chapter 4 hardware_software

8/14/2019 Chapter 4 HardWare_SoftWare

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!!!!!!QUESTIONS

Q1 What does a manager need to know about computer hardware?Q2 How much does hardware cost?Q3 What is the difference between a client and a server?Q4 What does a manager need to know about software?Q5 How much does software cost?Q6 What are viruses, Trojan horses, and worms?Q7 How can you use this knowledge?


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Dee hired Don Gray, a consult

ant who specialized in setting upsystems like blogs.

Gray:

1. Will you run your blog on an internal Emerson site or contract withan outside hosting service?

2. Either way, will your site use a Windows or Linux server?

3. What blog software do you want to use?

4. How do you want to code your entries? Are you going to useDreamweaver, or do you want me to build an HTML editor intoyour blog software?

5. What browsers do you want to support? Internet Explorer? Mozilla

Firefox? Others?6. Do you care if your blog doesnt render perfectly in all browsers?7.

????


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Q1 What does a manager need to know about computerhardware?

n Hardware includes the electronic components and related gadgetry

that input, process, output, and store data according toinstructions encoded in computer programs or software.

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


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n The basic components of a computer are divided into

four categories.q Input hardware includes a keyboard, a mouse, scanners,

microphones, and even handwriting for a tablet PC.

q Processing hardware includes the central processing unit

(CPU) which can be a dual-processor or a quad-processor.Main memory and special function cards are also in thiscategory.

q Output hardware includes video displays, printers, audio

speakers, overhead projectors, and special-purposedevices.

q Storage hardware includes magnetic disks, optical disks, andmagnetic tape.


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Fig 4-4 Bits are Easy to Represent Physically

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


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n Regardless of whether computer data are numbers,alphabetic characters, or photos, they are merely a

collection of bits.

Fig 4-5 Important Storage-Capacity Terminology


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n The first step a computer uses to run a program is to transfer code

from a storage disk, such as a hard drive, to its main memory.

n The second step is to move a program instruction, like Open File,from the main memory into the CPU by using a data channel,also called a bus.

n

The cache memory, part of the CPU, stores frequently usedinstructions to help speed up processing.

n The operating system (OS), such as Windows, controls acomputers resources. Small blocks of instructions from the OSare stored temporarily in the main memory.

n Since the main memory is too small to hold all the program code forthe operating system and application programs, a computer usesmemory swapping to move instructions in and out of mainmemory.


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Fig 4-6 Computer Components in Use


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n You, as a manager, need to care how computers work because

there are so many options to choose from when youre selectinghardware components. At some point in your career, you may bepart of the selection process for new computer equipment.

n Effective managers make sure computers match employee tasks

and requirements. This attention to detail reduces employeefrustration and improves productivity.

n There are two types of memory:

q Volatile memory describes cache and main memory. When

power is turned off to the computer, any data in them arelost.

q Nonvolatile memory describes magnetic and optical disks.When the power is turned off, the data remain safelystored.


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Q2 How much does hardware cost?

n Your purchasing decision will focus on options such asq

A laptop or a desktopq CPU speed and cache memory size

q Main memory speed and size


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n You have to choose:

q the type of magnetic disk that best meets your needs basedon several factors like rotational delay and seek time.

q the type of optical disks that you need to complete your tasks.CD or DVD optical disk? Or both?


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Fig 4-8 Magnetic Disk Components

nThis figure shows how data are recorded on magnetic disks.


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n Part of your purchasing decision will include the type of video display thatbest meets your needs. Will you purchase a CRT monitor or an LCDmonitor?

n All monitors use pixels, small spots on the screen, to create displays. Thequality of a CRT monitor is measured by its dot pitch. An LCD monitorsquality is measured in pixel pitch.

n LCD monitors provide a choice of signal interfaces. VGA is older technologywhile DVI is a newer technology that provides a higher quality image.

n Each monitor has an optimal resolution based on the screen size and thedot or pixel pitch.

n Computers use a special CPU and a video processor to store and processimages.


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n Choosing the type of network access youll purchase depends on

the type of network you have available.

n Printers can be shared among many workers or limited to personalaccess.

n Mobile devices are becoming a must in todays connected world.You should match the device to the type of work the employeedoes.


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Q3 What is the difference between a client and a server?

n Because client-server processing is becoming the norm

its important to understand how it works.qq A client computer is used for word processing, spreadsheets,

or email. Software enables the client to connect to anetwork like the Internet or a company-based privatenetwork.

q A server computer provides some kind of service to the client.It can be email, Web sites, or database access.

q Even though servers are just another type of computer, they

have multiple CPUs, lots of main memory, and very largestorage disks.

q Large Web sites use server farms to help process millions oftransactions and activities in a coordinated fashion.


