UNIT I: Information Technology in a Business Environment

BUSINESS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Many people believe that business nowadays could not survive without the integration and use of information
technology (IT). Business organizations rely on computers to perform their daily operations and transactions. In this modern
world, it is essential for a business organization to integrate IT in their daily business activities.
For examples, banks have developed and designed new mobile banking apps to replace traditional banking.
These mobile banking apps have powerful features such as a user-friendly interface, secure log-in account,
accessible customer service, ATM and branch locator, notifications, currency converter, loan calculator,
complaint registration, top-up and bill payments, service request, bank account management, wallet and credit
card payments. Banks that deliver comprehensive and functional mobile banking apps to their customers can
provide quality service that would lead to high customer satisfaction.

BUSINESS ORGANIZATION AS A SYSTEM

Any type of business organization, whether multinational or local and large, medium or small, can be viewed as a
system because it consists of various parts that work collaboratively to attain a certain goal. The main goal of many
organizations is to provide added value to their clients and customers. In government agencies, for example, delivering
added value means a government agency or organization provides useful and quality service to citizens that is more than the
worth of the resources used for rendering such service.

Business Concepts
The word "business" is traditionally defined as the exchange of products. However, it concepts and activities have
changed tremendously through time. At present, the word has taken on a technical meaning as it focuses not only on trade
but also on production, distribution and the sale of goods and services. Businesses in the modern world have a clear
engagement of activities, people and IT resources.
Information Technology and Its Discipline
IT comprises a wide range of hardware and software solutions that support organizations and evaluate data that help
them accomplish their targets. It also describes technology-based workflow processes that enhance the proficiency of an
organization to provide services that produce profits.
One of the main components of IT is the use of electronic device known as computer, which allows users to input data,
process them into information and store them for later use.
Hardware is any element of a computer that's physical. This includes things like monitors, keyboards, and also the
insides of devices, like microchips and hard drives.
Software is anything that tells hardware what to do and how to do it, including computer programs and apps on your
phone.

MODERN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

IT is defined as the study and application of computers, network and telecommunications that store, manipulate,
retrieve, manage and send information. It includes a combination of software and hardware resources that are used together
to perform various functions that people need in their everyday life.
Modern IT is simply more than high technology and gadgetry. There are sophisticated computers available in the
market today that are fully equipped with modern software and capable of solving a multitude of business and technical
problems. However, famous software and hardware vendors use technology buzzwords in order to sell more complex
software products for big data, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), augmented virtual reality,
data mining and so on.
IT is used to support the business activities of an organization to increase its profit and improve service quality. These
business activities include administration, production, sales and management. These IT tools can be accessed by customers,
clients, staff and even employees.
IT is everywhere. At the moment, millions of people use social media networks across the globe. Through social
networks, people could conveniently access updates on their preferred brands such as Max Factor, H&M and Keith by simply
following these brands' pages. In Instagram, for example, approximately 80% of its users follow at least one business.
The integration of advanced IT tools into a business makes it more competitive. For example, companies that integrate
a queue management system (QMS) into their daily operations promote convenience to client/customer and employee/staff.
The main purpose of QMS is to facilitate the customers' waiting process, monitor the time spent in a queue and later solve
customers' inquiry. This system useful for service sector companies such as banks, medical institutions, internet service
providers, insurance companies such as banks, medical institutions, insurance companies and others.

The internet is not a luxury, it is a necessity.

BARACK OBAMA

BUSINESS IN THE INFORMATION ERA

Most businesses established in the Information Era mostly depend on the use of advanced technologies. It is a fact that
people currently live in the Information Era, commonly known the Digital Age. The rapid digital transformation caused a shift
from traditional to modern industrialization and to an economy that is based on IT. Today, new ideas, concepts, movements,
and inventions make huge changes in everyone's lives.
The Information Era is described as enormous and incredible, where huge amounts of information can be shared
around the world in just one click of a finger. Everyone has the ability to be knowledgeable about almost anything with the
help of the Internet that can be accessed anytime and anywhere.
Many business activities were done in an old-fashioned way. There were no mobile phones, particularly smart phones.
There were no electronic businesses and mobile apps, and software is limited. Using the Internet is intended only for special
purposes and offered to selected people. However, despite the absence of such IT tools, people were able to thrive.

