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Chapter 01 IT, the internet, and you
Computer applications (COMP103)
Girne Amerikan Üniversitesi
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After you have read this chapter, you should be able to:
1 Explain the five parts of an information system: people, procedures, software, hardware, and data.
2 Distinguish between system software and application software.
3 Discuss the three kinds of system software programs.
4 Distinguish between basic and specialized application software.
5 Identify the four types of computers and the six types of microcomputers.
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, smartphone, and cloud computing.
Information Technology, the Internet, and You
Competencies
When microcomputers were first introduced, they were used by relatively few people to create sim- ple documents and analyze data. These comput- ers were expensive, slow, and difficult to use. Now, microcomputers are used widely throughout the world. Every day billons of peo- ple use microcomputers and the Internet socially and pro- fessionally. Today’s microcom- puters are inexpensive, very powerful, and easy to use. This chapter provides a very concise overview of computing
and the organization of this text. It presents the vari- ous features of the text including boxes presenting environmental issues and special coverage of how you can make IT work for you. Additionally, an over- view of hardware, software, and data is presented. Finally, the concept of connectiv- ity is introduced along with the Internet, Web, the wireless revo- lution, and cloud computing. To effectively start to use this text, you need to understand these things.
Why should I read this chapter?
▲ Download the free Computing Essentials 2013 app for videos, key term flashcards, quizzes, and the game, Over the Edge!
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Information Technology, the Internet, and You 5
- New ways to communicate, to find people with similar interests, and to buy goods are available. People use electronic mail, electronic commerce, and the Internet to meet and to share ideas and products. To be competent with computer technology, you need to know the five parts of an information system: people, procedures, software, hardware, and data. You also need to understand connectivity, the wireless revolution, the Inter- net, and the Web and to recognize the role of information technology in your personal life as well as your professional life.
Information Systems
W hen you think of a microcomputer, perhaps you think of just the equipment itself. That is, you think of the monitor or the keyboard. Yet, there is more to it than that. The way to think about a microcomputer is as part of an infor- mation system. An information system has five parts: people, procedures, software, hardware, and data. (See Figure 1-1 .)
People: It is easy to overlook people as one of the five parts of an infor- mation system. Yet this is what microcomputers are all about—making people , end users like you, more productive.
Procedures: The rules or guidelines for people to follow when using soft- ware, hardware, and data are procedures. These procedures are typically
Hardware includes keyboard, mouse, monitor, system unit, and other devices
Data consists of unprocessed facts including text, numbers, images, and sounds Connectivity allows computers to share information and to connect to the Internet
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documented in manuals written by computer specialists. Software and hardware manufacturers provide manuals with their products. These manuals are provided in either printed or electronic (web link) form.
- 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). For example, a payroll program would instruct the computer to take the number of hours you worked in a week (data) and multiply it by your pay rate (data) to determine how much you are paid for the week (information).
- Hardware: The equipment that processes the data to create information is called hardware. It includes the keyboard, mouse, monitor, system unit, and other devices. Hardware is controlled by software.
- Data: The raw, unprocessed facts, including text, numbers, images, and sounds, are called data. Processed data yields information. Using the previous example of a payroll program, the data (number of hours worked and pay rate) is processed (multiplied) to yield information (weekly pay). Almost all of today’s computer systems add an additional part to the information system. This part, called connectivity , typically uses the Inter- net and allows users to greatly expand the capability and usefulness of their information systems. In large computer systems, there are specialists who write procedures, develop software, and capture data. In microcomputer systems, however, end users often perform these operations. To be a competent end user, you must understand the essentials of information technology (IT) , including software, hardware, and data.
CONCEPT CHECK
What are the five parts of an information system? What is the difference between data and information? What is connectivity?
People
P eople are surely the most important part of any information system. Our lives are touched every day by computers and information systems. Many times the contact is direct and obvious, such as when we create documents using a word processing program or when we connect to the Internet. Other times, the contact is not as obvious. Consider just the four examples in Figure 1-. Throughout this book you will find a variety of features designed to help you become computer competent and knowledgeable. These features include Making IT Work for You, Explorations, Environment, Ethics, Tips, Careers in IT, and the Computing Essentials Web site.
