What were the first four locations hooked up to the Internet (ARPANET)

Biola University Biola University

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Open Textbooks

2019

Information Systems for Business and Beyond Information Systems for Business and Beyond

David T. Bourgeois Biola University

James L. Smith

Shouhong Wang

Joseph Mortati

Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.biola.edu/open-textbooks

Part of the Databases and Information Systems Commons, Information Security Commons,

Management Information Systems Commons, Programming Languages and Compilers Commons, and

the Systems Architecture Commons

Recommended Citation Recommended Citation Bourgeois, David T.; Smith, James L.; Wang, Shouhong; and Mortati, Joseph, “Information Systems for Business and Beyond” (2019). Open Textbooks. 1. https://digitalcommons.biola.edu/open-textbooks/1

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Information Systems for Business and Beyond (2019)

Information Systems for Business and Beyond (2019) pg. 1

Information Systems for Business and Beyond (2019)

Information systems, their use in business, and the larger impact they are having on our world.

DAVID BOURGEOIS

JOSEPH MORTATI, SHOUHONG WANG, AND JAMES SMITH

Information Systems for Business and Beyond (2019) pg. 2

Information Systems for Business and Beyond (2019) by David Bourgeois is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

This book was initially developed in 2014 by Dr. David Bourgeois as part of the Open Textbook Challenge funded by the Saylor Foundation. This 2019 edition is an update to that textbook.

This book was produced with Pressbooks (https://pressbooks.com) and rendered with Prince.

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Information Systems for Business and Beyond

Updated edition: August 1, 2019

DAVID T. BOURGEOIS, PH.D.

JAMES L. SMITH, PH.D.

SHOUHONG WANG, PH.D.

JOSEPH MORTATI, MBA

Information Systems for Business and Beyond (2019) pg. 4

Copyright

Information Systems for Business and Beyond (2019) by David Bourgeois is licensed

under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License,

except where otherwise noted.

Book Contributors Information Systems for Business and Beyond was originally developed in 2014 by David T. Bourgeois Ph.D.

Updates for the 2019 edition were graciously contributed by:

• James L. Smith Ph.D. (all chapters)

• Shouhong Wong, Ph.D. (chapters 4 and 8)

• Joseph Mortati, MBA (chapter 10)

Information Systems for Business and Beyond (2019) pg. 6

Changes from Previous Edition Information Systems for Business and Beyond was written by Dr. David Bourgeois and originally published in 2014 as part of the Open Textbook Challenge at the Saylor Foundation. Since then, it has been accessed thousands of time and used in many courses worldwide. This 2019 update to the textbook brings it up to date and adds many new topics. True to its open textbook roots, many of the updates have come from the community of instructors and practitioners who are passionate about information systems. See the page Book Contributors to see the primary contributors to this edition. A majority of the changes listed below were made by Dr. James Smith, who did a revision to this text in 2018.

Here is a summary of the changes made:

Overall • New and updated images, especially those related to

statistics, in order to bring them up to date.

• References brought up to date.

• Added labs for every chapter.

• Added an index.

• Editing for consistency.

Chapter 1: What is an information system? • Added video: Blum’s fibre optic TED Talk

Information Systems for Business and Beyond (2019) pg. 7

Chapter 2: Hardware • Removed text which discussed increasing dependency on

tablets and decreasing use of desktops

• Clarification of bit vs. byte, binary vs. digital. Added tables to Understanding Binary sidebar

• Added Huang’s Law on graphics processor units

• Modified text regarding Moore’s Law to state that his law is no longer able to be maintained

Chapter 3: Software • Added information about Ubuntu Linux

• Added information about Tableau

• Supply Chain Management: added an emphasis on use of Information Systems up and down supply chain by Walmart to gain competitive advantage

Chapter 4: Data and Databases • Database schemas redesigned

• Data types added

• SQL examples include output

• NoSQL described

• Data Dictionary re-ordered to column name

• New section on “Why database technology?”

• Differentiation of data, information, and knowledge

• Section on Data models

• Changed illustrative example of database tables and relationships.

Information Systems for Business and Beyond (2019) pg. 8

• Updated section on Business Intelligence to focus on the rise of analytics and data science. Includes a new “What is Data Science?” sidebar.

Chapter 5: Networking and Communication • History of ARPANET initial four nodes, etc.

• Metcalfe’s Law

Chapter 6: Information Systems Security • Added information on blockchain and Bitcoin.

Chapter 8: Business Processes • Introduce tools (DFD, BPMN, UML) of business process

modeling

• Introduce examples of DFD.

Chapter 10: Information Systems Development • Java sample code

• Mismanaging Change side bar

• Added section on mobile development.

