Using Information Technology Chapter 1 Introduction to Information Technology

Introduction to Information Technology Mind Tools for Your Future 1.1 Infotech Is Commonplace: Cellphones, Email, the Internet, & the E-World 1.2 The All-Purpose Machine: The Varieties of Computers 1.3 Understanding Your Computer: How Can You Customize Your Own PC? 1.4 Where is Information Technology Headed? Say goodbye to the personal computing era. Just on the horizon is the era that comes next-the personal information era. --Kevin Maney, Technology Journalist

Pervasive computing trends Information overload Less need for memorizing data Surge in multitasking activity

1.1 Infotech Is Commonplace: Cellphones, Email, the Internet, & the E-World
Information technology (infotech) Computers = programmable multiuse machines that convert data into information Communications = electromagnetic devices and systems for communicating over long distances The Telephone Grows Up Approximately 1 billion people using cellphones Internet phones are cell phones plus: o Email o Web services o Video Youve Got Mail! E-Mails Mass Impact E-mail (electronic mail) = Messages transmitted over a network Network = communications system connecting two or more computers

 The Internet, the World Wide Web, & the Plumbing of Cyberspace Cyberspace encompasses the whole wired and wireless world of communications: The Internet = the mother of all networks The World Wide Web (WWW) = multimedia part of Net The E-World & Welcome to It E-business E-commerce E-government E-learning

E-pinions E-tailing E-waste

1.2 The All-Purpose Machine: The Varieties of Computers

All Computers, Great & Small: The Categories of Machines Supercomputers (Earth Simulator - the worlds fastest computer) Mainframes (IBM z900) Workstations (Sun Ultra450) Microcomputers (Laptop computer, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), etc.) Microcontrollers (Wheels chip) Servers Server = a central computer that holds collections of data & programs for clients Clients = PCs, workstations, & other devices Server + Clients linked together form a client/server network

1.3 Understanding Your Computer: What If You Custom-Ordered Your Own PC?
How Computers Work - Concept #1 The purpose of a computer is to process data into information. Data = The raw facts and figures that are processed into information Information = Data that has been summarized or otherwise manipulated for use in decision making How Computers Work - Concept #2 Computers consist of hardware and software. Hardware = All the machinery and equipment in a computer system Software = All the instructions that tell the computer how to perform a task

 How Computers Work - Concept #3 All computers follow the same five basic operations. 1. Input (keyboard, mouse, etc.) 2. Processing (case/system cabinet, processor or memory chip, motherboard, etc.) 3. Storage (floppy/zip disk, hard disk, CD drive, etc.) o Primary storage (memory) - RAM Computer circuitry that temporarily holds data waiting to be processed o Secondary storage (storage) - ROM The area in the computer where data or information is held permanently 4. Output (soundcard, speakers, video card, monitor, printer, etc.) 5. Communications (internal modem) You still need the software! System Software (Microsoft Windows XP Professional, etc.) Help the computer perform essential operating task and enable the application software to run Application software (Adobe Photoshop 7.0) Enables you to perform specific tasks--solve problems, perform work, or entertain yourself

1.4 Where Is Information Technology Headed?

Three Directions of Computer Development Miniaturization Speed Affordability When Computers & Communications Combine Convergence Portability Personalization Three Directions of Communications Development Connectivity Interactivity Multimedia E Also Stands for Ethics Speed and scale Unpredictability Complexity

Onward: Handling Information in the Era of Pervasive Computing Learn to deal with information overload; ignore Have a strategy to memorize information: reduce dependence on technology Learn how to make your multitasking efficient Be aware that smart mobs could also be dumb mobs: Know when technology is being used against you. Concept Check :

1. What are the two key components of information technology? o Computers and communications 2. What are the two key aspects of cyberspace? o The Internet and the World Wide Web 3. What are the five sizes of computers from largest to smallest? o Supercomputer, mainframe, workstation, microcomputer, microcontroller 4. What is a LAN? o A local area network, which is a connected group of desktop PCs and other devices such as printers, normally located in an office or building 5. Which size of computer is also called an embedded computer? o Microcontroller 6. What is the term for a computer used to hold collections of data and programs for connecting PCs, workstations, and other devices? o Server 7. What are the five basic operations that computers have in common? o Input, processing, storage, output, and communications 8. Which type of storage is composed of computer circuitry that temporarily holds data waiting to be processed? o Primary storage (memory) 9. What computer device consists of electronic circuitry that executes instructions to process data? o CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10. Are RAM chips used for primary or secondary storage? o Primary - theyre also called memory chips. 11. What is the name of the main circuit board in the computer, to which everything else is attached via connections called ports? o Motherboard 12. How many characters can be represented by a byte? A kilobyte? o One character in a byte; 1000 in a kilobyte 13. What is the name for the unit of storage capacity representing one billion characters? o One gigabyte 14. What is the name for any component or piece of equipment that expands a computers input, storage, and/or output capabilities? A zip-disk drive is an example of this type of component. o Peripheral device 15. What type of software includes the operating system, the master control program that runs the computer? o System software 16. What are three directions of computer development in future? o Miniaturization, speed, and affordability 17. What are three directions of communications development? o Connectivity, interactivity, and multimedia 18. What is a TV with Internet access an example of? o Convergence