1. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition
Chapter 2
Hardware and Software 1

2. Principles and Learning Objectives
Computer hardware must be carefully selected to meet the evolving needs of the organization and its supporting information systems
Identify and discuss the role of the essential hardware components of a computer system
Identify the characteristics of and discuss the usage of various classes of single-user and multiuser computer systems
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

3. Principles and Learning Objectives (continued)
The computer hardware industry and users are implementing green computing designs and products
Define the term green computing and identify the primary goals of this program
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

4. Principles and Learning Objectives (continued)
Systems and application software are critical in helping individuals and organizations achieve their goals
Identify and briefly describe the functions of the two basic kinds of software
Outline the role of the operating system and identify the features of several popular operating systems
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

5. Principles and Learning Objectives (continued)
Organizations should not develop proprietary application software unless doing so will meet a compelling business need that can provide a competitive advantage
Discuss how application software can support personal, workgroup, and enterprise business objectives
Identify three basic approaches to developing application software and discuss the pros and cons of each
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

6. Principles and Learning Objectives (continued)
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
Outline the overall evolution and importance of programming languages and clearly differentiate among the generations of programming languages
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

7. Principles and Learning Objectives (continued)
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
Identify several key software issues and trends that have an impact on organizations and individuals
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

8. Why Learn About Hardware and Software?
Organizations invest in computer hardware to:
Improve worker productivity
Increase revenue, reduce costs
Provide better customer service
Managers:
Are expected to know enough about their business needs to be able to ask tough questions
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

9. Computer Systems: Integrating the Power of Technology
To assemble an effective and efficient system:
You should select and organize components while understanding the trade-offs between overall system performance and cost, control, and complexity
Hardware objectives are:
Subordinate to, but supportive of, the information system and the current and future needs of the organization
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

10. Hardware Components Central processing unit (CPU):
Arithmetic/logic unit, the control unit, and the register areas
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 storage, and even secondary storage and various output devices
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

11. Hardware Components (continued)
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

12. Processing and Memory Devices: Power, Speed, and Capacity
System unit:
Houses the components responsible for processing (the CPU and memory)
All other computer system devices:
Are linked either directly or indirectly into the system unit housing
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

13. Processing Characteristics and Functions
Clock speed:
Series of electronic pulses produced at a predetermined rate that affects machine cycle time
Often measured in:
Megahertz (MHz): millions of cycles per second
Gigahertz (GHz): billions of cycles per second
Physical characteristics of the CPU
Most CPUs are collections of digital circuits imprinted on silicon wafers, or chips, each no bigger than the tip of a pencil eraser
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

14. Memory Characteristics and Functions
Provides the CPU with a working storage area for programs and data
Rapidly provides data and instructions to the CPU
Storage capacity:
Eight bits together form a byte (B)
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

15. Memory Characteristics and Functions (continued)
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

16. Memory Characteristics and Functions (continued)
Types of memory:
Random access memory (RAM):
Temporary and volatile
Read-only memory (ROM):
Nonvolatile
Provides permanent storage for data and instructions that do not change
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

17. Multiprocessing Multiprocessing: Multicore microprocessor:
Simultaneous execution of two or more instructions at the same time
Multicore microprocessor:
Combines two or more independent processors into a single computer
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

18. Multiprocessing (continued)
Parallel computing:
Simultaneous execution of the same task on multiple processors to obtain results faster
Grid computing:
Use of a collection of computers to work in a coordinated manner to solve a common problem
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

19. Secondary Storage and Input and Output Devices
Compared with memory, offers the advantages of nonvolatility, greater capacity, and greater economy
Considerably slower than memory
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

20. Access Methods Sequential access: Direct access:
Data must be retrieved in the order in which it is stored
Devices used called sequential access storage devices (SASDs)
Direct access:
Records can be retrieved in any order
Devices used are called direct access storage devices (DASDs)
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

21. Secondary Storage Devices
Magnetic tapes:
Primarily for storing backups of critical organizational data
Magnetic disks:
Direct-access storage device
Redundant array of independent/inexpensive disks (RAID):
Method of storing data that generates extra bits of data from existing data
Virtual tape:
Storage technology for less frequently needed data
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

22. Secondary Storage Devices (continued)
Storage area network:
Uses computer servers, distributed storage devices, and networks to tie everything together
Optical discs:
Common form of optical disc on which data cannot be modified once it has been recorded
Digital video disc (DVD):
Storage medium used to store software, video games, and movies
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

23. Secondary Storage Devices (continued)
Solid state secondary storage devices:
Store data in memory chips rather than magnetic or optical media
Have few moving parts, so they are less fragile than hard disk drives
Disadvantages of SSD:
High cost per GB of data storage
Lower capacity compared to current hard drives
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

24. Input Devices Devices used to input general types of data:
Personal computer input devices
Speech recognition technology
Digital cameras
Touch-sensitive screens
Optical data readers
Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) devices
Pen input devices
Magnetic stripe card
Radio Frequency Identification
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

