Topic 1.2

• State the use of a system flowchart

  represents flow of data; represents a process
• Hardware


  Physical components of a computer system
• Software


  Programs and instructions that operate a computer
• Peripheral


  Devices connected to a computer for input or output functions
• Network


  Group of computers linked together to share resources
• Human Resources


  People using computers
• Peripheral Examples


  Examples include keyboard, mouse, screen, and printer
• Client


  Computer accessing resources from another computer
• Server


  Computer hosting resources for sharing across a network
• Computers


  Can function as both client and server simultaneously
• DNS Server


  Responsible for mapping web addresses to IP addresses
• Router


  Routing network packages between two networks using a different medium for information transfer
• Firewall


  Monitoring and protecting network traffic of a computer or computer network
• Social and Ethical Issues in the Networked World

  - Loss of jobs

  - Outsourcing business activities to cheaper locations

  - Firing workers due to technology

  - Digital Divide

  - Impact of technology on face-to-face social interaction
• Stakeholder


  A person with an interest or concern in something
• 3 Questions in System Design

  Who will the end user be?

  What are their needs?

  Any other stakeholders?
• Who is Involved in a System?

  Systems analyst

  End users

  Software manufacturer

  Client company
• Obtaining Requirements from Stakeholders

  Surveys

  Interviews

  Direct observation

  Collecting documents
• Advantages of Observation


  Gathering first-hand, unbiased information
• Disadvantages of Observation


  Changes in behavior when being observed
• Advantages of Interviews


  Specific and detailed feedback
• Disadvantages of Interviews


  Time constraints - takes too long
• Advantages of Questionnaires/Surveys


  Quick data collection from a large group
• Disadvantages of Questionnaires/Surveys


  Limited information due to questionnaire design

  Potential lack of respondent seriousness
• Collecting Documents


  Analyzing archived documents to understand current system
• Advantages of Collecting Documents

  Detailed information obtained

  Identifying past system issues
• Disadvantages of Collecting Documents

  Time-consuming process

  Confusing forms may be used
• Techniques for Gathering Information


  Examining current systems, products, capabilities

  Conducting literature searches
• Representations for System Requirements

  System flow chart, Data flow diagram, Structure chart
• Prototypes


  Abstract representations focusing on key system aspects
• Design Cycle


  Planning, Analysis, Design, Implementation, Maintenance (PADIM)
• Consequences of Neglecting End-User Involvement in Design Process

  User Dissatisfaction

  System may not address user's needs, impacting efficiency
• Social and Ethical Issues of Introducing New IT Systems

  Digital Divide

  Reduced social interaction with remote work
• Usability


  Ease of Use and Learnability of a Product
• Ergonomics


  Understanding Human-System Interactions
• Accessibility


  Designing for People with Disabilities
• Usability Problems


  User Interface Issues (e.g., Buttons)
• Methods to Enhance Accessibility

  • Touch Screens

  • Voice Recognition

  • Text-to-Speech

  • Braille Keyboards

  • Braille Printers

  • Simplified Interfaces
• Cloud Computing


  Storing and accessing data and programs over the internet instead of your computer's hard drive
• Biometric Security


  Using unique biological characteristics such as fingerprints or facial recognition to verify a person's identity