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Q3 What is the difference between a client and a server?

Fig 4-11 Client & Server Computers


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Q4 What does a manager need to know about software?

n There are two types of computer software.q Operating system software controls computer resources. Its

hardware specific and includes a specific instruction setbased on the computers processor. Windows XP is anexample.

q Application program software helps users accomplish tasks

like word processing or database management. Programssuch as Microsoft Word or Excel examples.

Fig 4-13 Categories of Computer Software


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n Once managers decide on the category of applicationsoftware they need, they must decide how theyll

acquire the programs. They can choose fromq

q Off-the-shelf software that users must accept as is. Itsgenerally used for horizontal applications.

q Off-the-shelf with alterations software allows some changes inthe code to fit a businesss needs. Its used for verticalapplications.

q Custom-developed software is created for a particular

business or set of users. Its used for one-of-a-kindapplications.

q Firmware is special software installed in devices like PDAs orcell phones. It uses read-only memory on the device.


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Fig 4-15 Software Sources and Types


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n Client-server applications require software code on both

the client computer and the server computer. Thedifference between a thin client and a thick client isdecided by the amount of software required on the

client computer.q

A thin client application only requires a browser like InternetExplorer. Accessing a Web site is an example of a thinclient application. A thin client program is preferablebecause it doesnt require extra software.

q A thick client requires software programs in addition to abrowser to function. Using Mozilla Thunderbird email is anexample of a thick client application. Thick client softwareusually provides more features and functions.


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Fig 4-16 Thin and Thick Clients


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Q5 How much does software cost?

n Managers should make software purchasing decisions

based on the type of software and its functions thatemployees need to accomplish their tasks.

q Some software programs require a company to purchase asite license that allows all its computers to run the program.

q An upgrade adds new features and functions to existingprograms and is less costly than a new software license.


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n Managers choose operating system software based onorganizational policy.

n Managers choose horizontal-market software based onorganizational policy and the components employees

need to for their jobs.

n Managers choose vertical-market software based on jobcategory needs.

n It is illegal and highly unethical to use software withoutproper licenses.


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Fig 4-17 Client Software Prices


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Q6 What are viruses, Trojan horses, and worms?

n Here are some terms and definitions users should befamiliar with to help protect computers from harm.q

q Viruses are computer programs that replicate themselves andmay rob computer resources of meaningful work.

q A payload is virus program code that can alter or deleteprograms or data in a computer.

q A Trojan horse is a type of virus that masquerades as auseful program or file even though it may be damaging thecomputers programs or data.

q Macro virusesspread by attaching themselves to commonapplication files like Word or Excel. When an infected file is

opened, the virus places destructive code in the startupfiles of the application and spreads from there.

q A worm is a type of virus that propagates by using networksto spread from one computer to another.


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n Here are some ways users can prevent viruses andshield computers from harm.

q Patches are modifications that fix known problems in a

programs code. Users should periodically check forpatches from software manufacturers and download andinstall them immediately.

q Antivirus programs search a computers memory and storagedisks for known viruses and delete them when theyrefound. Users should periodically download updates toantivirus programs since new viruses are continuallyintroduced to networks.


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n Other steps users can take to help prevent virusesincludeq Never downloading programs or data from unknown Web

sites.

q

q Not opening email attachments from strangers.

q

q Not opening unexpected email attachments.

q

q Not relying on file extensions to be honest.


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Q7 How can you use this knowledge?

Fig 4-18 Business Mgrs Role in Hardware & Software Specifications

nThe type of buying decisions you may make as a business managerdepends on the size of your organization and the type of hardware

and software your employees need.


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n Heres the process you should use to create a computer

budget for your department or business.q

q First you need to establish your base requirements byn

n Assessing the type of work your employees perform andcategorizing each job.

n Determining the computer workload requirements foreach category.

n

Then, deciding what your hardware and softwarerequirements are for each category of worker.


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n Once youve established your base requirements you need toforecast changes in

n

n Employeesn Workloadn department task assignmentsn Upgrade requirements

n Using your base requirements and change forecasts, you canprepare a budget that includes hardware and software pricesbased on organizational requirements and practices. Dont forgetpotential overhead fees for networks, servers, andcommunication equipment.

n Assess your proposed budget for feasibility and reasonabilityaccording to your organizations competitive strategy. You mayhave to prepare justifications for your budget decisions.

n The last step is to document the results of your efforts for later use.


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Fig 4-19 Process for Preparing a Departmental IT Budget

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