INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Dr. Maha Talaat

 Chapter 1 Topics
Learning Objectives
◦ After you have read this chapter, you should be able to:
◦ 1. Explain the parts of an information system: people, procedures,
◦ software, hardware, data, and the Internet.
◦ 2. Distinguish between system software and application software.
◦ 3. Differentiate between the three kinds of system software
programs.
◦ 4. Define and compare general-purpose, specialized, and mobile
applications.
 Learning Objectives cont.
◦ 5. Identify the four types of computers and the five types of personal computers.
◦ 6. Describe the different types of computer hardware, including the system unit,
input, output, storage, and communication devices.
◦ 7. Define data and describe document, worksheet, database, and presentation
files.
◦ 8. Explain computer connectivity, the wireless revolution, the Internet, cloud
computing, and loT.
 Introduction
◦ The future of computers and digital technology promises exciting challenges and
opportunities. Powerful software and hardware systems are changing the way people
and organizations interact in their daily life and on the Internet.
◦ Purpose (why studying IT)
◦ Help users become highly efficient and effective computer users
◦ How to use:
◦ (1) apps and application software; (2) all types of computer hardware, including mobile devices
like smartphones, tablets, and laptops; and (3) the Internet.
1. Apps and application software
2. Computer hardware
◦ Mobile devices
◦ Smartphones
◦ Tablets
◦ Laptops
3. The Internet
◦ Impact of technology on privacy and the environment
◦ Role of personal and organizational ethics
 Information technology knowledge

The Mobile World, Information Technology, & Your Life

Information Technology & Your Life: The Future Now
Information Technology Is Pervasive: Cellphones, Email, the
Internet, & the E-World
The Basics of Information Technology
The Practical User: 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
 Information technology
◦Information technology refers to any technology that helps
produce, manipulate, store, communicate, and/or
disseminate information.
◦Information Technology & Your Life
◦Two Parts of IT:
◦ Computers & Communications
◦Information technology affects almost all aspects of our
lives, including education, health, finance, recreation and
entertainment, government, jobs and careers, and your
personal life.
 Information technology
◦What is Information Technology ? Define or Describe IT ?
◦Information Technology or IT” merges computing with high speed communication links carrying
data in the form of text, sound, images, video etc, from place to place over the World. The
computer systems are networked in such a way that the data / information stored / processed on
them is always available from anywhere, at any place, at any moment.
◦Information technology (IT): is any computer-based tool that people use to work with information
and to support the information and information-processing needs of an organization.
Information technology affects almost all aspects of our lives, including education, health,
finance, recreation and entertainment, government, jobs and careers
What is information technology: Information technology (IT) involves the study and application of
computers and any type of telecommunications that store, retrieve, study, transmit, manipulate
data and send information. Information technology involves a combination of hardware and
software that is used to perform the essential tasks that people need and use on the everyday
basis.
 Part 1: Computer Technology
◦ A computer is a programmable, multiuse machine that accepts data—raw facts and figures—
and processes, or manipulates, it into information we can use.
◦ Computer: a programmable, electronic device that accepts data performs operations on that
data, and outputs and stores the results
◦ What are the 4 primary operations for the computer?
◦ Input, Processing, Output, Storage Accepts Produces
data Processing information
◦ Data: raw, unorganized facts, Data: raw, unorganized facts (input) (output)
◦ Information: data that has been processed into meaningful form
◦ Input: the process of entering data into a computer; can also refer to the data itself
◦ Processing: performing operations on data that has been input into a computer to convert that
input to output. Process: to modify data
◦ Output: the process of presenting the results of processing; can also refer to the results
themselves
 Part 1: Computer Technology
◦ Storage: the operation of saving data, programs, or output for future use
◦ Communications: the transmission of data from one device to another
◦ Hardware: the physical parts of a computer
◦ System Software: Consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer
and its devices.
◦ Operating System (OS): A set of programs containing instructions that work together to coordinate
all the activities among computer hardware resources.
◦ Platform: The operating system that a computer uses sometimes and according to the processor
model.
◦ Cross-platform: A program that runs the same on multiple operating systems.
◦ What are Applications?
◦ Software that enables you to do specialized tasks.
 Part 2: Communications Technology
◦ Communications technology, also called telecommunications technology,
refers to all equipment and programs that are used to process and
communicate information.
◦ It consists of electromagnetic devices and systems for communicating over
any distance.
 Technology Uses
Education Government Finance Retail

