Business Hardware and Software

www.cengage.co.uk/oz

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Objectives
List major hardware components of
computers and explain their functions
Classify computers into major categories,
and identify their strengths and weaknesses
Identify and evaluate key criteria for
deciding what computers or related devices
to purchase

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Objectives (continued)
Discuss the possible health hazards of
computer use
Explain the difference between application
software and system software
Enumerate the different generations of
programming languages and explain how
they differ

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Objectives (continued)

Cite the latest major developments in application

and system software
Clarify the differences between proprietary
software and open source software
List characteristics that are important in evaluating
packaged software applications for business use
Understand the problem of software piracy and
how it affects businesses and consumers

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Hardware Components
Hardware: physical computer components
Consider software before hardware
Computer must handle four operations
Accept data
Store data
Process data
Output data

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
Hardware Components (continued)

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Hardware Components (continued)

Input devices: receive signals from outside

of computer and transfer them into
computer
Central processing unit
Accepts instructions and data
Decodes and executes instructions
Stores output in memory

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Hardware Components (continued)

Internal memory: stores data and instructions

before and after CPU processes them
RAM: random access memory
ROM: read-only memory
Motherboard: CPU and primary memory
reside

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Hardware Components (continued)

External Memory: magnetic disks,

magnetic tapes, optical discs, DVDs, and
flash memory
Allows permanent storage
Output devices: deliver information from
computer to person
Most commonly monitors and printers
Includes audio devices
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Hardware Components (continued)

Bit: Binary digit

0 or 1
Byte: a standard group of eight bits
Most characters represented by single byte

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
Hardware Components (continued)

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Classification of Computers

Computers vary in size

Classified by power
Depends on processing speed and memory size
More powerful computers are more
expensive

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Supercomputers

Supercomputers: most powerful computer

at any given time
Largest in physical size and most expensive
Parallel processing: multiple processors
running simultaneously
Also known as multiprocessing

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Mainframe Computers

Mainframe computers: store large

amounts of data and business transactions
Less expensive and less powerful than
supercomputers
Banks, universities, and insurance companies
use them as a central computer
40-50% of worlds business data resides on
mainframes
Use multiple processors
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Midrange computers

Midrange computers: often act as servers

within organisations or through the Internet
Smaller and less powerful than mainframes
Serves hundred of users that connect from
personal computers
Use multiple processors

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Microcomputers

Microcomputers: personal computers,

notebook computers, and handhelds
Workstation: more powerful microcomputer
used for CAD, CAM, and scientific
applications
Power doubles about every two years

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Computers on the Go: Notebook,
Handheld, and Tablet Computers
Notebook computer: compact personal
computer powered by rechargeable battery
New models include wireless technology
Personal digital assistant: handheld computer
Stylus used to enter data through touch screen
Tablet computer: PC on a thick writing tablet

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Converging Technologies
Technology convergence: build several
technologies into single piece of hardware
Prominent in handheld units
Commonly merged technologies include
Cell phones
Television
Digital cameras
MP3 players
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 A Peek Inside the Computer

Professionals must know computer

components to understand its power and
capabilities
Use the knowledge to make good decisions in
purchasing a computer

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 The Central Processing Unit

CPU has two units to store and process data

Control unit and arithmetic logic unit
CPU is silicon chip with multiple circuits
Also known as microprocessor
Modern processors can do multithreading
Processing more than one program at a time

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 The Central Processing Unit
(continued)
Microprocessors are embedded with transistors
Transistor is a semiconductor that can
represent binary codes two states
Machine Cycle (CPU):
Fetch, decode execute each instruction
Data word: maximum number of bits that the
control unit can fetch
Arithmetic Logic Unit: arithmetic and logic
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Computer Power
Computer power depends on processing
speed and memory capacity
Bus: electronic lines or traces used for
communication inside computer
Throughput: number of bits per second bus
can accommodate
MIPS: millions of instructions per second, a
common measure of computer speed
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Input Devices

Computers must receive input to produce

output
Input devices include machines used to
enter instructions and data into computer
Most common input device is keyboard

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Keyboard
Contains keys that users press to enter data
Includes letters, numbers, and punctuation
QWERTY and Dvorak: QWERTY
standard
Dvorak facilitates faster typing
Ergonomic keyboard: fits the natural
position of forearms and prevents injury

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Mouse, Trackball, and Trackpad

Mouse: controls onscreen pointer to

facilitate point-and-click approach
Trackball: similar to mouse, but ball moves
within device
Trackpad: cursor controlled by touch-
sensitive pad
Mice and similar devices can be wireless
units
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Modes of Access
Sequential storage: data is organized one
record after another
Slower and less convenient
Direct access: records are organized by
physical address on the device
Flash drives: small storage devices that
connect via universal serial bus
Direct access storage media is only practical
way to organize and query databases
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
Modes of Access (continued)

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Magnetic Tapes

Magnetic tapes: similar to tape recorders

and VCRs
Provide lowest cost (bytes per dollar)
Can backup all data
Takes long time to copy from tape
Unreliable after a long period of time

