure compliance with software
requirements. The techniques for validation are
testing, inspection and reviewing.
Develop information systems using
techniques
A methodology is a formalized approach to

implementing the SDLC. There are many different
systems development methodologies, and each
one is unique, based on the order and focus it
places on each SDLC phase. Some methodologies
are formal standards used by government
agencies, whereas others have been developed by
consulting firms to sell to clients.
techniques
In this section, we describe three different classes of

system development methodologies: structured
design, rapid application development, and agile
development.
1. Structured Design, adopt a formal step-by-step

approach to the SDLC that moves logically from one
phase to the next. Structured design includes;
techniques
• Waterfall Development,
This is the original structured design methodology (still
used today). With waterfall development–based
methodologies, the analysts and users proceed in
sequence from one phase to the next. This methodology is
referred to as waterfall development because it moves
forward from phase to phase in the same manner as a
waterfall
techniques
The two key advantages of the structured design

waterfall approach are; identifies system requirements
long before programming begins and it minimizes
changes to the requirements as the project proceeds.
techniques
The two key disadvantages are; the design must be

completely before programming begins and that a
long time elapses between the completion of the
system proposal in the analysis phase and the delivery
of the system (usually many months or years). Lengthy
deliverables often result in poor communication;
techniques
• Parallel Development
Parallel development methodology attempts to
address the problem of long delays between the
analysis phase and the delivery of the system. Instead
of doing design and implementation in sequence, it
performs a general design for the whole system and
then divides the project into a series of distinct
subprojects that can be designed and implemented in
parallel.
techniques
The primary advantage of this methodology is that it

can reduce the time to deliver a system.
However, the approach still suffers from problems
caused by paper documents. Sometimes the
subprojects are not completely independent; design
decisions made in one subproject can affect another,
and the end of the project can require significant
integration efforts.
techniques
2. Rapid Application Development (RAD)

RAD-based methodologies attempt to address both
weaknesses of structured design methodologies by
adjusting the SDLC phases to get some part of the
system developed quickly and into the hands of the
users. In this way, the users can better understand the
system and suggest revisions that bring the system
closer to what is needed
techniques
RAD improves the speed and quality of systems

development. However,
there is one possible problem with RAD-based
methodologies: fails to managing user expectations,
due to change dramatically.
RAD includes
techniques
• Phased Development
A phased development-based methodology breaks an
overall system into a series of versions that are
developed sequentially.
The analysis phase identifies the overall system
concept, and the project team, users, and system
sponsor then categorize the requirements into a
series of versions.
techniques
Phased development–based methodologies have the

advantage of quickly getting a useful system into the
hands of the users.
It does begin to provide business value sooner than if
the system were delivered after completion, as is the
case with the waterfall and parallel methodologies.
techniques
The major drawback to phased development is that

users begin to work with systems that are
intentionally incomplete. Therefore system does not
perform all the functions the users need at first
techniques
• Prototyping
A prototyping-based methodology performs the
analysis, design, and implementation phases
concurrently, and all three phases are performed
repeatedly in a cycle until the system is completed.
With these methodologies, the basics of analysis and
design are performed, and provide system prototype.
(system prototype is a quick-and-dirty program that
provides a minimal amount of features).
techniques
The key advantage of a prototyping-based

methodology is that it very quickly provides a system
with which the users can interact, even if it is not
ready for widespread organizational use at first. And
prototyping helps to more quickly refine real
requirements.
The major problem with prototyping is not suitable

for complex systems.
techniques
• Throwaway Prototyping
Throwaway prototyping-based methodologies are
similar to prototyping-based methodologies in that
they include the development of prototypes;
however, throwaway prototypes are done at a
different point in the SDLC. These prototypes are used
for a very different purpose than those previously
discussed, and they have a very different appearance.
techniques
Throwaway prototyping-based methodologies

balance has the advantages of using prototypes to
refine key issues before a system is built.
But it can take longer to deliver the final system as
compared to prototyping-based methodologies.
techniques
3. Agile Development
A third category of systems development
methodologies is still emerging today is agile
development. All agile development methodologies
are based on the agile manifesto.
agile methodologies focus on streamlining the
system-development process by eliminating much of
the modeling and documentation overhead and the
time spent on those tasks.
techniques
Two of the more popular examples of agile

development methodologies are extreme
programming (XP) and Scrum.
• Extreme programming (XP) is founded on four core

values: communication, simplicity, feedback, and
courage.
techniques
• Scrum is a term that is well known to rugby fans. In

rugby, a scrum is used to restart a game.
techniques
Once a sprint has begun, Scrum teams do not

consider any additional requirements. Any new
requirements that are uncovered are placed on a
backlog of requirements that still need to be
addressed. At the beginning of every workday, to the
client.
techniques
Selecting the Appropriate Development

