Homework Question 3

Q3) Briefly, describe what a system is and name its basic stages of input, processing and output.

Homework Question 2

Q2) A software company has just finished developing a new database system. Before it can be handed over to the customer, the system will need to be tested.
a) Explain why it is important that any new system is thoroughly tested before release b) Which document will need to be created for use during the testing phase

Homework Question 1

Q1) Give one example of an ICT system and name and explain its components.

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ICT systems and their components

What is ICT?

ICT stands for Information Communication Technology. ICT is the use of technology for input, processing, storage and transfer of data and output of information.

ICT is concerned with the storage, retrieval, manipulation, transmission or receipt of digital data.

More notes available at:
http://tutor2u.net/business/ict/intro_what_is_ict.htm


What is a system?

The general definition of the word 'system' is a group of interdependent items that interact regularly to perform a task.

All systems have the three basic stages of input, processing and output.

For example, when using a database;
. Entering information into the system (input)
. Using queries to sort out data or to link information (process)
. Presenting reports with relevant information (output)

Note:

• Input - Data is entered via an input device such as keyboard, mouse, scanner, etc.
• Process - Calculations, queries and other operations are performed.
• Output - Presenting information (from the processing stage) by using an output device such as monitor, printer, etc.

More notes available at: http://www.jobseekersadvice.com/career_education/computer_basics/computer_basics_1.htm

What is an ICT system?

An ICT systems are used everywhere!

They are used in shops, factories, airports, offices, etc and are used in the advancment of medicine, farming and communications.

ICT systems have benefited because we have become:

• More productive - we can complete a greater number of tasks in the same time at reduced cost by using computers than we could prior to their invention.
• Able to deal with vast amounts of information and process it quickly.
• Able to transmit and receive information rapidly.

More notes available at: http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=182448


Components of ICT systems

Components of ICT systems are:

• People - are needed to supply the data to the ICT system and also to make judgements and decisions from the output supplied from the system.
• Data - Data is raw facts and figures or a set of values, this is processed by the system to provide the information which is the output produced by the system.
• Procedures - determine what needs to be done and when. It also covers the passing of data or information between different people. Administrative procedures are needed to deal with problems such as customers not paying bills,problems with deliveries, etc.
• Hardware - these are the physical components that make up the ICT system. If you can touch it, then it is hardware. Hardware includes input devices (keyboards, mouse, scanner, etc.), storage (memory, hard drive, etc.). the processor and the output devices (screen, printer, plotter, etc.). Also included in hardware are the communication devices needed to send data across networks.
• Software - these are the computer programs which provided the step-bystep instructions to get the job done.
• Information - the results from processing data. Information is the output from an IT system.

More notes available at: http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=1512