Information Systems: Hardware Components

Chapter Introduction

• The chapter focuses on the technology or hardware component of information systems, exploring the foundational elements that underpin modern computing and information processing.
• Computer hardware encompasses a wide range of physically touchable devices such as personal computers, mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, various forms of storage solutions, and myriad input/output devices, each serving distinct purposes in user interactions and data manipulation.
• Moreover, many everyday items, which were not previously recognized as digital devices, are now being transformed through technological advancements and are becoming increasingly computerized and integrated into contemporary life. This integration exemplifies the shifting landscape of our interaction with technology, as commonplace objects evolve into smart devices.

Digital Devices

• Digital devices work by processing electronic signals and converting them into discrete values, which contrasts with the continuous nature of analog signals that previously dominated the technology landscape.
• At the core of digital communication is binary code, which utilizes two discrete values—1 (indicating 'on') and 0 (indicating 'off')—to encapsulate and represent the presence or absence of an electronic signal. This binary form is fundamental to the operation of nearly all modern computers.
• A bit, the basic unit of information in computing, is a singular representation of either a one or a zero. Multiplying this unit, a byte consists of a group of eight bits and is often used to represent a single character in data encoding.
• Word size, an important element in modern computing, refers to the amount of information—a specific number of bits—that a computer's processor can handle in a single operation. This processing capability has evolved, and contemporary processors typically feature a 64-bit architecture, indicative of increased data handling capacity.
• In discussing digital information storage units, various prefixes are applied to the term "byte," which indicate magnitude and allow for easier understanding of data sizes. These include:
  • Kilo, representing one thousand bytes
  • Mega, representing one million bytes
  • Giga, representing one billion bytes
  • Tera, representing one trillion bytes
  • Peta, representing one quadrillion bytes

Personal Computer Tour

• Computers fundamentally operate by accepting data as input, processing it with predefined instructions that reside within the system, and subsequently outputting information in a user-usable format. This cycle forms the backbone of computer functionality.
• Every personal computer is equipped with several essential components that enable these operations, including:
  • A network connection that facilitates communication with other devices
  • A motherboard, which serves as the main circuit board
  • A Central Processing Unit (CPU), which acts as the engine of computation
  • Storage or memory devices that retain data for both short-term and long-term use
  • Input/output devices that allow for user interaction, data entry, and information retrieval

Network Connection

• Initially, computers operated as standalone units, with data being transferred through removable media forms, such as floppy disks and CDs, which limited their usability and connectivity.
• To facilitate connectivity and allow computers to access networks, Network Interface Cards (NIC) were introduced, establishing a bridge between individual computers and digital networks.
• By the mid-1990s, Ethernet ports became standard features on motherboards, significantly enhancing network capabilities and facilitating faster data transfer between devices.
• The turn of the millennium saw the introduction of wireless networking technologies, which transformed the landscape further by allowing devices to communicate and access networks without physical cables, enhancing convenience and mobility.

Motherboard

• The motherboard is regarded as the central hub of the computer, acting as the main circuit board that interconnects vital components such as the CPU, memory, and storage devices, thus allowing them to communicate with each other effectively.
• Motherboards come in various shapes and sizes tailored to different computer designs, including desktops, laptops, and specialized systems, accommodating unique form factors and user requirements.
• Modern motherboards are increasingly sophisticated and often integrate critical features such as network interface cards, graphics capabilities, and sound processing units, consolidating numerous functions into a single board.
• Moreover, the motherboard facilitates electrical communication across the entire system via buses—these are channels that determine the speed and efficiency at which data moves between components and ultimately influence the performance of the computer.

