Transcript Business hardware and software

Management Information
Systems
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones
Chapter 4: Business Hardware and
Software
www.cengage.co.uk/oz
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Objectives
• List major hardware components of
computers and explain their functions
• Classify computers into major categories,
and identify their strengths and weaknesses
• Identify and evaluate key criteria for
deciding what computers or related devices
to purchase
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Objectives (continued)
• Discuss the possible health hazards of
computer use
• Explain the difference between application
software and system software
• Enumerate the different generations of
programming languages and explain how
they differ
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Objectives (continued)
• Cite the latest major developments in application
and system software
• Clarify the differences between proprietary
software and open source software
• List characteristics that are important in evaluating
packaged software applications for business use
• Understand the problem of software piracy and
how it affects businesses and consumers
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Hardware Components
• Hardware: physical computer components
– Consider software before hardware
– Computer must handle four operations
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Accept data
Store data
Process data
Output data
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By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Hardware Components (continued)
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
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Hardware Components (continued)
• Input devices: receive signals from outside
of computer and transfer them into
computer
• Central processing unit
– Accepts instructions and data
– Decodes and executes instructions
– Stores output in memory
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Hardware Components (continued)
• Internal memory: stores data and instructions
before and after CPU processes them
– RAM: random access memory
– ROM: read-only memory
• Motherboard: CPU and primary memory
reside
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Hardware Components (continued)
• External Memory: magnetic disks,
magnetic tapes, optical discs, DVDs, and
flash memory
– Allows permanent storage
• Output devices: deliver information from
computer to person
– Most commonly monitors and printers
– Includes audio devices
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Hardware Components (continued)
• Bit: Binary digit
– 0 or 1
• Byte: a standard group of eight bits
– Most characters represented by single byte
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Hardware Components (continued)
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Classification of Computers
• Computers vary in size
• Classified by power
– Depends on processing speed and memory size
• More powerful computers are more
expensive
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Supercomputers
• Supercomputers: most powerful computer
at any given time
– Largest in physical size and most expensive
• Parallel processing: multiple processors
running simultaneously
– Also known as multiprocessing
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Mainframe Computers
• Mainframe computers: store large
amounts of data and business transactions
– Less expensive and less powerful than
supercomputers
– Banks, universities, and insurance companies
use them as a central computer
– 40-50% of world’s business data resides on
mainframes
– Use multiple processors
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Midrange computers
• Midrange computers: often act as servers
within organisations or through the Internet
– Smaller and less powerful than mainframes
– Serves hundred of users that connect from
personal computers
– Use multiple processors
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Microcomputers
• Microcomputers: personal computers,
notebook computers, and handhelds
• Workstation: more powerful microcomputer
used for CAD, CAM, and scientific
applications
• Power doubles about every two years
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Computers on the Go: Notebook,
Handheld, and Tablet Computers
• Notebook computer: compact personal
computer powered by rechargeable battery
• New models include wireless technology
• Personal digital assistant: handheld computer
• Stylus used to enter data through touch screen
• Tablet computer: PC on a thick writing tablet
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Converging Technologies
• Technology convergence: build several
technologies into single piece of hardware
– Prominent in handheld units
• Commonly merged technologies include
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Cell phones
Television
Digital cameras
MP3 players
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
A Peek Inside the Computer
• Professionals must know computer
components to understand its power and
capabilities
• Use the knowledge to make good decisions in
purchasing a computer
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
The Central Processing Unit
• CPU has two units to store and process data
– Control unit and arithmetic logic unit
• CPU is silicon chip with multiple circuits
• Also known as microprocessor
• Modern processors can do multithreading
– Processing more than one program at a time
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
The Central Processing Unit
(continued)
• Microprocessors are embedded with transistors
• Transistor is a semiconductor that can
represent binary code’s two states
• Machine Cycle (CPU):
– Fetch, decode execute each instruction
• Data word: maximum number of bits that the
control unit can fetch
• Arithmetic Logic Unit: arithmetic and logic
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Computer Power
• Computer power depends on processing
speed and memory capacity
• Bus: electronic lines or traces used for
communication inside computer
• Throughput: number of bits per second bus
can accommodate
• MIPS: millions of instructions per second, a
common measure of computer speed
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Input Devices
• Computers must receive input to produce
output
• Input devices include machines used to
enter instructions and data into computer
• Most common input device is keyboard
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Keyboard
• Contains keys that users press to enter data
• Includes letters, numbers, and punctuation
• QWERTY and Dvorak: QWERTY
standard
– Dvorak facilitates faster typing
• Ergonomic keyboard: fits the natural
position of forearms and prevents injury
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Mouse, Trackball, and Trackpad
• Mouse: controls onscreen pointer to
facilitate point-and-click approach
• Trackball: similar to mouse, but ball moves
within device
