Fundamentals of Information Systems Fourth Edition Chapter 2 Hardware and Software

Principles and Learning Objectives Information system users must work closely with information system professionals to define business needs, evaluate options, and select the hardware and software that provide a cost-effective solution to those needs Identify and discuss the role of the essential hardware components of a computer system List and describe popular classes of computer systems and discuss the role of each Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

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, Fourth Edition

Principles and Learning Objectives (continued) Do 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, Fourth Edition

Principles and Learning Objectives (continued) 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, Fourth Edition

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, Fourth Edition

Why Learn About Hardware and Software? Hardware can improve productivity, increase revenue, reduce costs, and provide better service Managers are expected to know about hardware To help define business needs To ask questions and evaluate options when buying equipment Software is indispensable for any computer system Systems software needed for input, calculations, and output Application software aids in productivity Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Computer Systems: Integrating the Power of Technology Choosing the right computer hardware requires understanding its relationship to the information system and needs of the organization Hardware objectives are subordinate to, but supportive of, the information system and the current and future needs of the organization Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Hardware Components Central processing unit (CPU) Arithmetic/logic unit (ALU): performs calculations and makes logical comparisons Control unit: accesses, decodes and coordinates data in CPU and other devices Primary memory: holds program instructions and data for processing Secondary storage: more permanent storage Input and output devices Communications devices Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Hardware Components (continued) Figure 2.1: Hardware Components Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

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, Fourth Edition

Processing Characteristics and Functions Clock speed: series of electronic pulses produced at a predetermined rate that affects machine cycle time Clock speed is often measured in megahertz (MHz), or millions of cycles per second Clock speed for personal computers is in the multiple gigahertz (GHz), or billions of cycles per second, range Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Processing Characteristics and Functions (continued) Physical characteristics of the CPU Digital circuits on chips To turn a digital circuit on or off, electrical current flows through silicon Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Memory Characteristics and Functions: Storage Capacity Table 2.1: Units for Measuring Computer Storage Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Memory Characteristics and Functions: Types of Memory Random access memory (RAM) Temporary Volatile Read-only memory (ROM) Usually nonvolatile Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Multiprocessing Multiprocessing: simultaneous execution of two or more instructions Multicore microprocessor: shares workload among two or more independent processors in a single computer Parallel processing: links several processors to operate at the same time, or in parallel Grid computing: collection of computers working to solve a common problem Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Secondary Storage and Input and Output Devices Also called permanent storage Nonvolatile Greater capacity and greater economy than memory Access methods, storage capacities, and portability required are determined by the information system’s objectives Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Access Methods Sequential access: data must be accessed in the order in which it is stored Sequential access storage devices (SASDs) Direct access: data can be retrieved in any order Direct access storage devices (DASDs) Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Secondary Storage Devices Magnetic tapes Secondary storage used primarily for backups Magnetic disks Direct access secondary storage, e.g., hard disk RAID Stores extra bits so that data can be reconstructed if system fails SAN Provides high-speed connections between data storage devices and computers over a network Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Secondary Storage Devices (continued) Optical disks Direct access optical disc, e.g., CD-ROM Digital video disk (DVD) Stores several gigabytes of data Flash memory Nonvolatile silicon computer chip Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Input Devices Personal computer input devices Keyboard, mouse Speech-recognition technology Input devices that recognize human speech Digital cameras Input device used with PC to record/store images in digital form Terminals Input and display devices that perform data entry and input at the same time Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Input Devices (continued) Touch-sensitive screens Allow display screens to act as input devices as well as output devices Bar-code scanners Employs a laser scanner to read a bar-coded label Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) devices Code data on banking forms, such as checks Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Input Devices (continued) Pen input devices Activate a command, enter handwritten notes, and draw objects Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Employs a microchip with an antenna to broadcast its unique identifier and location to a receiver Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Output Devices Display monitors (CRTs) Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) Output quality measured by number of pixels and dot pitch Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) Easier on eyes, use less electricity, take up less space than CRTs Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) Directly emits light rather than using backlight Sharper colors and thinner displays Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Output Devices (continued) Printers and plotters: hard copy output Printers: laser, inkjet Plotters: used for general design work Digital audio player Stores, organizes, and plays digital music files Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Table 2.3: Types of Computer Systems Computer System Types Table 2.3: Types of Computer Systems Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Overview of Software Computer programs: sequences of instructions for the computer Documentation: describes program functions Systems software: coordinates the activities of hardware and programs Application software: helps users solve particular problems Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Supporting Individual, Group, and Organizational Goals Sphere of influence: the scope of problems and opportunities addressed by a particular organization Personal Workgroup Enterprise Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Supporting Individual, Group, and Organizational Goals (continued) Table 2.4: Classifying Software by Type and Sphere of Influence Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Systems Software Controlling operations of computer hardware is one of the most critical functions of systems software Also supports application programs’ problem-solving capabilities Different types of systems software include: Operating systems Utility programs Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Operating Systems Operating system (OS): programs that control the hardware and interface with applications Common hardware functions Get input (e.g., keyboard) Retrieve data from disks and store data on disks Display information on a monitor or printer Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Operating Systems (continued) Combinations of OSs, computers, and users: Single computer with a single user Single computer with multiple users Multiple computers Special-purpose computers Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Operating Systems (continued) Figure 2.8: The Role of Systems Software Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

