Management Information Systems By Effy Oz Andy Jones
Management Information Systems By Effy Oz & Andy Jones Chapter 4: Business Hardware and Software www. cengage. co. uk/oz Use with Management Information Systems 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 • • Accept data Store data Process data Output data Use with Management Information Systems 1 e By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581 © 2008 Cengage Learning
Hardware Components (continued) Use with Management Information Systems 1 e By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581 © 2008 Cengage Learning
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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581 © 2008 Cengage Learning
Hardware Components (continued) Use with Management Information Systems 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 – Cell phones – Television – Digital cameras – MP 3 players Use with Management Information Systems 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581 © 2008 Cengage Learning
Modes of Access (continued) Use with Management Information Systems 1 e By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581 © 2008 Cengage Learning
Magnetic Tapes • Magnetic tapes: similar to tape recorders and VCRs – 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581 © 2008 Cengage Learning
Business Considerations in Evaluating Storage Media • When purchasing storage devices managers must consider: – How the data is used – Capacity of the device – Speed and cost – Reliability and portability Use with Management Information Systems 1 e By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581 © 2008 Cengage Learning
Business Considerations in Evaluating Storage Media (continued) Use with Management Information Systems 1 e By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581 © 2008 Cengage Learning
Considerations in Purchasing Hardware • Companies must consider the following when deciding what to purchase: – Power of the equipment – Expansion slots and ports – Monitor type and resolution – Ergonomics Use with Management Information Systems 1 e By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581 © 2008 Cengage Learning
Considerations in Purchasing Hardware (continued) • Other factors include: – Compatibility with existing hardware – Physical size of computer – Reliability of vendor – Power consumption and noise – Scalability Use with Management Information Systems 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581 © 2008 Cengage Learning
Programming Languages and Software Development Tools (continued) Use with Management Information Systems 1 e By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581 © 2008 Cengage Learning
Programming Languages and Software Development Tools (continued) Use with Management Information Systems 1 e By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581 © 2008 Cengage Learning
Visual Programming • Visual programming languages: create graphics by selecting icons from palette – Microsoft Visual Basic – Borland Delphi – Visual C++ – User can still work at the code level Use with Management Information Systems 1 e 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 1 e 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, Java. Script, J 2 EE, and PHP • Applet: code produced by Web programming language – Runs same on different operating systems Use with Management Information Systems 1 e By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581 © 2008 Cengage Learning
Object-Oriented Programming (continued) Use with Management Information Systems 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581 © 2008 Cengage Learning
System Software • System software: deals with essential operations – 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 1 e By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581 © 2008 Cengage Learning
Operating Systems • Operating system: most important program – Recognizes input from keyboard – Sends output to computer display – Keeps track of files and directories – Runs applications Use with Management Information Systems 1 e By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581 © 2008 Cengage Learning
Operating Systems (continued) • • 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581 © 2008 Cengage Learning
Operating Systems (continued) Use with Management Information Systems 1 e By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581 © 2008 Cengage Learning
Operating Systems (continued) Use with Management Information Systems 1 e By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581 © 2008 Cengage Learning
Other System Software • Other system software – 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 1 e 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 – Fewer bugs because many programmers review – Mozilla Firefox – Thunderbird – My. SQL – PERL Use with Management Information Systems 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 – Cost – Time to implement – Cost of interrupting operations – Modification costs Use with Management Information Systems 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e 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 1 e By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581 © 2008 Cengage Learning
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