OPERATING SYSTEM

Definition & Types of Operating System:

Operating System is a group of program that controls all the operation of computer system and its components. An Operating System is an integrated set of specialized program that is used to manage the resources and overall operation of a computer. A computer can do nothing with out Operating System. Operating System must be installed on every computer. User interacts with computer through Operating System. When computer is turned on, the Operating System runs and checks that all parts of the computer are functioning properly. Operating System manages all operation the computer after loading. 

Some popular Operating System is IBM, PC-DOS, MS-DOS, UNIX, XENIX, LINUS, WINDOWS-98, WINDOWS-2000, OS/2, WINDOWS-XP, WINDOWS-7 etc.

TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEM:

Operating System is classified according to the following criteria.

1. Single user Operating System
2. Multi User Operating System

1. SINGLE USER OPERATING SYSTEM:
   Single User Operating System allows only one user to use the system. For Micro-Computer single user Operating System offer the following functions.
1. Initialsation of System:
   Initialisation of System in which the Operating System must have initial loader program to initialise the system properly.
2. File Management:
   An Operating System contains File Management programs that control the creation, deletion and access of files of data and program.
3. Memory Management:
   In Operating System this Memory Management is simple, as only one application is executed at one time. IF there is another application to be run the previous is remove from the memory.
4. Input & Output Management:
   Input & Output Management in this type of Operating System is more simpler as compare to other because Input & Output device is made active at a time.
2. MULTI USER OPERATING SYSTEM:
   Multi User Operating System allow more the one users at a time to use the system. There are different function which are allowed by Multi User Operating System.
1. Initialization:
   Initialization is more complex than single user Operating System because it is possible that more than one computer be initialized by server.
2. File Management:
   The File Management is more complex in this case because a file may be access or shared by more than one user. If a user is using currently a file and another user also trying to access this file than it is duty of Operating System to lock the file for other user and also set security (Permissions) on file also share a file to available it on Network.
3. Memory Management:
   Available memory of server is divided among different user the rest of Memory Management is same as the single Operating System. Ir also uses a technique called paying to allow your computer to run more programs than its physical memory by storing memory pages not currently in use on a mass storage device called virtual memory.
4. Input & Output Management:
   It is also complex  because more than one devices manage by Operating System.
5. Resource Management:
   Resources (Printer, CD Drive, Floppy Drive etc are available to all user on Network) these devices can be share to access from other computer.
6. Process Management:
   In multi user Operating System more than one application are executed at a time this capability is called multitasking.
7. Processor Management:
   In multi user Operating system more then one one user connected to the system. Hence processing speed must be fast to manage all user requests. For this reason a system must have more the one processor, multi user system ha capability to manage all these processors.
8. Communication Management:
   In multi user Operating System one computer is connected with more then one systems. Hence it has capability to create new user, groups and assign Passwords and Permissions.
3. TIME - SHARED SYSTEM:
   It usually consists of a"dump" type terminal connected by data lines to a centralised Micro - Computer based system that controls.

EXPLAIN DIFFERENT FUNCTION OF OPERATING SYSTEM

An Operating System performs the following basic functions in the operation of computer system.

Booting:

Booting is a process of starting the computer. Operating System the computer to work. It checks the computer and makes it ready to work. there are two types of booting.

• Cold Boot:
  When computer is turn on by on/off button it is called cold boot.
• Warm Boot:
  When computer is restarted, it is called warm boot.

The User Interface:

The User interface is used to interact with computer. User Interface controls how you enter data and instructions and how information is displayed on the screen. There are main Three types of User Interfaces are as follow:

• Command-Driven Interface:
  In Command - Driven User Interface the user enter data and instructions by typing keyword or pressing special keys on keyboard.
• Menu-Driven Interface:
  In Menu-Driven Interface the user enter data and instruction by using menu. It is easier to use.
• Graphical User Interface:
  Graphical User Interface is a visual environment that is used by the user to communicate with computer with computer. It uses windows, icon, menu and other graphical objects to issue commands.

The trend towards an easy-to-use Graphical User Interface (GUI), which uses icon, bars, button, boxes and images. GUI applies by the pointing devices like the electronic mouse etc.

 Resource Management:

An Operating System uses a variety of Resource Management Program to manage the hardware and networking resources of a computer system, including its CPU, Memory, Secondary Storage Devices, Telecommunications Processors and Input / Output  Peripherals. For example, management programs keep track of where data and programs are stored.

Memory Management:

 Memory Management is process of optimizing the use of main memory. RAM is used to store data and instructions temporarily during executing. Operating System allocates memory area to different programs. The allocated memory area is de-allocated when the program finishes.

File Management:

An Operating System contains file management programs that control the creation, deletion and access of files of data and program. File Management also keeping track of the physical location of files on magnetic disks and other secondary storage devices.

Task Management / Job Scheduling:

The Task Management programs of an Operating System manage the completion of the job of end users. They give each task a slice of CPU's time and interrupt the CPU operations to substitute other tasks. Task Management may involve a multitasking capability where several computing task can occur at the same time.

New microcomputer operating system and most minicomputer and mainframe operating system provide a multitasking capability. With multitasking, end user can do two or more operation (keyboard and printing) or use of application (e.g. MS - Word, MS - Excel) concurrently, that is at the same time.

A single CPU can run a number of programs at the same time. The numbers of program that can be run concurrently depend on the amount of memory that is available and the amount of processing each job demands. That is because a microprocessor (or CPU) can become overloaded with too many jobs and provide unacceptable slow response. Multitasking allow end user to easily switch from one application to another.

Monitoring Performance:

Operating System also monitors the performance of the computer. Performance monitor is a program that checks and reports information about different systems resources and devices. For example it monitors the processor, disk memory and network.

Accessing The Web:

Operating System provides the facility to connect to the Web. It guides the user to set up a connection between computer and Internet Service Providers. Some Operating System provides the facilities of Web browser and email. program.

Administering Security:

Operating System manages the security of computer system as well as data and program stored on it. Security is normally maintained by using User ID and Password.

Device Controlling:

Operating System control all devices attached to the computer. The hardware devices are controlled with the help of small software called device drivers.

POPULAR OPERATING SYSTEM

In the earlier age there ware many Operating System were device-dependent. A type of software that runs only on a specific type computer is called device-dependent. There are generally two categories of Operating System.

STAND ALONE OPERATING SYSTEM:

An Operating System that works on desktop or notebook computer is called Stand-Alone Operating System. Some example of Stand Alone Operating Systems are Disk Operating System (DOS), Windows 95, Windows NT Workstation, Windows Me, and Windows XP Home Edition etc.

1. DOS:
   DOS stands for Disk Operating System. It was developed by Microsoft in early 1980s for personal computers. It is single-user and as well as single-tasking operating system.
2. Windows 95,95,Me:
   In 1995 Microsoft introduce Window 95 operating system, includes the feature of Graphical User Interface. Windows 95 is multitasking, networking, multimedia and many other capabilities operating system, Microsoft introduced an enhanced Windows 98 version during 1998, Windows Me (Millennium Edition) in 2000.
3. Windows XP:
   Windows XP is a product of Microsoft Corporation. It was released in 2001 . XP stands for experience. It is fastest and most reliable Operating System. Three versions of Windows XP are Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Server.
4. MAC:
   MAC  stands for Macintosh. Macintosh  Operating System is product of Apple. It was one of the first successful GUI. It was release with Macintosh Computer in 1984. The latest version of this Operating System is called Mac Operating System X.
    
5. Network Operating System:
   An Operating System that supports network is called Network Operating System. It normally works on a server. Some example of Network Operating System are Windows NT Operating are Windows NT Server, Windows 2000 Server, Net-ware, Unix and Solaris.
    
6. Windows NT Server:
   Microsoft introduced its Windows NT (New Technology) Operating System in 1995. It is designed for client / server networks. The server in the network uses Windows NT Server. The client computer use Windows NT Workstation.
    
7. Unix:
   Unix is multitasking, Network Operating System. It was developed in the early 1970s at Bell Laboratories. Many version of this Operating System are available. It uses command driven interface.
8. Linux:
   Linux is free, multitasking and network Operating System. It was developed in 1991. Some version of Linux use command-line interface and other GUI.
9. Solaris:
   Solaris is version of UNIX Operating System. It was developed by Sun Micro-systems. It is network operating system  designed for e-commerce application.