Today, people are largely dependent on technology. The evolution of the IT industry,
combined with advancements in technology, has made it possible for people to simply do
business in real time. IT has managed to include many aspects of technology needed by
society such as information systems, networking, social media, mobile applications, online
banking, e-business, e-commerce, and so on. m-commerce, and so on.

BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT IN THE INFORMATION AGE

The Information Age enables businesses to compete in a marketplace that is complex, global, and customer focused.
Thus, companies must know exactly how to react to opportunities and problems that might come up from this modern
business environment, which is a combination of various factors (internal) and external) that might affect business activities
and influence a company's operations.
A business can be easily established but difficult to sustain. Businesses must learn how to adapt easily to the changes
in the market as quickly as possible.
For example, a business needs resources such as: (1) finance, which depends on support from financial
institutions; and (2) sales of products, which depend on the needs of customers.
The following are some businesses that are popular in the Digital Age:
a. CALL CENTERS
Among the most in-demand jobs all over the world are call center jobs. A call center is a unified type of company
that handles inbound and outbound calls from current and potential customers. It is either located within a company or
outsourced.
A call center agent refers to a person who handles incoming or outgoing customer calls for a certain business.
He/She might handle technical support issues, customer complaints, and account inquiries.

b. BANKING (ONLINE BANKING AND MOBILE BANKING)

 Online banking is one of the many business banking services that banks offer. It is popularly known as Internet
banking. Transactions can be done over the Internet through a bank's website with the use of a desktop
computer or laptop. Hese transactions include an online payment system, online checking, and viewing of
account and transactions, online application requests, and transfer of money between accounts.

 Mobile banking allows an account holder to perform many online transactions through an app using mobile
phones (smart phones) instead of a desktop computer. Mobile banking requires an account holder to register on
a mobile app. Although the features of online banking and mobile banking are relatively the same, mobile banking
requires a mobile banking app and SMS notifications.
 IT APPLICATION TOOLS IN BUSINESS

Course Description
The goal of this course is to present overview of IT Fundamentals and Tools used in business environment. This
includes computer terminology, hardware, software, operating systems and information and application systems. This
course will also explore business applications of software, including spreadsheets, databases, presentation graphics,
word processing and business-oriented utilization of the internet.

WHAT IS COMPUTER
Computer - are electronic devices capable of performing a wide range of tasks by processing and manipulating data
according to a set of instructions.

COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU):
The CPU is often referred to as the "brain" of the computer. It performs the actual processing of data and
instructions, executing calculations and managing tasks.

2. Memory:
▪Random Access Memory (RAM): is a type of volatile memory that provides the computer with fast
and temporary storage for data that is currently being used or processed.

▪ Read-Only Memory (ROM): This is non-volatile memory that stores firmware and essential system

instructions. It retains data even when the computer is turned off.

3. Storage Devices
Computers use various storage devices to store data persistently, even when the power is turned
off.

4. Input Devices
These devices allow users to input data and commands into the computer.

5. Output Devices
Output devices display or present the results of processed data to the user.

6. Motherboard
The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects and interconnects all the computer's
components.

7. Expansion Cards
These cards are inserted into slots on the motherboard to add extra functionality to the
computer.
8. Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Provides electrical power to the components in the computer.

9. Cooling System
Computers generate heat during operation, and cooling systems (fans, heat sinks, and
sometimes liquid cooling) are used to prevent overheating.

Are mobile devices computers?

The mobile devices can be described as computers because they operate under the instructions stored in their own
memory, can accept data, process the data according to specified rules, produce or display information and store the
information for future use.

CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTERS
1. Speed: Computers can execute billions of instructions per second, enabling fast calculations and data processing. This
speed is crucial for tasks that require rapid analysis and response.
2. Accuracy: Computers are highly accurate in performing calculations and executing instructions, as they follow predefined
algorithms without human error or bias.
3. Versatility: Computers can perform a wide variety of tasks by running different software applications. They can handle
tasks ranging from word processing and graphic design to scientific simulations and data analysis.
4. Storage: Computers can store vast amounts of data, from documents and images to videos and software. Storage
capacities have continuously increased over time with advancements in technology.
5. Diligence: Computers can work tirelessly without getting fatigued or bored, making them ideal for repetitive and
time-consuming tasks.
6. Automation: Computers can automate complex tasks and processes, reducing the need for manual intervention. This is
particularly useful in industrial, manufacturing, and data processing settings.
7. Reliability: When properly maintained, computers are reliable tools. However, they can be susceptible to hardware failures
and software glitches, necessitating backup systems and data recovery plans.
8. Consistency: Computers consistently follow instructions, ensuring that the same task executed multiple times yields the
same results, which is crucial for tasks requiring precision.
9. Multitasking: Modern computers are equipped with multitasking capabilities, allowing them to run multiple applications
and processes simultaneously.
10.Connectivity: Computers can communicate with other devices and computers through networks, enabling data sharing,
remote access, and collaborative work.
11.Scalability: Computers can be easily upgraded and expanded by adding more memory, storage, or processing power to
accommodate increasing demands.
12.User Interaction: Computers offer various user interfaces, including graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and command-line
interfaces (CLIs), enabling users to interact with the system and software.
13.Portability: With the advent of laptops, tablets, and smartphones, computers have become more portable, allowing users
to carry their computing power with them.
14.Security Concerns: As computers are interconnected and handle sensitive data, security is a critical concern. Security
measures are implemented to protect against unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyberattacks
15.Upgradability: Many components of a computer can be upgraded, allowing users to improve performance, replace
outdated hardware, and keep up with technological advancements.
16. Customizability: Users can customize their computers with software, applications, and settings to suit their specific
needs and preferences.
17. Environmental Impact: Computers consume energy and generate heat, contributing to environmental concerns.
Energy-efficient designs and responsible disposal practices are important to minimize their ecological footprint.

Shopping Safely Online

Browsing electronic storefronts and making online purchases can be convenient and economical but the experience can be a
disaster if you encounter unscrupulous vendors. These tips can help you enjoy a safe and productive online shopping trip.
-Read customer reviews
-Look for seals of approval
-Create a store password and password questions
-Check website details
-Beware of requests to supply further information.

THE FUTURE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

It is about adding and adopting to new capabilities that do more in faster ways, in removing friction and providing
strategic business value. IT will involve smart robots, biometrics and other technologies that use body measurements and
statistical analysis of people’s unique physical and behavioral characteristics.
IT will also change the functionality of computers and the way they serve the needs and expectations of users in various
sectors like e-commerce, health, education, and government. IT is a complex web of systems that store and send information,
and it requires educated professionals who develop and implement it.

ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERS
1. Speed and Efficiency
Computers can process information and perform tasks at incredibly high speeds, far surpassing human capabilities. This
leads to increased productivity and faster decisionmaking.
2. Automation
Computers enable automation of repetitive tasks, reducing human effort and minimizing errors. This is especially useful in
industries like manufacturing, data entry, and customer service.
3. Storage Capacity
Modern computers can store vast amounts of data, ranging from documents to multimedia files. This data can be easily
accessed and organized, making information retrieval efficient.
4. Data Processing
Computers can process large amounts of data and perform complex calculations quickly and accurately. This is essential for
scientific research, financial modeling, and data analysis.
5. Communication
Computers facilitate communication through various means, including email, social media, video conferencing, and instant
messaging. They have revolutionized how people connect globally.
6. Global Information Access
The internet allows computers to access information from all over the world. This access to a wealth of knowledge benefits
education, research, and staying informed
7. Multi-tasking
Modern operating systems enable computers to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. This is crucial for productivity, as
users can switch between various applications seamlessly.
8. Creativity and Entertainment
Computers provide tools for digital art, music composition, video editing, and more. They also offer entertainment through
gaming, streaming, and virtual experiences
9. Education and E-Learning
Computers have transformed education, offering online courses, interactive learning platforms, and digital resources that
enhance learning experiences.
10. Medical Advancements
Computers play a vital role in medical diagnostics, imaging, research, and patient management, leading to more accurate
diagnoses and better patient care.

