Computers: The Machines behind Computing End of Chapter Solutions Reviews and Discussions 1. Define a “CPU.” A (central processing unit) CPU is the heart of a computer. It is divided into two components: the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and the control unit. 2. What are the distinguishing features of fourth-generation computers? Fourth-generation computers continued trends that further improved speed and ease of use: miniaturization, very-large-scale integration (VLSI) circuits, widespread use of personal computers, and optical discs (discs written or encoded and read using a laser optical device). 3. What are two applications of a project management software? The goal of project management software is to help project managers keep time and budget under control by solving scheduling problems, planning and setting goals, and highlighting potential bottlenecks. One can use such software to study the cost, time, and resource impact of schedule changes. 4. What is an operating system? What are two examples of operating systems for smartphones and mobile devices? An operating system (OS) is a set of programs for controlling and managing computer hardware and software. It provides an interface between a computer and the user and increases computer efficiency by helping users share computer resources and by performing repetitive tasks for users. Two new operating systems for smartphones and other handheld devices have attracted much attention in recent years: iOS and Android. The iOS and its various versions run on iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch. The Android operating system by Google runs on non-Apple smartphones and handheld devices, such as HTC Inspire, Samsung Galaxy, and LG Thrill. 5. What are two types of memories? Two types of memory are common to any computer: main memory and secondary memory. 6. What are two advantages of cloud storage compared to traditional storage devices? Two advantages of cloud storage compared to traditional storage devices are: 1. Scalability: Cloud storage offers virtually unlimited scalability, allowing users to increase or decrease storage capacity on-demand without the need for physical hardware upgrades or additional infrastructure investments. This flexibility enables organizations to adapt to changing storage requirements quickly and efficiently, accommodating fluctuating data volumes and business needs without incurring downtime or disruptions. In contrast, traditional storage devices often have fixed capacities and may require costly upgrades or replacement to accommodate growing data storage demands, limiting scalability and flexibility. 2. Accessibility and Remote Access: Cloud storage provides ubiquitous access to data from any location with an internet connection, allowing users to access, share, and collaborate on files and documents seamlessly across devices and platforms. This accessibility facilitates remote work, collaboration, and productivity, enabling employees to work from anywhere and collaborate in real-time without being tethered to a specific physical location or device. Additionally, cloud storage eliminates the need for physical storage media such as external hard drives or USB drives, reducing the risk of data loss due to device failure, loss, or damage. In contrast, traditional storage devices may require manual transfer and synchronization of data between devices, limiting accessibility and productivity, especially for distributed teams or remote workers. 7. What is a computer language? What are two examples of popular computer languages? A computer language, also known as a programming language, is a formal language used to instruct computers to perform specific tasks or operations. It serves as a medium of communication between humans and computers, allowing programmers to write code that can be executed by a computer to accomplish various functions, such as data manipulation, algorithm implementation, software development, and automation of tasks. Two examples of popular computer languages are: 1. Python: Python is a high-level, versatile programming language known for its simplicity, readability, and ease of learning. It is widely used in various domains, including web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, scientific computing, and automation. Python's extensive libraries and frameworks, such as NumPy, Pandas, TensorFlow, and Django, make it a preferred choice for developers seeking to build robust and scalable applications efficiently. 2. Java: Java is a widely-used, object-oriented programming language known for its platform independence, robustness, and versatility. It is commonly used for developing enterprise-scale applications, mobile apps (Android), web applications, and large-scale distributed systems. Java's "write once, run anywhere" philosophy, along with its extensive libraries and frameworks (e.g., Spring, Hibernate), make it a popular choice for building cross-platform and scalable software solutions. 