SCHEDULING:

The Allocation of CPU time (Resources) to different jobs to be process on  the computer is called scheduling and the module of Operating System which handle this task is called scheduler. The Scheduler arrange jobs in the sequences base in the priority. In the time sharing system all the resources of computer system are share among the different user, as CPU is one of the primary computer resource so the sharing of CPU time among different user (Jobs) is term as Scheduling.
The Scheduler has to  make decision that which process should be given CPU time when and how much.

SCHEDULER ALGORITHM:

The following are well know Scheduler Algorithm.

1. Non-Preemptive Algorithm.
   In this stategy when process assign to CPU will not swapped (stopped or Block) before its completion. 
• FIFOA (First In First Out Algorithm):
  In this algorithm all the incoming jobs are placed in Queue and are proceed one by one at first come first out.
• LIFOA (Last In First Out Algorithm):
  In this strategy incoming jobs are placed in a stack and CPU is assigned to job which is at the top of the stack. However it is a scheduler algorithm but it is not actually applied.
• SJFA (Shortest Job First Algorithm):
  According to this algorithm first of all, all active process are stored according to their size and shortest job are arranged high priority it means that a job require less memory will be given high priority.
  When CPU is executing some processes, at the same time a new process arrived. All the remaining processes again arranged according to the size.
2. Preemptive Algorithm:
   In this strategy when a process is assign to CPU can be swapped (stopped) before its completion and new process is assign to CPU.
• SJNA (Short Job Next Algorithm):
  In this strategy all the process are arrange according to their size from the smaller to larger and highest priority is assigned to the smaller process. Suppose and process is assign to processor a new job arrived. If the remaining portion of current job less then the new. Then current process will be swapped from CPU (block state) and new process assign to processor (running state).
• RR (Round Robbins Algorithm):
  In this scheduling method the process are dispatched FIFO and no priority is assigned to any job, all the active job are given a limited amount of CPU time called a time slice or quantum's. If a process does not complete before it CPU give to the next waiting process. The preempted process is placed at the back of ready list.

DEAD LOCK:

A Dead Lock is a situation wherein two or more competing action are each waiting for the other to finish and thus neither ever does.

In an Operating System, a Dead Lock is situation which occurs when a process enters a waiting state because a resource requested by it is being held by another waiting process, which in turn is waiting for another resource. If a process is unable to change its state indefinitely because the resources requested by it are being used by other waiting process, then the system is said to be in a Dead Lock.

Dead Lock is a common problem in multiprocessing systems, parallel computing and distributed systems, where software and hardware locks are used to handle shared resources and implement process synchronisation.

NECESSARY CONDITION

A Dead Lock situation can arise only if all of the following conditions hold simultaneously in a system:

1. Mutual Exclusion:
   At least one resource mus be non-shareable. Only one process can use the resource at any given instant of time.
2. Hold and Wait or Resource Holding:
   A process is currently holding at least one resource and requesting additional resources which are being held by other processes.
3. No Preemption:
   The Operating System must not de-allocate resources once they have been allocated; they must be released by the holding process voluntarily.
4. Circular Wait:
   A process must be waiting for a resource which is being held by another process, which in turn is waiting for the first process to release the resource. In general, there is a set of waiting processes, P = (P1, P2, ............., PN), such that P1 is waiting for a resource held by P2, P2 is waiting for a resource held by P3 and so on till PN is waiting for a resource held by P1.

DEAD LOCK HANDLING

Most current Operating System can not prevent a Dead Lock from occurring. When a Dead Lock occurs, different Operating Systems respond to them in different non-standard manners.Major approaches are as follows.

1. Ignoring Dead Lock:
   In this approach, it is assumed that a Dead Lock will never occur. This is also called the Ostrich Algorithm. This approach was initially used by MINIX and UNIX. This is used when the time intervals between occurrences of Dead Locks is large and the data loss incurred each time is tolerable. It is avoided in very critical system.
2. Detection:
   Under Dead Lock detection, Dead Locks are allowed to occur. Then the state of the system is examined to detect that a Dead Lock has occurred and subsequently it is corrected. An algorithm is employed that tracks resource allocation process states, it rolls back and restarts one or more of the processes in order to remove the detected Dead Lock. Detecting a Dead Lock that has already occurred is easily possible since the resources that each process has locked and / or currently requested are known to the resource scheduler of the Operating System.
3. Avoidance:
   Dead Lock can be avoided if certain information about processes are available to the Operating System before allocation of resources, such as which resources a process will consume in its lifetime. For every resource request, the system sees if granting the request will mean that the system will enter an unsafe state, meaning a state that could result in Dead Lock. The system then only grants requests that will lead to safe states. In order for the system to be able to determine whether the next state will be safe or unsafe, it must know in advance at any time:
• Resources currently available.
• Resources currently allocate to each process.
• Resources that will be required and released and released by these processes in the future.

SYSTEM APPROACH TO PROBLEM SOLVING

DEFINITION OF SYSTEM APPROACH

A systemic process of problem solving that defines problem and opportunities in system context and develop solution. Data is gathered describing the problem or opportunity and alternative solutions are identified and evaluated. Then the best solution is selected and implemented and its success evaluated.              OR

the process through which a business problem can be solved is called System Approach.

PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Problems and opportunities are identified in the first step of the System Approach. A problem can be defined as a basic condition that is causing undesirable results. An opportunity is a basic condition that presents the potential (possible) for desirable results. Symptoms must be separated from problems. Symptoms are merely signals of an underlying cause or problem. e.g.

Example

Symptom: Sales of a company's products are declining.

Problem (Statement of the problem) Salespersons are losing orders because they cannot get current information on product prices and availability.

Opportunities: We could increase sales significantly if sales persons could receive instant responses to requests for price quotations and product availability.

SYSTEM THINKING OR CONTEXT

Using Systems Thinking to understand a problem or opportunity is one of the most important aspects (feature) of the System Approach. When you use a System Context, you try to find system, subsystem and components of system in the situation you are studying, This ensures that important factor and their interrelationship are considered. This is known as having a systemic view of a situation. For example, the business organisation or business process in which a problem or opportunity arises could be view as a system of input, processing, output, feedback and control components. 

FUNDAMENTAL INFORMATION SYSTEM CONCEPTS

SYSTEM CONCEPT:

A System as a group of interrelated or interacting element forming a unit which, working towards a common goal. e.g. The System of sun and planets, the system of human body, the system of a college, the system of business organisation.

For the field of Information Technology "A System is a group of interrelated component working together toward a common goal by accepting inputs and producing output in an organised transformation process. Such as a system (called dynamic system has three basic interacting components or element.

• Input:Input involves capturing and assembling element that enter the system to be processed. For example: raw material, energy, data and human effort must be secured (protected) and orgainse for process
•  Processing:
  It is method or series of steps by which data changes into information (output). Examples are a manufacturing process, the human breathing process, or mathematical calculations etc.
• Output:Result of process data and instruction that is obtained from the system. For example, finished products, result etc.
  
  

 The System Concept can be mad more useful by including two additional component feedback and control.

Feedback & Control:

• Feedback:
  Feedback is data about the performance of a system. It is necessary to know whether the results of data processing are helpful for the business or not. In this step, we take the comments of different users about the data processing system and its output. This step is helpful for future planning. For example, data about sales performance is feedback to a sales manager.
• Control:
  Control involves monitoring and evaluating feedback to determine whether a system is moving toward the achievement of its goal. The control function then makes necessary adjustments to system's input and processing components to ensure that it produces proper output. For example, a sales manager exercises control when he or she reassigns salespersons to new sales territories after evaluating feedback about their sales performance.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SYSTEM

The characteristics of a common system are as under:

• A system does not exist in a volume rathe than it exist and functions in an environment containing other system.
• A large system may have more than one small system called sub system and the large system is its environment.
• Several system may share the same environment. Some of these system may be connected to one another by mean of share boundary or interface. 
• A system may be open system that is a system that interact with other system in its environment.
• A system has the ability to change itself or the environment in order to survive as an adaptive system.
  Example:
  Organisation such as business and government agencies are good examples of the system in society, which is their environment, society contains a multitude of such systems, including individuals and their social, political and economic institutions. Organisations themselves consist of many subsystem, such as department, division, and other work groups. Organisations are open system, because they interface and interact with other systems in the environment.

