IT for Management
By:
Prof. Nilesh Patil
2
Basic Concepts
Data: Raw facts, figures, and details.
Information: An organized, meaningful, and
useful interpretation of data.
Knowledge: An awareness and understanding
of a set of information and how that
information can be put to the best use.
Categories of Information
1. Unstructured
Outdated
Subjective
Related to future events
Deals with internal and external information of
organization.
2. Structured
Up-to-date (current)
Detailed & Not subjective
Concerned with past events
Deals with internal details of the organization
3. Semistructured = structured + unstructured
Accuracy: correct and complete information
Reliability: consistency with respect to
information
Timeliness: the presence of information to make
relevant decisions
Confidentiality: viewable by restricted persons
Relevance: appropriateness of information to
problem
Security: prevention of unauthorised access
Interpretation: analyzable by various person
5
What is Information Technology?
Definition
The set of tools used to: receive, process,
store, retrieve, print, and transmit
information in an electronic form.
Information can be: text, sound, picture,
or video
6
What is Information Technology?
Definition (Continued)
7
Computers
An electronic system that can be instructed
to accept, process, store, and present data
and information.
...an electronic device capable of interpreting and executing
programmed commands for input, output, computation, and
logic operations (Long, 2005).
Computers vary in performance and cost, in
size and capabilities
Input
We consider any data or instructions that enter the
computers memory space as input.
Due to the variety of fields of studies that exist today,
there has been respective input devices for the entering
of data for processing.
Popular input devices include: keyboard, mouse, stylus, digital
camera, microphone, and scanner.
Input contd
Output
We consider data that has been processed into a useable
form as output.
Computer systems can generate several types of output,
depending on the hardware and software being used it
may be printed, seen, or heard.
Popular output devices include: printer, speaker, and monitor.
Output contd
Processing
The system unit is a case that contains electronic
components of the computer, which are used to process
data.
The processor (CPU) impacts on the computer overall
computing power and manages most computing operations.
Processors contain a control unit and an arithmetic logic unit,
that together performs processing.
Processing contd
Processing contd
A machines cycle consist of four stages: fetching, decoding,
executing, and storing (some computers perform one
instruction per cycle).
Processors also contain registers, these are not a part of
memory. Additionally, processors rely on the system
clock, which controls the timing of all computer
operations (allowing personal computers to process in
GHz; some persons measure according to MIPS).
Super Computers
Very high-speed
Used in large scientific
and research labs.
Very expensive (millions
of dollars)
Mainframes
Room-sized,
expensive, high-
speed, very powerful
with large storage.
Connected to many
terminals (dumb and
intelligent)
Mini Computers
Same as the
mainframe but
smaller in size
Used instead of
Personal computers
when they are not
adequate, and
mainframes are
expensive.
Personal Computers
The most popular, and
not very expensive.
The software that is
compatible with the
PC depends on the
manufacturer of this
PC.
Laptops
Portable and
Briefcase sized
As powerful as a PC
but more expensive
Palmtop Computers
Portable Hand-held
computers.
Does very simple
functions, and
relatively cheap.
Also called
Notepad.
21
Computers (Continued)
Hardware: The computer and its associated
equipment.
Program: A set of instructions that directs a
computer to perform certain tasks and
produce certain results.
Software: The general term for a set of
instructions that controls a computer or a
communications network.
22
Computers (Continued)
System: A set of components that interact
to accomplish a purpose.
Information System: A business information
system designed to produce the
information needed for successful
management of a structured problem,
process, department, or business.
23
Communications Networks
Communication: The sending and receiving of data and information
over a communications network.
Communications Network: A set of locations, or nodes, consisting of
hardware, programs, and information linked together as a system that
transmits and receives data and information.
Data Communication: The transmission of data and information
through a communications medium.
24
The Functions of Information Technology
25
Capture: The process of compiling detailed records of activities.
Processing: The process of converting, analyzing, computing, and
synthesizing all forms of data or information.
Data Processing
Information Processing
Word Processing
Image Processing
Voice Processing
The Functions of Information Technology
(Continued)
26
Generation: The process of organizing
information into a useful form, whether as
numbers, text, sound, or visual image.
Storage and Retrieval: Storage is the computer
process of retaining information for future
use. Retrieval is the process by which a
computer locates and copies stored data or
information for further processing or for
transmission to another user.
The Functions of Information Technology
(Continued)
27
Transmission: The computer process of
distributing information over a
communications network.
Electronic Mail, or E-Mail
Voice Messaging, or Voice Mail
The Functions of Information Technology
(Continued)
28
The Benefits of Information Technology
29
Information Technology Is All Around Us,
Improving Our Lives
Television
Education
Training
Entertainment
Shipping
30
Paperwork
Money and Investments
Agriculture
Taxation and Accounting
Health and Medicine
Information Technology Is All Around Us,
Improving Our Lives (Continued)
31
Manufacturing
Journalism
Energy
Sports
Information Technology Is All Around Us,
Improving Our Lives (Continued)
Module 4 Telecommunication and Computer Networks
Data communication is the process of sending data
electronically from one point to another. Thus, making the
sharing of data, hardware, and software possible.
