1 CIS 101 – Introduction to IT Dr. Basel Mahafzah

2 What is Information Technology? Information Technology is a set of tools that helps you work with information and perform tasks related to information processing. Included in this set are 7 building blocks; together we call these building blocks an IT system.

3 Building Blocks for an IT Systems 1. Input and output devices. 2. Software. 3. Communication devices. 4. The processing engine. 5. Information. 6. Storage devices. 7. People.

4 Input and Output Devices Input and output devices that you use to enter information and commands and to receive the results of your requests. Input devices such as mouse and keyboard. Output devices such as screen, printer, and speakers

5 Software Software is the set of instructions that your central processing unit executes to perform a particular task for you. System Software such as operating systems (Windows XP and Unix). Application Software such as MS-Word, MS-Excel, MS-Power Point, MS-Access, MS-Outlook Express, etc.

6 Examples of Application Software You can write a term paper using word processing software. You can send messages to other people using communication software. You can schedule appointments and creates a budget using personal information management software. You can learn to play the guitar using educational software. You can create presentations that include color, sound, and video with presentation graphics software.

7 Communication Devices Communication devices are the hardware connections between different IT systems. Communication devices include modems, satellites, coaxial cable (TV cable), and optical fiber. Using the communication devices you can do the following: Connect to the Internet using Web Browsers. Transfer files between computers using FTP. Connect to other server using Telnet.

8 Processing Engine The processing engine contains 2 components: central processing unit (CPU) and internal memory. CPU is hardware that executes the software to perform a particular task for you. CPU is responsible for performing all calculations and processing information (addition and sorting). CPU also responsible for coordinating the interaction of all other hardware devices in your IT system. While the CPU is at work, it temporarily stores information and software in internal memory.

9 Information The term information technology implies that you are using technology as a set of tools to work with information. You can work with information in a variety of forms – text, sound, video, and movement. A piece of data is a known fact with a singular meaning, while information is a fact known as a result of processing data in a more meaningful way.

10 Storage Devices Storage devices are the hardware components that permanently store information and software. Storage devices include videotape, CD- ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and hard disk.

11 People The last building block in an IT system is people. The other building blocks of IT systems have been created with people in mind. Always remember you are the most important building block of an IT system. People include IT specialists who develop systems, maintain the hardware, etc.