WKL3 2.pdf

0 4 2 2 I BM1101 Information Systems and Database Design Hardware and Software...

0 4 2 2 I BM1101 Information Systems and Database Design Hardware and Software Recap: Computer System Components A system: is a set of elements or components that interact to accomplish goals. Systems have inputs, processing mechanisms, outputs and feedback. A Business Information System (BIS): is a group of interrelated components that work collectively to carry out input, processing, output, storage and control (feedback) actions in order to convert data into information products that can be used to support forecasting, planning, control, coordination, decision making and operational activities in an organisation Week 3 2  Why Learn About Hardware and Software? Computer hardware and software must be carefully selected to meet the evolving needs of the organization and of its supporting information systems. Organizations invest in hardware and software to: Improve worker productivity Facilitate collaboration among employees Reduce costs Increase revenue Speed up time to market Provide better customer service Week 3 3 Why Learn About Hardware and Software? Managerial expectation regarding hardware and software investments Define business needs Ask relevant questions and evaluate options Managers must: Assess opportunities Evaluate options and features Be willing to invest in computer hardware and software when and where the business conditions warrant Week 3 4 -  HARDWARE 5 What is hardware? Hardware Describes the physical components of a computer system The physical equipment used for the input, processing, output, and storage activities of a computer system Hardware components include devices that perform: Input Processing Data storage Output Week 3 6  Anatomy of a Computer FIGURE 4.1 Basic anatomy of a computer Computer hardware components include the central processing unit or cpu, memory, bus, and input/output devices. Week 3 7 Basic hardware components of a computer system Input / output devices: Provide data and instructions to the computer and receives results from it Central processing unit (CPU) or processor: Components include arithmetic/logic unit, the control unit, and the register areas Part of the computer that sequences and executes instructions Performs processing by carrying out instructions given in the form of computer programs Primary storage or memory: As a temporary means of storage data and instructions Week 3 8  Basic hardware components of a computer system Motherboard the backbone of the computer; connects all of its components Bus a set of physical connections (cables, printed circuits, etc.) that can be shared by multiple hardware components so they can communicate with one another Storage devices: Provides a means of storing data and programs permanently until they are required. Week 3 9 Multiprocessing, Parallel Computing & Grid Computing Multiprocessing: the simultaneous execution of two or more instructions at the same time Parallel processing / Parallel computing: the simultaneous execution of the same task on multiple processors to obtain results faster Week 3 10  Multiprocessing, Parallel Computing & Grid Computing Grid computing: A collection of computers working in a coordinated manner to solve a common problem Often owned by multiple individuals or organizations Low cost approach to parallel processing Central server is key Divides computing task into subtasks Assigns work to grid computers Monitors processing Week 3 11 Input and Output Devices: The Gateway to Computer Systems Input and output devices: Allow the user to provide data and instructions to the computer and to receive results from it Are part of a computer’s user interface Organizations should keep their business goals in mind when selecting input and output devices Week 3 12  Input and Output Devices: Characteristics and Functionality Desired characteristics Input devices: allow accurate and rapid entry Output devices: produce timely results The nature of data Human-readable data is often transferred into the computer system Some data is both human- and machine readable, e.g., magnetic ink on bank checks Week 3 13 Data Entry and Input Two-stage process of getting data into the computer system 1. Data entry: converting human-readable data into a machine-readable form 2. Data input: transferring the machine- readable data into the system Many companies are using online data entry and input Week 3 14  Source Data Automation Capturing and editing data where it is initially created and in a form that can be directly entered into a computer Ensures accuracy and timeliness Example: salesperson entering a sales order into the computer at the time and place the order is taken Week 3 15 Input Devices Devices for general types of data Personal computer input devices Contactless payment cards Speech-recognition technology Point-of-sale (POS) devices Motion-sensing devices Automated teller machine (ATM) Digital cameras devices Scanning devices Bar-code scanners Optical data readers Radio frequency identification Magnetic ink character recognition (RFID) (MICR) devices Pen input devices Magnetic stripe cards Touch-sensitive screens Week 3 Smart cards 16  Examples Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) devices Radio frequency identification (RFID) Week 3 17 Selecting input devices To ensure that any computerized systems works as efficient as possible Based on 3 basic criteria: Volume Speed Accuracy Other criteria Complexity of data