1

Introduction to Information Systems

Essentials for the Internetworked E-Business Enterprise

Eleventh Edition

James A. O’Brien

Chapter
3
Computer
Hardware

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 James A. O’Brien Introduction to Information Systems Eleventh Edition 2

Chapter Objectives
• Identify the major types, trends, and uses of
microcomputer, midrange, and mainframe
computer systems.

• Outline the major technologies and uses of

computer peripherals for input, output, and
storage.

• Identify and give examples of the components

and functions of a computer system.

• Identify the computer systems and peripherals

you would acquire or recommend for a business
of your choice, and explain the reasons for your
selections.
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 James A. O’Brien Introduction to Information Systems Eleventh Edition 3

Computer System Categories

Mainframe
Computers

Midrange
Computers

Microcomputers

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 James A. O’Brien Introduction to Information Systems Eleventh Edition 4

Trends in Computer System Capabilities

First Second Third Fourth Fifth

Generation Generation Generation Generation Generation
Trend: Toward Smaller, Faster, More Reliable, and Less Costly

Greater
LSI, VLSI
Vacuum Integrated Power,
Solid-State Micro-
Tubes Circuits Smaller
processors
Footprint

Trend: Toward Easy to Purchase, and Easy to Maintain

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 James A. O’Brien Introduction to Information Systems Eleventh Edition 5

Microcomputer Systems
• Handheld Computers
– PDA, Information
Appliances
• Notebook Computers
• Desktop Computers
• Workstations
• Network Server
– Powerful microcomputer
used in small LANs

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 James A. O’Brien Introduction to Information Systems Eleventh Edition 6

Network Computers and Terminals

• Network Computer
(Thin Client)
• NetPC
• Network Terminal
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Benefits
• Lower purchase cost
• Easier maintenance
• Easier software
distribution and
licensing
• Computer platform
standardization
• Reduced end user
support requirements
• Improved
manageability
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 James A. O’Brien Introduction to Information Systems Eleventh Edition 7

Computer System Components

Central Processing Unit

Control
Input ALU Output
Output
Unit
Devices Devices
Devices

Special Primary
Cache
Purpose
Memory Storage
Processors

Secondary
Storage
Devices

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 James A. O’Brien Introduction to Information Systems Eleventh Edition 8

Input Technology Trends

First Second Third Fourth Fifth

Generation Generation Generation Generation Generation

Voice
Keyboard Data
Punched Recognition
Punched Key to Tape/ Entry
Cards Touch Devices
Cards Disk Pointing Devices
Paper Tape Handwriting
Optical Scanning
Recognition

Trend: Towards Direct Input Devices that Are More Natural

and Easy to Use

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 James A. O’Brien Introduction to Information Systems Eleventh Edition 9

Common Input Devices

• Keyboard
• Pointing Devices
• Pen Based Computing
• Speech Recognition
• Optical Scanning
• Magnetic Ink Character
Recognition
• Smart Cards
• Digital Cameras

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 James A. O’Brien Introduction to Information Systems Eleventh Edition 10

Output Technology Trends

First Second Third Fourth Fifth

Generation Generation Generation Generation Generation

Video Displays
Video Displays
Punched Cards Punched Cards Printed Reports Voice Responses
Audio Responses
Printed Reports Printed Reports and Documents Hyperlinked
Printed Reports
and Documents and Documents Video Displays Multimedia
and Documents
Documents

Trend: Towards Output Methods that Communicate Naturally,

Quickly, and Clearly

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 James A. O’Brien Introduction to Information Systems Eleventh Edition 11

Common Output Devices

• Video Output
– CRT
– LCD
• Printed Output
– Inkjet
– Laser

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 James A. O’Brien Introduction to Information Systems Eleventh Edition 12

Storage Trends
Primary
Storage
First Second Third Fourth Fifth
Generation Generation Generation Generation Generation

LSI VLSI
Magnetic Magnetic Magnetic
Semiconductor Semiconductor
Drum Core Core
Memory Chips Memory Chips

Trend: Towards Large Capacities Using Smaller Microelectronic Circuits

Secondary
Storage

Magnetic Disk
Magnetic Tape Magnetic Tape Magnetic Disk Optical Disk
Optical Disk
Magnetic Drum Magnetic Disk Magnetic Tape Magnetic Disk
Magnetic Tape

Trend: Towards Massive Capacities Using Magnetic and Optical Media

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 James A. O’Brien Introduction to Information Systems Eleventh Edition 13

Primary & Secondary Storage Media

Storage
Primary
Semiconductor
se ses
cr crea es

Memory Direct
s
De ea

Access
s

Magnetic
r B ity cr
ac In

Disks
ea
ap ed

Floppy Disk
Co e C Spe

In

Hard Disk, RAID

it
ag s
or es

pe
St Acc

Sequential
st

Magnetic Tape Access

Secondary
Storage
Optical Disks
CD-ROM, CD-R Direct
Access
CD-RW
DVD

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 James A. O’Brien Introduction to Information Systems Eleventh Edition 14

Characteristics
Characteristics of
of Magnetic
Magnetic Disks
Disks
Tracks: Concentric circles
for storing data as magnetized
Cylinders bits.
Access
Mechanism Disks

Access Read/Write Track

Arms
Heads
Sectors:
Portions of a track

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 James A. O’Brien Introduction to Information Systems Eleventh Edition 15

Chapter Summary
• A computer system is a system of information
processing components that perform input, processing,
output, storage and control functions.
• The hardware components in a computer include input
and output devices, a central processing unit (CPU), and
primary and secondary storage.
• There are three major categories of computers:
microcomputers, midrange computers and mainframe
computers

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 James A. O’Brien Introduction to Information Systems Eleventh Edition 16

Chapter Summary (cont)

• Microcomputers are used as personal computers, but are
also interconnected in a variety of telecommunications
networks.
• Midrange computers are increasingly being used as
powerful network servers and for many multi-user
business data processing and scientific applications.
• Mainframe computers are larger and more powerful and
are used to handle information processing needs for
large organizations .

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 James A. O’Brien Introduction to Information Systems Eleventh Edition 17

Chapter Summary (cont)

• Peripheral devices used for input and output come in a
variety shape and sizes. Future trends are towards
devices that communicate naturally and are quick and
easier to use.

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