Chapter1: Basic Concepts in Information Technology Chapter2: Hardware Chapter3: Memory, Storage and Performance Chapter4: Software

Basic Concepts in Information Technology

Chapter 1

The Computer System

The computer system consists of:

1.

2.

3.

Hardware: Physical Components Software: set of instructions that tell the computer what to do and how to do it. Users: people who use the software and hardware to do something.

Information Technology

The set of tools used to: receive, process, store, retrieve, print, and transmit information in an electronic form. Information can be: text, sound, picture, or video

Types of Computers

Computers vary in performance and cost, in size and capabilities

Super Computers

Very high-speed Used in large scientific and research labs. Very expensive (millions of dollars)

Mainframes

Room-sized, expensive, highspeed, very powerful with large storage. Connected to many terminals (dumb and intelligent)

Mini Computers

Same as the mainframe but smaller in size Used instead of Personal computers when they are not adequate, and mainframes are expensive.

Personal Computers

The most popular, and not very expensive. The software that is compatible with the PC depends on the manufacturer of this PC.

Laptops

Portable and Briefcase sized As powerful as a PC but more expensive

Palmtop Computers

Portable Handheld computers. Does very simple functions, and relatively cheap. Also called Notepad.

Parts of the Computer

1.

2.

3.

4.

System Unit: the box that contains the CPU, Main Memory Drives, and power Supply. Input Devices: Devices that allow the user to enter data into the computer Output Devices: Devices that translate information after being processed into a form the user can understand. Peripherals: any hardware that is connected to a computer