1. SYSTEM INTERDEPENDENCE BUSINESS Strategy Strategy Rules Rules Procedures Procedures ORGANIZATION INFORMATION SYSTEM INTERDEPENDENCE SOFTWARE HARDWARE DATABASE TELE- COMMUNICATIONS Chapter 2 Hardware and Software

2. Principles and Learning Objectives Computer hardware must be carefully selected to meet the evolving needs of the organization and its supporting information systems –Identify and discuss the role of the essential hardware components of a computer system –Identify the characteristics of and discuss the usage of various classes of single-user and multiuser computer systems Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition2

3. Principles and Learning Objectives (continued) Systems and application software are critical in helping individuals and organizations achieve their goals –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 Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition3

4. Principles and Learning Objectives (continued) Organizations should not develop proprietary application software unless doing so will meet a compelling business need that can provide a competitive advantage –Discuss how application software can support personal, workgroup, and enterprise business objectives –Identify three basic approaches to developing application software and discuss the pros and cons of each Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition4

5. Principles and Learning Objectives (continued) Organizations should choose a programming language whose functional characteristics are appropriate for the task at hand, considering the skills and experience of the programming staff –Outline the overall evolution and importance of programming languages and clearly differentiate among the generations of programming languages Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition5

6. 6 Principles and Learning Objectives (continued) The software industry continues to undergo constant change; users need to be aware of recent trends and issues to be effective in their business and personal life –Identify several key software issues and trends that have an impact on organizations and individuals

7. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition7 Computer Systems: Integrating the Power of Technology To assemble an effective and efficient system: –Select and organize components while understanding the trade-offs between overall system performance and cost, control, and complexity

8. Decisions about hardware focus on three interrelated factors: capability (power and appropriateness for the task), speed, and cost.

9. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition9 Hardware Components Central processing unit (CPU) –Arithmetic/logic unit (ALU) Performs calculations and makes logical comparisons –Control unit Sequentially accesses, decodes and coordinates data in CPU and other devices Primary memory –Holds program instructions

10. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition10 Hardware Components (continued)

11. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition11 Processing and Memory Devices: Power, Speed, and Capacity System unit –Houses the components responsible for processing (the CPU and memory) All other computer system devices are linked either directly or indirectly into the system unit housing

12. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition12 Processing Characteristics and Functions Clock speed –Produces a series of electronic pulses produced at a predetermined rate that affects machine cycle time Physical characteristics of the CPU –CPU speed is also limited by physical constraints –To turn a digital circuit on or off, electrical current flows through silicon

13. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition13 Memory Characteristics and Functions Storage capacity –Data is stored in memory as a combination of on or off circuit states –Eight bits together form a byte (B) Types of memory –Random access memory (RAM) Temporary and volatile –Read-only memory (ROM) Usually nonvolatile

14. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition Computer Cycle Time Millisecond - one thousandth of one second Microsecond - one millionth of one second Nanosecond - one billionth of one second Picosecond - one trillionth of one second

15. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition Clock Speed Internal Clock - CPU clock produces electronic pulses at a predetermined rate. Clock speed - (usually) the time to retrieve an instruction from memory and put it in a CPU register

16. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition One Hertz (1 Hz) - one cycle per second. One Megahertz ( 1 MHz = 1,000,000 Hz) - computer clock speed is measured in MHz. The clock speed for PCs ranges from about 20 MHz to 4 GHz +. O.J. Clock Speed NOTE: Machine cycle = Clock Speed

17. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition Other measures of computer speed MIPS - millions of instructions per second Flop - floating point operation Megaflops - millions of floating-point operations per second Gigaflops - billions of floating-point operations per second

18. Multiprocessing Multicore microprocessor –Shares workload among two or more independent processors in a single computer Parallel processing –Speeds processing by linking several processors to operate at the same time, or in parallel Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition18

19. Multiprocessing (continued) Grid computing –Collection of computers working to solve a common problem Cloud computing –Giant cluster of computers serving as a host to run applications that require high-performance computing Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition19