NAME & DIAGRAM OF COMPONENT OF AN INFORMATION SYSTEM

Information System is a system that accepts data resources as input and processes them into information products as output.

1.  Resources:
   People, hardware, software, data and networks are five basic resources consist of Information System.
2. Activities:
   Input, Processing, Output, Storage & Controls. All information system uses these components to transform raw material into information product.

INFORMATION SYSTEM RESOURCE WITH HELP OF DIAGRAM

Information System consists of five major resources people, hardware, software, data and network, which you can see above diagram.

• People Resource:
  People are required for the operation of all Information System. People resources include programmer and all other person who use computer. The basic purpose of any Information System is to provide information to the people.
• Specialists:
  Are people who develop[ and operate Information System. They include System Analysts, Programmers, Computer Operators, and other Managerial Technical and Clerical IS Personal (Workers),
• End Users: 
  End user also called users or client)____ any one else who uses Information System.
• Hardware Resources:
  The hardware component consists of all the physical devices used with in the Information System. The equipment includes hardware like computer, terminals and printers and non-computer equipment like typewriter, other machine, paper, printing ribbon etc/
• Machine:
  Computers, video monitors, magnetic disk devices, printers, optical disk, 
• Media:
  Media (tangible object on which data recorded): Floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disks, plastic cards, paper forms, CD's Rom.
• Software Resources:
  The computer programmed used for processing information and control hardware such as MS-Office, payroll program, peach-tree and Windows etc.
• Data Resources:
  Data is raw material of Information System. Data is necessary for any Information System. Any deficiency in data causes it seriously. Data can take many forms, including Alphabetic, numeric, alphanumeric data, other character that describes business transaction. The data resources are organised, stored, and accessed by a variety of sources management technologies.
  For Example: Name, Address, Product descriptions, Customer records, employee files, inventory databases.
• Network Resources:
  Networks used for data communication and internet to exchange information.

INFORMATION SYSTEM ACTIVITIES

The Information System activities (functions) are input, processing, output, storage and control.

1. Input of Data Resource:
   Data about business transactions and other events must be captured and prepared for processing by the input or data entry activity such as recording and editing. End-user enter data directly into a computer system or record data on some type of physical medium such as paper form. Once entered, data may be transfer on to a machine-readable medium such as magnetic disk, optical disk etc until needed for processing.
   For example sale data could be captured by sale person using computer keyboard are optical scanning device to enter data into the computer.
2. Processing of Data in to Information:
   Data are usually process through calculating: computing, sorting, organise, analyze manipulate data, thus converting data into information for end user.
   For example calculating employee's pay, taxes and other payroll deduction. 
3. Output of Information Product:
   Information in various forms in transmitted to end users and make available to them in the output activity. Productions of appropriate information products for end user as the goal of information system. Common information product include massages, reports, forms, and graphics image which may be provided by video displays, audio response, paper report, and multimedia e.g. producing and displays about sales performance.
4. Storage of Data Resources: Storage is a basic system component of an Information System in which data and information are retained in an organise manner for latter use. Stored data are commonly organised in to fields, records, files and database e.g. Storing record of customer, employees and products.
5. Control of System Performance:
   It involves measuring performance and taking corrective decision if required. An Information System should produce feedback about its input, processing, output and evaluated to determine if the system is not meeting standards. Then appropriate system activities must be adjusted so that proper information product is produce for end users. These activities are known as control.
   For example a manage may discover that subtotal of sales amount in a sales reports do not add up to total sales. This might mean that data entries or processing procedure need to be corrected. Then change would have to be make to ensure that all sales transactions would be properly captured and process by a sales information system e.g. Generating audible signals to indicate proper entry of sales data.

 RECOGNISING INFORMATION SYSTEM (Different Types of Information System)

There are many kinds of Information System in the real world. All of them use hardware, software, people and othher resources to transform data in to information product. There are different types of Information System, which are as under.

• Manual Information System:

  In manual Information System every thing is done by hand. All types of calculations, processing and operations required to convert data into information, are performed by human beings. In Manual Information System peoples use simple tools such as pencils and paper etc.

• Mechanical Information System:

  In this data processing different calculation processing is performed with mechanical machine.

• Electronic Data Processing System or Computer Based Information System:

  The Computer based Information System where people use computer system to transform data in to information products. The input of data is given to the computer, which converts this data into information by applying the required processing. In computer different software packages are used for data processing.
  As a business professional, you should be able to recognise the fundamental of Information System.
• The people, hardware, software, data and network resources they use. 
• The types of Information Product they produce. 
• The way they perform input, processing, output, storage and control activities.

 EXPANDING ROLE OF INFORMATION SYSTEM

Until the 1960s, the role of most Information System was simple transaction processing, record keeping, accounting and other electronic data processing applications. Then another role was added as the concept of management information systems (MIS). By the 1970s, respecified information products produced by such MIS ware not adequately meeting many of the decision making needs of management. So the concept of decision support system (DSS) was born. In the 1980s, several new roles of Information System appeared. First the rapid development of microcomputer processing power, application software package and telecommunication networks gave birth to the phenomenon of end user computing. Now end useres could use their own computing resources to support their job requirement instead of waiting for the indirect support of corporate information services edepartment.
Second Executing Information Systems attempted to give top executive an easy way to get the critical information they want, when they want it, tailored to the formats they prefer.
Third, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technique to business information systems, expert system (ES) and other knowledge based systems forged a new role for Information System.
An important new role the concept of strategic role for information system, sometimes called strategic information system (SIS) (1980 - 90). In this concept information technology becomes an integral component of business process, products and service that help a company gain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.
Finally, the rapid growth of the internet, intranet, extra-net and other interconnected global networks of the 1990s has dramatically changed the capabilities of Information System in the business. Inter networked enterprises that is e-commerce and e-business.

TYPES OF INFORMATION SYSTEM

There are two types of Information System of Information System can be classified in to two types.

1. Operation Support System.
2. Management Support System.

Operation Support System: 

An Information System that collects, process and stores data generated by the operations systems of an organisation and produces data and information for input in to management information system or the control of an operations system. These system produce a variety of information products for internal and external use. The role of Operation Support System in the business firms is to efficiently process business transactions, control industrial process, support enterprise communication and collaboration and update corporate database.
There are three types of Operation Support Systems.

• Transaction Processing System:
  This system is used to store and process day-to-day business activities. Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is an example of Transaction Processing System (TPS). This system processes data faster reduce clerical costs and improves customer service. Transaction processing system process transaction in two ways.
• Batch Processing:
  In this data of transactions is accumulated over a period of time and process periodically.
• Real Time Processing:
  In this data are processed immediately after a transaction occurs.
• Process Control System:
  Process control system monitor and control physical process. e.g. a petroleum refinery uses electronic sensors linked to computers to continually monitor chemical process and make instant (real time) adjustments that control refinery process.
• Office Automation System:
  Office Automation Systems collect, process, store and transmit information in the form electronic office communications. Office Automation System provides the facilities to create and distribute graphics and documents, send messages, schedule appointment, browse the web and publish web pages. The Office Automation System enhances office communication and productivity. Most important Office Automation Software is Word Processing, Spread Sheet, Database. Presentation, E-Mail, Web Browser and Personal Information Management...
  For Example a business may Word-Processing for office correspondence, electronic mail to send and receive electronic messages, desktop publishing to produce a company newsletter and teleconferencing to hold electronic meetings.

Management Support System:

An Information System that provides information to support managerial decision making is called Management Support System (MSS). Management Support System providing information and support for management decision-making by all types of manager and business professionals. More specifically, several major types of Information Systems are needed to support a variety of managerial end user responsibility.
Many types of Information Systems are required to support managerial end users responsibilities. Their major categories are:

1. Management Information System (MIS):
   Management Information System is used to generate timely, accurate and organised information for the manager and other users. This information is used to make decision, solve problems, supervise activities and monitor process. It provides useful information for the management to make important decision about the organisation. MIS creates three types of information.
   
