The Human System and the Computer System have Many Similarities

A system is a group of related parts that function as a unit. A change in the condition of one element in the system usually affects one or all of the other elements.

The human organism is one of the nature´s most perfect systems. The senses, memory, logic, mobility, etc. are elements of the total system. Working as a unit, they create an active, integrated, functioning person who is capable of sensing the environment, grasping a problem, structuring a solution, and, finally, affecting the environment. The components of this system could be called input, output, processing and memory. Input is through the five senses. Processing and memory occur in the brain. Humans can remember hundreds of events, places, people, and facts. But memory is not an unlimited, totally dependable resource; some things are harder to remember than others, or are easily confused. Therefore, people take notes, make up lists, look up facts in tables or charts, and keep records. These are called external memory aids.

Man is capable of goal setting and self-direction. He can select a goal and coordinate his entire capacity to move toward it. Activities and actions are planned and performed, behavior patterns are tested and adjusted, until the goal is reached. The human organism is capable of feeding its own output back into the system for reprocessing. As a result, behavior can be changed, corrected, and adjusted to more accurately direct actions toward the goal.

Computers are also systems and are similar in many ways to the human organism. Input, processing, output, and data storage are also elements of the computer system, and the system is capable of logical deductions and, to a limited extent, self-direction.

There are, of course, major differences between the two systems. Computers are incapable of long-range planning, generalizing from seemingly unrelated data, “intellectualizing“, or “deep philosophical“ thinking. However, the ability of the computer to function in business data processing compares favourably with man´s. In fact, in some areas the computer far surpasses its creator. For example, computers can perform arithmetic computations much faster than man.

The computer inputs data via keyboard, microphone, or other input device. It processes information in its central processing unit (CPU), where it performs mathematical calculations and makes logical decisions. The computer is self-directing to the extent that it can follow a set of instructions, process data and output on monitor, paper, or other output device, sometimes even without human intervention. When it exceeds its internal storage capacity, it may call in external storage devices.