Telecommunication and Computer Networks
Methods of communication
Various methods exist today which allows us to transmit
messages to each other, here are some:
Internet
Web (documents)
E-mail
Instant Messaging
Chat Rooms
Newsgroups
FTP
Video Conferencing
Modem
Telecommunication and Computer Networks
Classification of networks
Networks come in different sizes, according to their
geographic location:
A network that consists of two or more computers and
related devices, directly linked within a relatively small room
or group of buildings . Devices on a LAN are called nodes, and
are often connect through cables; nodes will include
microcomputers, peripheral devices, printers and magnetic
disks, among others.
Telecommunication and Computer Networks
Classification of networks contd
This is a high-speed network that consists of two or more
LANs. Specifically, MANs are limited to a geographic
location such as a city or town. MANs are usually managed by
a consortium of users or by an internet service provider.
Telecommunication and Computer Networks
Classification of networks contd
This is a network that covers a large geographic area, such
as a country or a group of countries; typically, the WAN will
use a combination of devices to transmit data, such as
telephone lines, cables, satellite, and radio waves.
Additionally, a WAN can consist of two or more MANs
connected together (the Internet is the largest network).
Telecommunication and Computer Networks
Important concepts contd
Transmission modes or rates are determined by the amount of
data that can be transmitted over a communication channel.
These modes are:
Asynchronous transmitting data at irregular intervals
Synchronous transmitting data at regular intervals
Additionally, a transmission medium can allow data to flow in
various directions:
Simplex
Example. Radio
Half-duplex
Example. Text Messaging
Full duplex
Example. IRC
Telecommunication and Computer Networks
Device A Device B
Device A
Device B
Device A
Device A Device B
Important concepts contd
Users may use various transmission media to transmit data;
depending on the network classification and cost, users may
either select a wired or wireless means of transmission.
Wired Transmission Media
Twisted-pair Coaxial cable
Wireless Transmission Media
Terrestrial Microwave Satellite
Telecommunication and Computer Networks
Important concepts contd
Computers can be linked in different ways (using different
configurations) to transmit data. Two configurations are:
Point-to-point devices are connected directly to each other
Broadcast also called multipoint, relates to many devices
being connected to one data communication line
Bandwidth relates to the speed/rate at which data can be
transferred over a communication channel.
Consequently, there are three categories of
bandwidth: narrow band, voice band, and broad band.
Telecommunication and Computer Networks
Topology
Topology - Physical and logical network layout
Physical actual layout of the computer
cables and other network devices
Logical the way in which the network
appears to the devices that use it.
Common topologies:
Bus, ring, star, mesh and wireless
Bus topology
Uses a trunk or backbone to which all of the
computers on the network connect.
Systems connect to this backbone using T
connectors or taps.
Coaxial cablings were popular options years
ago.
Bus Topology
Advantages
Cheap and easy to implement
Require less cable
Does not use any specialized network equipment.
Disadvantages
Network disruption when computers are added
or removed
A break in the cable will prevent all systems from
accessing the network.
Difficult to troubleshoot
Ring Topology
Meaning that data travels in circular fashion
from one computer to another on the
network.
Ring Topology
Advantages
Cable faults are easily located, making
troubleshooting easier.
Ring networks are moderately easy to install.
Disadvantages
Expansion to the network can cause network
disruption.
A single break in the cable can disrupt the entire
network.
Star Topology
All computers/devices connect to a central
device called hub or switch.
Each device requires a single cable point-to-
point connection between the device and
hub.
Most widely implemented
Hub is the single point of failure
Star Topology
Advantages
Easily expanded without disruption to the
network
Cable failure affects only a single user
Easy to troubleshoot and isolate problems
Disadvantages
Requires more cable
A central connecting device allows for a single
point of failure
More difficult to implement
Mesh Topology
Each computer connects to every other.
High level of redundancy.
Rarely used.
Wiring is very complicated
Cabling cost is high
Troubleshooting a failed cable is tricky
Mesh Topology
Advantages
Provides redundant paths between devices
The network can be expanded without
disruption to current uses
Disadvantages
Requires more cable than the other LAN
topologies
Complicated implementation
Wireless Topology
Do not require physical cabling
Particularly useful for remote access for laptop
users
Eliminate cable faults and cable breaks.
Signal interference and security issue.
Wireless Topology
Advantages
Allows for wireless remote access
Network can be expanded without disruption to
current users.
Disadvantages
Potential security issues associated with wireless
mechanisms
Limited speed in comparison to other network
topologies
Internetworking Devices
Internetworking devices are products used to connect
networks.