• Trackpad: cursor controlled by touchsensitive pad
• Mice and similar devices can be wireless
units
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Touch Screen
• Touch screen: both input and output device
– Often used for public applications
– Prevalent in handheld devices
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Source Data Input Devices
• Source data input devices: copy data
directly from source
– Bar-codes, credit cards, and checks
• Use optical recognition devices, which
detect positions of marks or characters
• Magnetic-ink character recognition:
detects magnetic ink on cheques
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Imaging
• Imaging: converting documents into
images
– Saves paper
– More efficient retrieval and filing
• Scanned document can be destroyed after
scan
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Speech Recognition
• Translating human speech into computerreadable data and instructions
• Receive input from microphone and process
with software
• May increase noise level in offices
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Output Devices
• Most popular devices are monitors and
printers
• Other output includes speakers
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Monitors
• Cathode-ray tube: inner side of screen has
layer of phosphoric dots called pixels
– Electron gun receives instructions from computer
and sweeps the pixels
• Flat-panel monitor: includes liquid crystal
display, which uses a liquid crystal filled
screen, whose molecules align in different
places when given electric charge
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Printers
• Nonimpact printer: does not mechanically
impact the paper
– Laser printer is most common in business
– Others: ink-jet and electrothermal printers
• Impact printers: reproduce image by using
mechanical impact
– Dot-matrix printer has pins that strike ink
ribbon against paper
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Storage Media
• Data must be stored on nonvolatile medium
– Data is retained even when not powered
• Storage devices differ in technology used to
maintain data and physical structure
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Modes of Access
• Sequential storage: data is organized one
record after another
– Slower and less convenient
• Direct access: records are organized by
physical address on the device
• Flash drives: small storage devices that
connect via universal serial bus
• Direct access storage media is only practical
way to organize and query databases
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Modes of Access (continued)
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Magnetic Tapes
• Magnetic tapes: similar to tape recorders
and VCRs
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Provide lowest cost (bytes per dollar)
Can backup all data
Takes long time to copy from tape
Unreliable after a long period of time
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Magnetic Disks
• Magnetic disk: most widely used storage
medium
• Hard disk: stack of several aluminum
platters installed in same box that holds
CPU
– Stores up to 500 GB of data
– External hard disks connect to computer
through USB port
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Optical Discs
• Optical disc: recorded by treating disc surface
to reflect light in different ways
• Compact discs: available as read-only,
recordable, and rewritable
• DVDs: store 4.7 GB per side
• Optical discs are slower than hard disks
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Optical Tape
• Optical tape uses same technology as
optical discs to store and retrieve data
• Bits are organized sequentially like tape
• Used in digital video camcorders
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Flash Memory
• Flash memory: memory chip that can be
rewritten and holds content without power
• Available as memory card and USB drive
• Solid state disk: storage media that does
not have latency time
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Business Considerations in
Evaluating Storage Media
• When purchasing storage devices managers
must consider:
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How the data is used
Capacity of the device
Speed and cost
Reliability and portability
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Business Considerations in
Evaluating Storage Media (continued)
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Considerations in Purchasing
Hardware
• Companies must consider the following when
deciding what to purchase:
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Power of the equipment
Expansion slots and ports
Monitor type and resolution
Ergonomics
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Considerations in Purchasing
Hardware (continued)
• Other factors include:
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Compatibility with existing hardware
Physical size of computer
Reliability of vendor
Power consumption and noise
Scalability
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Software: Instructions to the
Computer
• Applications: programs that contribute to
productivity
• Software: series of instructions to execute
processes
• Software categories:
– Application software: enables task completion
– System software: enables applications to run
on computer
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Programming Languages and
Software Development Tools
• Programs needed for every computer operation
• Programming: process of writing programs
• Machine language: language hardware
understands
– 0’s and 1’s
• Assembly language: easier to program than
machine language
– Uses words
• High-level programming language: Englishlike statements
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Programming Languages and
Software Development Tools
(continued)
• Software development tools: develop software
with little knowledge of programming languages
• Third-generation languages known as
“procedural” languages
– Programmer must detail logical procedure
• Fourth-generation languages closer to human
language
• Debugging: locating and fixing program errors
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Programming Languages and Software
Development Tools (continued)
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Programming Languages and Software
Development Tools (continued)
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Visual Programming
• Visual programming languages: create
graphics by selecting icons from palette
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Microsoft Visual Basic
Borland Delphi
Visual C++
User can still work at the code level
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Object-Oriented Programming
• Object-oriented programming: modular
approach to programming
– Ease of maintenance
– Object contains data elements and methods that
perform functions
– Objects reusable and combined in complex
programs
– Include C++, Object Pascal, and Java
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Object-Oriented Programming
