5.1 Computer and Information Systems Literacy

In the twenty-first century, business survival and prosperity continue to become more difficult.
In addition, business issues and decisions are becoming more complex and must be made
faster.

Whatever career path you take, an understanding of information systems will help to cope,
adapt, and prosper in this challenging environment.
To meet these personal and organizational goals, you must acquire both computer literacy
and information systems literacy.
Computer literacy is the knowledge of computer systems and
equipment and the way they function. It stresses the
knowledge of equipment and devices (hardware), programs
and instructions (software), databases, and
telecommunications.
Information systems literacy goes beyond the knowledge of the fundamentals of computer
systems and equipment. It can involve knowledge of how and why people (managers,
employees, stockholders, and other individuals) use information technology; knowledge of
organizations, decision-making approaches, management levels, and information needs;
and knowledge of how organizations can use computers and information systems to
achieve their goals.

Knowing how to deploy transaction processing, management information, decision support,
and special-purpose systems to help an organization achieve its goals is a key aspect of
information systems literacy. In short, information literacy means the ability to solve problems,
taking advantage of information technology and networks.

Examples: As a computer literate person you may be able to select the personal computer equipmeny you need, carry out preparation of your assignments with suitable software and use the Internet to communicate with your friends. Knowing how to use hardware and software to increase profits, cut costs, improve productivity, and increase customer satisfaction is an example of information systems literacy.