Cost Frequency of data entry Week 3 18  Output Devices Computer systems provide output to decision makers at all levels of an organization Output from one system can provide input into another computer system; can be visual, audio or digital. Types of Output Devices: Display Screens Printers and Plotters Audio and Electronic Books Designed to provide the right information to the right person in the right format at the right time Week 3 19 Selecting output devices Selection of an inappropriate output device can incur unnecessary costs and lead to a variety of other problem When selecting, factors to be considered: Appropriateness Response time Speed Cost Week 3 20  Storage Devices Used to store programs, data awaiting processing and the information resulting from computer processing Categorized as: Primary storage When data are loaded into computer memory Secondary storage Data are stored on a separate device where data will be retained even if the machine is switched off Week 3 21 Memory Main memory Provides the CPU with a working storage area for programs and data Rapidly provides data and instructions to the CPU Storage capacity Byte (B): eight bits that together represent a single character of data Types of Memory Random access memory (RAM) is temporary and volatile Cache memory: a type of high-speed memory that a processor can access more rapidly than main memory Read-only memory (ROM) is nonvolatile Week 3 It provides permanent storage for data and instructions that do not change 22  Secondary Storage Devices that store large amounts of data, instructions, and information more permanently than allowed with memory Advantages over memory: Non volatility, Greater capacity Greater economy Secondary storage is not directly accessible by the CPU Computers usually use input/output channels to access secondary storage and then transfer the desired data to intermediate areas in primary storage Most common forms: Magnetic, Optical and Solid state Week 3 23 Secondary Storage Devices Magnetic tape Magnetic disk RAID (redundant array of independent/inexpensive disks) Virtual tape Optical discs Digital versatile disc Holographic disc Memory cards (including flash memory) Week 3 24  Selecting storage devices Basic factors to consider: Speed Storage capacity Cost Other factors: Reliability Permanence Security Week 3 25 Storage as a Service Storage as a Service A data storage model where a data storage service provider rents space to individuals and organizations Rented data storage is accessed via the Internet Cloud-based storage services Amazon’s Elastic Compute Cloud, Apple iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft SkyDrive, and Mozy Amazon’s Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) allows subscribers to upload, store, and download data Week 3 26  Computer System Types General classification Special-purpose computers General-purpose computers Three classes of general-purpose computers Portable computers used by one user at a time Nonportable computers used by one person at a time Systems used by multiple concurrent users Week 3 27 Portable Computers Portable computers are small enough to carry easily Includes: Smartphones Laptops Notebooks Tablets Wearable computers An electronic device capable of storing and processing data that is incorporated into a person’s clothing or personal accessories Health tracking wrist bands and smart watches are examples Week 3 28  Portable Computers Smartphones Allow users to place calls, download and run apps, send and receive text messages and email, view documents and files, take and send photos and videos, get driving directions via GPS, browse Web sites, and create playlists of digital tunes Mobile Computers Laptops are designed for use by mobile users Notebooks and ultrabooks are smaller than laptops Tablet computers are portable, lightweight computers with or without a keyboard Week 3 29 Nonportable, Single-User Computers Thin clients Low-cost, centrally managed computers No internal or external attached drives for data storage Desktop computers Single-user computer systems Highly versatile Provide sufficient computing power, memory, and storage for most business computing tasks Week 3 30  Nonportable, Single-User Computers Nettop computer Very small, inexpensive desktop computer Used for Internet access, email, accessing Web-based applications, document processing, and audio/video playback Require one-tenth the amount of power Workstations More powerful than personal computers Small enough to fit on a desktop Support engineering and technical users Week 3 31 Servers, Mainframes, and Supercomputers Server A computer employed by many users to perform a specific task, such as running network or Internet applications Several types Web server, enterprise server, file server Usually has special features that make it more suitable for operating in a multiuser environment Offers great scalability: the ability to increase the processing capability Enable the system to handle more users, more data, or more transactions Week 3 32  Servers, Mainframes, and Supercomputers Mainframe computer Large, powerful computer Shared by dozens or hundreds of concurrent users connected to the machine over a network Backward compatibility Key feature allowing current mainframes to run software created decades ago Supercomputers Special-purpose machines Designed for applications requiring extensive and rapid computational capabilities Week 3 33 Server Farms, Data Centers, and Green Computing This