Entertainment Health Care Science Travel

Publishing Manufacturing

11
 Information technology usage
◦Uses Of Information Technology We can see the uses and role of information
technology in our society in many fields: Information technology can be used for
Education
◦Tutoring, simulation, and avatars are also aspects of IT in education
◦Information technology can be used for Health
◦Telemedicine, Robots
◦Information technology can be used for Money & Business
◦Information technology can be used for Government & Electronic Democracy
◦Information technology can be used for Jobs & Careers
◦Information technology can be used for Personal Life
Uses of Information Technology in
Business
◦ The computer technology is vital for every functional area of an organization and IT systems are integral to
every functional area.
◦ Since the arrival of computers, the entire face of the business world has been changed. To run the different
departments of business swiftly, use of Information Technology is important and it is possible with computers
and software. The use of information technology can be seen in departments such as finance, human resources,
manufacturing, and security. Role of IT can’t be ignored.
Marketing : Marketing applications provide information about organization’s products, its distribution system,
its advertising and personal selling activities, and its pricing strategies. Marketing applications help managers to
develop strategies that combine the four major elements of marketing: Product. Promotion, Place, and Price.
Stock Exchanges : Stock markets around the world are in transition. The papers and trading floor itself is
disappearing because many stock markets launched the computerized system for online trading. Finance:
Information Technology opens the doors for traders and common people to do online purchases. Banks keep
records of all the transactions and accounts through computers. Unlike before, now the transactions and other
deals have become faster and easier.
Uses of Information Technology in
Business
◦ Banks : Computerized banking have provided several benefits. The cheques are read by MICR
Magnetic Ink Character Reader). Banks use mainframe computer / server to maintain their customer
accounts, withdrawals and deposits. Networks of ATMs (Automated Teller Machine) provide 24 hour
services. Credit card number eases the shoppers.
◦ Departmental Store : Point of sale terminal with bar-code readers speeds the sales. The prices of items
are set in the server and accessible to all sale clerks. Record of sales can be used for accounting
restocking store inventory. Security VCR (video cassette recorder) is widely used in departmental stores
to record the activities of visitors
◦ Office Automation : Office Automation (OA) refers to the movement towards automating office tasks.
An office where workers perform different tasks. The categories of activities in an office are decision-
making, data manipulation, document handling, communication, and storage.
Describe Use of Information Technology
in Industry ?
◦ Use of Computers in Industry : Computers are used to control manufacturing system and continuous
running of the machinery. These also help in monitoring temperature, pressure, check the quality and
accuracy and measure in the manufacturing process.
◦ Robots : A robot is an automatic programmable machine that moves and performs mechanical tasks.
◦ Robots are used for assembling and spray-painting cars, carrying maintenance on overhead power
cables, to test blood samples, out space experimental programs, artificial satellites, and radioactive
environments etc. Robots can work in environment that are hazardous for humans, can perform
repetitive and boring task continuously at high level of accuracy
Describe Use of Information Technology
in Medical Field ?
◦ Use of Computers in Medical Field : The computers are used in medical laboratories, researches,
scanning, monitoring, pharmacy etc.
◦ Healthcare: With Information Technology, the field of medicine and health has been seeing tremendous
improvements. For doctors, sending and receiving information, checking patients, and discussing with
other experts have become very convenient. Also, it reduces the time taken in paperwork.
◦ Patient Monitoring : To monitor critically ill patients in intensive care units. The patients have sensors
attached to them, which detect changes in heart rate, pulse rate, blood pressure, breathing and brain
activity. Computer activates alarming device to sound and alerts the medical staff if needed.
Describe Use of Information Technology
in Medical Field ?
◦ Patient Records : Computerized databases store information about patients, doctors, medicines,
chemicals and equipment. Storing information in proper order and organized records saves time and
effort.
◦ Diagnosis : One common use of computer is to scan the body of the patient. A scanner sends
electromagnetic rays through a patient’s body and sensors detect patient’s body affected bycancer. CAT
scanner passes rays over the patient; displays images that enable physicians to look beneath the patient’s
skin. As scanner passes over the patient, it displays an image of bone and tissue structure on a computer
screen.
 Describe Use of Information Technology in Education and
Explain Computer Based Training (CBT) ?
◦ Technology enables teachers to be up to date with new techniques and help their students to be updated with latest
technologies such as use of tablets, mobile phones, computers, etc. in education. Information technology not only helps
students to learn new things but also helps students of college dropouts.
Use of Computers in Education : Computers are used in many colleges to provide the methods of teaching in different
ways. The computer education is very familiar and rapidly increasing the graph of computer students. Many computer-
based educational program software are available, which students can learn to read, count, or speak a foreign language.
Software that combines the thrills of games with real information content is becoming more popular. Organizations are
using information technology in their employee training programs.
◦ How do we use computer devices in education?
◦ computer labs & classrooms, campus wireless hotspots, distance learning....e text books, presentations, papers
What is e-Learning? The e-learning is a system where learning is conducted via electronic media, typically on the
Internet.
◦ What is m-Learning? The m-learning (mobile learning) is an educational system with the help of mobile devices such
as your phone, laptop or tablet.
Describe Use of Information Technology in Employment
◦ With Information Technology, new jobs have been introduced. It creates
new jobs for programmers, hardware and software developers, systems
analyzers, web designers and many others. Information Technology has
opened an entirely new fields and thousands of jobs for IT professionals.
How do we use computer devices in your job?
◦ decision making, productivity, off-site communications
 Benefits Of Information Technology
◦ Information technology has changed our lives drastically.
◦ With the advancement in IT, one can access the system of the company from any place.
◦ There is a huge demand for IT professionals in various fields.
◦ With the advancement of information technology, the education field has transformed its outlook and has adopted a
modern way of teaching and learning.
◦ Information technology helps patients as well.
◦ In the technology world, with information technology, the drawback of time and distance in business activities has been
removed.
◦ With wireless communication mediums, news broadcasts have become so easier.
◦ Use of the internet on mobile phones, tablets, laptops, iPods, and other gadgets has been offering us unlimited access to
entertainment mediums.
◦ With the Information technology, communication between people has become cheaper, easier and faster than ever
before.
◦ With the Information technology, we have seen and understood the meaning of globalization.
 Information system

