Introduction to Information Systems and Computer Hardware/Software

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering computer science terminology, PC hardware components, software classifications, systems theories, and the structure and function of Information Systems.

Informatique (Computer Science)

A term coined around 1960 from the words "information" and "automatique", defined as the science of the automatic processing of information using machines known as computers.

Computer Science

An English designation for computing that literally refers to the science of calculators or computers.

Information Technology (IT)

The English term used to designate the industrial sector of information technologies.

Computer (PC / Personal Computer)

A machine capable of automatically processing input data received via input peripherals according to a program defining an ordered sequence of instructions, and returning output results via output peripherals.

Hardware

The physical parts, components, and accessories that constitute a computer system, where each component performs a distinct function.

Central Unit (Unité centrale)

The computer enclosure/case containing internal hardware components used to save, process, and output data while executing program instructions.

Motherboard (Carte mère)

The primary printed circuit board functioning as the "nervous system" of the PC, connecting all internal central unit components (e.g., Asus, Gigabyte).

Central Processing Unit (CPU / Processeur)

The core component or "heart" of the computer invented by Intel in 1971 (model 4004); it processes data, executes instructions, and is characterized by a clock speed measured in Hertz ($Hz$).

RAM (Random Access Memory / Mémoire centrale)

Electronic computer memory designed to retain and retrieve operational data temporarily on a volatile basis (e.g., SDRAM, DDRAM, DDRAM2).

Graphics Card (Carte graphique)

An expansion card that converts raw digital data into displayable video signals for output devices such as computer monitors or video projectors.

Input Peripherals (Périphériques d'entrées)

Hardware devices that collect information from the user or environment, digitizing and encoding it into binary form for transfer to central memory and processing by the central unit (e.g., keyboard, mouse, optical drive reader, modem).

Output Peripherals (Périphériques de sorties)

Hardware devices that convert binary data processed by the central unit into human-understandable output formats (e.g., monitor, printer, CD/DVD burner, speakers).

Software (Logiciel)

The complete collection of computer programs and procedures that enables human users to interact with and perform work on computer hardware.

Program (Programme)

A sequence of instructions written in a programming language and executed by a computer to process a problem and return output results.

Operating System (Système d'exploitation)

System software containing fundamental instructions that acts as an intermediary bridge between computer hardware and user application software (e.g., Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS, Unix).

Application Software (Logiciel applicatif)

Software containing instructions dedicated to an automated activity (production or management), developed specifically for an organization or configured for widespread general use (e.g., Microsoft Office Word, Excel).

Driver (Pilote)

A specialized software module acting as a communication bridge between hardware components and the operating system, preventing the OS from having to natively store configuration code for every peripheral on the market.

Software Development Lifecycle Stages

The procedural sequence for building software: Problem $\rightarrow$ Analysis $\rightarrow$ Algorithm $\rightarrow$ Coding $\rightarrow$ Program $\rightarrow$ Execution $\rightarrow$ Results.

System (Ferdinand de Saussure, 1916)

An organized totality made of interdependent elements that can only be defined in relation to one another according to their place within that totality.

System (Ludwig von Bertalanffy, 1968)

A complex of interacting elements.

System (Joël de Rosnay, 1975)

A complex of dynamically interacting elements organized toward a specific goal.

System (Edgar Morin, 1977)

A global organized unit of inter-relations between elements, actions, or individuals.

Need-Based Approach Incoherence

The architectural flaw where addressing isolated user needs independently fails to create a coherent whole, producing incomplete and redundant systems with complex interfaces and high maintenance costs.

Data vs. Information

Data consists of uncontextualized raw figures, symbols, or codes (e.g., product item numbers and individual transaction amounts), whereas information is organized, processed data that provides actionable organizational meaning (e.g., annual sales totals).

General System Concept

A set of material or immaterial elements in interaction that transforms inputs into outputs through an organized process.

Information System (IS / Système d'information)

An organized set of resources—comprising personnel, hardware, software/procedures, and data—that collects, aggregates, classifies, processes, and disseminates information to help an organization achieve its objectives.

Four Core Functions of an Information System

The four vital operational tasks of an IS: acquiring information (collect), transforming information (process), storing information (conserve), and communicating information (disseminate).

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP / Progiciel de Gestion Intégré)

An integrated business software package composed of modular applications tailored to company functions that operate over a single, cross-functional database.