Dr. Chen, Management Information Systems PART II: Next Three Chapters Chapter 4: Hardware and Software Defines basic terms and fundamental computing concepts

Dr. Chen, Management Information Systems

PART II:Next Three Chapters

Chapter 4: Hardware and Software• Defines basic terms and fundamental computing

conceptsChapter 5: Database Processing• Essential database terminology, techniques for

processing databases and data modeling Chapter 6: Data Communication and the Cloud• Describes data communications and Internet

technologies

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GearUp Scenarios

Chapter 4: Hardware and Software• GearUp has important decisions to make about

critical software development projectChapter 5: Database Processing• GearUp does not have the easy access to data

needed to analyze vendor quality and costsChapter 6: Data Communication and the Cloud• GearUp needs to make decisions about building

infrastructure for the next stage of its growth• GearUp needs to understand advantages and

disadvantages of cloud-based computing

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Chapter 4Hardware and Software

Jason C. H. Chen, Ph.D.Professor of MIS

School of Business AdministrationGonzaga UniversitySpokane, WA 99258

[email protected]

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"... if we don’t have an iPad App, we don’t have a business."

• GearUp not competitive because they don’t have iPad app

• Don’t know what they’re doing and could waste a lot of money and time

• Outsourcing to India? Open source?• Need to find out what others have done• Conflict between low cost and technical

competitiveness

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• Like Neil, you might go into the computer industry and then transition to some other business. If so, you’ll know “how the game is played,” as Kelly says. However, you might not. You might become a department manager, or own your own small business, or be appointed to your law firm’s technology committee. Whatever direction your career takes, you don’t want to be one of those professionals who “waste a lot of money . . . and time.” The knowledge from this chapter can help.

• You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need to be a hardware engineer or a computer programmer. You do need to know enough, however, to be an effective consumer. You need the knowledge and skills to ask important, relevant questions and understand the answers. We begin with basic hardware and software concepts. Then we will discuss how you can use your knowledge to prepare a computer budget for your department and, then we wrap up by forecasting trends in hardware and software in 2020.

Chapter Preview

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Study Questions

Q1: What do business professionals need to know about computer hardware?

Q2: What do business professionals need to know about software?

Q3: Is open source software a viable alternative?

Q4: How can you use this knowledge?

Q5: 2022?

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Four Categories of Basic Computer Components

• Hardware includes the electronic components that input, process, output, and store data according to instructions encoded in computer programs or software.

• The basic components of a computer are divided into four categories. – Input hardware includes keyboards, mice, scanners, microphones,

and even handwriting for a tablet PC.– Processing hardware includes: central processing unit (CPU)

which can be a dual-processor or a quad-processor, main memory, and special function cards are also in this category.

– Output hardware includes video displays, printers, audio speakers, overhead projectors, and special-purpose devices.

– Storage hardware includes magnetic disks, optical disks, and magnetic tape.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-core


Two Types of Storage

• Primary or Internal storage (memory)• Secondary or External storage (memory)• Is hard drive an internal storage?

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SYSTEM MODEL

INPUT OUTPUTPROCESS

FEEDBACK

A system is a group of components that interact to achieve some purpose.


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Computer System Concepts

“the brain” of the computer

(RAM)


• Hardware includes electronic components and related gadgetry that input, process, output, and store data according to instructions encoded in computer programs or software.

Fig 4-1 Input, Process, Output, and Storage Hardware

Q1: What Do Business Professionals Need to Know About Computer Hardware?

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How data are represented in computers?

# of bulb # of states

2 On Off

4

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Question: How many symbols we need daily? How many bulbs should be used to represent them?

Because the most basic unit of electric device has only two states (on/off), data (symbols) must be represented in the form of combinations of these two states.

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Bits vs. Bytes

• 1 Byte = 8 bits

• 1 character = 1 byte

• 1 kilobyte = 1024 bytes = 29 bytes

• 1 megabyte (MB) = 1024 K bytes• 1 gigabyte (GB) = 1024 MB• 1 terabyte (TB) = 1024 GB

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Fig 4-4 Bits are Easy to Represent Physically

Computer Data: Binary Digits

Fig 4-3 Bits are Easy to Represent Physically

Computers use binary digits, or bits, to represent data. Each bit is either a zero or a one.

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VIDEOS

• Video: Binary Numbers (6m 3s)

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Computer data, whether numbers, alphabetic characters, or photos, are merely a collection of bits.

Sizing Computer Data

Fig 4-4 Important Storage-Capacity Terminology

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In Fewer Than 300 Words, How Doesa Computer Work?

Fig 4-5 Computer Components in Use17


How Does a Computer Work?

• Main memory (RAM) Program instructionsContains Operating System (OS)

– Program that controls computer’s resources and blocks of data– Provides services to application programs and users

• Cache memory, part of CPU, is very fast memory used to store frequently used instructions in order to speed up processing.

• First step: CPU transfers a program or data from a storage disk to main memory.

• Second step: CPU moves a program instruction from main memory into the CPU via the data channel, or bus.

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Memory Swapping

• When RAM is too small to hold all open programs and data for processing.

