Contemporary Computing - Interrelation Between Hardware and Software, System Software and Decision Making - Term Paper Example

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING Student’s name Course &Code Professor’s name University City Date Contents 1.0 Introduction and Background 2 2.0 Argument Criteria 3 3.0 Interrelation Between Hardware and Software 3 4.0 System Software and Decision Making 4 5.0 Value Proposition 6 6.0 Conclusion 7 Reference List 8 Introduction to Computing 1.0 Introduction and Background Contemporary computing can be seen as an assemblage due to the fact that different factors ranging from historical, cultural, as well as, social factors combined play an important role in the development of technology. Simply put, the computer was originally designed to fulfill military purposes but later its use extended to individual users in the technologically advanced society. The impact of computers an affiliated technology is prevalent in most areas of the globe where its influence is noticeable in industrial development and nature of human lifestyles (Lang-8 2014). With respect to Actor-network theory, this paper confronts that contemporary computing is an assemblage due to the fact that several different users are brought together in collaboration with the new technologies and new conceptions of their socio-cultural life that they bring into perspective. 2.0 Argument Criteria The argument is based on two approaches with the first approach being user-centered and participatory design process where both human and non-human characters are intermingled (Wilkie 2010). The second approach involves the users being involved as socio-technical assemblages. The question, therefore, examines ways into which contemporary computing as an assemblage tool enhances management functions and helps in meeting future expectations by combining various characters to aid in generating various ideas (Alex 2010). The computer as an assemblage is a system that comprises of an operating system, user interface and hardware (Varia 2015). Computer software refers to a series of computer programs and related data that instructs the computer on performing specific tasks. In other words, computer hardware is a device or a component that enables input, display and data processing (Varia 2015). 3.0 Interrelation Between Hardware and Software Both the hardware and software of the computer system are directly dependent on one another since one cannot function without the other. This is because, without the hardware, the software would eventually lack a platform to operate on hence the computer would be rendered functionless (Varia 2015). The hardware is also dependent on the software to provide instruction on what task it should perform. Therefore, for a computer to generate useful information, both its software and hardware must perform together. There two main types of computer software. These includes, but not limited to applications and system software. Computer software may also be categorized as application programs and system programs. Application programs offer solutions to the computer users while system programs serve to control the operation of the computer (Varia 2015). 4.0 System Software and Decision Making System software comprises a series of computer programs which manages the computer’s functionalities that include a range of activities such as information storage, loading and computer memory management among other functions (Varia 2015). Essentially, the software acts as the interface between the computer and the application programs (Varia 2015). Contrariwise, an organization’s management is only enhanced through proper record keeping and storage of information. Evidently, stored information may be vital to making informed decisions with regard to improving management plans of the company in the future. The software thus helps enhance management by ensuring that an organization’s entire are kept in check hence minimizing the propensity of a potential misappropriation of resources as well as ensuring that all business assets are in check. Secondly, the application software is imperative in handling a business’ management functionalities simply because it aids in executing various tasks such as budgeting, database management systems establishment and accounting all of which are very crucial for any particular business. For a successful business operation, a well managed and an effectively structured database management system is imperative since it enables information and data storage; where meaningful analysis can be obtained. This can be achieved through utility software. As such, it enables data to be stored in several files, and this is efficient in enhancing management functions in the sense that data accessibility is ascertained within a short time hence limits. Therefore, time wastage is significantly reduced and also information is captured in a neat and presentable manner (Varia 2015). Application software allows related databases to be linked with one another irrespective of their locations, hence linking useful information form divergent sources. This kind of technological advancement is essential in enhancing management functions of any business as it equips the organization with the ability to generate and develop complex data and reports which serve various purposes- notably information transfer, hence facilitating multitasking (Bulmash 2006). For instance, a report can be generated from different databases with details of address, name and employees salary together with the respective organizational position. This is useful in making effective and informed decisions within a short time hence enhancing management functions. Contemporary computing as an assemblage enables organizations attune to additional information systems related to businesses