COMPUTER APPLICATION AND E-BUSINESS (CMB353)

UNIT-1

Dr. Asad Malik,

Assistant Professor
Department of Computer Science,
Aligarh Muslim University
Email-Id: amalik.cs@amu.ac.in
 Unit - I
1) Meaning and Features of IT,
2) Application and Impact of IT on Business,
3) Computer System, Types,
4) Features and Limitations of Computers,
5) Applications Areas of Computers in
Business,
6) Concept of Hardware and Software,
7) Types of software
9) Introduction and Applications of Internet,
10) Web Client and Web Server,
11) Domain Name System,
12) WWW (World Wide Web),
13) Wired and Wireless Media,
14) Network, Types (LAN, MAN, WAN),
15) Topologies and Protocols,
16) WiFi and WiMax.
Technology?
Technology is the continually developing result of accumulated knowledge and application
in all techniques, skills, methods, and processes used in industrial production and scientific
research. In fact, a hammer and the wheel are two examples of early human technology.

Mechanical technology

Electronic technology
Information Technology
Information technology (IT) is the use of any computers, storage, networking and
other physical devices, infrastructure and processes to create, process, store, secure
and exchange all forms of electronic data.
Information technology…

• Information Technology (IT)* is the use of computers to create, process,

store, retrieve, and exchange all kinds of electronic data and information.
• IT is typically used within the context of business operations as opposed to
personal or entertainment technologies.
• IT is considered to be a subset of information and communications
technology (ICT).
• An information technology system (IT system) is generally an information
system, a communications system, or, more specifically speaking,
a computer system including all hardware, software,
and peripheral equipment operated by a limited group of IT users.

*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technology
Features of Information technology
1) By using Information technology, systems can run 24hrs 7 days a week.
2) The development of information technology has made the educational system simpler, easier
and more generalized.
3) It has made it simpler, easier, and widespread. Now, people of remote areas can also use
technology for their development and use.
4) Large-scale dissemination of E-governance.
5) Even though information technology is managed by humans, it is more likely to be more
accurate than humans.
6) Public participation in governance and policy development.
7) Development of remote areas.
8) Technology helps the police catch criminals.
9) Justice and other administrative services can also benefit from the help of technology to make
the job easier and faster.
10) Very beneficial for ordinary people, because they can access their rights and take legal action
against the person who violates their rights.
11) It increases the happiness and prosperity not only of an individual, but of society as a whole.
IT Components and function
Application and Impact of IT in Business
➢ Business Communication
➢ Inventory Management
➢ Customer Relationship Management
Application
➢ Employee Management System
Impact
➢ Easy for Employee Hiring
➢ Sales Analysis
➢ Production Planning
➢ Media and Advertisement
➢ Data Management System
➢ Finance and Controlling
➢ Management Information System
Information Technology (IT) is among the
relevant factors assisting the business to
penetrate a new market for being
innovative and generating new products
and services that help the business and
company's growth.
The revolution of IT and internet
facilitates the outstanding performance
of the economy in business sector,
through the exchanges of information by
using internet and electronic devices
facilitate accessibility of doing business
between companies globally.
Computer System

Any system is defined as a group of integrated parts which are designed to

achieve a common objective. Thus, a system is made up of more than one
element, where each element performs a specific function and where all the
elements are logically related and are controlled in such a way that the goal of
the system is achieved.

A computer is made up of a number of integrated elements like

▪ The central processing unit,
▪ The input and output devices
▪ The storage devices.

Each of these units performs a specific task. However, none of them can
function independently on their own. They are logically related and controlled
to achieve a specific goal. When they are thus integrated they form a fully
fledged computer system.
Computer System…
Basic structure of Computer System
Input: This is the process of entering data & programs into the computer system.

Memory Unit: It is used to store data & instructions which was given through
input.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): The major functions performed by the ALU are;
Addition (+), Subtraction (-), Multiplication (x), Division (/), logic & comparison.

Output: The process of producing results from the data for getting relevant &
useful information.

