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 Notes > Computer Systems Introduction
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An "Information System" or "Human System" involves the application of computers to support business.
Blase Pascal said, "By following instructions, anybody can do complex calculations." This process of following instructions can be automated though by making machines which follow instructions. A set of unambigious, ordered instructions is known as an algorithm. An algorithm describes a process.
The word "system" appears many times in the computing world. Consider the following:
- Operating System
- Database Management System (DBMS)
- System Design / Analysis / Testing / Software
- Interactive System
- File System
- Expert System
- Distributed System
A System is a collection of parts / components with a defined structure. It has an overall purpose and may involve external interaction.
Important facts about a Computer System:
- The function of the system is always related to machines (not humans) which compute / calculate
- The connections involved in the system relate to data flows
- The system is artificial (i.e. it has been engineered)
- The system boundaries are arbitrary (i.e. they are chosen by the designer)
Systems can exist within other systems. For example, the motherboard of a computer can be viewed as a complete system but it itself is within another system consisting of the computer hardware and peripherals.
Try a Computer Systems Quiz in the Computing Students Computing Quizzes Section to test your knowledge.
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