25. Input Devices (continued)
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

26. Output Devices Display monitors:
Used to display the output from the computer
Plasma display:
Uses thousands of smart cells (pixels) consisting of electrodes and neon and xenon gases that are electrically turned into plasma to emit light
LCD displays:
Flat displays that use liquid crystals
Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs):
Use a layer of organic material sandwiched between two conductors
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

27. Output Devices (continued)
Printers and plotters:
Two main types of printers are laser printers and inkjet printers
Plotters are a type of hard-copy output device used for general design work
Digital audio player:
Can store, organize, and play digital music files
E-books:
Digital media equivalent of a conventional printed book
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

28. Computer System Types Computer systems:
Can range from desktop (or smaller) portable computers to massive supercomputers that require housing in large rooms
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

29. Computer System Types (continued)
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

30. Computer System Types (continued)
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

31. Portable Computers Handheld computers: Laptop computer:
Single-user computers that provide ease of portability because of their small size
Laptop computer:
Personal computer designed for use by mobile users
Notebook computers:
Lightweight computer that weighs less than 5 pounds
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

32. Portable Computers (continued)
Netbook computer:
The smallest, lightest, least expensive member of the laptop computer family
Tablet computers:
Portable, lightweight computers with no keyboard
Smartphone:
Combines the functionality of a mobile phone, camera, Web browser, tool, MP3 player, and other devices
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

33. Nonportable Single-User Computers
Thin client:
Low-cost, centrally managed computer with no extra drives
Desktop computers:
Single-user computer systems that are highly versatile
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

34. Nonportable Single-User Computers (continued)
Nettop computer:
Inexpensive desktop computer designed to be smaller, lighter, and consume much less power than a traditional desktop computer
Workstations:
More powerful than personal computers but still small enough to fit on a desktop
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

35. Multiple-User Computer Systems
Server:
Used by many users to perform a specific task, such as running network or Internet applications
Blade server:
Houses many computer motherboards
The approach requires much less physical space than traditional server farms
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

36. Multiple-User Computer Systems (continued)
Mainframe computer:
Large, powerful computer shared by hundreds of concurrent users connected to the machine over a network
Supercomputers:
The most powerful computers with the fastest processing speed and highest performance
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

37. Green Computing Concerned with: Goals:
Efficient and environmentally responsible design, manufacture, operation, and disposal of IS-related products
Goals:
Reduce the use of hazardous material
Enable companies to lower their power-related costs
Enable the safe disposal or recycling of some 700,000 tons of computers each year
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

38. Overview of Software Computer programs: Documentation:
Sequences of instructions for the computer
Documentation:
Describes program functions to help the user operate the computer system
Types of software:
Systems software
Application software
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

39. Supporting Individual, Group, and Organizational Goals
Sphere of influence:
Scope of problems and opportunities addressed by a particular organization
Personal sphere of influence:
Serve the needs of an individual user
Personal productivity software:
Helps users improve their personal effectiveness
Workgroup:
When two or more people work together to achieve a common goal
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

40. Supporting Individual, Group, and Organizational Goals (continued)
Workgroup sphere of influence:
Serves the needs of a workgroup
Enterprise sphere of influence:
Supports the firm in its interaction with its environment
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

41. Installing and Removing New Software
Before you can use any type of software, it must be installed on a computer
Software for personal computers typically comes on CDs or is downloaded from the Web
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

42. Systems Software Includes: Operating systems Utility programs
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

43. Operating Systems
Set of programs that controls computer hardware and acts as an interface with application programs
Can control one computer or multiple computers, or
Can allow multiple users to interact with one computer
Combinations of OSs, computers, and users:
Single computer with a single user
Single computer with multiple users
Multiple computers with multiple users
Special-purpose computers
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

44. Operating Systems (continued)
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

45. Operating Systems (continued)
Activities performed by the operating system:
Perform common computer hardware functions
Provide a user interface and input/output management
Provide a degree of hardware independence
Manage system memory
Manage processing tasks
Provide networking capability
Control access to system resources
Manage files
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

46. Operating Systems (continued)
Common hardware functions:
Get input from keyboard or another input device
Retrieve data from disks
Store data on disks
Display information on a monitor or printer
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

47. Operating Systems (continued)
User interface and input/output management:
User interface:
Allows individuals to access and command the computer system
Command-based user interface:
Requires that text commands be given to the computer to perform basic activities
Graphical user interface (GUI):
Uses icons and menus displayed on screen to send commands to the computer system
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

48. Operating Systems (continued)
Hardware independence:
Application program interface (API):
Allows applications to make use of the operating system
Memory management:
Allows computer to execute program instructions effectively and to speed processing
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

49. Operating Systems (continued)
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

50. Operating Systems (continued)
Processing tasks:
Multitasking:
More than one program can run at the same time
Time-sharing:
Allows more than one person to use a computer system at the same time
Scalability:
Ability of the computer to handle an increasing number of concurrent users smoothly
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

