F451

hardware a physical component which makes up a

computer system
software set of instructions which tell computer what to do
input device hardware which allows data to be entered into
a computer
output device hardware which presents data tot the user
storage device hardware that allows storage of data for
future use
system software software which manages the hardware and
provides a platform for other software to run
application software software which does something useful
to a computer
system lifecycle:
1. Problem definition aim of program identified, user
requirements identified
2. Feasibility study is it socially ok to make it? Etc.
3. Analysis requirements specification, fact finding such
as interviews, input and outputs identified
4. Design interfaces made, prototyping, algorithms,
validation, security
5. Software development production of code, modification
of code
6. Testing production of testing strategy and production of
test data
7. Implementation installation, changeover, training
8. Maintenance debugging, modification, improving
9. Evaluation check it does what its supposed to do,
limitations
Types of feasibility technical, social, skill level, legality and
time

Requirements spec- input, process and output requirements

and client agrees. Uses data flow diagrams and system flow
charts which shows how system is connected.
Design spec input design, dfds and flow charts, algorithm,
data structure design and output design.
Technical documentation designed for computer literate,
purpose is to assist, and support new staff, contains: DFDs,
flow charts, ERD, annotated programming pseudo code and
data dictionary.
User documentation for end user, contains stuff like index,
glossary, how to operate etc.
Changeovers parallel, direct, pilot and phasing.
Parallel where old and new system run together for a period
of time, can revert back to old system if new fails but very
expensive.
Direct new replaces old if new fails then old cant be used.
Pilot new system in only one area of business only one part
of is affected if fail and allows staff to be trained and identify
errors, if not working new abandoned.
Phasing old is gradually replaced which allows for gradual
training of staff in stages.
Types of maintenance corrective, perfective, and adaptive
Corrective where errors are found and corrected
Perfective where program is improved performance
Adaptive where alter because of external reason such as
change in law, new tech etc.
Prototype simplified version of program which involves user
who checks and gives feedback and repeatedly refined until
client satisfied. Dummy screen and elicits no action.
ADs produced quickly and more focused feedback

DISADs takes up time

Stock control checks database for id, stock scanned,
number is incremented if goods come in and decremented if
leaving always up to date.
Knowledge based system set up interviews experts in a
certain topic, info collected from many sources which creates
knowledge base, rules used to find info make rule base,
inference engine is algorithms which searches the knowledge
base using the rule base and the HCL allows for inputs and
outputs.
Batch process data is collected over a period of time,
processes when all collected large amounts of data
processed, no human interaction done from start to end, no
need for instant responses. E.g. payroll
Real time input returns an output in a set interval of time.
Single user only one user can be logged in at a time, each
user has rights and files separate.
Multi user multiple users can use the system.
Multi-tasking more than one task simultaneously which
each having processing time such as play music while typing
essay.
Form based specified areas for input, has drop down lists,
uses radio buttons and check boxes, makes sure data is
entered before continuing. Clear instructions to prompt and
user responds, used in travel agents.
Menu based displays a list of options which user can select
which can lead to more choices menus. Simple and easy to
use and limit on choice used in ATMs.
GUI uses mouse to move a pointer over a icon, used to
control windows and frames. Intuitive and easy to navigate
and use, however requires more processing power.

Character sets symbols that computer can use, ASCII,

EBCDIC and Unicode. Each character is given a unique binary
code, the more chars the bigger the bits.