aimed at improving an organization’s management while maintaining the thoughts and ideas of other stakeholders within the business framework. Proper management approach requires that the managers be up-to-date with meaningful information, a strategy that requires the combination of ideas and information from different sources together and then analyzing before drawing meaningful conclusions. This approach has been facilitated by improved computing (Bulmash 2006). Effective management entails ensuring regular communication among the employees within an organization. For instance, communication among a large group of employees has been facilitated through emails where important messages can be transferred to other individuals. Such inception of improved technologies saves time and expenses that would have otherwise been incurred through other obsolete communication means. An organization’s management is only enhanced when all the records detailing its financial resources are regularly and properly updated and kept in check. Simply put, the aim of an effective business management is to ensure that the business does not operate on losses which could be attributed to by misappropriating use of financial resources. Effective budgeting and clear record of the entire accounting information is an effective approach to ensuring that the business preferred financial allocations. Computing helps to achieve this through a series of application software programs by compiling information related to finances including the general expenditure on the payroll. This improves management by ensuring that any financial spending by the organization is accounted for. Through this improved computerized technologies, the manager’s task is also reduced due to automation especially within the human resource sector (Bulmash 2006). This has enhanced efficiency in service delivery as well facilitated effective customer satisfaction that enhances a company’s brand image. 5.0 Value Proposition A company that thrives well is capable of outdoing its competitors through better terms and conditions it offers to both its employees and customers and thus being able to get qualified personnel to add to its workforce. Customer value proposition offered to consumers through an effective integration of computing technologies. This can be realized through incorporation of analytical data that identifies the unique needs of the consumers. Hence, producers can be able to attune the products in line with the consumer needs (Bulmash 2006). Computer technology allows the information to be processed accurately and faster and this is therefore making implementation of management decisions faster. This is important in boosting the strategic management plans of the organization as it enables the employees to find a quick solution to any impending challenge within the organization through web-based technology and access to information through a series of several systems without the intervention of the manager, and use the information that is relevant to the issue at hand in counteracting the problem before it gets out of control. In any business organization, certain information must always remain known to only the manager or specific individuals who can influence the company’s decisions. This, therefore, requires that details of such information remain locked and inaccessible by other employees in order to ensure that proper management of the company remains in control of a few hands to enhance management decisions. Contemporary computing enables organizations to achieve this through an operating system that functions to maintain systems security that may restrict access to all the users by requiring a password. This ensures that everything kept in check with each being accountable for their duties and anything that happens in their respective data or documents in their respective positions. 6.0 Conclusion Conclusively, contemporary computing is seen as an assemblage due to the various aspects of both human and non-human characters that are integrated together to facilitate generation of useful information. The information generated by combining these various characters is very useful in providing solutions to a variety of life challenges ranging from social cultural and economic problems. It is an assemblage because several human characters can access and share similar information through the computer. Information of different character can also be accessed on one single computer thus making it be seen as an assemblage. Contemporary computing can also be seen as an assemblage since despite combining different characters, each character still has its distinct specificity. More than one computer software has been combined with a single computer system to form a functional unit, and this makes it be seen as an assemblage. Contemporary computing can also be seen as an assemblage because a different kind of data can be combined together within the computer system and then linked to one another to generate a complex data into a single document with details of all the information that would be necessary for a variety of uses. There is no doubt that computer as an assemblage has enabled collection, processing, manipulation and analysis of data an easier thing. This has also impacted on management functions by making it much easier and faster by reducing the administrative burden. Reference List Bulmash, J. (2006). Human Resource Management and Technology. Accessed on 13th August 2015 at . Lang-8., (2010). Based on the Discussion of the computer, Contemporary Media, and Assemblage Theory. Accessed on 12th August 2015 at . Varai, V., ( 2015). Assignment on Software, its Types, System Software, Operating System, Function and its Types. Wilkie, A. (2010). User assemblages in design: an ethnographic study. Accessed at . Read More