Overview of Hardware and Software in MIS

Hardware

Physical components of a computer system that do not run without software.

Software

Programs and applications that run on hardware and do not function without it.

CPU

Central Processing Unit—the 'brains' of a computer, which can have multiple 'cores'.

Hard drive

Device for saving information over the long term, transitioning to solid state devices for efficiency.

Network interface

Component that allows users to interact with networks, such as the Internet.

Registers

Very fast, expensive memory located close to the CPU.

RAM

Random Access Memory, which allows addressing and retrieval of any data on the device.

Operating System

Software that runs/accesses hardware and provides the user interface.

Applications

Software required by users to accomplish specific tasks, such as Word or Excel.

Database Management System (DBMS)

Software that allows for the collection, storage, retrieval, processing, and dissemination of data.

Management Information Systems (MIS)

System that enables businesses to collect, store, retrieve, process, and disseminate data/information needed for job performance.

Decision Support

Any system that aids a manager or worker in making timely and accurate decisions.

Expert Systems

Systems designed to assist in decision-making within a very limited domain.