Chapter 1

Objectives:
Using Information Technology, 11e
• Discuss the Advantage and Disadvantage of

Computers.
• Describe the impact of information and
communication technology and how does it affect
Education, Health, Money, Leisure, Government, and
Careers.
• Differentiate the common Information and
Communications Technology terminology 1
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Computer Savvy /
Tech Smart
- means knowing what computers can do and what they
can’t, knowing how they can benefit you and how they
can harm you, knowing when you can solve computer
problems and when you have to call a friend.
2
How Becoming tech Smart Benefits
You?
Being informed about information technology has
practical payoffs.
• Know how to make better buying decisions
• Know how to fix ordinary computer problems

• Know how to upgrade equipment and integrate it with new
products
• Know how to use the Internet effectively
• Know how to guard against online dangers
• Know how computer knowledge can advance your career
3
What is Information
Technology?
When computer and communications
technologies are combined, the result is
Information Technology or Infotech.
4
Information technology (IT) is a general term that
describes any technology that helps to produce, manipulate,
store, communicate, and/or disseminate information. IT

merges computing with high-speed communications links
carrying data, sound, and video.
5
How do we distinguish
Computer technology and

Communications
Technology?
6
Two Parts of IT: Computers &
Communications
A computer is a programmable, multiuse machine that accepts data—raw
facts and figures—and processes, or manipulates, it into information
we can use.
Communications technology, also called telecommunications

technology, consists of electromagnetic devices and systems for
communicating over any distance.
7
Information and Communication technology affects almost
all aspects of our lives, including
education, health, finance, recreation and
entertainment, government, jobs and careers,

and your personal life.
8
Education: The Promise of More Interactive &
Individualized Learning
Education has become heavily involved in information technology.

• Information technology can be used for:
• Personalizing students’ education
• Automating tedious and rote tasks and managing classes

• Reducing instructors’ workload (course-management software)
• Graphical presentations (PowerPoint, Prezi)
• What is misuse?
• Text messaging or emailing friends during class
• Surfing the Internet for entertainment
• Doing assignments for other classes
• Sharing answers
9
Education: The Promise of More Interactive
& Individualized Learning
• Online Learning, or distance learning, is becoming common.

• Not all online schools/courses are accredited; students should check.
• Online courses are less expensive than traditional courses.

• Distance learning is available to students in rural areas.
10
Health: High-Tech for Wellness
Computers are playing important roles in our

personal lives.
• Telemedicine: Medical care via

telecommunications lets doctors treat patients

from far away.
• 3D Computer models allow accurate tumor location inside a skull; X rays,
MRIs, CT scans can be done remotely.
• Robots—automatic devices that perform functions
• ordinarily performed by human beings—permit precise microsurgery.
• Health websites provide medical information.
• Many health records are stored electronically.
11
Money & Business: Toward the Cashless Society?
Information and Com. technology is reducing the use of traditional money.

• Virtual means something that is created, simulated, or carried on
by means of a computer or a computer network.
• Virtual money includes cash-value cards, automatic transfers, and

digital money
• “Electronic wallets” (e.g., PayPal)
• Electronic payroll deposit
• Online bill paying via debit and credit cards
• Micropayments for online products and
to help charities 12
Leisure: Infotech in Entertainment & Arts
Computers can change your emotion
Information technology is being used for all kinds of

entertainment, ranging from videogames to tele-gambling. It is also
being used in the arts, from painting to photography. Let’s consider

just two examples, music and films.
• Downloading —transferring data from a remote computer to
one’s own computer.
• Netflix, Spotify, IWANT TV, HBO
13
Government & Electronic Democracy: Participating
in the Civic Realm
Information technology is helping governments to deliver services and is
affecting political activism.
• IT can help governments to improve services, including police services, which use
databases, computer systems with a collection of interrelated files.
• Online voting is becoming common.

• Information is easier to disseminate.
• Watchdog websites are growing.
• Easier fund raising from small donors.
BUT:
• Gerrymandering is becoming easier—redrawing voting districts for partisan
advantage.
• Voting machine problems can occur.
• Invasion of privacy is becoming an important issue. 14
Jobs & Careers
People now use computers to post résumés and find jobs.
• IT is used in starting new business ventures.

• IT is used to prepare résumés and find jobs on many websites.
• To help find jobs, participate in social media and write comments

on blogs (weblogs), frequently updated sites on the web
intended for public consumption that contain a writer’s
observations, opinions, images, and links to other websites.
(But be aware of privacy issues and DON’T POST inappropriate
pictures or text!) (Internet postings live forever!)
15
Jobs & Careers
• Basic computer skills are needed for most jobs:

• Know how to use a keyboard.
• Use email.
• Be able to use a word processor (usually Microsoft Word).

