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BSNL – JTO - LICE Foundations in Information Technology

Foundations in Information Technology


Information technology (IT) is the use of computers to create, process, store, retrieve, and
exchange all kinds of electronic data and information. IT is typically used within the context
of business operations as opposed to personal or entertainment technologies. IT forms part
of information and communications technology (ICT). An information technology system (IT
system) is generally an information system, a communications system, or, more specifically
speaking, a computer system — including all hardware, software, and peripheral equipment —
operated by a limited group of IT users.

Information technology is also a branch of computer science, which can be defined as the overall
study of procedure, structure, and the processing of various types of data.

An information system (IS) is a formal, sociotechnical, organizational system designed to


collect, process, store, and distribute information. From a sociotechnical perspective, information
systems are composed by four components: task, people, structure (or roles), and
technology. Information systems can be defined as an integration of components for collection,
storage and processing of data of which the data is used to provide information, contribute to
knowledge as well as digital products that facilitate decision making.

A computer information system is a system that is composed of people and computers that
processes or interprets information.

Computer Hardware Components


1. Peripheral Devices
These devices are the ones that provide input/output to the computer externally. They are
auxiliary devices meant to form a connection with the device externally via a cable or Bluetooth
to function. Some examples are mouse, headphones, etc.
2. Input devices
The input device allows the user to send data or information to the computer to perform a task.
Keyboards, joysticks, mouse, etc. are some of the examples.
3. Output devices
The output device completes the task related to the data sent by the input device. They receive
the data from the input devices and execute the tasks accordingly. Printers, monitors,
headphones, etc. are some of the output devices.

4. Secondary storage devices


The place where all the data on the computer goes is a storage device. This allows users to access
all the data safely and without any trouble. This device is one of the core components of a
computer system.

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It is a hardware device to store digital data in multiple forms like text, images, audio, etc. Some
examples are – hard drives, USBs, memory cards, etc.

5. Internal components
The components that are already a part of the motherboard and the system are internal
components. Computer memory is internal to the system, becoming a good example of this.

Many devices may become a part of the system from inside using ribbon cables and insertion
cards. Some examples are – RAM, CPU, etc.

When any of these devices start performing poorly, the system replaces or upgrades. This
process of changing the device refers to hardware upgrades. Like users often upgrade their RAM
to have more space in the computer.

Software is divided into two types:

1) System Software
2) Application Software

System Software examples – Operating Systems (MS-DOS, Unix, Linux, Windows CE etc),
compilers, interpreters, loaders, linkers, editors and so on

Types of Application Softwares:


Some examples of application softwares are added below:

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1. Utility Software
Another interesting software is a utility software. If you want proper and smooth functioning in
your computing system? Then , Utility software is what you need. It assists the Operating
System to manage, organize, maintain, and optimie the functioning of the computer system.

Some of the notable examples of utility software are anti virus software, compression tools, file
management tools, disk management tools, etc. Types of utility software include:

 Compression Tools
 Disk Defragmenter
 Disk Management Tools
 Antivirus
 File Management System
 Disk Cleanup Tool
 Backup Utility
2. Presentation Software
Presentation software is one such category of application program mainly used to create
sequences of words and pictures mainly used to conduct a public presentation of information.
Presentation software could be business presentation software and general multimedia authoring
software, but it’s overall about tools that allow users to create both professional-looking business
presentations and general multimedia presentations.

3. Spreadsheet Software
As the name implies, spreadsheet software is capable of organizing, storing and analyzing data in
tabular form. Often known as a spreadsheet program or spreadsheet application, the software has
succeeded in replacing several paper-based systems, especially in the business world.

Earlier it was developed to aid accounting and bookkeeping tasks but now the spreadsheet
software can also be used in other contexts where tabular lists can be used, modified and
collaborated.

4. Database Software
The next in line among the different types of software is the database software. As the name
implies, this one is used to manage databases and organize your data in a subtle way. As soon as
you run the application, data will be successfully retrieved from the database for further
modifications. Popular examples of databases include Oracle, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server,
PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and IBM Db2.

5. Multimedia Software
As the name implies, multimedia software is one consisting of Photo editing, media player, and
video editing programs. In general multimedia software do come pre-installed on some operating
systems, are also available free online, or taught in classrooms. You must have come across

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graphic software, photo retouching software, photo editing software giving a user the ability to
manipulate photos in countless ways, including changing their colour, removing objects, and
tweaking the features of people and objects. Some of its common software types include:

 Multimedia Software (Audio-Video)


 Media player, Winamp.
 QuickTime, VLC, GOM, ATI TV.
 Video editing – software, list.
 Pinnacle Studio (About)
 Ulead MediaStudio (About)
So basically Text, Audio, Animation, Video, Graphics Objects can be considered multimedia
software applications.

