Lskills

LF 812: Basic Computer and IT Skills

Process
• Process is a set of sequential activities, steps or work taken in order
to achieve a particular end.
Example- account payable, application in a university and many
mores.
System
A system is a set of interacting or interrelated elements that act
according to a set of rules to form a unified whole.

A system must work within a boundary.

Example- Information System, Traffic System
Data
Data are streams of raw facts.

Types of Data- Data can be classified in different ways.

Structured Data- Ex-RDMS
Semi Structured Data-Ex- csv
Unstructured Data- Ex-tweet
Information
Information: collection of data organized in such a way that they have
value beyond the facts themselves.

Data are transformed or processed for producing information

Data vs Information
Information System
• An information system (IS) is a set of interrelated elements
that:
• Collect (input)
• Process
• Store
• Disseminate data and information
Provides a feedback mechanism to monitor and control its operation
to make sure it continues to meet its goals and objectives
Information System
Information Systems Are More Than Computers

Computers and software are technical foundation and tools, similar to

the material and tools used to build a house
Function of Information System
• Three activities of information systems produce information
organizations need
• Input: Captures raw data from organization or external
environment
• Processing: Converts raw data into meaningful form
• Output: Transfers processed information to people or activities
that use it
Function of Information System
Feedback:
• Output is returned to appropriate members of organization to help evaluate
or correct input stage.
Function of Information System
Components of IS
• Hardware
• Software
• Database
• Networking
• People
• Process or Procedure
Hardware
• Hardware is the physical and mechanical devices that users can touch.
Types of hardware-
• Input Devices
• Processing
• Memory
• Data storage
• Output Devices
Input and Output Devices
• Input and output devices:
• Allow the user to provide data and instructions to the computer and to
receive results from it
• Are part of a computer’s user interface
• Organizations should keep their business goals in mind when selecting
input and output devices
• Desired characteristics
• Input devices: allow accurate and rapid entry
• Output devices: produce timely results
• Specialized functions may be required
Data Entry and Input
• Two-stage process of getting data into the computer system
1. Data entry: converting human-readable data into a machine-readable form
2. Data input: transferring the machine- readable data into the system
• Many companies are using online data entry and input
Input devices
• Common Personal Computer Input Devices
• Keyboard and mouse
• Speech-Recognition Technology
• Motion-Sensing Input Devices
• Scanning Devices
• Optical Data Readers
• Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) Devices
Input devices
• Magnetic Stripe Cards
• Chip Cards
• Smart Cards
• Contactless Payment Cards
• Point-of-Sale (POS) Devices
• Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Devices
• Bar-Code Scanners
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Devices
• Pen Input Devices
• Touch Screens
Output Devices
Monitor
Printers and Plotters
3D Printers
Processor

• Central processing unit (CPU) components

• Arithmetic/logic unit, the control unit, and the register areas
• Part of the computer that sequences and executes instructions
Processor
Memory
• RAM
• ROM
Storage
CD
DVD
HDD
RAID
SSD
Software
• Software
• Consists of computer programs that control the workings of computer
hardware
• Software can be divided into two types:
• System software – includes operating system (OS), utilities, and middleware
that coordinate the activities and functions of the hardware and other
programs
• Application software – programs that help users solve particular computing
problems
Types of Software
• System Software
• Application Software
System Software
• Controls the operations of computer hardware
• Supports the application programs’ problem-solving capabilities
• Types of systems software
• Operating systems
• Utility programs
• Middleware
Operating Systems
• A set of programs that controls computer hardware and acts as an
interface with application programs
• Combinations of OSs, computers, and users:
• Single computer with a single user
• Single computer with multiple simultaneous users
• Multiple computers with multiple users
• Special-purpose computers
Functions performed by the OS

Functions performed by the OS

• Control common computer hardware functions
• Provide a user interface and input/output management
• Provide a degree of hardware independence
• Manage system memory
• Manage processing tasks
• Provide networking capability
• Control access to system resources
• Manage files
Application Software
• Application programs’ primary function
• To apply the power of the computer to enable people, workgroups, and the
entire enterprise to solve problems and perform specific tasks
• Many software options are available
• Software can be selected that best meets the needs of the individual,
workgroup, or enterprise
• Proprietary software: a one-of-a-kind program for a specific
application
• Owned by the company, organization, or person that uses it
• Off-the-shelf software: software mass-produced by software vendors
• Addresses needs that are common across businesses, organizations, or
individuals
Software Sphere of Influence
• Sphere of influence: the scope of problems and opportunities
addressed by a particular organization
• Personal sphere of influence
• Serves the needs of an individual user
• Personal productivity software
• Enables users to improve their personal effectiveness
Software Sphere of Influence
• Workgroup: two or more people working together to achieve a
common goal
• Workgroup sphere of influence
• Helps workgroup members attain their common goals
• Enterprise sphere of influence
• Serves the needs of the firm in its interaction with its environment
Software Sphere of Influence