Intro to Technology in Business

Chapter 18 and 19

Intro to Technology in Business

Describe the role of information technology in business.

Name different ways technology has changed the workplace.

Identify how businesses share knowledge.

Describe the parts of a complete computer system.

Name the different hardware components of a computer.

Identify measurements for computer memory and storage.

Explain the various software programs available to businesses.

Learning Objectives

Why It’s ImportantThe advent and progression of businesses using technology has changed the workplace in numerous ways, often making it more efficient and productive.

The Role of Information Technology

Information technology (IT) is hardware and software for creating, processing, storing, and communicating information.

Changes in the Workplace New technology is changing the workplace. Wearable computers, manufacturing technology, and all kinds of specialized software packages make a difference.

Telecommuting Telecommuting is a work arrangement that allows employees to work away from the workplace.

Telecommuting The advantages of telecommuting are:• Less commute time• Flexible hours• Improved quality of work• Fewer sick days

Telecommuting The disadvantages of telecommuting are:• Lack of contact with other workers• Feeling of isolation• Distractions of home life• Lack of supervision• Cost of buying new equipment

Wearable Computers Wearable computers are small, lightweight computers that workers carry with them.

Technology in Manufacturing Computer-aided design (CAD) is software for designing products with a computer.

Technology in Manufacturing When CAD and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programs are used together, companies can custom design and produce products.

Technology in Manufacturing Manufacturing plants now are partly or wholly automated. Robots can do hard jobs that were done in the past by people.

Expert Systems An expert system is computer software that stores and uses knowledge that a human expert would have on the same subject.

Electronic Information Transfer Electronic information transfer gives businesses information quickly and easily. Many companies electronically transfer paychecks to employees’ bank accounts.

Electronic Information Transfer Consumers use electronic information transfer, too. The automated teller machine (ATM) at a bank is a familiar tool.

Electronic Information Transfer The Internet makes it possible to transfer information electronically.

Banking and trading on the stock market online is a growing technology.

Virtual Training Virtual training allows learners to simulate a real situation through a computer.

Virtual Training Virtual reality allows the user to “reach into” a three-dimensional scene. A sensitive data glove allows surgeons to practice medical operations without real patients.

Graphic OrganizerGraphic Organizer

WORKPLACETECHNOLOGY

TELE-COMMUTING

EXPERTSYSTEMS

ELECTRONICINFORMATION

TRANSFER

COMPUTER-AIDED

DESIGN

VIRTUALTRAINING

PORTABLECOMPUTING

Sharing Business Knowledge Knowledge management is the key to time efficiency and production. New technologies allow a business to communicate with vendors, suppliers, and customers.

The Internet The Internet is a collection of tens of thousands of connected computer networks.

The Internet The Internet was made user friendly by the creation of the World Wide Web (WWW, or the Web).

The Internet The Web is a means of accessing, organizing, and moving through information on the Internet.

Web Browser A Web browser is a program that makes it easier for you to search and retrieve information on the Web.

Other Types of Links An intranet allows a company to connect employees with Internet-like technology, but is closed to public access.

Other Types of Links An extranet is a semiprivate network that allows more than one company to access the same information. It allows different companies to share information and to collaborate.

Other Types of Links A company can also use the extranet to manage and communicate with customers, vendors, suppliers, and other organizations by secure Web sites.

Managing the Threats Hackers are people who break into computer systems for illegal purposes. They vandalize Web sites, hard drives, and government files.

Privacy Issues Cookies are pieces of information about a computer user, which are stored on your hard drive and accessed by a server when the user connects to a Web site.

Privacy Issues Every time you visit a Web site, even if you don’t buy anything, your personal information can be stored. You can buy software to protect your online privacy.

Virus A computer virus is a program that infects computer files by copying itself into those files.

Every user needs anti-virus software to protect his/her computer.

Firewall A firewall is a software program that acts as a security wall between your computer and the Internet.

Why It’s ImportantFor every kind of business task, from accounting to graphic design, there is a software program available.

The Speed of Communication Computers have increased the speed of communication. Businesses can access data, send e-mail, or make bank deposits in the blink of an eye.

Types of Computers A tablet is a hand-held computer you can use as an small computer system.

Types of Computers In the workplace, the desktop computer can perform countless different tasks. It can be used to: • Type reports• Analyze sales records• Prepare taxes

continued

Types of Computers In large companies, computers are linked to each other through either a central computer called a mainframe or a network computing system.

