Computer Applications in

Business
TEXT:
COMPUTERS AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS

BY: HUTCHINSON (NEW EDITION)

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Computer: An overview

▪ Computer?
Machine – combination of
electronic, electrical &
mechanical parts or hardware;

Has it’s own language

Controlled by software

Capable of receiving, processing, storing, and

retrieving instructions/data.
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Computer: An overview
Who is the User?

Mainly two types of user

Computer professional
Had formal education in technical
aspects; eg.Computer Programmer
End user
A person like yourself, bank clerk

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Computer: An overview

Computer literacy
Having an understanding of what
a computer is. How it can be used
as a resource

Computer competency
Having capacity and skills of using
computer to meet information
need s and improve productivity
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Computer: An overview

Computer System
Made up of six parts:
Hardware (keyboard, motherboard),
Software (Windows, MS Word),
Data/Information (25, Karim),
Procedure (how to accomplish),
People (user),
and Communication (network, channel).
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Computer: An overview

Computer hardware

Can be divided into five categories:

Input hardware (keyboard, mouse)
Processing hardware (CPU, RAM)
Storage hardware (Hard disk, Tape)
Output hardware (Screen, Printer)
Communication hardware (Modem, Fax)
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Computer: An overview

Input hardware

To collect data, convert it into a machine

understandable form; keyboard is the most
common input hardware, mouse is also a
common input device

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Computer: An overview

Processing hardware
Function of processing hardware is to retrieve
and execute instructions.
Performing calculations, and other logical
activities.
Example: Central processing unit (CPU),
Random access memory (RAM)

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Computer: An overview

Storage hardware

Function of storage hardware is to store:

Data, information, software, files in different
formats.
Things stored in storage hardware are
permanent. Reusable

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Computer: An overview

Output hardware

Provide the user with the means to view

information produced by the computer system
Output may be of soft or hard form.
Screen provides softcopy of information
Printer provides hardcopy of information

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Computer: An overview

Communication hardware

Function of communication hardware is to

facilitate the connection between computers.
Example: Modem, Cable, Fax modem etc.

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Computer: An overview

Computer software

Set of instructions, programs

Provide artificial intelligence
Without software hardwires are useless
Mainly two types: System software and
Application software

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Computer: An overview

Types of computer systems

Computers come in a variety of size and shape

and processing capacity.
Supercomputers
Mainframe computers
Minicomputers
Microcomputers

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Computer: An overview

Supercomputer

Can handle gigantic amounts of scientific

computation
Maintain in a special room
May be about 50000 times faster than
microcomputer
May cost 20 million dollars
As a business manager you probably would not have
to contact with a supercomputer
Mainly use for scientific research, weather forecast
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Computer: An overview

Mainframe computer
A large computer
Capable of processing thousands of users requests
Smaller and less powerful than supercomputers
Cost up to 5-10 million dollars
Useful for a large airline, bank, and insurance
company
You may come to contact through your individual
workstation
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Computer: An overview

Minicomputer

Known as mid range computer

Can support 50-100 users
Smaller than mainframe computers
Faster than microcomputers
Cost about 5000 - 10000 dollars
Medium range firm use minicomputers
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Computer: An overview

Microcomputer

You will be dealing with mostly as a user

Also known as personal computer (PC)
Generally used by only one person at a time
Cost 500-1000 dollars
Available in variety of size and shape
Desktop, Laptop, Notebook, Palmtop, Tablet etc.

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