Introduction
Information technology is a growing field that offers relatively secure positions for those with solid technical skills and at least a bachelor's degree in an IT-related field. From support to engineering, there are several specializations that deal with the various facets of information technology.
The field of information technology (IT) covers the design, administration and support of computer and telecommunications systems. Some of the positions in this field include database and network administrators, computer support specialists, computer scientists, software programmers and system analysts. The majority of career tracks in IT entail design and operational tasks related to computer hardware components, networks and software applications.
Professionals in the IT field work with businesses and organizations to set up and support viable computer networks that will keep systems efficient and reliable. IT encompasses all hardware and software used in the storing, creation and accessing of information. Examples of technologies that professionals work with are firewalls, databases, media storage devices, networks and the Internet.
About IT
WHAT IS INFORMATION?
Information is data processed for some purpose Information can only be considered to be 'real' Info if it meets certain criteria i.e.
- It must be communicated to the recipient
- It must be in a language that is understood
- It must be in a suitable form
- It must be relevant for achieving some purpose Information is data processed for some purpose Information can only be considered to be 'real' Info if it meets certain criteria i.e.
- It must be communicated to the recipient
- It must be in a language that is understood
- It must be in a suitable form
- It must be relevant for achieving some purpose
Information is any form of communication that provides understandable and useful knowledge for the person receiving it.
WHAT IS COMPUTER?
A computer is a general purpose, programmable device that is used for the production and processing of information capable of calculating and storing results
Computers, however, can be used for almost any purpose :
- typewriter
- video editor
- accounts tracker
- database/address book
- DVD / CD Player
- and many others…
TYPES OF COMPUTER
Mainframe ComputerMinicomputer
Personal Computer (Microcomputer / Desktop)
Laptop
Network Computer / Server
HOW COMPUTERS PROCESS INFORMATION?
*the blackbox model*
The computer accept inputs (data)
The input is translated into binary numbers and ‘processed’
The process produces output (information)
This sequence can repeat endlessly: outputs can be inputs!
COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
Computer Systems are made up of: Hardware – the physical parts Software - the instructions or programs that control the hardware The Human Being – the brains behind the whole system
COMPUTER HARDWARE COMPONENTS
Hardware – The System Unit The central component of the system
The Processor (CPU) Types include Intel Pentium series, Celeron, AMD Athlon Chip at the heart of the computer- does the calculations Speed is very important – measured in gigahertz (GHz): the faster the processor the more calculations performed per second.
Memory A computer must be able to store its calculations and programs Two types of memory: “Volatile” and Permanent. Measured in bytes One byte = 8 bits
Random Access Memory (RAM) Used by the Computer as the working area Holds the working program, the data being processed and the interim results Volatile - contents are erased if power is cut Can be accessed randomly: can get any piece of data directly. Faster than permanent storage Not to be confused with ROM (Read-Only Memory)
Storage - Hard Disk Permanent Memory - records and stores all programs and data / information magnetically Larger than RAM - average 500 – >1000 GB Slower - involves mechanical movement (read/write head, revolving disk)
Other types of Storage Floppy Disks CD/DVD ROM Zip Drive Magnetic Tape Handy Drive Solid State Drive
COMPUTER SOFTWARE COMPONENTS
Software - The generic name of all programs
Made up of code interpreted by the hardware
Written in programming languages - Java, C, C++, Perl
Two kinds of Software:
System Software - concerned with the computer itself: devices, file and storage management, error correction
Operating System(OS)
- the main piece of system software
- the driving program of the computer
- communicates between all programs and the hardware
- controls timing and sequence of events
- manages data to ensure security and integrity
- Examples: Windows, Mac OS, Unix
Applications Software - gives the computer its general purpose nature Used for the things you want the computer to do
Common Examples - Word, Excel, Internet Explorer
Applications can be more specialised: e.g. Architecture package
Problems with Software Software is complex Difficult to test comprehensively Can have bugs Symptoms of bugs – hanging – crashes Security – Hacking – Virus
DO's AND DON'Ts
- DO give the computer room to breathe keep it in a dry place dust free shut down properly keep removable storage away from the screen
- DO give the computer room to breathe keep it in a dry place dust free shut down properly keep removable storage away from the screen
- DON’T block air vents eat or drink while using the computer expose to extremes of temperature just switch off move while the computer is in operation
- DON’T block air vents eat or drink while using the computer expose to extremes of temperature just switch off move while the computer is in operation
