IT for Business (MBU-SCM)

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Information Technology

Computer Systems - Hardware - I/O Devices, Memory Devices, Processors - Software - Classification of Software - Systems Software, Application Software - Operating System - Definition - Types of OS - Understanding of GUI - Networks - Definition - Types of Network - LAN, WAN - Network Topologies - Physical Communication Media - TCP/IP, OSI Model.

Module 2: Introduction to Information System

Definition of Data, Information & Knowledge, IS - MIS, DSS, Expert Systems - Types of IS - Operation, Tactical, Strategic IS - Executives Information Systems (EIS) - Definitions - Data Base, DBMS, Advantages & Disadvantages of DBMS - Ethical and Social Issues in IS.

Module 3: Multimedia Concepts

Definition of Multimedia - Multimedia Devices - Multimedia Formats - Audio Formats - Video Formats - Compression/Decompression Issues - Business Applications of Multimedia.

Module 4: Internet & Security Issues

History - Internet Addressing and Architecture - WWW - Architecture - Browser - Servers - Search Engines - Internet Services - Email - Chatting - Messaging - Groups - Social Networking - Internet in Business - Definition of E-commerce, M-commerce - Types of Online Business - Security Issues in Internet.

Module 5: Office management applications

Intranets, Extranets, VPN - Internet Telephony - Groupware - Audio and Video Conferencing - Wireless Communication - WLANs - Definitions of Bluetooth - WiFi - WiMax - RFID - Use of Document Application (MS-Word), Spreadsheet Applications (MS-Excel) – Database Application (MS-Access) for the business (important menu options only).

TEXT BOOKS:
1.	Dr. Dhiraj Sharma, “Information Technology for Business”, Himalaya Publishers, New Delhi, 2017.
2.	Reema Thareja, “Information Technology and its Applications in Business”, Oxford Publications, New Delhi, 2017.

REFERENCE BOOKS:

1. Antony Thomas, “Information Technology For Business”, Prathibha Publication, Bangalore, 2015.

2. Sanjay Saxena, “Introduction to Information Technology”, Vikas Publishing, 2018.

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Word:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/word-for-windows-training-7bcd85e6-2c3d-4c3c-a2a5-5ed8847eae73

Excel:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/excel-video-training-9bc05390-e94c-46af-a5b3-d7c22f6990bb

Access:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/access-video-training-a5ffb1ef-4cc4-4d79-a862-e2dda6ef38e6

Multimedia devices:

https://www.pearsonitcertification.com/articles/article.aspx?p=1681059&seqNum=6

Video formats:

https://inevent.com/blog/others/video-formats.html#What_is_a_Video_File_Format

Audio formats:

https://www.canto.com/blog/audio-file-types/

Computer :

A computer is an automatic machine made up of electronic and electro mechanical devices that processes data under given set of instructions to generate meaningful information with speed and accuracy.

It can perform long and complex calculations, and analyze complex scientific or mathematical data.

Features / Characteristics of computer:

Computers have numerous and unique features

Speed:
A computer device’s speed is extremely fast, as it can perform any calculation in seconds. This is one of the key characteristics of computers. This computer characteristic also enhances the versatility of the computer.

Accuracy :
The degree of accuracy of computer is very high and every calculation is performed with the same accuracy. The errors in computer are due to human and inaccurate data.

Diligence:
A computer is free from tiredness, lack of concentration, fatigue, etc. It can work for hours without creating any error. If millions of calculations are to be performed, a computer will perform every calculation with the same accuracy. Due to this capability it overpowers human being in routine type of work.

Versatile:
It means the capacity to perform completely different type of work. You may use your computer to prepare payroll slips. Next moment you may use it for inventory management or to prepare electric bills.

Memory:
The Computer has an in-built memory where it can store a large amount of data. You can also store data in secondary storage devices such as floppies, which can be kept outside your computer and can be carried to other computers.

Reliability :
A computer is reliable as it gives consistent result for similar set of data i.e., if we give same set of input any number of times, we will get the same result.

Automatic:
Computer performs all the tasks automatically i.e. it performs tasks without manual intervention.

Basic components of computer system / Block diagram of computer :

The computer system consists of four units:-

 Input unit

 Central Processing Unit (CPU) Consisting of ALU (Arithmetic logic unit), Control Unit and Memory Unit.

 Secondary Storage Unit.

 Output Unit.

 Input Unit:

This unit is used for entering data and programs into the computer system by the user for processing. some input devices are :

Keyboard, Mouse, Joystick, Scanner, Microphone etc

 Storage Unit:

The storage unit is used for storing data and instructions before and after processing.