- Making IT Work for You. In the chapters that follow, you will find Making IT Work for You features that present numerous interesting and practical IT applications. Using a step-by-step procedure, you are provided
environment
Did you know that over 10 million tons of material was diverted from landfills last year alone as a result of recycling efforts? This success is largely due to voluntary participation of people across the country, who have made “reduce, reuse, and recycle” a personal commitment. This includes recycling old com- puters, cell phones, printers, and monitors. Your participation in recycling means fewer one-use products, cleaner water, cleaner air. But recycling may someday pay off financially too. Many now see waste as a resource, and one that we shouldn’t squander by filling up the garbage can instead of the recycling bin. Imagine a future where the garbage man drops off a check for your contributions to going green. To see more environmen- tal facts, visit our Web site at computing2013.
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surfing the Web. For a partial list of the Tips presented in the following chapters, see Figure 1-4. For a complete list, visit our Web site at www .computing2013.
- Careers in IT. One of the most important decisions of your life is to decide upon your life’s work or career. Perhaps you are plan- ning to be a writer, an artist, or an engineer. Or you might become a professional in infor- mation technology. Each of the following chapters highlights a specific career in information technology. This feature pro- vides job descriptions, projected employment demands, educa- tional requirements, current salary ranges, and advancement opportunities.
- Computing Essentials Web site. Throughout the text you will find numer ous text references to the Computing Essentials Web site at http://www. computing2013. This site is carefully integrated with the textbook. At the site, you’ll find animations, career information, tips, test review materials, and much more.
Figure 1-4 Selected tips
Are you getting the most out of your computer? Here are just a few of the tips to make your computing safer, more efficient, and more effective.
####### ● 1 Online shopping. Have you ever bought anything online? If not, it’s likely that in the
future you will join the millions who have. Consider a few guidelines to make your shopping easier and safer. See page 49.
####### ● 2 Creating and updating Web sites. Are you thinking about creating your own
Web site? Perhaps you already have one and would like to spruce it up a bit. Here are a few suggestions that might help. See page 118.
####### ● 3 Buying a new computer. Are you considering a netbook or notebook? If so, then
your decision will most likely be affected by many factors. Here are some to consider. See page 166.
####### ● 4 Improving hard-disk performance. Does your internal hard-disk drive run a lot
and seem slow? Are you having problems with lost or corrupted files? To clean up the disk and speed up access, consider defragging. See page 236.
####### ● 5 Protecting your privacy. Are you concerned about your privacy while on the Web?
Consider some suggestions for protecting your identity online. See page 41. To see additional tips, visit our Web site at computing2013 and enter the keyword tips.
tips
CONCEPT CHECK
Which part of an information system is the most important? Describe the Making IT Work for You, Environment, Explorations, and Ethics features. Describe Tips, the Careers in IT, and the Computing Essentials Web site features.
Figure 1-3 Making IT Work for You applications
Application Description Twitter Create and use your own microblog to communicate with friends and family. See page 44. Digital Video Editing Create, edit, and distribute your own movies. See page 112. Virus Protection and Internet Security
Protect your computer from catching viruses and from being taken over and controlled by outside forces. See page 150. E-book Download and read electronic books using one of the most widely used e-book readers. See page 213. Cloud Storage Share large files easily and efficiently with others using the Internet and cloud storage. See page 242. To see additional applications, visit our Web site at computing2013 and enter the keyword MIW.
Information Technology, the Internet, and You 9
Software
S oftware, as we mentioned, is another name for programs. Programs are the instructions that tell the computer how to process data into the form you want. In most cases, the words software and programs are interchangeable. There are two major kinds of software: system software and application soft- ware. You can think of application software as the kind you use. Think of sys- tem software as the kind the computer uses.
System Software
The user interacts primarily with application software. System software enables the application software to interact with the computer hardware. System software is “background” software that helps the computer manage its own internal resources. System software is not a single program. Rather it is a collection of pro- grams, including the following:
Operating systems are programs that coordinate computer resources, pro- vide an interface between users and the computer, and run applications. Windows 7, Windows 8, and the Mac OS X are two of the best-known operat- ing systems for today’s microcomputer users. (See Figure 1-5 and Figure 1-6.)
Utilities perform specific tasks related to managing computer resources. For example, the Windows utility called Disk Defragmenter locates and eliminates unnecessary file fragments and rearranges files and unused disk space to optimize computer operations.
Device drivers are specialized programs designed to allow particular input or output devices to communicate with the rest of the computer system.
Application Software
Application software might be described as end user software. These pro- grams can be categorized as either basic or specialized applications. Basic applications are widely used in nearly all career areas. They are the kinds of programs you have to know to be considered computer competent.