ALU+CU-->CPU: Arithmetic Logic Unit & Control Unit of a computer system

are jointly known as the Central Processing Unit. CPU - the brain of any computer
system.

Control Unit (CU): The process of input, output, processing & storage is
performed under the supervision of a unit called- "Control Unit". It decides when
to start the receiving data from outside, when to stop its system & where to store
data, etc. It takes care of the step-by-step processing of all operations inside the
computer.
Computer types
• Computers can also be classified based on their computing power and speed.
S.No. Type of Computer
1 Personal Computer (PC)
2 Workstation
3 Minicomputer
4 Main Frame
5 Supercomputer
Description
It is a type of single-user computer system that has a moderately
powerful microprocessor.
It is also a single user computer system, but it has a more powerful
microprocessor.
It is a multi-user computer system. It is capable of supporting
hundreds of users all at the same time.
It is a computer system that can be used for multiple users. It can
support hundreds of users at the same time. It is different from
minicomputers in terms of its software technology.
It is an incredibly fast computer system that is capable of
executing hundreds of millions of instructions every second.
Computer types
• Computers can also be classified based on their application.

Type of
S.No. Description
Computer
Analog computers are used only to process analog data. It processes data
continuously, i.e., do not take breaks such as measuring temperature, blood
Analog pressure, voltage, depth, etc. It measures continuous changes in a physical
1
Computer quantity. For example, the Speedometer of a car measures the speed, changes
in temperature in the body with a thermometer’s help, and weighs our body
with a weighing machine.
Digital computers process the data in numeric as well as non-numeric forms. It
Digital can perform arithmetic operations such as addition, occurrence, subtraction,
2
Computer multiplication, or division and all types of logical(mathematical) operations. For
example, a digital computer, accounting machines and calculators.
A hybrid computer is a combination of both Analog and Digital computer. The
Hybrid digital speedometer used in cars is also an example of a hybrid computer,
3
Computer Digital machines like an ultrasound machine, ICU (intensive Unit Care) ,CT
scan machines, and ATMs
Features and Limitations of Computers
Feature Detail
Speed A computer works with much higher speed and accuracy compared to humans
while performing mathematical calculations. Computers can process millions
(1,000,000) of instructions per second. The time taken by computers for their
operations is microseconds and nanoseconds.
Accuracy Computers perform calculations with 100% accuracy. Errors may occur due to
data inconsistency or inaccuracy.
Diligenc A computer can perform millions of tasks or calculations with the same
consistency and accuracy. It doesn’t feel any fatigue or lack of concentration. Its
memory also makes it superior to that of human beings.
Versatility Versatility refers to the capability of a computer to perform different kinds of works
with same accuracy and efficiency.
Reliability A computer is reliable as it gives consistent result for similar set of data i.e., if we
give same set of input any number of times, we will get the same result.
Automation Computer performs all the tasks automatically i.e. it performs tasks without
manual intervention.
Memory A computer has built-in memory called primary memory where it stores data.
Secondary storage are removable devices such as CDs, pen drives, etc., which
are also used to store data.
Features and Limitations of Computers
Computers are highly intelligent and sophisticated. Some limitations
are as follows:

