Download - PART II: Next Three Chapters
Dr. Chen, Management Information Systems
PART 2INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Jason C. H. Chen, Ph.D.Professor of MIS
School of Business AdministrationGonzaga UniversitySpokane, WA [email protected]
Dr. Chen, Management Information Systems
Next Three Chapters
• Chapter 4 discusses hardware, software, open source alternatives, basic terms, fundamental computing concepts, importance of Web applications, and mobile systems.
• Chapter 5 addresses data component of information systems by describing database processing and data modeling
• Chapter 6 describes data communications; Internet technologies; and cloud-based services, uses and security.
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Purpose of These Three Chapters
• Provide knowledge to be an effective IT consumer.
• Present basic terms, fundamental concepts, and useful frameworks.
• Provide knowledge to ask good questions and make appropriate requests of IS professionals.
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Chapter 4Hardware, Software,and Mobile Systems
Jason C. H. Chen, Ph.D.Professor of MIS
School of Business AdministrationGonzaga UniversitySpokane, WA [email protected]
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“3D Printing Our Own Drones Isn’t Going to Save Us Enough Money.”
• Investigating using 3D-printed parts to make drones in-house.
• Cost-savings, greater flexibility updating current fleet.
• Not enough parts can be replicated.• Nonprintable component parts.
• Maybe not compatible with existing internal systems.
• Passive recharging platform using 3D-printed parts a huge success.
• Frustrating, costly to be on “bleeding edge”.
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Study Questions
Q1: What do business professionals need to know about computer hardware?
Q2: How can new hardware affect competitive strategies?Q3: What do business professionals need to know about
software?Q4: Is open source software a viable alternative?Q5: What are the differences between native and Web
applications?Q6: Why are mobile systems increasingly important?Q7: What are the challenges of personal mobile devices at
work? Q8: 2026?
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Computer System Concepts
“the brain” of the computer
(RAM)
IP
O(cpu)
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Two Types of Storage• Primary or Internal storage (memory)• Secondary or External storage (memory)• Is hard drive an internal storage? (Y/N)
• Storage hardware used to save data and programs common storage devices
Non-volatile– Magnetic disks (Hard drive)– Solid-state storage (SSD)– Thumb drives– Optical disks (CD/DVD)
Volatile - cache and main memory.
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Basic Types of Hardware
Fig 4-1; Basic Types of Hardware
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Four Categories of Basic Computer Components
• Hardware includes the electronic components that input, process, output, and store data according to instructions encoded in computer programs or software.
• The basic components of a computer are divided into four categories. – Input hardware includes keyboards, mice, scanners,
microphones, and even handwriting for a tablet PC.– Processing hardware includes: central processing unit (CPU)
which can be a dual-processor or a quad-processor, main memory, and special function cards are also in this category.
– Output hardware includes video displays, printers, audio speakers, overhead projectors, and special-purpose devices.
– Storage hardware includes magnetic disks, optical disks, and magnetic tape.
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Two Types of Storage• Primary or Internal storage (memory)• Secondary or External storage (memory)• Is hard drive an internal storage? (Y/N)
• Storage hardware used to save data and programs common storage devices
Non-volatile– Magnetic disks (Hard drive)– Solid-state storage (SSD)– Thumb drives– Optical disks (CD/DVD)
Volatile - cache and main memory.
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Q1: What Do Business Professionals Need to Know About Computer Hardware?
• Central processing unit (CPU) - “the brain”• Dual-processor and Quad-processor
computers• CPUs vary in speed, function, and cost• CPU works in conjunction with main memory
(RAM). • CPU reads data and instructions from memory,
and stores results of computation in memory.
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• Central processing unit (CPU) - “the brain”• Dual-processor and Quad-processor computers• CPUs vary in speed, function, and cost• CPU works in conjunction with main memory (RAM). • CPU reads data and instructions from memory, and stores results
of computation in memory.
Fig 4-Extra:Input, Process, Output, and Storage Hardware
Q1: What Do Business Professionals Need to Know About Computer Hardware?
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Basic Types of Hardware
Figure 4-1: Basic Types of Hardware
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How data are represented in computers?
# of bulb # of states
2 On Off
4
8
Question: How many symbols we need daily? How many bulbs should be used to represent them?
Because the most basic unit of electric device has only two states (on/off), data (symbols) must be represented in the form of combinations of these two states. 2nTotal # of states =
where n is # of bulb
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Bits vs. Bytes
• 1 Byte = 8 bits
• 1 character = 1 byte
• 1 kilobyte = 1024 bytes = 29 bytes
• 1 megabyte (MB) = 1024 K bytes• 1 gigabyte (GB) = 1024 MB• 1 terabyte (TB) = 1024 GB
Dr. Chen, Management Information Systems http://www.ascii-code.com/ http://www.ascii-code.com
ASCII stands for _______ _______ ____ for Information Interchange.