• Added sidebar on risks of end-user computing

• Added Eclipse IDE

Information Systems for Business and Beyond (2019) pg. 9

Chapter 11: Globalization and the Digital Divide • World 3.0 written by economist Pankaj Ghemawat; also, his

TED talk video

Chapter 12: The Ethical and Legal Implications of Information Systems

• Facebook and Cambridge Analytics data privacy

• General Data Protection Regulation section

Chapter 13: Trends in Information Systems • Waze mapping app

• Drone video

• Drone blood delivery in Kenya video

• Added sidebar on Mary Meeker and her Internet Trends report

Information Systems for Business and Beyond (2019) pg. 10

How you can help This is an open textbook and relies on the support of its users to stay relevant and available. Here’s how you can help:

1. Let us know you are using this textbook.

◦ If you are an instructor, please let us know you’ve adopted this textbook by filling out the instructor survey.

◦ If you are not an instructor, please fill out the student survey.

2. Let us know how to improve the textbook. If you have suggestions, please let us know by filling out our feedback form.

3. Finally, the domain, web hosting, security, backup and export tools used by this textbook are not free. Please consider supporting us financially through PayPal. Please note: this donation goes directly to Imperial Digital LLC, the company hosting and supporting this open textbook project. All contributions are marked as donations towards this open textbook project.

Information Systems for Business and Beyond (2019) pg. 11

What were the first four locations hooked up to the Internet (ARPANET)

What were the first four locations hooked up to the Internet (ARPANET)

What were the first four locations hooked up to the Internet (ARPANET)

What were the first four locations hooked up to the Internet (ARPANET)

What were the first four locations hooked up to the Internet (ARPANET)

What were the first four locations hooked up to the Internet (ARPANET)

Introduction Welcome to Information Systems for Business and Beyond. In this book, you will be introduced to the concept of information systems, their use in business, and how information systems can be used to gain competitive advantage.

Audience This book is written as an introductory text, meant for those with little or no experience with computers or information systems. While sometimes the descriptions can get a bit technical, every effort has been made to convey the information essential to understanding a topic while not getting overly focused in detailed terminology.

Chapter Outline The text is organized around thirteen chapters divided into three major parts, as follows:

• Part 1: What Is an Information System?

◦ Chapter 1: What Is an Information System? – This chapter provides an overview of information systems, including the history of how information systems got to where it is today.

◦ Chapter 2: Hardware – This is a discussion of information systems hardware and how it works. You will look at different computer parts and learn how they interact.

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What were the first four locations hooked up to the Internet (ARPANET)

What were the first four locations hooked up to the Internet (ARPANET)

What were the first four locations hooked up to the Internet (ARPANET)

◦ Chapter 3: Software – Without software, hardware is useless. This chapter covers software and the role it plays in an organization.

◦ Chapter 4: Data and Databases – This chapter explores how organizations use information systems to turn data into information that can then be used for competitive advantage. Special attention is paid to the role of databases.

◦ Chapter 5: Networking and Communication – Today’s computers are expected to also be communication devices. This chapter reviews the history of networking, how the Internet works, and the use of networks in organizations today.

◦ Chapter 6: Information Systems Security – This chapter discusses the information security triad of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Different security technologies are reviewed, and the chapter concludes with a primer on personal information security.

• Part 2: Information Systems for Strategic Advantage

◦ Chapter 7: Does IT Matter? – This chapter examines the impact that information systems have on an organization. Can IT give a company a competitive advantage? This chapter discusses the seminal works by Brynjolfsson, Carr, and Porter as they relate to IT and competitive advantage.

◦ Chapter 8: Business Processes – Business processes are the essence of what a business does, and information systems play an important role in making them work. This chapter will discuss business process management, business process reengineering, and ERP systems.

◦ Chapter 9: The People in Information Systems – This chapter will provide an overview of the different types of people involved in information systems. This includes

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What were the first four locations hooked up to the Internet (ARPANET)

What were the first four locations hooked up to the Internet (ARPANET)

people who create information systems, those who operate and administer information systems, those who manage information systems, and those who use information systems.

◦ Chapter 10: Information Systems Development – How are information systems created? This chapter will review the concept of programming, look at different methods of software development, review website and mobile application development, discuss end-user computing, and look at the “build vs. buy” decision that many companies face.

• Part 3: Information Systems beyond the Organization

◦ Chapter 11: Globalization and the Digital Divide – The rapid rise of the Internet has made it easier than ever to do business worldwide. This chapter will look at the impact that the Internet is having on the globalization of business and the issues that firms must face because of it. It will also cover the concept of the digital divide and some of the steps being taken to alleviate it.

◦ Chapter 12: The Ethical and Legal Implications of Information Systems – The rapid changes in information and communication technology in the past few decades have brought a broad array of new capabilities and powers to governments, organizations, and individuals alike. This chapter will discuss the effects that these new capabilities have had and the legal and regulatory changes that have been put in place in response.

◦ Chapter 13: Future Trends in Information Systems – This final chapter will present an overview of some of the new technologies that are on the horizon. From wearable technology to 3-D printing, this chapter will provide a look forward to what the next few years will bring.

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What were the first four locations hooked up to the Internet (ARPANET)

What were the first four locations hooked up to the Internet (ARPANET)

For the Student Each chapter in this text begins with a list of the relevant learning objectives and ends with a chapter summary. Following the summary is a list of study questions that highlight key topics in the chapter. In order to get the best learning experience, you would be wise to begin by reading both the learning objectives and the summary and then reviewing the questions at the end of the chapter.