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 Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Operating Systems (continued) Activities performed by the operating system (continued) Manage processing tasks Provide networking capability Control access to system resources Manage files Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Operating Systems (continued) Common hardware functions Get input from keyboard or some other input device Retrieve data from disks Store data on disks Display information on a monitor or printer Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Operating Systems (continued) User interface Allows individuals to access and command the computer system Command-based user interface: uses text commands Graphical user interface (GUI): uses icons and menus to send commands to the computer system Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Operating Systems (continued) Hardware independence Application program interface (API): allows applications to make use of the operating system Memory management Converts a user’s request for data or instructions to the physical location where the data or instructions are stored Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Operating Systems (continued) Figure 2.9: Application Program Interface Links Application Software to the Operating System Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Operating Systems (continued) Processing tasks Multitasking: more than one program running at the same time Time-sharing: more than one person using a computer system at the same time Scalability: ability to handle an increasing number of concurrent users smoothly Networking capability: aids users in connecting to a computer network Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Operating Systems (continued) Access to system resources Protection against unauthorized access Logins and passwords File management Ensures that files in secondary storage are: Available when needed Protected from access by unauthorized users Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Current Operating Systems Table 2.5: Popular Operating Systems Across All Three Spheres of Influence Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Current Operating Systems (continued) Microsoft PC operating systems PC-DOS and MS-DOS: early, command-driven OSs Windows XP: greatly improved stability and security over previous versions of Windows Windows XP N: for European market Windows XP Professional X64: for computers with newer 64-bit capabilities Windows XP Media Center Edition: incorporates additional multimedia features Vista: latest version of Windows Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Current Operating Systems (continued) Apple operating systems Often provides cutting edge tools in graphics and music not available from Microsoft Mac OS X Jaguar (OS X.2) Panther (OS X.3) Tiger (OS X.4): support for 64-bit computing, Dashboard, Spotlight, etc. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Current Operating Systems (continued) Linux Developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991 Open-source product Only the kernel of an OS Several distributions available with capabilities/applications that form a complete OS Examples: Red Hat Linux, Caldera OpenLinux Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Workgroup Operating Systems Windows Server UNIX NetWare Red Hat Linux Mac OS X Server Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Enterprise Operating Systems z/OS MPE/iX and HP-UX Linux Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Operating Systems for Small Computers, Embedded Computers, and Special-Purpose Devices Palm OS Windows Embedded Windows Mobile Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Application Software Give users the ability to solve problems and perform specific tasks Interact with systems software; systems software then directs the hardware to perform tasks Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Types and Functions of Application Software Proprietary software: unique program for a specific application, usually developed and owned by a single company Off-the-shelf software: existing software program that can be purchased Customized package Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Types and Functions of Application Software (continued) Figure 2.13: Types of Application Software Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Types and Functions of Application Software (continued) Table 2.6: A Comparison of Proprietary and Off-the-Shelf Software Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Types and Functions of Application Software (continued) Table 2.6: A Comparison of Proprietary and Off-the-Shelf Software (continued) Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Personal Application Software Serves the needs of an individual user Includes personal productivity software Enables users to improve their personal effectiveness Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Personal Application Software (continued) Table 2.7: Examples of Personal Productivity Software Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Personal Application Software (continued) Table 2.7: Examples of Personal Productivity Software (continued) Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Personal Application Software (continued) Software suite: collection of single application programs packaged in a bundle Microsoft Office: most popular general-purpose software suite Other general-purpose software suites: Corel’s WordPerfect Office, Lotus SmartSuite, Sun Microsystems’s StarOffice Integrated application packages: offer a range of capabilities for less money than software suites Example: Microsoft Works Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Personal Application Software (continued) Table 2.8: Major Components of Leading Software Suites Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Workgroup Application Software 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 efficiently and effectively Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Workgroup Application Software (continued) Table 2.9: Ernst & Young’s “Three Cs” Rule for Groupware Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

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

Enterprise Application Software (continued) Table 2.10: Examples of Enterprise Application Software Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Application Software for Information, Decision Support, and Specialized Purposes Used in businesses of all sizes and types to increase profits or reduce costs Available in every industry Example: analysis to increase the cure rate for cancer Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Programming Languages Sets of keywords, symbols, and a system of rules for constructing statements Allow humans to communicate instructions to be executed by a computer Syntax: a set of rules associated with a programming language Different languages have characteristics that make them appropriate for particular types of applications Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Programming Languages (continued) Table 2.11: The Evolution of Programming Languages Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Software Issues and Trends Software issues and trends receiving increasing attention Software bugs Copyrights and licenses Software upgrades Global software support Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Software Bugs Software bug: defect in a computer program that keeps it from performing as it is designed to perform Tips for reducing impact of software bugs include: Register all software so that you can receive bug alerts, fixes, and patches Check the manual or read-me files for work-arounds Access support area of the manufacturer’s Web site for patches Install the latest software updates Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

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, Fourth Edition

Software Upgrades Software companies periodically revise their programs and sell new versions Revised software May offer new and valuable enhancements May just contain complex program code changes that offer little in terms of additional capabilities Software upgrades usually cost much less than the original purchase price Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Global Software Support For large, global companies, getting adequate software support at all their locations for their standardized, companywide systems is a big challenge Large vendors such as Sybase, IBM, and Hewlett-Packard typically contract out support for their software to local providers Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Summary Hardware: central processing unit (CPU), input and output devices, communications devices, primary storage devices, and secondary storage devices Random access memory (RAM): temporary and volatile Read-only memory (ROM): usually nonvolatile Multiprocessing: simultaneous execution of two or more instructions Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Summary (continued) Sequential access: records retrieved in order Direct access: records retrieved in any order Computer programs: sequences of instructions for the computer Systems software: coordinates the activities of hardware and programs Application software: helps users solve problems Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition

Summary (continued) Operating system (OS): set of computer programs that control the hardware and interface with applications Graphical user interface (GUI): uses icons and menus to send commands to the computer system Programming languages: allow humans to communicate instructions to be executed by a computer Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fourth Edition