DESADVANTAGE OF COMPUTER
1. Dependency
Overreliance on computers can lead to difficulties when systems fail, potentially causing significant disruptions in various
sectors like finance, transportation, and healthcare.
2. Health Concerns
Prolonged computer use can lead to health issues such as eyestrain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sedentary lifestyle-related
problems.
3. Privacy and Security
Computers store vast amounts of personal and sensitive data, making them susceptible to hacking, identity theft, and
breaches of privacy.
4. Job Displacement
Automation driven by computers can lead to job loss in certain industries, as machines replace human workers in tasks like
manufacturing and customer service.
5. Environmental Impact
The production and disposal of computers contribute to electronic waste, which poses environmental challenges due to toxic
materials and inefficient recycling practices
6. Distraction and Addiction
Computers can be a source of distraction, leading to decreased productivity and addictive behaviors, especially with
excessive use of social media and online entertainment.
7. Cybercrime
Computers are vulnerable to various forms of cybercrime, including phishing, malware, ransomware, and online scams,
which can result in financial losses and compromised personal data.
8. Digital Divide
Not everyone has equal access to computers and the internet, creating a digital divide that can exacerbate socioeconomic
disparities.
9. Loss of Human Interaction
Excessive use of computers can lead to a decline in face-to-face social interactions, affecting communication skills and
interpersonal relationships.
10.Ethical Concerns
The rise of artificial intelligence raises ethical questions about issues like bias in algorithms, job displacement, and the ethical
use of autonomous systems in various contexts.

MODULE SUMMARY
• Computer - are electronic devices capable of performing a wide range of tasks by processing and manipulating data
according to a set of instructions.
• Components of computer include the following CPU, memory, storage devices, input and output devices, motherboard,
expansion cards, PCU and cooling system.
• In using computer, certain advantages and disadvantage are notable depending on the purpose or usage.
 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Artificial Intelligence, properly known as AI, has been a great contribution in the world. Its evolution has tremendously
changed, the way people live. AI is the ability of a certain machine to use algorithms to interpret, learn and use data to make
decision. It also refers to a machine’s capability to analyze enormous amounts of information at a time.

The earliest successful AI program was written in 1951 by Christopher Strachey, later director of the Programming Research
Group at the University of Oxford. Strachey’s checkers (draughts) program ran on the Ferranti Mark I computer at the
University of Manchester, England. By the summer of 1952 this program could play a complete game of checkers at a
reasonable speed.

CHATGPT
ChatGPT, which stands for Chat Generative
Pre-trained Transformer, is a large language
model-based chatbot developed by OpenAI and
launched on November 30, 2022, notable for
enabling users to refine and steer a conversation
towards a desired length, format, style, level of detail,
and language used. Successive prompts and replies,
known as prompt engineering, are considered at each
conversation stage as a context.
Module 2: Evolution of Computing

 History of Computers
 Abacus (1100 BCE)
- The earliest known calculating device, typically consists of a rectangular frame with thin parallel rods strung with beads.
- It is a digital device that represents values discretely. A bead is either in one predefined position or another, representing
unambiguously, say, one or zero

 Logarithms (1614)
- John Napier, a Scottish mathematician, published his discovery of logarithms.
- It enables the transformation of a multiplication problem into an addition problem.

