System analysis is a broad, technical area focused on the creation, enhancement, and trouble-shooting of systems for users. These can be data, information, or knowledge systems. The purpose of these systems is to provide an understanding of what is going on in a particular environment. Sensors, including radar, sonar, and satellites, for example, are components of systems that provide specific knowledge about the physical world. Sensors in the home can warn residents that someone is breaking in. Telephones are part of a system that brings police assistance when one dials 911. People have computers they use to perform a number of tasks—from writing term papers or diaries to communicating with people they have never met via "messaging" software programs. There are decision support systems that help people use computers to solve problems, and communication systems that tell people what is happening around them. System analysis is...