51. Operating Systems (continued)
Networking capability:
Allows computers in a network to send and receive data and share computing resources
Access to system resources and security:
Protection against unauthorized access
OS establishes a logon procedure
File management:
Ensures that files in secondary storage are available when needed and that they are protected from access by unauthorized users
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

52. Current Operating Systems
Microsoft PC operating systems:
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Apple computer operating systems:
Wintel
Snow Leopard (OS X v10.6)
Linux:
Red Hat Linux
Caldera OpenLinux
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

53. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

54. Workgroup Operating Systems
Windows Server:
Can be used to prevent unauthorized disclosure of information
UNIX:
Can be used on many computer system types and platforms
Red Hat Linux:
Can manage a cluster of up to eight servers
Mac OS X Server:
Includes support for 64-bit processing
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

55. Enterprise Operating Systems
z/OS:
IBM’s first 64-bit enterprise OS
HP-UX and Linux:
HP-UX:
Robust UNIX-based OS from Hewlett-Packard
Supports Internet, database, and business applications on server and mainframe enterprise systems
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

56. Operating Systems for Small Computers, Embedded Computers, and Special-Purpose Devices
Cell phone embedded systems and operating systems:
Embedded systems provide communication and limited personal information management services
Windows embedded:
Included with or embedded into small computer devices
Proprietary Linux-based systems:
Linux is a major competitor to Symbian
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

57. Utility Programs
Help to perform maintenance or correct problems with a computer system
Some can help computer systems run better and longer without problems
Can help to secure and safeguard data
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

58. Utility Programs (continued)
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

59. Application Software Application programs:
Interact with systems software
Help you perform common tasks, such as:
Creating and formatting text documents
Performing calculations
Managing information
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

60. Types and Functions of Application Software
Proprietary software:
One-of-a-kind program for a specific application, usually developed and owned by a single company
Off-the-shelf software:
Existing software program that is purchased
Application service provider (ASP):
Company that can provide software, support, and computer hardware on which to run the software from the user’s facilities over a network
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

61. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

62. Overview of Application Software (continued)
Software as a service (SaaS):
Allows businesses to subscribe to Web-delivered business application software by paying a monthly service charge or a per-use fee
Can reduce expenses by sharing its running applications among many businesses
Cloud computing:
Use of computing resources on the Internet (the cloud) rather than on local computers
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

63. Personal Application Software
Word processing
Spreadsheet analysis
Database applications
Graphics program
Personal information managers
Software suites and integrated software packages
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

64. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

65. Mobile Application Software
Operating systems designed for smartphones include:
OS X iPhone, Android, and WebOS
Tens of thousands of applications have been:
Developed by third parties for the iPhone
Palm WebOS:
Has only recently released its software development kit
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

66. Workgroup Application Software
Support teamwork, whether people are in the same location or dispersed around the world
Groupware:
Software that helps groups of people work together more effectively
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

67. Workgroup Application Software (continued)
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

68. Enterprise Application Software
Software that benefits an entire organization
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software:
Set of integrated programs that manage a company’s vital business operations for an entire multisite, global organization
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

69. Application Software for Information, Decision Support, and Specialized Purposes
Available in every industry:
Specialized application software for information, decision support, and other purposes
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

70. Programming Languages
Sets of keywords, symbols, and a system of rules for constructing statements:
By which humans can communicate instructions to be executed by a computer
Programming:
Involves translating what a user wants to accomplish into instructions that the computer can understand and execute
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

71. Software Issues and Trends
Software bug:
Defect in a program that keeps it from performing as it should
Some tips for reducing impact of software bugs:
Register all software
Check read-me files for workarounds
Access support area of the manufacturer’s Web site for patches
Install latest software updates
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

72. Copyrights and Licenses
Most software products are protected by law using copyright or licensing provisions:
In some cases, you are given unlimited use of software on one or two computers
In other cases, you pay for your usage:
If you use the software more, you pay more
Some software now requires that you register or activate it before it can be fully used
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

73. Software Upgrades
When software companies stop supporting older software versions or releases:
Some customers feel forced to upgrade to the newer software
Deciding whether to purchase the newest software:
Can be a problem for corporations and people with a large investment in software
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

74. Global Software Support
Supporting local operations:
One of the biggest challenges IS teams face when putting together standardized, company-wide systems
Trend:
Outsourcing global support to one or more third-party distributors
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

75. Summary Hardware: Green computing: Software:
The physical components of a computer that perform the input, processing, storage, and output activities of the computer
Green computing:
Concerned with the efficient and environmentally responsible design, manufacture, operation, and disposal of IS-related products
Software:
Consists of programs that control the workings of the computer hardware
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition

76. Summary (continued) Operating system (OS): Application software:
Set of computer programs that controls the computer hardware to support users’ computing needs
Manages tasks to allocate computer resources through multitasking and time-sharing
Application software:
Applies the power of the computer to solve problems and perform specific tasks
Fundamentals of Information Systems, Sixth Edition