Computer Based System

A system is any set of interrelated components that work together to produce an outcome. A computer system is a system whose components include at least one computer. The common misconception is to assume that the computers are the most important part of any system. Actually, it is the people who are the most important component as it is they who run the system, not the computers. In total, a computer system consists of hardware, software, data, processes and personnel all functioning together. Some features common to all systems are:

Ø      Purpose-systems exist for a purpose. For example, a telephone system ensures that people can communicate easily.

Ø      Structure-the components of a system work together in a planned fashion so that the system can carry out its tasks effectively. For example, a bicycle is structured so that the pedals turn the wheel to produce motion.

Ø      Interdependence-every system receives input from another system, which it processes to produce an output which will then be used as an input to another system. For example, when you start work at  business you will have to fill out an employee information form. The data(input) in this form will be used to produce your pay cheque(output). When you go to a bank to cash your cheque, your pay has now become the input to the banking system.

Ø      Subsystems-every system can be divided into even smaller systems called subsystems.

 

Historically, as the complexity of systems grew and their creation became more difficult, many systems were late, over budget and/or failed to do all that was expected by their users. People realised that they needed some structure to guide the development of a complex system and that new techniques and tools would be needed to provide support for this structure. This structure is called the system development cycle.

 

Computing Studies 2/3 Unit Common B. Chivers

 

Personnel & Procedures

Personnel refers to the people associated with the computer systems The procedures personnel use are the instructions/routines they follow for the tasks they must perform. In a large computer system, different personnel may have specialised roles. In smaller computer systems, personnel may perform multiple roles.

The broad categories of personnel are

Ø      Users of the system

Ø      Operators including data entry operators

Ø      Managers

Ø      Maintainers including technicians and librarians

Ø      Developers including programmers, analysts, scientists and engineers.

 

 

Excel HSC 2 Unit Computing Studies