Essential Concepts of IS, OS, DBMS, and Data Visualization

Posted on Dec 9, 2025 in Business Administration and Innovation Management

Information Systems (IS) Fundamentals

Defining an Information System (IS)

An Information System (IS) consists of interrelated components that collect (or retrieve), process, store, and distribute information for business decisions.

The Five Components of an IS

  • Data
  • People
  • Networks
  • Hardware
  • Software

IS Components and Data Access

Access is a data management application where data can be created, deleted, or stored. Data is one of the five essential components making up an Information System.

Data Visualization Principles

What is Information Visualization?

Information Visualization (often called Info Visual) is:

  • The study of how to effectively present information.
  • The study of visual representations of abstract data to reinforce human cognition.
  • Representing data in a visual context, like a chart or a map, to help people understand the significance of that data.

Guidelines for Effective Visualization

These guidelines mirror concepts used in good form and report design:

  • Avoid cluttering the visualization.
  • Use easy-to-read fonts.
  • Clearly understand the information you are trying to convey.
  • Know your audience.

Characteristics of Poor Visualization Methods

  • Excessive repetition or clutter.
  • Inclusion of irrelevant information.
  • Use of abstract coloring or confusing pictures.
  • Lack of clarity (the audience does not know what is being presented).

Operating Systems (OS)

Defining an Operating System

An Operating System (OS) is a set of software that manages a computer’s operations.

Core Functions of an Operating System

The OS performs two primary functions:

1. Managing Hardware and Software Resources

  • Allocate main memory.
  • Direct processor activities.
  • Track all program activities.
  • Manage network connections.
  • Allocate secondary storage.
  • Move data and programs from secondary storage to main memory and back again.

2. Managing Users

Relationship Between OS and DBMS

The DBMS is a set of software that facilitates storage and access of data on a computer. It is designed to work with a specific operating system.

Examples of Operating Systems

  • Windows
  • Unix
  • Mac OS
  • Linux

Database Management Systems (DBMS)

Defining a DBMS

A Database Management System (DBMS) is a set of software that facilitates the storage and access of data on a computer.

Key Features of a DBMS

  • Data Structure Maintenance: Ability to add, delete, or change tables for data storage.
  • Data Maintenance: Ability to add, delete, or change data within tables.

DBMS Interaction with the Operating System

The Operating System (OS) is required to run the computer’s hardware, assigning processor and memory operations to different running applications. The DBMS works directly with the operating system; it cannot be installed without an OS being present. (Note: For further details on the division of labor, refer to documentation regarding OS vs. DBMS file management.)

Benefits and Drawbacks of Using a DBMS

Benefits of DBMS Implementation

  1. Improved data sharing.
  2. Improved data security.
  3. Better data integration (providing “the big picture”).
  4. Minimized data inconsistencies.
  5. Improved data access (quick answers to ad hoc queries).
  6. Improved decision-making and data quality.
  7. Increased end-user productivity.

Drawbacks of DBMS Implementation

  1. Increased cost.
  2. Management complexity.
  3. Difficulty maintaining currency.
  4. Vendor dependence.
  5. Frequent upgrades and replacement cycles.