◦ What is System ? Define or Describe System ?

◦ The system is any identified and known work that accepts data /
information into itself, manipulates in the shape of certain
output(s) and delivers so that it becomes useful and meaningful.
◦ What is Information system?
◦ Information system: (IS): collects, processes, stores, analyzes,
and disseminates information for a specific purpose.
 Parts of an Information System
◦ People
◦ Hardware
◦ Procedures
◦ Data
◦ Software
◦ The Internet

An information system (Key Term) is a combination of people, procedures (key term), software (key term),
hardware (key term), data (key term), and the Internet (key term).
People and computers
 People
• people: Most important part of any system
• People (Key Term) or End Users are the most important part of an
information system but easy to overlook
• It is easy to overlook people as one of the parts of an information
system.
• Ways this text helps you become a more efficient and effective
computer users
• Making IT Work for You
• Tips
• Privacy
• Environments
• Ethics
• Careers in IT
• Procedures: The rules or guidelines for people to follow when using
• software, hardware, and data are procedures.
 Software
• A program consists of the step-by-step instructions that tell the
• computer how to do its work. Software is another name for a program or
programs. The purpose of software is to convert data (unprocessed facts) into
information (processed facts). Software/Programs
• software Tell the computer how to process data into the form you want
• There are two major kinds of software:
• System Software
• Software used by computers
• Application Software
• Software you use
 System Software
• Enables application software to interact with the computer
hardware
• Background software helps manage resources
• Collection of system programs
• Operating Systems
• Utilities
• Device Drivers
 System Software cont.
• Operating System
• Coordinates computer resources
• Provides the user interface
• Runs applications

• Embedded operating system

• Used by Smartphones and tablets
• Real-time operating systems (RTOS)

• Standalone operating system

• Used by desktops
• Networking operating systems
• Used to run networks
 System Software Continued
• Utilities
• Perform specific tasks related to
managing computer resources
• Antivirus Program
• Protects from viruses
◦ Can damage your software or hardware
◦ Comprise the security and privacy of personal
data
 Application Software
• End-user software
• Types of application software
1. General-Purpose applications
• Widely used programs
◦ Browsers
◦ Word Processor