➢ Lack of Common-sense
➢ No IQ
➢ No Feelings
➢ No Thinking Capability
➢ No Decision-Making Ability
➢ No Learning Power
➢ User Dependent
➢ No Implementation Power
➢ Computers cannot express Ideas
Computer Application in Business
Computers have become a significant requirement in the
business industry. Computer application in
business makes it easy to complete tedious and timely
tasks for the owners and managers. Computers boost the
business and management processes with top efficiency.
Five computer application into a core part of the business.
1. Accounting (Recordkeeping)
2. Business Communication
3. Business Management
4. Research and Marketing
5. Client and Customers
Accounting (Recordkeeping)
• One of the best advantages of the computer in business is the accounting software it offers
for keeping all the essential transactional documents and records safe. Essentially,
computer software allows accountants to process more information in less time.
• Accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero, and Tally, are accounting programs that
allow companies to keep their records up to date and generate detailed reports on time.
Business Communication
• Computers make communication cross-boundary. This means that communication is no
longer restricted to the location of communicating people.
• This is especially important for large organizations that may have their branches not only
in different parts of one city but also in other cities and even countries. This makes it
possible not to consider the geographical environment of communication.
• Software such as Outlook and G Suite, Skype, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, GoTo Meeting
etc.
Business Management
• Computer communications are used to procure, store, control, and transmit
information to people and business units, departments, office units, both internal and
external.
• The computer software in business management is oriented to support management
within the organization. The versatile computer application in business management and
collaboration will depend on the size of the organization, from a startup, small, medium-
sized company to a large corporation.
Research and Marketing
• The computer is now an important part of any business’s research analysis and
marketing campaign as it allows the business to know the competitor and attract
customers from all over the world. Also, to prepare detailed budget estimates and
business forecasts.
Client and Customers
• The computer has helped the businesses to interact with their customers by eliminating
the barriers like limited location, restricted language barrier, and there was no way of
direct consumer forum for all the feedback.
• Direct online communication with clients a business can keep them updated and able to
make inquiries about the business or to ask for more information about offers and deals
of the business services and products.
What is hardware?
Computer Hardware: Hardware refers
to the physical components of a
computer. Computer Hardware is any
part of the computer that we can touch
these parts. These are the primary
electronic devices used to build up the
computer.
Examples of hardware in a computer are
the Processor, Memory Devices,
Monitor, Printer, Keyboard, Mouse, and
the Central Processing Unit.
What is software?
The computer hardware itself is not
capable of doing anything on its own.
It has to be given explicit instructions to
perform the specific task. The computer
program is the one which controls the
processing activities of the computer.
Software is a collection of programs
which utilize and enhance the capability of
the hardware.
S. No. Parameters Hardware Software
Hardware is a physical part of the computer Software is a set of instructions that tells a
1. Basic Definition
that causes the processing of data. computer exactly what to do.
2. Development It is manufactured. It is developed and engineered.
Hardware cannot perform any task without The software can not be executed without
3. Dependency
software. hardware.

Hardware is tangible as hardware is a physical Software is intangible as we can see and also
4. Tangible
electronic device, that can be touched. use the software but can’t touch them.

The software does not wear out with time.

5. Durability Hardware typically wears out over time.
However, it may contain flaws and problems.

It has four main categories: input devices,

It is mainly divided into System software and
6. Types output devices, storage, and internal
Application software.
components.

7. Virus effect Hardware is not affected by computer viruses. Software is affected by computer viruses.

Ex: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Printer, CPU, Ex: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop,
8 Examples
Hard disk, RAM, ROM, etc. MySQL, etc.
How the user interact with computer
Types of software
Software is the set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do

Two main types of software:

1. Operating Systems
2. Application Software
1. Productivity software
2. Utility software
3. Programming software
4. Applications for the Enterprise (ERP)
 Operating Systems
• Also known as System software
• Software which manages the
hardware
• Creates the interface between the
hardware and the user
• Functions performed by the
operating systems:
• Managing the hardware resources
of the computer
• Providing the user-interface
components
• Providing a platform for software
developers to write applications
• Most popular are Microsoft Windows,
Apple Mac OS, and Linux
Application Software
• Software that allows users to accomplish some
goal or purpose
Categories:
• Productivity software to help employees
complete their job duties such as Microsoft Office
• Utility software allows you to fix or modify your
computer, example, antivirus software
• Programming software makes more software
Programmers can code, test, and convert into a
format that the computer will understand
• Enterprise resource planning (ERP) refers to a type
of software that organizations use to manage day-
to-day business activities such as accounting,
procurement, project management, risk
management and compliance, and supply chain
operations.
Some Popular Business Software & Computer Applications
Application Name Use Cases