6. Simulation Software
As the name suggests this type of software imitates the operation of a real-world system. In fact,
this is one such software type that is pretty much interactive in nature. Here, you can see how
everything works. Maybe that’s the reason why it is often used while conducting design. So that
there is no need for trial and error. Flight simulators and scientific simulators are some of the
best examples considered here.

7. Word Processors
Word processor softwares are used to create text-based documents. These type of softwares are
mainly used to create memos, faxes and letters, this software can be even considered for creating
reports and personalized pages on the web.. Some of the popular examples of Word Processing
software’s are Google Docs, Microsoft Word, WordPad and Notepad.

8. Educational Software
Mainly used for education purposes, the software comprises numerous programs spreading
knowledge across the globe. This is what makes educational software go beyond traditional
teaching practices. Rather than reading, students can be more engaged when there are visuals,
graphics, sounds and such softwares covers it all!

Some of its crucial and different types of software include:

 Authoring system
 Graphic Software
 Reference Software
 Desktop Publishing
 Tutorial Software
 Educational Games
 Simulations
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 Utility Software
9. Web Browsers
Everyone who uses a computer, must know or know about web browsers. Web browsers are an
essential part because these programmes allow you to browse the internet. They assist users in
locating and accessing info on the internet. The following are some examples of web browsers:

 Chrome is a web browser developed by Google.


 Internet Explorer is a web browser that allows you to
 Microsoft Edge is a browser developed by Microsoft.
 Firefox is a web browser developed by Mozilla.
 Opera
 Safari for iOS platform developed by Apple corporation.
 UC Browser is a web browser developed at UC Berkeley
Other than all this, all software that performs a specified purpose is classified as Application
Software. There is, however, another classification for software. The software can also be
divided into categories based on its accessibility and sharability.

Software Engineering
Software engineering is an engineering branch associated with development of software product
using well-defined scientific principles, methods and procedures. The outcome of software
engineering is an efficient and reliable software product.

 Software engineering is a systematic engineering approach to software development.


A software engineer is a person who applies the principles of software engineering to analysis,
design, develop, maintain, test, and evaluate computer software.
 Engineering techniques are used for the software development process

Software engineering is "The systematic application of scientific and technological knowledge,


methods, and experience to the analysis, design, implementation, testing, and documentation of
software"

Software engineering generally begins with the first step as a user-request initiation for a specific
task or an output. He submits his requirement to a service provider organization. The software
development team segregates user requirement, system requirement and functional requirements.
The requirement is collected by conducting interviews of a user, referring to a database, studying
the existing system etc. After requirement gathering, the team analyses if the software can be
made to fulfill all the requirements of the user. The developer then decides a roadmap of his
plan. System analysis also includes an understanding of software product limitations. As per the
requirement and analysis, a software design is made. The implementation of software design
starts in terms of writing program code in a suitable programming language. Software testing is
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done while coding by the developers and thorough testing is conducted by testing experts at
various levels of code such as module testing, program testing, product testing, in-house testing
and testing the product based on feedback of the users.

Computer software is the product that software engineers design and build. It encompasses
programs that execute within a computer of any size and architecture, documents that encompass
hard-copy and virtual forms, and data that combine numbers and text but also includes
representations of pictorial, video, and audio information.

Software’s impact on our society and culture continues to be profound. As its importance grows,
the software community continually attempts to develop technologies that will make it easier,
faster, and less expensive to build high-quality computer programs. Some of these technologies
are targeted at a specific application domain (e.g., Web-site design and implementation); others
focus on a technology domain (e.g., object-oriented systems); and still others are broad-based
(e.g., operating systems such as LINUX). However, we have yet to develop a software
technology that does it all, and the likelihood of one arising in the future is small. And yet,
people bet their jobs, their comfort, their safety, their entertainment, their decisions, and their
very lives on computer software. It better be right.

Software Engineering: (1) The application of a systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approach to


the development, operation, and maintenance of software; that is, the application of engineering
to software. (2) The study of approaches such as Process, Methods, and Tools Software
engineering is a layered technology. Any engineering approach (including software engineering)
must rest on an organizational commitment to quality. Total quality management and similar
philosophies foster a continuous process improvement culture, and this culture ultimately leads
to the development of increasingly more mature approaches to software engineering. The
bedrock that supports software engineering is a quality focus.