(continued)
• Increasing amount of software developed
for Web
• Web programming languages include Java,
JavaScript, J2EE, and PHP
• Applet: code produced by Web
programming language
– Runs same on different operating systems
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Object-Oriented Programming
(continued)
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Application Software
• Application can be software to let
nonprogrammers develop their own tools
• Application-specific software: performs
specific jobs
• General-purpose application software:
serves multiple purposes
– Usually comes as packaged software
• Packaged software: ready to install from
external storage medium
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Office Productivity Applications
• Productivity tools: assist normal office work
• Word processors: type letters and articles
• Spreadsheets: store numbers
– Perform complex mathematical, statistical, and
financial functions
• Presentation tools: develop impressive
presentations quickly
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Office Productivity Applications
(continued)
• File management tools: create and manipulate
local or shared databases
• Graphics programs: create intricate graphics
– Manipulate digital photographs
• Desktop publishing tools:
– Pamphlets
– Cards
– Calendars
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Office Productivity Applications
(continued)
• Project management tools: plan projects
and track progress
• Suite: collection of various applications
– Perform multiple interrelated functions
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
System Software
• System software: deals with essential
operations
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User interface
Loading files
Copying files
Managing memory resources
Encompasses compilers and interpreters
• Applications must be compatible with
system software
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Operating Systems
• Operating system: most important program
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Recognizes input from keyboard
Sends output to computer display
Keeps track of files and directories
Runs applications
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Operating Systems (continued)
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•
Operating system manages memory
Also known as “platform”
Interacts with user and CPU
Utilities: another OS functions
– Hardware diagnostics
– Disk check
– File sorting
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Operating Systems (continued)
• Operating system functions include user
interface
– Originally text prompts
– Later graphical user interfaces
• Operating system must allocate memory
– Virtual memory: hard disk acts as RAM
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Operating Systems (continued)
• Plug-and-play: run a device as soon as you
physically attach it
• Driver: enables OS to control device
• Operating systems incorporating more
services
– Database management
– Networking
– Security
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Operating Systems (continued)
• Current operating systems
– Windows XP
– Linux
– Mac OS
• Linux: Free OS
– Based on UNIX
• Some versions of Windows notoriously
unstable
• OS based on UNIX highly stable
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Operating Systems (continued)
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Operating Systems (continued)
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Other System Software
• Other system software
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Compilers
Interpreters
Communications software
Utilities
Communications software supports transmission
and reception of data across networks
– Utilities include antivirus programs, firewalls, and
spyware eliminators
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Open Source Software
• Proprietary software: sold for profit
– Private code
– Developer retains rights to software
• Open source software: free source code
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Fewer bugs because many programmers review
Mozilla Firefox
Thunderbird
MySQL
PERL
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Open Source Software (continued)
• Not all free software is open source
– Microsoft Internet Explorer
• Linux best known open source operating
system
– Popular because of versatility
– Runs on:
• Mainframes
• Handhelds
• Electronic devices
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Software Licensing
• Software is usually licensed
• Licensed software: limited permission
– Time-limited license requires annual fees
• Several models
– Permissive model
• Anyone can use and sell modified versions
– General public license
• Cannot sell for profit
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Considerations for Packaged
Software
• Many goals and custom requirements during
development process
• Factors when purchasing large software
packages more complex
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Cost
Time to implement
Cost of interrupting operations
Modification costs
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Summary
• Understanding hardware is important for
purchasing decisions
• Computers classified according to power
• All computers have CPU to process
instructions
• Clock rate measures the speed of a CPU
• Computer word is the number of bits it can
process in a single cycle
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Summary (continued)
• Computer power: speed and memory size
• RAM is volatile memory that forms a large
part of computer’s memory
• ROM is nonvolatile: does not require power
• Imaging devices help process text and
graphics
• When evaluating external storage, consider
density, transfer rate, capacity, portability,
format
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Summary (continued)
• Data organized sequentially on tapes
• Direct access storage devices include RAM,
magnetic disks, and optical discs
• Databases require direct access storage
devices
• When purchasing hardware, managers
should consider power, scalability, and
compatibility
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Summary (continued)
• Information technology may pose health risks
such as carpel tunnel syndrome
• Software is collective term for computer
programs
• Software classified as: system or application
• Programming languages and software
development tools help develop software
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Summary (continued)
• Increasing amount of software is linked to
Internet
• Some application programs custom designed,
and many are packaged
• Office productivity tools such as word
processors and spreadsheets help worker
efficiency
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning
Summary (continued)
• Most important system software is operating
system
• Open source software
– Distributed freely
– More reliable
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
© 2008 Cengage Learning