INTRODUCTION
TO
COMPUTING
Quick Contents
An Introduction to Computing
What is Information Technology
Fields IT Graduates Can Explore
An IT/IS Professional
Jobs an IT Graduate Can Do
Skills an IT Student Should Have
General Outcome:
Identify the different possibilities of being in the field of Information
Technology to know the intended paths.
Specific Outcomes:
 Define and understand the importance of information technology
and its application.
 Recognize and appreciate the different opportunities in the IT
industry.
 Understand the role of Computing and Information Technology in
the society and different fields such as Biology, Sociology,
Government, Environment and Gaming.
AN INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING
Welcome to the World of Information Technology! Some of
you may have had introductory lessons during your Junior or
Senior Years in high schools, some may have only been
exposed to the field recently, and others may have wanted
to do something specific, and this field may be the path you
chose. Either way, I hope you all find your place in the digital
world.
Most of you may be from Gen Z, so you may have been
exposed to the digital world one way or another. Social
media, researching using the internet, or even playing LAN
games (Local Area Network) or MOBAs (Multiplayer Online
Battle Arena) with other people are one of the many things
we take for granted nowadays that most of you
experienced. Depending on which path you’ll take, you
may find out how any or all of these work.
During the course of this course, we will be looking at all the
possible options an Information Technology student can
have. You may have already been oriented as to what
paths you can take. We will delve a bit into those fields in our
future modules. Treat this course as a catch-for-all course.
In this module, we will be introducing you to the world of
Information Technology, tackling the different options an IT
student can have, and the impact of our field within the
society.
Mini-questions:
Was there ever a moment when you thought to
yourself “Technology is amazing!” If so, what was
it? If not, what is your motivation to choose this
field?
Which website or app do you use the most and
why?
WHAT IS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
IT is a term used to describe several things, the task of
gathering data and processing it into information, the ability
to disseminate information using technology, the
technology itself that permits these tasks, and the collection
of people who are in charge of maintaining the IT
infrastructure (the computers, the networks, the operating
system).
Generically, we will consider IT to be the technology used in
creating, maintaining, and making information accessible.
In other words, IT combines people with computing
resources, software, data, and computer networks.
The field can be very broad in itself, since almost all fields
can use the help of Information Technology to make their
jobs more efficient, as we will see below.
FIELDS IT GRADUATES CAN EXPLORE
EDUCATION
For less than decade, there have been many innovations in
the education field. Institutions have been offering courses,
and some free ones, on their website. An example would be
one from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
where they put all their courses online on this nifty website
(https://ocw.mit.edu/) . There’s also a forum website called
Reddit where people of similar passions and interests gather
on their small communities. One of those communities
compiled links of the best online learning centers, which you
can click below.
https://www.reddit.com/r/reddit.com/comments/cktxy/re
ddit_lets_compile_a_list_of_the_best_online/
Aside from that, with schools that are more financially
capable than others, they have been making use of
interactive tools that makes lectures more animated for
students. Sure, it does not apply to you young adults, but the
prospect of having a smartboard on your class just makes
you wonder how much more dynamic a classroom will be.
Images depicting students using SmartBoards
Alas, with our current unfortunate
circumstance with the Coronavirus
circulating globally, we have been
shunned, isolated by ourselves and our
families. Fret not, though, because the
internet is a wonderful place that lets you reach out to other
people without ever needing to do physical interactions. This
is what we’re going doing right now with Google Classroom.
Some classes also utilizes video conferencing applications
like Zoom so teachers can talk to their students, akin to a
lecture. Be strong, everyone.
Below: Image of
SICS Facebook
student
portal
page
Lastly, we’ve also been trying to automate processes
related to admission, enrolment, and payment for the
school. Some schools have already been doing this for
years, where students can just mail their requirements to the
school of their choice, pay online, and wait for an e-mail
confirmation about the next steps to do. We’ve also been
doing this in the form of student portals and Marinduque
State College facebook page to accommodate the
students within these trying times.
HEALTH
Better technology for healthcare is always better for human
longevity in the long run. We, as prospectors in the field of
Information Technology, can play a part in this. Already,
graduates of this course have developed programs
designed for information Keeping and communication
between patients and medical staff. This is becoming more
prevalent in hospitals, too, where doctors and patients can
communicate over long distances, which can give doctors
more chances to do more tasks.
We’ve also been making computers get integrated into
medical equipment for decades now. CT scans and X-ray
machines have long used computers to see what’s inside us.
We also have tubes and pills with cameras in order for
doctors to see what’s inside us without having surgery. And
in operating rooms, robots have been used for precision and
more controlled surgeries.