Methodology
Because there are many methodologies, the first
challenge faced by analysts is selecting which
methodology to use. Choosing a methodology is not
simple, because no one methodology is always best.
• Clarity of User Requirements
• Familiarity with Technology
• System Complexity
techniques
• Short Time Schedules

• Schedule Visibility
Documentation of information systems
The documentation of information system is a

component of communication, control and
monitoring of the development, operation and
maintenance project.
At the same time, the documentation should be
regarded as one of the results of the stages of the
system life cycle.
The role of Information Systems documentation.

• A means of clarification of certain aspects during
system development, namely finding answers for
various problems that may occur during the project.
• A sort of contract between the project team
members and the system beneficiaries or between
the team and the management of the organization
or of the department where the system is to be
implemented.
• A means of communication between the project

team members that is the essential component for
the performance of the various activities specific for
each stage of the development cycle.
• A support when making decisions on the choice of
the design alternatives
• The analysis and design documentation is a starting
point for system implementation, verification and
validation.
• The final system documentation is the key-element

for insuring its proper operation and maintenance.
Conduct information system quality
assurance
System quality
-is the process of ensuring requirements and standards are met.
System quality assurance

-A series of inspections, reviews, and tests to ensure a
system meets the requirements placed upon it.
assurance
Major quality factors.

Functionality
Usability
Reliability
Performance
Supportability
This is FURPS quality factors

assurance
• Functionality: feature set, capabilities, generality of

functions, and security.
• Usability: human factors like consistency, and
documentation.
• Reliability: frequency and severity of failures, accuracy
of outputs, mean time between failures, ability to
recover, predictability.
• Performance: processing speed, response time,
resource consumption, throughput, and efficiency.
• Supportability: extensibility, adaptability,
maintainability, testability, compatibility, configurability.
Topic 4: Explain the concepts of information systems
security and privacy in an organization
Identify security threats to organization

Describe techniques for data security and
privacy
Describe ethical issues related to the use
of information systems in an organization
Identify security threats to organization
A threat is an person, or anything that to

an asset serious harm or danger computer system.
This is similar to Cyber crime is any criminal act
dealing with computers and networks (called
hacking).
The Information Technology System is affected by a

number of factors, which make it ineffective and
inefficient.
The security threats (Cyber crime types) to

organization technology and information systems are
the following;
•Unauthorized Access
•Scams
•Denial of Service Attacks (DOS)
•Computer Viruses
•Phishing
•Social Engineering
•Theft
•Unauthorized Access
Hackers and crackers gain unauthorized access by finding
weaknesses in the security protections employed by Web
sites and computer systems, often taking advantage of
various features of the Internet that make it an open
system that is easy to use.
•Scams
These are usually in the form of ads or spam emails that
include promises of rewards or offers of unrealistic
amounts of money.
•Denial of Service Attacks (DOS)

The main aim of this attack is to bring down the targeted
network and make it to deny the service for legitimate
users. Hackers flood a network server or Web server with
many thousands of false communications or requests for
services to crash the network. They will send and install a
small program called zombies.
•Computer Viruses
Viruses includes
Worms - destroy data and programs as well as disrupt the
operation of computer
Trojan - appears as a legitimate in order to gain access to
computer, the use of Trojans are to gain access to confidential
information of a company.
•Phishing
This type of attack involves hackers sending malicious
email attachments or URLs to users to gain access to their
accounts or computer.
• Social Engineering
Social engineering involves criminals making direct
contact with the system user usually by phone or email.
They want to gain your confidence and usually pose as a
customer service agent so you’ll give the necessary
information needed.
•Theft
Theft includes Physical theft (theft of hardware and
software).
Data theft normally involves making copies of important
files without causing any harm to the originals .This can
involve stealing sensitive information and confidential
data or making unauthorized changes to computer
records .Such data can include passwords activation keys
to software, sensitive correspondence, and any other
information that is stored on a victim’s computer.
Describe techniques for avoiding/prevent security
threats
The following are the techniques for avoiding

security threats;
• Authentication: This fundamental cyber security
technique intends to verify the identity of user
based on the credentials stored in the security
domain of the system. The most common mode
of governance is password technology, however
there are numerous other implementations like
the SIM card inserted in anyone’s cell phone.
Describe techniques for avoiding/prevent security
threats
• Encryption: involves hiding the data or text.

