Graphic skill and information systems

Syllabus outcomes

P1.2 Classifies the functions and operations of information processes and information technology

P2.1Identifies the information processes within an information system

P2.2Recognises the interdependence between each of the information processes

Instructions

  1. Open the word processed document names Standard that you created earlier.
  1. Save it as InfoDiagram
  1. Type the heading: Graphic representation of information system.
  1. Complete the following by writing full sentence answers:
  1. Define a graphic and a computer graphic.
  2. Describe the reasons for using a graphic and the purpose of a sign, logo, chart and diagram.
  3. Explain the meaning of a pixel and resolution when applied to graphical data.
  4. Explain three advantages of graphically representing information systems. Make each advantage a separate bullet point.
  1. Select an appropriate graphic to illustrate the text you have just completed. Use the insert menu to place the graphic in your document. Resize the graphic to occupy an area no greater than 4cm by 4cm.
  1. Use an Internet site such as to locate a graphic to illustrate the concept of a pixel. Use the right mouse button (or print screen command if the right mouse button is not available) to save the image to disk.
  1. Import the image into the right column of a 2 column x 1 row table in your text. In the left column give the image a caption and acknowledge its source.
  1. Insert a subheading into the next line of your document: Draw or vector graphics.
  1. Type in the following information:

Draw programs use objects, and the graphics they produce are called vector graphics. Draw programs allow for more accurate drawings than paint programs and the drawings are usually clearer.

Vector graphics take up less storage space tan paint graphics. Draw programs use a range of basic objects to create pictures. These objects, called primitives, include lines, rectangles, circles and curves. Parts of the picture can be changed without altering other parts of the picture. Draw programs are harder to learn at first, and adding shading and other fine detail is not as easy as for other major types of graphics, called rastor or bit-mapped graphic.

  1. Use the Drawing Tools menu in the word processor to draw and label the following information system diagram. If the Drawing Toolbar is not visible, select View – Toolbars – Drawing.

  1. When you have completed the drawing, select all the objects and group them.
  1. Save the file.
  1. Now consider the following scenario:

The Internet is a major example of the vast global information system. It can be represented diagrammatically in the same way as the diagram you have just completed. However, the diagram will show only a simplified version of a very complicated information system.

  1. Open a Paint program such as Paint Shop Pro
  1. Enter a subheading: Paint or bit-map graphics.
  1. Type the following information under the heading:

Paint programs use bit-map graphics or graphics made up of many dots called pixels. The graphics created in this way are known as rastor graphics. They have many advantages. Paint programs are fairly cheap, reasonably easy to learn and are easy good for changing small parts of a graphic as each pixel or dot can be edited. However, the graphics do have a more jagged appearance and it isn’t easy to move parts of a picture without changing the rest of a picture. The graphics also take a lot of storage space. Usually they can be saved in a format such as a *.gif (graphical interchange format) which will compress the graphic to make its file size smaller.

  1. Copy and paste your original diagram of an information system into the paint program.
  1. Modify your diagram to create the following diagram of the internet as an information system:

  1. Save your diagram in a *.gif format if the Paint program you are using allows you to do so.
  1. Import the graphic into your word-processed document using the Insert-Picture-File menu.
  1. Type a heading for the graphic.
  1. Save the file.
  1. Under your diagrams, create a table of 2 columns and 6 rows.
  1. Insert a heading for the table: comparison of paint and draw graphics.
  1. Use the table to outline the advantages of a graphic created in a paint program and the advantages of a graphic created in a draw program. Base this on the notes you have in your file.
  1. Add additional rows to the table if they are required.
  1. Format the document as required.
  1. Save the file.
  1. Print Preview the document using the File menu. Make and changes that may be required. Spell-check the document and save the file.
  1. Print out the document and hand in!!!