   • Detailed report: It contains only transaction.
   • Summery Report: It consolidates data to review it quickly and easily. It normally contains totals, tables and graph.
   • Exception Report: It identifies data out side of a normal condition. This condition is called exception criteria.
2. Decision Support System (DSS):
   Decision Support System is used to analyse data and make decision. Different manager require different types of information. DSS provides information for different type of users according to their needs. A DSS helps different users to find the information they need.
3. Executive Information System (EIS):
   The goal of computer-based Executive Information System is to provide top and middle management with immediate and easy access to selective information. It supports the strategic information needs of executive management. Executive Information System provides critical information in easy-to-use displays to executive and managers. It present information as a chart and table. For example top executive may use touch screen terminals to instantly view text and graphics displays that highlight key areas for orgiansational and competitive performance.

 CLASSIFICATION OF INFORMATION SYSTEM

There are five types others categories of Information System.

1. Expert System:
   An Expert System is a knowledge based Information System that uses its knowledge about a specific area to act as an expert consultant to users medicine, engineering, physical science and business. For example: Expert System now helps diagnose illness, search for minerals, analyse compound, recommend repair and do financial planning.  OR
   An Expert System is an intelligent computer program, which contains knowledge about some particular field to assist human expert or provide information to those people who do not have any access to an expert in that particular field.
2. End Users Computing System (Knowledge Management System):
   End Users Computing Systems are computer-based information system that directly support both the operational and managerial applications of end users. End Users Computing are the direct use of computers by  end users. In End User Computing System end users use microcomputer workstations, software packages and databases for personal productivity, information retrieval, decision support and application development. For example, users may use word-processing, spreadsheet, send e-mail and retrieve information from data base. End Users Computing is the involvement of end users (including employees, managers and executive) in the development use if information system.
3. Strategic Information System:
   The Strategic Information System using information technology to develop products, services and capabilities that gives company strategic advantages over the competitive forces it faces in the global marketplace. This creates Strategic Information System, information system that support or shape the competitive position and strategic of an enterprise. So a Strategic Information System can be any kind of Information System (TPS, MIS, DSS etc) that helps an organisation gain a competitive advantages, reduce competitive disadvantages, or meet other strategic enterprise objective. e.g. online stock trading, shipment tracking and e-commerce WEB systems.
4. Business Information System:
   Information System that support basic business functions such as accounting or marketing are known as Business Information System. Business Information Systems provide managers with a variety of information products to support their decision-making responsibilities in each of the functional area of business. for example Information System that support application in accounting finance, marketing, operation management and human resources management.
   Financial Managers need information concerning financing cost and investment returns provided by financial information system. Marketing managers need information about sales performance and trends provided by marketing information system.
5. Integrated Information System:
   Many software applications use a mixture of different types of Information Systems to create information for different types of users. Most Information System designed to produce information and support decision making for various levels of management and business function as well as do record keeping and transaction processing.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM

SYSTEM:

A System as a group of interrelated or interacting elements forming a unit which, working towards a common goal. e.g. The System of sun and planets, the system of human body, the system of a college, the system of business organisation
For the field of Information Technology " A System is a group of interrelated components working together towards a common goal by accepting inputs and producing output in an organised transformation process. Such as system (called dynamic system) has three basic interacting components or elements.

• INPUT
  Input involves capturing and assembling elements that enter the system to be processed. For example: raw material, energy, data and human effort must be secured (protected) and organise for processing.

• PROCESSING
  It is method or series of steps by which data changes into information (output). Example are a manufacturing process, the human breathing process, or mathematical calculations etc.

• OUTPUT
  Result of process data and instruction that is obtained from the system. For example, Finish Products, Results etc

 DATA 

 Data is a plural form of the Latin word Datum. The collection of fact and figure is called Data OR any thing in raw form is called Data. Data can not be used for decision making or action taking. e.g. Name, Address, Number, Phone Number, Roll No. etc.
Example:
When student fill College Admission Form the form consists of raw facts about students. These raw facts are student's name, father's name, marks obtain etc.

INFORMATION

 To organise the data in meaningful form upon which people can take necessary decision is called Information e.g. 2,1,5,4 when sorted it become 1,2,4,5 which is information. Information is the meaningful, processed data, which is relevant and accurate and there by can be used in decision-making. Examples are voucher, bills, fee registration cards or library cards.
Example:
When the student's admission is processed and makes merit list the merit list is the Information

Remember that the computer is one of the data processing systems that convert raw data in to useful information.

Therefore we can write it graphically as:

COMPARE DATA AND INFORMATION 

DATA & INFORMATION:

1. Data is a set of raw facts, while Information is processed form of data.
2.  Data is used as input in the compute, while Information is the output of computer.
3. Data is not meaningful, while Information is meaningful.
4. Data is asset of organisation and is not available to the people for sale, while Information is normally available for sale.
5. Data is an independent entity, while Information is depend on data.
6. Data is not use in decision making, while we can take any action or decision on information.
7. Data is use rarely, while Information is used frequently.

COMPUTER

Computer is electronic device, which can accept the input data, process the data and gives the result / information of the process data / values according to the instruction.

MANAGEMENT

Management is the process of leadership involving the management functions of planning, organising, staffing, supervision (directing), and controlling.             OR
Management as a level of personal that oversee the tasks of planning, organising, staffing, supervising, and controlling business activities.
In the above definition the five basic functions, considered classic tasks of management, are defined as follows:

• PLANNING:
  Planning is to try to get yourself or your organisation from your present position to an even better position. Planning is setting objectives, both long - term and short - term, and also developing strategic for achieving them.
• ORGANISING:
  To achieve your goals, you must organise the parts in a coordinated and integrated efforts. Organising is making orderly arrangements of resources, such as people and materials.
• STAFFING:
  Staffing has to do with people. Staffing is selecting, training, and developing people. In some cases, specialists, such as those in the human resources department, may do it. 
• SUPERVISING:
  Supervising is directing, guiding, and motivating employees to work towards achieving the organisation's goals.
• CONTROLLING:Controlling is monitoring the organisation progress and adapting methods towards achieving its goals.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM (MIS) OR INFORMATION REPORTING SYSTEM (IRS)

Computer-based information system that derives data from all of an organisation's department and procedure summary, exception (exemption), periodic and on-demand reports of that organisation performance.         OR
Management Information System provides information in the form of reports and displays to managers and many business professionals. For example, sales managers may use their network computers to get instantaneous displays about the sales result of their products and access their corporate intranet for daily sales analysis reports. e.g. sales analysis, production performance and cost trend reporting system.

Feature of MIS as Follows

1. Input and Output:
   Input consists of processed transaction data such as bills, order, and paychecks, plus other internal data. output consists of summarise structured report, budget summaries and production schedule.
2. For Middle Manager:An MIS is intended (proposed) to assist middle manager that is it helps them with tactical (planned) decision.
3. Draws From all Department:The MIS draws from all department.
   Produce several kinds of report:- The manager at this level usually receive information in the form of several kinds of reports: summary, periodic, exception and on demand report.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 

The combination (merging) of computer and communication is called Information Technology. Information Technology is the technology that merges computing with high-speed communication links carrying data, sound, image, graph, and video. Computer and communication are the parents of the information age. The interconnection of computer enables peoples to send and receive information.
The world has become a global village due to advancement in information technology. It means that people living in the wold know one an other as if they are living in a village. Information can be transferred from one place to another place easily and quickly. It manages a network of computers for creating WEB Pages, producing videos digitally, selling, buying, and any type of business on the Internet. For example, telephone and radio equipments and switches used for voice communication.
The components of Information Technology are as follows: 

•  Computer:
  Electronic system that can be instructed to accept, process, store and information.
• Communication Network:
  It is an interconnection of different location through a medium than enable people to send and receive information. Communication network allows people and business to interact. It include hardware, programms, and information.
• People:
  People are required for the operation of all information technology system. These people resources include programmer and all other persons who use IT.
• Software: All programms which are used for solving problem and to communicate with computer. For example: Operating System, Spread Sheet, Word Processing, Telecommunication Management Programm etc.
• Data:
  Data is a raw material of Information Technology. Data can take many forms including numeric, alphanumeric, alphabetical, audio and video etc.