 Pascaline (Arithmetic Machine) - 1642

- The first calculator or adding machine to be produced in any quantity, designed and built by the French mathematician-
philosopher Blaise Pascal.
- It could only do addition and subtraction, with numbers being entered by manipulating its dials.

 Jacquard Loom (1804- 1805)

- Invented by a French weaver, Joseph-Marie Jacquard.
- It is a textile-weaving loom, also called the first practical information-processing device. The loom worked by tugging
various- coloured threads into patterns by means of an array of rods

 Difference Engine (1825)

- Introduced by Charles Babbage, an English mathematician and inventor:
- It is more than a simple calculator. It mechanized not just a single calculation but a whole series of calculations on a number
of variables to solve a complex problem.

 Analytical Engine (1833)

- A general-purpose computing machine, fully program-controlled, automatic mechanical digital computer. It would be able
to perform any calculation set before it.
- The machine was designed to consist of four components: the mill, the store, the reader, and the printer.

 The First Programmer (1843)

- Lady Lovelace went on to become the world’s only expert on the process of sequencing instructions on the punched cards
that the Analytical Engine used; that is, she became the world’s first computer programmer.

 Herman Hollerith's Census Tabulator (August 30, 1890)

- The success of the U.S. census opened European governments to Hollerith’s machines.
- Consisted of 40 data- recording dials. Each dial represented a different data item collected during the census.

 Harvard Mark I (1939-1942)

- Aiken, in collaboration with IBM, developed his first fully functional computer, called Harvard Mark I.
- The machine, like Babbage’s, was huge: more than 50 feet (15 metres) long, weighing five tons, and consisting of about
750,000 separate parts, it was mostly mechanical. For input and output it used three paper-tape readers, two card readers, a
card punch, and two typewriters.

 Turing Machine (1936)

- Inspired by David Hilbert's formalist program, Alan Turing designed a universal computing machine which can do anything
that a special- purpose computing device could do.
- Not limited to doing arithmetic.
 Colossus Mark I (Dec 1943 - Jan 1944)
- It was built under the direction of Sir Thomas Flowers and delivered in December 1943 to the code-breaking operation at
Bletchley Park, a government research centre north of London.
- The first electronic digital computer and a key stepping stone to the development of the modern computer.

 ENIAC (February 15, 1946)

- Although it lacked some features that would have made it a more generally useful machine, it's still the most powerful
calculating device built to date.
- It has conditional branching—the ability to execute different instructions or to alter the order of execution of instructions
based on the value of some data.

 Transistor (1947)
- The second generation computers emerged with development of Transistors. The transistor was invented in 1947 by
three scientists J. Bardeen, H.W. Brattain and W.

 UNIVAC (March 1952)

- Universal Automatic Computer, or UNIVAC
- It is a commercial data-processing computer, intended to replace the punched-card accounting machines of the day.
- It could read 7,200 decimal digits per second, making it by far the fastest business machine yet built.

 IBM 360 (April 7, 1964)

- In the early 1960s IBM began designing a machine that would take the best of all these disparate lines, add some new
technology and new ideas, and replace all the company’s computers with one single line, the 360.

 Minicomputer (1965)
- Small and relatively inexpensive, the new machines were stored- program computers with all the generality of the
computers then in use but stripped down.
- designed for easy connection to scientific instruments and other input/output devices, had a simplified architecture, were
implemented using fast transistors, and were typically programmed in assembly language with little support for high-level
languages.

 Microcomputer (PC) - 1973

- The big computer companies overlooked the opportunity to bring computing capabilities to a much broader market, paving
the way for the discovery of new generation of microcomputers or personal computers.