Figure 1-5 Windows 7 operating system
Information Technology, the Internet, and You 11
Figure 1-8 IBM’s Blue Gene supercomputer
environment
Did you know that the aver- age American will own nearly 20 computers in his or her lifetime? This means not only will you purchase 20 computers for your use, but you will also discard at least that number. The disposal of old machines is becoming a great concern to communities across the globe, as many machines contain potentially toxic materials. What can you do to responsibly dispose of old technology? Many states now require manufacturers to recycle old machines, so con- tact them first. If no oppor- tunity is available through the manufacturer, check with your local recycling center, or go online to find a reputable recycling company. To see more environmental facts, visit our Web site at computing2013.
Types of Computers
There are four types of computers: supercomputers, mainframe computers, minicomputers, and microcomputers.
Supercomputers are the most powerful type of computer. These machines are special high-capacity computers used by very large orga- nizations. Fujitsu’s K computer is one of the fastest computers in the world. (See Figure 1-8 .)
Mainframe computers occupy specially wired, air-conditioned rooms. Although not nearly as powerful as supercomputers, mainframe comput- ers are capable of great processing speeds and data storage. For example, insurance companies use mainframes to process information about mil- lions of policyholders.
Minicomputers , also known as midrange computers , are refrigerator- sized machines. Medium-sized companies or departments of large com- panies typically use them for specific purposes. For example, production departments use minicomputers to monitor certain manufacturing pro- cesses and assembly-line operations.
Microcomputers are the least powerful, yet the most widely used and fastest-growing type of computer. There are six types of microcomputers: desktop, media center, notebook, tablet PC, netbook, and handheld computers. (See Figure 1-9 .) Desktop computers are small enough to fit on top of or alongside a desk yet are too big to carry around. Media centers blur the line between desktop computers and dedicated entertainment devices. Notebook computers , also known as laptop computers, are portable, lightweight, and fit into most briefcases. There are two types of tablet PCs. The traditional tablet PC is effectively a notebook computer that accepts stylus input. The newer type of tablet PC is sometimes referred to as a slate computer. This computer’s system unit is a thin slab that is almost all monitor. The best known tablet PCs are Apple’s iPad, Motorola’s Zoom, and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab. Netbooks are smaller, lighter, and less expensive than notebook computers. Handheld computers are the smallest and are designed to fit into the palm of one hand. These systems contain an entire computer system, including the electronic components, secondary storage,
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and input and output devices. Personal digital assistants ( PDAs ) and smartphones are the most widely used handheld computers. Smartphones are cell phones with wireless connections to the Internet. Their growth has been explosive in the past few years.
Microcomputer Hardware Hardware for a microcomputer system consists of a variety of different devices. See Figure 1-10 for a typical desktop system. This physical equip- ment falls into four basic categories: system unit, input/output, secondary storage, and communication. Because we discuss hardware in detail later in this book, here we will present just a quick overview of the four basic categories.
- System unit: The system unit is a container that houses most of the electronic components that make up a computer system. Two impor- tant components of the system unit are the microprocessor and memory. (See Figure 1-11 .) The microprocessor controls and manipulates data to produce information. Memory is a holding area for data, instructions, and information. One type, random-access memory ( RAM ), holds the program and data that is currently being processed. This type of memory is sometimes referred to as temporary storage because its con- tents will typically be lost if the electrical power to the computer is disrupted.
- Input/output: Input devices translate data and programs that humans can understand into a form that the computer can process. The most common input devices are the keyboard and the mouse. Output devices translate the processed information from the computer into a form that humans can understand. The most common output devices are monitors (see Figure 1-12 ) and printers.
Tablet PC
Desktop Notebook Media Center
Handheld
Netbook
Figure 1-9 Microcomputers
Explorations
To learn more about a leading manufacturer of microprocessors, visit our Web site at computing2013 and enter the keyword microprocessor.
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Figure 1-12 Monitor Figure 1-13 Optical disc
Explorations
To learn more about one of the leaders in the development of DVD technology, visit our Web site at computing2013 and enter the keyword dvd.
store programs and very large data files. Using rigid metallic platters and read/write heads that move across the platters, data and informa- tion are stored using magnetic charges on the disk’s surface. In contrast, solid-state storage does not have any moving parts, is more reliable, and requires less power. It saves data and information electronically similar to RAM except that it is not volatile. Three types are solid-state drives (SSDs) that are used much the same way as an internal hard disk, flash memory cards that are widely used in portable devices, and USB drives that are a widely used compact storage medium for transport- ing data and information between computers and a variety of specialty devices. Optical discs use laser technology and have the greatest capac- ity. (See Figure 1-13 .) Three types of optical discs are compact discs (CDs) , digital versatile (or video ) discs (DVDs) , and high-definition (hi def) discs.