Microsoft Excel or Google Sheet Employee or Salary Sheet, Basic Calculation

Microsoft Word or Google Doc For Document Creation

Microsoft PowerPoint or Numbers (Mac) For Presentation Making

QuickBooks Accounting
Wave Invoicing

Skype/Slack/Zoom Team Collaboration & Online Meeting

Asana/Trello/BaseCamp/Evernote Project Management & Meeting Notes taking

Dropbox or Google Drive File & Document Storage

PayPal, Square, Stripe Payments & Invoicing
Rescue Time Time Tracking

Salesforce/Zoho/Bitrix24 Customer Relationship Management

Internet use by country
 Introduction and Applications of Internet
Internet
➢ Internet is a network of networks.
➢ Millions of computer all over the world are
connected through the internet.
➢ Computer users on the internet can contact with ➢ Education (e-learning courses, virtual classroom, distance
one another anywhere in the world.
➢ If a computer is connected to the internet, one
can connect to millions of computers.
Applications of Internet
Internet is used for different purposes by different people.
➢ E-Commerce (auction, buying, selling products etc.)
➢ Research (on-line journals, magazines, information etc.)
learning)
➢ E-Governance (online filing of application (Income Tax), on-
line application forms etc.)
➢ On-line ticket booking (airplane tickets, rail tickets, cinema
hall tickets etc.)
➢ On-line payments (credit card payments etc.)
➢ Video conferencing
➢ Exchange of views, music, files, mails, folders, data,
information etc.
➢ Outsourcing jobs (work flow software)
➢ Social networking (sites like facebook, linkedin, twitter)
➢ E-Telephony (sites like skype)
Website?, Webpage?, HTTP, HTTPS?

• Website is the collection one and more webpages

• Webpage is a hypertext document provided by
a website and displayed to a user in a web browser.
• HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is a protocol for
Webpage
fetching resources such as HTML (Hyper Text
Markup Language) documents. It is the foundation of
any data exchange on the Web and it is a client-server
protocol, which means requests are initiated by the
recipient, usually the Web browser. A complete
document is reconstructed from the different sub-
documents fetched, for instance, text, layout
description, images, videos, scripts, and more. HTML
Understanding HTTP vs HTTPS

HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It was

created to share information easily between servers and
computers via the Internet. HTTP data isn’t encrypted
HTTPS means Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure
referring to the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) used to
encrypt data sent online.
There are two indicators to let you know that your
website is encrypted with SSL:
• You can see the HTTPS prefix in the web address bar.
(This one is the most common-sense way to tell if the
site is secure)
• The web address bar shows a green lock. This is
another visual representation of knowing that the
website is secured with SSL.
 Web Client and Web server
• A web client is an application that
communicates with a web server, using
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS).
• The basic objective of the web server is to store,
process and deliver web pages to the users. https:
• Web browser is an example of a web client. https:
Web servers speak the HTTP protocol, so they
are often called HTTP servers. These HTTP Web Client Web server
servers store the Internet’s data and provide the
data when it is requested by HTTP clients.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8azMzrluHE
Domain Name System (DNS)
• A Domain Name System (DNS) is a
collection of databases that
translate hostnames to IP addresses.
• DNS is often referred to as the internet's
phone book because it converts easy-to-
remember hostnames
like www.google.com, to IP addresses
like 216.58.217.46.
How the DNS Server is working ?
 Wired and Wireless Media
Wired
• A wired setup uses physical cables to transfer data between
different devices and computer systems. The cables can be
copper wire, twisted pair or fiber optic.
• Most wired networks use Ethernet cables to transfer data
between connected PCs. Ethernet works or operates in a
narrow range and it is little bit difficult to configure as
compared to wireless networking technologies.
Wireless
• Wireless network refers to the use of infrared or radio
frequency signals to share information and resources
between devices. Wireless technologies are designed to
reduce the time and different type of obstacles created by
the cables.
Electromagnetic Wave
• At any single moment, we are sounded all kinds of electromagnetic
waves. Wave transmitted by radio and TV stations. Waves are
generated from Wi-Fi equipment, computer, phones, microwave
ovens, fire radiators and the sun.
• Likely we only can see visible light, not everything, otherwise, we
would become so dizzy and so lightheaded that we can’t focus on
doing anything.
Electromagnetic (EM) spectrum
LOW Frequency HIGH
What is a Network and there types?
A computer network is a collection of two or more computer systems
that are linked together. A network connection can be established
using either cable or wireless media.
Three very common types of computer networks:
• LAN stands for local area network. It is a group of network
devices that allow communication between various connected
devices. Private ownership has control over the local area network
rather than the public. LAN has a short propagation delay than
MAN as well as WAN. It covers the smaller area such as colleges,
schools, hospitals, and so on.
• MAN stands for metropolitan area network. It covers the larger
area than LAN such as small towns, cities, etc. MAN connects two
or more computers that reside within the same or completely
different cities. MAN is expensive and should or might not be
owned by one organization.
• WAN stands for wide area network. It covers a large area than
LAN as well as a MAN such as country/continent etc. WAN is
expensive and should or might not be owned by one organization.
 Network topology
Topology is derived from two Greek words topo and
logy, where topo means ‘place’ and logy means ‘study’.
In computer networks, a topology is used to explain
how a network is physically connected and the logical
flow of information in the network. There are two types
of topology: physical and logical topology.
• Physical topology is the geometric representation of
all the nodes in a network. In other words, we can say
that it is the physical layout of nodes, workstations,
and cables in the network.
• Logical topology is a concept in networking that
defines the architecture of the communication
mechanism for all nodes in a network. It is bound to a
network protocol and defines how data is moved
throughout the network and which path it takes.
 1. Bus Topology
Bus topology is the simplest kind of topology in which a common bus or channel is used for
communication in the network.
The bus is connected to various taps and droplines. Taps are the connectors, while droplines are
the cables connecting the bus with the computer.
Advantages:
1. Simple to use and install.
2. If a node fails, it will not affect other nodes.
3. Less cabling is required.
4. Cost-efficient to implement.
Disadvantages:
1. Efficiency is less when nodes are more(strength of signal
decreases).
2. If the bus fails, the network will fail.
3. A limited number of nodes can connect to the bus due to limited
bus length.
4. Security issues and risks are more as messages are broadcasted
to all nodes.
5. Congestion and traffic on the bus as it is the only source of
communication.
 2. Ring Topology
• All devices are connected to one another in the shape of a closed loop.
• Each device is connected directly to two other devices, one on either side of it.

Advantages:
1. Easy Installation.
2. Less Cabling Required.
3. Reduces chances of data collision(unidirectional).
4. Easy to troubleshoot(the faulty node does not pass the token).
5. Each node gets the same access time.

Disadvantages:
1. If a node fails, the whole network will fail.
2. Slow data transmission speed(each message has to go through the
ring path).
3. Difficult to reconfigure(we have to break the ring).
 3. Star Topology
• All devices are connected to a central hub.
• Nodes communicate across the network by passing data through the hub or switch.

Advantages:
1. Centralized control.
2. Less Expensive.
3. Easy to troubleshoot(the faulty node does not give response).
4. Easy to scale(nodes can be added or removed to the network
easily).
5. If a node fails, it will not affect other nodes.
6. Easy to reconfigure and upgrade(configured using a central
device).

Disadvantages:
1. If the central device fails, the network will fail.
2. The number of devices in the network is limited(due to limited
input-output port in a central device).
 4. Tree/Hierarchical Topology
Tree topology is a computer network topology in which all the nodes are directly or indirectly
connected to the main bus cable. Tree topology is a combination of Bus and Star topology.

Advantages:
1. Large distance network coverage.
2. Fault finding is easy by checking each hierarchy.
3. Least or no data loss.
4. A Large number of nodes can be connected directly or indirectly.
5. Other hierarchical networks are not affected if one of them fails.

