a. Authentication is the process of recognizing a user’s identity. It is the mechanism of associating an incoming request with a set of identifying credentials. Authentication is a process of identifying a user through a valid username and password. It is a method for verifying the identity of a user before providing network access or facilities to the user. OR

Authentication is a process that verifies a user’s identity or device before granting access to a system/ network/ computer resource. OR It is the process of verifying the identity of a user, process or device, often as a prerequisite to allowing access to resources in an information system.

b. The following are the components of information systems:

1. Hardware

2. Software

3. Data

4. Human ware /people resources

5. Telecommunication and Network.

6. Hardware: This refers to the physical components of the system, such as:

   • Computers (servers, workstations, laptops)
   • Storage devices (hard drives, solid-state drives)
   • Networking equipment (routers, switches, firewalls)
   • Input/output devices (keyboards, mice, printers, monitors)

7. Software: This includes the programs and operating systems that run on the hardware, such as:

   • Application software (Microsoft Office, Google Docs)
   • System software (Windows, macOS, Linux)
   • Programming languages (Java, Python, C++)
   • Database management systems (MySQL, Oracle)

8. Data: This component refers to the information and knowledge that the system processes and stores, including:

   • Text documents
   • Images and multimedia
   • Database records
   • Reports and analytics

9. People (or Human Resources): This component includes the individuals who interact with and manage the system, such as:

   • Users (end-users, customers)
   • IT professionals (developers, administrators, support staff)
   • Managers (project managers, department heads)
   • Stakeholders (executives, customers, suppliers)

10. Telecommunication and Network: Telecommunication unit connects the hardware together through the use of cables (either wet cables or fiber optics) or wireless such as microwaves and Wi-Fi to form a network (intranet, Extranet and internet)

c. Types of business information systems include:

i. Executive support systems (ESS) Designed to help senior management make strategic decisions.

ii. Management information systems (MIS) Primarily concerned with internal sources of information.

iii. Decision support systems (DSS);

iv. Knowledge management systems (KMS);

v. Transaction processing systems (TPS);

vi. Office automation systems.

vii. Customer Relationship systems/management (CRM);

viii. Business Intelligence systems.

ix. Enterprise Collaboration systems.

x. Export systems; and

xi. Process Control systems.

d. URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator standardized naming convention for addressing documents accessible over the Internet and Intranet.

OR

A URL is a web address that identifies a specific resource on the internet such as a webpage, image, video or document.

Examples of a URL include:

i. https://www.ifac.org;

ii. https://www.icanig.org;

iii. https://unilag.edu.ng; and

iv. https://www.channelstv.com.