Operating Systems
Operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer ardware, software resources,
and provides common services for computer programs.
Time-sharing operating systems schedule tasks for efficient use of the system and may also
include accounting software for cost allocation of processor time, mass storage, printing, and
other resources.
For hardware functions such as input and output and memory allocation, the operating system
acts as an intermediary between programs and the computer hardware, although the application
code is usually executed directly by the hardware and frequently makes system calls to an OS
function or is interrupted by it. Operating systems are found on many devices that contain a
computer – from cellular phones and video game consoles to web servers and supercomputers.

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The dominant general-purpose personal computer operating system is Microsoft Windows with a
market share of around 76.45%. macOS by Apple Inc. is in second place (17.72%), and the
varieties of Linux are collectively in third place (1.73%). In the mobile sector (including
smartphones and tablets), Android's share is up to 72% in the year 2020. According to third
quarter 2016 data, Android's share on smartphones is dominant with 87.5 percent with a growth
rate of 10.3 percent per year, followed by Apple's iOS with 12.1 percent with per year decrease
in market share of 5.2 percent, while other operating systems amount to just 0.3 percent. Linux
distributions are dominant in the server and supercomputing sectors. Other specialized classes of
operating systems (special-purpose operating systems), such as embedded and real-time systems,
exist for many applications. Security-focused operating systems also exist. Some operating
systems have low system requirements (e.g. light-weight Linux distribution). Others may have
higher system requirements.

Computer Architecture
In computer engineering, computer architecture is a set of rules and methods that describe the
functionality, organization, and implementation of computer systems. The architecture of a
system refers to its structure in terms of separately specified components of that system and their
interrelationships.
Some definitions of architecture define it as describing the capabilities and programming model
of a computer but not a particular implementation. In other definitions computer architecture
involves instruction set architecture design, micro-architecture design, logic design,
and implementation.

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DOS AND WINDOWS

Introduction: DOS (Disk Operating System) is an oldest type of Operating System. Disk
Operating System is abbreviated as DOS. DOS is a CUI type of Operating System. In computer
science, a generic term describing any operating system is system software which is loaded from
disk devices when the system is started or rebooted. DOS is a single-tasking, single-user
operating system with a command-line interface. DOS acts on commands. Because DOS is ready
to perform when given proper command hence, it is also known as Command Prompt.
Commands are certain words of English language or short form of English words. The meaning
of these word or short form is already known to DOS. Since, DOS recognized these words and
hence acts accordingly. These words and short forms of the English words are better known as
commands. Internal Command:-Those commands which are already stored in the
“Command.Com” file of DOS are known as internal commands. For example, CLS, VOL,
TIME, DATE, COPY etc External Command:-Those commands which are not included in the
command.com file of DOS rather included in other files of DOS are known as external
commands. It is formatted according to programme. For example, TREE, FORMAT, MODE etc
Some Internal Commands:- 1) CLS To clear the screen. 2) DIR To view the directory, 3) Date,
4)Time, 5) Exit and so on

Windows Operating system

Windows is a graphical operating system (GUI) developed by Microsoft. It allows users to view
and store files, run the software, play games, watch videos.

What is Windows as an operating system?


Microsoft Windows, also called Windows and Windows OS, computer operating system (OS)
developed by Microsoft Corporation to run personal computers (PCs). Featuring the first
graphical user interface (GUI) for IBM-compatible PCs, the Windows OS soon dominated the
PC market.

What are the 5 types of Windows operating system?


What are the types of windows operating system?
 MS-DOS – Microsoft Disk Operating System (1981) …
 Windows 1.0 – 2.0 (1985-1992) …
 Windows 3.0 – 3.1 (1990-1994) …
 Windows 95 (August 1995) …
 Windows 98 (June 1998) …
 Windows 2000 (February 2000) …
 Windows XP (October 2001) …
 Windows Vista (November 2006)

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What are the uses of Windows?
Windows is a graphical operating system developed by Microsoft. It allows users to view and
store files, run the software, play games, watch videos, and provides a way to connect to the
internet.

What are the main features of Windows?


 It is multitasking, multi-user and multithreading operating system.
 It also supports virtual memory management system to allow multiprogramming.
 Symmetric multiprocessing allows to it to schedule various tasks on any CPU in a
multiprocessor system.

Best For Apps, Browsing, Personal Use, Gaming, etc. Windows is the most popular and familiar
operating system on this list. From Windows 95, all the way to the Windows 10, it has been the
go-to operating software that is fueling the computing systems worldwide.

What are components of Windows?