Types of Computers A scanner is a device that reads images, such as price codes, and records or transfers the information.

Types of Computers Most car repair shops can now tell what’s wrong with your car by hooking it up to a diagnostic computer. Film studios use special computers to produce sound and visual effects for movies.

Parts of a Computer System A complete computer system consists of four parts: • Software• People• Data• Hardware

Parts of a Computer System Software is a set of electronic information consisting of complex codes to make the computer perform tasks.

Parts of a Computer System In order to make the computer operational, people need to be the users. Whether you’re designing, building, or using a computer, it requires your attention.

Parts of a Computer System The computer translates and organizes data into comprehensible information. Data may be letters, sound, graphics, or numbers.

Parts of a Computer System The physical components of a computer system are called the hardware. Hardware includes a processor, memory, input and output devices, and storage devices.

Processors The processor is the brain of a computer. It’s located in the central processing unit (CPU) of personal computers.

Processors In a personal computer the processor usually consists of chips. The data passes through these chips to other areas to complete the instructions in the computer.

Memory The computer uses memory to hold all of the data and instructions required during operation.

Memory The most common type of memory is called random access memory, or RAM. When a computer saves information, the first place it goes is to RAM.

Memory Memory capacity is measured in bytes. A byte is the amount of memory it takes to store a single character.

Memory The most common units of measure-ment for computer memory and storage are:

Kilobyte (KB) 1,000 bytesMegabyte (MB) 1 million bytesGigabyte (GB) 1 billion bytesTerabyte (TB) 1 trillion bytes

Input and Output Devices Input devices accept data and instructions. Output devices return the processed data back to the user or to another computer system.

Storage Devices Storage devices, such as hard drives, floppy disks, and CD-ROMs, all save and hold information.

Storage Devices Portable storage devices are also popular methods to store information, since the hard drive is sealed inside the computer.

Storage Devices ZIP disks and CD-ROM’s are widely used to store information permanently.

External Hard Drives and USBs are also widely used.

Graphic Organizer

STORAGEDEVICES SOFTWARE

INPUT/OUTPUTDEVICES

MEMORY

PROCESSOR

Computer Software Software, or a computer program, is a set of instructions that tell computers what to do.

Word Processing Programs Word processing programs, such as Microsoft Word®, are the most commonly used type of computer software.

Word Processing Programs Word processing programs allow you to use your computer like a typewriter but with many added features.

Word Processing Programs Desktop publishing consists of writing, designing, and laying out documents on your computer like a professional publisher.

Spreadsheet Programs A spreadsheet program is a computerized worksheet. Two of the most popular spreadsheet programs are Lotus 1-2-3® and Excel®.

Figure19.2 HOW A SPREADSHEET PROGRAM WORKS

A spreadsheet program is the equivalent to how an accountant’s worksheet works. Programs that automate bookkeeping tasks show how to budget and save money.

How could you use spreadsheet software?

Accounting Programs With an accounting software package, you can keep records, prepare reports, and even write checks on the computer. Peachtree® and QuickBooks® are two popular accounting programs

Database Programs A database is a collection of information usually kept in a list.

Database Programs A database can consist of a list of names, supplies, products, or schedules. It can also be used to keep track of inventory and sales.

Graphics and Presentation Programs

Presentation software is used to produce professional presentations.


With graphics and presentation programs, you can take data from spreadsheets and put it in the form of graphs, charts, or figures for visual presentations.


Special effects such as shadows, backgrounds, and textures can be added to presentations to make them more interesting.


Sound effects, animation, and video clips can be added to make a presentation even more effective.


Among the most popular presentation and graphics programs are PowerPoint® and Harvard Graphics®.

Communications Software Communications software makes it possible for computers to communicate with each other. You need it if you want to send a file to another computer.

Communications Software With some programs, you can receive faxes and voice mail directly on your computer.

Microsoft Outlook® and Eudora® are two popular communication programs.

Groupware Groupware, or project management software, makes it easier for team members to work together on the same project.

Groupware Groupware can be used to track costs, schedules, resources, and tasks. It can also compute the best way to complete tasks, manage resources, and meet deadlines.

Groupware Lotus Notes® and Intranet Genie® are two of the groupware programs available.

Web Page ProgramsWeb pages make it possible for businesses to market their products.Macromedia® Dreamweaver and SiteRack® are two of the most popular Web page programs.

Documents

Intro to Technology in Business