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Magnetic Disks

Magnetic disk: most widely used storage

medium
Hard disk: stack of several aluminum
platters installed in same box that holds
CPU
Stores up to 500 GB of data
External hard disks connect to computer
through USB port
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Optical Discs
Optical disc: recorded by treating disc surface
to reflect light in different ways
Compact discs: available as read-only,
recordable, and rewritable
DVDs: store 4.7 GB per side
Optical discs are slower than hard disks

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Business Considerations in
Evaluating Storage Media
When purchasing storage devices managers
must consider:
How the data is used
Capacity of the device
Speed and cost
Reliability and portability

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Business Considerations in
Evaluating Storage Media (continued)

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Considerations in Purchasing
Hardware
Companies must consider the following when
deciding what to purchase:
Power of the equipment
Expansion slots and ports
Monitor type and resolution
Ergonomics

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Considerations in Purchasing
Hardware (continued)
Other factors include:
Compatibility with existing hardware
Physical size of computer
Reliability of vendor
Power consumption and noise
Scalability

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Software: Instructions to the
Computer
Applications: programs that contribute to
productivity
Software: series of instructions to execute
processes
Software categories:
Application software: enables task completion
System software: enables applications to run
on computer
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Programming Languages and
Software Development Tools
Programs needed for every computer operation
Programming: process of writing programs
Machine language: language hardware
understands
0s and 1s
Assembly language: easier to program than
machine language
Uses words
High-level programming language: English-
like statements
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Programming Languages and
Software Development Tools
(continued)
Software development tools: develop software
with little knowledge of programming languages
Third-generation languages known as
procedural languages
Programmer must detail logical procedure
Fourth-generation languages closer to human
language
Debugging: locating and fixing program errors
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
Programming Languages and Software
Development Tools (continued)

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Application Software
Application can be software to let
nonprogrammers develop their own tools
Application-specific software: performs
specific jobs
General-purpose application software:
serves multiple purposes
Usually comes as packaged software
Packaged software: ready to install from
external storage medium
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Office Productivity Applications

Productivity tools: assist normal office work

Word processors: type letters and articles
Spreadsheets: store numbers
Perform complex mathematical, statistical, and
financial functions
Presentation tools: develop impressive
presentations quickly

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Office Productivity Applications
(continued)
File management tools: create and manipulate
local or shared databases
Graphics programs: create intricate graphics
Manipulate digital photographs
Desktop publishing tools:
Pamphlets
Cards
Calendars
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 System Software
System software: deals with essential
operations
User interface
Loading files
Copying files
Managing memory resources
Encompasses compilers and interpreters
Applications must be compatible with
system software
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Operating Systems

Operating system: most important program

Recognizes input from keyboard
Sends output to computer display
Keeps track of files and directories
Runs applications

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Operating Systems (continued)

Operating system manages memory

Also known as platform
Interacts with user and CPU
Utilities: another OS functions
Hardware diagnostics
Disk check
File sorting
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Operating Systems (continued)

Plug-and-play: run a device as soon as you

physically attach it
Driver: enables OS to control device
Operating systems incorporating more
services
Database management
Networking
Security
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Operating Systems (continued)
Current operating systems
Windows XP
Linux
Mac OS
Linux: Free OS
Based on UNIX
Some versions of Windows notoriously
unstable

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
Operating Systems (continued)

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
Operating Systems (continued)

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Other System Software
Other system software
Compilers
Interpreters
Communications software
Utilities
Communications software supports transmission
and reception of data across networks
Utilities include antivirus programs, firewalls, and
spyware eliminators

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Open Source Software
Proprietary software: sold for profit
Private code
Developer retains rights to software
Open source software: free source code
Fewer bugs because many programmers review
Mozilla Firefox
Thunderbird
MySQL
PERL
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Software Licensing
Software is usually licensed
Licensed software: limited permission
Time-limited license requires annual fees
Several models
Permissive model
Anyone can use and sell modified versions
General public license
Cannot sell for profit

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Considerations for Packaged
Software
Many goals and custom requirements during
development process
Factors when purchasing large software
packages more complex
Cost
Time to implement
Cost of interrupting operations
Modification costs
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Summary
Understanding hardware is important for
purchasing decisions
Computers classified according to power
All computers have CPU to process
instructions
Clock rate measures the speed of a CPU
Computer word is the number of bits it can
process in a single cycle
Use with Management Information Systems 1e
By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Summary (continued)
Computer power: speed and memory size
RAM is volatile memory that forms a large
part of computers memory
ROM is nonvolatile: does not require power
When evaluating external storage, consider
density, transfer rate, capacity, portability,
format

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Summary (continued)

Data organized sequentially on tapes

Direct access storage devices include RAM,
magnetic disks, and optical discs
When purchasing hardware, managers
should consider power, scalability, and
compatibility

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Summary (continued)
Software is collective term for computer
programs
Software classified as: system or application
Programming languages and software
development tools help develop software

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning
 Summary (continued)
Office productivity tools such as word
processors and spreadsheets help worker
efficiency
Most important system software is operating
system
Open source software
Distributed freely
More reliable

Use with Management Information Systems 1e

By Effy Oz & Andy Jones ISBN 9781844807581
2008 Cengage Learning