Chapt 18

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Administrative Office Management, 8/eby Zane Quible

©2005 Pearson Education, Inc.Pearson Prentice HallUpper Saddle River, NJ 07458

Computer TechnologyComputer Technology

Chapter 18Chapter 18

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Computer Generations(1 of 2)


FirstSpanned years 1952-1958.Computers used vacuum tubes.Punched cards were used for data input.

SecondSpanned years 1958-1963.Computers used solid-state transistor cards.Magnetic tape drives were developed during this time.

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ThirdSpanned years 1964-1969.Computer used miniature circuitry chips.Saw unlimited random access storage capacity.

FourthBegan in 1970 and continues today.Computers make extensive use of micro- programming.Computers use microscopic integrated circuitry.

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Fifth-Generation Computer EquipmentFifth-Generation Computer Equipment

Development is currently underway.

Computers are likely to make extensive use of artificial intelligence, megachips, and advanced parallel processing.

Computers will likely be able to learn from their mistakes.

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Characteristics of Artificial IntelligenceCharacteristics of Artificial Intelligence

Expert systems-(enable the computer to help with problem solving.)Natural languages-(allow the user, using a natural human voice, to communicate with a computer.)Human sensory simulation-(allows a computer to perform basic human sensory functions, such as speaking, seeing, and hearing.)

Robotics-(uses a computer to operate devices.)

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Expert Systems

These are programs designed to capture the experiences, decision processes, and thought processes of experts in specific areas.

Systems are created by interviewing experts in a given field and then translating that knowledge into a series of rules and strategies.

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Classifications of Computers(1 of 2)


Can be classified by category and size.

CategoryCategory Digital computersAnalog computers

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SizeSize Personal computersDesktop computers

Network computersNotebook and laptop computersPocket computers

Midsized computers

SupercomputersMainframe computers

Servers

Personal digital assistants

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DigitalComputers

AnalogComputers

Are used primarily to count numbers.

The basic unit of storage is the binary digit or bit.

Are used as measuring devices.

Are often used in scientific research.

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Personal Computers(1 of 2)


Desktop UnitsDesktop UnitsAre equipped with a central processing unit, a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse.

Network Computers

Network Computers

Do not have a disk drive because they are connected to a server at a remote site.

ServersServersTend to have fast operating speeds as well as large hard- disk drive capacity.

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Notebook andLaptop Computers

Notebook andLaptop Computers

PalmtopComputers

PalmtopComputers

Personal DigitalAssistants (PDAs)

Personal DigitalAssistants (PDAs)

Can be connected to a docking station that has a monitor and keyboard.

Are used to maintain one’s appointment book, schedule, and e-mail.

Are generally more functional than palmtop computers.

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Midsized ComputersMidsized Computers

Have been commonly referred to as minicomputers.

Are generally considered to be mainframe computers in miniature form.

Can support up to 500 online terminals.

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Mainframe ComputersMainframe Computers

These computers use a wide array of input and output devices.

They also have a variety of internal and external memory/storage devices.

Many mainframe computers support enterprise-wide computing services.

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SupercomputersSupercomputers

These computers have extremely large memories.

They are capable of processing trillions of instructions per second.

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Components of Computer SystemsComponents of Computer Systems

Input

Arithmetic-LogicControl

Output Storage

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Components of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Arithmetic-Logic

Storage

Control

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Input Categories

Paper

Magnetic

Electronic

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Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)

Is used extensively by financial institutions in the processing of checks.

Numbers imprinted at bottom of check are magnetized.

MICR reader reads and inputs the data.Is a very fast and accurate input medium.

Uses only 14 numbers and characters.

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Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

Scanner reads the shape of characters and inputs information into the computer.

Some font restrictions exist, such as shape and size of character.

Is used widely throughout the business world for a variety of different applications.

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Mark-Sense Forms

Preprinted shapes (such as squares, rectangles, or circles) are darkened with a writing instrument.These forms are run through a scanner that reads the shape and inputs information into the system.

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Magnetic Tape

Was previously the most widely used type of input in large-volume computer operations.