Top left: Medical staff performing a CT scan; Top right: Image of Billy Monger, a racecar driver who lost his legs and
go on to win 5 more races.
A company, 23andme, have been offering an Ancestry and
Health test based on the DNA sample you send to them (for
a hefty sum of money). You can see them online at
https://www.23andme.com/.
And speaking of websites, there are numerous online
websites dedicated as medical forums, where registered
personnel in the medical field can be reached out for some
advice. But this is not advisable, since the internet can be
dubious at times and a direct consultation with doctors is
always better.
ECONOMY
Most of you may have known or at least shopped in Lazada,
Shopee, or any applications similar, and no wonder. From
everyday items like shampoos and tissue, to more luxurious
items like smartphones, these applications sell items that are
cheaper than retail stores, and even cheaper during their
“sales”, or if you have coupons. Online shopping has been
with us for years now ever since the advent of the Internet
and eBay (a US-based online auction website). With online
shopping and businesses, we, as consumers, also need to
pay for them. Some of those businesses offer a payment-ondelivery option, while most of them have a plethora of
payment options, ranging from bank debit and credit cards,
to payment via PayPal and GCash. Lately, too, we have
been bartering online, as a way to alleviate ourselves of our
items in exchange for other items.
Below: Image of
Alibaba.com
For businesses, companies have been converting some of
their processes online and within their computer networks for
more efficiency. Companies with branches over long
distances can hold meetings via applications like Zoom or
Skype. Businesses looking for supplies or bulk purchases from
other companies can find websites like Alibaba.com to
establish communication with other businesses and make
transactions.
As for money, there has been
what’s called cryptocurrency
circulating the internet, where
you earn “digital monetary units”
by doing a number of tasks. One
famous example is the BitCoin.
Their value can be as high as
$7,000 per coin. Be warned,
though,
as
investing
in
cryptocurrency can be volatile
and their value can highly
fluctuate without warning, and
earning coins can take a long
time depending on your computer’s Graphical Processing
Unit (GPU).
LEISURE/ENTERTAINMENT
The Internet has been the facilitators of many things,
including businesses, education, and for our own personal
entertainment.
Most people with a smartphone and a connection on the
internet would probably open Facebook, Twitter, or
Instagram first thing in the morning, and that, in part, may be
because of our want to be connected with our social circle
constantly. Humans are social creatures, and social media
sites and apps satiate that part of our humanity.
Fun fact: On
Justice League,
Superman’s
mouth is pure
CG because the
actor refused to
shave
his
moustache.
The internet can also bring us together in the
form of games. Already, some fairly old
Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing
Games (MMORPGs) available only on
computers have been ported to smartphones like
MU and Ragnarok, since the younger generation
have better access to smartphones. Multiplayer Online
Battle Arenas (MOBAs) like Defense of the Ancients (DotA)
and League of Legends (LoL) have been with us for years,
but recently Mobile Legends have been dominating our
culture as our go-to game. Other prominent multiplayer
games include First Player Shooter (FPS) games like Counter
Strike Global Offensive (CSGO) and Battle Royale Games
like Player Unknown’s BattleGrounds (PUBG) and Rules of
Survival (RoS).
As for the entertainment field, this decade has shown us
state-of-the-art special effects on movies and some games.
Michael Bay has been an internet meme when it comes to
movies, for a reason. His movies are
known to have explosive special
effects. The Marvel movies are not
something to scoff at, too. Their
movies are chock full of special
effects. You can see this more
prominently with Spiderman in his
recent Marvel movies. Whenever he
dons his mask and suit, he becomes
pure CG (Computer Generated).
GOVERNMENT AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Below: Image of
Isko
Moreno’s
patrol in Divisoria
Some of you may have probably gone out of your way to
get your birth certificate from PSA. Since we’re on an island
province, some of our governmental requests can only be
done on the mainland. Thankfully, some of these processes
can be done online. Our government has been giving their
citizens for request for delivery of documents like birth
certificates, and the chance to pay online, i.e. for Civil
Service Exam Application and NBI clearance.
Communication and
transparency of our
government officials is
more apparent, too.
They have been using
our social media as
platforms for their feats
and accomplishments,
and can also be used
by the people as a
place to criticize them.
MANUFACTURING
Ever since the industrial revolution in the 18th century, there
has been a boost in production, and it has only gotten
faster. The introduction of precise movements of
mechanical limbs in manufacturing has given the industry
more flexibility in making smaller products, and it is apparent
in motherboards, where its
made
of
layers
of
copperboards separated
by glass.
Left: Image of
motherboard
manufacturing
Other manufacturers have given workers equipment for
ease of production. From conveyor belts, to big vats to mix
and cook vast amounts of products into one, to automatic
packaging of goods.
