CS 111 – Aug. 25 What is this class about? –IT = How to make computers useful for people –Understanding what goes on inside (and outside) the machine Commitment –For next day, please read Chapter 0

CS versus IT Computer science –How do we solve problems? –Classify problems; insight from solutions –How to represent information, languages –What is knowledge/information? –How to design better computing system Information Technology –An applied science –Practical goals: make money, win wars, security, safety, protect environment, etc. –How can we use the computer to accomplish ….?

Human history Agricultural age (up to ~ 1800) Industrial age (1800 – 1950) Information age ( ) –We live in an information-based society. In other words, many tasks are defined in terms of doing something with information. –People and businesses depend on IT to get things done. –Not all countries follow this timeline.

IT functions What does IT need to do? Input or capture information Store information for future use Process: manipulate information and present it in a meaningful form Output, i.e. allow retrieval of info Communicate / transmit info to another location

IT components Computer: an electronic device that can process and store information Communication network Know-how: the skills needed to make best use of the computer system Goals throughout IT: –Speed –Consistency and reliability –Precision

Business components What does a business need to do? Create something, i.e. manufacturing or service Sell it Ship it Keep track of employees, customers, inventory Communicate and coordinate all these activities. IT speeds up the process, reduces error/waste. Example: think of an airline.