INFORMATION SYSTEMS

is an integrated set of components for collecting, storing, and processing data and for delivering
information, knowledge, and digital products. Business firms and other organizations rely on
information systems to carry out and manage their operations, interact with their customers and
suppliers, and compete in the marketplace.
Definition of terms:
INFORMATION is termed to as processed data, while data is considered as raw facts.
SYSYTEM is an interrelationship of resources leading to the achievement of a goal.
COMPONENTS of a SYSTEM
a. GOAL the objective of the firm
b. RESOURCES can be considered as your, hardwares, softwares and peopleware.
b.1.
Hardware - Physical equipment that makes up a computer system.
b.2.
Software - Organized information in the form of operating systems, utilities,
programs, and applications that enable computers to work.
b.3. Peopleware - refer to anything that has to do with the role of people in the
development or use of computer software and hardware systems, including such issues
as developer productivity, teamwork, group dynamics, the psychology of programming,
project management, organizational factors, human interface design, and humanmachine-interaction.
c. INTER-RELATIONSHIP the means by which every resource communicate with each other.
EDP (electronic data processing)
is an infrequently used term for what is today usually called "IS" (information services or
systems) or "MIS" (management information services or systems), is the processing of data by a
computer and its programs in an environment involving electronic communication. EDP evolved
from "DP" (data processing), a term that was created when most computing input was physically
put into the computer in punched card form and output as punched cards or paper reports.
DATA PROCESSING - Manipulation of input data with an application program to obtain
desired output as an audio/video, graphic, numeric, or text data file.
1. INPUT data feed to a system that is transformed by the system to become an output.
2. PROCESS - Sequence of interdependent and linked procedures which, at every stage,
consume one or more resources to convert inputs into outputs.
3. OUTPUT - A result produced by a computer that is internal to the system
One of the important tool in an EDP Environment is the use of electronic devices which may
consist of different types of computers.
Computers can be generally classified by size and power as follows, though there is considerable
overlap:
A. Personal computer: A small, single-user computer based on a microprocessor.
B. Workstation: A powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is like a personal computer,
but it has a more powerful microprocessor and, in general, a higher-quality monitor.
C. Minicomputer: A multi-user computer capable of supporting up to hundreds of users
simultaneously.
D. Mainframe: A powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting many hundreds or
thousands of users simultaneously.
E. Supercomputer: An extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of millions of
instructions per second.
A. Supercomputer and Mainframe
Supercomputer is a broad term for one of the fastest computers currently available. A
supercomputer is a computer that performs at or near the currently highest operational rate for
computers. A supercomputer is typically used for scientific and engineering applications that

must handle very large databases or do a great amount of computation (or both).
Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require
immense amounts of mathematical calculations (number crunching). For example, weather
forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers scientific simulations,
(animated) graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, electronic design, and
analysis of geological data (e.g. in petrochemical prospecting). As of November 2012, the Titan
supercomputer is the fastest in the world. It is almost 20 billion times faster than the first
supercomputer (the CDC 6600). For comparison purposes, that is the difference between the top
speed of a common sloth vs. the speed of light in a vacuum. Titan is a supercomputer built by
Cray, Inc. at Oak Ridge National Laboratory for use in a variety of science projects.
B. Mainframe was a term originally referring to the cabinet containing the central processor
unit or "main frame" of a room-filling Stone Age batch machine. After the emergence of
smaller "minicomputer" designs in the early 1970s, the traditional big iron machines were
described as "mainframe computers" and eventually just as mainframes. Nowadays a
Mainframe is a very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or
even thousands, of users simultaneously. The chief difference between a supercomputer
and a mainframe is that a supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few
programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many
programs concurrently. In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than
supercomputers because they support more simultaneous programs. But supercomputers
can execute a single program faster than a mainframe. The distinction between small
mainframes and minicomputers is vague, depending really on how the manufacturer
wants to market its machines.
C. Minicomputer
It is a midsize computer. In the past decade, the distinction between large minicomputers and
small mainframes has blurred, however, as has the distinction between small minicomputers and
workstations. But in general, a minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting
from up to 200 users simultaneously.
D. Workstation
It is a type of computer used for engineering applications (CAD/CAM), desktop publishing,
software development, and other types of applications that require a moderate amount of
computing power and relatively high quality graphics capabilities. Workstations generally come
with a large, high-resolution graphics screen, at large amount of RAM, built-in network support,
and a graphical user interface. Most workstations also have a mass storage device such as a disk
drive, but a special type of workstation, called a diskless workstation, comes without a disk drive.
The most common operating systems for workstations are UNIX and Windows NT. Like personal
computers, most workstations are single-user computers. However, workstations are typically
linked together to form a local-area network, although they can also be used as stand-alone
systems.
N.B.: In networking, workstation refers to any computer connected to a local-area network. It
could be a workstation or a personal computer.
E. Personal computer
It can be defined as a small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for an individual user. In
price, personal computers range anywhere from a few hundred pounds to over five thousand
pounds. All are based on the microprocessor technology that enables manufacturers to put an
entire CPU on one chip. Businesses use personal computers for word processing, accounting,
desktop publishing, and for running spreadsheet and database management applications. At
home, the most popular use for personal computers is for playing games and recently for surfing
the Internet.
Personal computers first appeared in the late 1970s. One of the first and most popular personal
computers was the Apple II, introduced in 1977 by Apple Computer. During the late 1970s and
early 1980s, new models and competing operating systems seemed to appear daily. Then, in

