csc chap1

• Computer


  An electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can accept data, process the data according to specified rules, produce results, and store the results for future use
• Information processing cycle


  The series of input, process, output, and storage activities
• Data


  A collection of unprocessed items, which can include text, numbers, images, audio, and video
• Information


  Conveys meaning and is useful to people
• Components of a computer


  • Hardware
  • Software
• Hardware


  • Electric, electronic, and mechanical components of a computer
• Hardware components


  • Input device
  • Output device
  • System unit
  • Storage device
  • Communications device
• Software


  Tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them
• Types of software


  • System software
  • Application software
• Installing software


  The process of setting up software to work with the computer, printer, and other hardware
• Advantages of using computers


  • Speed
  • Reliability
  • Consistency
  • Storage
  • Communications
• Disadvantages of using computers


  • Health risks
  • Violation of privacy
  • Public safety
  • Impact on labour force
  • Impact on environment
• Green computing


  Reducing the electricity consumed and environmental waste generated when using a computer
• Network


  A collection of computers and devices connected together, often wirelessly, via communications devices and transmission media
• Internet


  A worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals
• Reasons people use the Internet


  • Communicate
  • Research and access information
  • Shop
  • Bank and invest
  • Online trading
  • Entertainment
  • Download videos
  • Share information
• Social networking website


  Encourages members to share their interests, ideas, stories, photos, music, and videos with other registered users
• Types of computers


  • Supercomputers
  • Mainframe computers
  • Midrange computers
  • Personal computers
  • Mobile computers & mobile devices
  • Game consoles
  • Embedded computers
• Supercomputer


  • The fastest, most powerful computer, capable of processing more than one quadrillion instructions in a single second
• Mainframe computer


  • A large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously
• Midrange computer


  • Computers with processing capabilities less powerful than a mainframe computer yet more powerful than a personal computer
• Types of personal computers


  • Desktops
  • Laptops
  • Tablets
  • Smartphones
  • Wearables
• Mobile computers and mobile devices


  • Mobile computers
  • Mobile devices
• Mobile computer


  • A personal computer you can carry from place to place
• Mobile device


  • A computing device small enough to hold in your hand
• Game console


  • A mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiplayer video games
• Embedded computer


  • A special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product
• Embedded computer applications


  • Consumer electronics
  • Home automation devices
  • Automobiles
  • Process controllers and robotics
  • Computer devices and office machines
• Computer applications in society


  • Education
  • Finance
  • Government
  • Health care
  • Science
  • Publishing
  • Travel
  • Manufacturing
• Elements of an information system


  • Hardware
  • Software
  • Data
  • People
  • Procedures
  • Internet
• Careers in IT


  • Webmaster
  • Software engineer
  • Computer support specialist
  • Computer technician
  • Technical writer
  • Network administrator
• Using and understanding information technology involves browsing the web, communicating with others, locating information, creating professional looking documents, analysing massive amounts of data, creating dynamic multimedia pages, and more
• Computers are becoming more powerful and robust, with new technologies such as wireless networks having an impact, while the essential features of devices remain unchanged
• Organizations need to be careful of the negative potential effects of technology on security, privacy and ethics, while relying on quality and flexibility to stay competitive
• We are living in a fast-paced era with rapid change in information technology