Processing Data

• At the heart of any computer system is the Central Processing Unit (CPU), often referred to as the "brain" of the computer, responsible for executing instructions and processing data.
• Two primary manufacturers—Intel and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)—dominate the CPU market, producing processors with varying architectures and capabilities to meet diverse computing needs.
• CPU speed, indicative of the processing power, is measured in hertz, representing cycles of processing per second. Higher frequencies mean more operations can be completed in a given timeframe, directly impacting performance.
• Key frequency benchmarks include:
  • Kilohertz, which denotes one thousand cycles per second
  • Megahertz, signifying one million cycles per second
  • Gigahertz, meaning one billion cycles per second
• Multi-core CPU designs, such as dual-core or quad-core chips, enhance processing power by effectively distributing the workload across multiple processing units, allowing for more efficient multitasking.
• Intel's Core i7 processors typically feature six cores, while even more powerful Core i9 processors can contain up to 16 cores, enabling them to handle demanding tasks with greater ease.
• "Moore's Law" is a well-known observation that suggests the number of transistors on a microprocessor doubles approximately every two years, driving a trend towards more powerful and cost-effective chips.
• This trend indicates that computing power also tends to double every two years at consistent price points, highlighting the rapid pace of technological evolution.
• Additionally, "Huang's Law" postulates that performance improvements in graphics processing units (GPUs)—particularly those designed for artificial intelligence—exceed the rates predicted by Moore’s Law, with these units often more than doubling in performance annually.

Storing Data

• Random-Access Memory (RAM) acts as the working memory for a computer, providing quick access to data that is actively being utilized, offering transfer speeds that outpace traditional hard disk drives.
• The volatile nature of RAM means that any data stored is lost when the power is turned off, which underscores its role primarily as temporary storage for immediate processing needs.
• In contrast, hard disks serve as long-term storage solutions, retaining data even when power is lost; these are considered non-volatile types of storage.
• Solid State Drives (SSDs) utilize flash memory technology to deliver far quicker processing speeds than traditional hard disks, which rely on spinning platters to read and write data.
• SSDs have become increasingly popular due to their lightweight construction, durability against physical shock, and higher efficiency; however, they tend to come at a premium price compared to hard disks.
• Some modern computer systems incorporate both SSDs and hard disks to capitalize on the benefits of each, typically using SSDs for the operating system and frequently accessed files while relegating infrequently used files to hard disk storage.
• The evolution of removable storage media has led to a transition from floppy disks to CD-ROMs, and more recently to USB drives, which now provide versatile storage and easy accessibility.
• Cloud computing introduces an innovative paradigm for data storage by providing online platforms that allow for data storage, accessibility, recovery, and regular updates. Notable examples include:
  • Microsoft OneDrive, known for its seamless integration with other Microsoft services
  • Google Drive, offering robust collaborative functionalities for users
  • Dropbox, emphasizing user-friendly file-sharing capabilities

Computer Speed Factors

• The speed of a computer system is intrinsically linked to both hardware and software components, and understanding these interconnected factors is crucial for anyone seeking to enhance performance.
• Improving speed is often achieved by optimizing the physical layout of circuits, thereby shortening the travel distances for electrons within the hardware, which reduces latency in data processing.
• Advancements in integrated circuit design have led to faster operation rates, as shrinking the physical size of circuits allows for a greater number of circuits to be packed into a single chip, boosting overall performance.
• Furthermore, technologies such as multi-core processors and Intel's QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) greatly enhance CPU speeds while minimizing the need for communication between RAM and the hard drives, effectively speeding up processing times.
• Several hardware components are critical in determining overall speed, including:
  • CPU—where the clock speed in GHz delineates the rate at which cycles are completed for processing tasks
  • Motherboard—where the bus speed measured in MHz indicates the data transfer rate across different computer components
  • RAM—where the data transfer rate indicated in megabytes per second (Mb/s) affects how quickly data is relayed from memory to the system
  • Hard Disk—where metrics like access time in milliseconds (ms) determine how quickly data can be located, and transfer rates in Mbit/s define how swiftly data moves from the disk to the system.

Input and Output Devices

• Computers necessitate channels for input and output, which are essential for users to interact with the computational system.
• Connection ports located on the motherboard facilitate these interactions, enabling users to connect various devices and transfer data efficiently.
• In the contemporary technological landscape, the most common connection interface for devices is USB ports, which support a wide range of peripherals.
• Additionally, Bluetooth technology has emerged as a standardized method for short-distance wireless data exchange between devices equipped with Bluetooth-capable chips, enhancing connectivity without physical wires.
• Common input devices include:
  • Keyboards, providing users with a means to enter text and control the computer
  • Mice, enabling point-and-click interaction with graphical user interfaces
  • Touch screens, which facilitate direct interaction through taps and gestures
  • Scanners, capable of digitizing physical documents into electronic formats
  • Microphones, capturing audio input for various applications
  • Webcams, allowing for visual input in communication or recording scenarios
• Output devices serve the purpose of conveying information from the system to the user, and they include:
  • Monitors, displaying visual output through graphical representations
  • Printers, producing physical copies of digital documents
  • Speakers, providing audio output for media content
  • Headphones, allowing for personal audio experience
  • Projectors, which can present content on larger displays for group viewing