section provides an overview of what the computer industry and various organizations are doing to meet their computing needs in a more efficient and environmentally friendly manner Week 3 34  Server Farms Server farm: a room used to house a large number of servers Access to the machines can be controlled and authorized support personnel can more easily manage and maintain the servers Virtual server: a method of logically dividing the resources of a single physical server to create multiple logical servers Each logical server acts as its own dedicated machine Blade server: a server that houses many individual computer motherboards Include one or more processors, computer memory, computer storage, and computer network connections Share a common power supply and air-cooling source within a single chassis Week 3 35 Server Farms Week 3 36  Data Center Data center A climate-and-access-controlled building or a set of buildings Houses the computer hardware that delivers an organization’s data and information services Factors driving growth in data centers: Demand for additional computing capacity Need for additional storage capacity Some organizations are consolidating data centers from many locations down to just a few locations Week 3 37 Data Center Week 3 38  Data Center Construction Considerations More efficient operation and reduced energy for processing and cooling Modular design Location: areas with milder climates and lower energy rates and land costs Ability to absorb the impact of a disaster (e.g., hurricane, earthquake, terrorism attack, or war) and quickly restore services Week 3 39 Green Computing A program concerned with the efficient and environmentally responsible design, manufacture, operation, and disposal of IS-related products Goals Reduce the use of hazardous material Allow companies to lower their power-related costs Enable safe disposal or recycling of equipment Week 3 40  Summary - Hardware The computer hardware industry is rapidly changing and highly competitive, creating an environment ripe for technological breakthroughs Computer hardware should be selected to meet specific user and business requirements Hardware is the physical components of a computer system consisting of input devices, memory, CPU, output devices and storage devices. Input and output devices are part of a user interface through which human beings interact with computer systems Week 3 41 Summary - Hardware Input devices are used to enter data, information or instructions Output devices display the results of computer processing. Storage devices are used to store programs, data awaiting processing and the information resulting from computer processing The computer hardware industry and users are implementing green computing designs and products Week 3 42  SOFTWARE 43 An Overview of Software Software Consists of computer programs that control the workings of computer hardware Computer programs: sequences of instructions for the computer Documentation: text that describes program functions to help the user operate the computer system Types of software Systems software Application software Week 3 44  Systems Software The set of programs that coordinates the activities and functions of hardware and other programs Each type of systems software is designed for a specific CPU and class of hardware Computer system platform: the combination of a hardware configuration and systems software Week 3 45 Systems Software: Functions and Types Controls the operations of computer hardware Supports the application programs’ problem-solving capabilities Types of systems software Operating systems Utility programs Middleware Week 3 46  Systems software: Operating Systems A set of programs that controls computer hardware and acts as an interface with application programs Combinations of OSs, Computers, and Users Single computer with a single user Single computer with multiple simultaneous users Multiple computers with multiple users Special-purpose computers Kernel: The heart of the operating system Controls the most critical processes of the OS Ties all of the OS components together and regulates other programs Week 3 47 Operating System Activities Functions performed by the OS Controlling common computer hardware functions Providing a user interface and input/output management Providing a degree of hardware independence Managing system memory Managing processing tasks Providing networking capability Controlling access to system resources Managing files Week 3 48  Operating Systems Common Hardware Functions Get input from keyboard or another input device Retrieve data from disks Store data on disks Display information on a monitor or printer Week 3 49 Operating Systems User Interface and Input/Output Management A user interface allows individuals to access and interact with the computer system A command-based user interface requires text commands A graphical user interface (GUI) The user interacts with icons and menus to send commands to the computer system Week 3 50  Operating Systems Other user interfaces: A natural user interface (NUI) or multitouch interface Speech recognition Sight interfaces Brain interfaces Week 3 51 Operating Systems Hardware Independence Application program interface (API): a set of programming instructions and standards for one software program to access and use the services of another software program Hardware independence allows software development without concern for the specific underlying hardware Memory Management Allows the