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Hardware and Software

Q1 – What does a manager need to know about computer hardware?

Hardware includes the electronic components and related gadgetry that input, process, output, and store data according to instructions encoded in computer programs or software.

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Fig 4-1 Input, Process, Output, and Storage Hardware

Q1 – What does a manager need to know about computer hardware?

The basic components of a computer are divided into four categories. Input hardware includes a keyboard, a mouse, scanners,

microphones, and even handwriting for a tablet PC.

Processing hardware includes the 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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Fig 4-6 Computer Components in Use

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The first step a computer uses to run a program is to transfer code from a storage disk, such as a hard drive, to its main memory.

The second step is to move a program instruction, like Open File, from the main memory into the CPU by using a data channel, also called a bus.

The cache memory, part of the CPU, stores frequently used instructions to help speed up processing.

The operating system (OS), such as Windows, controls a computer’s resources. Small blocks of instructions from the OS are stored temporarily in the main memory.

Since the main memory is too small to hold all the program code for the operating system and application programs, a computer uses memory swapping to move instructions in and out of main memory.

Q2 – How much does hardware cost?

Your purchasing decision will focus on options such as

A laptop or a desktop

CPU speed and cache memory size

Main memory speed and size

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Q3 – What is the difference between a client and a server?

Because client-server processing is becoming the norm it’s important to understand how it works.

A client computer is used for word processing, spreadsheets, or email. Software enables the client to connect to a network like the Internet or a company-based private network.

A server computer provides some kind of service to the client. It can be email, Web sites, or database access.

Even though servers are just another type of computer, they have multiple CPUs, lots of main memory, and very large storage disks.

Large Web sites use server farms to help process millions of transactions and activities in a coordinated fashion.

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Q4 – What does a manager need to know about software?

There are two types of computer software.

Operating system software controls computer resources. It’s hardware specific and includes a specific instruction set based on the computer’s processor. Windows XP is an example.

Application program software helps users accomplish tasks like word processing or database management. Programs such as Microsoft Word or Excel examples.

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Q4 – What does a manager need to know about software?

There are four major types of operating system software: Mac, Linux, Unix, and Windows. Each one uses a specific instruction set, has common applications, and is targeted towards a typical user.

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Q4 – What does a manager need to know about software?

Once managers decide on the category of application software they need, they must decide how they’ll acquire the programs. They can choose from

Off-the-shelf software that users must accept “as is.” It’s generally used for horizontal applications.

Off-the-shelf with alterations software allows some changes in the code to fit a business’s needs. It’s used for vertical applications.

Custom-developed software is created for a particular business or set of users. It’s used for one-of-a-kind applications.

Firmware is special software installed in devices like PDAs or cell phones. It uses read-only memory on the device.

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Q4 – What does a manager need to know about software?

Fig 4-16 Thin and Thick Clients

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Q6 – What are viruses, Trojan horses, and worms?

Here are some terms and definitions users should be familiar with to help protect computers from harm.

Viruses are computer programs that replicate themselves and may rob computer resources of meaningful work.

A payload is virus program code that can alter or delete programs or data in a computer.

A Trojan horse is a type of virus that masquerades as a useful program or file even though it may be damaging the computer’s programs or data.

Macro viruses spread by attaching themselves to common application files like Word or Excel. When an infected file is opened, the virus places destructive code in the startup files of the application and spreads from there.

A worm is a type of virus that propagates by using networks to spread from one computer to another.

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Q6 – What are viruses, Trojan horses, and worms?

Steps users can take to help prevent viruses include Never downloading programs or data from unknown Web

sites.

Not opening email attachments from strangers.

Not opening unexpected email attachments.

Not relying on file extensions to be honest.

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