8. What is ubiquitous computing? Experts describe the current state of computing as ubiquitous computing or pervasive computing. It is also called the third wave and is identified by small computers embedded into many devices used daily—cellphones, cameras, watches, and so forth. Projects 1. A local law firm needs your advice. It currently has 20 PCs being used by its attorneys and staff, and it is debating whether to use Google Apps or Office 365 as its productivity tools. Write a two-page paper that summarizes your recommendation. What are two advantages and two disadvantages of each choice? Which alternative is less expensive? What are two advantages of Office 365 over traditional Office? Introduction: In today's digital age, choosing the right productivity tools is crucial for businesses to streamline operations and enhance collaboration. This paper provides a recommendation for a local law firm considering whether to adopt Google Apps or Office 365 as its productivity suite. Recommendation: After thorough consideration, I recommend the local law firm to adopt Office 365 as its productivity tools suite. Office 365 offers a comprehensive set of features tailored to the needs of legal professionals, providing robust security, advanced collaboration capabilities, and seamless integration with existing workflows. Advantages and Disadvantages of Google Apps: Advantages: 1. Collaboration: Google Apps, particularly Google Drive and Google Docs, excel in facilitating real-time collaboration among users. Multiple users can edit documents simultaneously, fostering teamwork and efficiency. 2. Cost: Google Apps typically offer lower upfront costs compared to Office 365, making it an attractive option for businesses operating on a tight budget. Disadvantages: 1. Offline Functionality: While Google Apps provide some offline functionality, they are primarily cloud-based, which may pose challenges for users in environments with limited or unreliable internet connectivity. 2. Compatibility: Google Apps may encounter compatibility issues when working with files created in Microsoft Office formats, potentially leading to formatting errors or loss of data integrity. Advantages and Disadvantages of Office 365: Advantages: 1. Familiarity and Compatibility: Office 365 offers seamless compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats, ensuring smooth transitions for users familiar with traditional Office applications. This familiarity reduces the learning curve and minimizes disruptions during the migration process. 2. Advanced Features: Office 365 provides a wide range of advanced features and tools tailored to professional environments, including advanced security features, powerful analytics, and integration with other Microsoft services such as Teams and SharePoint. Disadvantages: 1. Cost: Office 365 typically involves higher upfront costs compared to Google Apps. However, the long-term benefits and feature-rich nature of Office 365 often justify the investment for businesses seeking comprehensive productivity solutions. 2. Complexity: The extensive feature set of Office 365 may lead to complexity in deployment and administration, requiring dedicated IT resources or external support to ensure optimal utilization and security. Cost Comparison: While Google Apps may have lower upfront costs, Office 365 offers better long-term value due to its comprehensive feature set, advanced security, and seamless integration with existing Microsoft infrastructure. Additionally, Office 365 provides flexible subscription plans, allowing businesses to scale resources according to their needs and budget. Advantages of Office 365 over Traditional Office: 1. Cloud Integration: Office 365 leverages cloud technology to provide anytime, anywhere access to documents and collaboration tools. This flexibility enhances productivity and enables remote work scenarios, a significant advantage in today's digital landscape. 2. Continuous Updates and Support: Unlike traditional Office software, which requires periodic upgrades and may become outdated, Office 365 offers continuous updates and support, ensuring access to the latest features, security patches, and enhancements without additional costs or disruptions. 2. After reading the information presented in this chapter and other sources, write a one-page paper that describes two advantages and two disadvantages of SAN and NAS. Name two vendors of each technology. Which one is less expensive? Which one do you recommend for Project #1 above? Title: Comparison of SAN and NAS Technologies Introduction: Storage Area Networks (SAN) and Network Attached Storage (NAS) are two popular storage solutions used by businesses to manage and store their data efficiently. This paper aims to explore the advantages and disadvantages of both SAN and NAS, along with recommendations for Project #1. Advantages of SAN: 1. High Performance: SANs typically offer high-speed connectivity, making them suitable for applications that require fast data access, such as database servers or virtualized environments. 2. Scalability: SANs are highly scalable, allowing businesses to easily expand their storage capacity by adding additional disks or storage arrays without significant disruption to operations. Disadvantages of SAN: 1. Cost: SAN infrastructure can be expensive to deploy and maintain, involving upfront investments in specialized hardware such as Fibre Channel switches and storage controllers. 