 Output Unit:

The output unit is used for storing the result as output produced by the computer after processing. Some output devices are:

Monitor, Projector, Speaker, Printer etc.

 Central Processing Unit (CPU):

The task of performing operations like arithmetic and logical operations is called processing. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) takes data and instructions from the storage unit and makes all sorts of calculations based on the instructions given and the type of data provided. It is then sent back to the storage unit. CPU includes Arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and control unit (CU)

1. Arithmetic Logic Unit: All calculations and comparisons, based on the instructions provided, are carried out within the ALU. It performs arithmetic functions like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and also logical operations like greater than, less than and equal to etc.

2. Control Unit: Controlling of all operations like input, processing and output are performed by control unit. It takes care of step by step processing of all operations in side the computer.

3. Memory Unit : Computer’s memory Unit is for storing data ,applications and instructions.

It is divided into three categories. they are :

Primary memory
Secondary memory
Cache memory

Now we discuss each type of memory one by one in detail:

1. Primary Memory: It is also known as the main memory of the computer system. It is used to store data and programs or instructions during computer operations. It uses semiconductor technology and hence is commonly called semiconductor memory. Primary memory is of two types:

(i) RAM (Random Access Memory): It is a volatile memory. Volatile memory stores information based on the power supply. If the power supply fails/ interrupted/stopped, all the data & information on this memory will be lost. RAM is used for booting up or start the computer. It temporarily stores programs/ data which has to be executed by the processor. RAM is of two types:

S RAM (Static RAM): It uses transistors and the circuits of this memory are capable of retaining their state as long as the power is applied. This memory consists of the number of flip flops with each flip flop storing 1 bit. It has less access time and hence, it is faster.
D RAM (Dynamic RAM): It uses capacitors and transistors and stores the data as a charge on the capacitors. They contain thousands of memory cells. It needs refreshing of charge on capacitor after a few milliseconds. This memory is slower than S RAM.

(ii) ROM (Read Only Memory): It is a non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory stores information even when there is a power supply failed/ interrupted/stopped. ROM is used to store information that is used to operate the system. As its name refers to read-only memory, we can only read the programs and data that is stored on it. It contains some electronic fuses that can be programmed for a piece of specific information. The information stored in the ROM in binary format. It is also known as permanent memory. ROM is of four types:

MROM(Masked ROM): Hard-wired devices with a pre-programmed collection of data or instructions were the first ROMs. Masked ROMs are a type of low-cost ROM that works in this way.
PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory): This read-only memory is modifiable once by the user. The user purchases a blank PROM and uses a PROM program to put the required contents into the PROM. Its content can’t be erased once written.
EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory): It is an extension to PROM where you can erase the content of ROM by exposing it to Ultraviolet rays for nearly 40 minutes.
EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory): Here the written contents can be erased electrically. You can delete and reprogramme EEPROM up to 10,000 times. Erasing and programming take very little time, i.e., nearly 4 -10 ms(milliseconds). Any area in an EEPROM can be wiped and programmed selectively.

2. Secondary Memory: It is also known as auxiliary memory and backup memory. It is a non-volatile memory and used to store a large amount of data or information. The data or information stored in secondary memory is permanent, and it is slower than primary memory. A CPU cannot access secondary memory directly. The data/information from the auxiliary memory is first transferred to the main memory, and then the CPU can access it.

Characteristics of Secondary Memory:

It is a slow memory but reusable.
It is a reliable and non-volatile memory.
It is cheaper than primary memory.
The storage capacity of secondary memory is large.
A computer system can run without secondary memory.
In secondary memory, data is stored permanently even when the power is off.

Types of secondary memory:

(i) Magnetic Tapes: Magnetic tape is a long, narrow strip of plastic film with a thin, magnetic coating on it that is used for magnetic recording. Bits are recorded on tape as magnetic patches called RECORDS that run along many tracks. Typically, 7 or 9 bits are recorded concurrently. Each track has one read/write head, which allows data to be recorded and read as a sequence of characters. It can be stopped, started moving forward or backward, or rewound.

(ii) Magnetic Disks: A magnetic disc is a circular metal or a plastic plate and these plates are coated with magnetic material. The disc is used on both sides. Bits are stored in magnetized surfaces in locations called tracks that run in concentric rings. Sectors are typically used to break tracks into pieces. Hard discs are discs that are permanently attached and cannot be removed by a single user.