- Communication: At one time, it was uncommon for a microcomputer system to communicate with other computer systems. Now, using communication devices , a microcomputer can communicate with other computer systems located as near as the next office or as far away as halfway around the world, using the Internet. The most widely used communication device is a modem , which modifies telephone com- munications into a form that can be processed by a computer. Modems also modify computer output into a form that can be transmitted across standard telephone lines.
CONCEPT CHECK
What are the four types of computers? Describe the six types of microcomputers. Describe the four basic categories of microcomputer hardware.
Information Technology, the Internet, and You 15
Figure 1-14 Four types of files: presentation, database, worksheet, and document
Data
D ata is raw, unprocessed facts, including text, numbers, images, and sounds. As we mentioned earlier, processed data becomes information. When stored electronically in files, data can be used directly as input for the system unit. Four common types of files (see Figure 1-14 ) are
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 num- bers, job titles, and other related pieces of information.
Presentation files , created by presentation graphics programs to save pre- sentation materials. For example, a file might contain audience handouts, speaker notes, and electronic slides.
Document
Worksheet
Database
Presentation
Information Technology, the Internet, and You 17
Career Description
Webmaster Develops and maintains Web sites and Web resources. See page 57. Computer trainer Instructs end users on the latest software or hardware. See page 94. Desktop publisher Creates and formats publication-ready books, magazines, newsletters, and newspapers. See page 122. Computer support specialist
Provides technical support to customers and other users. See page 152. Computer technician Repairs and installs computer compo- nents and systems. See page 184. Technical writer Prepares instruction manuals, techni- cal reports, and other scientific or technical documents. See page 219. Software engineer Analyzes users’ needs and creates application software. See page 246. Network administrator Creates and maintains computer networks. See page 279.
Figure 1-16 Careers in information technology
millions of other people and organizations located throughout the world. The Web provides a multimedia interface to the numerous resources available on the Internet. Cloud computing uses the Internet and the Web to shift many computer activities from a user’s computer to computers on the Internet. The wireless revolution and cloud computing promise the potential to dramati- cally affect the entire computer industry and how you and I will interact with computers. Each will be discussed in detail in the following chapters.
CONCEPT CHECK
Define data. List four common types of files. Define connectivity and the wireless revolution. What is a network? Describe the Internet, Web, and cloud computing.
Careers in IT
As mentioned previously, each of the following chapters highlights a specific career in information technology. Each provides specific job descriptions, salary ranges, advancement opportunities, and more. For a partial list of these careers, see Figure 1-16. For a complete list, visit our Web site at http://www. computing2013 and enter the keyword careers.
Now that you know the basic outline and important features of this book, I’d like to talk about some of the most exciting and well-paid careers in information technology.
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A LOOK TO THE FUTURE
on these features. Chapters 6 through 9 explain what you need to know about hardware. A Buyer’s Guide and an Upgrader’s Guide are presented at the end of this book for those consider- ing the purchase or upgrade of a microcomputer system.
Security and Privacy What about people? Experts agree that we as a society must be careful about the potential of technology to negatively impact our personal privacy and security. Additionally, we need to be aware of potential physical and mental health risks associated with using technology. Finally, we need to be aware of negative effects on our environment caused by the manufacture of computer- related products. Thus, Chap- ter 10 explores each of these critical issues in detail.
Organizations Almost all organizations rely on the quality and flexibility of their information systems to stay competitive. As a mem- ber or employee of an orga- nization, you will undoubtedly be involved in these infor- mation systems. In order to use, develop, modify, and maintain these systems, you need to understand the basic concepts of information systems and know how to safely, efficiently, and effectively use computers. These concepts are covered throughout this book.
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. The Evolution of the Computer Age section presented at the end of this book tracks the major developments since computers were first introduced. After reading this book, you will be in a very favorable posi- tion compared with many other people in industry today. You not only will learn the basics of hardware, software, connectiv- ity, the Internet, and the Web, but you also will learn the most current technology. You will be able to use these tools to your advantage.
Using and Understanding Information Technology
Means Being Computer Competent
The purpose of this book is to help you use and understand information technology. We want to help you become computer competent in today’s world and to provide you with a founda- tion of knowledge so that you can understand how technology is being used today and anticipate how technology will be used in the future. This will enable you to benefit from six important information technology developments.