As computer network grows in size and complexity, so do
the internetworking devices used to connect them.
Broadly, following are the Internetworking devices:
Repeaters
Hubs
Bridges
Switches
Routers
Gateways
The purpose of having devices
They allow greater number of nodes to be
connected to the network.
They extend the distance over which the
network can extend.
They localize traffic on the network
They can merge existing networks
They isolate network problems so that they
can be diagnosed more easily.
Devices
Repeater
Repeater
A repeater is an electronic device that receives a signal and retransmits it at a
higher level and/or higher power, or onto the other side of an obstruction, so
that the signal can cover longer distances.
Fig: A Wireless Repeater
Repeater
HUB
A hub is a repeater with multiple ports, and can be thought of as being the
centre point of a star topology network. It is often known as a multi-port
repeater (or as a concentrator in Ethernet).
Hubs can be active (where they repeat signal sent through them) or
passive (where they do not repeat, but merely split, signals sent through
them).
Hub generally:
Amplify signals.
Propagate the signal through the network.
Do not filter traffic. This is a major disadvantage with hubs and repeaters
as data arriving at any of the ports is automatically transmitted to all the
other ports connected to the hub.
Do not determine path.
Centralize the connection to the network.
HUB
Following figure illustrate a star topology with hub as the central
server and fig. 1b shows the real hub as used in networking.
BRIDGE
A network bridge connects multiple network segments at
the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model.
In other words, it is normally used to connect two networks at
the data link layer.
Are smart, full of software; can be programmed to copy
frames selectively.
BRIDGE
Bridge
Bridge
ROUTER
Routers forward data packets across computer networks.
It is needed when the two networks use the same transport layer, but
have different network layers.
These are network devices that examine the network address (IP address)
field and determine the best route for a data packet, and will only transmit
it out of a network segment if it is destined for a node on another
network.
Routers do the following:
Do not forward broadcast
Do not forward traffic to unknown addresses
Modify data packet header
Build tables of network addresses.
Router
Gateway
Gateway
Dial-Up Connection
Dial-up access is really just like a phone
connection
The parties at the two ends are computer devices
rather than people.
Because dial-up access uses normal telephone
lines, the quality of the connection is not always
good and data rates are limited.
In the past, the maximum data rate with dial-up
access was 56 Kbps (56,000 bits per second), but
new technologies such as ISDN are providing
faster rates (128 Kbps).
Leased Line
A permanent connection between two
devices.
It is on-line twenty-four hours a day, seven
days a week.
Leased lines provide faster throughput and
better quality connections
but they are also more expensive.
DSL
DSL is a very high-speed connection that uses
the same wires as a regular telephone line.
You can leave your Internet connection open
and still use the phone line for voice calls.
The speed is much higher than a regular
modem.
VSAT
Short for very small aperture terminal, an earthbound station used in satellite
communications of data, voice and video signals, excluding broadcast television.
A VSAT consists of two parts, a transceiver that is placed outdoors in direct line of
sight to the satellite and a device that is placed indoors to interface the transceiver
with the end user's communications device, such as a PC.
The transceiver receives or sends a signal to a satellite transponder in the sky.
The satellite sends and receives signals from a ground station computer that acts
as a hub for the system.
Each end user is interconnected with the hub station via the satellite, forming
a star topology.
The hub controls the entire operation of the network.
For one end user to communicate with another, each transmission has to first go
to the hub station that then retransmits it via the satellite to the other end user's
VSAT.
VSAT can handle up to 56 Kbps.
Twisted Pair Cables
Unshielded Shielded
The cable has four pairs of wires inside
the jacket.
Each pair is twisted with a different
number of twists per inch to help
eliminate interference from adjacent pairs
and other electrical devices.
The tighter the twisting, the higher the
supported transmission rate and the
greater the cost per foot.
Are placed in extremely sensitive
environments that may be susceptible to
the electrical current.
Shielded cables can also help to extend
the maximum distance of the cables.
Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cabling has a single copper conductor at its center.
A plastic layer provides insulation between the center
conductor and a braided metal shield.
The metal shield helps to block any outside interference
from fluorescent lights, motors, and other computers.
The two types of coaxial cabling are thick coaxial and thin
coaxial.
Thin coaxial cable is also referred to as thinnet. The
maximum segment length is 185 meters.
Thick coaxial cable is also referred to as thicknet. The
maximum segment length is 500 meters.
Fiber Optic Cable
Fiber optic cabling consists of a center glass core
surrounded by several layers of protective materials.
It transmits light rather than electronic signals
eliminating the problem of electrical interference.
Fiber optic cable has the ability to transmit signals over
much longer distances than coaxial and twisted pair.
The center core of fiber cables is made from glass or
plastic fibers. A plastic coating then cushions the fiber
center, and kevlar fibers help to strengthen the cables
and prevent breakage. The outer insulating jacket
made of teflon or PVC.