2. Specialized applications
• More narrowly focused
◦ Web Authoring

3. Apps
• Designed for mobile devices
◦ Social media apps
 Application Software
• Application software might be described as end-user software. Three types
• of application software are general-purpose, specialized, and apps.
• General-purpose applications are widely used in nearly all career areas.
• They are the kinds of programs you have to know to be considered an efficient
• and effective end user.
• Specialized applications include thousands of other programs that are
• more narrowly focused on specific disciplines and occupations. Two of the
• best known are graphics and web authoring programs.
• Mobile apps, also known as mobile applications or simply apps, are small programs
primarily designed for mobile devices such as smartphones and for tablets.
 Hardware
◦ The equipment that processes the data to create
information is called hardware. It includes smartphones,
tablets, keyboards, mice, displays, system units, and other
devices. Hardware is controlled by software.
THE “ALL-PURPOSE MACHINE”: THE
VARIETIES OF COMPUTERS
 Hardware – Types of Computers
◦Computers come in different sizes; they also function as clients and/or servers.
◦There are five basic computer sizes.

• Supercomputers
• Most powerful computers

• Mainframe computers
• Process large amounts of data

• Midrange computers
• Servers
Supercomputer
• Personal computers
• PCs
• Five types of PCs

• Microcontrollers
 Personal Computer Types
◦ Desktop
◦ Smartphones
◦ Laptop (Notebook)
◦ Wearables
◦ Tablet
 Supercomputer
Supercomputers are the most powerful type of
computer. These machines are special, high-capacity
computers used by very large organizations.
 Other Computer Types
Mainframe computers occupy specially wired, air-conditioned rooms.
Although not nearly as powerful as supercomputers, mainframe computers are capable
of great processing speeds and data storage.
Midrange computers, also referred to as servers, are computers with
processing capabilities less powerful than a mainframe computer yet more powerful
than a personal computer.
Personal computers, also known as PCs, are the least powerful,
yet the most widely used and fastest-growing type of computer.
There are five types of personal computers: desktops, laptops, tablets,
smartphones, and wearables.
 Desktop
Desktop computers are small enough to fit
on top of or alongside a desk yet are too big to carry
around.

Laptop computers, also known as notebook

computers, are portable
and lightweight and fit into most briefcases.
Tablets, also known as tablet computers, are
smaller, lighter, and generally less
powerful than laptops. Like a laptop, tablets have
a flat screen but typically
do not have a standard keyboard.
 Smartphones, Cell Phones
Smartphones are the most widely used personal computer.
Smartphones are cell phones with wireless connections to the Internet and processing
capabilities.
Other mobile computers
include wearable devices like Apple’s Watch.

Cell Phones
Many people are not aware that their cell phone is a computer, and this
computer has many of the same components as desktops, laptops, and tablets.
At one time, cell phones had very limited power and were used almost
exclusively for making telephone calls. Now, almost all cell phones are
powerful smartphones capable of connecting to the Internet and running any number of
apps.
 Ultra-mobile PC, Pocket PC ,
Wearables
Ultra-mobile PC The ultra-mobile PC (UMP) is a small tablet
computer. It was developed by Microsoft, Intel and Samsung,
among others.
Pocket PC A pocket PC is a hardware specification for a
handheld-sized computer (personal digital assistant, PDA) that
runs the Microsoft Windows Mobile operating system.
Wearables Wearable computers, also known as wearables or
body-borne computers, are small computing devices (nowadays
usually electronic) that are worn under, with, or on top of
clothing.
 Other Computers types

◦Microcontrollers
◦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.
 Understanding Your Computer
◦ 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
◦ 3. The basic operations of a computer: All computers use 4 basic operations + communications:
◦ Input: What goes into the computer system
◦ Processing: The manipulation a computer does to transform data into information
 Basic PC System

