
2:
The business computer
Objectives
After reading this chapter, you should be able to:
• Understand the nature of
an
information system, and appreciate why
good information systems are important
• Explain why computers are useful for
a
business
• Describe the distinction between 'packaged' software, 'tailored'
software and 'bespoke' software, and be able to see where these
different types of software are appropriate
• Outline the computing needs of
a
large
business,
and the structure of
a large computer department
• Outline the computing needs of
a
typical small business.
Scenario
Imagine you are working in a burger bar, as in Chapter