Introduction A computer-based information system (CBIS) is a single set of hardware, software, databases, telecommunications, people, and procedures that are configured to collect, manipulate, store, and process data into information. Lloyd’s Insurance in London used a CBIS to reduce paper transactions and convert to an electronic insurance system. The CBIS allows Lloyd’s to insure people and property more efficiently and effectively. Lloyd’s often insures the unusual, including actress Betty Grable’s legs, Rolling Stone Keith Richard’s hands, and a possible appearance of the Lock Ness Monster (Nessie) in Scotland, which would result in a large payment for the person first seeing the monster. 2.0 Advantages Using CBIS i. Access speed ii. Confidentiality iii. Audit trail iv. Availability of data v. Redundancy 3.0 COMPONENTS OF CBIS 3.1 Hardware Hardware consists of the physical components of a computer that performs the input, processing, storage, and output activities of the computer. Input devices include keyboards, mouse, pendrive, and other pointing devices. Processing devices include computer chips that contain the central processing unit and main memory. Advances in chi design allow faster speeds, less power consumption, and larger storage capacity. New, specialized computer chips will be able to monitor power consumption for companies and homeowners. SanDisk and other companies make small, portable chips that are used to conveniently store programs, data files, and more. Processor speed is also important. The super-fast computer, called Blue Gene, costs about $40 million. It received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation award from President Barack Obama. The many types of output devices include printers and computer screens, for example, can be used to execute functions or complete programs, such as connecting to the internet or running a new computer game or word-processing program. Many special-purpose hardware devices have also been developed. Computerized event data recorders(EDRs) are now being placed into vehicles. Like an airplane’s black box, EDRs record vehicle speed, possible engine problems, driver performance, and more. The technology is being used to document and monitor vehicle operation, determine the cause of accidents, and investigate whether drivers are taking required breaks. In one case, EDR was used to help convict a driver of a vehicular homicide. In another case, an EDR in a police officer’s car showed that the officer may have run a stop light and accelerate to more than 70 miles per hour on the road with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour, which may have caused an accident that killed two teenagers. Software Software consists of the computer programs that govern the operation of the computer. These programs allow a computer to process payroll, send bills to customers, and provide managers with information to increase profits, reduce costs, and provide better customer services. Fab Lab Software, for example, controls tools such as cutters, milling machines, and other devices. One Fab Lab system has been used to make radio frequency tags to track animals in Norway, engine parts to allow tractors to run on processed castor beans in India and many other fabrication applications. Sales-force sells software to help companies manage their sales force and help improve customer satisfaction. The two types of software are system software, such as Microsoft Widows Vista and Windows 7, which controls basic computer operations, including start-up and printing, and application software, such as Microsoft Office 2010, which allows you to accomplish specific tasks, including word processing or tabulation numbers. Software is needed for computers of all sizes, from small handheld computers to large supercomputers. The Android operating system by Google and Microsoft Mobile 6.5 are operating systems for cell phones and small portable devices. Although most software can be installed from CDs, many of today’s software packages can be downloaded through the internet. Sophisticate