2. Complexity: SANs require specialized knowledge and expertise to design, implement, and manage effectively. Configuring and troubleshooting SAN environments can be complex and time-consuming. Advantages of NAS: 1. Ease of Management: NAS solutions are generally easier to set up and manage compared to SANs. They typically feature intuitive user interfaces and offer simplified management tools for data storage and access. 2. Cost-Effectiveness: NAS systems tend to be more cost-effective than SANs, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses. They often leverage existing Ethernet infrastructure, reducing the need for additional hardware investments. Disadvantages of NAS: 1. Performance Limitations: NAS performance may not match that of SANs, especially in high-demand environments requiring low latency and high throughput. 2. Limited Scalability: While NAS solutions are scalable to a certain extent, they may face limitations in terms of storage capacity and performance compared to SANs, particularly in large-scale enterprise environments. Cost Comparison: In general, NAS solutions tend to be less expensive than SANs, particularly in terms of initial setup and ongoing maintenance costs. NAS leverages standard Ethernet networking infrastructure, which is often more cost-effective compared to the specialized Fibre Channel or iSCSI networks required for SAN deployments. Recommendation for Project #1: For Project #1, considering the budget constraints and the need for ease of management, I recommend implementing a NAS solution. NetApp and Synology are both reputable vendors offering reliable NAS solutions suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. Their cost-effectiveness, ease of management, and scalability make them ideal choices for Project #1's requirements. 3. A classmate of yours is not sure whether to buy a PC or a tablet. He needs the device for schoolwork (mostly Microsoft Office), for Web access, and as an e-reader. After reading the information presented in this chapter and other sources, write a one-page paper that summarizes your recommendation to this fellow student. Also mention two choices that you consider as top of the line for each alternative. Title: Recommendation: PC vs. Tablet for Schoolwork and Productivity Introduction: Choosing between a PC and a tablet for schoolwork, web access, and e-reading requires careful consideration of functionality, portability, and usability. This paper aims to provide a recommendation to a classmate who is undecided between the two options. Recommendation: Based on your needs for schoolwork, web access, and e-reading, I recommend purchasing a PC over a tablet. While tablets offer portability and touchscreen convenience, a PC provides greater versatility, productivity, and compatibility with Microsoft Office applications, essential for your school assignments. Additionally, a PC offers a more comfortable typing experience, crucial for extensive writing tasks. Advantages of PC: 1. Versatility: PCs offer a wide range of functionalities, including multitasking, advanced software compatibility, and customizable configurations, making them suitable for various tasks beyond schoolwork. 2. Productivity: With a PC, you have access to the full suite of Microsoft Office applications, providing robust tools for document creation, presentation development, and spreadsheet management, essential for academic assignments. Advantages of Tablet: 1. Portability: Tablets are lightweight, compact, and easy to carry, making them convenient for on-the-go use, especially in classroom settings or during commutes. 2. Touchscreen Interface: Tablets feature intuitive touchscreen interfaces, allowing for easy navigation, web browsing, and e-reading, enhancing user experience and accessibility. Top Choices for PC: 1. Dell XPS 13: Known for its sleek design, powerful performance, and long battery life, the Dell XPS 13 is a top-of-the-line laptop ideal for schoolwork and productivity tasks. 2. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 offers premium build quality, excellent display options, and seamless integration with Microsoft Office, making it a standout choice for students. Top Choices for Tablet: 1. Apple iPad Pro: The iPad Pro combines powerful performance, stunning display, and versatile accessories like the Apple Pencil, making it a top choice for students requiring productivity and creativity tools. 2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7: With its high-resolution display, S Pen support, and multitasking capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is a top-tier Android tablet suitable for schoolwork and multimedia consumption. Conclusion: While tablets offer portability and convenience, a PC remains the superior choice for schoolwork and productivity tasks, particularly due to its compatibility with Microsoft Office applications. Considering your requirements, a PC such as the Dell XPS 13 or Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 would provide the functionality, performance, and versatility needed to excel in your academic endeavors. 