◦Software
◦Computers use two basic types of software: system software and application software.
◦System Software—enables the computer to perform essential operating tasks and makes it possible for
application software to run.
◦Most important part: operating system (OS)
◦Some operating system options
◦Windows
◦Unix
◦Linux
◦Mac OS
◦Software
◦Application Software—enables you to perform specific tasks—solve problems, perform work, or
entertain yourself.
◦Compatibility: Application software is specific to the system software you use.
◦Linux applications won’t work on Windows.
◦Windows applications won’t necessarily work on Linux.
Storage:
◦Primary storage, or memory, is temporary storage for data waiting to be
processed
◦Secondary storage is permanent storage: media such as hard disk, DVDs, and
CDs
◦Output: What comes out—the results of processing, such as on the screen,
printouts, sound
◦Communications: Sending and receiving data
 Customizing a Desktop Computer
◦What would you need?
◦Keyboard & mouse (input hardware)
◦System unit: Inside the system cabinet (processing & memory hardware)
◦Case and power supply
◦Processor chip – the central processing unit (CPU)
◦Memory chips – random access memory (RAM) or primary storage
◦Motherboard – the system board, the main circuit board, with expansion slots to
plug in components
◦ Storage Hardware: Hard Drive, CD/DVD Drive
 Personal Computer Hardware
◦ Four basic categories of equipment
◦System Unit
◦Input/Output
◦Secondary Storage
◦Communications
◦ System Unit (key term) is the container that houses most of the electronic components that make up a
computer system.
◦ Input/Output – Input devices (key term) translate data and programs from a form humans understand
to a form computers can process; Output devices (key term) translate the processed information from
the computer into a form that humans can understand
◦ Secondary Storage (key term) – Unlike memory (key term), secondary storage holds data and
programs even after the electrical power has been turned off—examples of secondary storage include
USB drives, hard drives and optical drives
◦ Communication – one computer communicating with another computer or other computer systems
using communication devices (key term) such as a modem (key term)
 System Unit
• System Unit
• Houses most of the electronic components
• System unit: The system unit is a container that houses most of the
• electronic components that make up a computer system. Two important
components of the system unit are microprocessors and memory.

• Two important components

• Microprocessor: The microprocessor controls and
manipulates data to produce information.
• Memory
• Memory is a holding area for data,
• instructions, and information. One type, random-access
memory (RAM), holds the program and data that are
currently being processed.
• Holds data currently
being processed
• Holds the processed information before
it is output
• Temporary storage, contents are lost when power is off
 Input / Output Devices
• Input
• Translate data into computer language
• Keyboard and Mouse
• Output
• Translate computer data into usable information
• Display and Printer
 Secondary Storage
• Holds data and programs even if power is off
• Hard disk
• Solid-state storage
• No moving parts
• More reliable
• Requires less power
• Optical disc
• Laser technology
• CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray
 Communications
• Communication devices
• Provide the ability for personal computers to communicate
• Modems
• Modify audio, video and other types of data for Internet
usage
 Data
◦ Raw, unprocessed facts
◦ Processed data becomes
information
◦ Digital data is stored electronically
in files
◦ Four common types of files
◦ Document
◦ Worksheet
◦ Database
◦ Presentation
 Files
• Four common types of files are: Document,
Worksheet, Database, Presentation
• Four common types of files are
• Document: Stockbyte/Getty Images; Maciej
Czekajewski/Shutterstock
• Worksheet: Microsoft Corporation; Sam
Edwards/age fotostock
• Database: Microsoft Corporation
• Presentation: Microsoft Corporation; Zoom
Pet Photography/Image Source/Getty Images
 Files
• Document files, created by word processors to save documents such as memos, term
papers, and letters.
• Worksheet files, created by electronic spreadsheets to analyze things like budgets and to
predict sales.
• Database files, typically created by database management programs to contain highly
structured and organized data. For example, an employee database file might contain all the
workers’ names, Social Security numbers, job titles, and other related pieces of information.
• Presentation files, created by presentation software to save presentation materials. For
example, a file might contain audience handouts, speaker notes, and electronic slides.
 Document Files
◦ Created by word
processors
◦ Term papers
◦ Memos
◦ Letters
 Worksheet Files
◦ Created by electronic spreadsheets to analyze things like
budgets and to predict sales
 Connectivity and the Mobile Internet
• Connectivity
• Connectivity is the capability of your personal computer to share information with other computers.
Central to the concept of connectivity is the network. A network is a communications system
connecting two or more computers. The largest network in the world is the Internet.
• Sharing of information
• Network
• Communications system connecting two or more devices
• Central to the concept of connectivity
• Largest network is the Internet
• Web provides a multimedia interface for Internet resources It is like a giant highway that
• connects you to millions of other people and organizations located throughout
• the world. The web provides a multimedia interface to the numerous resources available on the Internet.
 The Internet, the World Wide Web,
& the “Plumbing” of Cyberspace
◦ The net, the web, and cyberspace are not the same things.
◦ Cyberspace
◦ Now the term cyberspace encompasses not only the online world and the Internet in particular but also the whole wired and
wireless world of communications in general.
◦ The Net & Web Defined
◦ The Internet (the “Net” or “net”) is a worldwide computer network that connects hundreds of thousands of smaller
networks. These networks link educational, commercial, nonprofit, and military entities, as well as individuals.
◦ The World Wide Web (the “Web” or the “web” is an interconnected system of Internet computers (called
◦ servers ) that support specially formatted documents in multimedia form. (The word multimedia, from “multiple media,”
refers to technology that presents information in more than one medium, such as text, still images, moving images, and
sound.)
 Forces of Technology
• Along with the Internet, three things that are driving the impact of technology on our lives
are cloud computing, wireless communication, and the Internet of Things.
• Three things driving the forces of technology
1. Cloud computing: uses the Internet and the web to shift many computer activities from a user’s computer to
computers on the Internet.
• Computers on the Internet
◦ Access to more resources
2. Wireless technology: has changed the way we communicate with one another. a revolution that will dramatically
affect the way we communicate and use computer technology.
• Changing the way we communicate Tablets, smartphones, wearable devices
3. The Internet of Things (IoT) is the continuing development of the Internet that allows everyday objects embedded
with electronic devices to send and receive data over the Internet.
• Continuing development of the Internet
• Allowing all types of devices to communicate
 Ethics
Most people agree that we should behave ethically. That is, we should follow a system of
moral principles that direct our everyday lives. However, for any given circumstance, people
often do not agree on the ethics of the situation. Throughout this book you will find
numerous Ethics boxes posing a variety of different ethical/unethical situations for your
consideration.

