Information Technology

Fundamentals 1

Ms. Blandina Kalang-ad

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS 1. Introduction

a. Digital Literacy

b. Why Study Computer Technology?

c. Computer Definition

d. Components of a Computer

e. Computer System

f. Components of a Computer System

g. Advantages and Disadvantages of using Computers

h. Computer Applications in Society

i. Data vs. Information

j. Input-Process-Output

2. History of Computers

3. Careers and Certifications in IT

4. Software: Systems SW, Applications SW

5. Hardware: Input Devices, Output Devices, Memory, Storage, Communication devices, The System Unit

6. Flowcharting

7. Little Man Computer

8. Pervasive Themes in IT

Why study Computer Technology?

Some computer roles in our lives

1. Tiny embedded computers control alarm clocks,

entertainment centers and home appliances

2. Today’s automobiles cannot run efficiently without

embedded computer systems

3. An estimated 10 million people work from home

instead of commuting to work because of

PCs and networking technologies

4. People use e-mail for personal communications

nearly 10 times as often as snail mail and 5

times more often than telephone.

5. Routine daily tasks such as banking, buying groceries

are affected by computer technologies

Why Study Computer Technology?

Personal Benefits

1. Improved Employment Prospects

Computer-related skills are essential in most

careers such as automotive mechanics,

nursing, journalism, archaeology, others.

Makes one more marketable to prospective

employers.

Why Study Computer Technology?

Personal Benefits

2. Skills Span Different Aspects of Life

Computer skills are needed regardless of

setting, whether at home, work, school or

play

Knowledge of computers is useful anywhere

Why Study Computer Technology?

Personal Benefits

3. Greater Self-Sufficiency

People who truly understand computers know that computers are tools- nothing more or less.

We do not give up control of our lives to computers rather we use them to suit our needs

By understanding computers, you become self sufficient whether you use it for research, communications or time management

Why Study Computer Technology?

Personal Benefits

4. Foundation of Knowledge for a Lifetime

of Learning

Basic computing principles have not changed

over the years, and they will be valid well

into the future

By mastering fundamentals, you will develop a

strong base to support furtherance of your

knowledge in the years to come

What is a Computer?

An electronic device that processes data

according to a predetermined set of instructions that converts it into information useful to people.

Peter Norton

An electronic device operating under the control of instructions stored in its memory that can accept data, process the data, produce and store results for future use.

Gary Shelly

Components of a Computer

A computer contains many electric, electronic

and mechanical components known as hardware.

Hardware components

1. Input Devices-used to enter data or instructions into a computer

2. Output Devices-used to convey information to one or more people

Components of a Computer

Hardware components (continued)

3. System Unit- a case that contains the electronic components to process data

3.1 Motherboard- main circuit board of the system unit

3.2 Processor- electronic component that interprets and carries out basic instructions

3.2 Memory– electronic component that store instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by those instructions.

Two categories: ROM, RAM

Components of a Computer

Hardware components (continued)

4. Storage Devices- Holds data, instructions and information permanently for future use. It records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media.

5. Communication Devices-enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers

Computer System

A collection of parts which are

categorized according to the work they

do.

Every computer is part of a system

Components of Computer System Components of a complete Computer System

1. Hardware

The machine itself. The tangible parts of the computer.

2. Software

Series of related instructions that makes the computer perform tasks.

3. Data

Consists of individual facts or pieces of information processed by the computer into useful form.

4. User

Refers to the people who use the machine for their beneficial purposes.

Anyone who communicates with a computer or uses the information it generates.

Advantages of using Computers

Speed - Performs operations at incredibly

fast speeds

Reliability – Electronic components rarely

break or fail

Consistency - generates error-free results

Storage – Store enormous amounts of data

Communications - allows resource sharing

and/or processing with other computers,

often wirelessly

Disadvantages of using Computers

SEATWORK: Work in groups. Use ½ cw pad paper

Give examples of disadvantages of using

computers for each of the following:

1. Health risks

2. Violation of privacy

3. Public safety

4. Impact on labor force

5. Impact on the environment

Disadvantages of using Computers

Health risks – Prolonged or improper

computer use lead to injuries

Violation of privacy – Invasion to privacy and

Identity theft due to improper protection

Public safety – Naïve users of websites fall prey

to scrupulous users

Impact on labor force – replacement of

employee by the machine

Impact on the environment – lead, mercury and

flame retardant contents pollute environment

Computers in Society

EDUCATION

Computer technology in university

curricula

Essential learning requirement

Elementary = Keyboarding

Secondary = Office applications or

Basic programming

Research

Computers in Society

INDUSTRY

Computer-Aided Design

Computer-Aided Manufacturing

Shipping

Transportation mode reservations or

scheduling, Invoice and Billing, tracking

vehicle locations and goods storage

Process Control

Computers in Society

GOVERNMENT

Population Statistics

Taxation

Military and Police Works

Demographic maps -

Population Statistics

Computers in Society

HEALTH CARE

Procedures = ultrasound, CT scan,

magnetic resonance imaging

Computerized Disease Management

Robotic surgical devices

Camera Pill

Computers in Society

OTHERS

Restaurant and Grocery Stores= for

inventories, POS, product pricing

Courier Dispatchers =for tracking pickup and

drop off points, scheduling deliveries

Construction Firms = calculate amount of

materials and project completion schedules

Automotive mechanics = vehicle performance

monitoring, diagnose mechanical problems,

determine repair and maintenance strategies

Bibliography

Peter Norton’s Introduction to

Computers 6th edition

Discovering Computers 2010

Living in a Digital World

Shelly Cashman Series

visit www.scite.com/dc2010