3D Printing

• 3D printers represent a notable advancement in manufacturing technology, allowing the creation of three-dimensional objects from computer-generated models.
• The construction process often involves layer-by-layer assembly using a variety of materials such as plastic, glass, metals, or wax, facilitating diverse applications.
• This technology is particularly advantageous for prototyping product designs, as it allows for rapid iterations and adjustments before final production.
• Applications of 3D printing extend into many fields, including the medical sector, where it can be used to create prosthetic limbs and personalized medical devices, as well as aerospace, where it contributes to the production of intricate aircraft components.

Trends in Personal Computing

• Personal computers are no longer single-purpose devices; they have evolved into multifunctional tools that support a wide array of applications across various sectors.
• This integration of technology has significantly enhanced portability, making computers more accessible to users on the go.
• Portable computing options today encompass laptops, notebooks, and netbooks, all designed to be lightweight and equipped with extended battery life to facilitate mobile usage.
• Netbooks are specifically designed to leverage internet-based "cloud" storage, minimizing the need for extensive onboard storage and relying heavily on Wi-Fi for connectivity.
• Smartphones represent a merging of multiple functionalities, combining capabilities such as telephone communication, email access, GPS location services, and calendar management into a singular handheld device.
• The launch of the Apple iPhone in 2007 and the subsequent introduction of Android phones in 2008 marked a revolutionary moment in mobile computing, paving the way for a new era of personal technology.
• Tablet computers, designed for touch interaction and lightweight portability, have significantly altered how users engage with digital content, with Apple establishing the market standard with the iPad's release in 2010.
• Competitors in the tablet space, such as Samsung with its Galaxy line and Amazon with the Fire, have sought to capture market share through innovative features and competitive pricing.

Integrated Computing and Internet of Things (IoT)

• The integration of computing technology extends beyond traditional computing devices and is now embedded in numerous everyday objects, including cars, refrigerators, and airplanes.
• The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the interconnection of these devices, each equipped with unique network addresses, facilitating data collection and sharing autonomously without requiring direct human intervention.
• Everyday objects, from smart light bulbs to wearable fitness trackers and even autonomous vehicles, are making up the IoT ecosystem, which leverages data to improve functionality and user experience.
• Smartphone applications play a pivotal role in controlling and monitoring IoT devices, allowing users to manage systems such as garage door openers, kitchen appliances, thermostats, home security setups, and audio systems from anywhere with internet access.

PC Commoditization and E-waste

• The personal computer market has reached a point of commoditization, where products exhibit little differentiation from one another, leading to increased competition focused on pricing strategies.
• In this highly competitive landscape, price considerations often dictate consumer purchasing decisions, resulting in minimal profit margins for many manufacturers.
• Apple has managed to stand out in this saturated market by innovating and designing unique products that rely on closed standards, emphasizing a lifestyle rather than price-driven competition.
• Moreover, the rapid obsolescence of technology and electronics has fueled a burgeoning electronic waste (e-waste) crisis, as devices quickly become outdated or unserviceable.
• In 2012 alone, Canada contributed 14.3 million tonnes of waste to the global e-waste problem, highlighting the pressing need for sustainable practices in electronic consumption and disposal.
• E-waste poses serious environmental threats because it may harbor toxic materials such as cadmium, mercury, and lead, which can leach into the environment if not disposed of responsibly.
• The complexities of recycling e-waste are compounded by discrepancies in international laws, as some practices can border on unethical, where e-waste is sent abroad for cheaper processing, often resulting in dangerous working conditions.
• Given these implications, it is incumbent upon managers and business leaders to consider the ethical ramifications associated with their operations, particularly concerning the impact of e-waste on society and the environment.