20. Secondary Storage and Input and Output Devices Secondary storage –Also called permanent storage –Nonvolatile –Greater capacity and greater economy than memory –Costs considerably less per megabyte of capacity than SDRAM Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition20

21. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition21 Access Methods Sequential access –Data must be accessed in the order in which it is stored Direct access –Data can be retrieved directly, without having to pass by other data in sequence

22. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition22 Secondary Storage Devices Magnetic tapes –Secondary storage used primarily for backups Magnetic disks –Direct access secondary storage, e.g., hard disk RAID –Method of storing data so that if a hard drive fails, the lost data on that drive can be rebuilt SAN –Provides high-speed connections between data storage devices and computers over a network

23. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition23 Secondary Storage Devices (continued) Optical disks –Compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) with a storage capacity of 740 MB of data Digital video disk (DVD) –Used to store digital video or computer data Flash memory –Nonvolatile silicon computer chip –Keeps its memory when the power is shut off Volatile versus Non-Volatile

24. Input Devices Personal computer input devices –Keyboard, mouse Speech-recognition technology –Input devices that recognize human speech Digital cameras –Record and store images or video in digital form Touch-sensitive screens –Allow display screens to function as input as well as output devices Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition24

25. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition25 Input Devices (continued) Optical data readers –Used to scan documents Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) devices –System that reads data quickly Pen input devices –Touching the screen with a pen input device allows you to activate a command Radio Frequency Identification –Transmits data by a mobile device, called a tag

26. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition26 Output Devices Display monitors (CRTs) –TV-screen-like device on which output from the computer is displayed 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

27. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition27 Output Devices (continued) Printers and plotters –Laser printers are generally faster than inkjet printers and can handle more volume Digital audio player –Stores, organizes, and plays digital music files

28. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition28 Computer System Types Handheld computers –Single-user computers that provide ease of portability Ultra laptop computer –Weighs less than three pounds (1.4 kg) –Usually targeted for use by business travelers Portable computers –Computer small enough to be carried easily Thin client –Low-cost, centrally managed computer with no extra drives

29. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition29 Computer System Types (continued) Desktop computers –Small, inexpensive single-user computer systems that are highly versatile Workstations –More powerful than personal computers but small enough to fit on a desktop Servers –Computers designed for a specific task

30. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition30 Computer System Types (continued) Mainframe computer –Large, powerful computer shared by hundreds of concurrent users Supercomputers –Most powerful computer systems –Has fastest processing speeds and highest performance

31. 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 Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition31

32. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition32 Supporting Individual, Group, and Organizational Goals Sphere of influence –The scope of problems and opportunities addressed by a particular organization Workgroup –Two or more people who work together to achieve a common goal

33. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition33 Supporting Individual, Group, and Organizational Goals (continued)

34. Installing and Removing New Software Installing new software usually involves only a few setup steps When possible remove software using an add/remove software utility Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition34

35. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition35 Systems Software Critical function of systems software –Controlling operations of computer hardware Systems software –Supports the application programs’ problem-solving capabilities

36. Operating Systems Combinations of OSs, computers, and users –Single computer with a single user –Single computer with multiple users –Multiple computers –Special-purpose computers Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition36

37. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition37 Operating Systems (continued)

38. Activities performed by the operating system include: –Perform common computer hardware functions –Provide a user interface and input/output management –Provide a degree of hardware independence –Manage system memory Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition38

39. Operating Systems (continued) Common hardware functions –OS acts as an intermediary between the application and the hardware User interface and input/output management –User interface allows people to access and command the computer system Hardware independence –Programmers can use APIs to create application software Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition39

40. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition OS Tasks: User Interface Controls Command interface –blank screen; users type text commands for the computer to perform basic functions. Menu interface –selection menu; users select from menu options. Graphical user interface (GUI) –graphics screen; users select graphical pictures (icons). –Operating system shells - program containing a menu or graphical user interface between the OS and user. Social interface. A user interface that guides the user through computer applications by using cartoonlike characters, graphics, animation, and voice commands.

41. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition41 Operating Systems (continued)

42. Memory management –OS controls how memory is accessed and maximizes available memory and storage Processing tasks –Task management allocates computer resources Networking capability –Computers can join together in a network to send and receive data Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition42

43. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition43 Operating Systems (continued) Access to system resources and security –OS needs to provide a high level of security against unauthorized access to users’ data File management –OS manages files to ensure that files in secondary storage are available when needed

44. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition44 Current Operating Systems Microsoft PC operating systems –Windows Vista released in 2007 with the goal of providing a more secure and stable operating system Apple computer operating systems –OSs have evolved and often provide features not available from Microsoft Linux –An open-source operating system

45. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition45 Current Operating Systems (continued)

46. Workgroup Operating Systems Windows Server UNIX NetWare Red Hat Linux Mac OS X Server Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition46

47. Enterprise Operating Systems z/OS –IBM’s first 64-bit enterprise OS HP-UX and Linux –Robust UNIX-based OS –Supports Internet database Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition47

48. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition48 Operating Systems for Small Computers, Embedded Computers, and Special-Purpose Devices Palm OS –Operating system used in over 30 million handheld computers and smartphones Windows Embedded –Family of Microsoft OSs embedded into small computer devices Windows Mobile –Operating system designed for smartphones and PDAs

49. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition49 Utility Programs Help to perform maintenance or correct problems with a computer system Help to secure and safeguard data

50. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition50 Utility Programs (continued)

51. 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 Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition51

52. Types and Functions of Application Software Proprietary software –One-of-a-kind program for a specific application Off-the-shelf software –Existing software program that can be purchased Application service provider (ASP) –Provides the software, support, and computer hardware on which to run the software Software as a service (SaaS) –Businesses subscribe to Web-delivered business application software by paying a monthly service charge or a per-use fee Open Source software Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition52

53. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition53 Types and Functions of Application Software (continued)

54. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition54 Types and Functions of Application Software (continued)

55. Personal Application Software Word Processing Spreadsheet Analysis Database Applications Graphics Programs Personal Information Managers Software Suites and Integrated Software Packages Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition55

56. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition56 Personal Application Software (continued)

57. Workgroup Application Software Workgroup application software –Designed to support teamwork Groupware –Helps groups of people work together effectively Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition57

58. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition58 Workgroup Application Software (continued)

59. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition59 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

60. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition60 Enterprise Application Software (continued)

61. Application Software for Information, Decision Support, and Specialized Purposes Available in every industry –Example: Genetic researchers are using software to visualize and analyze the human genome Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition61

62. Programming Languages Sets of symbols and rules used to write program code Programming –Translating what a user wants into instructions that the computer can understand and execute Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition62

63. Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition63 Programming Languages (continued)

64. Software Issues and Trends Software issues –Software bugs –Copyrights and licenses –Global software support Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition64

65. Software Bugs Defects in a computer program that keeps it from performing as it is designed to perform Tips for reducing impact of software –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 Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition65

66. Copyrights and Licenses Most software products –Protected by law using copyright or licensing provisions Some software –Require that you register or activate it before it can be fully used Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition66 (work for hire)

67. Software Upgrades Software companies –Periodically revise their programs and sell new versions Software upgrades –Usually cost much less than the original purchase price Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition67

68. Global Software Support Supporting local operations –Biggest challenge faced by IS teams when putting together standardized, companywide systems In today’s computer systems –Software is an increasingly critical component Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition68

69. Summary Hardware devices –Work together to perform input, processing, data storage, and output Computer systems –Can store large amounts of data and instructions in secondary storage Input and output devices –Allow users to provide data and instructions to the computer for processing, storage, and output Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition69

70. Summary (continued) Operating system (OS) –Set of computer programs that controls the computer hardware to support users’ computing needs Application software –Applies the power of the computer to solve problems and perform specific tasks Approaches to developing application software –Build proprietary application software –Buy existing programs off the shelf –Combination of customized and off-the-shelf Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition70 Programming languages –Provide instructions to a computer to perform some processing activity Software issues and trends –Software bugs, software licensing and copyrighting, software upgrades, and global software support Global software support –Important consideration for large, global companies putting together standardized, company-wide systems