3 Window Components
 the frame.
 the title bar.
 the menu bar.
 the status bar and.
 the main window area.
Which Windows is better for laptop?
Windows 10 – which version is right for you?
 Windows 10 Home. Chances are that this will the be the edition best suited to you. ...
 Windows 10 Pro. Windows 10 Pro offers all of the same features as the Home edition, but also
adds tools used by business. ...
 Windows 10 Enterprise. ...
 Windows 10 Education. ...
 Windows IoT.

File
A file is a named collection of related information that is recorded on secondary storage
such as magnetic disks, magnetic tapes and optical disks. In general, a file is a sequence of
bits, bytes, lines or records whose meaning is defined by the files creator and user.

In computing, file system or filesystem (often abbreviated to fs) is a method and data structure
that the operating system uses to control how data is stored and retrieved.

Directory or File

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Directory Also known as a "folder", a directory is a collection of files typically created for
organizational purposes. File A file is a unit of (usually named) information stored on a
computer. It may be a document, a webpage or a wide range of other types of information.

Elements of a high level programming languages are – keywords, variables, identifiers,

 Keywords, Expressions, Punctuation, Functions, and Operators.

 Keywords are also known as reserved words and they are written using lower case letters.
 Operators are used to perform operations on the data.
 Punctuations are the characters that mark the end of the statement, or that separates items
from the list

High-level languages have the following characteristics:


 Require translation.
 Portable.
 Easier to read, write and maintain as commands are similar to English.
 Allow access to module libraries.
 Use data types and data structures, selection statements and repetition/iteration constructs

Many types of high-level language exist and are in common use today, including:
 Python. Pascal, Cobol, FORTRAN
 Java.
 C++
 C#
 Visual Basic.
 JavaScript.

How many high-level programming languages are there?


The Short Answer. There are about 700 programming languages, including esoteric coding
languages. Some sources that only list notable languages still count up to an impressive 245
languages.

What are the types of programming language?


The types of Programming Language that are classified are:
 Procedural Programming Language.
 Functional Programming Language.
 Scripting Programming Language.
 Logic Programming Language.
 Object-Oriented Programming Language.

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Study Material with MCQs for the topic Information Technology

Contents :- Information System – H/W and S/W related to IS, Operating Systems, Software Engineering.

What is Information System ?

Information systems are used in almost every imaginable profession. Entrepreneurs and small business
owners use information systems to reach customers around the world. Sales representatives use
information systems to advertise products, communicate with customers, and analyse sales trends.
Managers use them to make multimillion-dollar decisions, such as whether to build a manufacturing plant
or research a cancer drug. Financial planners use information systems to advise their clients to help them
save for retirement or their children’s education. From a small music store to huge multinational
companies, businesses of all sizes could not survive without information systems to perform accounting
and finance operations. Regardless of your college major or chosen career, information systems are
indispensable tools to help you achieve your career goals. Learning about information systems can help
you land your first job, earn promotions, and advance your career.

For a business to succeed globally, it must be able to provide the right information to the right people in
the organization at the right time, even if those people are located around the world.

The following are elements related to Information

Data, Information, and Knowledge

Data consists of raw facts, such as an employee number, total hours worked in a week, inventory part
numbers, or sales orders. 1 As shown in below Table, several types of data can represent these facts.
When facts are arranged in a meaningful manner, they become information. Information is a collection of
facts organized so that they have additional value beyond the value of the individual facts. 2 For example,
sales managers might find that knowing the total monthly sales suits their purpose more (i.e., is more
valuable) than knowing the number of sales for each sales representative. Providing information to
customers can also help companies increase revenues and profits. According to Frederick Smith,
chairman and president of FedEx, “Information about the package is as important as the package itself...
We care a lot about what’s inside the box, but the ability to track and trace shipments, and therefore
manage inventory in motion, revolutionized logistics.” 3 FedEx is a worldwide leader in shipping
packages and products around the world. Increasingly, information generated by FedEx and other
organizations is being placed on the Internet. In addition, many universities are now placing course
information and content on the Internet. 4 Using the Open Course Ware program, the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (MIT) places class notes and contents on the Internet for more than 1,500 of its
courses.

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Fig shows how data is transformed to information

System :- The term system in IS

Like Information, system is another important concept in IS.

A system is a set of elements or components that interact to accomplish goals. The elements themselves
and the relationships among them determine how the system works. Systems have inputs, processing
mechanisms, outputs, and feedback (see Figure below). For example, consider an automatic car wash.
Tangible inputs for the process are a dirty car, water, and various cleaning ingredients. Time, energy,
skill, and knowledge also serve as inputs to the system because they are needed to operate it. Skill is the
ability to successfully operate the liquid sprayer, foaming brush, and air dryer devices. Knowledge is used
to define the steps in the car wash operation and the order in which the steps are executed.