4. IBM Watson has created a lot of excitement in the computing field. After reading the information presented in this chapter and other sources, write a one-page paper that summarizes three commercial applications of this platform. What are two advantages of using Watson compared to using humans in the medical field? What are two disadvantages? How can Watson be used as a trip-planning service? Title: Harnessing the Power of IBM Watson: Commercial Applications and Advantages in Medicine and Beyond Introduction: IBM Watson has emerged as a transformative platform in the computing field, leveraging artificial intelligence and natural language processing to revolutionize various industries. This paper explores three commercial applications of IBM Watson, focusing on its use in the medical field and as a trip-planning service, along with advantages and disadvantages compared to human involvement. Commercial Applications of IBM Watson: 1. Healthcare: • IBM Watson for Oncology: Utilizes cognitive computing to assist oncologists in developing personalized treatment plans for cancer patients based on their medical records, research papers, and clinical expertise. • Watson Health: Offers solutions for healthcare providers, payers, and life sciences companies, including population health management, patient engagement, and drug discovery, to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce costs. 2. Finance: • IBM Watson Financial Services: Provides AI-powered solutions for financial institutions, including risk management, fraud detection, regulatory compliance, and customer service, enhancing efficiency and decision-making processes. 3. Customer Service: • Watson Assistant: Enables businesses to create virtual assistants powered by AI, capable of understanding natural language queries and providing personalized responses to customer inquiries across various channels, enhancing customer service experiences. Advantages of Using Watson in Medicine: 1. Data Analysis: Watson can quickly analyze vast amounts of medical data, including research papers, patient records, and clinical trials, to provide evidence-based insights and treatment recommendations, surpassing human capabilities. 2. Consistency: Watson ensures consistency in decision-making and diagnosis by eliminating human biases and variations, leading to more standardized and accurate medical practices. Disadvantages of Using Watson in Medicine: 1. Lack of Contextual Understanding: Watson may struggle to grasp the full context of complex medical cases or nuances in patient interactions, potentially leading to misinterpretation or incomplete recommendations. 2. Reliance on Data Quality: The accuracy and reliability of Watson's recommendations heavily depend on the quality and completeness of the input data, posing challenges in environments with incomplete or inaccurate medical records. Trip-Planning Service with Watson: IBM Watson can be utilized as a trip-planning service by integrating its natural language processing capabilities with travel data sources, including airline schedules, hotel availability, tourist attractions, and user preferences. Users can interact with Watson through a conversational interface, providing details such as travel dates, budget, destination preferences, and interests. Watson can then analyze this information, recommend personalized travel itineraries, suggest activities, accommodations, and transportation options, and even assist in booking reservations, enhancing the overall travel planning experience. Conclusion: IBM Watson's commercial applications span various industries, from healthcare and finance to customer service, showcasing its versatility and potential to drive innovation and efficiency. While Watson offers advantages such as data analysis and consistency in medical decision-making, it also faces challenges related to contextual understanding and data quality. Additionally, its capabilities extend beyond traditional domains, as demonstrated by its potential use as a trip-planning service, leveraging AI to enhance the travel experience for users. 5. Android and iOS are two major operating systems for smartphones and other mobile devices. After reading the information presented in this chapter and other sources, write a two-page paper that summarizes the key features of each OS. What are two advantages and two disadvantages of each? Which OS has a bigger market share and why? Title: A Comparative Analysis of Android and iOS Operating Systems for Mobile Devices Introduction: Android and iOS stand as the titans of the mobile operating system landscape, powering the majority of smartphones and other mobile devices worldwide. Understanding their key features, advantages, disadvantages, and market shares is essential for consumers and developers alike. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of both platforms. Key Features of Android: 1. Open-Source: Android is an open-source operating system, allowing for greater flexibility and customization by device manufacturers and developers. 2. Customization: Android offers extensive customization options for users, including widgets, themes, launchers, and third-party app stores, enabling personalized user experiences. Advantages of Android: 1. Device Variety: Android is available on a wide range of devices from various manufacturers, offering consumers diverse choices in terms of hardware specifications, price points, and form factors. 2. Customizability: Android users enjoy greater freedom to customize their devices according to their preferences, from home screen layouts to system-level settings, fostering a sense of ownership and personalization. Disadvantages of Android: 1. Fragmentation: The open nature of Android leads to fragmentation, with different devices running different versions of the operating system and varying levels of software updates, potentially causing compatibility and security issues. 