computer to execute program instructions effectively and to speed processing Virtual memory: hard disk space is allocated to supplement the immediate, functional memory capacity Week 3 of RAM 52  Operating Systems Processing Tasks: Five basic task management techniques Multiuser: allows two or more users to run programs at the same time on one computer Multiprocessing: supports running a program on more than one CPU Multitasking: allows more than one program to run concurrently Multithreading: allows different threads of a single program to run concurrently A thread is a set of instructions within an application that is independent of other threads Real time: responds to input instantly Week 3 53 Operating Systems Networking Capability Allows computers in a network to send and receive data and share computing resources Access to System Resources and Security Provides protection against unauthorized access to the users’ data and programs Establishes a logon procedure May control access to specific system resources Tracks who is using the system, length of use, and attempted security breaches Week 3 54  Operating Systems File Management Ensures that files in secondary storage are available when needed Protects files from access by unauthorized users Week 3 55 Current Operating Systems Week 3 56  Current Operating Systems Personal Computing Operating Systems Microsoft PC OS, Apple Computer OS, Linux, Google: Android and Chrome Workgroup Operating Systems Windows Server, UNIX, Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server, Mac OS X Server Enterprise Operating Systems mainframe OSs Mobile Operating Systems Smartphones employ full-fledged computer OSs Google Android Apple iOS Week 3 Microsoft Windows Phone 57 Current Operating Systems Running multiple operating systems with server virtualization Server virtualization Logically dividing a single physical server’s resources to create multiple logical servers Virtual machine acts as its own dedicated machine Hypervisor Virtual server program that controls the host processor and resources, allocates the necessary resources to each virtual machine, and ensures that they do not disrupt each other Week 3 58  Current Operating Systems FIGURE 4.9 Server virtualization Virtualization is an approach to improving hardware utilization by logically dividing the resources of a single physical server to create multiple logical servers called virtual machines. Week 3 59 Systems software: Utility Programs Utility program: a program that helps to perform maintenance or correct problems with a computer system Common Types of Utility Programs: Hardware utilities Security utilities File-compression utilities Spam-filtering utilities Network and Internet utilities Server and mainframe utilities Week 3 Other utilities: mobile device management (MDM), defraggers, system cleaners, etc. 60  Systems software: Middleware Software that allows different systems to communicate and exchange data Provides messaging services Lies between OS and applications running on it Can also be used as an interface between the Internet and private corporate systems Service-oriented architecture (SOA) Discrete modules provide specific functions to applications Application programming interfaces (API) Set of programming instructions and standards Microservices can interact via APIs Week 3 61 Application Software Helps users solve particular problems In most cases, resides on the computer’s hard disk Can be stored on CDs, DVDs, or USB flash drives Application programs’ primary function To apply the power of the computer to enable people, workgroups, and the entire enterprise to solve problems and perform specific tasks Many software options are available Software can be selected that best meets the needs of the individual, workgroup, or enterprise Week 3 62  Approaches to acquiring application software Proprietary software: a one-of-a-kind program for a specific application Owned by the company, organization, or person that uses it Can give a company a competitive advantage Off-the-shelf software: software mass-produced by software vendors addresses needs that are common across businesses, organizations, or individuals Use a combination of customized and off-the-shelf application software Week 3 63 Proprietary Software Advantages and Disadvantages Advantages Disadvantages You can get exactly what you need in terms of It can take a long time and significant resources to features, reports, and so on. develop required features. Being involved in the development offers control In-house system development staff may be hard over the results. pressed to provide the required level of ongoing support and maintenance because of pressure to move on to other new projects. You can modify features that you might need to The features and performance of software that has counteract an initiative by competitors or to meet yet to be developed presents more potential risk. new supplier or customer demands. Week 3 64  Off-the-Shelf Software Advantages and Disadvantages Advantages Disadvantages The initial cost is lower because the software firm An organization might have to pay for features that can spread the development costs over many are not required and never used. customers. The software is likely to meet the basic business The software might lack important features, thus needs—you can analyze existing features and the requiring future modification or customization. performance of the pack- age before purchasing. This lack can be very