Four components of an information system - Essay Example

Module Four Components of an Information System INTRODUCTION An information system is a complex but structured concept that comprises many different elements that make it work as expected (Hurson 29). Information systems are a common, and almost indispensable part of contemporary life. They feature almost everywhere, from schools and businesses to hospitals and homes. A computer is an information system, and its popularity is testament to the extensive use of information systems.Components of an Information SystemInformation systems comprise four basic parts: hardware; software; data; and human resources and processes.

Hardware consists of all the physical parts; everything that can be touched. Software consists of the programs and manuals written to run the hardware. Software process the instructions issued by humans and relay them to the hardware. Data is what is entered into the information system (Hurson 36). It can consist of numbers or words fed into the system through typing or other means. Humans are the people who issue commands and manage the system, while processes are the steps followed in running information system.

For instance, when using a computer there is a defined procedure for switching it on or off, or performing other standard operations that help to run it. It is important to consider all the aforementioned components when designing an information system because they are the fundamental parts that make it work. It cannot run without any of these components, so it is quite obvious that they must feature in its design (Stair and Reynolds 13). For example, it would be useless to design a car without a steering wheel or a fuel tank because such parts make it what it is.

CONCLUSION Information systems are probably the most common aspect of human activities in the 21st century. People use information systems to make processes easier to execute, as well as to enhance their quality of life. It is expected that information systems will become more complex as time goes, embedding themselves deeper in our lives (Stair and Reynolds 16). Works CitedHurson, Ali. Advances in Computers. Burlington: Elsevier Science, 2014. Print.Stair, Ralph M., and George Walter Reynolds.

Information Systems. 10th Ed., International ed. Australia: Course Technology, Cengage Learning, 2012. Print.