Introduction to IT Essentials of Computing Lecture – 02

2 Hardware: Computing, Storing and Communication Definition 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

3 Hardware: Computing, Storing and Communication Definition (Continued)

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

5 Hardware: Computing, Storing and Communication Hardware (Continued)

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7 Hardware: Computing, Storing and Communication Input 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

8 Hardware: Computing, Storing and Communication The 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.

9 Hardware: Computing, Storing and Communication The 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.

10 Hardware: Computing, Storing and Communication Output 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

11 Hardware: Computing, Storing and Communication Secondary 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

12 Hardware: Computing, Storing and Communication Secondary 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.

13 Hardware: Computing, Storing and Communication Secondary 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.

14 Hardware: Computing, Storing and Communication Peripheral Equipments Peripheral Equipment: A general term used for any device that is attached to a computer system.

15 Programs: In charge of the Hardware Definition 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.

16 Programs: In charge of the Hardware Definition (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.

17 Programs: In charge of the Hardware Software 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.

18 Programs: In charge of the Hardware Software 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.

19 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.

20 Information: Reason for using IT Definition (Continued)

21 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

22 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

23 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

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

25 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.

26 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.

27 An Introduction to Systems Definition 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.

28 An Introduction to Systems Definition (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

29 Information Processing Information 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.

30 Information Processing Information 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

31 Information Processing Information Processing Activities Associated with Information-handling Functions Generate – Output – Issue Storage and Retrieval – Inquire – Store – Retrieve Transmit

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