LESSON 1

• Information Technology (IT) System


  Systems that process, store, and transfer diverse forms of data using binary digits, including computers, telecommunications networks, and other electronic devices
• Information Technology (IT) systems


  • Integral to the modern "Information Age"
  • Revolutionize how we handle information, offering speed, flexibility, and global connectivity
  • Shape the 21st century similarly to how the industrial revolution shaped its era
• Computer


  A system that manipulates data according to a set of instructions
• Elements required for a computer to perform useful tasks

  • Hardware
  • Software
  • Computer's user
• Hardware


  Devices and components that make up a computer system, including internal parts and external peripheral devices
• Software


  Computer programs that provide instructions for the computer to follow
• Operating System (OS)


  Basic software environment established on a computer
• User interface


  Allows the user to control the computer system and create data files
• Input and output devices


  Interface between the user and the computer
• Operating system


  Interfaces between hardware and software applications
• How a computer processes commands and data

  1. User selects a command

  2. Software application receives the command and converts it into instructions stored in system memory (RAM)

  3. CPU retrieves instructions or data from memory and processes it

  4. CPU writes the result back to memory and directs other components to perform actions
• Binary digits (1s and 0s)


  Represent all instructions and data processed by a computer
• CPU


  • Can process billions of binary instructions per second, giving the illusion of being able to "think"
• Four main functions of a computer system

  • Input
  • Processing
  • Output
  • Storage
• Networking


  Allows computers to exchange data, can be thought of as a special class of input and output
• Personal Computer (PC)


  Versions of the IBM PC developed in 1981, based on Intel's microprocessor (x86 architecture) and operated directly by the end user
• Most home and office PCs are still based on the IBM PC design and x86 platform, often associated with Microsoft's Windows OS</b>
• Hardware and software for PCs are typically developed with Windows compatibility in mind
• Personal computers have evolved into smaller, portable devices like tablets and smartphones, which use different hardware platforms and operating systems
• The shift to smaller, portable devices, along with the rise of the Internet, has led to the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), integrating processing and communication capabilities into everyday appliances and systems
• Desktop and workstation computers


  • Components are attached to a motherboard within the computer's case, with peripheral devices connected via ports
  • Essential peripherals include input devices (mouse, keyboard) and an output device (monitor), while others like speakers, microphone, and printer are optional
• Desktops


  Advantageous due to their customizable design, allowing for higher or lower specification components to suit different tasks
• Workstation-class computer


  Has higher specs, such as more powerful CPU and more system memory, processes data faster
• Factors influencing a PC's performance

  • CPU speed
  • System memory
  • Main storage drive capacity
  • Optional components
  • Quality of peripherals
• All-in-one desktop PC


  Computer components (except keyboard and mouse) are contained within the monitor case
• Server


  Powerful computer that supports a number of users simultaneously in a computer network
• Servers


  • Use more powerful and reliable components than desktops, making them more expensive
  • Need to be very reliable, achieved by using high quality components and redundancy
  • Designed to be easy to expand and upgrade
• Laptop computer


  Integrates the display, system components, and input/output devices within a single, portable case
• Main features distinguishing laptops from desktop PCs

  • Size and weight
  • Display type
  • Input devices
  • Power source
  • Components
  • Networking
• Notebooks and subnotebooks

  Small laptops
• Desktop replacements


  Bigger laptop models
• Ultrabook


  Laptop meeting a particular Intel specification for performance, size/weight, and battery life
• Hybrid laptops


  Can be used like a tablet as well as like a traditional laptop
• Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM)


  Companies producing PCs and laptops, sourcing components from manufacturers and assembling them into branded systems
• Major global PC and laptop vendors

  • Dell
  • Hewlett-Packard (HP)/Compaq
  • Lenovo
  • Acer
  • Huawei
  • Samsung
  • Sony
  • Toshiba
  • Asus
  • Apple
  • Chromebook vendors
• Server computer vendors

  Dell, HP Enterprise (HPE), Lenovo
• Smartphone


  Device with roughly the same functionality as a personal computer that can be held in one hand
• Tablet


  Hybrid device that can function as both a laptop and a tablet
• Main smartphone and tablet vendors

  • Apple
  • Samsung
  • LG
  • HTC
  • Huawei
  • Motorola/Lenovo
  • Microsoft
  • Nokia
  • Sony
  • Amazon
• Internet of Things (IoT) device


  Consumer electronics devices at home and office that are connected to each other and the Internet