Fig :- Car cleaning using smart machines

Putting all together :-

What is IS ?

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As mentioned previously, an information system (IS) is a set of interrelated elements or components that
collect (input), manipulate (process), store, and disseminate (output) data and information, and provide a
corrective reaction (feedback mechanism) to meet an objective (see Figure 1.5). The feedback mechanism
is the component that helps organizations achieve their goals, such as increasing profits or improving
customer service.

Input

In information systems, input is the activity of gathering and capturing raw data. In producing paychecks,
for example, the number of hours every employee works must be collected before paychecks can be
calculated or printed. In a university grading system, instructors must submit student grades before a
summary of grades for the semester or quarter can be compiled and sent to the students.

Processing

In information systems, processing means converting or transforming data into useful outputs. Processing
can involve making calculations, comparing data and taking alternative actions, and storing data for future
use. Processing data into useful information is critical in business settings.

Processing can be done manually or with computer assistance. In a payroll application, the number of
hours each employee worked must be converted into net, or take-home, pay. Other inputs often include
employee ID number and department. The processing can first involve multiplying the number of hours
worked by the employee’s hourly pay rate to get gross pay. If weekly hours worked exceed 40, overtime
pay might also be included. Then deductions—for example, federal and state taxes, contributions to
insurance or savings plans—are subtracted from gross pay to get net pay. After these calculations and
comparisons are performed, the results are typically stored. Storage involves keeping data and
information available for future use, including output,

discussed next.

Output

In information systems, output involves producing useful information, usually in the form of documents
and reports. Outputs can include paychecks for employees, reports for managers, and information
supplied to stockholders, banks, government agencies, and other groups. In some cases, output from one

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system can become input for another. For example, output from a system that processes sales orders can
be used as input to a customer billing system.

Feedback

In information systems, feedback is information from the system that is used to make changes to input or
processing activities. For example, errors or problems might make it necessary to correct input data or
change a process. Consider a payroll example. Perhaps the number of hours an employee worked was
entered as 400 instead of 40. Fortunately, most information systems check to make sure that data falls
within certain ranges. For number of hours worked, the range might be from 0 to 100 because it is
unlikely that an employee would work more than 100 hours in a week. The information system would
determine that 400 hours is out of range and provide feedback. The feedback is used to check and correct
the input on the number of hours worked to 40. If undetected, this error would result in a very high net
pay

on the printed pay check.

Feedback is also important for managers and decision makers. For example, a furniture maker could use a
computerized feedback system to link its suppliers and plants. The output from an information system
might indicate that inventory levels for mahogany and oak are getting low—a potential problem. A
manager could use this feedback to decide to order more wood from a supplier. These new inventory
orders then become input to the system. In addition to this reactive approach, a computer system can also
be proactive—predicting future events to avoid problems. This concept, often called forecasting, can be
used to estimate future sales and order more inventory before a shortage occurs. Forecasting is also used
to predict the strength and landfall sites of hurricanes, future stock-market values, and who will win a
political election.

Computer-Based Information Systems

A computer-based information system (CBIS) is a single set of hardware, software, databases,


telecommunications, people, and procedures that are configured to collect, manipulate, store, and process
data into information.

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Figure :- Computer Based IS (CBIS)

Hardware

Hardware consists of computer equipment used to perform input, processing, and output activities. 10
Input devices include keyboards, mice and other pointing devices, automatic scanning devices, and
equipment that can read magnetic ink characters. 11 Investment firms often use voice-response
technology to allow customers to access their balances and other information with spoken commands.
Processing devices include computer chips that contain the central processing unit and main memory. 12
Advances in chip design allow faster speeds, less power consumption, and larger storage capacity.
Processor speed is also important.

Important Components of computer

1. Processor

2. Main Memory ( RAM )

3. Secondary Memory – HDD, SDD, USB, Memory cards

4. Mother Board

5. SMPS

Software

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Software consists of the computer programs that govern the operation of the computer. These programs
allow a computer to process payroll, send bills to customers, and provide managers with information to
increase profits, reduce costs, and provide better customer service. With software, people can work
anytime at any place.

The two types of software are system software, such as Microsoft Windows Vista, which controls basic
computer operations including start-up and printing, and applications software, such as Microsoft Office
2007, which allows you to accomplish specific tasks including word processing or creating spread sheets.
Software is needed for computers of all sizes, from small handheld computers to large supercomputers.

