Fundamentals of Information Systems: Computer Software and Hardware Comprehensive High-Level Hardware Overview

Chapter 2: Computer Software and Fundamentals of Information Systems

• Chapter Overview: This chapter, presented by Siti Shafariana Shapie, covers the fundamental concepts of computer software, operating systems, hardware components, and the various categories of programs and applications.
• Learning Objectives:
      * Describe how an operating system (OS) interacts with applications and hardware.
      * Identify general categories of programs and apps.
      * Differentiate among the ways to acquire programs and apps.
      * Identify key features of productivity applications.
      * Identify key features of graphics and multimedia applications.
      * Identify the uses of personal interest applications.
      * Identify the purpose of software used in communications.
      * Identify the key features of security tools.
      * Identify the key features of file and disk management tools.

Recap of Information System Components

• System Components: A system involves cyclical processing including:
      * Input: Data entering the system.
      * Processing: Manipulation of data.
      * Storage: Keeping data for future use.
      * Output: The resulting information.
      * Feedback: Adjustments based on output.
• Computer-Based Information System: Comprises six main components:
      * People: Users and professionals (Programmers, etc.).
      * Procedures: Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
      * Data: Raw facts.
      * Hardware: Physical machinery (CPU, etc.).
      * Software: Sets of instructions.
      * Network: Connectivity between systems.
• Real-World Example (Coffee Shop): Uses software to manage Sales, Inventory, and Membership through Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

Defining Software and Development Roles

• Software: Sequences of instructions for the computer, also known as a computer program.
• Programming: The specific process of writing or coding these instructions.
• Programmers: Individuals who perform the task of writing and coding software.
• Application Software (App): Programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist with personal tasks. Examples include:
      * Microsoft Excel.
      * Microsoft Word.
• Intermediary Role: Software and apps are layered where Systems Software serves as the intermediary between physical hardware and functional applications.

Systems Software and Operating Systems

• Systems Software: A set of instructions that serves primarily as an intermediary between computer hardware and application programs.
• Operating System (OS): A set of programs that coordinates all activities among computer or mobile device hardware.
      * Input/Output Management: The OS manages how data enters and leaves the system.
      * Complexity Management: Hides the complexity of hardware operations from the user.
      * Graphical User Interface (GUI): The intermediate layer representing complex commands through visual elements.
• Step-by-Step Interaction Process:
      * Step 1: The OS user interface is displayed on the screen when the user turns on the computer.
      * Step 2: The user instructs the OS to run an application (e.g., word processing). The user then instructs the app to perform a task (e.g., printing a document).
      * Step 3: The application sends the print instruction to the OS (software).
      * Step 4: The OS sends the instruction to the printer (hardware), which completes the task.

Utility Software

• Definition: A program that helps perform maintenance or correct problems with a computer system.
• Primary Functions:
      * Keeping track of computer jobs being run (e.g., Task Manager).
      * Compressing data files.
• Specific Purposes:
      * To boost PC performance.
      * To repair errors in the registry.
      * To remove unnecessary files.

Distribution and Acquisition of Software

• Software is available in various forms including:
      * Retail: Mass-produced, copyrighted software.
      * Custom: Specifically designed for a particular organization.
      * Web App: Stored on a remote server and accessed via the internet.
      * Mobile App: Specifically for mobile devices.
      * Mobile Web App: Web-based app optimized for mobile.
      * Open Source: Software with code available for use, modification, and redistribution.
      * Shareware: Copyrighted software distributed at no cost for a trial period.
      * Freeware: Copyrighted software provided at no cost by an individual or company.
      * Public Domain: Software donated for public use with no copyright restrictions.

Detailed Classification of Programs and Apps

Productivity (Business and Personal)

• Word Processing: Allows users to create and manipulate documents. Often includes "Clip art" (collections of drawings/photos).
• Presentation: Creates visual aids to communicate ideas/messages to a group.
• Spreadsheet: Organizes data in rows and columns and performs calculations. Key components shown in examples include:
      * Columns labeled with letters ($J, K, L$).
      * Rows labeled with numbers ($3, 4, 5, 6$).
      * Cells (e.g., Cell $B4$).
      * Functions (e.g., $=SUM(B9:B16)$).
• Database: A collection of data organized for access, retrieval, and management.
• Note Taking: Enables entry of typed text, handwriting, drawings, or sketches on a page.
• Calendar and Contact Management: Organizes schedules and contact details across devices.
• Project Management: Plans, schedules, tracks, and analyzes events, resources, and costs ($\text{Resources, Costs, and Schedule}$).
• Accounting: Records and reports financial transactions for businesses.
• Personal Finance: Simplified accounting for home users (balancing checkbooks, tracking investments).
• Legal: Assists in preparing legal documents and providing information.
• Tax Preparation: Guides through the process of filing federal taxes.
• Document Management: Provides means for sharing, distributing, and searching documents via universal formats.
• Enterprise Computing: Specialized solutions for large organizations (Human resources, Sales, Marketing, Distribution, Customer service, etc.).
• Support Services: General business/personal task assistance.

Graphics and Media

• Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Highly technical design/drafting tool.
• Desktop Publishing: Advanced layout for print media.
• Paint/Image Editing: Software for creating and modifying graphics.
• Photo Editing and Management: Specifically for digital photograph manipulation.
• Clip Art/Image Gallery: Repositories of images.
• Video and Audio Editing: Tools for modifying multimedia files.
• Multimedia Authoring: Combines text, graphics, audio, video, and animation into interactive apps.
• Website Authoring: Creates webpages with interactive content and special effects.
• Media Player: Views animations/images and listens to/watches audio and video.
• Disc Burning: Writes files to recordable/rewritable discs.
• Augmented and Virtual Reality: Emerging immersive media technologies.

