Prof. Noones CSIT 101 ePortfolio Project

Visualizing Information Systems

Hardware → System Software → Application Software → YOU

Introduction

Before we dive into business applications, we need to zoom out and look at Information Systems as a whole.

1. Hardware → 2. System Software → 3. Application Software → 4. YOU

Each layer depends on the one below it.

1. Hardware (Quick Review)

Hardware is everything you can physically touch that makes a computer work.

CPU (the brain)
RAM (short-term memory)
Storage (SSD or hard drive)
Screen, keyboard, mouse, phone touchscreen

We covered hardware earlier, so the key takeaway here is simple:

Hardware by itself does nothing. It needs software to be useful.

2. System Software

System software is what makes hardware usable and allows apps to run.

Runs in the background
Manages hardware resources
Allows applications to communicate with the hardware
The most important type of system software is the Operating System (OS).

Your device (yes, even your phone!) uses system software to turn on, launch apps, connect to the internet, and save files.

Common Operating Systems You Should Recognize

You are not expected to master all of these. You are expected to recognize them and know which devices they run on.

Desktop & Laptop OS

Windows
macOS
Chrome OS
Linux

Mobile OS

iOS (iPhone, iPad)
Android (most non-Apple phones and tablets)

Different operating systems exist because people value different things: cost, flexibility, design, security, games, or ecosystem compatibility.

OS Popularity

What do you think is the most popular Desktop OS in the world? Click here to find out!
What do you think is the most popular Mobile OS in the world? Click here to find out!
How about the most popular Gaming Console in the world? Click here to find out!

What does your OS Actually Do?

Your OS handles everything behind the scenes so you can focus on work or play:

- Starts and shuts down your device
- Runs programs and manages memory
- Connects to the internet and networks
- Manages files and folders
- Monitors performance and security
- Provides a Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Your OS is also customizable:

- Screen brightness and resolution
- Wallpapers and themes
- Sound and notification settings
- App shortcuts and taskbars
- Keyboard, mouse, and accessibility options

Most people never change these settings, but knowing they exist gives you more control over your device.

File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS)

This is where you:

Organize files and folders
Understand where your work is actually stored
Manage downloads, documents, and media

Being comfortable with file management is a skill that requires practice and your attention.

3. Application Software

Software is the broad term for all programs that tell a computer how to work.

Application software (apps) are programs designed for end users to accomplish specific tasks.

System software is the stage, and application software is the actor.

Common Categories of Application Software

Writing & Productivity: Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Notepad
Spreadsheets & Data: Excel, Google Sheets
Presentations: PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote
Communication: Zoom, Google Meet, Email
Media & Creativity: Photoshop, Canva, VLC, video, and music tools
Web Access: Browsers like Chrome, Safari, Edge

You use application software every day!

4. You! Pulling it all together.

An information system is people, data, and technology working together to get things done.

Example: Brightspace - our Learning Management System (LMS)

What hardware do you use to access Brightspace?
What System Software is installed on that hardware?
What software (browser) do you use to log in to Brightspace?

Notebook Activity

Answer these questions in your notebook for at least three apps:

1. Think of an app you used today. What was it?
2. What did you use it to accomplish?
3. What system software allowed you to use it?
4. What hardware was that system software running on?

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