Databases

A database is an organized collection of facts and information, typically consisting of two or more related
data files. An organization’s database can contain facts and information on customers, employees,
inventory, competitors’ sales, online purchases, and much more. Most managers and executives consider
a database to be one of the most valuable parts of a computer-based information system.

Eg:- Oracle ENT database, MySQL, MangoDB, Microsoft Access etc

Telecommunications, Networks, and the Internet

Telecommunications is the electronic transmission of signals for communications, which enables


organizations to carry out their processes and tasks through effective computer networks.

Networks

Networks connect computers and equipment in a building, around the country, or around the world to
enable electronic communication. Investment firms can use wireless networks to connect thousands of
investors with brokers or traders. Many hotels use wireless telecommunications to allow guests to connect
to the Internet, retrieve voice messages, and exchange e-mail without plugging their computers or mobile
devices into an Internet connector. Wireless transmission also allows aircraft drones, such as Boeing’s
Scan Eagle, to fly using a remote control system and monitor buildings and other commercial
establishments. The drones are smaller and less-expensive versions of the Predator and Global Hawk
drones that the U.S. military used in the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts.

The Internet is the world’s largest computer network, consisting of thousands of interconnected
networks, all freely exchanging information. Research firms, colleges, universities, high schools, and
businesses are just a few examples of organizations using the Internet.

The World Wide Web (WWW), or the Web, is a network of links on the Internet to documents
containing text, graphics, video, and sound. Information about the documents. An Introduction to
Information Systems and access to them are controlled and provided by tens of thousands of special
computers called Web servers. The Web is one of many services available over the Internet and provides
access to millions of documents. New Internet technologies and increased Internet communications are
collectively called Web 2.0.

People

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People can be the most important element in most computer-based information systems. They make the
difference between success and failure for most organizations. Information systems personnel include all
the people who manage, run, program, and maintain the system. Large banks can hire IS personnel to
speed the development of computer-related projects. Users are people who work with information
systems to get results. Users include financial executives, marketing representatives, manufacturing
operators, and many others. Certain computer users are also IS personnel.

Procedures

Procedures include the strategies, policies, methods, and rules for using the CBIS, including the
operation, maintenance, and security of the computer. For example, some procedures describe when each
program should be run. Others describe who can access facts in the database or what to do if a disaster,
such as a fire, earthquake, or hurricane, renders the CBIS unusable. Good procedures can help companies
take advantage of new opportunities and avoid potential disasters. Poorly developed and inadequately
implemented procedures, however, can cause people to waste their time on useless rules or result in
inadequate responses to disasters, such as hurricanes or tornadoes.

Types of Information Systems : -

Six Major Types of Information Systems

Now that we have dealt with the basics, let's look at the six primary types of information
systems. Although information systems are not limited to this list, typical businesses and
organizations have the following six, each system supporting a different organizational level.
We have the transaction processing systems (TPS) at the operational level. Next are the office
automation systems (OAS) and knowledge work systems (KWS), both working at the knowledge
level. Next, the management level has the management information systems (MIS) and decision
support systems (DSS), and we conclude with the executive support systems (ESS) at the
strategic level.
Let’s explore the different types of information systems more in-depth.

Transaction Processing System (TPS)


Transaction processing is essential to helping businesses perform daily operations. Transactions
are defined as any activity or event that affects the company, and include things like deposits,
withdrawals, shipping, billing customers, order entry, and placing orders. TPS supports these
business transactions.

Office Automation System (OAS)


OAS consists of computers, communication-related technology, and the personnel assigned to
perform the official tasks. The OAS covers office transactions and supports official activity at
every level in the organization. The official activities are subdivided into managerial and clerical
activities.
Office automation systems include the following applications:
Email: The email application also covers file attachments such as audio, video, and
documents.
Voice Mail: This application records and stores phone messages into the system’s memory
and can be retrieved anytime.
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Word Processing: Word processing covers the creation of documents, including memos,
reports, letters, and anything else that’s printable electronically. The created text can be
copied, edited, and stored via word processing commands, and checked for grammar and
spelling, line and word counting, and headers and footers.