2. Security Concerns: Android's openness makes it more susceptible to malware and security vulnerabilities, especially on devices with outdated software or from untrusted sources, requiring users to exercise caution and utilize security measures. Key Features of iOS: 1. Closed Ecosystem: iOS is a closed ecosystem controlled by Apple, ensuring consistency in user experience, app quality, and security across devices. 2. Seamless Integration: iOS offers seamless integration with other Apple products and services, such as iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, and Apple Pay, enhancing user convenience and interoperability. Advantages of iOS: 1. Security: iOS is renowned for its robust security measures, including sandboxing, app permissions, secure boot chain, and regular software updates, providing a more secure environment for users and their data. 2. User Experience: iOS delivers a consistent and intuitive user experience, characterized by smooth performance, polished UI design, and optimized hardware-software integration, ensuring a premium user experience across devices. Disadvantages of iOS: 1. Limited Customization: iOS restricts customization options compared to Android, limiting users to predefined settings and restricting access to system-level features, potentially leading to a less personalized experience. 2. Closed Ecosystem: The closed nature of iOS can result in vendor lock-in, limiting users' choices in terms of hardware, software, and services, and potentially leading to higher costs and dependence on Apple's ecosystem. Market Share: iOS holds a smaller market share compared to Android, primarily due to Android's availability across a wide range of devices from various manufacturers, catering to diverse consumer preferences and budgetary constraints. Additionally, Android's open-source nature has facilitated its widespread adoption by device manufacturers globally, contributing to its dominance in the mobile operating system market. Conclusion: Both Android and iOS offer distinct features, advantages, and disadvantages, catering to different user preferences and needs. Android's openness and device variety appeal to users seeking customization and affordability, while iOS's security, seamless integration, and premium user experience attract those prioritizing simplicity, reliability, and ecosystem coherence. Ultimately, the choice between Android and iOS depends on individual preferences, device requirements, and ecosystem preferences. 6. Dragon NaturallySpeaking Solutions is an example of an NLP. After reading the information presented in this chapter and other sources, write a two-page paper that describes five commercial applications for this platform. Which businesses will benefit the most from this platform? What are two other products that compete with this software? Title: Exploring Commercial Applications of Dragon NaturallySpeaking Solutions in Natural Language Processing Introduction: Dragon NaturallySpeaking Solutions exemplifies the capabilities of Natural Language Processing (NLP) technology, enabling businesses to harness the power of speech recognition for various applications. This paper delves into five commercial applications of this platform, identifies businesses that stand to benefit the most, and explores competing products in the market. Commercial Applications of Dragon NaturallySpeaking Solutions: 1. Healthcare Documentation: • Medical Transcription: Dragon NaturallySpeaking facilitates the transcription of medical dictations, allowing healthcare professionals to efficiently document patient encounters, diagnoses, treatment plans, and other medical records using speech recognition technology. • Electronic Health Records (EHR) Integration: The platform integrates with EHR systems, enabling seamless documentation and updating of patient records through voice commands, improving workflow efficiency and accuracy. 2. Legal Documentation: • Legal Transcription: Legal professionals utilize Dragon NaturallySpeaking for transcribing legal documents, deposition notes, case summaries, and correspondence, streamlining document creation and enhancing productivity. • Legal Dictation: Lawyers and legal assistants dictate legal briefs, contracts, and other legal documents using voice commands, accelerating document creation and reducing reliance on manual typing. 3. Customer Service: • Call Center Transcription: Businesses employ Dragon NaturallySpeaking to transcribe customer service calls, enabling real-time analysis of customer interactions, sentiment analysis, and identification of actionable insights for improving service quality and customer satisfaction. • Voice-Activated Assistants: Companies integrate the platform into virtual assistants or chatbots, allowing customers to interact with automated systems using natural language commands, enhancing user experience and efficiency. 4. Accessibility: • Assistive Technology: Dragon NaturallySpeaking serves as an assistive technology for individuals with disabilities, including motor impairments, dyslexia, or visual impairments, enabling hands-free computer interaction and facilitating access to digital content. 