Right: Image of a
yakult production
facility
RESEARCH
Bottom Left Image:
Large Hardron
Collider
Bottom Right Image:
Mice Galaxies taken
by Hubble
Telescope
Programmers and tech-savvy people play a huge role in the
research field, where their prowess in making simulations
and machines to get what researchers want to see into is
needed. One of the more famous examples is the
construction of the large hadron collider in Switzerland,
where researchers try to collide subatomic particles with
each other at high speeds to gleam at the secrets of said
particles. Another is the launch of the Hubble Telescope in
space which accelerated space research and broadened
our view of the observable universe.
AN IT/IS PROFESSIONAL
Profession - A profession is something a little more than a job,
it is a career for someone that wants to be part of society,
who becomes competent in their chosen sector through
training; maintains their skills through continuing professional
development (CPD); and commits to behaving ethically, to
protect the interests of the public.
IT professionals do a number of different tasks. They are the
people who test, build, install, repair, or maintain the
hardware and software associated with complex computer
systems in one or more locations.
Individuals who earn a computer information systems
degree may pursue a wide variety of information systems
careers. Information systems professionals have active roles
in businesses, assessing and implementing technology to
meet the needs of their organizations.
JOBS AN IT GRADUATE CAN DO
HARDWARE ENGINEER
Software:
The
programs
and
other
operating
information used
by a computer
Hardware:
The
physical
parts
of
a
computer
i.e.
monitors,
keyboards.
Hardware engineers draw on computer engineering to
develop hardware, either for use within an organization, or
as a product to be sold commercially. Hardware engineers
work in teams with other technology professionals and
scientists to design, build, and troubleshoot existing
computer hardware or entirely new hardware. Hardware
engineers work with the goals of maximizing technological
efficiency, minimizing issues and errors, and meet current
technological needs.
NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR
Network administrators implement and maintain network
software and hardware, fix network problems, and ensure
network security, availability, and performance standards.
They also optimize existing systems to reduce costs and
increase productivity, as well as install, optimize, and secure
new systems. Network administrators typically work with a
team of other IT professionals with unique specializations.
SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR
Systems administrators are responsible for the installation
and maintenance of the resources on that network. The
system administrator’s role covers hardware, software, and
system configuration. Computers might include mainframe,
minicomputers, and personal computers, as well as network
servers. The system administrator should also be familiar with
multiple operating systems as it is likely that the organization
has computers of several platforms
DATA ARCHITECT
Database:
An organized set
of data held in a
computer which
can
be
accessed in a
variety of ways.
The main goal of data architects is to ensure that data in a
system or database is accurate and readily accessible.
More than just administering a system, data architects must
employ knowledge and analytical skills to determine if data
is being handled in the best, most efficient way possible, and
what methods can be implemented to improve existing
systems. Data architects work alongside other IT
professionals in teams.
SOLUTIONS ARCHITECT
Solutions architects rely on technological knowledge and
critical thinking to assess an organization’s technological
needs and goals, and to develop and implement a plan
toward reaching those goals. Solutions architects
communicate between various departments in an
organization to determine what solutions need to be in
place, and how to make them happen.
COMPUTER NETWORK ARCHITECT
Intranet:
A
private
network
only
accessible within
a group or an
orgznization.
Computer network architects may work with local area
networks, wide area networks, or intranets. Computer
network architects, plan for maintenance and updates of
computer networks, to ensure that networks function
efficiently and remain technologically up-to-date.
Individuals in this field may work for computer network
service firms, or directly within a specific corporation or
agency.
SITE RELIABILITY ENGINEER
HTML:
HyperText Markup
Language
is a
standardized
system that uses
tags to design a
webpage
CSS:
Cascading
Style
Sheet is used to
help format and
design websites in
an orderly fashion.
COMPUTER SYSTEMS ANALYST
JavaScript:
A
programming
language used to
create interactive
effects within web
browsers.
Return
Investment:
Site reliability engineers maintain, update, and troubleshoot
websites for their employer, to guarantee that the website
remain functional and do not suffer from interruptions. Site
reliability engineers utilize a variety of programming
language, including HTML, Javascript, and CSS, as well as
website management technologies. Site reliability engineers
work alongside teams in their organizations to keep the
website in alignment with organizational goals, and to keep
it up-to-date in relation to the rest of the web.
on
A
performance
measure used to
evaluate
the
efficiency of an
investment with its
net profit.
Computer systems analysts draw on business and technical
expertise to evaluate a company’s computer systems and
procedures, with the goal of recommending strategic
changes to increase productivity, lower costs, and achieve
other objectives.