Many important ethical issues are involved in the use of information technology.
Ethics is the set of moral values or principles that govern the conduct of an individual or a
group.
3 ethical considerations resulting from development of IT:
Speed & scale affect security and personal privacy
Unpredictability—IT can be less predictable and reliable than other technologies
Complexity—computer systems can be unmanageable
 Careers in IT
• Careers in information technology ◦ Technical Writer
◦ Prepares instruction manuals, technical reports,
• Web developer, Software engineer, and other scientific or technical documents
Computer support specialist, Computer ◦ Network Administrator
technician, Technical writer, Network ◦ Creates and maintains computer networks
administrator
• Webmaster
• Develops and maintains websites and web resources

• Software Engineer
• Analyzes users’ needs and creates application software

• Computer Support Specialist

• Provides technical support to customers and other users
 A Look to the Future
◦ Using and Understanding Information Technology
• The Internet and the Web
• Powerful Software
• Powerful Hardware
• Security, Privacy and Ethics
• Organizations
• Changing Times
• The Internet and the Web: The Internet and the web are considered to be the
two most important technologies for the 21st century.
• Powerful Software: The software that is now available can do an
extraordinary number of tasks and help you in an endless number of ways.
• Powerful Hardware: Personal computers are now much more powerful than
they used to be. Cell phones, tablets, and communication technologies such as
wireless networks are dramatically
• changing the ways to connect to other computers, networks, and the Internet.
 A Look to the Future
• Privacy, Security, and Ethics What about people?
Experts agree that we as a society must be careful about
the potential of technology to negatively affect our lives.
• Organizations Almost all organizations rely on the
quality and flexibility of their information systems to stay
• competitive.
• Changing Times Are the times changing any faster now
than they ever have? Almost everyone thinks so.
• Whatever the answer, it is clear we live in a fast-paced
age.
 Open-Ended Questions
On a separate sheet of paper, respond to each question or statement.
1. Explain the parts of an information system. What part do people play in this system?
2. What is system software? What kinds of programs are included in system software?
3. Define and compare general-purpose applications, specialized applications, and apps. Describe some
different types of general purpose applications. Describe some types of specialized applications.
4. Describe the different types of computers. What is the most common type? What are the types of personal
computers?
5. What is connectivity? What is a computer network? What are the Internet and the web? What are cloud
computing, the wireless revolution, and IoT