5. Business Productivity: • Document Creation and Editing: Business professionals use Dragon NaturallySpeaking for creating and editing documents, emails, reports, and presentations, increasing productivity and reducing typing-related strain or fatigue. • Meeting Transcription: The platform facilitates real-time transcription of meetings, interviews, and brainstorming sessions, capturing discussions and action items accurately for future reference and collaboration. Businesses Benefitting the Most: Industries such as healthcare, legal, customer service, and business services stand to benefit the most from Dragon NaturallySpeaking Solutions due to their reliance on accurate and efficient documentation, communication, and productivity tools. Moreover, organizations committed to accessibility and inclusivity initiatives can leverage the platform to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Competing Products: Two other products that compete with Dragon NaturallySpeaking Solutions in the speech recognition market include: 1. Microsoft Azure Speech Services: Microsoft offers a suite of speech recognition and natural language processing services, including transcription, translation, and text-to-speech capabilities, catering to various enterprise and developer needs. 2. Google Cloud Speech-to-Text: Google provides speech recognition technology through its Cloud Speech-to-Text API, enabling businesses to transcribe audio into text, perform speaker diarization, and implement voice-enabled applications and services. Conclusion: Dragon NaturallySpeaking Solutions offers a versatile platform for speech recognition and natural language processing, with applications spanning healthcare, legal, customer service, accessibility, and business productivity domains. Businesses across these industries can leverage the platform to enhance documentation efficiency, improve customer interactions, ensure accessibility, and boost overall productivity. While competing products such as Microsoft Azure Speech Services and Google Cloud Speech-to-Text offer similar functionalities, Dragon NaturallySpeaking Solutions remains a prominent player in the market, particularly in industries with specialized requirements for accuracy, customization, and integration capabilities. Are You Ready to Move On? 1. ROM is volatile. Answer: False 2. Software on the NAS handles features such as data storage, file access, and file and storage management. Answer: True 3. Microsoft PowerPoint is an example of application software. Answer: True 4. All of the following are examples of server platforms except: a. Application servers b. Database servers c. RAM servers d. Print servers Answer: c 5. Which of the following is not an example of a secondary memory device? a. EPROM b. Magnetic tape c. Magnetic disk d. Optical discs Answer: a 6. All of the following are examples of application software except: a. MS Word b. MS Excel c. Autodesk AutoCAD d. Android Answer: d Case Studies Case Study 2-1: Become Your Own Banker 1. Using your smartphone and a financial app, how do you deposit a check into your checking account? To deposit a check into one’s banking account using a financial app, one can simply take a photograph of the front and back of the check. Once this is done, the app will ask for the amount one wants to deposit. Then one should type the account number and then press “OK” to complete the deposit. 2. Name some financial apps introduced in this case. Mint app (mint.com) from Intuit, HelloWallet from HelloWallet.com, and QuickShot are some financial apps introduced in this case. 3. What are some examples of analytics that can be done using financial apps? Financial apps can perform various types of analytics to provide insights and facilitate decision-making. Some examples of analytics that can be done using financial apps include: 1. Financial Performance Analysis: Financial apps can analyze key financial metrics such as revenue, expenses, profitability, cash flow, and financial ratios to assess the overall financial health and performance of an organization. This analysis helps stakeholders understand trends, identify areas of strength and weakness, and make informed decisions to improve financial outcomes. 2. Budgeting and Forecasting: Financial apps can assist users in creating budgets, forecasting future financial performance, and evaluating variance between planned and actual results. By analyzing historical data and applying predictive models, these apps help individuals and businesses anticipate financial needs, set realistic financial goals, and make adjustments to achieve financial stability and growth. 3. Investment Analysis: Financial apps can provide investment analysis tools and calculators to help users evaluate investment opportunities, assess risk, and make informed investment decisions. These apps may offer features such as portfolio tracking, asset allocation optimization, performance benchmarking, and investment risk assessment, empowering users to build and manage investment portfolios aligned with their financial goals and risk tolerance. 