James A.

Senn’s
Information Technology, 3rd Edition

Chapter 2

Essentials of Computing

Senn, Information Technology, 3rd Edition 1

© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Objectives

• Identify the five components of a computer

system.

• Explain the four categories of hardware and

their functions.

• Discuss the relationship between hardware and

software.

• Differentiate between an operating system and

an application program.
Senn, Information Technology, 3rd Edition 2
© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Objectives (Continued)

• Identify 10 types of software packages.

• Explain the four components of information.

• Distinguish between the users of information

technology and IT professionals.

• Describe the four types of procedures in

computer systems.

Senn, Information Technology, 3rd Edition 3

© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Objectives (Continued)

• Explain the difference between single- and

multi-user systems.

• List the 13 information-processing activities

associated with the five information-handling
functions of IT.

Senn, Information Technology, 3rd Edition 4

© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Hardware: Computing, Storing and
Communication
Definition
• Computer: An electronic system that can be instructed
to accept, process, store, and present date and
information.

• Computer System: A computer and all the hardware

interconnected with it.
– Hardware
– Programs
– Information
– People
– Procedures

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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Hardware: Computing, Storing and
Communication
Definition (Continued)

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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Hardware: Computing, Storing and
Communication
Hardware
• Hardware (computer hardware or devices): The
computer and its associated equipment.
– Input devices
– Processors
– Output devices
– Secondary storage devices

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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Hardware: Computing, Storing and
Communication
Hardware (Continued)

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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Hardware: Computing, Storing and
Communication
Hardware (Continued)

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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Hardware: Computing, Storing and
Communication
Input Devices
• Input: The data or information entered into a computer
or the process of entering data or information into the
computer for processing, storage and retrieval, or
transmission.
– Keyboards
– Point-of-sale terminals
– Mouse
– Image scanners
– Bar code scanners and wands
– Microphones
– Prerecorded sources

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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Hardware: Computing, Storing and
Communication
Input Devices (Continued)
• Bar Code: A computer-readable code
consisting of bars or lines of varying widths or
lengths.

• Wand: An input device used to read a bar code

and input this information directly into a
computer.

• Multimedia: A system that contains standard

PC features but also has the capability to
handle audio, video, animation, and graphics.
Senn, Information Technology, 3rd Edition 11
© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Hardware: Computing, Storing and
Communication
The Processor
• Processor/Central Processing Unit (CPU): A
set of electronic circuits that perform the
computer’s processing actions.

• Microprocessor: The smallest type of

processor, with all of the processing
capabilities of the control unit and ALU located
on a single chip.

• Chip: A collection of electronic components in

a very small, self-contained package.
Senn, Information Technology, 3rd Edition 12
© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Hardware: Computing, Storing and
Communication
The Processor (Continued)
• System Board (Mother Board): The system unit
in a microcomputer, located on a board
mounted on the bottom of a computer base.

• Primary Storage (Main Memory): Storage

within the computer itself. Primary memory
holds data only temporarily, as the computer
executes instructions.

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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Hardware: Computing, Storing and
Communication
Output Devices
• Output: The results of inputting and
processing data and information returned by
the computer, either directly to the person
using the system or to secondary storage.
– Control a printer
– Direct a display
– Control another device
– Generate sounds
– Initiate transmission of information

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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Hardware: Computing, Storing and
Communication
Secondary Storage Devices
• Secondary Storage (Auxiliary Storage): A
storage medium that is external to the
computer, but that can be read by the
computer; a way of storing data and
information outside the computer itself.
– Diskettes
– Zip Disks
– Hard Disks
– Optical Disks
– Magnetic Tape
Senn, Information Technology, 3rd Edition 15
© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Hardware: Computing, Storing and
Communication
Secondary Storage Devices (Continued)
• Magnetic Disks: A general term referring to two
types of storage disk: the flexible/floppy disk
and the hard disk.

• Zip Disks: Similar to diskettes, but housed in a

hard plastic case. These disks can store 70 to 175
times more and can store and retrieve data more
quickly than diskettes.

• Read Only: A type of disk that information can be

read from but not written onto.

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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Hardware: Computing, Storing and
Communication
Secondary Storage Devices (Continued)
• CD-ROM disk: Short for “compact disk – read
only memory,” an optical storage medium that
permits storage of large amounts of
information. CD-ROM disks can only be written
to and cannot be erased.

• Drive: The device containing a secondary

storage medium’s read/write unit.

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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Hardware: Computing, Storing and
Communication
Peripheral Equipment
• Peripheral Equipment: A general term used for
any device that is attached to a computer
system.

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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Programs: In Charge of the Hardware
Definition

• Software: The general term for a set of instructions that

controls a computer or a communications network.

• Program: A set of instructions that directs a computer to

perform certain tasks and produce certain results.

• Communication Program: A program that manages the

interaction between a computer system and a
communications network and the transmission of data,
programs, and information over the network.

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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Programs: In Charge of the Hardware
Definition (Continued)

• Operating System: A combination of programs that

coordinates the actions of a computer, including its
peripheral devices and memory. For example, DOS (Disk
Operating System), and Windows.

• Graphic User Interface (GUI): A link to an operating

system that allows users to use icons rather than
command words to start processing.

• Interface: The means by which a person interacts with a

computer.

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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Programs: In Charge of the Hardware
Software Packages

• Software Package: An application that focuses

on a particular subject, such as word
processing, and is sold to businesses and the
general public.

• Documentation: An instruction manual that

accompanies software. Also, a technical,
detailed written description of the specific
facts of a program.