ASCII printable characters (partial list)
American Standard Code
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• Server farm An organized collection of servers (Figure 4-7). Servers in a farm coordinate their activities in a
sophisticated and fascinating technology dance. They receive and process hundreds, possibly thousands, of
service requests per minute. • In November 2010, Amazon.com processed an average of 158
order items per second for 24 hours straight. Farm servers hand off partially processed requests to each
other while keeping track of the current status of each request.
They can pick up the pieces when a computer in the farm fails.
All of this is done in the blink of an eye.
Clients and Servers
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Server farmLarge collection of coordinated servers
Figure 4-2 Server Farm
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Computer Data: Binary Digits
Fig 4-3 Bits are Easy to Represent Physically
Computers use binary digits, or bits, to represent data. Each bit is either a zero or a one.
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Computer data, whether numbers, alphabetic characters, or photos, are merely a collection of bits.
Sizing Computer Data
Fig 4-4 Important Storage-Capacity Terminology
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Specifying Hardware with Computer Data Sizes
• Computer disk capacities specified according to amount of data storage.
• CPU speed expressed in cycles called hertz.• Slow personal computer speed of 1.5
Gigahertz. • Fast PC 3+ Gigahertz, with dual processors.
• CPUs classified as 32-bit or 64-bit• Need 64-bit processor to effectively use more
than 4GB of memory.
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How Does a Computer Work?
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How Does a Computer Work?• Main memory (RAM)
Program instructionsContains Operating System (OS)
– Program that controls computer’s resources and blocks of data– Provides services to application programs and users
• Cache memory, part of CPU, is very fast memory used to store frequently used instructions in order to speed up processing.
• First step: CPU transfers a program or data from a storage disk to main memory.
• Second step: CPU moves a program instruction from main memory into the CPU via the data channel, or bus.
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Memory Swapping
• When RAM is too small to hold all open programs and data for processing.
• CPU loads programs into memory in chunks (segments). Then, uses memory swapping to move chunks of instructions and data in and out of main memory. If not enough RAM is available, operating system
swaps out existing instructions, or data, to a disk and copies requested program, or data, to freed space
• Swapping slows down computer
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• Managers need to match computers to employee tasks and requirements to reduce employee frustration and improve productivity. Simple tasks do not need fast CPU 64-bit dual processor, 8+GB RAM for large,
complicated spreadsheets, large database files, large picture, sound, movie files
• Cache and main memory are volatile, so save frequently.
Why Does a Manager Care How a Computer Works?
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Q2: How Can New Hardware Affect Competitive Strategies?
Internet of Things
Figure 4-5: Smartphone Development
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Q2: How Can New Hardware Affect Competitive Strategies?
• Internet of Things (IoT)The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of
physical objects - devices, vehicles, buildings and other items - embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity that enables these objects to collect and exchange data.
• Self-Driving CarsEasier, Cheaper, Safer
• 3D Printing
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Internet of Things
• Everyday objects embedded with hardware capable of sensing, processing, transmitting data.
• Objects share data via a network with any other application, service, or device.
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Impact of the Internet of Things
• GE’s Industrial Internet• Increase efficiencies, reduce waste, improve
decision making. • Greatest potential for smart devices in
hospitals, power grids, railroads, and manufacturing plants.
• Smart buildings (Microsoft)• ID problems like wasteful lighting, competing
heating and cooling systems, rogue fans, etc.
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Self-driving Cars by 2019
• Make things easier, cheaper, safer.
• Automobile accidents may become a thing of the past.
• Car insurance eliminated (?).• Eliminate need to have
multiple cars.• Avoid costly traffic tickets,
parking tickets, DUI citations.
Figure 4-7 Future Cars Will Drive Themselves
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Self-driving Cars Will Disrupt Businesses
• Auto sales - Fewer cars on road may mean fewer cars sold.
• Auto loans, insurance, collision repair shops.• More jobs for engineers, programmers, systems
designers.• More computer hardware, sensors, and cameras in
vehicles.
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3D Printing
• Plastics, metals, ceramics, foods, biological material.
• Opportunities in aerospace, defense, automotive, entertainment, and healthcare industries.
• What happens when 3D-print extra-large objects like cars, airplanes, boats, houses, drones, etc. becomes possible?
Figure 4-8 3D Printer
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Existing 3D Printing Examples
• ChefJet • Culinary artists and novices
can produce intricate, beautiful, and fully customized deserts.