expensive because users must adopt future releases of the soft- ware as well. The package is likely to be of high quality because The software might not match current work many customer firms have tested the software and processes and data standards. helped identify its bugs. Week 3 65 Software as a service (SaaS) Software as a service (SaaS) Third-party provider hosts applications Become available to subscribers over the Internet Businesses subscribe to Web-delivered business application software Vendors include Oracle, SAP, NetSuite, Salesforce, and Google Advantages Available from any computer or any device SaaS provider handles upgrades and patches Lower costs for software licensing SaaS provider manages service levels and availability Week 3 66  Software as a Service (SaaS) FIGURE 4.12 Software as a service Week 3 67 Personal Application Software Software for personal and business use Tax-preparation programs Software for creating Web sites, composing music, and editing photos and videos Educational and reference software Entertainment software Programs designed to promote physical activity Computer-assisted design (CAD) software Others Week 3 68  Personal Application Software Type of Software Explanation Example Word processing Create, edit, and print text documents Microsoft Word Google Docs Apple Pages OpenOffice Writer Spreadsheet Provide a wide range of built-in functions for Microsoft Excel statistical, financial, logical, database, graphics, and IBM Lotus 1-2-3 date and time calculations Google Spreadsheet Apple Numbers OpenOffice Calc Database Store, manipulate, and retrieve data Microsoft Access IBM Lotus Approach Borland dBASE Google Base OpenOffice Base Graphics Develop graphs, illustrations, and drawings Adobe Illustrator Adobe FreeHand Week 3 Microsoft PowerPoint 69 OpenOffice Impress Personal Application Software (cont’d.) Type of Software Explanation Example Project management Plan, schedule, allocate, and control people and resources Microsoft Project (money, time, and technology) needed to complete a Symantec On Target project according to schedule Scitor Project Scheduler Symantec Time Line Financial management Provide income and expense tracking and reporting to Intuit Quicken monitor and plan budgets (some programs have investment portfolio management features) Desktop publishing (DTP) Use with personal computers and high-resolution printers QuarkXpress to create high-quality printed output, including text and Microsoft Publisher graphics; various styles of pages can be laid out; art and Adobe InDesign text files from other programs can also be integrated into Corel Ventura Publisher published pages Apple Pages Week 3 70  Software Suites and Integrated Software Packages A collection of single programs packaged together in a bundle Suites can include: word processor, spreadsheet, database management, graphics, communications tools, and organizers Programs are designed to work similarly Bundled suite is cost effective Week 3 71 Major Components of Leading Software Suites Personal Corel G Suite Productivity Microsoft WordPerfect Apache (Google Function Office Office OpenOffice Apple iWork Apps) Word Word WordPerfect Writer Pages Docs processing Spreadsheet Excel Quattro Pro Calc Numbers Sheets Presentation PowerPoint Presentations Impress and Keynote Slides graphics Draw Database Access Paradox Base N/A N/A Table 4.10 Major components of leading software suites Week 3 72  Web-Based Productivity Software Suites Google, Zoho, and Thinkfree offer free online word processors, spreadsheets, presentations, and other software Microsoft Office 365 offers basic software suite features over the Internet using cloud computing Week 3 73 Mobile Application Software Number of apps has exploded Hundreds of thousands of applications have been developed by third parties Thousands of applications are available for iPhones from the Apple App Store Over one million apps are available in the Android market Microsoft and other software companies are investing in mobile app software Week 3 74  Mobile application categories Category Description Books and reference Access e-books, subscribe to journals, or look up information on the Merriam-Webster or Wikipedia Web sites Business and finance Track expenses, trade stocks, and access corporate information systems Entertainment Access all forms of entertainment, including movies, television programs, music videos, and information about local night life Games Play a variety of games, from 2D games such as Pacman and Tetris to 3D games such as Need for Speed, Call of Duty, and Minecraft Health and fitness Track workout and fitness progress, calculate calories, and even monitor your speed and progress from your wirelessly connected Nike shoes Week 3 75 Mobile application categories Category Description Lifestyle Find good restaurants, make a dinner reservation, select wine for a meal, and more Music Find, listen to, and create music News and weather Access major news and weather providers, including Reuters, AP, the New York Times, and the Weather Channel Photography Organize, edit, view, and share photos taken on your phone’s camera Productivity and utilities Create grocery lists, practice PowerPoint presentations, work on spreadsheets, synchronize with PC files, and more Week 3 76  Workgroup Application Software Workgroup application software Designed to support teamwork with people in the same location or dispersed around the world Groupware helps groups of people work together more