1 California State University, Fullerton Chapter 3 Information System Fundamentals

2 California State University, Fullerton Computer and Communications Hardware Computer hardware Input devices Output devices Primary storage Secondary storage Central Processing Unit (CPU) Communications hardware Network devices

3 California State University, Fullerton The Need for Computer Hardware Important elements of computer hardware Speed Accuracy Capacity

4 California State University, Fullerton The Need for Communications Hardware Important elements of communications hardware Remote access Information sharing Resource sharing (printers, file servers) Interorganizational communication

5 California State University, Fullerton Types of Computer Systems Personal Computer systems (single- user) Desktop/Workstations Laptop Handheld/Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

6 California State University, Fullerton Types of Computer Systems (cont’d.) Multiple-user computer systems Minicomputer Typically between $5,000 and $200,000 Mainframe computer Typically between $100,000 and $10,000,000 Both are multi-user environments

7 California State University, Fullerton Types of Computer Systems (cont’d.) Networked computer systems Many computers connected to a network which is used by many people at one time. Servers – provide services to other computers on the network. Clients – a user’s workstation connected to the network. Client-server computing – servers and clients used cooperatively.

8 California State University, Fullerton Types of Software Application software – designed for specific computer applications for a business or organization. System software – designed to make computers usable. Also known as an operating system. Communications software – designed to permit computers to “talk” to each other.

9 California State University, Fullerton Sources of Software Two main sources of software Packaged software – available commercially for personal, multiple-user and networked systems. Custom software – created to address very specific requirements of the users.

10 California State University, Fullerton Data Organization Elements of data storage Characters – letters, numerals, special symbols, a blank space. Fields – a group of related characters. Records – a group of fields about a single entity. Data file, or file – a group of records about a single purpose. Database – a group of related files.

11 California State University, Fullerton Users and Operating Personnel Users Supply input Receive output Operating personnel Perform technical functions such as Manage networks Run software Pass output to users

12 California State University, Fullerton Types of Procedures Two main types First tells people how to use and operate the system under normal circumstances. Second tells people what to do if the system does not function normally. Procedures Documentation is written instructions on the use and operation of the system.

13 California State University, Fullerton Ethical Decision Making The Golden Rule (do unto others as you would have them do unto you) Utilitarianism (do what is best for greatest number of people) Categorical Imperative (Universal Rule) (always use the same rule) Ethical Egoism (do what is best for your self) Code of Ethics (Code of Conduct)

14 California State University, Fullerton Ethical Issues Privacy Accuracy Property Access