1.An embedded system This is a system where the software controls a hardware device and is embedded in that device. Issues in embedded systems typically
physical size, responsiveness, power management, etc. The example of an embedded system that I use is a software system to control a medical device.
2.An information system This is a system whose primary purpose is to manage and provide access to a database of information. Issues in information systems include security, usability, privacy, and maintaining data integrity. The exampleof an information system that I use is a medical records system.
3.A sensor-based data collection system This is a system whose primary purpose is to collect data from a set of sensors and process that data in some way. The key requirements of such systems are reliability, even in hostile environmental conditions, and maintainability. The example of a data collection system that I use is a wilderness weather station.I introduce each of these systems in this chapter, with more information about each of them available on the Web.