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Learning objectives
After this lecture, you will be able to:
categorise the type of computer system that a business uses; recognise the different components of a computer; specify the components needed for the purchase of a personal computer; define the criteria for selection of hardware.
Management issues
From a managerial perspective, this chapter addresses the following areas:
Learning the characteristics of input, output and storage devices will allow managers to select the correct equipment for a given application. An understanding of selection criteria will allow managers to specify equipment in terms of required quality and functionality. An increased understanding of computers will help managers see how technology can be used to improve existing business processes and identify potential applications.
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems, 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems, 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
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Key concepts
Computer system: Interrelated components including hardware and software that work together with the aim of converting data into information. Hardware: The physical components of a computer system: input devices, memory, central processing unit, output devices and storage devices.
Figure 3.1
Systems , 4th
Slide 3.6
Hardware components
Input device: Hardware used to enter data, information or instructions into a computer-based information system. Central processing unit (CPU): The processor found in a computer system that controls all of the computers main functions and enables users to execute programs or process data. Memory: A temporary means of storing data awaiting processing, instructions used to process data or control the computer system, and data or information that has been processed. Storage devices: A permanent means of storing data and programs until they are required. Output devices: Translate the results of processing output into a human readable form.
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems , 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
Need to move away from personal experience PC or laptop Look around in a supermarket or retailer. I cant help, the system is down.
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Accounting pathways
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Slide 3.7
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems , 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
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Cost-efficient forms of PC
Net PC: will usually feature no floppy or hard drive and limited memory and processor since it will use the power of the server to provide applications. Thin client: describes an architecture where the bulk of the processing is carried out by a central server. Total cost of ownership (TCO): TCO refers to the total cost for a company operating a computer. This includes not only the purchase or leasing cost but also the cost of all the services needed to support the end-user. Virtual computing involves simulating a complete computer system in software. The virtual machine (VM) behaves exactly the same as a physical computer system and can be used in the same way.
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems, 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
Input devices
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Input devices 1
Personal computers (Natural) keyboard Graphical user interface (GUI) Pointing device: the most common is a Mouse, another relatively common device is a Mousepad or Trackball. Video capture card Sound card, useful with Voice recognition software. Lightpen Graphics tablet
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems, 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
Input devices 2
Other Optical scanner: used with Optical character recognition (OCR) or Optical mark recognition (OMR) (eg at banks). Bar code reader: used with Bar code, normally following the Universal product code standard. Touch screen Interactive kiosk The text also mentions Multimedia but this is seldom an input device unless combined with some input method.
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems, 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
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Output devices
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Output devices
Visual display unit (VDU): Resolution, Dot pitch, Refresh rate, Interlaced display & Non-interlaced display. Video projector Plotter MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) Computer output to microfilm (COM) Response time: The time it takes to respond to an action.
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems, 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
Printers
Laser printer: A laser is used to charge sections of a rotating drum which is then used to print using toner powder, achieving a combination of speed with high print quality. Inkjet printer: An inkjet printer uses a print-head containing 50 or more small nozzles that squirt ink onto the paper by varying electrostatic charges produced by the printer. Dot-matrix printer: A character is transferred to the paper by striking pins against an ink ribbon.
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems, 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
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Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems, 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
Storage devices
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Storage devices
Primary storage: Data and instructions are loaded into memory such as random access memory. Such storage is temporary. Volatile, Non-volatile, Read-only memory (ROM), EPROM & Cache memory. Secondary storage: Hard disks, flash or pen drives and CDs are examples of secondary storage and the storage is permanent. Measuring storage capacity: bit, byte, kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, terabyte.
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems, 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
Figure 3.10
10 Feb 09
Business_Systems_Analysis_and_Design_for_Accountants-handbook
13
BSADAcc
Accounting pathways
P07808
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Figure 3.14
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Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems, 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
Software
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Learning objectives
After this lecture, you will be able to:
explain the purpose of software applications in different categories; describe the features found in a variety of modern applications software packages; identify some of the advantages and disadvantages associated with a variety of common applications; describe some of the ways in which applications software supports the activities of a business organisation.
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems , 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
Management issues
From a managerial perspective, this chapter addresses the following areas:
All major organisations make use of common applications, such as word processing and database software. An understanding of the factors involved with selecting these applications is required by all managers. An understanding of the range of software applications available will help managers see potential applications relevant to a given organisation or industry. An understanding of recent developments in the software industry, such as the emergence of the XML, will help managers to develop long-term plans for the organisations use of technology.