Knowledge Work System (KWS)


The KWS is a specialized system that expedites knowledge creation and ensures that the
business's technical skills and knowledge are correctly applied. The Knowledge Work
System aids workers in creating and disseminating new information using graphics,
communication, and document management tools. Here are some examples of KWS:

Computer-Aided Design Systems (CAD): CAD systems automate design creation and
revision via computers and graphics software, especially in the manufacturing and tooling
processes.
Financial Workstations: These systems pull and combine data from many different internal
and external sources, covering research reports, market data, and management data. Financial
workstations can rapidly analyze huge amounts of financial data and trading situations.
Virtual Reality Systems: These systems take the CAD system to the next level, using
interactive graphics utilities to create realistic computer-generated simulations. VR systems
are typically found in scientific, educational, and business circles. Eg:- Simulators like flight
simulators, car simulators etc for learning purpose.
Management Information System (MIS)
Middle managers handle much of the administrative chores for day-to-day routines and
performance monitoring, ensuring that all the work is aligned with the organization's needs.
That's why MIS is such a valuable tool. Management Information Systems are specially designed
to help middle managers and supervisors make decisions, plan, and control the workflow. The
MIS pulls transactional data from various Transactional Processing Systems, compiles the
information, and presents it in reports and displays. Additionally, these reports can be produced
monthly, quarterly, or annually, although MIS can have more immediate reports (e.g., hourly,
daily).
Decision Support System (DSS)
The DSS is a management-level, interactive computer-based information system that helps
managers to make decisions. The Decision Support System specifically gives middle managers
the information necessary to make informed, intelligent decisions.
Decision Support Systems use different decision models to analyze or summarize large pieces of
data into an easy-to-use form that makes it easier for managers to compare and analyse
information. Often, these summaries come in the form of charts and tables.
Executive Support System (ESS)
The ESS is like the MIS but for executive-level decision-making. The decisions involve
company-wide matters, so the stakes are higher. Consequently, they demand more insight and
judgment.
The ESS provides greater telecommunication, better computing capabilities, and more efficient
display options than the DSS. Executives use ESS to make effective decisions through
summarized internal data taken from DSS and MIS and external sources. In addition, executive
support systems help monitor performances, track competitors, spot opportunities, and forecast
future trends.

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Operating Systems
An operating system is a program that acts as an interface between the user and the computer
hardware and controls the execution of all kinds of program.
Types of OS :-
1. Batch Operating System –
This type of operating system does not interact with the computer directly. There is an
operator which takes similar jobs having the same requirement and group them into
batches. It is the responsibility of the operator to sort jobs with similar needs. Eg :- DOS,
printer os.
2. Time-Sharing Operating Systems –
Each task is given some time to execute so that all the tasks work smoothly. Each user gets the
time of CPU as they use a single system. These systems are also known as Multitasking Systems.
The task can be from a single user or different users also. The time that each task gets to execute
is called quantum. After this time interval is over OS switches over to the next task. Eg :- Unix,
Windows
3. Distributed Operating System –
These types of the operating system is a recent advancement in the world of computer
technology and are being widely accepted all over the world and, that too, with a great pace.
Various autonomous interconnected computers communicate with each other using a shared
communication network. Independent systems possess their own memory unit and CPU. These
are referred to as loosely coupled systems or distributed systems. These system’s processors
differ in size and function. The major benefit of working with these types of the operating system
is that it is always possible that one user can access the files or software which are not actually
present on his system but some other system connected within this network i.e., remote access is
enabled within the devices connected in that network.
4. Network Operating System –
These systems run on a server and provide the capability to manage data, users, groups, security,
applications, and other networking functions. These types of operating systems allow shared
access of files, printers, security, applications, and other networking functions over a small
private network. One more important aspect of Network Operating Systems is that all the users
are well aware of the underlying configuration, of all other users within the network, their
individual connections, etc. and that’s why these computers are popularly known as tightly
coupled systems.
5. Real-Time Operating System –
These types of OSs serve real-time systems. The time interval required to process and respond to
inputs is very small. This time interval is called response time.
Real-time systems are used when there are time requirements that are very strict like missile
systems, air traffic control systems, robots, etc.
PCB - Process and Process State in OS :
A process is a program which is currently in execution. A program by itself is not a process but it
is a passive entity just like content of a file stored on disk, while a process is an active entity.
A process also includes the process stack, which contains temporary data (such as local
variables, function parameters, return address), and a data section, which contains global
variables and a heap-memory allocated to a process to run and process state that defines its
current state.

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A process changes its state during its execution. Each process may be in one of the following
states:
1.New: when a new process is being created.
2.Running: A process is said to be in running state when instructions are being executed.
3.Waiting: The process is waiting for some event to occur (such as an I/O operation).

4.Ready: The process is waiting for processor.


