computing ESSENTIALS 

1
Information
Technology,
the Internet,
and You
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computing ESSENTIALS

Competencies

Information systems
Application software vs. system software
Computer types
Types of files
Connectivity, Wireless Revolution, and the Internet

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computing ESSENTIALS

Information Systems
 People
 Goal is to improve the productivity of
people
 Procedures
 Guidelines to follow using software,
hardware, data
 Software
 Hardware
 Data
 Raw unprocessed facts
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computing ESSENTIALS

Connectivity

 Allows computers to connect and share

information

 Expands the capabilities and usefulness of users

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People
 Most important part of
an information system

 Direct contact

 Indirect contact

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Software
 Series of instructions that process data
 Two kinds
 System software
 Used by the computer

 Application software

 Used by the user

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computing ESSENTIALS

System Software
 Enables application software to interact with
computer hardware
 Background software
 Operating system software
 Most important system software
 Executes application software
 Stores data and programs

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Application Software
 End-user software
 General-purpose programs
 Internet Explorer, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint
 Special-purpose programs
 Custom written for specialized tasks

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computing ESSENTIALS

Hardware

 Physical electronic
devices
 Hardware functions
 Input/Output data
 Process data
 Storage
 Communication

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computing ESSENTIALS

Types of Computers

 Supercomputers

 Mainframe computers

 Minicomputers

 Microcomputers

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Supercomputers

 Most powerful type of computer

 High data capacity

 Used by large organizations

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Mainframe Computers

 Capable of great processing speed

 Large data storage capacity

 Occupy large air-conditioned rooms

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Minicomputers
 Also known as midrange computers

 Desk-sized machines

 Usually used for specific purposes

 Controlling manufacturing processes

 Dedicated servers

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computing ESSENTIALS

Microcomputers
 Least powerful but most popular
 Sizes range from desktop to handheld
 Includes:
 Desktop
 Laptop
 PDAs

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computing ESSENTIALS 

Microcomputer Hardware

 Physical equipment
consist of
 System unit
 I/O devices
 Secondary storage

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computing ESSENTIALS 

System Unit
 Contains most of the
electronic components
 Significant components
 Microprocessor
 Controls and
manipulates data
 Memory
 Holds data and
programs during
processing

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computing ESSENTIALS 

Input/Output Devices
 Translation devices that interface the computer
with humans
 Input devices
 Keyboard, mouse, scanner, digital camera
 Output devices
 Monitor, printer, speakers

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Secondary Storage Devices

 Store data and programs even after power
is shut off
 Most common types
 Floppy disks

 Hard disks

 Optical disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs)

 Magnetic tapes

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computing ESSENTIALS

Data Files
 Electronic storage of
raw or processed
data
 Common types
 Document
 Worksheet
 Database
 Presentation
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Connectivity

• Computer’s ability to
communicate with
other computers

• Computer network
• Share information
over large
distances

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Wireless Revolution
 Most dramatic change in connectivity

 Widespread use of mobile communications

 Multifunctional devices

 Phones with monitors, cameras

 PDAs with Internet connections

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computing ESSENTIALS

The Internet
 Largest network in the world
 Global connectivity
 World Wide Web
 Internet service providing multimedia
interface

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A Look to the Future

 Powerful software
 Tools in today's job market
 Powerful hardware
 Increasingly more powerful
 Connectivity
 Link with others to share information,
resources
 Security and Privacy
 Increased connectivity increases risk too

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