more information

Pages

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Information Technology,The Internet,& You

Introduction


- Computer competency refers to acquiring computer-related skills-indispensable tools.They include how to effectively use popular application packages and the Internet.
- Fives parts of an information system : 
     1) People 
     2) Procedures
    3) Software
    4) Hardware
    5) Data
- Computer competency is important because :
      1. Microcomputers are common tools in all areas of life.
      2. New forms of learning have developed. (e.g. Web learning, Wed courses )
      3. New ways to communicate, find people with similar interest, and buy goods are available.
         (e.g. e-Bay, Facebook )

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

- A system is a set of interrelated parts( there are 5 of them) that work together to enable people to accomplish tasks more effectively by providing access to data.” (Beekman, Quinn, 2008, pg. 432). Examples, an e-mailing system (vs. snail mail), an e-learning UTM.


1.) People
     - An essential part of the system.
     - The purpose of imformation systems is to make people, or end users like you, more productive.
     - Contact with IS :
         a. Directly (Obvious; using Microsoft Word)
         b. Indirectly (on-line listening to music, medical scans)
     - Computers are used in Business, Entertainment, Education & Medicine.
     - Features that help you become computer competent and knowledgeable :
         a. Making IT work for you ( interesting and practical applications )
         b. Tips (variety of suggestions)
         c. Careers in IT ( job descriptions,employment demands, educational requirements,e.g )
         d. Computing essentials web site ( integrates the textbook with information on the Web )




2.) Procedures
     - Rules or guidelines for people to follow when using software, hardware, and data.
     - Example : To access the UTM e-learning system,you need to key-in your name and       password,click on  the file icon to download files


3.) Software
     - A program consists of the step-by-step instructions that tell the computer how to do its work.
     - Another name for programs.
     - Convert data (unprocessed facts) into information (processed facts)
     - 2 major kinds of software :  i.) System software (not a single program but a collection of  
                                                   program, consists operating systems, utilities, and device drivers)
                                                  ii.) Application software(end-user software,consists 2 major
                                                   categories which are Basic Application and Specialized Applications )


4.) Hardware
     - Consists of electronic devices that can follow instructions, accept input, process, and produce
         information.
     - Types of computers :
            i. Supercomputer (e.g. earthquake simulation )
           ii. Mainframe computers (e.g. insurance company)
          iii. Minicomputers (midrange, e.g. production department)
          iv. Microcomputer (least powerful, most widely used, e.g. desktop, notebook or laptop, tablet
                                        PC, handheld )


    - There are 4 categories of hardware devices :
         i.) System unit (electronic circuitry, e.g. microprocessor,RAM)
        ii.) Input/Output devices (e.g. keyboard,monitors)
       iii.) Secondary storage ( e.g. hard disks, flash memory cards )
       iv.) Communication devices (e.g. modem )

5.) Data
     - Raw, unprocessed fact
     - Processed data becomes information
     - Stored electronically in files : Document
                                          
   
                                                 
                                                   Worksheet

   
                                          

                                                   Database

    
                                           
                                                   Presentation

  
                                            
Connectivity and The Internet
 - Sharing of information
 - Wireless communication has widespread use
 - Computer networks connected communication system of computers
 - Largest network in the internet


                                          


No comments:

Post a Comment