• Know basic spreadsheet and database software skills.
• Understand the basics of file sizes, computer memory limitations, and
network arrangements.
• Know what the basic computer system components are.
Discussion Question: Can anyone think of a career that does not require computer skills at
all?
16
Your Personal Life
Computers are playing important roles in our personal lives.

• Online relationship sites, or online dating sites, provide
electronic forums that people may join in the hope of meeting
compatible companions or mates.

• “Digital is embedded into the fiber of every aspect of our culture
and our personal lives”– public safety and security; in the home;
entertainment; finance; communications; traveling; shopping;
medical care; and so on.
17
How Computers Work: Three Key Concepts
All computer users must understand three basic principles: (1) Data is
turned into information; (2) hardware and software have their own
specific functions; and (3) all computers involve input, processing,
storage, and output, plus communications.
1. Purpose of a computer: Turning data into information

• Data: the raw facts and figures
• Information: data that has been summarized or otherwise
transformed for use in decision making
2. Hardware vs. software
• Hardware = the machinery and equipment in a computer system
• Software (programs) = the electronic instructions that tell the
computer how to perform a task (continued)
18
Information Processing Cycle
What is the Information Processing Cycle?

Input
Process
Output
Storage
Communication
19
Advantage and
Disadvantage of
Computers
Chapter 1
Society has reaped many benefits
from using computers. A user is
anyone who communicates with a

computer or utilizes the information
it generates.
21
Advantage of using
Computers
22
Advantage of using Computers:
• Speed - When data, instructions, and

information flow along electronic circuits in
a computer, they travel at incredibly fast
speeds. Many computers process billions or

trillions of operations in a single second.
• Reliability - The electronic components in

modern computers are dependable and reliable
because they rarely break or fail.
23
• Consistency - Given the same input and

processes, a computer will produce the same
results — consistently.
• Storage - A computer can transfer data

quickly from storage to memory, process it,
and then store it again for future use. Many
computers store enormous amounts of data and
make this data available for processing
anytime it is needed.
(continued)
24
• Communications - Most computers today can

communicate with other computers, often
wirelessly. Computers with this capability

can share any of the four information
processing cycle operations — input,
process, output, and storage — with another
computer or a user.
(continued)
25
Disadvantage of
using
Computers
Disadvantage of using Computers:
• Health Risks - Prolonged or improper computer

use can lead to injuries or disorders of the
hands, wrists, elbows, eyes, neck, and back.
Computer users can protect themselves from
these health risks through proper workplace

design, good posture while at the computer, and
appropriately spaced work breaks.
• Violation of Privacy - medical records, credit

reports, tax records, etc.
27
• Public Safety - Some of these unsuspecting,

innocent computer users have fallen victim to
crimes committed by dangerous strangers. Protect
yourself and your dependents from these criminals
by being cautious in e-mail messages and on Web

sites.
• Impact on Labor Force -It is crucial that workers
keep their education up-to-date. A separate
impact on the labor force is that some companies
are outsourcing jobs to foreign countries instead
of keeping their homeland labor force employed.
28
• Impact on Environment -
Impact on Environment:
Computer manufacturing processes and computer
waste are depleting natural resources and
polluting the environment.
29
Green computing involves reducing the

electricity consumed and environmental waste
generated when using a computer. Strategies that

support green computing include recycling,
regulating manufacturing processes, extending the
life of computers, and immediately donating or
properly disposing of replaced computers.
30
The Varieties of Computers
31
All Computers, Great & Small: The Categories
of Machines
Computers come in different sizes; they also function as clients and/or

servers.
• There are five basic computer sizes.
1. Supercomputers
2. Mainframes
3. Workstations
4. Microcomputers
5. Microcontrollers
1. Supercomputers
Supercomputers are used in very special situations.

• High-capacity machines with thousands
of processors that can perform more than several
quadrillion calculations per second.

• Faster and largest computer available.
• Used for government census, weather forecasting, designing aircraft,
scientific projects, etc.
• The Titan (U.S.A.) computer is currently the largest supercomputer.
• The next supercomputer generation may use nanotechnology.
33
2. Mainframes
Mainframe computers are used in many large businesses.

• Process billions of instructions per second
• Size is dependent on the use
• Water-cooled or air-cooled
• Used to be called midsize computers
• Used by banks, airlines, colleges, and the like for
millions of transactions
34
3. Workstations
Workstations are used for graphics, special effects, and

certain professional applications.
• Expensive, powerful personal computers
• Used for scientific, mathematical, engineering, computer-aided

design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
applications
• Used for designing cars, drugs, movie special effects
• Are usually connected to a network
35
4. Microcomputers
Microcomputers are used by individuals as well as businesses, and

they can be connected to networks of larger computers. There are
many types of microcomputers.
• Used either stand-alone or in a network

• Types include: desktop, tower, notebooks (laptops), netbooks,
tablets, mobile devices, personal digital
assistants (PDAs), and e-readers
36
Types of Microcomputers (1)
• Desktop and tower PCs Desktop PC Tower PC