INFORMATION SYSTEM / DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM

It is an organised combination of people, hardware, software, communication networks, and data sources that collect, transforms and distribute information in an organisation.
OR
An Information System is a System that accepts data resources as input and processes them into information product as output.    
OR
A set of people, procedures, and resources that collects transforms and disseminates (distribute) information in an organisation.    
OR
A system that uses the resources of hardware, software and people to perform input, processing, output, storage, and control activities that transform data resources into information products.
Computer is the best tool to process information more quickly and more accurately: therefore, any system based on computer processing technology is called Computer-Based Information System. There five elements / components of Information System.

1. People:
   People are required for the operation of all information system. People resources include programmer and all other person who use computer. The basic purpose of any information system is to provide information to people.
2. Hardware:
   The hardware component consists of all the physical devices used within the information system. The equipment includes hardware like computers, terminals, and printers and non-computer equipment like typewriter, other machine, paper, printing ribbon etc.
3. Software:
   The computer programmed used for processing information and control hardware such as MS-Office, Payroll Programm, Peach Tree, and Windows etc.
4. Networks:
   Networks used for data communication and internet to exchange information.
5. Data:
   Data is necessary for information system. Any deficiency in data causes it seriously. For example raw material, name, age, address, city name etc.

COMPUTER BASED INFORMATION SYSTEM

An Information System that uses Computer and their hardware, software, Internet and other telecommunication technology to transform data into information  is called Computer-Based Information System.

Reason for Studying Information Systems (IS) Or Why IS are Important Or Importance of Information System

Information System has become a vital (very important) component of business firm and other organisation. The knowledge of Information System and their technologies are important for manager, business professionals, and other knowledge workers in today's inter networked enterprises. Information System play a vital role in the e-business and e-commerce operations. Enterprise collaboration (teamwork), management and strategic success depend on businesses that must6 operate in an inter networked global environment. There are three importance of Information System for business.

1. Information System Resources & Technologies (Product):
   The resources and technology of Information System are Hardware resources (Physical Devices), Software resources include computerised instructions (programm), People resources (Information Systems Specialists and Users), Data resources (Alphanumeric, Text, Images, Videos, Audio and other forms of Data) and Network resources (Communications Media and Network Support). Information System produced information, which is in the form paper reports, visual displays, multimedia documents, electronic messages, graphics images and audio responses.
2. An End User Perspective (Importance of IS System for End User):
   Anyone who uses an Information System or the Information it produce is an end user. Whatever your career will be, you can increase your opportunities for success by becoming knowledgeable end users of information technology. Business and other organizations need people who can use networked computer workstations to enhance their own personal productivity and the productivity of their work groups, departments, and organizations. For example: You should be able to use word processing and electronic mail to communicate more effectively, spreadsheet packages to more effectively analyze decision situations, database management packages to provide better reports on organisational performance, and specialised business software to support your specific work activities. You should be aware of the management problems and opportunities presented by the use of information technology, and how you can effectively confront such challenges. Then you play a major role in seeing that information system resources are used efficiently and effectively to benefit your career goal and the goal of the business firms or other organisation you may work for in the future.
3. An Enterprise Perspective (Importance of IS System for Organisation):
    Information Systems play a vital role in the business success of an enterprise. Information technology can provide the information a business needs for efficient operation, effective management and competitive advantages.
   Business are becoming E-Business Enterprises. The Internet and Internet like networks inside the enterprise (Intranet), and between an enterprise and its trading partner (Extra-net) have become the primary information technology (I..T.) infrastructure that supports the business operation to many companies.

GLOBAL INFORMATION SOCIETY:

Information is a basic resource in today's society. We are living in global information society, with a global economy that is increasingly dependent on the creation, management and distribution of information system resources. People in many nations no longer live in agriculture or industrial society but they are living in information age where people spend most of their time exchange information through networking. The internet, networking and other communicating devices have brought great revolution in society and have transformed the society into a Global Village. Through internet we can exchange data in any form that is audio, video, text, numeric, and graphics. The internet reduces distance among people living in the world and they can communicate easily and quickly just like the people can communicate in a small village easily. Due to IT we can now communicate easily, work cooperatively, share resources and make decision all electronically.

TECHNOLOGICAL & BEHAVIORAL DIMENSION OF INFORMATION SYSTEM:

Computer science, engineering, and mathematics are disciplines that contribute to the technological aspects of information system in business. The research of these disciplines drives developments in computer hardware, software, telecommunications, database management and other information technologies.
Area such as psychology, sociology, and political science, on the other hand, contribute to the behavioral aspects of information system in organisations. The research findings of these behavioral disciplines and the disciplines of information system shed light on how individuals and organisation can effectively use and manage information technology.
Both of these expects, the technological and behavioral are important for business end users.
Computer based information system depends on information technologies, are designed, operated and used by people in a variety of organisational setting and business environment. Thus the success of information system should not be measured only by its efficiency in term of minimizing costs, time and the uses of information resources. Success should also be measured by the effectiveness of information technology in supporting an organisation's business strategies, enabling its business processes, enhancing its organisational structures and culture and increasing the customer and business value of the enterprise. Success should also be measured by the effectiveness of information technology in supporting and meeting the goal of the end users and their work-groups and organisation.
The use of information technology in business has major impact on society, and thus raises serious ethical consideration in areas such as privacy, crime, health, working, condition, individuality, employment, and the search for societal solution through IT. However you should realise that information technology can have beneficial effect as well as a negative effect in each of these areas. For example computerising a production process may have the adverse effect of eliminating jobs, and the beneficial effect of improving the working condition and job satisfaction of employee that remain, while producing products of higher quality at less cost.

MANAGERIAL ENDS USERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IS:

Managerial end users need to know how Information System can be employed in a global business environment. Business firms and other organisations need people who can help them manage their information resources. Knowledgeable managerial end users can play a major role in information resources management. That is they can learn to manage Information System hardware, software, data and information resources so they are used for the efficient operation, effective management, and strategic success of their organisation.

The framework outlines the major areas of information system knowledge needed by business professionals are:

• Foundation Concepts:
  Fundamental behavioral and technical concepts that will help you understand how information system can support the business operation, managerial decision-making and strategic advantage of business firms and other organisations.
• Technologies:
  The knowledge of hardware, software, networks, database management and other information processing technologies.
• Applications:
  The major uses of information system for operation, management, and competitive advantage of an enterprise, including e-commerce and collaboration using internet.
• Development:
  How end users or information specialists develop Information System solutions to business problems using fundamental problem-solving and development methodologies.

NEED OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR BUSINESS

Information Technology can support many competitive strategies. They can help a business, cut costs, differentiate and innovate in its products and service, promote growth, develop alliances, lock in customers and suppliers, create switching cost, raise barriers to entry and leverage its investment in Information Technology Resources, Thus, Information Technology can help a business gain, competitive advantage in its relationships with customers,. suppliers, advantages in its relationship with customer, suppliers, competitors, new entrants and producers of substitute products. Information technology and its expense have become an every day part of business life.

ROLE OF INFORMATION SYSTEM

Information System performs three vital roles in any organisation.

• Support of Business Operation.
•  Support of Managerial Decision Making.
• Support of Strategic Competitive Advantage.
• Support of Business Operation:
  Most business used computer-based information system to record business transaction that is purchase, inventory, pay employee, buy new merchandise, and evaluate sales trend.
• Support of Managerial Decision Making:
  Take decision to improve business process. What kind of merchandised needed to be added or discontinued or what kind of investment is requiring, are made after an analysis provided by computer-based information system.
• Support of Strategic Competitive Advantage:
  Use Information Technology to substantially reduce the cost of business process and also lower of customer or suppliers. Use Information Technology feature to reduce the differentiation advantages of competitors. Develop unique new markets or market niches with the help of Information Technology and make radical changes to business process with Information Technology that dramatically cut cost, improve quality, efficiency, or customer services or shorten time to market. Use Information Technology to manage regional and global business expansion.

Finally, the rapid growth of the Internet, Intranet, Extra-net and other Interconnected Global Networks has dramatically changed the capabilities of Information System in business. Inter networked enterprise and global electronic business and commerce systems are revolutionalising the operation and management of today''s business enterprises.

WINDS OF CHANGE (MORDERNISATION IN BUSINESS PROCESS)

The shifting winds of change (Method change or business process change) in today's business environment have made Information System and Information Technology vital components that help keep an enterprise on target to meet its business goals. Information Technology has become indispensable ingredient in several strategic thrusts which business has initialised to meet the challenge of change. These include globalisation, business process re-engineering and using Information Technology for competitive advantage.
There are major reasons, why today business needs information technology, which are the following.

