Understanding Key Information Systems and Technologies

Internet Technologies

The internet relies on several key technologies:

• Transmission Control Protocol (TCP): Enables connections and data exchange between hosts.
• Internet Protocol (IP): A unique 32-bit numeric address for each computer, represented by four numbers (0-255) separated by periods.
• Domain Name System (DNS): Converts domain names (e.g., google.com) to IP addresses.
• Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP): The standard for transferring web pages.
• Hypertext Markup Language (HTML): Formats documents and links to other resources.
• Uniform Resource Locator (URL): References a web resource's location and retrieval method.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing provides access to shared computing resources over a network. Different service models exist:

• Software as a Service (SaaS): Web-based software for immediate use (e.g., Zoom).
• Platform as a Service (PaaS): Provides a complete development and deployment environment (e.g., Google App Engine).
• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Offers computing infrastructure like servers and storage (e.g., Amazon Web Services).

Databases

Databases centralize data, enabling efficient management and access. Key capabilities include:

• Data Definition Language: Defines the structure of the data.
• Data Dictionary: Stores information about the data.
• Data Manipulation Language: Allows users to manipulate and query data.
• Normalization: Organizes data to minimize redundancy and improve integrity.

Telecommunications

Telecommunications systems use physical devices and software to connect hardware and transfer data across locations.

Work Systems vs. Information Systems

Work systems involve humans and/or machines producing products or services. Information systems use information and technology to create informational products for internal or external customers.

Components of Information Systems:

• Hardware: Physical equipment for input, processing, and output.
• Software: Instructions that control hardware components.
• Databases: Organized collections of data used by software applications.

Management Information Systems (MIS)

MIS deals with the development, use, and impact of information systems within organizations, considering both behavioral and technical aspects.

Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data

The Internet of Things (IoT) connects devices, objects, and even people, enabling data transfer without direct human intervention. Key characteristics include:

• Scalability: Ability to handle increasing amounts of data and devices.
• Heterogeneity Support: Compatibility with diverse devices and technologies.
• Total Integration: Seamless connection and data exchange between devices.
• Real-time Query Processing: Ability to analyze data as it is generated.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI focuses on creating systems that can gather data, make decisions, and solve problems. Goals include:

• Creating expert systems.
• Implementing human intelligence in machines.

Applications of AI include:

• Gaming
• Natural Language Processing
• Expert Systems
• Vision Systems
• Speech Recognition
• Handwriting Recognition
• Intelligent Robots