1.3 Business Computing Hardware
DEFINITION: Business computer hardware refers to the physical components of a computer, such as circuit boards, chipsets, and keyboards. Unlike software, hardware typically remains unchanged throughout a computer’s lifespan, but you can add specific components to boost its power and usability.
This resource primarily focuses on computing devices, particularly microcomputers, which businesses can leverage for a competitive edge. Let’s think about hardware in terms of making large-scale purchases and deploying them. Businesses spend tens of billions of dollars on computer hardware, so it’
The largest business computers are called mainframes. Mainframe computers are gigantic, room-sized machines designed to handle and store massive amounts of data. They’re commonly utilized by large organizations, such as credit card processors, for tasks like transaction processing and crucial applications. Mainframes demand significant physical space and come with special needs like dedicated air-conditioning units and fire protection systems.
Take American Express, for example. They rely on mainframe computers because they have millions of cardholders conducting millions of transactions daily. The sheer volume of data and memory required to track all this information is staggering.
Midrange computers, sometimes known as minicomputers are smaller and less powerful than mainframes but perform similar functions, albeit on a smaller scale. Small to medium-sized businesses, unable to afford mainframes, can utilize midrange computers much like large organizations do with mainframes.
Microcomputers, smaller than mainframes and midrange computers, are so common that they are often just called “computers” or “boxes.” These are the least powerful computers in terms of processing, but the most common and come in four typical configurations: desktops, laptops, tablets, and handheld devices. A desktop computer is meant to stay on a desk and isn’t portable, while a laptop, with the same basic components, is designed for portability. In the past, laptops were pricier and less powerful than desktops, but technological advancements have narrowed the gap, with the most significant differences now being physical size and portability.
Handheld computers used to be called Personal Digital Assistants and have been replaced with devices like iPhones. Handheld computers are compact but not as powerful as desktops or laptops. They come with embedded operating systems and are particularly useful in business environments, mainly for organizing information.
A computer consists of hardware that utilizes system software to operate. Hardware is the physical components, while system software is a bunch of computer programs that perform specific tasks that make hardware work properly. When you turn on a computer, numerous system software routines or “programs” handle technical details to ensure it runs smoothly without needing human interaction.
The crucial part of system software comes into play when an operating system (like Microsoft Windows) is activated, turning into a platform for application software (like Microsoft Excel) to work properly. An operating system (called a platform) is the system software responsible for overseeing a computer’s resources, such as memory and application programs. Without system software or an operating system, application software won’t function.