Extended Learning Module C:Evaluating ComputerHardware & Software

Management Information Systemsfor the Information Age

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Key Concepts

Management Information SystemsInformation – processed data that has meaningPeople – knowledge workers; users of informationTechnology (IT) – any computer-based tool that helps knowledge workers work with information

Computer HardwareThe Toys: physical devices of a computer

Computer SoftwareThe Smarts: set of instructions (programs) executed by the computer to perform tasks

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Categories of Computers 1/4

Personal Digital Assistant (PDAs)Calendar, contacts, notepad, e-mail, and WebTouch-screen; long battery-life; integ. phone

Notebook, Laptop, and Tablet ComputersBattery-powered and wireless for mobilityMore expensive than equivalent desktop

Desktop and Media Center ComputersRelatively inexpensive and expandableConnect to other entertainment devicesSelf-maintenance possible

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Categories of Computers 2/4

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Categories of Computers 3/4

MinicomputersMulti-processor computer for multi-tasking

MainframeServes processing power to hundreds of people

SupercomputerNumber-crunching computers found in some educational research institutions and government agencies

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Categories of Computers 4/4

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Six Categories of Computer Hardware

1. InputDevices that capture information and commands

2. OutputDevices that let you see, hear, and receive results of information processing requests

3. StoragePermanent: devices that let you store information for later use and retrievalTemporary: Random Access Memory (RAM)

4. ProcessingCentral Processing Unit (CPU)

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Computer Hardware (cont’d)

5. Network CommunicationsDevices used to send information between two or more computers or locations

6. Connection Ports and CardsDevices and technologies that allow you to connect various hardware components together (i.e., USB, Firewire, serial, and parallel ports)

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Your Computer System

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Vocal Quiz

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Input

KeyboardMouse or TrackballPointing Stick or TouchpadPen and TabletMicrophoneBarcode readerPoint-of-Sale systemMonitor TouchscreenDigital Camera and Scanner

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Input (cont’d)

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Output

MonitorCRT versus LCD Flat PanelSize, Resolution, and Dot Pitch

PrintersLaserInkjetDot MatrixMulti-functionPlotter

Speakers

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Output (cont’d)

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Processing

Central Processing Unit (CPU)AMD, Intel, Motorola, and Texas InstrumentsSpeeds (GHz) and Technologies (Celeron, Xeon)

Random Access Memory (RAM)Speeds (Mhz) and Technologies (DDR)Size measured in megabytes (MBs and GBs)

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Processing (cont’d)

CPU InternalsControl UnitArithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)System Buses

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Storage

Hard DiskSpeed (RPM), Buffer (MBs) and Size (GBs)RAID capabilities (striping and mirroring)

Optical DriveCDROM, CDR/RW, DVD, DVD-R, DVD+/-RW

Tape DriveFlash Memory

USB Flash Memory (MBs)CompactFlash (CF) MemorySecure Digital (SD) Memory

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Storage (cont’d)

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Communications

Dial-Up ModemCable ModemADSL ModemSatellite ModemNetworks (LANs and WANs)

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Communications (cont’d)

Modem is so named because:Modulates (digital to analog conversion)Demodulates (analog to digital conversion)

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Connection Ports and Cards

Expansion CardsISA, PCI, AGP, and PCI-Express

Standard PortsMouse, keyboard, serial, and parallel

High-Speed PortsIrDA (Infrared) & BlueTooth (64 Kbps to 1 Mbps)USB 1.1 = 12 MbpsUSB 2.0 = 480 MbpsFirewire 1394a = 400 MbpsFirewire 1394b = 800 Mbps

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Connections (cont’d)

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Putting It All Together 1

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Putting It All Together 2

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Two Categories of Computer Software

1. Application SoftwareSet of instructions, in the form of a program, that allows you to perform tasks

2. System SoftwareOperating System (OS)

Manages the communication between, and functionality of, hardware devices Provides the graphical user interface (GUI) for today’s computer systems

Utility SoftwareProvides additional functionality to the OS

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Computer Software

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Application Software 1/3

Personal Productivity SolutionsWord ProcessingSpreadsheetPresentationDatabaseFinanceGraphicsWeb AuthoringCommunicationsDesktop PublishingPersonal Information Management (PIM)

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Application Software 2/3

Corporate SolutionsMake versus Buy Decisions

SAP

Vertical Market: industry-specificDental Management Software

Horizontal Market: cross-industryEasyPay Canadian Payroll Software

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Application Software 3/3

Office SuitesMicrosoft OfficeSun StarOfficeOpenOffice602Software PC SuiteCorel WordPerfect Office

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System Software 1/4

Operating SystemsWindowsMacintoshLinuxPalm OSPocket PC

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System Software 2/4

Win98 & MEWin98 & ME

NT & 2000NT & 2000

Pre-Pre-19991999

Released Released October October

20012001

ReleasedReleased20002000

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System Software 3/4

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System Software 4/4

Utility SoftwareAnti-VirusData BackupFile ManagementSystem ConfigurationPerformance Optimization

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Results from a Bad Mouse Virus!