• Living cells • Organs, bones, heart valves,
skin, joints.• Houses & buildings
Dr. Chen, Management Information Systems Fig 4-9 Categories of Computer Software
• There are two types of computer software. – __________ system software controls computer resources. It’s hardware
specific and includes a specific instruction set based on the computer’s processor. Windows10 or Apple iOS10 is an example.
– __________ program software helps users accomplish tasks like word processing or database management. Programs such as Microsoft Word or Excel examples.
Q3: What Do Business Professionals Need to Know About Software?
• Native applications (thick-client)
• Web applications (thin-client)
Operating
Application
Dr. Chen, Management Information Systems Fig 4-10 Major Operating Systems
What are the major O.S.?
[1]
[2]
[3]
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Major Operating Systems
Fig 4-10 Major Operating Systems
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Major Operating Systems (cont'd.)
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What Is Difference Between a Client and a Server?
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Linking Internal Databases to the Web
DATABASE TRENDS
N
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Web-Based Client/Server Database Architecture
Network
Web server
Database Server
Web Browser5. Retrieved data
4. Data query
7. Data-based Web page
8. Data-based Web page
1. Request for data-based Web page
6. Retrieved data
3. Data query
2. Request for data-based Web page
LegendCommunicationsBetween Web browserAnd Web server
CommunicationsBetween Web serverAnd database server
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Example of the Modern Interface
Windows 8 modern-style applications
Figure 4-11 Example of the Modern-Style Interface
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Linux Mint Virtual Machine Running in Microsoft Windows 7 Professional
• PC virtualization• Server virtualization• Desktop
virtualization
Figure 4-12 Linux Mint Virtual Machine Running in Microsoft Windows 7 Professional
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Windows Server Computer Hosting Two Virtual Machines
Figure 4-13 Windows Server Computer Hosting Two Virtual Machines
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How Virtual Machine Example
Figure 4-14 Virtual Machine Example
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Own Versus License
• License– Right to use specified number of copies– Limits vendor’s liability
• Site License– Flat fee to install software product on all
company computers or all computers at a specific site
• Open Source– No license fee
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Types of Virtualization
PC virtualization• Personal computer hosts several different
operating systemsServer virtualization
• Server computer hosts other server computers• Makes cloud computing feasible
Virtual desktop• Allows access from any computer a user has
authorization to use
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Virtual Companies (Portable Computing)
A Virtual Company is an Organization composedof several Business Partners that Uses
Information Technology to Link/______ People, Assets, Ideas, Costs, and Resources
for the purpose of producing a product or service.
Virtual Companies are Adaptable and Opportunity-Exploiting Organizations Providing World-Class
Excellence in Their Competencies and Technologies.
Share
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Characteristics of Virtual Companies
Borderless
Opportunism
Adaptability
Trust-Based
Excellence
Technology
SixCharacteristics
of VirtualCompanies
N
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What Types of Applications Exist, and How DoOrganizations Obtain Them?
Fig 4-15 Software Sources and Types
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• (Tutorial Video)• Application software
Performs a service or function Some are general purpose, such as Microsoft Excel or
Word Others provide specific functions, such as QuickBooks
which provides general ledger and other accounting functions
What Types of Applications Exist, and How Do Organizations Obtain Them?
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• Horizontal-market application software Provides capabilities common across all organizations and
industries. Word processors, graphics programs, spreadsheets, and presentation programs are all horizontal-market application software.
• Examples: Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Adobe Acrobat,
Photoshop, and PageMaker; Jasc Corporation’s Paint Shop Pro.
Used in a wide variety of businesses, across all industries Purchased off-the-shelf, and little customization of features is
necessary (or possible)
What Categories of Application Programs Exist?
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• Vertical-market application software Serves needs of a specific industry Examples:
• Programs used by dental offices to schedule appointments and bill patients; auto mechanics to keep track of customer data and customers’ automobile repairs; and programs used by parts warehouses to track inventory, purchases, and sales
• Vertical applications Usually can be altered or customized. Typically, the company that
sold the application software will provide such services or offer referrals to qualified consultants who can provide this service.
• One-of-a-kind application software Developed for a specific, unique need
What Categories of Application Programs Exist?
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What Is Firmware?
• Special software installed on read-only memory (ROM)• Printers, print servers, communication devices.• As if program’s logic is designed into device’s
circuitry.• Can be changed and upgraded like other software,
but normally a task for IS professionals.
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How Do Thin Clients Compare to Thick Clients?
Fig 4-Extra Thin and Thick Clients
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Industry Information
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Q4: Is Open Source Software a Viable Alternative?
• LibreOffice (default office suite in Linux distributions)• Firefox (a browser)• MySQL (a DBMS, see Chapter 5; acquired by Oracle)• Apache (a Web server, see Chapter 6)• Ubuntu (a Windows-like desktop operating system)• Android (a mobile device operating system)• Cassandra (a NoSQL DBMS, see Chapter 5)• Hadoop (a BigData processing system, see Chapter 9)
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Q4: Is Open Source Software A Viable Alternative?
