Chapter 1 Information Technology, The Internet, and You

Introduction

•    Computer competency refers to acquiring computer-related skills

•    Microcomputers are common tools in all areas of life

•    New forms of learning have developed

•    New ways to communicate, to find people with similar interests, and to buy goods are available.

Five Parts of an Information System

1. People
2. Procedures
3. Software
4. Hardware
5. Data

Software

•    AKA Programs

•    Two major kinds of software

–  System Software

–  Application Software

System Software

•    A collection of programs-not a single program

•    Enables the application software to interact with the hardware

•    “Background software” that helps the computer manage its own resources

Application Software

•    End-user software

•    Two major categories

–  Basic Application or General purpose

–  Specialized applications

Microcomputer Types

•    Desktop

•    Notebook or laptop

•    Tablet PC

•    Handheld

Desktop Computers

•    Desktop computers are small enough to fit on top of or alongside a desk yet are too big to carry around

Notebook or Laptop Computers

•    Notebook computers, also known as laptop computers, are portable, lightweight, and fit into most briefcases

Tablet PC

•    A tablet PC is a type of notebook computer that accepts your handwriting. This input is digitized and converted to standard text that can be further processed by programs such as a word processor.

Handheld

•    Are the smallest and are also known as palm computers. These systems typically combine pen input, writing recognition, personal organizational tools, and communications capabilities.

•    Personal digital assistants (PDA’s) are the most widely used handheld computer.

Microcomputer Hardware

•    Four basic categories of equipment:

–  System Unit

–  Input/output

–  Secondary Storage

–  Communication

System Unit

•    Two important components

–  Microprocessor

–  Memory

Input/Output Devices

•    Common input devices are the keyboard and the mouse

•    Common output devices are printers and monitors

Secondary Storage

•    Unlike memory, secondary storage holds data and programs even if electrical power is not available

•    The most important types of secondary media are hard and optical disks

Communications

•    Communication Devices provide microcomputers with the ability to communicate with other computer systems across the globe

•    The modem is the most widely used communication device

•    Modems modify telephone communications into a form that can be processed by a computer

•    Modems also modify computer output into a form that can be transmitted across standard telephone lines

Data

•    Raw, unprocessed facts

•    Processed data becomes information

•    Stored electronically in files

–  Document files

–  Worksheet files

–  Database files

–  Presentation files

Document Files

•    Created by word processors to save documents such as memos, term papers,
and letters

Worksheet Files

•    Created by electronic spreadsheets to analyze things like budgets and to predict sales

Database Files

•    Typically created by database management programs to contain highly structured and organized data

Presentation Files

•    Created by presentation graphics programs to save presentation materials. For example, a file might contain audience handouts, speaker notes, and electronic slides.

Connectivity, the Wireless Revolution, and the Internet

•    Connectivity

–  Sharing of information

–  Wireless communication has widespread use

•    Computer networks

–  Connected communication system of computers

–  Largest network is the Internet

Careers in IT

•    For a complete listing of careers, visit http://www.computing2010.com/  keyword: careers

A Look to the Future

•    The Internet & Web

•    Powerful Software

•    Powerful Hardware

•    Security & Privacy

•    Organizations

•    Changing Times

Discussion Questions

•    Explain the five parts of an information system. What part do people play in this system?

•    What is system software? What kinds of programs are included in system software?

•    Define and compare basic and specialized application software. Describe some different types of basic applications. Describe some types of specialized applications.

•    Describe the different types of computers. What is the most common type? What are the types of microcomputers?

•    What is connectivity? How are the wireless revolution and connectivity related? What is a computer network? What is the Internet? What is the Web?