A computer system is an information system that is computerized.
Not all information systems are computer systems, but all computer systems are information systems. Therefore it can be said that a computer system is a subset of an information system.
For example, the information system of a library used to be done manually: the entry of new books, the files of each book were filled out by hand, the book searches, the organization of the same on shelves, etc.
With the arrival of computers, a library continues to have an information system to organize itself, but which in turn contains a computer system: one or more computers to search for books, to enter them into the system, to know where they are located exactly, an operator who controls the computers (the human operator is considered part of the system), availability of printers, scanners, system user manuals, system maintenance technicians, system users, etc.
computer system definition
Taking into account this introduction and the example, then we can define computer system:
A computer system is a set of parts or resources made up of hardware, software and the people who use it, which are related to each other to store and process information with a common goal.
Examples of computer systems are: a library management system, a computerized accounting system, a control system for purchases and sales in a company.
resources of a computer system
Physical (or hardware) resource: computers, printers, scanners, memories, bar code readers, physical structure of a computer network, etc.
Logical (or software) resource: user manuals, operating system, files, documents, applications, firmware, databases, computer network information, etc.
Human resource: are all the people who are part of the system, such as the system operators, the technicians who maintain it and the end users.
Differences and similarities between computer system and information system
As explained above, an information system is more comprehensive and includes all computer systems.
* In a computer system, computers or computer devices are used in a large number of tasks to store, process and/or access information.
* An information system allows information to be processed, but not necessarily through computers. Access to information can be physical (for example, a person is in charge of searching a filing cabinet for what is requested).
* Both the computer system and the information system include the people who access or produce information within the system. People have to be trained to understand the operation and procedures that support the system.
* Both systems have a purpose. For example, managing access and distribution of books in a library; manage the entry/exit of merchandise, personnel and other resources of a business, etc.
life cycle of a computer system
The classic activities of the life cycle of an IS are:
1- Feasibility study
2- Analysis (of requirements)
3- Design
4.1- Creation of prototypes (optional stage that can be integrated into the implementation)
4.2- Implementation
5 – Validation and testing
6 – Operation and maintenance
I suggest reading the article: Life cycle of a computer system.
Purpose or objective of a computer system
A computer system has a specific and concrete objective, for example: computerize the administration of information in a library, computerize the control of payments and general information of the clients of a gym, etc.
But there are also general objectives or purposes that all computer systems should desirably meet:
The most general purpose or objective of computer systems is to make tasks faster, more flexible and more comfortable for users, using computer technology efficiently for that purpose.
Desirable properties of a computer system
Specifically the basic objectives of a computer system should be:
* Reduce time, costs and effort in a system.
* Streamline an existing system, which can be manual, or even computerized but old or obsolete.
* Create a new system to solve a specific problem, perhaps integrating it into an existing system.
* Capture data from your own source.
* Reduce the number of manual tasks, thus reducing the number of possible errors.
* Centralize process control.
* Increase the productivity of a company.
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