Information system ralph CH02

Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition Chapter Hardware and Software 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 Edition 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 Edition 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 Edition 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 Edition 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 Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition 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 Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition 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 Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition 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 Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition 10 Workgroup Application Software • Workgroup application software – Designed to support teamwork • Groupware – Helps groups of people work together effectively Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition 52 Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition 53 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 Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition 54 Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition 55 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 Edition 56 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 Edition 57 Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition 58 Software Issues and Trends • Software issues – Software bugs – Copyrights and licenses – Global software support Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition 59 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 Edition 60 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 Edition 61 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 Edition 62 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 Edition 63 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 Edition 64 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 Edition 65 Summary (continued) • 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 Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition 66 ... Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition 31 Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition 32 Operating Systems (continued) • Activities performed by the operating system – Perform... charge or a per-use fee Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition 46 Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition 47 Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition 48 Personal Application... instructions Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition Fundamentals of Information Systems, Fifth Edition Processing and Memory Devices: Power, Speed, and Capacity • System unit – Houses the