HARDWARE COMPONENTS

Hardware
Any machinery that assists in the input, processing, storage, and output
activities of an information system
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Part of the computer that consists of three associated elements: the
arithmetic/logic unit, the control unit, and the register areas
Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU)
Part of the CPU that performs mathematical calculations and makes logical
comparisons
Control Unit
Part of the CPU that sequentially accesses program instructions, decodes
them, and coordinates the flow of data in and out of the ALU, the registers,
primary storage, and even secondary storage and various output devices.
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PROCESSING AND MEMORY DEVICES: POWER, SPEED, AND CAPACITY
Clock Speed
A series of electronic pulses produced at a predetermined rate that affects
machine cycle time.
Units of Measuring Computer Storage
Byte = 1B
Kilobyte = 1024B
Megabyte = 1024KB
Gigabyte = 1024MB
Terabyte = 1024GB
Petabyte = 1024TB
Exabyte = 1024PB

Two Types of Memory:
1.) RAM(random access memory) A form of memory in which
instructions or data can be temporarily stored
2.) ROM(read-only memory) a nonvolatile form of memory
Multiprocessing
The simultaneous execution of two or more instructions at the same time
Forms of Multiprocessing
Multicore Microprocessor microprocessor that combines two or more
independent processors into a single computer so they can share the
workload and deliver a big boost in processing capacity
Parallel Computing The simultaneous execution of the same task on
multiple processors in order to obtain results faster
Grid Computing - The use of a collection of computers, often owned by
multiple individuals or organizations, to work in a coordinated manner to
solve a common problem
SECONDARY STORAGE AND INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES
ACCESS METHODS
Sequential Access - Retrieval method in which data must be accessed in
the order in which it is stored
Direct Access Retrieval method in which data can be retrieved without
the need to read and discard other data
Secondary Storage Devices
Magnetic Tape Secondary storage medium; Mylar film coated with iron
oxide with portions of the tape magnetized to represent bits
Magnetic Disks - Common secondary storage medium, with bits
represented by magnetized areas
Redundant Array of Independent/Inexpensive disks (RAID) Method of
storing data that generates extra bits of data from existing data, allowing
the system to create a reconstruction map so that if a hard drive fails, the
system can rebuild lost data
Storage Area Network (SAN) Technology that provides high-speed
connections between data storage devices and computers over a network
Optical Disks
Compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)
A common form of optical on which data, once it has been recorded,
cannot be modified
Digital Video Disc (DVD) A storage medium used to store digital video or
computer data.
Flash Memory A silicon computer chip that, unlike RAM, is nonvolatile
and keeps its memory when the power is shut off.
Input Devices
Personal Computer Input Devices A keyboard and a mouse are the most
common devices for computer input.
Speech recognition technology - enables a computer equipped with a
source of speech input such as a microphone to interpret human speech as
an alternative means of providing data or instructions to the computer.
Digital Cameras Input device used with a PC to record and store images
and video in digital form.
Terminals input and display devices that perform data entry and input at
the same time
Touch Sensitive Screens display screens to function as input as well as
output devices.
Bar Code Scanners employs a laser scanner to read a bar-coded label.
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) Devices to process
documents more quickly and a system for reading data quickly.
Pen Input Devices activates a command or cause the computer to
perform a task, enter handwritten notes, and draw objects and figures by
touching the screen with a pen.
Radio Frequency Identification - to transmit data by a mobile device called
a tag.
Output Devices
Display Monitors TV screen like device on which output from the
computer is played.
Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD) flat displays that uses liquid crystals, oil-like
material placed between two polarizers to form characters and graphic
image on a backlit screen.
Organic light-Emitting Diodes (OLED) directly emits light and can provide
sharper and brighter colors than LCDs and CRTs.
Printers and Plotters - produces a hardcopy which is a paper output from
the device.
Digital Audio Player - a device that can store, organize and play digital
music files.
Computer System Types
Handheld Computers - A single-user computer that provides ease of
portability because of its small size.
Smartphone - A phone that combines the functionality of a mobile phone,
personal digital assistant, camera, web browser, e-mail tool, and other
devices into a single handheld device.
Portable Computer - Computer small enough to be carried easily
Thin Client a low cost, centrally managed computer with essential but
limited capabilities and no extra drives, such as a CD or DVD drive, or
expansion slots.
Desktop Computers - A relatively small, inexpensive single-user computer
that is highly versatile
Workstation - A more powerful personal computer that is used for
technical computing, such as engineering, but still fits on a desktop.
Server A computer designed for a specific task, such as network or
internet applications.
*scalability the ability to increase the capability of a computer system to
process more transactions in a given period by adding more, or more
powerful, processors
Mainframe Computer - Large, powerful computer often shared by
hundreds of concurrent users connected to the machine via terminals.
Supercomputers the most powerful computer systems, with the fastest
processing speeds
Overview of Software
Computer Programs - Sequences of instructions for the computer
Documentation - text that describes the program functions to help the
user operate the computer system.
System Software - The set of programs designed to coordinate the
activities and functions of the hardware and various programs throughout
the computer system.
Application Software - The programs that help users solve particular
computing problems
System Software
