Fundamentals of Business Information Systems

Fundamentals of Business Information Systems

Chapter 2: Hardware and Software

Principles

  • Careful Hardware Selection: Computer hardware must be carefully selected to meet the evolving needs of the organization and its supporting information system.

  • Green Computing: The computer hardware industry and users are implementing green computing designs and products.

  • Importance of Software: Systems and application software are critical in helping individuals and organizations achieve their goals.

  • Proprietary Application Software: Organizations should not develop proprietary application software unless doing so will meet a compelling business need that can provide a competitive advantage.

  • Choosing Programming Languages: Organizations should choose a programming language whose functional characteristics are appropriate for the task at hand, considering the skills and experience of the programming staff.

  • Software Industry Change: The software industry continues to undergo constant change; users need to be aware of recent trends and issues to be effective in their business and personal life.

Hardware for Processing

  • Each computer processes its input through one or more Central Processing Units (CPUs) and primary storage.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

  • Elements of CPU: Consists of three associated elements:

    • Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU): Performs mathematical calculations and makes logical comparisons.

    • Control Unit: Sequentially accesses program instructions, decodes them, and coordinates the flow of data in and out of the ALU, registers, primary and secondary storage, and various output devices.

    • Registers: High-speed storage areas used to temporarily hold small units of program instructions and data immediately before, during, and after execution by the CPU.

Primary Storage

  • Definition: Primary storage or main memory provides the CPU with a working storage area for program instructions and data.

  • Main Memory Features:

    • Rapidly provides data and instructions to the CPU.

    • Contains thousands of circuits imprinted on a silicon chip; each circuit is either conducting electrical current (on) or not (off), known as Binary Digits, or Bits.

    • Data is stored as a combination of on or off circuit states, with each character represented by 8 bits.

Secondary Storage

  • Increasing Data Storage: The amount of data companies store digitally is increasing at a rate of close to 100 percent per year!

  • Definition: Secondary storage, also known as permanent storage, allows organizations to store large amounts of data and instructions more permanently than main memory permits.

  • Advantages of Secondary Storage: Compared with main memory, secondary storage offers non-volatility, greater capacity, and greater economy.

Secondary Storage Devices

  • Types of Secondary Storage Devices:

    • Magnetic Tape

    • Magnetic Disk

    • RAID (Redundant Array of Independent/Inexpensive Disks)

    • Optical Discs

    • Digital Versatile Disc

    • Holographic Disc

    • Memory Cards (including Flash Memory)

Data Input

  • Input Process Overview: Input often requires transferring human-readable data (e.g., a sales order) into the computer system.

    • Human-readable Data: Data that people can read and understand, e.g., a sheet of paper containing inventory figures.

    • Machine-readable Data: Data that can be understood and read by computer devices (e.g., bar code).

  • Input Process Steps:

    1. Data Entry: Human-readable data is converted into machine-readable form.

    2. Data Input: Transferring the machine-readable data into the system.

Input Devices 1

  • Devices for Data Input:

    • Keyboard and Mouse

    • Speech-Recognition Technology: Enables a computer to interpret human speech as a means of providing data or instructions, requiring an audio input source like a microphone.

    • Digital Cameras

    • Terminals

Input Devices 2: Scanning Devices

  • Optical Data Readers:

    • Optical Mark Recognition (OMR): Used to detect marks on pages (e.g., multi-choice exams).

    • Optical Character Recognition (OCR): Reads handwritten or typed characters.

  • Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) Devices: Used to read magnetic ink, as found at the bottom of bank cheques.

Input Devices 3

  • Magnetic Stripe Card: Input is achieved by swiping a card (e.g., credit card).

  • Point-of-Sale Devices: Example includes a bar code reader.

  • Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Devices: Special-purpose input/output devices enabling bank customers to perform transactions with their accounts.

Input Devices 4

  • Pen Input Devices: Input can be done by touching a screen with a pen input device (e.g., tablet PCs).

  • Touch-Sensitive Screens

  • Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): A reader sends a radio signal picked up and returned by a tag; common technology includes using an RFID-enabled Oyster card for public transport payment.

Output Devices 1

  • Display Monitors: Device similar to a TV screen displaying output from the computer.

    • Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs): Flat displays using liquid crystals to form characters and images on a backlit screen.

    • Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs): Used in small electronic devices, differing from LCDs in that OLEDs directly emit light.

Output Devices 2

  • Printers and Plotters: Remain popular for paper output.

  • Digital Audio Players: e.g., MP3 player or iPod.

  • Computer-Based Navigation Systems: GPS systems gaining popularity with drivers.

  • Eyebud Screens and 3D printers: Examples of specialized output devices.

Types of Computer System 1

  • Handheld Computer: Also known as pocket PCs or PDAs; extremely mobile and multifunctional.

  • Smartphone: A handheld computer that can also make phone calls, lacking a unified definition on how 'smart' a phone must be to be classified as such.

  • Portable Computers: Examples include laptops and tablet PCs.

  • Thin Client: Low-cost devices with limited capabilities performing essential applications.

Types of Computer System 2

  • Desktop PC: Represents the traditional form of a computer.

  • Workstation: More powerful than a desktop PC but essentially visually similar.

