Exercise 1.

1. An information system performs a set of information processes requiring

participants, data or information and information technology.

2. Information systems perform the processes of collecting, organising,

analysing, storing/retrieving, processing, transmitting/receiving and
displaying information. Information systems are created for a specific
purpose in a specific environment.

3. One reason for the environment of an information system to change is the

progression of information technology. For example, a business expands
overseas and needs to upgrade its information system to be able to cope
with the increased workload.

4. The five functions of hardware are input, output, processing, storage and
control.

5. The CPU processes input data into information that is sent to an output
device to be displayed to the user.

6. The control unit, part of the CPU, coordinates the processes of input,
storage, processing and output.

7. The four different types of computers are PCs, midrange computers,

mainframes and supercomputers. PCs are used by individuals for things
like word processing, spreadsheets and graphics. They are generally
single user but may be part of a network. Midrange computers perform the
processing for several users working at terminals. Midrange computers are
usually used for accounting and database management. Supercomputers
are the fastest, most powerful and expensive computers. They are used
for applications needing high volume and speed calculations like weather
patterns and aerodynamics.

8. System software is different to application software in that system

software manages and controls the hardware so that the application
software can perform the required task. Operating systems and utility
software are examples of system software. Application software is a
program used for a specific task. It allows the computer to achieve the
task for which it was designed. Word processors and spreadsheets are
examples of application software.