(iii) Optical Disks: It’s a laser-based storage medium that can be written to and read. It is reasonably priced and has a long lifespan. The optical disc can be taken out of the computer by occasional users. Types of Optical Disks :

(a) CD – ROM:

It’s called Compact Disk. Only read from memory.
Information is written to the disc by using a controlled laser beam to burn pits on the disc surface.
It has a highly reflecting surface, which is usually aluminum.
The diameter of the disc is 5.25 inches.
16000 tracks per inch is the track density.
The capacity of a CD-ROM is 600 MB, with each sector storing 2048 bytes of data.
The data transfer rate is about 4800KB/sec. & the new access time is around 80 milliseconds.

(b) WORM-(WRITE ONCE READ MANY):

A user can only write data once.
The information is written on the disc using a laser beam.
It is possible to read the written data as many times as desired.
They keep lasting records of information but access time is high.
It is possible to rewrite updated or new data to another part of the disc.
Data that has already been written cannot be changed.
Usual size – 5.25 inch or 3.5 inch diameter.
The usual capacity of 5.25 inch disk is 650 MB,5.2GB etc.

(c) DVDs:

The term “DVD” stands for “Digital Versatile/Video Disc,” and there are two sorts of DVDs: (i)DVDR (writable) and (ii) DVDRW (Re-Writable)
DVD-ROMS (Digital Versatile Discs): These are read-only memory (ROM) discs that can be used in a variety of ways. When compared to CD-ROMs, they can store a lot more data. It has a thick polycarbonate plastic layer that serves as a foundation for the other layers. It’s an optical memory that can read and write data.
DVD-R: It is a writable optical disc that can be used just once. It’s a DVD that can be recorded. It’s a lot like WORM. DVD-ROMs have capacities ranging from 4.7 to 17 GB. The capacity of 3.5 inch disk is 1.3 GB.

3. Cache Memory: It is a type of high-speed semiconductor memory that can help the CPU run faster. Between the CPU and the main memory, it serves as a buffer. It is used to store the data and programs that the CPU uses the most frequently.

Advantages of cache memory:

It is faster than the main memory.
When compared to the main memory, it takes less time to access it.
It keeps the programs that can be run in a short amount of time.
It stores data in temporary use.

Disadvantages of cache memory:

Because of the semiconductors used, it is very expensive.
The size of the cache (amount of data it can store) is usually small.

Computer Hardware :

Computer hardware is a collective term used to describe any of the physical components of an analog or digital computer.

Hardware and software are complementary. A computing device can function efficiently and produce useful output only when both hardware and software work together appropriately.

Computer hardware can be categorized as being either internal or external components.

Generally, internal hardware components are those necessary for the proper functioning of the computer. Example : Motherboard, Network Interface Card, RAM, Hard drive, Optical Drive etc.

while external hardware components are attached to the computer to add or enhance functionality. Example : Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Speaker, Headphones etc.

I/O Devices:

These devices are used to enter information and instructions into a computer for storage or processing and to deliver the processed data to a user. Input/Output devices are required for users to communicate with the computer. In simple terms, input devices bring information INTO the computer and output devices bring information OUT of a computer system. These input/output devices are also known as peripherals since they surround the CPU and memory of a computer system.

Input Devices

An input device is any device that provides input to a computer. There are many input devices, but the two most common ones are a keyboard and mouse. Every key you press on the keyboard and every movement or click you make with the mouse sends a specific input signal to the computer. Example of input device:-

• Keyboard: It is an input device. In the key board the keys are arranged in matrix from having rows and columns. The keys in the keyboard are: Alphabetic keys, Numeric Keys, Control Keys and Function keys. Alphabet Keys and numeric Keys cause the corresponding characters appear on the screen. Control keys are used to perform some action and function keys are used to perform some function as defined by the software or user.

• Mouse: A device that controls the movement of the cursor or pointer on a display screen. A mouse is a small object you can roll along a hard and flat surface. Its name is derived from its shape, which looks a bit like a mouse. As you move the mouse, the pointer on the display screen moves in the same direction.

• Trackball: A trackball is an input device used to enter motion data into computers or other electronic devices. It serves the same purpose as a mouse, but is designed with a moveable ball on the top, which can be rolled in any direction.

• Touchpad: A touch pad is a device for pointing (controlling input positioning) on a computer display screen. It is an alternative to the mouse. Originally incorporated in laptop computers, touch pads are also being made for use with desktop computers. A touch pad works by sensing the user’s finger movement and downward pressure.

• Touch Screen: It allows the user to operate/make selections by simply touching the display screen. A display screen that is sensitive to the touch of a finger or stylus. Widely used on ATM machines, retail point-of-sale terminals, car navigation systems, medical monitors and industrial control panels.

• Light Pen: Light pen is an input device that utilizes a light-sensitive detector to select objects on a display screen.

https://www.pearsonitcertification.com/articles/article.aspx?p=1681059&seqNum=6

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