Process & Organize Data

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Data can be stored for later recall and use. The storage facility is a very powerful feature as data can be used later without re-entry.

Examples of storage are:

Hard Drive USB Drive CD Rom

DVD

Magnetic tape

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INPUT PROCESSING OUTPUT

STORAGE

Directories and Sub-directoriesSee Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Directory_(file_systems) for a definition of directories.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/100108 for an Overview of FAT, HPFS, and NTFS File Systems

Storage of data•Most data is stored on a computer’s hard drive. It is important to understand a computer’s file management system in order to save work in the right place. Data is stored in folders (or directories) and sub-folders (or sub-directories), similar to a paper-based filing cabinet.

•Below are examples of how Microsoft Windows Explorer organises its directory:•This is a section of Windows Explorer showing how the files are organised into a multi-level filing system.•The “+” signs to the left of some folders indicates that there are further sub-folders located in these folders.

By clicking on a folder with a “+” sign to its left, all the sub-folders within that folder can be seen, as in the example to the right, under the Lotus folder.A “-” sign to the left of a folder indicates that all sub-folders are showing.

Other than on the hard drive, data may also be stored on:•floppy disks: remember that a limited amount of information can be stored here, so it is a good idea to compress the file to accommodate large amounts of data •CD-ROMs: suitable for large amounts of data •back-up system: particularly important in case of computer failure to safeguard large amounts of information

Retrieving documentsDocuments can be opened from:•a software program (eg Word) •a file management program (eg Windows Explorer) If a document cannot be found, it is possible to do a search by clicking on “Start”, then “Search”, then “All files and folders”, and by filling in the information that is known, as shown below.

http://hsc.csu.edu.au/business_services/services_120/technology/2999/205A_Important_notes.html

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There are various types of computers. The main classifications are:

• Mainframe

• Mini computer

• Terminals

• Supercomputer

• Microcomputer

• Portable

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This computer is most suitable where concurrent access from large numbers of users is required.

Egs: Banks, large department stores and insurance companies.

They cost in the millions and may occupy entire rooms. They often have full time support teams who are responsible for maintenance and program updates.

Main Frame

The main frame is the workhorse of the business world. A main frame is the heart of a network of computers or terminals which allows hundreds of people to work at the same time on the same data. It requires a special environment - cold and dry.

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MAIN FRAME

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MAIN FRAME

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Mainframe Terminal Connection

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Terminals The terminal is simply a screen that passes input and data onto the mainframe to which it is connected.

Large international hotels often use these to connect to a mainframe or mini computer.

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Terminal Connection

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WebMySQL dumb terminal

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Mini computer

Used for fewer users than the mainframe, but otherwise operates in the same manner as the mainframe computer

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MINI COMPUTER

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Supercomputer

These are super fast computers that are used when there are large volumes of data to process without human intervention.

Weather forecasting is such an example

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Supercomputers

The supercomputer is the top of the heap in power and expense.

These are used for jobs that take massive amounts of calculating, like weather forecasting, engineering design and testing, serious decryption, economic forecasting, etc.

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Super ComputerNational Air and Space Museum Image

DetailCRAY-1 Supercomputer

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Microcomputer

The average home computer, also called a PC.

The most common model is the desktop, designed to sit on a desktop.

Portable

These are the computers that are designed to be easily transported and often contain their own power supply. They are lighter and smaller than the desktop model, but they may be just as powerful.

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Networks allow computers to share hardware, software and/or data. Enter data on one computer in a network and it is available on all computers.

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Computer based network

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Goals of Computer networks

Sharing information (or data)Sharing hardware and software, and Centralizing administration and support.

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So what is required???

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NETWORKSNetwork software is required. To create a network between two or more

computers, all that is required is a cable to link the hardware together, and usually a network interface card for each of the computers

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File Server This is a computer that acts as the

major reservoir of files and makes these available to the workstations on the system.

IMPORTANT EQUIPMENT IN NETWORKING

HUB a multi-port repeater that

receives a signal from one computer and re-transmits it to multiple computers.

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HUB

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SWITCH - a smart hub

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ROUTER - a device that determines the proper path for data to travel between different networks, and forwards data packets to the next device

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Local Area Network (LAN)

These are two or more computers that operate as a network in a close geographic area. An organisation would normally be considered a LAN as the computers are normally in one building.

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LAN

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Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

If the business expands to have several offices in one city and these are linked together then this is said to be a Metropolitan Area Network.

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Wide Area Network If the business expands to have several

offices in one state or across the world then these are linked together; this is said to be a Wide Area Network.

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WAN

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The Internet

The internet is a network of networks. A computer on a network allows access to users outside the network.

Access is by using the telephone system to access other computers and the other computer can be across the world or next door.

Data can be stored /backed up on internet servers at remote locations.

Hotmail offers the skydrive for this use.

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INTERNET

IntranetAn intranet is a local version of the internet

that is available to members of a local network

Data may be stored on the organisational intranet allowing rapid access without using internet connection bandwidth.

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MANAGEMENT

ROOM SERVICE

Marketing

Human Resources

Internet

HOTEL INDUSTRY