 The Creation of Microsoft (April 4, 1975)

- Created by childhood friends William (“Bill”) Gates and Paul Allen.
- They started a company and had built the hardware and written the software that would provide statistics on traffic flow
from a rubber tube strung across a highway. They create a version of the programming language BASIC that could run on
the new computer.
- They licensed their version of BASIC to MITS and started calling their partnership Microsoft. Dr

 The Creation of Apple Inc. (April 1, 1976)

- Two whiz kids, Stephen G. Wozniak and Steven P. Jobs, shared an interest in electronics.
- Apple made sure each of its subsequent products featured an elegant, consumer-style design.
- It also published well-written and carefully designed manuals to instruct consumers on the use of the machines.

 Graphical User Interface (1979)

- The GUI replaced the typed command lines common on previous computers with graphical icons on the screen that
invoked actions when pointed to by a handheld pointing device called the mouse.
 A computer is a device that transforms data into meaningful information. It processes the input according to the set of
instructions provided to it by the user and gives the desired output.

 TYPES OF COMPUTERS
• Super Computer • Server Computer
• Mainframe computer • Analog Computer
• Mini Computer • Digital Computer
• Workstation Computer • Hybrid Computer
• Personal Computer (PC) • Tablets and Smartphones

SUPERCOMPUTER
 was first developed by Roger Cray in 1976.
 the biggest and fastest computers (in terms of speed of processing data).
 designed such that they can process a huge amount of data, like processing trillions of instructions or data just in a
second.
 thousands of interconnected processors are in here
 used in scientific and engineering applications such as weather forecasting, scientific simulations, and nuclear energy
research
CHARACTERISTICS
- Supercomputers are the computers that are the fastest and they are also very expensive.
- It can calculate up to ten trillion individual calculations per second, this is also the reason which makes it even faster.
- It is used in the stock market or big organizations for managing the online currency world such as Bitcoin etc.
- It is used in scientific research areas for analyzing data obtained from exploring the solar system, satellites, etc.

MAINFRAME COMPUTER
 designed in such a way that they can support hundreds or thousands of users at the same time
 supports multiple programs simultaneously so they can execute different processes simultaneously
 ideal for big organizations like banking, telecom sectors, etc., which process a high volume of data in general
CHARACTERISTICS
- It is also an expensive or costly computer.
- It has high storage capacity and great performance.
- It can process a huge amount of data (like data involved in the banking sector) very quickly.
- It runs smoothly for a long time and has a long life.
MINICOMPUTER
 a medium size multiprocessing computer has two or more processors, and it supports 4 to 200 users at one time
 used in places like institutes or departments for different work like billing, accounting, inventory management, etc.
 as smaller than a mainframe computer but larger in comparison to the microcomputer
CHARACTERISTICS
- Its weight is low.
- Because of its low weight, it is easy to carry anywhere.
- Less expensive than a mainframe computer.
- It is fast.

Micro-computer (Personal Computer)

WORKSTATION COMPUTER
 designed for technical or scientific applications
 consists of a fast microprocessor, with a large amount of RAM and a high-speed graphic adapter
 a single-user computer
 It is generally used to perform a specific task with great accuracy
CHARACTERISTICS
- It is expensive or high in cost.
- They are exclusively made for complex work purposes.
- It provides large storage capacity, better graphics, and a more powerful CPU when compared to a PC.
- It is also used to handle animation, data analysis, CAD, audio and video creation, and editing.

PERSONAL COMPUTER (PC)

 also known as a microcomputer
 is basically a general-purpose computer designed for individual use
 consists of a microprocessor as a central processing unit (CPU), memory, input unit, and output unit
 suitable for personal work such as making an assignment, watching a movie, or at the office for office work, etc. For
example, Laptops and desktop computers
CHARACTERISTICS
- In this, limited number of software can be used.
- It is the smallest in size.
- It is designed for personal use.
- It is easy to use.

