management information systems, chapter 2: information system hardware

Management Information Systems,

Chapter 2:

Information System Hardware

Management Information Systems, Sixth Edition 2

Objectives

To recognized computer hardware that involved in managing information system.


Computer Hardware Components

• Hardware: physical components of computers and related electronic devices

• Computer must handle four operations:– Accept data– Store data and instructions– Process data– Output data and/or information

Computer Hardware Components (continued)

• In general, every computer has the following components:– Input devices– Central processing unit (CPU)– Internal memory– Storage– Output devices

• Input devices: receive signals from outside of computer and transfer them into the computer




• Central processing unit (CPU)– Accepts instructions and data– Decodes and executes instructions– Stores results (output) in memory

• Internal (or primary) memory: stores data and instructions before and after CPU processes them– RAM: random access memory– ROM: read-only memory


• ROM is a form of memory, as is a chip on the motherboard which is used to store instructions for the Central Processor Unit

• RAM is your computer's temporary storage space. RAM is really the computer's short-term memory. As such, it remembers everything that the computer needs to process the data into information, such as data that has been entered and software instructions, but only when the computer is on. This means that RAM is an example of volatile storage. When the power is off, the data stored in RAM is cleared out.

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• Motherboard: circuit board containing the CPU and primary memory

• Storage: hard disk, magnetic tapes, optical discs, DVDs, and flash memory– Allows permanent storage

• Output devices: deliver information from the computer to the user– Monitors and printers are the most common

output devices– Audio devices also deliver output



• Bit: Binary digit– 0 or 1

• Byte: a standard group of eight bits– Most characters can be represented by a single

byte• Computer memory and storage capacity are

measured in megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB), and terabytes (TB)


Classification of Computers

• Computers vary in size and power• Classified by power

– Power is determined mainly by processing speed and memory size

• More powerful computers are more expensive


Supercomputers

• Supercomputers: most powerful computers at any given time– Largest in physical size and most expensive– Designed for complex arithmetic calculations– Generally impractical for business purposes

• Parallel processing: multiple processors running simultaneously– Also known as multiprocessing


Mainframe Computers

• Mainframe computers: store large amounts of data and business transactions– Less expensive and less powerful than

supercomputers– Often used by banks, universities, and insurance

companies as a central computer– 40-50% of world’s business data resides on

mainframes– Use multiple processors


Midrange Computers

• Midrange computers: often act as servers within organizations or through the Internet– Smaller and less powerful than mainframes– Serve hundreds of users that connect from

personal computers– Use multiple processors


Microcomputers

• Microcomputers: personal computers, notebook computers, and handhelds

• Workstation: more powerful microcomputer used for CAD, CAM, and scientific applications

• Power of microcomputers doubles about every two years


Computers on the Go: Notebook, Handheld, and Tablet Computers

• Notebook (or laptop) computer: compact personal computer powered by rechargeable battery– New models include wireless technology

• Personal digital assistant (PDA): handheld computer– Stylus: pen-like device used to enter data through

a touch screen• Tablet computer: PC in the form of a thick

writing tablet that recognizes handwriting


Converging Technologies

• Technology convergence: building several technologies into a single piece of hardware– Prominent in handheld units

• Commonly merged technologies include:– Cell phones– Television– Digital cameras– Digital sound recorder– MP3 players


Input Devices

• Computers must receive input to produce output• Input devices include machines and devices

used to enter instructions and data into computer

• Common input devices include:– Keyboard– Trackball– Microphone– Scanner


Keyboard• Keyboard: an input device that contains keys

that users press to enter data– Includes letters, numbers, punctuation, and

function keys– QWERTY: standard keyboard layout – Dvorak: keyboard layout that allows faster typing

• Ergonomics: the study of the comfort and safety of humans in the workplace

• Ergonomic keyboard: fits the natural position of forearms and prevents injury


Mouse, Trackball, and Trackpad

• Mouse: input device that controls an on-screen pointer to facilitate point-and-click approach– Has one to five buttons for clicking, locking,

dragging• Trackball: similar to mouse, but user

manipulates a ball within the device to indicate movement on the screen

• Trackpad: cursor movement is controlled by moving a finger over a touch-sensitive pad

• Mice and similar devices can be wireless units


Touch Screen

• Touch screen: both an input and an output device– Often used for public applications, such as kiosks– Prevalent in handheld devices, GPS devices, and

mobile phones– Allows the user to navigate and select by

touching the screen


Imaging

• Imaging: converts documents into images– Saves paper– More efficient retrieval and filing

• Scanned document images can be:– Indexed and linked to relevant records in

databases– Easily retrieved

• Original paper documents can be destroyed after scanning


Speech Recognition

• Speech (or voice) recognition: process of translating human speech into computer-readable data and instructions

• Receives input from microphone and processes it with software

• Speech-operated computers may increase noise level in offices and add distraction


Output Devices

• Output device: a device that delivers results of computer processing

• Popular output devices include:– Monitors – Printers– Speakers

• In the future, smell output is possible


Storage Media

• Data must be stored on nonvolatile medium– Data is retained even when the storage device is

not connected to electrical power • Storage devices differ in the technology used to

maintain data and physical structure• Evaluate storage devices by comparing:

– Cost– Capacity– Access speed– Access mode


Business Considerations in Evaluating Storage Media

• When purchasing storage devices, managers must consider:– Purpose of data storage– Amount of data to be stored– Required speed of data storage and retrieval– Unit space and portability of the device– Cost – Reliability and life expectancy– Trade-offs


Business Considerations in Evaluating Storage Media (continued)


Considerations in Purchasing Hardware

• Companies must consider the following when selecting equipment to purchase:– Power of the equipment (memory size, capacity,

speed)– Expansion slots and ports (sockets used to

connect computer to external devices)– Monitor type and resolution– Ergonomics– Compatibility with existing hardware, software,

and networks


Considerations in Purchasing Hardware (continued)

• Considerations (continued):– Hardware footprint (physical size of equipment)– Reliability of vendor– Warranty policy and post-warranty support– Power consumption and noise– Cost

• Backward compatibility: the capability to work with older hardware or software


Scalability and Updating Hardware

• Scalability: resources can be expanded or upgraded to provide increased power

• Not all hardware is scalable• Leasing hardware is a valid option to avoid short

useful lifetime of hardware

management information systems, chapter 2: information system hardware

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