COMPUTER-BASED INFORMATION SYSTEMS. (Part I)

A computer-based information system (CBIS)is a single set of hardware, software, databases, telecommunications, people, and procedures that are configured to collect, manipulate, store, and process data into information. Lloyd’s Insurance in London used a CBIS to reduce paper transactions and convert to an electronic insurance system. The CBIS allows Lloyd’s to insure people and property more efficiently and effectively. Lloyd’s often insures the unusual, including actress Betty Grable’s legs, Rolling Stone Keith Richards’s hands, and a possible appearance of the Loch Ness Monster (Nessie) in Scotland, which would result in a large payment for the person first seeing the monster.

Information technology (IT) refers to hardware, software, databases, and telecommunications. Telecommunications also includes networks and the Internet. A business’s technology infrastructureincludes all the hardware, software, databases, telecommunications, people, and procedures that are configured to collect, manipulate, store, and process data into information. The technology infrastructure is a set of shared IS resources that form the foundation of each computer-based information system.

Hardwareconsists of the physical components of a computer that perform the input, processing, storage, and output activities of the computer. Input devices include keyboards, mice, and other pointing devices; automatic scanning devices; and equipment that can read magnetic ink characters. Processing devices include computer chips that contain the central processing unit and main memory. Advances in chip design allow faster speeds, less power consumption, and larger storage capacity. Some specialized computer chips will be able to monitor power consumption for companies and homeowners.¹³ SanDisk and other companies make small, portable chips that are used to conveniently store programs, data files, and more.¹⁴ The publisher of this book, for example, used this type of chip storage device to send promotional material for this book to professors and instructors.

Processor speed is also important. Today’s more advanced processor chips have the power of 1990s-era supercomputers that occupied a room measuring 10 feet by 40 feet. A large IBM computer used by U.S. Livermore National Laboratories to analyze nuclear explosions is one of the fastest computers in the world (up to 300 teraflops—300 trillion operations per second).¹⁵ The super-fast computer, called Blue Gene, costs about $40 million.¹⁶ It received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation award from President Barack Obama. Small, inexpensive computers and handheld devices are also becoming popular. Inexpensive netbooks are small, inexpensive laptop computers that can cost less than $500 and be used primarily to connect to the Internet.¹⁷ In addition, the iPhone by Apple Computer can perform many functions that can be done on a desktop or laptop computer.¹⁸ The One Laptop Per Child computer costs less than $200.20 The Classmate PC by Intel will cost about $300 and include some educational software.

Both computers are intended for regions of the world that can’t afford traditional personal computers. The country of Peru, for example, has purchased about 350,000 laptops loaded with about 100 books for children, who also teach their parents how to use the inexpensive computers.¹⁹ According to the founder of One Laptop Per Child, “If that doesn’t give you goose bumps, I don’t know what will.”

The many types of output devices include printers and computer screens. Some touch- sensitive computer screens, for example, can be used to execute functions or complete programs, such as connecting to the Internet or running a new computer game or word processing program.²⁰ Many special-purpose hardware devices have also been developed.

Computerized event data recorders (EDRs) are now being placed into vehicles. Like an airplane’s black box, EDRs record vehicle speed, possible engine problems, driver performance, and more. The technology is being used to document and monitor vehicle operation, determine the cause of accidents, and investigate whether truck drivers are taking required breaks.

In one case, an EDR was used to help convict a driver of vehicular homicide. In another case, an EDR in a police officer’s car showed that the officer may have run a stop light and accelerated to more than 70 miles per hour on a road with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour before an accident that killed two teenagers.

Softwareconsists of the computer programs that govern the operation of the computer. These programs allow a computer to process payroll, send bills to customers, and provide managers with information to increase profits, reduce costs, and provide better customer service. Fab Lab software, for example, controls tools such as cutters, milling machines, and other devices.²¹ One Fab Lab system, which costs about $20,000, has been used to make radio frequency tags to track animals in Norway, engine parts to allow tractors to run on processed castor beans in India, and many other fabrication applications. SalesForce (www.salesforce.com) sells software to help companies manage their salesforce and help improve customer satisfaction.²²

The two types of software are system software, such as Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows 7, which controls basic computer operations, including start-up and printing, and applications software, such as Microsoft Office 2010, which allows you to accomplish specific tasks, including word processing or tabulating numbers.²³ Software is needed for computers of all sizes, from small handheld computers to large supercomputers. The Android operating system by Google and Microsoft’s Mobile 6.5, for example, are operating systems for cell phones and small portable devices.²⁴ Although most software can be installed from CDs, many of today’s software packages can be downloaded through the Internet.

Sophisticated application software, such as Adobe Creative Suite 4, can be used to design, develop, print, and place professional-quality advertising, brochures, posters, prints, and videos on the Internet.²⁵ Nvidia’s GeForce 3D is software that can display images on a computer screen that appear three-dimensional (3D) when viewed using special glasses.²⁶ Windows 7 is systems software that controls basic computer operations, including start-up and printing.

EXERCISES TO TEXT4.

1. Write out from the text the phrases that contain words activity, device, information.