Basic Concepts in Information Technology

The Computer System

n  The computer system consists of:

1.      Hardware: Physical Components

2.      Software: set of instructions that tells the computer what to do and how to do it.

3.      Users: people who use the software and hardware to do something.

Information Technology

n  The set of tools used to: Receive process, store, retrieve, print, and transmit information in an electronic form.

n  Information can be: text, sound, picture, or video

Types of Computers

n  Computers vary in performance and cost, in size and capabilities

v  Super Computers

n  Very high-speed

n  Used in large scientific and research labs.

n  Very expensive (millions of dollars)

v  Mainframes

n  Room-sized, expensive, high-speed, very powerful with large storage.

n  Connected to many terminals (dumb and intelligent)

v  Mini Computers

n  Same as the mainframe but smaller in size

n  Used instead of Personal computers when they are not adequate, and mainframes are expensive.

n   

v  Personal Computers

n  The most popular, and not very expensive.

n  The software that is compatible with the PC depends on the manufacturer of this PC.

v  Laptops

n  Portable and Briefcase sized

n  As powerful  as a PC but more expensive

v  Palmtop Computers

n  Portable Hand-held computers.

n  Does very simple functions, and relatively cheap.

n  Also called “Notepad”.

Parts of the Computer

1. System Unit: the box that contains the CPU, Main Memory Drives, and power Supply.
2. Input Devices: Devices that allow the user to enter data into the computer
3. Output Devices: Devices that translate information after being processed into a form the user can understand.
4. Peripherals: any hardware that is connected to a computer