System fundamentals

From Computer Science Wiki
System Fundamentals[1]

We are concerned with how systems integrate into organizations and how people use them.

The big ideas in system fundamentals[edit]

Systems in Organizations[edit]

A computer program or computer system is used by people who work in organizations. It is very helpful to understand how people, computers, and organizations work together.

Planning and system installation[edit]

User Focus[edit]

System Backup[edit]

Software Deployment[edit]

System Design[edit]

Components of a computer system[edit]

System Design and analysis[edit]

Human interaction with the system[edit]


  • Identify the context for which a new system is planned.
  • Describe the need for change management.
  • Outline compatibility issues resulting from situations including legacy systems or business mergers.
  • Compare the implementation of systems using a client’s hardware with hosting systems remotely.
  • Evaluate alternative installation processes.
  • Discuss problems that may arise as a part of data migration.
  • Suggest various types of testing.
  • Describe the importance of user documentation.
  • Evaluate different methods of providing user documentation.
  • Evaluate different methods of delivering user training.
  • Identify a range of causes of data loss.
  • Outline the consequences of data loss in a specified situation.
  • Describe strategies for managing releases and updates.
  • Define the terms: hardware, software, peripheral, network, human resources.
  • Describe the roles that a computer can take in a networked world.
  • Discuss the social and ethical issues associated with a networked world.
  • Identify the relevant stakeholders when planning a new system.
  • Describe methods of obtaining requirements from stakeholders.
  • Describe appropriate techniques for gathering the information needed to arrive at a workable solution.
  • Construct suitable representations to illustrate system requirements.
  • Describe the purpose of prototypes to demonstrate the proposed system to the client.
  • Discuss the importance of iteration during the design process.
  • Explain the possible consequences of failing to involve the end-user in the design process.
  • Discuss the social and ethical issues associated with the introduction of new IT systems
  • Define the term usability.
  • Identify a range of usability problems with commonly used digital devices.
  • Identify methods that can be used to improve the accessibility of systems.
  • Identify a range of usability problems that can occur in a system.
  • Discuss the moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications of the interaction between humans and machines.


Produce a plan, simulation or model.




Give a brief account.




Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.


a group or system of interconnected people or things.

Develop information in a diagrammatic or logical form.

Prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence, illustrating with examples or practical application.

Produce a plan, simulation or model.

Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.