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Questions and Answers
What is the primary role of information systems according to the text?
What is the primary role of information systems according to the text?
During which era were computers first used as a way to more efficiently do calculations?
During which era were computers first used as a way to more efficiently do calculations?
In which era were room-sized computers commonly used in businesses?
In which era were room-sized computers commonly used in businesses?
What marked the beginning of the PC Revolution according to the text?
What marked the beginning of the PC Revolution according to the text?
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Which group of employees are highlighted as essential in information systems?
Which group of employees are highlighted as essential in information systems?
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What is the evolving role of information systems in organizations according to the text?
What is the evolving role of information systems in organizations according to the text?
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What was a key driver of innovation in the personal computer market during the 1980s?
What was a key driver of innovation in the personal computer market during the 1980s?
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What was the primary purpose of the client-server networking architecture that emerged in the mid-1980s?
What was the primary purpose of the client-server networking architecture that emerged in the mid-1980s?
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How did the development of the Microsoft Windows operating system impact the personal computer market?
How did the development of the Microsoft Windows operating system impact the personal computer market?
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What was a common use for personal computers during the 1980s?
What was a common use for personal computers during the 1980s?
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How were early personal computers different from modern networked computers?
How were early personal computers different from modern networked computers?
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What was the primary driver behind the emergence of the client-server networking architecture in the mid-1980s?
What was the primary driver behind the emergence of the client-server networking architecture in the mid-1980s?
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What was the primary computing device used in most businesses for the first thirty years before the recent decline in sales?
What was the primary computing device used in most businesses for the first thirty years before the recent decline in sales?
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What has allowed the limited storage and processing power of tablets and smartphones to be offset?
What has allowed the limited storage and processing power of tablets and smartphones to be offset?
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What is Walmart's current position as the world's largest retailer?
What is Walmart's current position as the world's largest retailer?
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What role have information systems played in Walmart's rise to prominence as the world's leading retailer?
What role have information systems played in Walmart's rise to prominence as the world's leading retailer?
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What is the relationship between the mainframe and the PC in the text?
What is the relationship between the mainframe and the PC in the text?
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Study Notes
The Rise of Personal Computers
- The introduction of Altair 8800 in 1975 sparked the imagination of entrepreneurs, leading to the establishment of dozens of companies producing personal computers.
- During the 1980s, many new computer companies emerged, offering less expensive versions of PCs, driving prices down and spurring innovation.
Microsoft and Windows Operating System
- Microsoft developed the Windows operating system, making PCs even easier to use.
- Common uses for PCs during this period included word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Client-Server Architecture
- In the mid-1980s, businesses began connecting their computers together, using a client-server architecture, where users logged in to a local area network (LAN) from their PC, connecting to a powerful computer called a server.
- Software companies developed applications allowing multiple users to access the same data simultaneously.
The Role of Information Systems
- Information systems are becoming more integrated with organizational processes, bringing more productivity and better control.
- The people involved in information systems, from front-line help-desk workers to chief information officers, are essential elements that must not be overlooked.
The Evolution of Information Systems
- Over the years, the role of information systems has evolved from taking data and turning it into information to transforming it into organizational knowledge.
- Information systems have become the backbone of the organization.
The Mainframe Era
- From the late 1950s to the 1960s, computers were used to efficiently perform calculations, with room-sized machines linked together.
The Post-PC World
- After thirty years as the primary computing device, PC sales are declining, as sales of tablets and smartphones are increasing.
- The limited storage and processing power of these devices are being offset by a move to "cloud" computing, allowing for massive-scale storage, sharing, and backup of information.
Walmart's Use of Information Systems
- Walmart's rise to prominence is attributed to their effective use of information systems.
- Walmart serves over 200 million customers every week, worldwide, and earned $15.2 billion on sales of $443.9 billion in the fiscal year ending January 31, 2012.
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Description
Explore the history of personal computers during the 1980s, including the rise of new computer companies, the development of Windows operating system by Microsoft, and common uses such as word processing and spreadsheets.
