4. IT System

Question 1

Define an IT system

Answer 1

all the hardware and software that are combined to create a whole system

Question 2

The main four components of an IT system are:

Answer 2

1. hardware - physical devices that are part of the system
2. software - all the computer programs that are part of the system
3. processes - all the different steps and actions that are carried out using the system
4. people - all the users and individuals that use the system.

Question 2

Define decomposition

Answer 2

breaking down a problem, design or system into smaller parts

Question 2

What is a sub-system:

Answer 2

a smaller individual section of a larger system

Question 3

There are two types of diagrams that can be used to improve our understanding of an IT system. These are:

Answer 3

dataflow diagrams
flowcharts.

Question 4

What is a dataflow diagram

Answer 4

a diagram that shows how data flows through different parts of a system

Question 5

What does a data flow diagram involves showing:

Answer 5

1. how the data is entered into the system (input)
2. what processes will be carried out with the data
3. where it is being transmitted to and from
4. where it is being stored within the system
5. how the data leaves the system (output).

Question 6

symbols that you will use to create a dataflow diagram.

Answer 6

Look at page 49 of text book

Question 7

What does a flowchart diagram involves showing:

Answer 7

1. inputs into the system
2. outputs from the system
3. actions that occur within the process
4. decisions that need to be made within the process
5. the sequence of the steps that will occur within the process.

Question 8

What is a flowchart

Answer 8

a diagram that shows the sequence of a process and decisions that occur in a system

Question 9

What are the symbols that you will use to create a flowchart diagram.

Answer 9

Look at page 50 of textbook

Question 10

To evaluate an IT system there are several questions that you may need to consider.
What are they

Answer 10

1. What digital devices are included in the system?
2. What peripheral devices are included in the system?
3. What storage devices are included in the system?
4. What processes are carried out by the system?
5. Does the system meet each of the requirements set out in the design brief?
6. What are the advantages of the IT system?
7. What are the disadvantages of the IT system?

Question 11

What does “fit for purpose” mean in the context of IT systems?

Answer 11

evaluation to see whether a system meets all the original requirements from the design

Question 12

How can you evaluate if an IT system is fit for purpose?

Answer 12

By comparing the final system against the clear requirements set during its development.

Question 13

Why is evaluation crucial for bespoke IT systems?

Answer 13

To verify that the system fulfills the unique requirements of the individual or organisation.