- Supports the application programs problem solving capabilities
Operating Systems (OS) a set of computer programs that control the
computer hardware and act as an interface with application programs.
- Single computer with a single user
- Single computer with multiple users
- Multiple Computers
- Special-purpose computers
User interface Element of the operating system that allows you to access
and command the computer system.
Command-based user interface - A user interface that requires you to give
text commands to the computer to perform basic activities
Graphical User Interface (GUI) - An interface that uses icons and menus
displayed on screen to send commands to the computer system.
Hardware Independence uses the OS by making requests for services
through a defined application program interface (API)*.
*API interface that allows application to make use of the operating
system.
Network Capability - provides features and capabilities that aid users in
connecting to a computer network
Access to System Resources OS needs to establish a logon procedure
that requires users to enter an identification code and a matching
password.
File Management the OS manages files to ensure that files in secondary
storage are available when needed and that they are protected from
access by unauthorized users.
Current Operating Systems
Early OS were very basic. Today, however, more advanced OS have been
developed, incorporating some features previously available only with
mainframe OS.
Microsoft PC Operating Systems
PC-DOS and MS- DOS was developed to support the IBM personal
computer introduced in the 1980s.
WINDOWS XP (XP reportedly stands for the wonderful experience that you
will have with your PC) was released in fall 2001. Its redesigned icons, task
bar, and windows borders make for more pleasant viewing.
VISTA is the most recent revision of the Windows OS. Vista is more secure
and stable than previous operating systems. It includes a number of new
features. Avalon is a tool to help developers easily construct user
interfaces. Vista also provides improved graphics and display capabilities.
APPLE COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEMS
The Apple OS have also evolved over a number of years and often provide
features not available from Microsoft.
Early 2006, Apple Introduced Intel- based Macs that can run both Apple
and Windows- based Operating systems and software providing their users
with great flexibility in the choice and use of software
Dashboard is another feature that displays tools such as calculators,
dictionaries, and calendars so you can access and run them easily
Linux is an OS developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991 as student in Finland. It
is actually only the kernel of OS, the part that controls hardware; manage
files, separates process, and so forth.
Workgroup Operating Systems
Windows Server it is designed to perform a host of tasks that are vital for
Web sites and corporate Web applications. It can be used to coordinate
large data centers. It can be used to prevent unauthorized disclosure of
information by blocking text and e- mails from being copied, printed or
forwarded to other people.
UNIX is a powerful OS originally developed by AT&T or minicomputers. It
can be used on many computer system types and platforms. The OS also
makes it much easier to move programs and data among computers or to
connect mainframe and personal computers to share resources.
NetWare is a network OS sold by Novell that can support users on
Windows, Macintosh, and UNIX platforms. Netware provides directory
software to track computers, programs, and people on a network, helping
large companies to manage complex networks.
Red Hat Linux is very efficient at serving Web pages and can manage a
cluster of up to eight servers.
TRIVIA: the film LOTR used Linux and hundreds of servers to deliver many
of the special effects shown in the finished film.
Mac OS X Server is the first modern server OS from Apple Computer.
Protected memory puts each service in its own well-guarded chunk of
dynamically allocated memory, preventing a single process from going
away and bringing down the system or other services.
Enterprise Operating Systems
z/OS is IBMs first 64-bit enterprise OS. It supports IBMs z900 and z800
lines of mainframes that can come with up to sixteen 64- bit processors. It
provides several new capabilities to make it easier and less expensive for
users to run large mainframe computers.
MPE/iX, HP-UX, and Linux are robust OS designed to handle a variety of
business tasks, including online transaction processing Web applications.
Operating Systems for Small Computers, Embedded Computers, and
Special- Purpose devices
Palm OS develops and supports applications, including business,
multimedia, games, productivity, reference and education, hobbies, and
entertainment, travel, sports, utilities, and wireless applications. It is an OS
that is used in over 30M handheld computers and smartphones
manufactured by Palm Inc. and other companies
Windows Embedded is a family of Microsoft OS included with or
embedded into small computer devices. It includes Windows CE .Net and
Windows XP Embedded, an OS used in devices such as handheld
computers.
Windows Mobile is a family of Microsoft OS for mobile or portable
devices. Windows Mobile includes Pocket PC, Pocket PC Phone Edition and
SmartPhone. Its features are handwriting recognition, instant messaging
technology, support for more secure Internet connections and ability to
beam information to devices.
Application Software
Primary function is to apply the power of a computer to give
individuals, workgroups, and the entire enterprise the ability to solve
problems and perform specific tasks.
Types and Functions of Application Software
1. Propriety Software- One of a kind program developed for a specific
application.
2. Off- the- shelf Software- An existing program software that can be
purchased.
Application Service Provider (ASP) - A company that provides software,
support and the computer hardware on which to run the software from
the users facilities.
Personal Application Software
Type of Software Explanation
Word Processing Create, edit, and print
text documents
Spreadsheet Provide a wide range of
built- in functions for
statistical, financial,
logical, database,
graphics, and date and
time calculations
Online Information
Services
Obtain a broad range of
information from
commercial services
Graphics Develop graphics,
illustrations and
drawings



