Fundamentals & Ethics of Information Systems IS 201 Chapter 2 Hardware and Software Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 1

Principles and Learning Objectives Identify and discuss the role of the essential hardware components of a computer system Identify and discuss how data is represented in the computer Identify and briefly describe the functions of the two basic kinds of software Outline the role of the operating system and identify the features of several popular operating systems Discuss how application software can support personal, workgroup, and enterprise business objectives Outline the importance of software copyright Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 2

Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 3 Chapter Overview Why Learn about Hardware and Software? Hardware components Data representation Overview of software Summary Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 3

1. Why Learn About Hardware and Software? Hardware can improve productivity, increase revenue, reduce costs, and provide better service Managers are expected to know about hardware To help define business needs To ask questions and evaluate options when buying equipment Software is necessary for any computer system Systems software needed for input, calculations, and output Application software aids in productivity Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 4

Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 5 Computer Systems Choosing the right computer hardware requires understanding its relationship to the information system and needs of the organization Hardware objectives are subordinate to, but supportive of, the information system and the current and future needs of the organization Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 5

Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 6 2. Hardware Components Hardware Components Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 6

Hardware Components (continued) Central processing unit (CPU) Arithmetic/logic unit (ALU): performs calculations and makes logical comparisons Control unit: accesses, decodes and coordinates data in CPU and other devices Primary memory: holds program instructions and data for processing Secondary storage: more permanent storage Input and output devices Communications devices Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 7

Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 8 2.1. System Unit power supply ports drive bays processor memory sound card video card Common components inside the system unit are: Processor Memory Adapter cards Sound card Video card Ports Drive bays Power supply Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 8

Processing Characteristics and Functions Clock speed: series of electronic pulses produced at a predetermined rate that affects machine cycle time Clock speed is often measured in megahertz (MHz), or millions of cycles per second Clock speed for personal computers is in the multiple gigahertz (GHz), or billions of cycles per second, range Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 9

Processing Characteristics and Functions (continued) Physical characteristics of the CPU Digital circuits on chips To turn a digital circuit on or off, electrical current flows through silicon Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 10

2.2. Memory Characteristics and Functions: Storage Capacity Table 2.1: Units for Measuring Computer Storage Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 11

Memory Characteristics and Functions: Types of Memory dual inline RAM module Random access memory (RAM) Temporary Volatile Read-only memory (ROM) Usually nonvolatile memory chip memory slot Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 12

Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 13 2.3. Multiprocessing Control Processor Processor 1 Memory Processor 2 Memory Processor 3 Memory Processor 4 Memory Results combined Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 13

Multiprocessing (Cont.) Multiprocessing: simultaneous execution of two or more instructions Multicore microprocessor: shares workload among two or more independent processors in a single computer Parallel processing: links several processors to operate at the same time, or in parallel Grid computing: collection of computers working to solve a common problem Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 14

2.4. Secondary Storage and Input and Output Devices Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 15

Secondary Storage and Input and Output Devices (Cont.) Also called permanent storage Nonvolatile Greater capacity and greater economy than memory Access methods, storage capacities, and portability required are determined by the information system’s objectives Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 16

Secondary Storage Devices Magnetic tapes Secondary storage used primarily for backups Magnetic disks Direct access secondary storage, e.g., hard disk RAID Stores extra bits so that data can be reconstructed if system fails SAN Provides high-speed connections between data storage devices and computers over a network Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 17

Secondary Storage Devices (continued) Optical disks Direct access optical disc, e.g., CD-ROM Digital video disk (DVD) Stores several gigabytes of data Flash memory Nonvolatile silicon computer chip Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 18

Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 19 Input Devices Personal computer input devices Keyboard, mouse Speech-recognition technology Input devices that recognize human speech Digital cameras Input device used with PC to record/store images in digital form Terminals Input and display devices that perform data entry and input at the same time Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 19

Input Devices (continued) Touch-sensitive screens Allow display screens to act as input devices as well as output devices Bar-code scanners Employs a laser scanner to read a bar-coded label Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) devices Code data on banking forms, such as checks Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 20

Input Devices (continued) Pen input devices Activate a command, enter handwritten notes, and draw objects Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Employs a microchip with an antenna to broadcast its unique identifier and location to a receiver Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 21

Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 22 Output Devices Display monitors (CRTs) Output quality measured by number of pixels and dot pitch Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) Easier on eyes, use less electricity, take up less space than CRTs Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) Directly emits light rather than using backlight Sharper colors and thinner displays Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 22

Output Devices (continued) Printers and plotters: hard copy output Printers: laser, inkjet Plotters: used for general design work Digital audio player Stores, organizes, and plays digital music files Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 23

Types of Computer Systems Computer System Types Types of Computer Systems Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 24

Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 25 3. Data Representation How do computers represent data? Computers are Digital Recognize only two discrete states: on or off Use a binary system to recognize two states Use Number system with two unique digits: 0 and 1, called bits (short for binary digits) Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 25

Data Representation (Cont.) A Byte is eight bits grouped together as a unit Provides enough different combinations of 0s and 1s to represent 256 individual characters Numbers Uppercase and lowercase letters Punctuation marks Other Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 26

Data Representation (Cont.) How is a letter converted to binary form and back? Step 1. The user presses the capital letter D (shift+D key) on the keyboard. Step 2. An electronic signal for the capital letter D is sent to the system unit. Step 4. After processing, the binary code for the capital letter D is converted to an image, and displayed on the output device. Step 3. The signal for the capital letter D is converted to its ASCII binary code (01000100) and is stored in memory for processing. Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 27

Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 28 4. Overview of Software Computer programs: sequences of instructions for the computer Documentation: describes program functions Systems software: coordinates the activities of hardware and programs Application software: helps users solve particular problems Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 28

Supporting Individual, Group, and Organizational Goals Sphere of influence: the scope of problems and opportunities addressed by a particular organization Personal Workgroup Enterprise Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 29

Supporting Individual, Group, and Organizational Goals (continued) Classifying Software by Type and Sphere of Influence Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 30

Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 31 4.1. Systems Software Controlling operations of computer hardware is one of the most critical functions of systems software Also supports application programs’ problem-solving capabilities Different types of systems software include: Operating systems Utility programs Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 31

Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 32 Operating Systems Operating system (OS): programs that manages the resources of a computer and interfaces the hardware with applications. Examples: Windows, UNIX, LINUX, MacOS, … Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 32

Operating Systems (continued) The Role of Systems Software Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 33

Operating Systems (continued) Activities performed by the operating system Perform common computer hardware functions Provide a user interface and input/output management Provide a degree of hardware independence Manage system memory Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 34

Operating Systems (continued) Activities performed by the operating system (continued) Manage processing tasks Provide networking capability Control access to system resources Manage files Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 35

Operating Systems (continued) Common hardware functions Get input from keyboard or some other input device Retrieve data from disks Store data on disks Display information on a monitor or printer Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 36

Operating Systems (continued) User interface Allows individuals to access and command the computer system Command-based user interface: uses text commands Graphical user interface (GUI): uses icons and menus to send commands to the computer system Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 37

Operating Systems (continued) Hardware independence Application program interface (API): allows applications to make use of the operating system Memory management Converts a user’s request for data or instructions to the physical location where the data or instructions are stored Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 38

Operating Systems (continued) Application Program Interface Links Application Software to the Operating System Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 39

Operating Systems (continued) Access to system resources Protection against unauthorized access Logins and passwords File management Ensures that files in secondary storage are: Available when needed Protected from access by unauthorized users Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 40

Current Operating Systems Popular Operating Systems Across All Three Spheres of Influence Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 41

Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 42 4.2. Application Software Give users the ability to solve problems and perform specific tasks Interact with systems software; systems software then directs the hardware to perform tasks Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 42

Types and Functions of Application Software Proprietary software: unique program for a specific application, usually developed and owned by a single company Off-the-shelf software: existing software program that can be purchased Customized package Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 43

4.2.1. Personal Application Software Serves the needs of an individual user Includes personal productivity software Enables users to improve their personal effectiveness Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 44

Personal Application Software (continued) Table 2.7: Examples of Personal Productivity Software Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 45

Personal Application Software (continued) Examples of Personal Productivity Software (continued) Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 46

Personal Application Software (continued) Software suite: collection of single application programs packaged in a bundle Microsoft Office: most popular general-purpose software suite Other general-purpose software suites: Corel’s WordPerfect Office, Lotus SmartSuite, Sun Microsystems’s StarOffice Integrated application packages: offer a range of capabilities for less money than software suites Example: Microsoft Works Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 47

Personal Application Software (continued) Table 2.8: Major Components of Leading Software Suites Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 48

4.2.2. Workgroup Application Software Workgroup application software: support teamwork, whether people are in the same location or dispersed around the world Groupware: software that helps groups of people work together more efficiently and effectively Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 49

4.2.3. Enterprise Application Software Software that benefits an entire organization Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software: programs that manage a company’s vital business operations for an entire multisite, global organization Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 50

Enterprise Application Software (continued) Examples of Enterprise Application Software Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 51

Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 52 4.2.4. Application Software for Information, Decision Support, and Specialized Purposes Used in businesses of all sizes and types to increase profits or reduce costs Available in every industry Example: analysis to increase the cure rate for cancer Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 52

4.3. Programming Languages Sets of keywords, symbols, and a system of rules for constructing statements Allow humans to communicate instructions to be executed by a computer Syntax: a set of rules associated with a programming language Different languages have characteristics that make them appropriate for particular types of applications Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 53

Programming Languages (continued) Table 2.11: The Evolution of Programming Languages Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 54

4.4. Software Issues and Trends Software issues and trends receiving increasing attention Software bugs Copyrights and licenses Software upgrades Global software support Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 55

Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 56 Software Bugs Software bug: defect in a computer program that keeps it from performing as it is designed to perform Tips for reducing impact of software bugs include: Register all software so that you can receive bug alerts, fixes, and patches Check the manual or read-me files for work-arounds Access support area of the manufacturer’s Web site for patches Install the latest software updates Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 56

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 Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 57

Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 58 Software Upgrades Software companies periodically revise their programs and sell new versions Revised software May offer new and valuable enhancements May just contain complex program code changes that offer little in terms of additional capabilities Software upgrades usually cost much less than the original purchase price Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 58

Global Software Support For large, global companies, getting adequate software support at all their locations for their standardized, companywide systems is a big challenge Large vendors such as Sybase, IBM, and Hewlett-Packard typically contract out support for their software to local providers Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 59

Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 60 5. Summary Hardware: central processing unit (CPU), input and output devices, communications devices, primary storage devices, and secondary storage devices Multiprocessing: simultaneous execution of two or more instructions Systems software: coordinates the activities of hardware and programs Application software: helps users solve problems Operating system (OS): set of computer programs that control the hardware and interface with applications Programming languages: allow humans to communicate instructions to be executed by a computer Chapter2 – Hardware and Software Slide 60