Computing Assignment

Computing Assignment

Part 1:

Answer 1: Information System Business Components

The introduction of information systems has revolutionized the way of life. No longer are the days of handwritten letters, typewriters, and filing papers. Although revolutionary, an information system is only as good as its components; input devices, output methods, storage devices, and speed (James A. OBrien 2000).

Input Devices

Data input is important because the accuracy of output depends on the accuracy of the input; inaccurate information can lead to problems. To reduce the error and inefficiency of human input, input devices are often used. The best method of data input depends on the type of situation and the needs of the use

Output Methods

The convenience and quality of the output are important because they will aid in the decision-making process. Output can be in various forms such as audio, visual, and digital. The following situations require visual output in different forms.

Storage Devices

The type of storage device that is optimal for the situation is dictated by the needs of the user. Nearly all computers and servers contain at least one hard disk. A hard disk is a permanent, non-volatile storage device that holds all the information available on a computer that is not lost when the power is out. The hard disk can be considered the long-term memory. Random Access Memory (RAM) allows programs and operating systems to run at high speeds. If the computer had to constantly access the hard drive to retrieve the necessary information, it would run very slowly. RAM can be considered the short-term memory (Steven Alter 1992).

Speed

Many factors play a role in determining the speed of a computer. RAM allows programs and operating systems to run at high speeds, the greater the RAM, the faster a computer can access the memory to start or run applications. Clock speed is the speed in which a computer executes the instructions; the greater the clock speed, the faster instructions are executed. Hard disks give direct access to stored data; the faster the hard disk, the faster it can load programs. The speed of the CD-ROM has virtually no impact on the speed of the computer unless installing software or burning a file to disk. The floppy disk speed also nothing to do with the speed of the computer (Stair, R. M., & Reynolds, G. W. 2006). In order for an information system to process data quickly, effectively, and efficiently, it relies on its system components. Individually the components have no effect. Together they process data quickly and efficiently to allow individuals to make decisions and solve problems (Raymond McLeod, Jr. 1998).

References

Adam Jolly 2003, The Secure Online Business, Published by Kogan Page Limited.

Lawrence, E., Corbitt, B., Fisher, J., Lawrence, J. and Tidwell, A. 2000, Internet Commerce: Digital Models for Business, 2nd edn, John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd., Brisbane.

McKusick, Marshall K. (1996). Secondary storage and filesystems. ACM Computing Surveys (CSUR), 28 (1), . Retrieved September 28, 2008, from The ACM Digital Library database.

Nickerson, R. (2001). Information Systems: A Management Perspective (2nd ...