Exercise 1.

2 pg 11

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

participants, data/information and information technology. It performs the
information processes of collecting, organising, analysing,
storing/retrieving, processing, transmitting, and receiving and display
information. Information systems are created for a purpose and operate in
a particular environment.
2. Information has the purpose to meet and address the needs of a group or
individual. Information systems help the user keep track of income and
expenses, assist in decision making by summarising and comparing data,
and to store and organise information. Information systems are
created to solve a problem and provide benefits to an
organisation or user.
3. Information systems can be changed by the environment due to
geographical location. The information system may need to reach all over
the world needing more security and more users and a bigger system.
4. Hardware is the physical equipment involved in processing information
such as:
i. Input
ii.Output
iii.Processing
iv.Storage
v.Control
5. The CPU is the brain of the computer. It takes the data from an input
device and changes it to produce information and sends it to an output
device to be displayed to the user.
6. Control co-ordinates the operations of input, processing output and
storage. The control unit is part of the CPU. The control unit is the
organiser that directs the flow of data in the computer in the same way as
traffic lights control the flow of cars.
7. The four different types of the computers are:
i. Personal computers; is a single-user computer that sits on
a desktop, these include laptops.
ii.Midrange computers; are a central computer that performs
the processing for a number of users working at terminals.
iii.Mainframe computers; are a central computer for large
number users.
iv.Super computers; is the fastest most powerful and
expensive type computer. They are designed for applications
requiring high volume and high speed calculations such as
simulations of the weather.
8. System software manages and controls the hardware so the application
software can perform their required tasks.