For the Instructor Instructors: if you have adopted this book for your course, would you be so kind as to let us know in the instructor survey?

Learning objectives can be found at the beginning of each chapter. Of course, all chapters are recommended for use in an introductory information systems course. However, for courses on a shorter calendar or courses using additional textbooks, a review of the learning objectives will help determine which chapters can be omitted.

At the end of each chapter, there is a set of study questions and exercises (except for chapter 1, which only offers study questions). The study questions can be assigned to help focus students’ reading on the learning objectives. The exercises are meant to be a more in-depth, experiential way for students to learn chapter topics. It is recommended that you review any exercise before assigning it, adding any detail needed (such as length, due date) to complete the assignment. Some chapters also include lab assignments.

As an open textbook, support for supplemental materials relies on the generosity of those who have created them and wish to share them. Supplemental materials, including slides and quizzes, are located on the home page for this book. If you wish to contribute materials that you have created, please fill out the instructor survey and communicate that fact.

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What were the first four locations hooked up to the Internet (ARPANET)

What were the first four locations hooked up to the Internet (ARPANET)

PART I: WHAT IS AN INFORMATION SYSTEM?

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What were the first four locations hooked up to the Internet (ARPANET)

Chapter 1: What Is an Information System?

Upon successful completion of this chapter, you will be able to:

• Define what an information system is by identifying its major components;

• Describe the basic history of information systems; and

• Describe the basic argument behind the article “Does IT Matter?” by Nicholas Carr.

Introduction Welcome to the world of information systems, a world that seems to change almost daily. Over the past few decades information systems have progressed to being virtually everywhere, even to the point where you may not realize its existence in many of your daily activities. Stop and consider how you interface with various components in information systems every day through different

Information Systems for Business and Beyond (2019) pg. 1

electronic devices. Smartphones, laptop, and personal computers connect us constantly to a variety of systems including messaging, banking, online retailing, and academic resources, just to name a few examples. Information systems are at the center of virtually every organization, providing users with almost unlimited resources.

Have you ever considered why businesses invest in technology? Some purchase computer hardware and software because everyone else has computers. Some even invest in the same hardware and software as their business friends even though different technology might be more appropriate for them. Finally, some businesses do sufficient research before deciding what best fits their needs. As you read through this book be sure to evaluate the contents of each chapter based on how you might someday apply what you have learned to strengthen the position of the business you work for, or maybe even your own business. Wise decisions can result in stability and growth for your future enterprise.

Information systems surround you almost every day. Wi-fi networks on your university campus, database search services in the learning resource center, and printers in computer labs are good examples. Every time you go shopping you are interacting with an information system that manages inventory and sales. Even driving to school or work results in an interaction with the transportation information system, impacting traffic lights, cameras, etc. Vending machines connect and communicate using the Internet of Things (IoT). Your car’s computer system does more than just control the engine – acceleration, shifting, and braking data is always recorded. And, of course, everyone’s smartphone is constantly connecting to available networks via Wi-fi, recording your location and other data.

Can you think of some words to describe an information system? Words such as “computers,” “networks,” or “databases” might pop into your mind. The study of information systems encompasses a broad array of devices, software, and data systems. Defining an

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What were the first four locations hooked up to the Internet (ARPANET)

What were the first four locations hooked up to the Internet (ARPANET)

information system provides you with a solid start to this course and the content you are about to encounter.

Defining Information Systems Many programs in business require students to take a course in information systems. Various authors have attempted to define the term in different ways. Read the following definitions, then see if you can detect some variances.

• “An information system (IS) can be defined technically as a set of interrelated components that collect, process, store, and distribute information to support decision making and control

in an organization.” 1

• “Information systems are combinations of hardware, software, and telecommunications networks that people build and use to collect, create, and distribute useful data,

typically in organizational settings.” 2

• “Information systems are interrelated components working together to collect, process, store, and disseminate information to support decision making, coordination,

control, analysis, and visualization in an organization.” 3

As you can see these definitions focus on two different ways of describing information systems: the components that make up an information system and the role those components play in an organization. Each of these need to be examined.

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What were the first four locations hooked up to the Internet (ARPANET)

The Components of Information Systems

Information systems can be viewed as having five major components: hardware, software, data, people, and processes. The first three are technology. These are probably what you thought of when defining information systems. The last two components, people and processes, separate the idea of information systems from more technical fields, such as computer science. In order to fully understand information systems, you will need to understand how all of these components work together to bring value to an organization.

Technology Technology can be thought of as the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. From the invention of the wheel to the harnessing of electricity for artificial lighting, technology has become ubiquitous in daily life, to the degree that it is assumed to always be available for use regardless of location. As discussed before, the first three components of information systems – hardware, software, and data – all fall under the category of technology. Each of these will be addressed in an individual chapter. At this point a simple introduction should help you in your understanding.

Hardware

Hardware is the tangible, physi