MIS Cover       Introduction to Information Systems
Eighth Edition
ISBN: 0-256-20937-5
James A. O'Brien

Module II: Technology

The module contains chapters on computer hardware (Chapter 2), software (Chapter 3), telecommunications (Chapter 4), and database management (Chapter 5). This material is consolidated in an independent module since students may have already covered some of these topics in an earlier course. Thus, instructors can selectively use the chapters and sections of this module, depending on the preparation of their students.

SAMPLE FIGURES FROM THIS MODULE

Figure 2.7: Networked microcomputers are replacing midrange computers and mainframes in many organizations.


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Figure 2.9: The computer system concept. A computer is a system of hardware components and functions.


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Figure 3.1: An overview of computer software. Note the major types and examples of system and application software.


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Figure 4.2: Applications of telecommunications. Note the major categories and types of applications supported by telecommunications networks.


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Figure 5.4: An example of a database management approach in a banking information system. Note how the savings, checking, and installment loan programs use a database management system to share a customer database. Note also that the DBMS allows a user to make a direct, ad hoc interrogation of the database without using applicaiton programs.


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Real World Case: UPS VERSUS FEDEX: COMPETING ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB

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