Introduction to Computers and IT

Overview

Overview

Basic Computer System

Overview
Computer (Def.): It is an electronic device that processes data and converts it into useful information.

Computer Categorization for Individual User 1. Desktops For general everyday use 2. Workstations For those seeking high-performance systems 3. Laptops (or Notebooks) For mobile individuals 4. Tablets For mobile individuals who prefer a stylus 5. Handhelds (or PDAs) For mobile individuals who seek a device small enough to fit in your hand 6. Smart Phones For those who want their cell phones to do a PCs job

Overview
Computers for Organizations These are popularly known as servers. They may be one of the below types: -Network Servers: - This is a centralized computer to which other computers on a network are connected to for various reasons such as login authentication, processing, server applications, etc - When servers are set up in groups they are called clusters or server farms - Mainframe Computers: - This is a large, powerful system that can handle the processing needs of thousands of users at a time - Users access mainframes through one of 2 types of terminals Dumb Terminals These are incapable of processing or storing data Intelligent Terminals These are capable of some processing only Classroom Exercise (10 mins): Split into groups and discuss various areas that have been positively impacted by computers. Give examples.

Hardware & Software

Hardware & Software

Hardware: Refers to the physical components of a computer system. Software: Refers to the set of instructions that makes the computer perform tasks.

Information Processing Flow

Input

Process

Output

Storage

Hardware & Software Hardware Components

1. Motherboard Main circuit board All internal components are attached or connected in some way to it Holds the processor, bus, memory sockets, expansion slots, and more Acts as a conduit for power, and makes sure components can communicate Example - Intel Desktop Board DQ57TML

2. Processor Computer's brain that controls each program's functionality and speed Processor speed is directly related to PC's overall performance Faster processors enhance user's ability to run creative, entertainment, communication and productivity applications Example - Intel Core i7 Processor

Hardware & Software Hardware Components

3. Memory Random Access Memory (RAM) o Stores data temporarily o Example - Dell 1 GB Memory Module ROM (Read Only Memory or firmware) o Stores data permanently o Is an integrated circuit programmed with specific data when it is manufactured o Example - Microchip EEPROM Memory 4. Input Devices Are devices that accept data and instructions from user / another system Examples:o Logitech diNovo Edge Keyboard o Logitech Wireless Mouse M305 o Canon CanoScan LiDE100 Scanner

Hardware & Software Hardware Components

5. Output Devices Are devices that present processed data to the user Examples:o ViewSonic VX2268wm LCD Monitor o HP PSC 500 All-in-One Printer 6. Storage Devices Are devices that store data permanently even after the computer is switched off Have high capacity Can be classified as o Magnetic Storage on magnetic disks o Examples:o Seagate Barracuda XT 2TB Desktop Hard Drive o Iomega 250MB Zip Drive OR o Optical Storage on optical discs o Examples Imation Blu-ray 25GB BD-R Disc

Hardware & Software Software

Types of Software: Operating Systems Application Software Programming Software 1. Operating Systems Is a set of programs that regulate the ways o Application software uses computer hardware o Users control the computer Examples:o Microsoft Windows o Macintosh OS o Unix o Linux The link

Hardware & Software Software

2. Application Software Are programs that tell the computer how to perform specific tasks Examples:o MS Office Package containing software like Word Processor MS Word Spreadsheet MS Excel Database MS Access Presentation MS PowerPoint o Image Editing Adobe Photoshop o Games MS Age of Empires o And many more software in various fields like educational, military, medical, simulation, business, etc

Hardware & Software Software

3. Programming Software Are tools that assist a programmer in writing computer programs Examples:o MS Visual Studio o Sun Java

Networking

Networking
Network: Refers to a set of technologies - including hardware, software and media that can be used to connect computers together, enabling them to communicate, exchange information and share resources in real-time.

Basic Network

Networking
Networks are needed for: Storing data centrally Example Centralized Report Repository Enabling access by multiple users Facilitate running of critical programs for continuous access Network Server: Is a central computer Has large storage device Contains shareable resources for users Types: File Server - Stores data files Application Server - Stores application programs and handles processing Shared Peripheral Devices: Sometimes organizations share peripheral devices (like a laser printer) on a network to minimize cost and increase device utilization. Example: Cisco-Linksys WPS11 Wireless-B Print Server

Networking

Multi-network Setup

Networking Types of networks

Given below are the various types of networks: Local Area Networks (LANs) Wide Area Networks (WANs) Hybrid Networks o Campus Area Networks (CANs) o Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) o Home Area Networks (HANs)

WAN
Coverage Area MAN CAN

HAN
LAN

Data Transfer Rate

Networking Types of networks

Note:

LAN consists of atleast 2 PCs and can exist in a small space

HAN and CAN are variants or hybrids of LAN o HAN connects devices in a home o CAN connects offices and organizations MAN connects multiple corporate LANs together WAN o Consists of 2 or more LANs connected together across a wide geographical area o Is the largest form of network in the hierarchy