1981, IBM entered the fray with its first personal computer, known as the IBM PC. The IBM PC
quickly became the personal computer of choice, and most other personal computer
manufacturers fell by the wayside. P.C. is short for personal computer or IBM PC. One of the few
companies to survive IBM's onslaught was Apple Computer, which remains a major player in the
personal computer marketplace. Other companies adjusted to IBM's dominance by building IBM
clones, computers that were internally almost the same as the IBM PC, but that cost less.
Because IBM clones used the same microprocessors as IBM PCs, they were capable of running
the same software. Over the years, IBM has lost much of its influence in directing the evolution of
PCs. Therefore after the release of the first PC by IBM the term PC increasingly came to mean IBM
or IBM-compatible personal computers, to the exclusion of other types of personal computers,
such as Macintoshes. In recent years, the term PC has become more and more difficult to pin
down. In general, though, it applies to any personal computer based on an Intel microprocessor,
or on an Intel-compatible microprocessor. For nearly every other component, including the
operating system, there are several options, all of which fall under the rubric of PC
Today, the world of personal computers is basically divided between Apple Macintoshes and PCs.
The principal characteristics of personal computers are that they are single-user systems and are
based on microprocessors. However, although personal computers are designed as single-user
systems, it is common to link them together to form a network. In terms of power, there is great
variety. At the high end, the distinction between personal computers and workstations has faded.
High-end models of the Macintosh and PC offer the same computing power and graphics
capability as low-end workstations by Sun Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard, and DEC.
F. Personal Computer Types
Actual personal computers can be generally classified by size and chassis / case. The chassis or
case is the metal frame that serves as the structural support for electronic components. Every
computer system requires at least one chassis to house the circuit boards and wiring. The
chassis also contains slots for expansion boards. If you want to insert more boards than there are
slots, you will need an expansion chassis, which provides additional slots. There are two basic
flavors of chassis designsdesktop models and tower modelsbut there are many variations on
these two basic types. Then came the portable computers that are computers small enough to
carry. Portable computers include notebook and subnotebook computers, hand-held computers,
palmtops, and PDAs.
1. Tower model
The term refers to a computer in which the power supply,
motherboard, and mass storage devices are stacked on top of each other in a
cabinet. This is in contrast to desktop models, in which these components are
housed in a more compact box. The main advantage of tower models is that there
are fewer space constraints, which makes installation of additional storage devices
easier.
2. Desktop model A computer designed to fit comfortably on top of a desk, typically
with the monitor sitting on top of the computer. Desktop model computers are
broad and low, whereas tower model computers are narrow and tall. Because of
their shape, desktop model computers are generally limited to three internal mass
storage devices. Desktop models designed to be very small are sometimes referred
to as slimline models.
3. Notebook computer An extremely lightweight personal computer. Notebook
computers typically weigh less than 6 pounds and are small enough to fit easily in a
briefcase. Aside from size, the principal difference between a notebook computer
and a personal computer is the display screen. Notebook computers use a variety of
techniques, known as flat-panel technologies, to produce a lightweight and nonbulky display screen. The quality of notebook display screens varies considerably. In
terms of computing power, modern notebook computers are nearly equivalent to
personal computers. They have the same CPUs, memory capacity, and disk drives.
However, all this power in a small package is expensive. Notebook computers cost

