Competencies (Page 1 of 2)

• Explain the five parts of an information system:

people, procedures, software, hardware, and data.
Chapter 1 • Distinguish between system software and
application software.
• Discuss the three kinds of system software
Information Technology, programs.
The Internet, and You • Distinguish between basic and specialized
application software.
• Identify the four types of computers and the four
type of microcomputers.

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McGraw-Hill/Irwin Copyright © 2008 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 2

Competencies (Page 2 of 2) Introduction

• Describe the different types of computer • Computer competency refers to acquiring computer-
hardware including the system unit, input, output, related skills
storage, and communication devices. • Microcomputers are common tools in all areas of life
• Define data and describe document, worksheet, • New forms of learning have developed
database, and presentation files. • New ways to communicate, to find people with
• Explain computer connectivity, the wireless similar interests, and to buy goods are available.
revolution, and the Internet.

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Five Parts of an Information People

System
1. People 4. Hardware • Most important part of any system
2. Procedures 5. Data • Contact is …
3. Software – Direct
– Indirect
• Computer uses
– Business & Entertainment
– Education & Medicine

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1
 Software System Software
• AKA Programs • A collection of programs-not a single program
• Two major kinds of software • Enables the application software to interact with the
– System Software hardware
– Application Software • “Background software” that helps the computer
manage its own resources

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Application Software Hardware - Types of Computers

• End-user software • Supercomputers
• Two major categories • Mainframe computers
– Basic Application or General purpose • Minicomputers (also
– Specialized applications known as mid-range
computers)
• Microcomputers

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Microcomputer Types Desktop Computers

• Desktop • Desktop computers are small enough to fit on top of
or alongside a desk yet are too big to carry around
• Notebook or laptop

• Tablet PC

• Handheld

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2
 Notebook or Laptop Computers
• Notebook computers, also known as laptop
computers, are portable, lightweight, and fit into
most briefcases
Tablet PC
• A tablet PC is a type of notebook computer that
accepts your handwriting. This input is digitized and
converted to standard text that can be further
processed by programs such as a word processor.

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Handheld Microcomputer Hardware

• Are the smallest and are also known as palm • Four basic categories of equipment:
computers. These systems typically combine pen – System Unit
input, writing recognition, personal organizational – Input/Output
tools, and communications capabilities. – Secondary Storage
• Personal digital assistants (PDA’s) – Communication
are the most widely used handheld
computer.

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System Unit Input/Output Devices

• Common input devices are the keyboard and the
mouse
• Common output devices are printers and monitors
• Two important components
– Microprocessor
– Memory

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3
 Secondary Storage
• Unlike memory, secondary storage
holds data and programs even if
electrical power is not available
• The most important types of secondary
media are floppy, hard, and optical
disks
Communications
• Communication Devices provide microcomputers
with the ability to communicate with other computer
systems across the globe
• The modem is the most widely used communication
device
• Modems modify telephone communications into a
form that can be processed by a computer
• Modems also modify computer output into a form
that can be transmitted across standard telephone
lines

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Data Document Files

• Raw, unprocessed facts • Created by word processors to save documents
• Processed data becomes information such as memos, term papers,
• Stored electronically in files and letters
– Document files
– Worksheet files
– Database files
– Presentation files

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Worksheet Files Database Files

• Created by electronic spreadsheets to analyze • Typically created by database management
things like budgets and to predict sales programs to contain highly structured and
organized data

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4
 Connectivity, the Wireless
Presentation Files
Revolution, and the Internet
• Created by presentation graphics programs to save • Connectivity
presentation materials. For example, a file might – Sharing of
contain audience handouts, speaker notes, and information
electronic slides. – Wireless
communication is
becoming popular
• Computer networks
– Connected
communication
system of computers
– Largest network is the
Internet
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Careers In IT A Look to the Future

• For a complete listing of • The Internet & Web
careers, visit • Powerful Software
www.computing2008.com • Powerful Hardware
keyword: careers
• Security & Privacy
• Organizations
• Changing Times

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Discussion Questions (Page 1 of 2) Discussion Questions (Page 2 of 2)

• Explain the five parts of an information system. What
part do people play in this system?
• What is system software? What kinds of programs are
included in system software?
• Define and compare basic and specialized application
software. Describe some different types of basic
applications. Describe some types of specialized
applications.
• Describe the different types of computers. What is
the most common type? What are the types of
microcomputers?
• What is connectivity? How are the wireless
revolution and connectivity related? What is a
computer network? What is the Internet? What is the
Web?

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