Computer competency refers to acquiring computer-related skills.

Information systems are involved in many of the things we encounter

each day.
Microcomputers are common in all areas of life.
New forms of learning online provide alternatives for people to become
educated without attending a physical class.
The Web provides new ways to communicate, to find people with
similar interests, and to purchase goods.

1-2
2
People
Procedures
Software

1-3
3
Most important part of any system
Contact is
◦ Direct
◦ Indirect

Computer uses
◦ Entertainment
◦ Business
◦ Medicine
◦ Education

1-4
4
 1-5
5
Collection of programs
◦ Operating Systems
◦ Utilities
◦ Device Drivers
Enables application software to interact with the computer
hardware
Background software helps manage resources
Operating System
◦ Coordinates computer resources
◦ Provides the user interface
◦ Runs applications

Return
1-6
6
End-user software
Two major categories
◦ Basic applications
◦ Specialized applications

Return
1-7
Supercomputers
Mainframe computers
Minicomputers
Microcomputers

1-8
8
Desktop Netbooks
Media center system units Tablet PC
Notebook or laptop Handheld

Return
1-9
9
Return
1-10
10
Return
1-11
11
Return
1-12
12
Return
1-13
13
Return
1-14
14
Smallest computing devices
Combine pen input, writing
recognition, personal
organization tools and Return
communications 1-15
15
Four basic categories of equipment
◦ System Unit
◦ Input/Output
◦ Secondary Storage
◦ Communications

1-16
16
Two important components
◦ Microprocessor
◦ Memory
◦ Holds data currently
being processed
◦ Holds the processed information before
it is output
◦ Temporary storage, contents are lost when power
is off

Return
1-17
17
Input
• Keyboard
• Mouse

Output
• Printer
• Monitor
Return
1-18
18
Holds data and programs even if power is off
Hard disk
Solid-state storage
◦ No moving parts
◦ More reliable
◦ Requires less power
◦ Flash memory cards, USB drives
Optical disc
◦ Laser technology
◦ Great capacity
◦ CDs, DVDs

Return
1-19
19
Communication devices, such as modems, provide microcomputers
with the ability to communicate with other computer systems
Modems modify information so that it may be sent and received across
telephone or cable lines

Return
1-20
20
Raw, unprocessed facts
Processed data becomes
information Data
Data
Digital data is stored
electronically in files
Data
◦ Document files
◦ Worksheet files
◦ Database files
◦ Presentation files
Information

1-21
21
Created by word processors
◦ Term papers
◦ Memos
◦ Letters

Return
1-22
22
Created by electronic spreadsheets to analyze things like budgets and to
predict sales

Return
1-23
23
Typically created by database management programs to contain highly
structured and organized data

Return
1-24
24
Created by presentation graphics programs to prepare presentation
materials.
Can contain audience handouts, speaker notes, and electronic slides.

Return
1-25
25
Connectivity
◦ Sharing of information
◦ Wireless communication has widespread use

Computer networks
◦ Connected communication system of computers
◦ Largest network is the Internet

Cloud Computing
◦ Uses the Internet and the Web to shift many computer activities from a
user’s computer to computers on the Internet

1-26
26