Information Systems in Context

What is a System?

A system is an organised collection of resources
and processes that work together to
achieve a purpose and ultimately fulfil a
need.

An information system needs participants, data or information, and information technology to carry out a number of information processes. It handles a variety of information processing functions, including data gathering, organisation, analysis, storing and retrieval, processing, transmission and reception, and display. 

Example of a system: Netflix

Netflix is an on-demand streaming service that
 allows users to search for and watch videos on 
almost any of their own devices.

 Once the user selects what they wish to see, the
 video and audio data are delivered to the user's 
selected device very quickly.

In the field of on-demand streaming services, 
Netflix is a pioneer. promoting the format so 
that more platforms will use it.
 

What is Data?

Data is the raw, unprocessed resources that are collected for further use. 
This raw material could be in the form of images, audio, video, text or numbers and it is inputted into an input device.

What is Information?

Information is referred to as a collection of facts that have been arranged in some way such that, when taken as a whole, they can be comprehended and given meaning.

When referring to IT and systems,
information means the output displayed
by an information system, as a result
knowledge is acquired when
information is received. 

What is the difference between data and information?

Data and information may sound very similar, however, they are not the same. Data refers to the raw and unprocessed materials that need to be processed. Once the data is processed into a useful manner, it is referred to as information.

Systems in Context

All systems share characteristics that make it easier to comprehend how they work, what is required for them to function, and how information is created from data.
These features include:
- The Environment
- The Boundary
- The Purpose
- Information Processes
- User and participants
- Information Technology
- Resources

possible security issues that information system designers need 
to consider:

hackers

Hackers are people with extensive technical knowledge and skills, who aim to overcome or get around all security mechanisms used by a computer software. This allows them to view, utilise and edit data and information

Virus Attacks

Viruses are software programs that purposely produce any sort of unwanted result. Most viruses are spread via attachments to emails and or infected media like flash drives.

Theft

Unauthorised copying of data and information onto another system. Also physical theft of hardware and the data and information it contains

Strategies used to address the issues:

anti-virus software

All files are scanned to look for possible viruses. The anti-virus software then either removes the virus or quarantines the file. The widespread use of networks, the internet in particular, has made anti-virus software a virtual necessity

Passwords

Passwords are used to confirm that a user is who they say they are. Once verified the user name is then used by the system to assign particular access rights to the user

backup copies

A copy of important files is made on a regular basis. If the original file fails or is lost, the backup copy can then be used. It is important to keep ​backup copies in a secure locati​on.

Digital Data Representation

Digitalising of data refers to the process through which analogue data is transformed into digital data for use by information systems. For instance, scanning a paper form to create an online form or scanning a document and extracting the text.