1. Globalisation:
   Now-a-day many companies are in the process of globalisation by expending their business into global market. Becoming a global enterprise by expanding into global markets, using global production facilities, forming alliance with global partners, supplier, customer, consultant and government agencies. A business that is driven by a global strategy so that all of its activities are planned and implemented in the context of a whole world.
   Information Technology support globalisation for example a Global companies operate in a competitive environment in which networked computer system make possible global markets that can instantly and cheaply process transactions. 
2. Business Process Re-Engineering:
   Business Process Re-Engineering simply called re-engineering. Re-engineering is a fundamental rethinking and radical redesign of business process to achieve dramatic improvements in cost, quality, speed, and service.
   Information Technology is a key ingredient in re-engineering business operations by enabling radical changes to business processes that dramatically improve their efficiency and effectiveness. Internet technology can play a major role in supporting innovative changes in the design of workflows, job requirements, and organisational structure in a company. Business has used computer-based Information System to support the analysis, interpretation and presentation of data to support business decision making. Business processes at the individual, work-group, and business unit level can be changed by using information technology to provide economic benefits.
3. Competitive Advantage:
   Using information Technology for globalisation, and business process re-engineering frequently results in the development of information system that help give a company a competitive advantage in the market place. Develop product, services, processes, or capabilities that give a company a superior business position relative to it competitors and other competitive forces. There are five basic advantages, which are as follow:
1. Lower Cost: Use Information Technology the cost business process, lowering cost of customer or suppliers or increasing the cost of your competitor in market.
2. Differentiate:
   Developing new Information Technology feature to differentiate products and services from your competitor so your customer perceive your product or services as having unique feature or benefits.
3. Innovation Strategies:
   Introducing unique products and services, or making redial changes in your business processes that cause fundamental changes in the way business is conducted in your industries.
4. Promote growth Strategies:
   Use Information Technology to manage regional and global business expansion. Use Information Technology to diversify and integrate into other products and services. 
5. Develop Alliances:
   Establishing new businesses linkages and alliances with your custo0mer, supplier, competitors, consultants and other.

SOME IMPORTANT DEFINITION 

1. End Users:
   End Users are those who uses Information System or Information Produce by Information System. End Users make their living using Information System to create, distribute, manage, and use Information System Resources.
2. Business End Users:
   Business End Users are knowledge workers who are part of a global information society.
3. Knowledge. Worker:
   People whose primary work activities include creating, using, and distributing information.
4. Business Information System:
   Information System within a business organisation that support one of the traditional functions of business such as marketing, finance or production. Business Information System can be eithher operations or management information system.
5. Intra-Net:
   A networks inside the organisation is called Intra-Net.
6. Extra Net:
   A Network between different organisation is called Extra Net.
7. Internet:
   International Networking or the network of the whole world is called Internet.

INTERNET AND E - COMMERCE

DEFINE INTERNET AND ITS BUSINESS USAGE INTRODUCTION TO INTERNET AND HISTORY OF INTERNET

Introduction 

Internet is the Network of Networks. It is International Network connection that links computer at academic, scientific commercial, and home etc. Internet is World Wide Web of millions of computers inter-connected through satellite link.

History 

The Internet began in 1969, as an experimental four computer network called ARPAnet (Advance Research Project Agencies Network) which was designed by U.S Defense Department so that research scientists could communicate. It approximately two years, ARPAnet grew to about two dozen sites and by 1981, consisted of more than two hundred sties. In 1990, ARPAnet was officially disband and the network, which consisted of hundred of sites, come to be known as the Internet.

The early Internet was used by computer experts, engineers, scientists, and librarians. There was nothing friendly about it. There were no home or office personal computers in those days, and anyone who used it, whether a computer professional or an engineer or scientist or librarian, had to learn to use a very complex system.

E-mail was adapted for ARPAnet by Ray Tomlinson of BBN in 1972. He picked the @ symbol from the available symbols on his teletype to link the username and address.
Delphi was the first national commercial online service to offer Internet access to its subscribers. It opened up an email connection in July 1992 and full Internet service in November 1992.
After a while, commercial organization began to recognize the use of such a network that converted the whole world into a 'Global Village' and allowed almost instant access to business or commercial data and a host of other service such as E-Mail and E-Commerce.
Microsoft's full scale entry into the browser, server, and Internet Service Provider market completed the major shift over to a commercially based Internet. The release of Windows 98 in June, 1998 with the Microsoft browser will integrated into the desktop shows Bill Gates' determination to capitalize on the enormous growth of the Internet. Microsoft's success over the past few year has brought court challenges to their dominance. We shall leave it up to you whether you think these battles should be played out in the courts or the marketplace.
The Internet is the actual network of networks, where all the information resides. Things like Telnet, FTP, Internet gaming, Internet Relay Chart (IRC), and email are all part of the Internet, but are not part of the World Wide Web. The Hyper-Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is the method used to transfer Web Pages to your computer. With hypertext, a word or phrase can contain a link to another Web site. All Web pages are written in the hyper-text markup language (HTML), which works in conjunction with HTTP. through Internet, you can communicate with any computer user having an Internet connection any where in the world. You can exchange message with him, you can talk to him through computer or phone , you can send any file to him, you can receive any file from him and you can have on-line conversation with him through typing from keyboard.
BUSINESS USAGE OF INTERNET
Discuss Merit & Demerit of Internet
Merit / Advantage of Internet:

1. Internet Banking and Financial Services:
   The banking uses electronics found transfer (EFT) to transfer money between amount.
2. Online Shopping Mall:
   Online Shopping Mall presents consumers with a vide selection of products and services. Consumer can search a shop for a verity of products and rather then making several separate purchases, they can use the mall shopping cart technology to purchase items from many stores.
3. Internet Advertising and Marketing:
   Web is playing major role on the advertising and marketing. Online advertising is becoming significant part of promotional world. Internet marketing strategy can include emailing advertising and customer relationship management (CRM).
4. Online Travel Services:
   Web surfers can search for and arrange all of their travel and accommodation online. The web gives people much of the same information previously accessible only by travel agents.
5. Online Lending, Share Dealing and Trading:
   Online lending is growing segment of E-Commerce. You might find a loan with a lower rate online then through traditional landing channels. Brokerage houses sites allow you to research security, buy, sell and manage all of your investment  for you desktop.
6. Internet Publishing & News Services:
   Web is playing is a major role in news industry.
7. Online Jobs:
   Recruiting and job searching can be done effectively on the web, weather you are an employer or job seekers. The Internet can improve your ability to recruit or find a job.
8. E-Learning:
   Universities and corporate training companies offer higher quality distance education directly over the web.
9. Virtual Auction:
   Auctions sites act as a forum through which Internet user can log on and assume the role of either bidder or seller. Reserve price is a lowest price that the seller will accept in any type of auction.
10. Retailing:
    In Traditional retailing the customer went to the store retailer is going to the customer. Retailers are optimizing selection and availability while minimizing absolute inventory level.
11. Online entertainment:
    Entertainment industry sells movie tickets, albums and any other entertainment relating contents they can fit on a web page.
12. Personalisation:
    Personalisation technology understand the customer needs and customising with a company products, services, website and employee.
13. Public Relation:
    Public Relation includes communicating with your customers and company through press releases, speeches, special events, presentations and emails.
14. Education / Books:
    Internet is used for online reading and downloading the books.
15. Email:
    Internet is used to send letter from one location to another location very easily for example e-mail.
16. Downloading Software:
    You can download many software programm through Internet by payment or free.
17. Chatting:
    Chatting is used for online conversation / discussion with a person on the net.