Project Management Plan, schedule, allocate,
and control people and
resources needed to
complete a project
according to schedule
Financial management Provide income and
expense tracking and
reporting to monitor and
plan budgets.
Desktop Publishing (DTP) Use Personal computers
and high- resolution
printers to create high-
quality printed output,
including text and
graphics
Creativity Helps generate
innovative and creative
ideas and problem
solutions.

Software Suite- A collection of single application programs packaged in a
bundle.
Workgroup Application Software
Software that supports teamwork, whether in one location or
around the world
Ernst & Youngs Three Cs rule for groupware
1. Convenient- If its hard to use, its not used; It should be as easy to use
as the telephone
2. Content- It must provide a constant stream of rich, relevant and
personalized content.
3. Coverage- If it isnt close to everything you need, it might never be used.
Enterprise Application Software
Accounts Receivable Sales Ordering
Accounts Payable Order entry
Airline industry
operations
Payroll
Automatic teller Systems HR management
Cash- flow analysis Check Processing
Credit and Charge card
administration
Tax planning and
preparation
Manufacturing control Receiving


Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software- A set of integrated programs
that manage a companys vital business operations for an entire multisite,
global organization
Programming Language- Sets of keywords, symbols, and a system of rules
for constructing statements by which humans can communicate
instructions to be executed by a computer.
Syntax- Set of rules associated with a programming language.
Software Issues and Trends
Software Bugs- a defect in a computer program that keeps it from
performing as it is designed to perform.
Copyrights and Licenses- Most software products are protected by law
using copyright or licensing provisions. Its purpose is to prevent people
from copying software and giving it to others without restrictions.
Software Upgrades- software companies revise their programs and sell
new versions periodically. When software companies stop supporting old
software versions or releases, some customers feel forced to upgrade to
the newer software.
Global Software Support- Large global companies have little trouble
persuading vendors to sell them software licenses for even the most far-
flung outposts of their company. Supporting local operations is one of the
biggest challenge IS teams face when putting together standardized,
companywide systems.