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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Programs: In Charge of the Hardware
Software Packages (Continued)

• Spreadsheet: A table of columns and rows

used by people responsible for tracking
revenues, expenses, profits, and losses.

• Word-processing (WP) Program: A program

that allows the user to enter, change (edit),
move, store, and print text information.

• Desktop Publishing (DTP) Program: A program

that combines text and image-handling
features with document-design capabilities.
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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Programs: In Charge of the Hardware
Software Packages

• Graphics Presentation Program: A program that

translates data into visual representations using charts,
graphs, and map.

• Photo Editing Program: A program used to touch up,

remove, or add features to a digital version of
photographs.

• Illustration Program: A program in which the computer

screen becomes a drawing board on which artists
translate their ideas into visual form.

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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Programs: In Charge of the Hardware
Software Packages (Continued)

• Database Management Program: A program

that makes it possible for users to manage the
data in ways that increase accessibility and
productivity.

• Database: A collection of data and information

describing items of interest to an organization.

• Browser: Client computer program designed to

locate and display information on the World
Wide Web.
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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Programs: In Charge of the Hardware
Software Packages (Continued)

• Information System or Management

Information System (MIS):
A business information system designed to produce
the information needed for successful
management of a structured problem, process,
department, or business.

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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Programs: In Charge of the Hardware
Software Packages (Continued)

• Computer Programming Language: A series of

commands or codes that a computer can
translate into the electronic pulses that
underlie all computing activities.

• Utility Program (Utilities): Special programs

used to perform tasks that occur repeatedly
using processing.

• Custom Software: Software written specially

for a particular business.
Senn, Information Technology, 3rd Edition 26
© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Information: The Reason for Using
Information Technology
Definition
• Information: An organized, meaningful, and useful
interpretation of data.
– Data
– Text
– Sound
– Images

• Data: Raw facts, figures, and details.

• Spoken Information: Information that is conveyed by

sound.
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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Information: The Reason for Using
Information Technology
Definition (Continued)

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 People: Users and Creators of IT
Applications
Users
• User (End User): The people who uses IT in
their jobs or personal lives.
– Hands-on users
– Indirect end users
– User managers
– Senior managers

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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 People: Users and Creators of IT
Applications
Information Technology Professionals
• Information Technology Professional: A person who is
responsible for acquiring, developing, maintaining, or
operating the hardware associated with computers and
communications networks.
– Programmers
– Systems Analysts
– System Designers
– Web Designers
– Project Managers
– Network Specialists
– Trainers
– Computer Operators

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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 People: Users and Creators of IT
Applications
Information Technology Professionals
(Continued)
• Programmer/Analyst: A person who has joint
responsibility for determining system
requirements and developing and
implementing the systems.

• Data Center (Computer Center): A facility at

which large and midrange computer systems
are located. These systems are shared by
many users who are interconnected with the
system through communications links.
Senn, Information Technology, 3rd Edition 31
© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 People: Users and Creators of IT
Applications
Information Technology Professionals
(Continued)
• Computer Engineer: An IT professional who
designs, develops, and oversees the
manufacturing of computer equipment.

• Systems Engineer: An IT professional who

installs and maintains hardware.

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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Procedures: Processes to Use and
Maintain IT
Procedures
• Procedure: A step-by-step process or a set of
instructions for accomplishing specific results.
– Operations
– Backup and Recovery
– Security
– Development

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 Procedures: Processes to Use and
Maintain IT
Procedures (Continued)

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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Procedures: Processes to Use and
Maintain IT
Procedures (Continued)
• Operations Procedure: A procedure that describes how
a computer system or application is used, how often it
can be used, who is authorized to use it, and where the
results of processing should go.

• Backup Procedure: A procedure that describes how and

when to make extra copies of information or software to
protect against losses.

• Recovery Procedure: An action taken when information

or software must be restored.

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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Procedures: Processes to Use and
Maintain IT
Procedures (Continued)
• Security Procedure: A procedure designed to safeguard
data centers, communications networks, computers,
and other IT components from accidental intrusion or
intentional damage.

• Security Software: Software that is designed to protect

systems and data.

• Development Procedure: A procedure that explains how

IT professionals should describe user needs and
develop applications to meet those needs.

Senn, Information Technology, 3rd Edition 36

© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 An Introduction to Systems
Definition

• System: A set of components that interact to

accomplish a purpose.

• Single-User System (Personal Computer): An

IT system used by only one person. A system
that stands alone and is not interconnected
with other companies or shared by other
people.

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© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 An Introduction to Systems
Definition (Continued)

• Multi-user System: A communication system in

which more than one user share hardware,
programs, information, people, and
procedures.
– To share a computer
– To share hardware
– To share software
– To share information
– To share communications

Senn, Information Technology, 3rd Edition 38

© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Information Processing
Information Processing Activities
Associated with Information-handling
Functions
• Capture
– Input
– Upload/Download
• Uploading: The process by which
information is sent from a PC to a
mainframe.
• Downloading: The transfer of information
from a central system to a desktop
computer.

Senn, Information Technology, 3rd Edition 39

© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Information Processing
Information Processing Activities
Associated with Information-handling
Functions (Continued)
• Processing
– Compute
– Update
• Batch Processing: The grouping and processing
of all transactions at one time.
• Real-time Processing: The processing of each
transaction as it occurs.
– Classify
– Sort
– Summarize

Senn, Information Technology, 3rd Edition 40

© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall
 Information Processing
Information Processing Activities
Associated with Information-handling
Functions (Continued)
• Generate
– Output
– Issue

• Storage and Retrieval

– Inquire
– Store
– Retrieve

• Transmit
Senn, Information Technology, 3rd Edition 41
© 2004 Pearson Prentice Hall