L_L Chapter 5

Chapter 5 IT Infrastructure: Hardware and Software

Rowan University MIS 1

Objectives

• Understand:

  • Various components that make up the IT infrastructure

  • Different types of computers/computing

  • Different storage, input, and output technologies

  • Contemporary hardware and software trends

  • Principal issues in managing hardware and software technology

IT Infrastructure Overview

• IT infrastructure provides a platform for supporting all information systems in business, including:

  • Computer hardware (Chapter 5)

  • Computer software (Chapter 5)

  • Data management technology (Chapter 6)

  • Networking and telecommunications technology (Chapter 7)

  • Technology services (Chapters 5 and 12)

Types of Computers/Computing

• Computers come in different sizes with varying processing capabilities:

  • Personal Computer (PC)

  • Workstation

    • Fits on a desktop

    • More powerful mathematical and graphics processing capabilities than PC

    • Used for data-intensive tasks (e.g., design or engineering simulations)

  • Server

    • Optimized to provide software and resources to other computers on the network

    • Manages shared data, printers, backups, security, and user authentication

  • Mainframe

    • Large-capacity, high-performance computer

    • Processes large amounts of data rapidly

    • Supports hundreds or thousands of simultaneous users (e.g., used by banks, insurance companies)

  • Supercomputer

    • Very powerful, capable of complex calculations rapidly

    • Used in engineering, scientific simulations, military research, and weather forecasting

  • Grid Computing

    • Connects remote computers to act as a virtual supercomputer

    • Combines computational power to solve complex problems efficiently

Client/Server Computing

• Client/Server Computing

  • A model that divides processing between clients and servers on a network

• Multitiered Client/Server Architecture (N-tier)

  • Balances network load across several server levels (e.g., web servers, application servers, database servers)

Storage Technology

• Primary Storage

  • Temporary storage for data being used (e.g., RAM)

• Secondary Storage

  • Long-term, nonvolatile storage (e.g., Flash memory, magnetic disks, RAID, optical disks, magnetic tape)

Contemporary Hardware Trends

• Mobile Digital Platforms

  • Alternatives to PCs, becoming primary means of Internet access (e.g., smartphones, tablets)

• Consumerization of IT

  • Emerging consumer technology that spreads to businesses (e.g., BYOD - "bring your own device")

• Virtualization

  • Allows multiple VMs with different operating systems to run on a single machine

  • Benefits include reduced hardware costs and increased server utilization

• Cloud Computing

  • Computing resources and software over the Internet

  • Types of services include IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS

  • Drawbacks include reliance on provider for data storage and security risks

• Green Computing

  • Practices to minimize environmental impact (e.g., power reduction strategies)

Systems Software vs. Application Software

• System Software

  • Manages computer resources (includes operating systems, language translators, utility programs)

• Application Software

  • Programs that perform specific tasks for end users (includes programming languages and productivity tools)

Software Trends

• Open Source Software

  • Software with freely available source code (e.g., Linux, Mozilla Firefox)

• Cloud-Based Software Services

  • 
    

    • Mashups: Combine applications to create new value

  • Specialized apps for various platforms (computers, mobile devices)

Principal Issues in Managing Hardware and Software Technology

• Capacity Planning

  • Predicting when systems will become saturated

• Scalability

  • Ability of a system to expand without failure

• Total Cost of Ownership (TOC)

  • Includes all costs associated with technology resources

• Using Technology Service Providers

  • Outsourcing operations to external vendors

  • Utilizing cloud services for various needs

Flashcards

Flashcards are a study method used to enhance memorization and learning efficiency through spaced repetition and active recall. They consist of two sides:

• Front Side: Contains a question, term, or prompt.

• Back Side: Contains the answer, definition, or explanation related to the prompt.

Key Benefits:

• Active Recall: Helps learners test their knowledge actively rather than passively reviewing content.

• Spaced Repetition: Optimizes the learning process by timing reviews of flashcards to improve retention.

• Customization: Can be created for any subject or topic, allowing personalized learning experiences.

• Portable: Easy to carry and use anywhere, making them convenient for on-the-go learning.