De - Merit / Dis - Advantages 

Some important dis-advantages of Internet are as follows:

1. Hacking:
   Hacking is one of the most important disadvantages of Internet. The hackers access the data stored on the computers across the Internet. They can use this data illegally or even destroy it.
2. Immorality:
   Internet contains a large number of immoral websites. These websites contains such material that is against the moral values of our society. These websites are damaging character of young people.
3. Security Problems:
   Internet has created many security problems. Important data can be hacked on Internet. Hackers also damage different websites and delete their contents. They also retrieve critical data of different organisations and governments.
4. Viruses:
   Internet is the most important source of spreading computer viruses. Peoples spread viruses using Internet and Emails. Many websites also contain different viruses that are copied to the computers when users download data from these websites, then through data viruses are also downloaded.
5. Wastage of Time:
   Many people use Internet without any positive purpose. The young people waste their time in chatting. It effect their performance and makes them inefficient.
6. Cyber Crime:
   Internet is a source of many cyber crimes. People use Internet for negative activities. They hacks the credit card numbers of the people and use them for shopping. Some users use Internet to spread illegal and immoral material. Many governments are introducing laws to stop cyber crimes.

INTERNET SERVICES

WORLD WIDE WEB (WWW) 

The part of the Internet that stores information in multimedia form that is sound, photos and video as well as text and makes the exchange of information easily. The number of computer connected to the Internet worldwide is said to have topped 82 million in 1996 and is predict to reach 300 million by 2003.

ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL)

E-mail (electronic mails) is the exchange of computer-stored messages by telecommunication. We can say that is e-mail that defines how messages should be sent and receive between different computers on the Internet. The software, which does this, is known as "gateway". Email was one of the first uses of Internet and is still the most popular. Email is superior to paper mail.

FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOL
PROTOCOL 
A way of language in which two computers are communicating or set of rules is known as protocol. On the basis of these rules computers are communicate each others. There are different types of protocols which are used in Internet /  E-Commerce are as follow:

1. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP):
   The TCP is responsible for the reliable transmission of data from one node to another. It is a connection-based protocol and establishes a connection (also known as a session, virtual circuit, or link), between two machines before any data is transferred.
2. Internet Protocol (IP):
   Internet Protocol IP is a packet-switched protocol that performs addressing and route selection. As a packet is transmitted, this protocol appends a header to the packet so that it can be routed through the network using dynamic routing tables. IP is a connectionless protocol and sends packets without expecting the receiving host t acknowledge receipt.
3. URL:
   It stands for Uniform Resource Locator. It is also called the Website address. URL may be define as a unique way to access the different services on the Internet.
   http://www.informationtechnology.com in this http:// is URL
4. File Transfer Protocol (FTP):
   FTP stands for "File Transfer Protocol". It is common method of transferring files via the Internet from one computer to another. You can use a web browser like Netscape or Internet Explorer to access FTP servers. To do this, you need to type the URL of the server into the location field of the browser, for example: "ftp://ftp.servername.com/"will give you a lists of all directories of the FTP server, "ftp://ftp.servername.com/directory/" will  give you a listing of all the files available in that directory, and "ftp://ftp.servername.com/directory/filename" will download the actual file to your computer. Many FTP servers are "anonymous FTP" servers which means you can log in with the user name "anonymous" and your e-mail address as the password. Other FTP servers require a specific login in order to access the files.

ELECTRONIC COMMERCE (E-Commerce)

E-Commerce or Electronic Commerce is the process of buying and selling or exchange of products, services and information over a variety of computer networks. An E-Business enterprise uses the Internet, Intranet, Extra-net and other network to support every step of the commercial process. This might includes everything from advertising, sales and customer support on the World Wide Web, to Internet security and payment mechanisms that ensure completion of delivery and payment process.

There are main three types of E-Commerce.

1. Business - To - Business E - Commerce (B2B):
   It is the type of E-Commerce where both the buyers and the sellers are organisations using computer networks, for example: AB Book shop want to purchase certain computer books from XY publication on Internet, then it is B2B E-Commerce.
2. Business to Consumer E - Commerce (B2C):
   It is the type of E-Commerce where a business is selling on line to an individual consumer. These are relating transaction with individual shopper using computer networks.
   In this type of E-Commerce business can occur between a business and consumer, for example: Commerce College want to purchase some computer books from AB bookshop through Internet then it is called business to consumer E-Commerce.
3. Consumer - To - Consumer E - Commerce (C2C):
   It is the type of E-Commerce where consumer sells directly to consumer. When a business takes place between two consumers online then it is called as the Consumer - To - Consumer E-Commerce. Examples are individual selling in classified ads and selling residential property, cars and so on. Several auction sites allow individual to put item up for auction. Many individual are using intranet and other organizational network to advertisement item for sale or service.

VIDEO CONFERENCING

Uses video and computer technology to conduct a meeting between participants who are scattered across a country, continent, or the world in which people in different geographically location, can see, and hear one another using computer and communication.

Sessions are held in real time, with major participants being televised while participants at remote sites usually take part with voice input of questions and responses.

INTERNET TECHNOLOGY 
Web Site, Web Page, Home Page, A-Web Site
(Locations of Hyper Linked Document)
The place you visit on the Web are called Web Site or A collection of related web pages that you can access electronically is called web site. It contain text, graphics, sound and video. A Web Site is the Internet location of a computer or server on which a hyper linked document is stored. The estimated number of such sites throughout the world range above 1,250,000. Any person in the world who know the WEB site address can access it. e.g. ptv.net.pk, ptcl.com.pk, vu.edu.pk etc
Web Page (Hypertext Document)
A Web Page is a document on web, consisting of an HTML file. The home page is the main page or first screen you see when you access a Web site. Web site and home page tend to be used interchangeably, although a site may have many pages, for example: http://www.hec.edu.pk/scholarship.html
In the above example hec.edu.pk  is website or domain name and scholarship.html is webpage.
Home Page
The Home Page or Welcome Page is the main page or first screen you see when you access a Web site is called Home Page.

HYPERLINK
A Hyperlink is part of the text or graphics on a web page. When the user click on it, it automatically:

• Take you to a different part of the same page.
• Takes you to a different page with in the web site.
• Takes you to a page in different web site.
• Enable you to download file.
• Lunches an application, video or sound.

SEARCH ENGINE (Google, Yahoo, Alta Vista) 

Search engine is a website that provides you the facility to find the required websites on a particular topic. Search engine use keywords entered by the users to find websites, which contain the information sought. A special kind of web page where the user type in query and in return receives a list of links to sites that include all or part of what was typed. Generally it is good idea to type several words (four or five) rather than one or two, for example: if you want to search Pakistani Universities type "Universities of Pakistan". The most commonly use search engine are Google, Yahoo, Alta vista etc.
What is Google (http://www.google.com)
Google is a Search Engine. Google is used search / surf the Internet / WWW found at www.google.com. Google is fast and easy to use search engine, which produce good result. Google has a new tabbed interface with a set of tabs to provide easier access to search result from all websites. Google's properties, including Web search, image search, Google Groups, and the Google Directory. You can also search by file type e.g. pdf or asp or html.
What is Yahoo (http://www.yahoo.com)
Yahoo is a website which is also use as a Search Engine. Yahoo is used to search / surf the Internet / WWW found at www.yahoo.com. Yahoo is fast and easy to use search engine, which produces good results.
What is Alta Vista (http://www.altavista.com)
Alta Vista is a Search Engine. Alta Vista is used to search / surf the Internet / WWW found at www.altavista.com. Alta Vista is also fast and easy to use search engine, which produces good result.

WEB BROWSERS (Internet Explorer, Netscape)
A Web browser or browser is a graphical user interface software that displays/search or locate a Web document after you are online with an online service or ISP.
Web browser translated HTML documents and allows you to view Web pages on your computer screen.
The main browsers are Netscape, Navigator, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Hot Java and Opera etc.

1. INTERNET EXPLORER:
   INTERNET EXPLORER a popular Web browser, created by Microsoft, used to view pages on the World Wide Web.
   The major difference between Internet Explorer and Navigator are:
   
   • Internet Explorer supports ActiveX and VBSscript, while Navigator does not.
   • Internet Explorer runs only under Windows and on Macintosh Operating System while Navigator runs on theses platforms as well as Unix.
   • Otherwise, the two browsers are very similar. Both support Java and JavaScript.
   To Start Internet Explorer use the following steps:
• Click Start button on taskbar.
• Point to Programm.
• Click on Internet Explorer.
  OR
• Double click on Internet Explorer on Desktop.
2. NETSCAPE Navigator:
   The Netscape browser was originally based on the Mosaic program developed at tthe National Center for Supercomputing applications (NCSA). Netscape has grown in features rapidly and is widely recognised as the best and most popular web browser.
   Netscape's latest browser suite (Communicator) features AOL's Instant messaging software as well as it's own basic HTML editor composer. A Web browser that's widely used because of its speed and easy to interface.
   To start Netscape use the following steps:
   
   • Click Start button on taskbar.
   • Point to Programm.
   • Click on Netscape.
     OR
   • Double click on Netscape Icon on desktop.
    