• CPU loads programs into memory in chunks (segments). Then, uses memory swapping to move chunks of instructions and data in and out of main memory. If not enough RAM is available, operating system

swaps out existing instructions, or data, to a disk and copies requested program, or data, to freed space

• Swapping slows down computer

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• Managers need to match computers to employee tasks and requirements to reduce employee frustration and improve productivity. Simple tasks do not need fast CPU 64-bit dual processor, 8+GB RAM for large,

complicated spreadsheets, large database files, large picture, sound, movie files

• Cache and main memory are volatile, so save frequently.

Why Does a Manager Care How a Computer Works?

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CPU speed (hertz)• Slow personal computers have speed of 1.5 Gigahertz,

fast ones have speed of 3+ Gigahertz, with dual processing (2011).

CPUs classified as 32-bit or 64-bit• 64-bit CPU can address more main memory. • Effectively utilize more than 4 GB of memory.• More expensive than 32-bit processors.


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• Simple tasks, such as word processing, do not need fast CPU; a 32-bit, 1.5 Gigahertz CPU will be fine.

• Employee who processes large, complicated spreadsheets or manipulates large database files or edits large picture, sound, or movie files needs a fast computer like a 64-bit, dual processor with 3.5 Gigahertz or more.

• Cache and main memory are volatile meaning their contents are lost when power is off.

• Magnetic and optical disks are nonvolatile, meaning their contents survive when power is off.


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What Is Difference Between a Client and a Server?

Fig 4-6 Client & Server Computers23


What Types of Applications Exist, and How Do Organizations Obtain Them?

Fig 4-13 Software Sources and Types 24


What Is Firmware?• Definition:

Computer software installed on read-only memory (ROM)Firmware is software that is embedded in a piece of

hardware. You can think of firmware simply as "software for

hardware." Devices that you might think of as strictly hardware such as optical drives, a network card, a router, or a scanner all have software that is programmed into special memory contained in the hardware itself.

Other examples: Printers, print servers, communication devices Coded like other software Can be changed and upgraded

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Linking Internal Databases to the Web

DATABASE TRENDS

N

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Web-Based Client/Server Database Architecture

Network

Web server

Database Server

Web Browser5. Retrieved data

4. Data query

7. Data-based Web page

8. Data-based Web page

1. Request for data-based Web page

6. Retrieved data

3. Data query

2. Request for data-based Web page

LegendCommunicationsBetween Web browserAnd Web server

CommunicationsBetween Web serverAnd database server

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• Client computersComputers used by an individual for word processing,

spreadsheets, database access, and so forth. Most client computers have software that enables them to

connect to a private network at work or school, or public Internet.

• Server computersProvide some service (such as email; serving pages on a

Web site; processing large, shared databases; or other functions) to multiple users.

Clients and Servers

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• A typical server: Must be fast and have multiple CPUs Need lots of main memory, at least 4GB Require very large disks—often a terabyte or more.

Because servers are almost always accessed from another computer via a network

Have limited video displays, or no display at all Many have no keyboard

Clients and Servers

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• Server farm An organized collection of servers (Figure 4-7). Servers in a farm coordinate their activities in a

sophisticated and fascinating technology dance. They receive and process hundreds, possibly thousands, of

service requests per minute. • In November 2010, Amazon.com processed an average of 158

order items per second for 24 hours straight. Farm servers hand off partially processed requests to each

other while keeping track of the current status of each request.

They can pick up the pieces when a computer in the farm fails.

All of this is done in the blink of an eye.

Clients and Servers

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A Server Farm

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Dr. Chen, Management Information Systems Fig 4-8 Category of Computer Software

• There are two types of computer software. – Operating system software controls computer resources. It’s

hardware specific and includes a specific instruction set based on the computer’s processor. Windows XP is an example.

– Application program software helps users accomplish tasks like word processing or database management. Programs such as Microsoft Word or Excel examples.

Q2: What a Manager Needs to Know About Software

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Dr. Chen, Management Information Systems Fig 4-9

What are the major O.S.?

[1]

[2]

[3]

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Own Versus License

License– Right to use specified number of copies– Limits vendor’s liability

Site License– Flat fee to install software product on all company

computers or all computers at a specific siteOpen Source

– No license fee

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Types of Virtualization

PC virtualization• Personal computer hosts several different

operating systems

Server virtualization• Server computer hosts other server computers• Makes cloud computing feasible

Virtual desktop• Allows access from any computer a user has

authorization to use

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VirtualizationWindows Server Computer Hosting Two Virtual Machines

Fig 4-10 36


Virtualization (cont’d)How Virtual Machine VM3 Appears to a User

Fig 4-11 37

Dr. Chen, Management Information Systems 38

Virtual Companies (Portable Computing)Virtual Companies (Portable Computing)

A Virtual Company is an Organization composedof several Business Partners that Uses

Information Technology to Link/Share People, Assets, Ideas, Costs, and Resources

for the purpose of producing a product or service.

Virtual Companies are Adaptable and Opportunity-Exploiting Organizations Providing World-Class

Excellence in Their Competencies and Technologies.

