IT IN BUSINESS (BBA)

Zaid Ahmad, Iqra University

Lecture Objectives
Identify the five components of a computer system Understand software, hardware and relation between them Identify operating system and application program Understand information and its processing activities Differentiate between single user and multiuser systems

Computer System
Hardware

Programs People

Computer system

Procedures

Information

Hardware
Carries out the activities of computing, storing or communication data divided into four categories Input devices Processors Output devices Storage devices preferably secondary storage devices

Hardware Input Devices

Keyboards: letters of alphabets and symbols, alphabetic and numeric keys Point-of-sale Terminals: numeric data-pad and special purpose keys like sale, refund etc. Mouse: points at commands on the screen Image scanners: light illuminates information hardcopy and read into the computer, inputs designs, charts and graphs Barcode scanners and wands: scanning of barcode information Microphones: audio inputs Pre-recorded sources: audio/video cassettes, CDs etc.

Hardware Input Devices (2)

Hardware the Processor

Central Processing Unit or CPUs: A set of electronic circuits that perform the computers processing actions Microprocessor: The smallest type of processor, with all types of the processing capabilities on a single chip Arithmetic Logic Unit or ALU

Hardware the Processor (2)

Motherboard or System-board: the system unit in a microcomputer, located on a board mounted on the bottom of a computer base. Main Memory: Primary storage or main memory; storage within the computer itself; holds data temporarily, while the computer executes instructions

Hardware Output Devices

Devices for result of entering and processing data and information Information useful for human user Commands for input of other devices

Hardware Output Devices (2)

Control printer Direct display Control another device Generic sounds Initiate transmission of information

Hardware Storage Devices

Preferably names as secondary storage devices; external to the computer but read by it Diskettes like floppy disks Hard Disks Optical Disk like CD ROM disks Magnetic tapes Flash drives

Hardware Peripheral Equipment

Any device attached to computer physically or wirelessly

Software
Set of instructions to control a computer or a network System software: Operating System and Utilities Application software: A program for a specific use; word processor and spreadsheet applications Operating system: a combination of programs that coordinates the actions of computer including its peripheral devices and memory; CLI and GUI DOS and Windows Programs: in-charge of hardware; a specific sequence of instructions to direct computer to perform certain tasks and produce certain results; protocols

Software Software Packages

An application meant for sale to businesses and general public; MS Word Spreadsheet Packages: rows and columns for data or information; cells Word-processor Packages: enter, edit, move, store and print textual information like MS Excel Desktop Publishers: combination of text and image handling like MS Publisher Graphics: descriptions of data with trends, tracks, performance levels, categories comparisons for example MS Project Illustration Programs: draw images, create special effects, and translate ideas into visual forms like Adobe Illustrator

Software Software Packages

Database Management: records, fields, attributes, objects, files etc. e.g. MS Access Communication Programs: interactions between the computers Information System Programs or MISs: designed to produce the information needed for successful management of a structured problem, process, department of business; e. g. payroll and production management

Information
Organized, meaningful and useful interpretation of data Text Sound Images Videos

People
Users and IT Professionals Users: hands-on, indirect, user managers, senior managers IT Professionals: Programmers, System analysts, system designers, project managers, network specialists, trainers, computer operators, computer engineers, system engineers

Procedures
Step-by-step process for accomplishing specific results Operations procedures: how a computer system or application is used, how often it can be used, who is authorized to use it, where the results of processing should go Backup and Recovery Procedures: how and when to make extra copies of information or software to protect losses; when to restore the backup Security Procedures: safeguard datacenter, communication network, computer and other IT equipment from accidental or intentional intrusion or damage Development Procedures: how IT professionals should describe user needs and develop applications to meet those needs

Introduction to Systems
Personal/Single-user Systems: stands alone, meaning it is not interconnected with other computers or shared by other people Shared by more than one user