Networking Intranet
Intranet: Refers to a companys internal version of the internet Uses web server software like the internet Limits access to employees and select company-related personnel Few Benefits: Real-time collaboration between departments and individuals Effective Knowledge Management through participation and tracking Distribution of company briefings for informational purposes On-demand generation of various reports Updating and publishing of corporate handbooks and policies with limited distributive effort Linkage of press releases for real-time feedback Publishing of necessary contact information for immediate access

Networking Extranet
Extranet: Refers to a partially accessible companys website for authorized users physically located outside the organization Is accessible via logging in with a valid username and password Provides various levels of accessibility to outsiders Benefits: Contains the benefits of an intranet but within a larger scope

Networking Network Structures

Server-based Network: Consists of nodes (PCs or any other networked device) linked to a server Users need to log onto the network Each user has specific rights/permissions Client-Server Network: Is a common type of server-based network Contains individual PCs that share processing and storage workload with a central server Example: Database located on central server Server application program on server PC Client application programs on client PCs Peer-to-Peer Network: All nodes have access to resources of other nodes to an extent Group of nodes is called a workgroup

Networking Network Topology

Topology: It is the logical layout of cables and devices that connect nodes on a network Types of Topologies Bus Star Ring Mesh

Networking Hardware
Network Media: Wired o Twisted Pair Cable o Coaxial Cable o Fiber-optic Cable Wireless Use radio or infrared signals for data transmission

Network Interface Cards (NICs): Also known as network adapter card or network card Controls flow of data between the network and the PC Is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) that fits into an expansion slot Provides port for network cable View Image

Networking Linking Devices

Hub:

Connects PCs on a LAN Broadcasts data to all other ports resulting in higher broadcast traffic

Switch: Connects PCs on a LAN Does not broadcast data to all other ports resulting in decreased broadcast traffic Is more popular than Hub Bridge: Connects LANs Directs data by following an older method of data re-direction Router: Stores routing information for networks so that data can be directed to the correct node Classroom Exercise (5-7 mins): Find a model of a switch on the Amazon website and note down: - Manufacturer, Model, # of ports on the whiteboard

Networking Technologies & Protocols

Technology Ethernet Fast Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet Also known as 10Base-T 100Base-T 1000Base-T Supports speeds upto 10Mbps 100Mbps 1000Mbps or 1 Gbps

Protocols: Describe standards for data exchange over a network TCP/IP - Stands for o Transmission Control Protocol o Internet Protocol IPX/SPX - Stands for o Internetwork Packet Exchange o Sequenced Packet Exchange NetBIOS/NetBEUI - Stands for o Network Basic Input / Output System o NetBIOS Extended User Interface

Enterprise Applications & Deployments

Enterprise Applications
These are software applications that Target organizations Are a collections of computer programs Include function-specific (Accounting, HR, Supply Chain, etc.) and industryspecific (Manufacturing, Retail, Healthcare, etc.) solutions Examples: o Online shopping and online payment processing o Interactive product catalogue o Automated billing systems o Security o Content management o CRM o ERP o Business Intelligence o HR Management Either designed and implemented by an IT team within an organization or purchased from a vendor Is based on Enterprise Architecture

Enterprise Architecture
Corporate Level View on Overall Performance Factors

Business Level View by SBU / LOB / Region

Separate Areas Ops Sales & Marketing Accounts HR IT

Enterprise Architecture
Enterprise Architecture Contains the enterprise structure, its subsystems, relationships between subsystems, relationships with external environment, terminology to use, and guiding principles for design and evolution of an enterprise Details enterprise goals, business functions, business process, roles, organizational structures, business information, software applications and computer systems Are categorized into domains or practice areas

Enterprise Architecture
Databases are: Repositories of information Integral to Enterprise Applications Examples:- MS SQL Server, Oracle

Typical Enterprise Application would consist of: Client programs running on user PCs Server application running on centralized Server PCs Such a 2-tier architecture is called a Client-Server Architecture

Note:

Some Enterprise Applications employ a 3rd tier in between that contains the Business Logic (i.e. what data is required? from where?) In such cases 3 separate computers may be involved for a 3-tier architecture If more tiers are required, then it becomes an n-tier architecture

Enterprise Deployment
Below questions need to be answered when deploying an Enterprise Application: Is the application ready and sufficiently tested? What is the time-frame for the deployment procedure? Is the contingency plan ready? What will be the impact on business during deployment? Are the various stakeholders aware of their roles? Has the deployment been planned in a phase-wise manner? Is there a defect tracker ready to track errors for immediate debugging? Post-deployment (or Go-Live), for how long will the application be under critical observation? When will the parallel (old system) stop functioning? Compare the pre vs post scenario based on critical factors like: Productivity Efficiency Cost Quality

Backup

Wide Area Network

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Network Interface Card

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Extra

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