Can also be used as an external data storage medium.

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Magnetic Strips

Is the type of medium found on the backside of credit cards and some ID badges.

Data stored in strip communicate with the computer.

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Magnetic Hard Disks

Are used during input, storage, and output.Disks are used to store the computer’s operating system, application software, and data.

Provide random accessing of data, resulting in faster processing speeds.

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Floppy Disks

Data are put onto floppy disks in a variety of ways.Provide a very easy-to-use medium.Common storage size is 1.44MB of data per disk.

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Electronic Transfer

Is currently the most widely used input medium.

Data/information are captured and stored at the user site.Once file is complete, it is transferred electronically to the mainframe where the data are processed.

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Keyboard Terminals

Are connected online to a computer.Transform the letters, numbers, and symbols humans are capable of reading into codes the computer is capable of reading.

Is a slow data input medium.

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Monitors

When monitors are used as an input medium, they generally are equipped with a light pen.

Their use is not considered appropriate for inputting large volumes of data.

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Point-of Sale Terminals

In many businesses, they are used in place of cash registers.

They facilitate keeping track of inventory and reordering of merchandise.

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Touch-Tone Phone

Keys on a touch-tone phone are used to communicate with a computer.

Provides a convenient data input device for certain applications.

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Audio Communication

Transforms telephones into data terminals.

Is a useful device for traveling salespeople who may need fast communication with their home office.

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Optical Laser Disks

Data are input onto the disk, which is then put onto a CD-ROM for data input.

Provides an extremely compact, fast input medium.

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Computer Mouse

Depressing the “enter” key on the mouse sends a command to the computer.

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Light Pen

Is useful for working with engineering or architectural drawings.Modifications are made by touching the line to be moved and then moving the pen tip on the screen to the desired location.

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Touchscreens

Requires the use of a monitor that has a heat- sensitive element.Touching the desired command on the monitor activates the command.

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Voice Input

Enables one to dictate material into a computer, using a microphone attached to the computer.Common word processing programs now come equipped with voice input capability.

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Handwriting Input

Requires the use of a handwriting pad that recognizes handwritten characters.

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Bar Code Input

Allows the computer input of data stored in a bar code.Is commonly used in pricing of grocery items and in the identification of books in libraries.

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Scanners

Digitize information on a paper medium so the information can be stored in a computer.

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Optical Cards

Are about the size of a credit card and can hold as much as 100MB of data.

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Video Capture Cards

Use a Web-based camera in the inputting of information into a computer.

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Smart Cards

Internal microprocessor provides the process capability.

Many of these cards can be recharged with cash value.

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Handheld Data-Entry Device

Often used to provide input for reordering and/or inventory management.

Generally use a scanner.

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USB Pen Drives

Plug into the computer’s US port.

Can store up to 1GB of data.

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StorageStorage

Types Primary

Secondary

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Primary Storage

RAM-Random Access Memory

ROM—Read-Only Memory

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Random Access Memory

Is a temporary type of primary storage used by computers in the processing of data/information.

User can alter data or instructions held in RAM.

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Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Is the permanently encoded data or instructions stored in a computer.

Contents cannot be altered.

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Other Types of ROM

EROM (Erasable Read-Only Memory)Can be erased using ultraviolet light.

PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory)Can be programmed with a special device called a ROM programmer.

EPROM (Erasable, Programmable Read-Only Memory) Can be erased and programmed with

special devices.

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Cache Memory

Is used to increase the movement of work through a computer.

Serves as a high speed holding area for program instructions and data that are being processed.

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Secondary Storage

Many of the input media can also be used as secondary storage.

Among these are hard disk drives, floppy disks, CD-ROMs, etc.

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Arithmetic-Logic Unit

Is capable of performing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division operations.

Is also capable of comparing the size of data.

During manipulation, data are held in either accumulator or storage registers.

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Functions of the Control UnitFunctions of the Control Unit

1. Instructs input devices to read data into storage.2. Locates data held in storage and transfers it to memory.3. Instructs the arithmetic/logic unit to perform certain operations on the data.4. Informs the arithmetic/logic unit of the location of data stored in memory.5. Informs the output devices which information is to be printed or transferred to some other medium where it will be stored.