• Notebooks & netbooks
• Tablets
Types of Microcomputers (2)
• Mobile devices & PDAs
• E-readers
• Also called embedded computers, microcontrollers are tiny,

specialized microprocessors inside appliances and automobiles They
are in microwaves, programmable ovens, blood-pressure monitors,
air bag sensors, vibration sensors, MP3 players, digital cameras,
keyboards, car systems, etc.
Servers
• The word server describes the way a computer—

whether mainframe, workstation, or PC—is used.
• A server, or network server , is a central computer that holds
collections of data (databases) and programs for connecting or

supplying services to PCs, workstations, and other devices,
which are called clients. These clients are linked by a wired or
wireless network. The entire network is called a client-server
network.
• Purpose: Hold data and programs for clients to access and to
supply services for clients. 39
IT Professions / Career
40
ICT Profession / Career
Application Development
The IT application development group typically provides leadership and overall

guidance, but the systems themselves are developed by teams consisting of users,
managers, and IT staff members.
A popular model for information systems
development is a project-oriented team

using RAD or JAD, with IT professionals
providing overall coordination, guidance,
and technical support.
42
Systems Support and Security
Systems support and security provides vital protection and

maintenance services for system hardware and software,
including enterprise
computing systems, networks,

Transaction processing
systems, and corporate IT
infrastructure.
43
User Support
User support provides users with technical

information, training, and productivity support.
The user support
function usually is called

a help desk or information
center (IC).
44
Database Administration
Database administration involves data design,

management, security, backup, and access. In small- and
medium-sized
companies, an IT support
person performs those
roles in addition to other
duties.
45
Network Administration
Network administration includes hardware and software

maintenance, support, and security. In addition to controlling user
access, network administrators
install, configure, manage,

monitor, and maintain network
applications
46
Web Support
Web support is a vital technical support function. Web support

specialists design and construct Web pages, monitor traffic, manage
hardware and software, and link Web-based applications to the
company’s
information systems. Reliable,
high-quality Web support is
especially critical for companies
engaged in e-commerce.
47
Quality Assurance (QA)
• Many large IT departments also use a quality assurance

(QA) team that reviews and tests all applications and
systems changes to verify specifications and software
quality standards.
The QA team usually is
a separate unit that reports
directly to IT management.
48
Other ICT Profession
• System Tester
• Game Tester
• Content Editor
• Search engine Optimizer (SEO) – digital marketing
49

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Objectives:

Using Information Technology, 11e

• Discuss the Advantage and Disadvantage of

• Know how to fix ordinary computer problems

store, communicate, and/or disseminate information. IT

Computer technology and

Communications technology, also called telecommunications

entertainment, government, jobs and careers,

Education has become heavily involved in information technology.

• Automating tedious and rote tasks and managing classes

• Online Learning, or distance learning, is becoming common.

• Online courses are less expensive than traditional courses.

Computers are playing important roles in our

• Telemedicine: Medical care via

telecommunications lets doctors treat patients

Information and Com. technology is reducing the use of traditional money.

• Virtual money includes cash-value cards, automatic transfers, and

Computers can change your emotion

Information technology is being used for all kinds of

being used in the arts, from painting to photography. Let’s consider

• Online voting is becoming common.

People now use computers to post résumés and find jobs.

• IT is used in starting new business ventures.

• To help find jobs, participate in social media and write comments

• Basic computer skills are needed for most jobs:

• Be able to use a word processor (usually Microsoft Word).

Computers are playing important roles in our personal lives.

compatible companions or mates.

1. Purpose of a computer: Turning data into information

What is the Information Processing Cycle?

anyone who communicates with a

• Speed - When data, instructions, and

speeds. Many computers process billions or

• Reliability - The electronic components in

• Consistency - Given the same input and

• Storage - A computer can transfer data

• Communications - Most computers today can

wirelessly. Computers with this capability

• Health Risks - Prolonged or improper computer

these health risks through proper workplace

• Violation of Privacy - medical records, credit

• Public Safety - Some of these unsuspecting,

by being cautious in e-mail messages and on Web

Green computing involves reducing the

generated when using a computer. Strategies that

The Varieties of Computers

Computers come in different sizes; they also function as clients and/or

Supercomputers are used in very special situations.

quadrillion calculations per second.

Mainframe computers are used in many large businesses.

Workstations are used for graphics, special effects, and

• Used for scientific, mathematical, engineering, computer-aided

Microcomputers are used by individuals as well as businesses, and

• Used either stand-alone or in a network

• Desktop and tower PCs Desktop PC Tower PC

• Notebooks & netbooks

• Mobile devices & PDAs

• Also called embedded computers, microcontrollers are tiny,

• The word server describes the way a computer—

collections of data (databases) and programs for connecting or

The IT application development group typically provides leadership and overall

development is a project-oriented team

Systems support and security provides vital protection and