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Chapter

3
Computer Hardware

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Learning Objectives
1. Identify the major types and uses of
microcomputer, midrange, and
mainframe computer systems.
2. Outline the major technologies and uses
of computer peripherals for input, output,
and storage.

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Learning Objectives
3. Identify and give examples of the
components and functions of a

computer system.
4. Identify the computer systems and
peripherals you would acquire or
recommend for a business of your
choice, and explain the reasons for your
selections.
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What is a Computer?
Definition:
• All computers are systems of input,
processing, output, storage, and control
components.

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Case #1: Mobile and Wireless Devices
• When it comes to wireless technologies
used to empower a mobile workforce, the
ROI seems to be a minor issue.
• Cost isn’t the issue – connectivity is.
• Companies can better manage their costs
by using wireless technology to its fullest.


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Case #1: Mobile and Wireless Devices
IT Department’s Challenge
• Ensure that business users have access
to solid, secure connections, no matter
where they’re working.
• Must think through how to deliver
applications so they can be used on small
LCD screens.

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Case #1: Mobile and Wireless Devices
1. What are some of the benefits that
organizations could realize by
connecting all of their employees with
mobile devices?
2. Are the CIOs in the case saying that ROI
is not important when deploying mobile
computing devices? Explain your
position.
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Case #1: Mobile and Wireless Devices
3. The case suggests that an increasingly
popular mobile device is the Blackberry. What
is it about the Blackberry that makes it so
popular? Check out the Research in Motion
website at www.rim.net to help with your
answer.
4. Should mobile wireless technologies be
bundled together in a generic fashion or
should manufacturers allow for customization
of mobile devices to be more industry or task
specific? Explain.
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Types of Computer Systems

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Microcomputer Systems
• Personal Computer (PC) – microcomputer
for use by an individual

• Professional Workstation – a powerful,
networked PC for business professionals
• Laptop – small, portable PC

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Microcomputer Systems
• Network Server – more powerful
microcomputers that coordinate
telecommunications and resource sharing
in small local area networks and Internet
and intranet websites
• Computer Terminals – depend on servers
for software, storage and processing
power
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Microcomputer Systems
• Network Computers – low-cost, sealed
microcomputers with no or minimal disk
storage that are linked to the network
• Information Appliances – hand-held
microcomputer devices


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PC Features

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Midrange Systems
Definition:
• Primarily high-end network servers and
other types of servers that can handle the
large-scale processing of many business
applications.

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Mainframe Systems
Definition:
• Large, fast, and powerful computer
systems

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Supercomputer Systems
Definition:
• Extremely powerful computer systems
specifically designed for scientific,
engineering, and business applications
requiring extremely high speeds for
massive numeric computations

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Hardware Organized by System Functions
• Input Devices convert data into electronic
form for direct entry or through a
telecommunications network into a
computer system
• Processing Components primarily the
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Arithmetic-Logic Unit (ALU) - perform
arithmetic and logic functions required to
execute software instructions
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Hardware Organized by System Functions
• Output Devices convert electronic information
produced by the computer system into humanintelligible form for presentation to end users
• Storage Devices store data and software
instructions needed for processing
• Control Components primarily the CPU’s
Control Unit which interprets software
instructions and transmits directions that control
the activities of the other components of the
computer system
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Computer Processing Speeds
• Millisecond – thousandth of a second
• Microsecond – millionth of a second
• Nanosecond – billionth of a second
• Picosecond – trillionth of a second

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Computer Clock Speeds
• MIPS – million instructions per second

• Megahertz (MHz) – millions of cycles per
second
• Gigahertz (GHz) – billions of cycles per
second

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Throughput
Definition:
• Ability of a microprocessor to perform useful
computation or data processing assignments
during a given period of time
Depends on:
• Buses – size of circuitry paths that interconnect
microprocessor components
• Registers – that process instructions
• Cache – high-speed memory
• Specialized Processors
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Case #2: Customer Self-Service Kiosks
Goal:
• For airline travelers, the best trips are fast
and hassle-free, with limited time spent at

the airport.
• The goal is speeding travelers to their
destinations.

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Case #2: Customer Self-Service Kiosks
Self-Service Kiosks Uses:
• Check in for flights
• Get boarding passes for originating or
connecting flights
• Select or change seats
• Request to stand by for an upgrade
• Check baggage
• Change flights
• Initiate multiparty check-ins
• International check-in
• Collect fees
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Case #2: Customer Self-Service Kiosks
Benefits:
• Help customers shave 5 to 15 minutes off
the time they have to stand in line

• Cornerstone of a broader airport strategy
to offer customers more control

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