1. Session 2 - Noel D. Lawas MD -
Introduction to Information Technologies in Management Information Systems
Session 2
- Noel D. Lawas MD -

2. Information Technologies
Scientific achievements and progress which mainly affect the field of information
Main types:
Computers – servers, desktops, notebooks
Devices attached to computers – printers, lan cards
Computer Networks
Classifications of the main types
Hardware – computer equipment, parts and pieces
Software – programs to make the computer hardware work

3. Computer Servers
Provide specific information to other computers so that they can perform specific procedures.
For example: servers can provide stored information in its database, messages received from the network, etc.
Computer servers are made functional by programs called server operating system such as linux os, windows server os, unix, etc
Depending on its use, a server computer can be similar to a desktop or with higher # of computers connecting, it may require bigger memories, higher processors, higher capacity of several hard disks.

4. Computer Desktops and Notebooks
Designed for individual use
Simpler hardware features but with more software programs installed depending on the need of the person
Because of provisions for expansion of memory, hard disk capacity, additional devices, desktops and notebooks can be used to perform server functions

5. Computer Devices
Growing number of computer devices appearing in the market; however, only few will continue to stay longer and some will become an integral part of computer hardware
Software that are developed to make the devices functional are called device drivers. Remember that each device driver is specific to a particular device hardware

7. Computer Networks
A system developed to enable two or more computers to exchange information as intended by the developer.
Lines of communication between computers are through:
Use of signals transmitted through network cables
Use of air-transmitted signals
Use of a unique Internet Protocol (IP) address assigned to each computer in order for a signal to reach its intended destination.
IP addresses are made up of 4 numbers assigned in specific order to a computer and given a format as follows: XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX where XXX can have a value ranging from 0 to 255.
Example:

8. Computer Networks
Netmasks are also made up of 4 numbers similarly formatted like the IP addresses. The netmasks are additional information that specify the maximum number of computers that can be part of the network. Example: means that the maximum computers that can be part of a network is 256. (More explanations will be given in the lecture)

9. Computer Networks
IP Gateway is a specific IP address of a server that has connection to other computer networks and the internet (if connection exist)
DNS stands for domain name server. This is the server that contains the IP addresses of computers with registered name in the WHOIS registry.
Route is the prescribed path a signal from a source computer should take depending on its destination computer.
Ipconfig (in Windows) or ifconfig (in Linux) is a program to get the information on the IP address, netmask, gateway and dns configuration of the computer
Ping is an internal program to test whether a network communication exists between the computer and another.

10. Computer Network Devices
LAN Cards or Local Area Network Cards are devices that are attached to the computer and provide a port for network cables to link to the computer and be connected to other computers in the network.
Network hub or switch is an external device that controls the flow of signals to and from 2 or more computers in the network
Network router is a device that contains a software program that directs entering signals to the intended computer destination.

11. Computer Network Cabling
Star topology – most commonly used design in connecting computers in a network. It consist of a hub (or also called switch) with several ports where cables attached to different computers are connected. Max. length of each cable from hub to PC is 100 meters. Signal deteriorates beyond this.

12. Computer Network Wiring
BUS topology - Connects computers and hubs in a serial manner using coaxial cables. Max. length of all cables combined is 300 meters. Signal deteriorates beyond this length unless a repeater is installed

13. Wireless Computer Network
Uses star topology in the network design
Makes use of a router software in order that the wireless network can be managed.

14. Applying Information Technology for Information Systems Development

15. Applying Information Technology for Information Systems Development
(Physical Development Design)

16. Applying Information Technology for Information Systems Development
(Deployment Design)