data Raw figures and facts reflecting a single aspect of reality

information Data presented in a way or form that has meaning

information technology Refers to the resources used by an organization to manage information that it needs to carry out its mission

accurate information Provides a valid and reliable reflection of reality

timely information Available in time for appropriate managerial action

complete information Provides the manager with all of the information he or she needs

relevant information Assures managers that the information is useful to them in their particular circumstances for their particular needs

knowledge workers Specialists, usually professionally-trained and certified-engineers, scientists, information technology specialists, psychologists-who rely on information technology to design new products or create new business processes

transaction processing system (TPS) Applications of information?processing for basic day-to-day business transactions

management information system (MIS) Supports an organization's managers by providing daily reports, schedules, plans, and budgets

decision support system (DSS) An interactive system that locates and presents information needed to support the decision?making process

executive support systems (ESS) A quick-reference, easy-access application of information systems specially designed for instant access by upper-level managers

artificial intelligence (AI) The construction of computer systems, both hardware and software, to imitate human behavior; that is, to perform physical tasks, use thought processes, and learn

Internet (Net) A gigantic network of networks serving millions of computers offering information on business, science, and government and providing communication flows among more than 170,000 separate networks around the world

Internet Service Provider (ISP) A commercial firm that maintains a permanent connection to the Net and sells temporary connections to subscribers

World Wide Web (WWW) A system with universally accepted standards for storing, retrieving, formatting, and displaying information

web browser The software that enables the user to access information on the Web

intranet A communication network similar to the internet but operating within the boundaries of a single organization

extranets A communication network that allows selected outsiders limited access to an organization's internal information system, or intranet

firewalls Software and hardware systems that allow employees access to both the Internet and the company's internal computer network while barring access by outsiders