about twice as much as equivalent regular-sized computers. Notebook computers

come with battery packs that enable you to run them without plugging them in.
However, the batteries need to be recharged every few hours.
4. Laptop computer A small, portable computer -- small enough that it can sit on
your lap. Nowadays, laptop computers are more frequently called notebook
computers.
5. Subnotebook computer A portable computer that is slightly lighter and smaller
than a full-sized notebook computer. Typically, subnotebook computers have a
smaller keyboard and screen, but are otherwise equivalent to notebook computers.
6. Hand-held computer A portable computer that is small enough to be held in
ones hand. Although extremely convenient to carry, handheld computers have not
replaced notebook computers because of their small keyboards and screens. The
most popular hand-held computers are those that are specifically designed to
provide PIM (personal information manager) functions, such as a calendar and
address book. Some manufacturers are trying to solve the small keyboard problem
by replacing the keyboard with an electronic pen. However, these pen-based
devices rely on handwriting recognition technologies, which are still in their infancy.
Hand-held computers are also called PDAs, palmtops and pocket computers.
7. Palmtop A small computer that literally fits in your palm. Compared to full-size
computers, palmtops are severely limited, but they are practical for certain
functions such as phone books and calendars. Palmtops that use a pen rather than a
keyboard for input are often called hand-held computers or PDAs. Because of their
small size, most palmtop computers do not include disk drives. However, many
contain PCMCIA slots in which you can insert disk drives, modems, memory, and
other devices. Palmtops are also called PDAs, hand-held computers and pocket
computers.
8. PDA
Short for personal digital assistant, a handheld device that combines
computing, telephone/fax, and networking features. A typical PDA can function as a
cellular phone, fax sender, and personal organizer. Unlike portable computers, most
PDAs are pen-based, using a stylus rather than a keyboard for input. This means
that they also incorporate handwriting recognition features. Some PDAs can also
react to voice input by using voice recognition technologies. The field of PDA was
pioneered by Apple Computer, which introduced the Newton MessagePad in 1993.
Shortly thereafter, several other manufacturers offered similar products. To date,
PDAs have had only modest success in the marketplace, due to their high price tags
and limited applications. However, many experts believe that PDAs will eventually
become common gadgets. PDAs are also called palmtops, hand-held computers and
pocket computers.
All general-purpose computers require the following hardware components:
Central processing unit (CPU)
a. The heart of the computer, this is the component that actually executes instructions
organized in programs ("software") which tell the computer what to do.
b. The CPU is attached to a string of conductors called a system data bus (bus: shared
electrical path)
c. When different computers share one CPU, this is called time sharing.

DATA STORAGE Every computer requires additional storage space, such as hard disk.
Data storage may be fixed, semifixed or even removable. When a computer is turned on
initial star-up is executed from storage disks, these is usually called the process of boot

strapping or initial program load. The operating system is then loaded together with the
BIOS Setup (Basic Input/Output System)
a. Memory (fast, expensive, short-term memory): Enables a computer to store, at least
temporarily, data, programs, and intermediate results.
RAM Random Access Memory( Primary Memory). The RAM stores the code
and data that are being actively accessed by the CPU.
ROM Read Only Memory. Data stored in ROM cannot be modified, or can be
modified only slowly or with difficulty, so it is mainly used to distribute
firmware (software that is very closely tied to specific hardware, and unlikely
to need frequent updates).
Cache high speed CPU buffer. It is a component that transparently stores
data so that future requests for that data can be served faster. The data that
is stored within a cache might be values that have been computed earlier or
duplicates of original values that are stored elsewhere. A buffer is a
temporary memory location that is traditionally used because CPU
instructions cannot directly address data stored in peripheral devices.
b. Mass storage device (slower, cheaper, long-term memory): Allows a computer to
permanently retain large amounts of data and programs between jobs. Common
mass storage devices include disk drives and tape drives.

