HCS 135: INTRODUCTION TO

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

DR. G. MAHLANGU
Overview of the module

THE MODULE SECTION A- SECTION B-

IS DIVIDED INFORMATION INFORMATION
INTO TWO TECHNOLOGY LITERACY
SECTIONS:
 Overview of information technology

Computer hardware
Computer software
Computer networks
Internet
Module
Computer security and ethics
outline
Practical sessions: MS word, Ms
Excel, Ms Database, Ms Presentation
Computer
A computer is an electronic device,
operating under the control of
instructions stored in its own memory,
that can accept data, process the data
according to specified rules, produce
results, and store the results for future
use.
Data and information

 Datais a collection of unprocessed items,

which can include text, numbers, images,
audio, and video. Information conveys
meaning and is useful to people
Information technology

 Information technology- refers to

hardware, software, databases,
telecommunication technologies
and other information processing
technologies that manipulate data
resources into useful information
products.
Computer program

 A computer program is a
sequence of instructions written
using a Computer Programming
Language to perform a specified
task by the computer.
Hardware
 computer hardware is the physical
components that a computer system requires to
function
Software
 Software is a set of instructions, data or programs used
to operate computers and execute specific tasks.
 OPERATIONS OF A COMPUTER

A computer performs the following three

operations in sequence.
 It
receives data & instructions from the input
device
 Processes the data as per instructions.
 Provides the result (output) in a desired
form.
ADVANTAGES OF A COMPUTER

 High speed
 Accuracy
 Storage capability
 Diligence
 Versatility
 Reliability
 Automation
 Reduction in paperwork and costs
DISADVANTAGES
STUDENTS TO STATE THE DISADVANTAGES
OF COMPUTERS
END