Module 2: Introduction to Information Systems
Week of Mon, Aug 31 · module closes Mon, Sep 7 · 45 points
By the end of this lesson you can:
- →Explain how the fundamental components of computer systems interact to perform essential functions.
Take Meerk's quiz for Module 2
This module's items
- Reflection Assignment — IT Components25 pts
- Module 2 Quiz20 pts
Exact due times are in Canvas. Late assignments are not accepted and extensions will not be granted.
Know these cold
- Five components of an information system: hardware, software, data, procedures (processes), and people. Remove any one and the system fails.
- Hardware is what you can touch (laptop, server, phone, printer). Software is the instructions that tell hardware what to do. Data is what the system stores and processes.
- Procedures are the rules and steps people follow to use the system (how to submit in Canvas, how to back up). People design, run, and use the system — and are the most important component.
- The information processing cycle: INPUT (keyboard, mouse, camera, sensor) → PROCESSING (the CPU works on the data) → OUTPUT (screen, printer, speaker) → STORAGE (saved for later).
- Types of computers: personal computers (desktop, laptop), tablets and smartphones, servers (serve many users over a network), mainframes and supercomputers (huge workloads), and embedded computers (inside cars, appliances, medical devices).
- A server is a computer that provides a service to other computers (clients) — file, web, mail, or database servers.
- Information systems support business: transaction processing (a sale), management reports, decision support, and communication.
- Digital convergence: one device (a phone) now does what many devices used to do — camera, phone, computer, music player.
- Module 2 items: Reflection Assignment – IT Components (25) and Module 2 Quiz (20).
Meerk's quiz — open the Module 2 gate
10 questions, no time limit. 85% on your first attempt in a 24-hour window opens the gate. Retakes inside the window are practice — they help you learn, they don't count. Work alone; the point is to know it, not to have seen it.
Stuck?
Raise your hand. Mr. James gets a message right away and can help you remotely. Nothing else is stored — just your last name, grade, and where you're stuck.
Dinner Table Question
Ask at home: Name the five parts of an information system. Which one is the most important, and why?
En español: Nombra las cinco partes de un sistema de información. ¿Cuál es la más importante y por qué?