INPUT/OUTPUT DEVICES
a. Input device: Usually a keyboard, a mouse or a touchscreen, the input device is the
conduit through which data and instructions enter a computer.
b. Output device: A display screen (monitor), printer, or other device that lets you see
what the computer has accomplished.

COMPUTER ROLES
ROLE
User Workstation
File Server
Website Server
DNS Server

FUNCTION
Runs applications to solve
problems and can access data
on network servers.
Stores data files for shared
user access.
Performs the same function as
the file server.
Converts server domain names
into
their
matching
IP
addresses.

Database Server

Stores raw data and organizes

it in tables for authorized users
to access.

Appliance or special
purpose device

Performs dedicated processing.

EXAMPLES
Microsoft
Office,
personal
spreadsheets,
email
client,
web
surfing. Usually desktop or laptop.
Microsoft and Novell shared network
drives (usually labelled F: through Z
Stores file on the web. Google doc.
Converts an easy to remember name
such as www.certtest.com into its
corresponding IP address. Domain
Name System is a program to find the
IP addresses matching the name you
entered. DNS works like an automated
phonebook.
Accounting
software,
sales
automation, and online shopping
carts. Can exist on a file server, web
server, or dedicated machine. May be
internally developed or built using a
commercial product such as ORACLE
SQL, IBM Informix or IBM DB2.
Web cache, proxy server, email
server, network router, or gateway.
Appliance refers to a preconfigured
computer designed to support a single
need. Built from a general-purpose

computer or unique hardware and

configured to run a special service
program.
DEALING WITH DATA STORAGE
Adequate data storage is an important issue in an information system. Controls need to be in
place to ensure safe storage of data. In an EDP audit the auditor is concerned with how many
copies of the data exist and controls that are on use. It is amazingly easy to lose control over
electronic data.
Tape management systems (TMS) and Disk Management Systems (DMS) are used to help retain
control over data files.
These automated systems can provide label and tracking management. The following are some
of the common types of data storage media.
MAGNETIC HARD DISK
These, metal disks mounted inside a sealed disk drive are high speed devices that are designed
for permanent installation. Hard disks are the most common method of online data storage. By
using a special software, you can cluster drives into high availability storage arrays. An example
is RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)
MAGNETIC SOFT DISKS
These includes floppy, Zip and Jaz drives. They are designed with a soft read-write disk inside a
hard shell.
MAGNETIC TAPE
Available in reel or cartridge design, most common method of long term data storage. Examples
include DLT (digital linear tape, 3590 cartridge, VHS videos.
READ ONLY MEMORY
Used to permanently record software programs on integrated circuits (chips). Programming is
accomplished by using specialized equipment to burn or fuse microscopic links inside the semiconductor chip. Once programmed the software becomes permanent and cannot be changed or
erased.
FLASH MEMORY
A special type of electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) which is
used for flash BIOS, video cameras and USB hand held memory sticks. The small size and high
capacity can really be a security concern.
USB (Universal Serial BUS) Functions:
a. Data Transfer
b. Source of Power Supply
OPTICAL CD ROM
Highly portable media. Blank disks are inexpensive and may be referred to as WORM (Write Once
Read Many)
OPTICAL CD RW
Often called as WMRM ( Write Many, Read Many)
*ACCESSING DATA for WMRM and WORM devices may either be
1. Sequential - All data must be read.
2. Direct Data may be read directly without reading the others.

OTHER DEVICES
RFID ( Radio Frequency Identification)
Insecure method of reading radio signals to identify products, people, or physical items. Any RFID
tag that can be read can also be duplicated. It uses a tiny tag, which contains silicon chips and
antennas that enable the tag o be detected by scanners.
Bar code systems, Money bank GPS Systems.
HID ( Human Interface Devices)
Control Devices.
HIERARCHY OF MEMORY STORAGE
1. Registers - a small amount of storage available as part of a CPU or other digital processor.
Such registers are (typically) addressed by mechanisms other than main memory and can
be accessed more quickly.
2. Cache Memory - is random access memory (RAM) that a computer microprocessor can access more quickly
than it can access regular RAM. As the microprocessor processes data, it looks first in the cache memory and if
it finds the data there (from a previous reading of data), it does not have to do the more time-consuming
reading of data from larger memory.

3. Auxillary (Hard Disk)

4. Main Memory
5. Disk Cache