effectively Also called collaborative software Web-based software Ideal for group use Personal application software Can extend into the workgroup application arena Week 3 77 Enterprise Application Software Enterprise application software Software that benefits an entire organization Shares data with other enterprise applications used within the organization Major considerations when selecting enterprise software Total cost Ease of installation Level of training and support required Integration with other enterprise applications Usability on smartphones and mobile devices is also an important factor Week 3 78  Application Software for Transaction Processing, Business Analytics, and Competitive Advantage Available in every industry Examples: Blackboard and other learning management software Software to visualize and analyze the human genome Natural resource planning Week 3 79 Software Issues and Trends Software issues: Software bugs Copyrights and licensing Freeware and open-source software Upgrades Week 3 80  Software bug Software bug: a defect in a program that keeps it from performing as it should Tips for reducing the impact of software bugs Register all software Check read-me files for work-arounds Access the support area of the manufacturer’s Web site for patches Install the latest software updates Week 3 81 Copyrights and Licenses Most software products are protected by law using copyright or licensing provisions: In some cases, you are given unlimited use of software on one or two computers In other cases, you pay for your usage; if you use the software more, you pay more Some software now requires that you register or activate it before it can be fully used Week 3 82  Software Licenses End User License Agreement (EULA) Legal agreement between the software manufacturer and the user of the software Stipulates the terms of usage Three primary types of end user licenses Single-user license Permits you to install the software on one or more computers, used by one person Individual/multiuser licenses Network/multiuser licenses Week 3 83 Software Licenses: Single-User Subtype Description General This license type allows the program to be installed and used on one CPU which is not accessed by other users over a network. The software will be used only on a single computer, and other users will not be able to access or run the software while connected to your computer. Perpetual license Allows the customer to install and use the software indefinitely. Technical support is included for a limited term, usually 90 days. Subscription license Allows the user to use the software for a specified time period. This license usually includes technical support and access to upgrades and patches released during the term of the subscription. At the end of the term, the user has several options: (1) renew the subscription; (2) purchase a perpetual license at a discounted cost; or (3) remove the soft- ware from the computer. Freeware license This license type is offered as freeware by the author and does not require paying any fee for use. Shareware license This is a license to use software for a trial period and then, if you continue to use the software, you must pay a shareware fee or cease using the software. Week 3 84  Freeware and Open-Source Software Freeware: Software Category software that is made available Apache HTTP Server Web server to the public for free Apache OpenOffice Application software Open-source software: Drupal Web publishing distributed, typically for free, Firefox Web browser with the source code Gimp Photo editing Examples of Open-Source Grisbi Personal accounting Software Linux Operating system MySQL Database software ProjectLibre Open Project Project management TABLE 4.13 Examples of open-source software Week 3 85 Software Upgrades Software companies revise their programs and sell new versions periodically Software upgrades vary widely in the benefits that they provide Developing an upgrading strategy is important for many businesses Helps to ensure that updated software is more stable with fewer errors and problems Week 3 86  Summary - Software Software is valuable in helping individuals, workgroups, and entire enterprises achieve their goals The OS is called the “soul of the computer” because it controls how you enter data into your computer, perform meaningful work, and display results Organizations typically use off-the-shelf software to meet common business needs and proprietary software to meet unique business needs The software industry continues to undergo constant change; computer users need to be aware of recent trends and issues in the software industry to be effective in their business and personal life Week 3 87 Summary - Software Main categories of software are systems software and application software An operating system (OS) is a set of computer programs that controls the computer hardware and acts as an interface with applications Utility programs can perform many useful tasks and often come installed on computers along with the OS Week 3 88  Summary Application software applies the power of the computer to solve problems and perform specific tasks Three approaches to acquiring application software: Build proprietary application software Buy existing programs off the shelf Use a combination of customized and off-the-shelf application software Week 3 89 Summary Important software issues and trends Software bugs Software copyrights and licensing Freeware and open-source software Software upgrades Week 3 90