Computer Technology: Your Need to Know Chapter 1 Slide 1

Technology and Knowledge Technical knowledge of computer hardware and systems software is required to develop information systems System? Slide 2

Technology and Knowledge Do not require detailed understanding of how they work to be able to use them. The design of computer systems have become more complex. Computers have become easier to use. Used in business and home. Slide 3

Technology and Knowledge If computers have become so easy to use, then why do you need to know anything about their inner technology? Slide 4

Acquiring and Configuring Technological Devices To purchase a computer, you must: – Know your hardware and software preferences – Know your hardware and software requirements – Have sufficient knowledge of the available alternatives – Understand related technical terms Slide 5

Acquiring and Configuring Technological Devices The knowledge required to purchase and configure technically complex devices is greater than the knowledge needed to use them Slide 6

Information System Development The steps followed by information system personnel to develop an information system are called the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Slide 7

Information System Development Slide 8

Information System Development Systems Survey step - Examines user information needs Examines ways in which the user needs are being addressed (if any) Examines the feasibility of developing or acquiring an information system to address those needs Technical knowledge needed to assess if needs currently met and estimate resources needed Slide 9

Information System Development Typical questions asked during the Systems Survey step for a point of sale system : – How much time is required to process a sale? Is the existing system easy for a salesperson to use? Is sufficient information being gathered for marketing purposes? Slide 10

Information System Development Typical questions asked during the Systems Survey step for a point of sale system (cont.): – Can the existing hardware handle peak sales volumes (for example, holidays)? – Can the existing system be expanded easily? – What are the current hardware operating costs? – Are there cheaper hardware alternatives? Slide 11

Information System Development The systems analysis step examines the user needs and the extent to which they are being met. Needs analysis or requirements analysis. Slide 12

Information System Development Systems Analysis Step: Produces a requirements document. Reexamines and answers systems survey questions in more detail. Typical outcomes: Detailed descriptions of user interfaces and data access speed Detailed data-processing and storage requirements Slide 13

Information System Development Systems Design – the configuration of all hardware and software components are determined. Slide 14

Systems Design Slide 15

Information System Development The systems implementation step is constructed based on the “blue prints” created during systems design Slide 16

Information System Development During the systems implementation step: Hardware and systems software are acquired, installed, configured and tested Application programs and files are developed, installed and tested The entire system is tested Slide 17

Information System Development Technical knowledge needed: Knowledge of hardware and systems software Installation and configuration of hardware and systems software Knowledge of how to format storage devices, set up security systems, install application programs and establish accounting and auditing systems Slide 18

Information System Development During the systems evaluation and maintenance step, the system is evaluated for errors that escaped undetected during installation and testing. Minor changes are made as maintenance changes. Slide 19

Information System Development Technical knowledge needed: Knowledge is needed to classify the proposed change as minor or major Knowledge is needed about the hardware and software components that are affected by the change Slide 20

Management of Computer Resources Future Trends: – The manager must have a broad understanding of current technology, as well as future technology trends. Compatibility: – The new system must not only operate correctly by itself, but also operates smoothly with all of the other systems in the organization. Slide 21

Roles and Job Titles Computer Professional Groups: – Application Development Personnel – Systems Software Personnel – Hardware Personnel – Systems Management Personnel – - job skills for various IT-related jobs and salary ranges Slide 22

Roles and Job Titles Application Development Personnel – Systems Analyst – Systems Designer – Application Programmer Slide 23

Roles and Job Titles Systems Software Personnel Systems programmers are responsible for the development of systems software such as: – Operating systems – Compilers – Database management systems – Network monitors. Slide 24

Roles and Job Titles Hardware Personnel Hardware personnel are responsible for hardware design, installation, and maintenance. Slide 25

Roles and Job Titles Systems Management Personnel – Computer operations manager – Network administrator – Database administrator – Chief Information Officer Slide 26

Roles and Job Titles A computer operations manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation of a large information- processing facility. A database administrator is responsible to help the organization exploit its data resources. Slide 27

Roles and Job Titles A network administrator is responsible for the network infrastructure and the management of a local area network. A Chief Information Officer (CIO) is responsible for the management of the personnel and computer software and hardware. Slide 28

Computer Technology Information Sources Sources of Computer Information: Periodical Literature Vendor and Manufacturer Web Sites Technology-Oriented Web Sites Professional Societies Slide 29

Computer Technology Information Sources Periodical Literature: ACM Computing Surveys Computerworld Communications of the ACM Computer Slide 30

Computer Technology Information Sources Vendor and Manufacturer Web Sites: Vendor Web Pages are oriented to sales, but they usually contain detailed information on products either directly or as links to manufacturer Web sites. Slide 31

Computer Technology Information Sources Slide 32

Computer Technology Information Sources Slide 33

Computer Technology Information Sources Slide 34

Computer Technology Information Sources Professional Societies: Association for Information Technology Professionals (AITP) Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Computer Society Slide 35

Assign #1 – Read chapters 1, 2 and 3; pg. 20, review questions 1, 2, 3; pg. 20 research problem 1 - 1/2 page summary. Assign #2 – pg. 60, review questions 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17; pg. 61, research problem page summary. Assign #3 – pg. 109, review questions 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11; pg. 110 research problem 1 - 1/2 page summary. Slide 36