Ch 4: Hardware and Software

Q1.What do business professionals need to know about computer hardware?

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

Input Hardware-keyboard, mouse, scanners, bar-code scanners, microphones.

Output Hardware-displays, printers, speakers, projectors

Storage Hardware-magnetic disks CD’s, DVD’s, magnetic tape all to save data & programs

Q2. What is the difference between a client and a server?

A client computer is for word processing, spreadsheets, etc. and a server provides service.

Q3. What do business professionals need to know about software

There are four major Operating Systems: Windows, Mac OS, UNIX and Linux

Application software performs a service or function. There are different types of applications including Horizontal-market software that provides capabilities across all organizations. Vertical-market applications serve specific industries. One-of-a-kind applications are customized for a specific need.

Q4. Why are thin clients preferred to thick clients?

A client-server application that requires nothing more than a browser is called a thin client. A thick client is an application that requires programs other than a browser on a user’s computer.

Q5. Is open source software a viable alternative?

Yes, open source software is a viable alternative as long as it meets all of your requirements.  Some choices are: Open Office (Microsoft), Firefox (browser), MySQL, Apache, Ubuntu, and Android.

Q6. How can you use this knowledge?

It’s important to know about hardware and software so that you may be able to supply your business with the correct tools for your information system.  First, you must determine your requirements, of course and list out all of the procedures that you will be carrying out. Then with the knowledge of the hardware and all of the different software, you will be able to operate with the correct technology.

Q7. 2020?

 As time progresses, hardware and software will evolve and become more efficient and available.

Kroenke, David. "Chapter 4: Hardware and Software." Using MIS. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2011. 102-123. Print.