A Virtual Company is an Organization composedof several Business Partners that Uses

Information Technology to Link/Share People, Assets, Ideas, Costs, and Resources

for the purpose of producing a product or service.

Virtual Companies are Adaptable and Opportunity-Exploiting Organizations Providing World-Class

Excellence in Their Competencies and Technologies.

Dr. Chen, Management Information Systems 39

Characteristics of Virtual CompaniesCharacteristics of Virtual Companies

Borderless

Opportunism

Adaptability

Trust-Based

Excellence

Technology

SixCharacteristics

of VirtualCompanies

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• (Tutorial Video)• Application software

Performs a service or function Some are general purpose, such as Microsoft Excel or

Word Others provide specific functions, such as QuickBooks

which provides general ledger and other accounting functions


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http://media.pearsoncmg.com/ph/bp/bp_akamai/kroenke/videos.php?title=Chapter%204-What%20types%20of%20applications%20exist,%20and%20how%20do%20organizations%20obtain%20them?&clip=pandc/kroenke/Ch_04_2.flv


• Horizontal-market application software Provides capabilities common across all organizations and

industries. Word processors, graphics programs, spreadsheets, and presentation programs are all horizontal-market application software.

• Examples: Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Adobe Acrobat,

Photoshop, and PageMaker; Jasc Corporation’s Paint Shop Pro.

Used in a wide variety of businesses, across all industries Purchased off-the-shelf, and little customization of features is

necessary (or possible)

What Categories of Application Programs Exist?

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• Vertical-market application software Serves needs of a specific industry Examples:

• Programs used by dental offices to schedule appointments and bill patients; auto mechanics to keep track of customer data and customers’ automobile repairs; and programs used by parts warehouses to track inventory, purchases, and sales

• Vertical applications Usually can be altered or customized. Typically, the company that

sold the application software will provide such services or offer referrals to qualified consultants who can provide this service.

• One-of-a-kind application software Developed for a specific, unique need

What Categories of Application Programs Exist?

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How Do Thin Clients Compare to Thick Clients?

Fig 4-12 Thin and Thick Clients43



Fig 4-13 Software Sources and Types 44


What Is Firmware?

Computer software installed on read-only memory• Printers, print servers, communication devices

• Coded like other software

• Can be changed and upgraded

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Q3: Is Open Source Software a Viable Alternative?

GNU general public license agreement• Standard for open source software• Successful open source projects

– OpenOffice (Microsoft Office look-alike)– FireFox (Web browser)– MySQL (DBMS, see Chapter 5) – Apache (Web server, see Chapter 8)– Ubuntu (Windows-like desktop operating system)– Android (mobile-phone operating system)

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Why Do Programmers Volunteer Their Services?

• It’s fun• Freedom to choose projects• Exercise creativity on interesting and fulfilling

projects• Exhibit one’s skill to get a job• Start a business selling services

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How Does Open Source Work?

• Collaboration of many programmers• Examines source code and identifies a need,

creates new feature or redesigns existing feature, or fixes a problem

• Code evaluated and extended by others• Iteration, peer reviews and well-managed project

yield high-quality code

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So, Is Open Source Viable?

• Depends on requirements and constraints of situation.

• “Free” open source software still requires support and operational costs that could cost more than a licensing fee.

• Future will involve a blend of both proprietary and open source software.

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Q4: How Can You Use This Knowledge?

•What Buying Decisions Do You Make? Specification of client hardware and software Specification of client hardware and software for

employees

• Large organizations, _____________ sets formal standards

• Medium to small organizations, _________ take active role in setting specifications

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IS department

managers


Sources of System Costs

Fig 4-15: Sources of System Costs51

Dr. Chen, Management Information Systems 4-52

Business Manager’s Role in Hardware and Software Specifications

Fig 4-16 Business Mgr’s Role in Hardware & Software Specifications

The type of buying decisions you may make as a business manager depends on the size of your organization and the type of hardware and software your employees need.

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What Process Should You Use to Establish a Computer Budget?

Fig 4-17 A Process for Preparing a Departmental IT Budget53


What Process Should You Use to Establish a Computer Budget? (cont’d)

• Reasons you may need more equipment• Substantial change in head count• Important new departmental functions or

responsibilities• Upgrading to major new versions of operating

system or other software• Implementation of new systems requires additional

hardware• Change in overhead expense allocation

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What Process Should You Use to Establish a Computer Budget? (cont’d)

• Review and revise budget• Consider refurbished equipment• Delay upgrades to new operating system• Reallocate hardware among employees• Document results• Keep spreadsheet and notes used to prepare and

justify budget

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Q5: 2022?

• Can Microsoft take Office 365 into mobile market via its Skype acquisition?

• PC mules will be rare• Large-screen computing/connectivity devices

available everywhere• Use a public device and connect to cloud• Won’t need desktop office applications• Cost performance issues of desktop virtualization

will be gone

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• End of Chapter 4

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Documents

Dr. Chen, Management Information Systems PART II: Next Three Chapters Chapter 4: Hardware and Software Defines basic terms and fundamental computing concepts