SERVER COMPUTER
EXAMPLES
 Web servers are designed to run websites and apps through client programs (web browsers).
 Mail servers facilitate email storage and management for clients. It uses different protocols for sending and receiving
emails.
 Application server provides an environment that helps develop, process, and run web-based applications, irrespective
of their functionality.
 File server refers to a machine that provides shareable disks that can be accessed by the workstations on a network.
 Gaming servers connect the global online gaming community.
 Print servers connect printing devices to clients on a network.
ANALOG COMPUTER
 particularly designed to process analog data
 Continuous data that changes continuously and cannot have discrete values are called analog data.
 used where we don’t need exact values or need approximate values such as speed, temperature, pressure, etc.
 It measures the continuous changes in physical quantity.
 It gives output as a reading on a dial or scale.
CHARACTERISTICS
- Consequently, analog computers differ from common digital computers, which operate only with numbers, or
quantities.
- Analog computers are mostly mechanical or electrical machines that can perform tasks like addition, multiplication,
subtraction, and division.
- These are generally used to monitor real-world conditions like Wind, Sound, Movement, Temperature, etc.

DIGITAL COMPUTER
 designed in such a way that they can easily perform calculations and logical operations at high speed
 It takes raw data as input and processes it with programs stored in its memory to produce the final output.
 It only understands the binary input 0 and 1
 All modern computers, like laptops, desktops including smartphones are digital computers.
CHARACTERISTICS
- Digital computers can store a large number of data and can retrieve data in a fraction of a second.
- These computers can perform multi-tasking without any human interference and hence they are very flexible and
versatile.
- These devices once started are automatic. They do not need any intervention until required by the task specifically.

HYBRID COMPUTER
 a combination of both analog and digital computers e fast like analog computers and have memory and accuracy
like digital computers
 it has the ability to process both continuous and discrete data.
 For working when it accepts analog signals as input then it converts them into digital form before processing the input
data.
CHARACTERISTICS
- Hybrid computers are a combination of analog and digital computers.
- The digital component usually acts as a controller and prepares logical and numerical operations.
- In contrast, the analog component often acts as a solver of many differential equations and other mathematically
complicated equations.
Example: Ultrasound machine, Petrol pump, Electrocardiogram Machine, Pateint Monitoring Machine, CT scan machine,
ATM machine, DNA Tester

Tablet and Smartphones

 easy to carry; these are handy.
 devices have better hardware capabilities, extensive operating systems, and better multimedia functionality
 pocket friendly and easy to carry is these are handy.
CHARACTERISTICS
- Smartphones and tablets contain a number of sensors and are also able to provide wireless communication protocols.
- Computer Hardware and Software, both are essential parts of a Computer System. In short, Hardware and Software make
a System compatible with the user.

Difference between Hardware and Software

HARDWARE SOFTWARE
BASIC DEFINITION Hardware is a physical part of the Software is a set of instructions that
computer that causes the processing tells a computer exactly what to do.
data.

DEVELOPMENT It is manufactured It is developed and engineered

DEPENDENCY Hardware cannot perform any task The software can not be executed
without software without hardware.

PROCESS OF CREATING Electronic and other materials are used Created by utilizing a computer
to create hardware. language to write instructions.

TANGIBLE Hardware is tangible as hardware is a Software is intangible as we can see

physical electronic device, that can be and also use the software but can’t
touched. touch them

DURABILITY Hardware typically wears out over time. The software does not wear out with
time. However, it may contain flaws
and glitches.

TYPES It has four main categories: It is mainly divided into two :

1.Input Devices 1. System Software
2.Output Devices 2. Application Software
3. Storage Devices
4. Internal Components

EXAMPLES: Processor, Memory Devices, Monitor, Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS,
Printer, Keyboard, Mouse, and Central Ubuntu, Android, iOS,
Processing Unit. Blackberry,PlayStation System
Software, MS teams, firefox, adobe

INPUT AND OUTPUT

STORAGE DEVICES INTERNAL COMPONENTS

SYSTEM SOFTWARE AND APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Parameters HARDWARE SOFTWARE

VIRUS EFFECT Hardware is not affected by computer Software is affected by computer
viruses viruses.

TRANSFER It cannot be transferred from one place It can be transferred via a network
to another electrically through the means.
network.