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems, 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
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Figure 4.1
Figure 4.2
Diagram showing the relationships between the different types of software and hardware
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems , 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
10 Feb 09
Business_Systems_Analysis_and_Design_for_Accountants-handbook
15
BSADAcc
Accounting pathways
P07808
Slide 3.27
Slide 3.28
Systems software
Operating system (OS): Software that interacts with the hardware of the computer in order to manage and direct the computers resources. Command line interpreter (CLI): Passes instructions from a user to a computer program as instructions from a user in the form of brief statements entered via the keyboard. Graphical user interface (GUI): Provides a means for a user to control a computer program using a mouse to issue instructions using menus and icons. WIMP: WIMP (windows, icons, mouse and pull-down menus) is often used to describe a GUI environment. Network operating system (NOS): This describes the software needed to operate and manage a network system.
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems, 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
Applications software
Applications software: A set of programs that enable users to perform specific information-processing activities that may be general-purpose or application-specific. General Purpose applications: This is also known as productivity software and describes a category of computer software that aims to support users in performing a variety of common tasks. (e.g. word processor, spreadsheet, database). Application-specific software: This is intended to serve a specific purpose, for example software used in the marketing and accounting functions (see chapter 6 for more details).
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems , 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
Slide 3.29
Modelling: Modelling involves creating a numerical representation of an existing situation or set of circumstances, whilst simulation involves predicting new situations or circumstances. What if? analysis: This describes the ability to see the predicted effect of a change made to a numerical model. Goal seeking: In a spreadsheet, goal seeking describes a way of automatically changing the values in a formula until a desired result is achieved.
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems , 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
Databases
Slide 3.30
Databases
Database: A collection of related information stored in an organised way so that specific items can be selected and retrieved quickly. Advantages: Multi-user access Distributed access Speed Data quality Security Space efficiency
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems, 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
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Database types
Flat file database: A self-contained database that only contains one type of record or table and cannot access data held in other database files. Free-form database: Allows users to store information in the form of unstructured notes or passages of text. Information is organised and retrieved by using categories or key words. Hypertext database: Information is stored as series of objects that can consist of text, graphics, numerical data and multimedia data. Objects are linked, allowing users to store disparate information in an organised manner. Relational database management system (RDBMS): An extension of a DBMS that allows data to be combined from a variety of sources.
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems , 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
Figure 4.6
An example of how key fields are used to link information from different database tables (relations in an RDBMS database)
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems , 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
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Database features
Update query: used to change records, tables and reports held in a database management system. Structured query language (SQL): A form of programming language that provides a standardised method for retrieving information from databases. Filter: In a spreadsheet or database, a filter can be used to remove data from the screen temporarily. This allows users to work with a specific group of records. Filters do not alter or delete data but simply hide any unwanted items.
Object-oriented database: The database is made up of objects combining data structures with functions needed to manipulate the object or the data it holds.
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems, 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
10 Feb 09
Business_Systems_Analysis_and_Design_for_Accountants-handbook
17
BSADAcc
Accounting pathways
P07808
Internet
Slide 3.36
Internet concepts
Internet: A global network system made up of many smaller systems. World Wide Web (WWW): Interlinked documents on the Internet made up of pages containing text, graphics and other elements. Hypertext Markup Language (HTML): WWW pages are mainly created by producing documents containing HTML commands that are special tags (or codes) to control how the WWW page will appear when displayed in a web browser. Web browser program: Enables users to navigate through the information available and display any pages of interest. Hypertext: Hypertext is highlighted words or phrases that represent links to other documents activated by clicking the mouse. Electronic mail (e-mail): The transmission of a message over a communications network.
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems, 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
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Web 2.0
The term Web 2.0 describes a new generation of applications and services that allows Internet users to communicate, share information and do business in new ways. Some of the principles behind Web 2.0 have been associated with particular forms of technology, for example, Rich Internet Applications (RIAs). RIAs are web applications that combine enhanced user interfaces with the power and functionality of desktop programs. Web 2.0 emphasises what is sometimes called the social Internet, a range of applications that encourage greater collaboration and interaction among Internet users. Applications commonly associated with Web 2.0 include blogs (web logs) which can be thought of as an online journal or diary.
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems , 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems, 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
Bocij, Greasley, Hickie, Business Information Systems, 4th Edition, Pearson Education Limited 2008
Seminar work:
Chapter 3: Essay question 3 & Exam question 2 Chapter 4: Essay question 3 & Exam question 3
18 Business_Systems_Analysis_and_Design_for_Accountants-handbook 10 Feb 09