Disadvantages:
1. Cabling and hardware cost is high.
2. Complex to implement.
3. Hub cabling is also required.
4. A large network using tree topology is hard to manage.
5. It requires very high maintenance.
6. If the main bus fails, the network will fail.
 6. Mesh Topology
Mesh topology is a computer network topology in which nodes are interconnected with each
other. In other words, direct communication takes place between the nodes in the network.

Advantages:
1. Dedicated links facilitate direct communication.
2. No congestion or traffic problems on the channels.
3. Good Fault tolerance due to the dedicated path for each node.
4. Very fast communication.
5. Maintains privacy and security due to a separate channel for
communication.
6. If a node fails, other alternatives are present in the network.

Disadvantages:
1. Very high cabling required.
2. Cost inefficient to implement.
3. Complex to implement and takes large space to install the network.
4. Installation and maintenance are very difficult.
What is a protocol?
Protocol, in computer science, a set of rules or procedures for transmitting data
between electronic devices, such as computers. In order for computers to exchange
information, there must be a preexisting agreement as to how the information will be
structured and how each side will send and receive it.
Some network protocols are:
1. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
2. Internet Protocol (IP)
3. User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
4. Post office Protocol (POP)
5. Simple mail transport Protocol (SMTP)
6. File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
7. Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
8. Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS)
9. Telnet
What is World Wide Web?
• World Wide Web, which is also known as a
Web, is a collection of websites or web pages
stored in web servers and connected to local
computers through the internet.
• These websites contain text pages, digital
images, audios, videos, etc.
• Users can access the content of these sites from
any part of the world over the internet using
their devices such as computers, laptops, cell
phones, etc.
• The WWW, along with internet, enables the
retrieval and display of text and media to your
device.
World Wide Web…

• The building blocks of the Web are web pages which are formatted
in HTML and connected by links called "hypertext" or hyperlinks
and accessed by HTTP.
• A web page is given an online address called a Uniform Resource
Locator (URL). A particular collection of web pages that belong to a
specific URL is called a website,
e.g., www.facebook.com, www.google.com, etc. So, the World Wide
Web is like a huge electronic book whose pages are stored on
multiple servers across the world.
WiFi and WiMax ?
WiFi :
1. stands for Wireless Fidelity.
2. uses radio waves to provide wireless high-speed internet and network connections.
3. connection is established using a wireless adapter to create hotspots.
4. antennas size small enough to be placed on a very small router.
5. can be used to connect with printer, computers, gaming consoles and many more.

WiMax:
1. stands for Wireless Inter-operability for Microwave Access.
2. uses licensed or unlicensed spectrum to deliver connection to network.
3. handle a larger inter-operable network.
4. can be used to provide internet services such as mobile data and WiFi spots.
WiFi and WiMax
Difference

Defined under IEEE 802.11x Defined under IEEE 802.16y

Short range technology long range technology.
For LAN For MAN
Range ≈100 m Range ≈ 50-90 km.
Transmit upto 54 mbps. Transmit upto 70 mbps.
 WiFi WiMax
WiMAX is defined under IEEE 802.16y
WiFi is defined under IEEE 802.11x standards
Defined standards where y stands for various WiMAX
where x stands for various WiFi versions.
versions.
WiFi is for LAN (Local Area Network) WiMAX is for MAN (Metropolitan Area
Type of Network
applications. Network) applications.
WiFi does not guarantee any Quality of Service
Guarantee WiMAX guarantees Quality of Service (QoS).
(QoS).

Distance The WiFi network range is around 100 meters. WiMAX network can reach about 50-90 km.

Range WiFi is short-range technology. WiMAX is long-range technology.

WiMAX connection can transmit up to 70
Transmit WiFi connection can transmit up to 54 Mbps.
Mbps.
It is inexpensive compared to WiMAX
Cost It is expensive because of high installation cost.
technology.
WiFi is utilized for domestic use and short- WiMAX supports a broader interoperable
Usage
distance connections. network,