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OutputOutput

Many of the input media and devices are also used for output.Among these are magnetic tape, disks, keyboard terminals, monitors, etc.

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Devices Used Only for Output Include:

Printers

Printer-Plotters

Computer Output Microfilm

Computer Output Laser Disk

Audio Response Output

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Types of Printers

ImpactImpact Dot-matrix printers are of theimpact type.

NonimpactNonimpactInk-jet and laser printers areof the nonimpact type.

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Printer-Plotters

Are used primarily to prepare graphic illustrations.

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Computer Output Microfilm

Instead of getting output printed on paper, output iscreated on microfilm.

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Audio Response

Involves translating computer output into spokenlanguage.

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Computer Output Laser Disk

Output is put onto a laser disk.

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Computer SoftwareComputer Software

Includes instructions and/or programs that enable the computer to operate as desired.

Computers use application programs and systems programs.

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Types of Programming Languages

Symbolic LanguagesProcedure-Oriented Languages

Problem-Oriented Languages

Fourth-Generation Languages

Visual Languages

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Distributed Data ProcessingDistributed Data Processing

Is a network comprised of several-to-thousands of computers.

Each personal computer has the ability to process data independently at the user site as well as the ability to communicate with other computers.

Computer power is placed where it is most needed.

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Reasons for Using Distributed Data Processing

1. Processing control is returned to the user.

2. Extensive use of personal computers is economical.

3. User department can design processing operations that meet its specific needs.4. Data do not have to be transmitted to another location.

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Advantages of Using Distributed Data Processing

1. User department has control over the processing of its data.2. May result in reduced data processing costs.3. Systems can be easily expanded or contracted to meet changing user needs.4. User departments are not at the “mercy” of a centralized computer facility.

5. Systems are less vulnerable.

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Grid ComputingGrid Computing

Also known as peer-to-peer computing.

Involves a network of computers that operates together to solve a variety of business problems.

The computers comprising the network “lend” their computer processing power as needed when a large job is being processed (run.)

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Types of Computer Power Problems

Sags-short-term decrease in voltage.

Brownouts-longer term significant decrease in voltage.Oscillations-superimposing high-frequency noise on the electrical waveform that can result in computer damage, loss of data, and software glitches.Surges-short-term increase in voltage. Spikes-short-term significant increase in voltage.

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Types of Problems That Affect Computer Operations

Types of Problems That Affect Computer Operations

Computer Power Problems

Computer Viruses

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Computer Viruses

Can destroy massive amounts of data/information in a desktop unit, or disrupt an entire network operation.

Categories of VirusesCategories of Viruses

File InfectorsBoot Sector VirusesMultipartite Viruses

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Suggestions for Dealing WithComputer Viruses

(1 of 2)

1. Avoid using software from unreliable sources.2. Avoid exchanging floppy disks between computers.3. Avoid letting others use your computer, especially if they want to use their own software.

4. Back up data frequently.5. Back up new software immediately-and then use only the backup copy.

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Suggestions for Dealing WithComputer Viruses

(2 of 2)

6. Stop using the computer immediately if abnormal operations begin to occur.7. Use a virus detection/eradication software program.8. Be especially careful with software downloaded from the Internet.9. Be alert to the fact that computer viruses are often transmitted by e-mail messages.

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Data Warehouse

Data Mart

Data Mining

Is a centralized depositoryfor some or all of the dataaccumulated in anorganization.

Is a depository of data heldin the warehouse but thensubsequently processed andanalyzed to make it usefulto a specific group of endusers.

Involves analyzing datafor previously undiscover-ed relationships.

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Utility ComputingUtility Computing

Involves an organization’s obtaining its computing equipment from a computer utility.

Organizations pay the utility for the amount of time its computer equipment is used.

Chapt 18

Documents

classifications of computers

zane quible digital

computer generations

processes of experts

basic human sensory

human sensory simulation

natural human voice

firstspanned years