TOOLBAR 

The toolbar is group of picture button just below the menu bar; it provide shortcut for running command. Toolbar provide shortcuts to menu commands. Toolbars contain different tools. Toolbars are located just below the menu bar.

MENU BAR
The menu bar is directly below the title bar and it display the menu. a menu displays a list of commands. There are total six menu on Menu Bar as shown.
STANDARD TOOLBAR
The main toolbar has different buttons. Each has a different function and purpose in Internet Explorer.

• Back Button
  This button will take you back to the previous page. If you are viewing first web page, this button will be disabled.
• Forward Button
  This button will take you forward to the next web page. If have click Bank button, you can go to the next web page by using, Forward button. If you have not back up at all, the Forward button will not be able or active.
• Stop Button
  The Stop Button stops any current operations by Internet Explorer. The page you are downloading will be cancelled. 
• Refresh Button
  This button will reload the current web page that you are viewing. It is useful if the page updates very frequent so that you can view these changes as soon as they are available.
• Home Button
  This button will return you t5o the default start - up page of Internet Explorer. You can set any web page as default page.
• Search Button
  This button will take you to the default search page for Internet Explorer.
• Favorites Button
  This button will open up the Favorite menu. You can go to any web page in the list. You can also add a favorite to the list.
• History Button
  This button will open the history folder. This folder contains all the links to pages that you have previously visited.
• Mail Button
  This button allows you to read or sent e-mail. You ca also, open up your newsgroups from this menu.
• Print Button
  The print button will bring up the Print dialog box.
• Edit Button
  This button will open a web page editor. It will launch the editor and open the current web page-in it for editing.

ADDRESS BAR
Address  Bar displays the exact Url location of the page you are currently viewing. You can also type a Web address in to this bar and then press the "GO" icon to go to that site.
STATUS BAR
The button of the page is the status bar. It displays the progress of the browser while it downloads files. It also shows the linnk when move the mouse on a hyperlink.

HISTORY, ADD TO FAVORITES
History
It mean to find web sites and pages visited in the last few days.

Finding Pages you have recently visited

There are several ways to find Web sites and pages you have viewed in the last fiew days, hours, or minutes.
To find a page you have seen in the last few days.

1. On the toolbar, click the History button. The History bar appears, containing links for Web sites and pages visited in previous days and weeks.
2. In the History bar, click a week or day, click a Web site folder to display individual pages, and then click the pages icon to display the Web page.

To find a page that you want:

• To return to the last page you viewed, click the Back button on the toolbar.
  to view on the last nine pages you visited in this session, click the arrow to the side of the Back or Forward button, and then click the page you want from the list.

Add to Favorite 

This procedure is used to add list of favorite pages.

To add a page to you list of favorite pages 

1. Go to the page that you want to add to your Favorites list.
2. On the Favorites menu, click Add to Favorites. 
3. Type a  name for the page if you want to.

Refresh a Page (F5) 

• The process for updating the data warehouse database objects with a new data is called Refresh the Page. The Refresh process occurs after initial load on a scheduled basis and is monitored via warehouse management procedures.
• To refresh files means to make sure that they are still visible and have not been corrupted. This is usually accomplished by copying the data on to new media ad then copying it back again.

SAVE WEB PAGE ON HARD DISK / STORAGE 

You can save a page to your computer hard disk or to a floppy disk or to any storage device. If you want to save a web page to Hard Disk or any storage device, follow these following steps

1. Open the page in the browser.
2. Click on the File menu.
3. Click on Save As from the menu. A Save As dialog box will open.
4. In Save In box enter the name of the location where you want to store the web page. 
5. In the File Name box, type a name for the page.
6. In the Save As Type box, select a file type. 
7. Click on Save button in the dialog box.

SAVE PICTURE FROM WEB PAGE ON HARD DISK 

You can save a picture to you computer hard disk or to a floppy disk or to any other storage device. If you want to save a picture from web page to Hard Disk or any storage device, follow these steps;

1. Open the page, which have a picture in the browser.
2. Select the Picture.
3. Click on the File menu.
4. Click on Save As from the menu. A Save As dialog box will appear.
5. In Save In box enter the name of the file location where you want to store the picture.
6. In the  File Name box, type a name for the picture.
7. In the Save As Type box, select a file type.
8. Click on Save button in the dialog box.
   
   OR

1.  Right click on Picture.
2. Click on Save As. 
3. Select the location where you want to save picture.
4. Enter name
5. Press Enter Key or click on Save button.

PRINT A WEB PAGE 

This procedure is used to print a web page or pages or selection.

To print a Web page / pages / selection follow the following steps;

1. Open the Web page.
2. On the File menu, click Print.
3. Set the printing option you want.
4. Press Print button.

DOWNLOAD INFORMATION 

The process of loading data from Internet to your computer is known as downloading. Follow the following steps:

1. Type the address of any required site in the address bar.
2. Press enter key to download that site.
   e.g. www.msn.com

Download Accelerator

Download Accelerator is a software download manage for the Mac OS and Microsoft Windows Operating environments.

Download Accelerator also provides auto antivirus scanning of downloaded contents by integrating with the antivirus software, such as Norton Anti Virus.

 

ISP's

ISP stands for Internet Service Provider. ISP provides the link between computer and Internet. A person has to get an account of an ISP establishing a connection to Internet.

 

WEB LANGUAGE (HTML)

The language is wich we write a web page. HTML is web language.
HTML stands for Hyper Text Markup Language. The format, or language used on the Web is called Hyper Text Markup Language. HTML is the set of special instructions called tags or markup, that are used to specify document structure, formatting, and links to other documents.

COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL: TCP/IP

What is PROTOCOL or Communication Protocol?

A way of language in which two computers are communicating or set of rules is known as protocol. On the basis of these rules computer are communicate each other.
TCP / IP stands for "Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol". These two protocols were developed in the early days of the Internet by the U.S. Military. The purpose was to allow computers to communicate over long distance networks. The TCP part has to do with the verifying delivery of the packets. The IP part refers to the moving of data packets between nodes. TCP/IP has since then become the foundation of the Internet. Therefore, TCP/IP software is built in to all major Operating Systems, such as Unix, Windows, and the Mac OS.
The TCP is responsible for reliable transmission of data form one node to another. It is a connection-based protocol and establishes a connection (also known as a session, virtual circuit, or link), between two machines before any data is transferred.

HTTP:// (HYPERTEXT TRANSFER PROTOCOL - COMMUNICATIONS STANDARD FOR THE WEB) 

HTTP stands for "Hypertext Transfer Protocol". This is the protocol used to transfer data over the World Wide Web. That's why all Web site addresses begin with http://. When you type a URL into your browser and hit Enter, your computer sends an HTTP request to the appropriate Web Server. The Web Server, which is designed to handle HTTP requests, then sends to you the requested HTML pages.

MODEMS 

Modems stands for Modulation and Demodulation. Modem is an electronic device that converts digital signals to analog and analog signal into digital. Modem is the most common type of communication processor.

E-MAIL 

E-Mail (Electronic Mails) is the exchange of computer-stored message by telecommunication. We can say that it is E-Mail that defines how messages should be sent and receive between different computers on the  Internet. The software, which does this is known as "gateway". E-Mail was one of the first uses of Internet and is still the most popular. E-Mail is superior to paper mail.

CONNECTING TO INTERNET

If you want to make a new connection of the Internet there are basic requirement for this purpose.
Computer System, Telephone Connection, Fax Modem Card & Internet Service Provider (ISP).
When these four requirements are fulfill then follow following steps to make a new connection

1. Double Click on My Computer.
2. Choose Dail-Up Networking.
3. Enter name for connection that is name of any ISP name & click Next.
4. If you have not installed Fax Modem install it then click Next and again Next.
5. After making connection double Click on connection and then fill the following figure for connecting to ISP.