MACHINE LEVEL LANGUAGE Only machine-level language is known The program accepts human-readable
to be understood by hardware. input, interprets it in machine-level
language, and sends it to hardware for
additional processing.

REPLACEMENT If the hardware is damaged, it is If the software is damaged, its

replaced with a new one. backup copy can be reinstalled.

FAILURES Dust, overheating, humidity, and other Overloading, systematic error,

factors are commonly responsible for major-minor version error, and other
hardware failures. factors are commonly responsible for
software failures.
FUNCTIONS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM
 Process management  Job Accounting
 Memory Management  Secondary Storage Management
 File management  Networking
 Device Management  Coordination between Other Software and Users
 Security

Process Management
operating systems involves a variety of tasks, including creating, scheduling, and terminating processes. The
operating system must ensure that each process and application has enough time on the CPU to run smoothly while using as
many CPU cycles as possible

Memory Management
The operating system manages the Primary Memory or Main Memory. Main memory is made up of a large array of
bytes or words where each byte or word is assigned a certain address. Main memory is fast storage and it can be accessed
directly by the CPU. For a program to be executed, it should be first loaded in the main memory. An operating system
manages the allocation and deallocation of the memory to various processes and ensures that the other process does not
consume the memory allocated to one process.

File Management
A file system is organized into directories for efficient or easy navigation and usage. These directories may contain
other directories and other files. An Operating System carries out the following file management activities. It keeps track of
where information is stored, user access settings, the status of every file, and more. These facilities are collectively known as
the file system. An OS keeps track of information regarding the creation, deletion, transfer, copy, and storage of files in an
organized way. It also maintains the integrity of the data stored in these files, including the file directory structure, by
protecting against unauthorized access.

Device Management
An OS manages device communication via its respective drivers. It performs the following activities for device
management. Keeps track of all devices connected to the system. Designates a program responsible for every device known
as the Input/Output controller.
Decides which process gets access to a certain device and for how long. Allocates devices effectively and efficiently.
Deallocates devices when they are no longer required. There are various input and output devices. An OS controls the
working of these input-output devices .It receives the requests from these devices, performs a specific task, and
communicates back to the requesting process.

Security
The operating system uses password protection to protect user data and similar other techniques. it also prevents
unauthorized access to programs and user data. The operating system provides various techniques which assure the
integrity and confidentiality of user data.
Following security measures are used to protect user data:
• Protection against unauthorized access through login.
• Protection against intrusion by keeping firewall active.
• Protecting the system memory against malicious access.
• Displaying messages related to system vulnerabilities.
Job Accounting
The operating system Keeps track of time and resources used by various tasks and users, this information can be used
to track resource usage for a particular user or group of users. In a multitasking OS where multiple programs run
simultaneously, the OS determines which applications should run in which order and how time should be allocated to each
application.

Secondary Storage Management

Secondary storage is used as an extension of main memory in operating systems. Secondary storage devices can hold
the data permanently. Storage devices consist of Registers, Cache, Main-Memory, Electronic-Disk, Magnetic-Disk,
Optical-Disk, Magnetic-Tapes. Each storage system provides the basic system of storing a datum and of holding the datum
until it is retrieved at a later time. All the storage devices differ in speed, cost, size and volatility. The most common
Secondary-storage device is a Magnetic-disk, which provides storage for both programs and data. Disks are the mainly
used secondary storage devices. The main activity that is performed in secondary storage management is disk scheduling.

Networking
The OS provides network connectivity and manages communication between computers on a network. It also manages
network security by providing firewalls and other security measures.

Coordination between Other Software and Users

Operating systems also coordinate and assign interpreters, compilers, assemblers, and other software to the
various users of the computer systems.

MODULE SUMMARY
- The use of computing devices stems from the usage of abacus in performing basic mathematical computations.
- Computers nowadays are used on the basis of size and data handling capabilities
- Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer. Software is a collection of instructions, procedures, and
documentation that performs different tasks on a computer system.