4. Financial Planning and Retirement Planning: Financial apps can support comprehensive financial planning by analyzing income, expenses, assets, liabilities, and retirement savings to help users create personalized financial plans. These apps may offer retirement planning calculators, scenario analysis tools, and goal tracking features to help individuals assess their current financial situation, plan for future financial needs, and make strategic decisions to achieve long-term financial security and retirement goals. 5. Fraud Detection and Risk Management: Financial apps can leverage advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms to detect fraudulent activities, identify suspicious transactions, and mitigate financial risks. By analyzing transaction patterns, anomalies, and behavioral indicators, these apps help financial institutions and businesses prevent fraud, safeguard sensitive information, and protect against financial losses. Overall, financial apps play a crucial role in enabling individuals and organizations to leverage data-driven insights and analytics to manage finances effectively, make informed decisions, and achieve financial goals. 4. What are some other examples of financial apps? What are their applications? Certainly! Here are some other examples of financial apps along with their applications: 1. Mint: Mint is a popular personal finance app that offers features such as expense tracking, budgeting, bill management, and credit score monitoring. Users can link their bank accounts, credit cards, and investment accounts to Mint to get a comprehensive view of their financial transactions and manage their finances more effectively. 2. Robinhood: Robinhood is an investment app that allows users to buy, sell, and trade stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies commission-free. With a user-friendly interface and real-time market data, Robinhood makes investing accessible to beginners and offers features such as fractional shares and customizable watchlists. 3. QuickBooks: QuickBooks is a cloud-based accounting software widely used by small businesses and freelancers for managing finances, invoicing, expense tracking, and payroll processing. It offers features such as financial reporting, tax preparation, and integration with bank accounts and third-party apps to streamline accounting and financial management tasks. 4. Acorns: Acorns is an investment app that enables users to invest their spare change by rounding up everyday purchases to the nearest dollar and investing the difference in a diversified portfolio of ETFs. Acorns also offers automated portfolio rebalancing, retirement account options, and financial education tools to help users grow their savings over time. 5. PayPal: PayPal is a digital payment platform that allows users to send and receive money online, make purchases, and manage their finances securely. It offers features such as peer-to-peer payments, online invoicing, merchant services, and integration with e-commerce platforms, making it convenient for individuals and businesses to transact and manage finances digitally. 6. YNAB (You Need a Budget): YNAB is a budgeting app based on the zero-based budgeting philosophy, where every dollar has a specific purpose. It helps users allocate funds to different categories, track expenses, set financial goals, and prioritize spending based on their priorities and values. YNAB also offers educational resources and support to help users develop healthy financial habits and achieve financial freedom. These financial apps serve various purposes, including budgeting, investing, accounting, payment processing, and financial planning, empowering users to take control of their finances, make informed decisions, and achieve their financial goals more effectively. Case Study 2-2: iPads: New Productivity Tools for Service Workers 1. According to this case study, how were outages reported to the utilities department manager in the past? In the past when there was an outage related to power, water, or steam (used for heating), the utility manager was contacted by phone to look into the problem and come up with a course of action to fix the problem. This usually caused some delays, as a manager might be off campus or busy with other things. 2. What are the two apps that are being used by the utilities department? The equipment used by Cornell University’s utilities department comes from GE and has an iOS app for drilling down into the utility management system and analyzing the available data. The utility personnel have access to a Web app for those analyses that are not suitable for the iOS app. The Web app allows personnel to control the equipment and see more detailed information, such as the percentage of valves that are open. The utility personnel can use the Web app to remotely control the utility management system from their browsers. 3. What are two advantages of using iPad at the utilities department? However, some of them may mention how iPads were used to diagnose a problem and in some cases even fix the problem at Cornell University’s utilities department. The equipment used by Cornell University’s utilities department comes from GE and has an iOS app for drilling down into the utility management system and analyzing the available data. According to the university, the iPad provides easy access to key information anywhere and at any time. Solution Manual for MIS Hossein Bidgoli 9781305632004, 9781337625999, 9781337625982, 9781337406925
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