GNU general public license agreement• Open Office (a Microsoft Office look-alike)• Firefox (a browser)• MySQL (a DBMS, see Chapter 5)• Apache (a Web server, see Chapter 6)• Ubuntu (a Windows-like desktop operating system)• Android (a mobile-device operating system)• Cassandra (a NoSQL DBMS, see Chapter 5)• Hadoop (a BigData processing system, see Chapter 9)
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Why Do Programmers Volunteer Their Services to Open Source Projects?
• It’s fun• Freedom to choose projects• Exercise creativity on interesting and
fulfilling projects• Exhibit one’s skill to get a job• Start a business selling services
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Software
Source code: Human readable computer
code
Machine code: Source code
compiled into instructions
executed directly by computer’s
CPU
How Does Open Source Work?
Closed-source or proprietary software Source code not available to users or public. Only available to trusted employees and carefully vetted contractors.
Open-source software available to users in source code form.
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How Does Open Source Work?
• Collaboration of many programmers• Examines source code and identifies a need,
creates new feature or redesigns existing feature, or fixes a problem
• Code evaluated and extended by others• Iteration, peer reviews and well-managed project
yield high-quality code
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Source Code
Sample
Figure 4-16 Source Code Sample
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So, Is Open Source Viable?
• Depends on requirements and constraints of situation.
• “Free” open source software might require support and operational costs that exceed cost of licensing fee.
• Future will involve a blend of both proprietary and open source software.
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Q5: Two Types of Application Programs -What Are the Differences Between Native and Web Applications?
Thick-client Thin-client
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Q5: Two Types of Application Programs -What Are the Differences Between Native and Web Applications?(cont'd )
Figure 4-17 Characteristics of Native and Web Applications
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Developing Native Applications
• Run on any operating system and device.• Development languages Objective-C. Kava.
C#, C++, and VB.NET.• Limited by capabilities of browser.• Written by professional programmers,
technically- oriented Web developers and business professionals.
• Users obtain thin-client applications via the Web.
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Developing Web Applications
• Development languages HTML5, CSS3, and Javascript
• Browsers handle idiosyncrasies of operating system and underlying hardware.
• Some differences in way browsers implement Web code.
• Ex: Web application SpiroCanvas run on Internet Explorer 9
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One Consequence of Browser Differences for Thin-Client Applications
Figure 4-18 One Consequence of Browser Differences for Web Applications
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GetHuGames SpiroCanvas
Figure 4-18 GethuGames’ SpiroCanvas
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Sophisticated HTML5 Application
Figure 4-19 Sophisticated html5 Application
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Which Is Better?
• Depends on:• Strategy and goals.• Application requirements.• Budget.• Schedule.• Tolerance for managing technical projects.• Need for application revenue.
• Thin-client applications cheaper to develop and maintain.
• May lack "Wow!" factor.
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Q6: Why Are Mobile Systems Increasingly Important?
Figure 4-20 Elements of a Mobile Information System
Any ______, any _____. where time
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Five Components of Mobile Change and Opportunity
Figure 4-21 Five Components of Mobile Change and Opportunity
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Q7: What are the Challenges of Personal MobileDevices at Work?
Figure 4-22 Advantages and Disadvantages of Employee Use of Mobile Systems at Work
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Survey of Organizational BYOD PolicyBYOD: _____________________
Figure 4-23 Six Common BYOD Policies
Bring Your Own Device
eg. applications using https required employees sign-on
Organization (IS dept) cleanses and reloads software and installs programs on employees’ mobile devices
BYOD policy is a statement concerning employees’ permissions and responsibilities when they use their own device for organizational business.
VPN: Virtual Private network
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Advantages of Example
BYOD Policies
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Sources of System Costs
Fig 4-Extra: Sources of System Costs
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Business Manager’s Role in Hardware and Software Specifications
Fig 4-Extra: Business Mgr’s Role in Hardware & Software Specifications
The type of buying decisions you may make as a business manager depends on the size of your organization and the type of hardware and software your employees need.
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Q8: 2026?• Always on, always connected, always communicating,
always working, and playing trend continues.• Internet of Things
• Home analyzes you; see what, how, when you do things, anticipate your needs.
• Same at work.• Hot jobs today -- IoT architect, marketing technologist,
BigData architect, and DevOps manager.• Best-paying jobs in 2026 don’t currently exist.• To prepare, cultivate creativity, novel problem solving,
good judgment, develop sincere desire to learn new things.
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• END of CHAPTER 4