The Components of Information System
Computers have become critical elements in every business establishment. An information system is a computer system that facilitates collection, organization and analyses of data into useful information. According to Appelbaum et al. (2017), every information system is comprised of five essential components. These include the following:
- Computer Hardware
Computer hardware refers to the physical, technological parts that make up an information system. Computer hardware can be found in different sizes (Appelbaum et al., 2017). Some hardware components can some be as small as a smartphone while others can large to an extend of occupying ample storage space. All the peripheral devices that facilitate the information system functionalities can be categorized as computer hardware. These include keyboards, mouse, monitors, both internal and external storage disks. The emergence of internet connections has revolutionized the mode of information and data transmission.
- Computer Software
Computer software can be described as a computer program that coordinates the physical computer parts. It is usually are programmed set of instructions. Computer software can also be referred to as a computer application. According to Appelbaum et al. (2017), computers software can be categorized into two groups, that is application software and system software. Examples of popular computer software include windows and iOS. The primary function of the computer operating system is to manage hardware operation. On the other hand, application software is designed to perform a specific instruction as specified by the programmer. Examples of such tasks include the creation of spreadsheets and documents as well as web developments. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
- Telecommunications
Telecommunication components are responsible for connecting computer hardware to a network. Typically, such connections can be performed using cables such as Ethernet cables and fibre optics (Zhang, 2016). Again computer hardware can be connected to a network through a wireless connection such as WI-FY. There are various types of a computer network such as LAN( local area network) which is responsible for linking computers within a same geographical location, WAN (wide area network) which is connect computers that are sparsely located.
- Human Resources
This is the most crucial component of an information system. Human component refers to people that run the entire information system. Human resource is the only component possessing the knowledge and skills to interpret the data contained in an information database.
- System Databases
System database refers to external computer storage where data and information collected is stored. According to Zhang (2016), information stored in the system database can only be retrieved using a particular protocol. System databases can be stored together to form a data warehouse. Different systems databases can be grouped and stored in a single storage facility to create a data warehouses where an organization can retrieve data when the need arises. System date bases are an essential requirement in organizations that hand a massive amount of data.
Management Information Systems (MIS)
Management information system refers to a computer system that coordinates are the operations within an organization. A Management information system is comprised of both hardware and software as the main components. There are several types of information systems, such as:
- Collaboration Information System
A collaborative information system is an information system that has been designed to connect people that perform a similar task within an organization (Zhang, 2016). The main goal of a collaboration information system is to provide a platform that facilitates the attainment of a specified organizational objective. An example of such a system include is a collaborative information system include emails and group calendars.
- A Database Management System
This is system software designed to define, control, retrieve as well as manage data stored in databases (Zhang, 2016). A database management system is as used to manipulate data file names and formats. Examples of database management systems are MySQL, Doxpro and Oracle.
- A Content Management System
This is a system application that is used to manage web content by allowing different contributors to create, edit and publish content on a website (Zhang, 2016). Content systems are usually stored in a system database and displayed in temples. There are four features of content management systems such as content creation, content storage, workflow management and publishing. WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems.
- A Knowledge Management/Expert System
A Knowledge Management System (KMS) refers to an information system that is designed purposely to facilitate accessible knowledge sharing within an organization. Knowledge management systems achieve this objective by integrating various levels of organization management such as strategic, executive and operational management levels. Knowledge management systems provide the necessary tools that are required by an organization to convert information into knowledge (Zhang, 2016). An example of a knowledge management system is CAM (Computer-aided manufacturing).
- A Customer Relationship Management System
This is a system that is used to manage the relationship between an organization and its clientele. The main objective of a customer management system is to help an organization improve its performance by fostering organization- customer relationship. an example of such a system is SugarCRM.
- An Enterprise Resource Planning System
This is business management software that enables and organization integrate different computer applications and automate some of the office functions related to technology human resources and service delivery. An example of enterprise resource planning systems includes SAP ERP and Sage ERP (Zhang, 2016).
- Social Media IS
This is information technology that facilitates the exchange of information, thoughts and ideas through a virtual community-based network (Zhang, 2016). Social media information systems are usually internet-based applications that enable users to share information in the form of published electronic content. Through social media systems, individuals are also able to exchange files such as photos, videos and documents. Examples of social media ARE include twitter and Facebook.
- A Business Intelligence/Decision Support System
business intelligence or decision support system is an information system that facilities decision making processes within an organization. A business intelligence system achieves this objective providing an organization decision-makers with different alternatives to choose from. Examples of decision-support information systems include communication driven DSS systems. Instant messaging software and internet-based meeting software are some of decision support systems.
- An Enterprise IS
This is an information system that is used to perform the essential functions of an enterprise through integration. Enterprise information systems are used to improve the quality of services in large organizations with complicated structure. Examples of enterprise information systems include business intelligence and information systems.
Ways of Protecting IS from threats
- User Of Antivirus Software
One of the most reliable methods of protecting information systems is to install up to date virus scanners. Installation of antivirus programs reduces the system’s exposure to hackers, among other computer threats.
- Avoiding Downloading Attachment Files from Unknown Emails
Computer malware is, in most cases, distributed through emails. As a result, systems users are recommended to cease download email attachment from unknown email addresses. It is highly recommended that one conducts background research on such emails to verify the senders before downloading the fails.
Importance of Importance of MIS
Management information system enables an organization to manage essential data in a more secure and organized manner for easy decision making (Gobble, 2018). Again, organizations depend on MIS to analyze trends for strategic planning purposes.
References
Appelbaum, D., Kogan, A., Vasarhelyi, M., & Yan, Z. (2017). Impact of business analytics and enterprise systems on managerial accounting. International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, 25, 29-44.
Gobble, M. M. (2018). The Importance of Management Innovation.
Zhang, Y. (2016, June). Management information system. In 2017 2nd International Conference on Machinery, Electronics and Control Simulation (MECS 2017). Atlantis Press.