• Anti-virus:
Anti-virus software carries out two functions; it prevents
the installation of virus in a system and scans the
systems for viruses that are already installed.
• Firewall:
Firewalls effectively hinders any attempt of unauthorized
access to a computer when it is connected on the
internet by hackers directly or via other network
connections
• Physical security
The following are the techniques for avoiding
security threats;
Describe ethical issues related to the
use of information systems in an
organization
Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with
what is considered to be right and wrong.
There many ways in which ethics can be defined
such as Moral codes or standard codes of conduct
of a particular profession or agreement among
people to do the right and to avoid wrong.
As the world is adopting new technology the need

of ethics arises to sustain the proper growth and
to minimize the risk of wrong uses.
organization
The following are Ethics issues in Information

system.
•Never piracy online
•Follow up the social reputation.
•Never harm the public websites.
•Closure of Digital hacking.
•Certify Websites who deal with payments.
organization
•Never do fraudulent activities.

•Never give misguided Information.
•Never steal information online for
reproduction.
•Never create false evidence using IT.
•Utilizing the IT in a manner to get benefits
only.
Topic 5: Apply electronic commerce skills in business
operations
Explain e-commerce, e-business, strategic

business operations
Explain benefits and limitations of e-
commerce in business operations
Compare e-commerce from e-business
Perform business operations (market
research, advertising, online publishing,
trading and customer support ) by using
e-commerce
Topic 6: Demonstrate knowledge of accounting
information system in business
Explain accounting information system

Explain functions of accounting
information system
Explain parts of accounting information
system
Explain the reliability of accounting
information system
Explain internal controls for accounting
information systems

Computer Notes

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

Computer Notes

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Computer Notes

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Mr.

Name: Information Systems

Learning Context: Lecture, Group discussions,

Learning Materials: Text books, journals,

Explain computer systems; evolution

Basically, a computer performs five major

Computer hardware is defined as the physical

Categories of computer Hardware.

Keyboard Mouse A scanner Joystick Microphones

Fan Central Processing Unit - CPU

Monitor Speaker Projector Printer

Secondary storage, this is permanent storage

Hard Disk Drives

A USB flash Disk Memory Card

Digital Versatile Disc - DVD Compact Disk - CD

Computer software is defined as the set of

Utility Example of a program

2. Applications software is the type of software

Discuss the difference between application software

How to Start a Program

• Every file must have a name and a file

Media for storage of Backup Data

• Keep in mind that you should not store backups on the

Where to store Backup Media?

• La Pascaline machine (Pascal’s adding and

• Leibniz Multiplication and dividing machine

• Babbage’s Analytical Engine (The Analytical engine)

It is believed that Charles Babbage is the first

The difference machine The Analytical Engine

• First Generation Computers (1951-1957)

Examples of first generation computers include

• Second Generation Computers (1958-1963)

IBM 7000, NCR 304 (National Cash Register), IBM

(IBM 650 Computer)

Keyboards and monitors developed during the

What in the first generation filled an entire

IBM 4341, DEC 10, STAR 1000, PUP 11 and APPLE II

• Fifth Generation Computers (1990 to present)

Advantages (pros or positive effects or

• It can help you communicate with friends,

• Too much work at the computer can result in

• Efficiency: performing accurate, and long time

• Versatility: It has capacity of multitasking. You

• Reliability: The computer is a reliable electronic

• Require Additional Infrastructure

• Replaces Human Labor

Information Technology covers a broad spectrum

• Pre-mechanical age, time between 3000B.C.

• Electromechanical age, time between 1840 and

Explain information systems; types of

Information is a processed data.

Types Information System

• Executive Information Systems

Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)

For example, when a product is sold, we

Management Information Systems (MIS)

MIS have routine reports that are printed

Decision Support Information Systems.

Such systems are usually interactive and are used to