Personal Interest

• Categories: Lifestyle, Mapping, Medical, Entertainment, Convenience, and Education.

Communications

• Tools: Blog, Browser, Chat Room, Online Discussion, Email, File Transfer (FTP), Internet Phone (VoIP), Internet Messaging (IM), Mobile Messaging (SMS/MMS), Videoconferencing, Web Feeds, Wireless Messaging.

Security Tools

• Personal Firewall: Detects and protects against unauthorized intrusions.
• Antivirus: Identifies and removes viruses in memory, storage, or incoming files.
• Malware Removers:
      * Spyware: Secretly collects user information while online.
      * Adware: Displays online advertisements in banners or pop-ups.
      * Spyware/Adware Removers: Detect and delete these specific threats.
• Internet Filters:
      * Anti-spam programs: Combat unsolicited emails.
      * Web filters: Restrict sites.
      * Phishing filters: Protect against spoofed sites.
      * Pop-up blockers: Stop unwanted windows.

File and Disk Management Tools

• File Manager: Performs functions related to organizing files (e.g., viewing thumbnails of files like "Green Energy" or "Beautiful Lake").
• Search Tool: Locates files based on specific criteria.
• Image Viewer: Displays, copies, and prints graphics file contents.
• Uninstaller: Removes programs and associated system file entries.
• Disk Cleanup: Searches for and removes unnecessary files to free up space.
• Disk Defragmenter: Reorganizes files and unused space on the hard disk to allow the OS to access data faster.
• Screen Saver: Shows moving images/blank screen after a period of inactivity.
• File Compression: Shrinks file sizes ($\text{Size Reduction}$).
• PC Maintenance: Identifies and fixes OS/disk problems to improve performance.
• Backup and Restore: Copies selected files or entire media to another location.
• Power Management: Manages energy consumption.

Computer Hardware and the System Unit

• Hardware Definition: Machinery using digital circuits that assists in input, processing, storage, and output activities. Hardware decisions support system objectives and organizational goals.
• System Unit: Houses processing components, including the CPU and memory. All other devices link to it.
• Motherboard: The main circuit board containing integrated circuits (computer chips).
• Processors (Central Processing Unit - CPU): Interprets and carries out basic instructions.
      * Multi-core processor: A single chip with two or more separate processor cores.
• Inside the Case Components:
      * Sound card.
      * Video card.
      * Power supply and fan.
      * Battery (for laptops).
      * Heat sink.
      * Memory modules.
• Power Supply: Converts wall outlet AC power into DC power. Mobile devices typically use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Memory Details

• Definition: Electronic components storing instructions/data for the processor. Size is measured in gigabytes ($GB$) or terabytes ($TB$).
• Address: Each location in memory has a unique address.
• Volatile Memory: Loses contents when power is off (e.g., RAM).
• Nonvolatile Memory: Retains contents without power (e.g., ROM, flash memory, CMOS).
• RAM Types:
      * Dynamic RAM (DRAM): Common memory.
      * Static RAM (SRAM): Faster, used for cache.
• DRAM Variations:
      * SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM): Synchronized to system clock.
      * DDR SDRAM (Double Data Rate SDRAM): Transfers data twice per clock cycle.
      * DDR2, DDR3, DDR4: Successive generations, each faster than the previous.
      * RDRAM (Rambus DRAM): Much faster than standard SDRAM.
• Memory Modules: RAM chips reside on modules (SIMM - single inline, DIMM - dual inline) inserted into memory slots.

Storage and Storage Devices

• Hard Disk: Storage device with inflexible, circular platters using magnetic particles. Enclosed in an airtight case to prevent contamination.
• Other Components: Disk drives, Floppy disks, CD-ROM drives.

Categories of Computers and Mobile Devices

• Specific Servers:
      * Rack server: Housed in a slot on a metal frame.
      * Blade server: Chassis containing many thin circuit boards.
      * Tower server: Built in a standalone upright cabinet.
      * Mainframe: Powerful server for thousands of simultaneous users.
• Terminals: Limited processing power computers connected to a host.
      * Thin client: Minimal components, acts as desktop.
      * POS Terminal: Point of sale (Retail inventory/purchasing).
      * ATM: Automated teller machine.
      * Self-Service Kiosks: Financial, Photo, Ticket, Vending, Visitor.
• Cloud Computing: Environment of servers providing resources accessed via the internet.

Ports and Connections

• Port: A point at which a peripheral device attaches to or communicates with a computer.
• Connector: Joins a cable to a port.
• Common Port Types:
      * USB (Universal Serial Bus): Can connect up to $127$ different peripheral devices with one connector.
      * Video: VGA, DVI, HDMI, Mini HDMI, DisplayPort.
      * Audio: Speaker, Microphone, Headphones.
      * Network: Ethernet.
      * Connectivity: FireWire, Thunderbolt, Lightning, Mini USB, Micro USB.
• Wireless Communication Technologies:
      * Bluetooth.
      * Wi-Fi.
      * NFC (Near Field Communication).
• Mobile Flexibility: Port replicators and docking stations provide additional connection options for mobile users.