5.Terminated: The process has finished execution.
Os is divided into 4 major managements. Process management, Memory management, File
management and Security management.
Under process management, there exists CPU scheduling algorithms to ensure multi
programming or multi-tasking.
Software Engineering?
Software engineering is defined as a process of analysing user requirements and then designing,
building, and testing software application which will satisfy those requirements . Attributes of
good software is Maintainability & functionality.
Types of Software Development Models:
Waterfall Model
V-Model
Incremental Model
RAD Model
Agile Model
Iterative Model
Spiral Model
Prototype Model

Now a days, a new model called DevOps SE Model came in to existence where development
and operations go in parallel.
Diff b/w Information Systems and Software Engineering
Information Systems will be more about business analysis - understanding organisations and
their information technology needs through working out what they are trying to achieve and how.
Look up terms like requirements analysis and enterprise architecture. This will probably have
less emphasis on programming but it will likely still be there.

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Software Engineering will likely be your more traditional how to design and build good
software - project management, programming, algorithms. This will likely have a lighter
emphasis on requirements / business analysis but it will probably still be there.
Computer aided software engineering (CASE) is the implementation of computer facilitated
tools and methods in software development. CASE is used to ensure a high-quality and defect-
free software. CASE ensures a check-pointed and disciplined approach and helps designers,
developers, testers, managers and others to see the project milestones during development.
CASE can also help as a warehouse for documents related to projects, like business plans,
requirements and design specifications. One of the major advantages of using CASE is the
delivery of the final product, which is more likely to meet real-world requirements as it ensures
that customers remain part of the process.

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Questions and Answers :-


1. A _________________ is a set of interrelated components that collect, manipulate, and
disseminate data and information and provide a feedback mechanism to meet an objective.
Options :- A. Information Technology , b. Database Managmenet systems , C. Operating
Systems, D. Information Systems.
Answer :- A. Information System
2. Numbers, letters, and other characters are represented by _____________.
a. image data
b. numeric data
c. alphanumeric data
d. symmetric data
Answer :- C
3. Knowledge workers are usually professionals in science, engineering, business, and other
areas that specialize in information systems ....
True or False?
Answer :- True
4. A(n) _______________ is a set of elements or components that interact to accomplish a goal.
Options :- Database, Operation, System, Information
Answer ;- System
5. A measure of what is produced divided by what is consumed is known as __________.
a. efficiency
b. effectiveness
c. performance
d. productivity
Answer :- Efficiency
6. A specific objective of a system is called effectiveness. True or False?
False
Effectiveness is a measure of the extent to which a system achieves its goals; it can be computed
by dividing the goals actually achieved by the total of the stated goals.
7. A(n) ______________ consists of hardware, software, databases, telecommunications, people,
and procedures.
Options :- IS, DBMS, OS, CBIS

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Answer :- CBIS
8. Computer programs that govern the operation of a computer system are called
_____________.
a. feedback
b. feedforward
c. software
d. transaction processing systems
Answer :- C
9. Payroll and order processing are examples of a computerized management information
system. True or False?
Answer :- False
10. What is an organized collection of people, procedures, software, databases, and devices used
to create, store, share, and use the organization’s experience and knowledge?
a. TPS (transaction processing system)
b. MIS (management information system)
c. DSS (decision support system)
d. KM (knowledge management)
Answer :- KM (Knowledge Management)
11. What defines the problems and opportunities of the existing system?
a. systems analysis
b. systems review
c. systems development
d. systems design
Answer:- A
12. CPU scheduling is the basis of ___________
a) multiprogramming operating systems
b) larger memory sized systems
c) multiprocessor systems
d) none of the mentioned
Answer :- A
13. In a timeshare operating system, when the time slot assigned to a process is completed, the
process switches from the current state to?
a) Suspended state
b) Terminated state
c) Ready state
d) Blocked state
Answer :- C

14. What are the features of Software Code?


a) Simplicity
b) Accessibility
c) Modularity
d) All of the above
Answer :- C
15. ____________ is a software development activity that is not a part of software processes.
a) Validation

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b) Specification
c) Development
d) Dependence
Answer :- D
16. CASE stands for
a) Computer-Aided Software Engineering
b) Control Aided Science and Engineering
c) Cost Aided System Experiments
d) None of the mentioned
Answer:- A

17. Software is defined as ___________


a) set of programs, documentation & configuration of data
b) set of programs
c) documentation and configuration of data
d) None of the mentioned

Answer :- a

18. Attributes of good software is ____________


a) Development
b) Maintainability & functionality
c) Functionality
d) Maintainability

Answer :- Maintainability & functionality

19. Which of the following is NOT secondary memory

A. USB

B. Hard Disk

C. Solid state Drive

D. Random access Memory

Answer :- D

20. Which of the following is NOT example of Solid State Drive

A. CD ROM

B. Memory card

C. USB

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D. None of the above

Answer :- A

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