Organising and running a computer system

Having obtained a computer with the necessary software and programs to run on it, the would-be user must then proceed to organise its use and operation so that he may enjoy dependable and satisfying service from it. For the user, correct operation of a computer means that (a) it delivers the correct output at the required time; (b) it does not lose data or corrupt it; and (c) it does not allow data to be read by those unauthorised to do so. Putting general principles of management into the particular context of computers, there are in addition some particular provisions to be made and activities to be performed. Thus a computer has to be set up with suitable accommodation and services, and with the people to use and work with it; work has to be arranged for the computer and its raw material (data) brought to it for input and its product (information) distributed to its users; and people have to learn how to drive the computer, which they do through the significant feature of systems software. Finally the whole set-up has to work towards some critical operational targets of reliability and security.