Introduction to IT

Essentials of Computing

Lecture – 02

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Hardware: Computing, Storing and CommunicationDefinition

Computer: An electronic system that can be instructed to accept, process, store, and present data and information.

Computer System: A computer and all the hardware interconnected with it.

– Hardware– Programs– Information– People– Procedures

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Hardware: Computing, Storing and CommunicationDefinition (Continued)

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Hardware: Computing, Storing and CommunicationHardware

Hardware (computer hardware or devices): The computer and its associated equipment.– Input devices– Processors– Output devices– Secondary storage devices

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Hardware: Computing, Storing and CommunicationHardware (Continued)

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Hardware: Computing, Storing and CommunicationHardware (Continued)

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Hardware: Computing, Storing and CommunicationInput Devices

Input: The data or information entered into a computer or the process of entering data or information into the computer for processing,

storage and retrieval, or transmission.– Keyboards– Point-of-sale terminals– Mouse– Image scanners– Bar code scanners and wands– Microphones

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Hardware: Computing, Storing and CommunicationThe Processor

Processor/Central Processing Unit (CPU): A set of electronic circuits that perform the computer’s processing actions.

Microprocessor: The smallest type of processor, with all of the processing capabilities of the control unit and ALU located on a single chip.

Chip: A collection of electronic components in a very small, self-contained package.

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Hardware: Computing, Storing and CommunicationThe Processor (Continued)

System Board (Mother Board): The system unit in a microcomputer, located on a board mounted on the bottom of a computer base.

Primary Storage (Main Memory): Storage within the computer itself. Primary memory holds data only temporarily, as the computer executes instructions.

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Hardware: Computing, Storing and CommunicationOutput Devices

Output: The results of inputting and processing data and information returned by the computer, either directly to the person using the system or to secondary storage.– Printer– Direct a display – Control another device– Generate sounds– Initiate transmission of information

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Hardware: Computing, Storing and CommunicationSecondary Storage Devices

Secondary Storage (Auxiliary Storage): A storage medium that is external to the computer, but that can be read by the computer; a way of storing data and information outside the computer itself.

– Diskettes– Zip Disks– Hard Disks– Optical Disks– Magnetic Tape

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Hardware: Computing, Storing and CommunicationSecondary Storage Devices (Continued)

Magnetic Disks: A general term referring to two types of storage disk: the flexible/floppy disk and the hard disk.

Zip Disks: Similar to diskettes, but housed in a hard plastic case. These disks can store 70 to 175 times more and can store and retrieve data more quickly than diskettes.

Read Only: A type of disk that information can be read from but not written onto.

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Hardware: Computing, Storing and CommunicationSecondary Storage Devices (Continued)

CD-ROM disk: Short for “compact disk – read only memory,” an optical storage medium that permits storage of large amounts of information. CD-ROM disks can only be written to and cannot be erased.

Drive: The device containing a secondary storage medium’s read/write unit.

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Hardware: Computing, Storing and CommunicationPeripheral Equipments

Peripheral Equipment: A general term used for any device that is attached to a computer system.

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Programs: In charge of the HardwareDefinition

Software: The general term for a set of instructions that controls a computer or a communications network.

Program: A set of instructions that directs a computer to perform certain tasks and produce certain results.

Communication Program: A program that manages the interaction between a computer system and a communications network and the transmission of data, programs, and information over the network.

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Programs: In charge of the HardwareDefinition (Continued)

Operating System: A combination of programs that coordinates the actions of a computer, including its peripheral devices and memory. For example, DOS (Disk Operating System), and Windows.

Graphic User Interface (GUI): A link to an operating system that allows users to use icons rather than command words to start processing.

Interface: The means by which a person interacts with a computer.

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Programs: In charge of the HardwareSoftware Package

Software Package: An application that focuses on a particular subject, such as word processing, and is sold to businesses and the general public.

Documentation: An instruction manual that accompanies software. Also, a technical, detailed written description of the specific facts of a program.

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Programs: In charge of the HardwareSoftware Package (Continued)

Spreadsheet: A table of columns and rows used by people responsible for tracking revenues, expenses, profits, and losses.

Word-processing (WP) Program: A program that allows the user to enter, change (edit), move, store, and print text information.

Desktop Publishing (DTP) Program: A program that combines text and image-handling features with document-design capabilities.

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Information: Reason for using IT Definition

Information: An organized, meaningful, and useful interpretation of data.

– Data– Text– Sound– Images

Data: Raw facts, figures, and details.

Spoken Information: Information that is conveyed by sound.

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Information: Reason for using IT Definition (Continued)

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People: User & Creators of IT Application User

User (End User): The people who uses IT in their jobs or personal lives.– Hands-on users– Indirect end users– User managers– Senior managers

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People: User & Creators of IT Application Information Technology Professionals

Information Technology Professional: A person who is responsible for acquiring, developing, maintaining, or operating the hardware associated with computers and communications networks.

– Programmers– Systems Analysts– System Designers– Web Designers– Project Managers– Network Specialists– Trainers– Computer Operators

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Procedure: Processes to Use & Maintain IT Procedures

Procedure: A step-by-step process or a set of instructions for accomplishing specific results.– Operations– Backup and Recovery– Security– Development

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Procedure: Processes to Use & Maintain IT Procedures (Continued)

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Procedure: Processes to Use & Maintain IT Procedures (Continued)

Operations Procedure: A procedure that describes how a computer system or application is used, how often it can be used, who is authorized to use it, and where the results of processing should go.

Backup Procedure: A procedure that describes how and when to make extra copies of information or software to protect against losses.

Recovery Procedure: An action taken when information or software must be restored.

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Procedure: Processes to Use & Maintain IT Procedures (Continued)

Security Procedure: A procedure designed to safeguard data centers, communications networks, computers, and other IT components from accidental intrusion or intentional damage.

Security Software: Software that is designed to protect systems and data.

Development Procedure: A procedure that explains how IT professionals should describe user needs and develop applications to meet those needs.

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An Introduction to SystemsDefinition

System: A set of components that interact to accomplish a purpose.

Single-User System (Personal Computer): An IT system used by only one person. A system that stands alone and is not interconnected with other companies or shared by other people.

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An Introduction to SystemsDefinition (Continued)

Multi-user System: A communication system in which more than one user share hardware, programs, information, people, and procedures.– To share a computer– To share hardware– To share software– To share information– To share communications

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Information ProcessingInformation Processing Activities Associated with Information-handling Functions

Capture– Input– Upload/Download

Uploading: The process by which information is sent from a PC to a mainframe.

Downloading: The transfer of information from a central system to a desktop computer.

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Information ProcessingInformation Processing Activities Associated with Information-handling Functions (Continued)

Processing– Compute– Update

Batch Processing: The grouping and processing of all transactions at one time.

Real-time Processing: The processing of each transaction as it occurs.

– Classify– Sort– Summarize

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Information ProcessingInformation Processing Activities Associated with Information-handling Functions

Generate– Output– Issue

Storage and Retrieval– Inquire– Store– Retrieve

Transmit

The End

Thank You