The Internet and the Web
The Internet and the Web are considered by most to be the two most important technolo- gies for the 21st century. Under- standing how to efficiently and effectively use the Internet to browse the Web, communicate with others, and locate infor- mation are indispensable com- puter competencies. These issues are presented in Chapter 2, The Internet, the Web, and Electronic Commerce.
Powerful Software
The software that is now available can do an extra ordinary num- ber of tasks and help you in an endless number of ways. You can create professional-looking documents, analyze massive amounts of data, create dynamic multimedia Web pages, and much more. Today’s employers are expecting the people they hire to be able to effectively and efficiently use a variety of dif- ferent types of software. Basic and specialized applications are presented in Chapters 3 and 4. System software is presented in Chapter 5.
Powerful Hardware
Microcomputers are now much more powerful than they used to be. New communication technologies such as wireless net- works are dramatically changing the ways to connect to other computers, networks, and the Internet. However, despite the rapid change of specific equipment, their essential features remain unchanged. Thus, the competent end user should focus
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To prepare for your future as a competent end user, you need to understand the basic parts of an information system: people, procedures, software, hardware, and data. Also you need to understand connectivity through the Internet and the Web and to recognize the role of technology in your profes- sional and personal life.
SOFTWARE HARDWARE
Software, or programs, consists of system and application software.
System Software System software enables application software to interact with computer hardware. It consists of a variety of programs:
Operating systems coordinate resources, provide an interface for users and computer hardware, and run applications. Windows 7 and Mac OS X are the best-known microcomputer operating systems.
Utilities perform specific tasks to manage com- puter resources.
Device drivers are specialized programs to allow input and output devices to communicate with the rest of the computer system.
Application Software Application software includes basic and special- ized applications.
Basic applications are widely used in nearly all career areas. Programs include browsers, word processors, spreadsheets, database management systems, and presentation graphics.
Specialized applications focus on specific disciplines and occupations. These programs include graphics, audio, video, multimedia, Web authoring, and artificial intelligence programs.
Hardware consists of electronic devices that can fol- low instructions to accept input, process the input, and produce information.
Types of Computers Supercomputer, mainframe, minicomputer (mid- range), and microcomputer are four types of com- puters. Microcomputers can be desktop, media center, notebook (laptop computer), tablet PC (traditional and slate), netbook, or handheld (PDAs and smartphones are the most widely used handheld microcomputers).
Microcomputer Hardware There are four basic categories of hardware devices.
- System unit contains electronic circuitry, including the microprocessor and memory. Random-access memory ( RAM ) holds the program and data currently being processed.
- Input/output devices are translators between humans and computers. Input devices include the keyboard and mouse. Output devices include monitors and printers.
- Secondary storage holds data and programs. Typical media include hard disks, solid-state storage ( solid-state drives, flash memory cards, and USB drives ), and optical discs ( CD, DVD, and hi def ).
- Communication devices allow microcomputers to communicate with other computer systems. Modems modify output for transmission.
Information Technology, the Internet, and You 21
Career Description
Webmaster Develops and maintains Web sites and Web resources. See page 57. Computer trainer Instructs end users on the latest software or hardware. See page 94. Desktop publisher Creates and formats publication-ready books, magazines, newsletters, and newspapers. See page 122. Computer support specialist
Provides technical support to customers and other users. See page 152. Computer technician Repairs and installs computer components and systems. See page 184. Technical writer Prepares instruction manuals, technical reports, and other scientific or technical documents. See page 219. Software engineer Analyzes users’ needs and creates application software. See page 246. Network administrator
Creates and maintains computer networks. See page 279.
DATA
Data are the raw unprocessed facts about some- thing. Common file types include
Document files created by word processors.
Presentation files created by presentation graphics programs.
Worksheet files created by spreadsheet programs.
Database files created by database manage- ment programs.
CONNECTIVITY AND THE INTERNET
Connectivity Connectivity describes the ability of end users to use resources well beyond their desktops.
The Wireless Revolution The wireless revolution is the widespread and increas- ing use of mobile (wireless) communication devices.
Internet The Internet is the world’s largest computer net- work. The Web provides a multimedia interface to resources available on the Internet.
Cloud Computing Cloud computing uses the Internet and the Web to shift many activities from users’ computers to computers on the Internet.
CAREERS IN IT
Chapter 01 IT, the internet, and you
Course: Computer applications (COMP103)
University: Girne Amerikan Üniversitesi
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