  • Server: Handles tasks for multiple users, possessing large memory/storage and fast communications:

    • Web Server: Manages Internet traffic.

    • Internet Caching Server: Stores websites

    • Enterprise Server: Provides access to organizational programs.

    • File Server: Stores and coordinates program and data files.

    • Email Server: Manages email sending and receiving.

Types of Computer System 3

  • Mainframe Computers: Large and powerful, shared by many users connected via networks, requiring a controlled environment. Functions as a utility for large data processing and storage.

  • Supercomputers: The most powerful computers designed for applications needing extensive and rapid computational capabilities.

Software

  • Definition: Software consists of computer programs controlling hardware functionalities.

  • Categories of Software: Two main types:

    • System Software

    • Application Software

System Software

  • Operating System (OS): Set of programs controlling computer hardware, acting as an interface with applications.

  • User Perspective: Business professionals typically prioritize ease of use and utility over detailed knowledge of the OS.

  • Managerial Considerations: Managers should be aware of aspects like ease of use, cost, and security when selecting an OS.

System Software Tasks 1

  • Core Functions:

    • Get input from input devices.

    • Retrieve and store data on disks.

    • Display information on monitors or printers.

    • Provide user interfaces, which can be:

    • Graphical User Interface (GUI): Uses icons and menus (e.g., Windows).

    • Command-Based Interface: Requires typing commands at a prompt.

System Software Tasks 2

  • Additional tasks include:

    • Memory Management

    • Processing Tasks

    • Networking Capability

    • Access to System Resources and Security

    • File Management

Common Operating Systems

  • Microsoft Windows: Approximately 90% of all PCs run various versions of Microsoft operating software.

  • Apple Computer Operating Systems: Popular in fields such as publishing, education, graphic arts, music, movies, and media.

  • Linux: Open-source software, allowing users to access program code freely.

Workgroup Operating Systems

  • Supports high-end network usage, data storage, and data processing speeds:

    • Windows Server: Essential for web hosting and corporate applications.

    • UNIX: Designed for minicomputers (previously referred to as a term for powerful computers).

    • NetWare: A network OS.

    • Red Hat Linux: A network OS under Linux.

    • Mac OS X Server: Server OS by Apple.

Enterprise Operating Systems

  • Designed for mainframe environments, providing computing and storage capacity to handle massive data requirements:

    • z/OS: IBM's OS simplifying operations for large mainframe computers.

    • MPE/iX, HP-UX, and Linux: Other enterprise-oriented operating systems.

Mobile OS

  • Also termed embedded operating systems, integrated within devices such as phones, digital cameras, and TVs:

    • Palm OS

    • Windows Embedded & Windows Mobile

Application Software

  • Definition: Application software provides people and organizations with the ability to solve problems and perform specific tasks.

  • User Preference: Users show more concern for application software than system software.

Overview of Application Software

  • Proprietary Software: Custom-developed for a specific application, not available in the public domain.

  • Off-the-Shelf Software: Pre-existing software available for direct purchase, often cheaper and more reliable, though may not meet specific company needs exactly.

Common Applications

  • Software Types:

    • Word Processing

    • Spreadsheet Analysis

    • Database Applications

    • Graphics Programs

    • Software Suites: Integrated packages (e.g., MS Office, Star Office).

Programming Languages

  • Purpose: Both OS and application software are written using programming languages, which provide instructions for processing activities.

  • Function of Programming Languages: Sets of keywords, symbols, and rules allowing communication of instructions to computers, translating user intent into executable code.

Software Issues and Trends

  • Software Bugs: Problems that can occur within applications.

  • Copyrights and Licenses: Legal considerations in software usage.

  • Open-Source Software: Availability of source code for collective or individual use.

  • Shareware, Freeware, Public Domain Software: Various categories covering availability and cost.

  • Software Upgrades: Decisions regarding updates when companies cease support for older versions.

  • Global Software Support: Issues of providing adequate support across different locations.

Summary

  • Hardware Definition: Machinery aiding in input, processing, storage, and output activities of an information system, including:

    • Hardware Components: CPU, input/output devices, communications devices, primary storage devices, secondary storage devices.

    • Secondary Storage Examples: Magnetic tapes, disks, DVDs, memory cards, etc.

Summary (continued)

  • Input Devices Examples: Keyboards, mice, voice-recognition devices, terminals, scanning devices, touch-sensitive screens.

  • Main Output Devices Examples: Monitors, LCDs, printers, plotters.

  • Computer Classification: Special-purpose vs. general-purpose.

  • Computer System Types: Handheld computers, portable computers, desktop computers, workstations, servers, etc.

Summary (continued)

  • Computer Programs Definition: Sequences of instructions for the computer.

  • Systems Software Definition: Coordinates hardware and programs activities.

  • Applications Software Definition: Assists users in addressing specific problems.

  • Operating System (OS) Function: Controls computer hardware, acting as an interface with applications.

Summary (continued)

  • Graphical User Interface (GUI): User interface utilizing icons and menus.

  • Command-Based Interface: Requires user text command input at a prompt.

  • Programming Languages: Facilitate user instruction communication for computer execution.