Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Computer hardware
<script
src="http://adserver.adtechus.com/addyn/3.0/5308.1/1371285/0/170/ADTECH;target=_bl
ank;grp=966;key=false;kvqsegs=D;kvtopicid=287895;kvchannel=SCIENCE;misc=1288
935953660"></script>
Today even the smallest firms, as well as many households, own or lease computers.
These are usually microcomputers, also called personal computers. Large organizations
typically employ multiple computer systems, from a few powerful mainframe machines
(or even more powerful supercomputers) and minicomputers to widely deployed personal
computers. Together with computer peripheral equipment, such as magnetic disks, input-
output devices, and telecommunications gear, these constitute the hardware of
information systems. The cost of hardware has steadily and rapidly decreased, while
processing speed and storage capacity have increased vastly.
Computer software
<script
src="http://adserver.adtechus.com/addyn/3.0/5308.1/1371284/0/170/ADTECH;target=_bl
ank;grp=632;key=false;kvqsegs=D;kvtopicid=287895;kvchannel=SCIENCE;misc=1288
935993679"></script>
Computer software falls into two broad classes: system software and application
software. The principal system software is known as the operating system. It manages the
hardware, files, and other system resources and provides a systematic and consistent
means for controlling the computer, most commonly via a graphical user interface (GUI).
Application software is programs designed to handle specialized tasks; many of these
programs are sold as ready-to-use packages. Examples include general-purpose
spreadsheet and word processing programs, as well as “vertical” applications that serve a
specific industry segment—for instance, an application that schedules, routes, and tracks
package deliveries. Larger ... (100 of 5623 words)
Operational support
<script
src="http://adserver.adtechus.com/addyn/3.0/5308.1/1371285/0/170/ADTECH;target=_bl
ank;grp=745;key=false;kvqsegs=D;kvtopicid=287895;kvchannel=SCIENCE;misc=1288
936339467"></script>
At the operational level are transaction processing systems through which products are
designed, marketed, produced, and delivered. These systems accumulate information in
databases that form the foundation for higher-level systems.
In today’s leading organizations, the information systems that support various functional
units—marketing, finance, production, and human resources—are integrated into what is
known as an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. ERP systems support the entire
sequence of activities, or value chain, through which a firm may add value to its goods
and services. For example, an individual or other business may submit a custom order
over the Web ... (100 of 5623 words)
The main objectives of office information systems are to facilitate communication and
collaboration between the members of an organization and to facilitate them between
organizations. Placing an organization’s documents and messages in an electronic format
—which can be classified, indexed, and stored for easy retrieval—enables individuals to
access information on demand. One type of office information system, known as a
workflow system, is used to route relevant documents automatically to all appropriate
individuals for their contribution. Other types of office information systems handle digital
messages in the form of electronic mail, facsimile, and voice mail
Management support
<script
src="http://adserver.adtechus.com/addyn/3.0/5308.1/1388452/0/170/ADTECH;target=_bl
ank;grp=99;key=false;kvqsegs=D;kvtopicid=287895;misc=1288936542745"></script>
All information systems support decision making, however indirectly, but decision
support systems are expressly designed for this purpose. The two principal varieties of
decision support systems are model-driven and data-driven.