Computer systems analysts design and program computer
system updates or closely oversee the development team.
Those without a programming background collaborate with
the software development department to implement
changes. The main objective of a computer systems
analysts is maximizing the return on investment of a
company’s IT budget.
DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR
Data Administrators are responsible for organizing and
managing an organization’s data, making sure that data is
accurate and available and that database performance
meets organizational requirements.
Database administrators make sure that software and
hardware is maintained, allowing for vital information to be
easily stored, accessed, and utilized. Database
administrators also help guarantee security of data, and
work alongside teams of other IT professionals.
DATA SCIENTIST
Data scientists direct the gathering and application of data
for a variety of organizations, including corporations and
government agencies.
Data mining:
The process of
examining large
databases
in
order
to
generate
new
information. (i.e.
line
graphs,
statistical
information)
Data scientists approach the retrieval, storage, and
implementation of data and data systems from a broad
view. Rather than just focusing on the architecture of
database systems, their administration, or the specific
methods used to store and convey data, data scientists
work to develop large-scale models of how an organization
relates to its data. Individuals in this field consider methods
of data mining, methods of storage and conveyance,
hardware and software, trends in data, and niche
applications of data.
Data scientists work alongside teams of other
professionals, often taking a directorial approach.
IT
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE DEVELOPER
Business intelligence developers oversee databases and
information systems with the goal of optimizing the storage,
implementation, and flow of data in corporations.
Business intelligence developers must draw on a large pool
of skills and knowledge to complete a variety of tasks,
including coding and designing systems, troubleshooting
systems, analyzing data systems, and managing teams of IT
professionals. Individuals in this field combine aspects of
computer and information technology fields with business
administration.
DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS ENGINEER
Jack of All trades
(master of none):
A person who can
do many different
types of work byt
who
is
not
necessarily
very
competent at any
of them.
DevOps engineers function as a “jack of all trades” in
regards to databases and information systems in
organizations.
DevOps engineers work in a variety of technical areas within
their organizations, utilizing a broad set of knowledge and
skills. DevOps engineers often work with IT teams to oversee
areas of concern such as database architecture and
maintenance, web and software development, information
security, cloud storage and maintenance. DevOps
engineers must have a wide knowledge of current
technology and trends, as well as strong communication
skills
WEB DEVELOPER
Web developers collect or create web content and plan
website layouts and navigation, as well as coding for web
pages. They also test and optimize a website for user
experience and optimum performance.
Web developers draw on expert knowledge in
programming languages used for the web to develop frontend and back-end aspects of websites and applications.
They need to be highly proficient with HTML, Javascript, and
CSS, and should be familiar with server-side programming
languages to develop more complex applications. Web
developers typically work in teams alongside web designers
and other IT professionals.
INFORMATION SECURITY ANALYST
Information security analysts develop and implement
computer security strategies and systems to protect vital
information from computer crime and cyber warfare.
Information security analysts monitor networks for security
breaches and, when required, respond to attacks with
countermeasures. Information security analysts must
understand the current state of threats in the field, the needs
of their employers, and current systems available for
combating threats to information security. Information
security analysts also educate employees on computer
security.
COMPUTER SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Computer technical support specialists draw on a general
knowledge of computer systems, hardware, and software,
as well as knowledge of specific products, to alleviate
technological issues. Some individuals in this field work for
technical support service companies, while others work
within corporations or agencies. Computer technical
support specialists must maintain up-to-date knowledge of
current technologies and technological issues.
IT MANAGER
Information technology managers oversee the IT needs of
an organization.
Information technology managers typically supervise IT
service teams within corporations or agencies. They engage
with solving IT problems through troubleshooting, updating
and implementing technology, and assessing the
technological needs of their organization. IT managers draw
on
knowledge
from an information
technology
background, as well as a business management
background.
COMPUTER FORENSICS
Cryptology:
The study of codes
and the art of
writing and solving
them.
Aside from technical skills learned in IT or computer science
programs, one would need practical knowledge in
operating systems, computer security, computer storage,
software applications, cryptology, and possibly both
programming languages and software engineering.
Additionally, strong analytical skills are an essential.
A person who works in computer forensics is not just securing
computer systems or looking for evidence of break-ins and
tampering. Instead, one must provide evidence in
computer crime cases to the law enforcement agencies
that might hire you. Therefore, you must understand how to
build a case and how to identify, collect, preserve, and
present evidence in a legal manner.
MOBILE APPLICATION DEVELOPER
Mobile application developers create applications for
mobile devices, such as iPhones and Androids.
Programming
Language:
A set of commands
used together to
create programs
and applications.
Mobile application developers utilize multiple programming
languages to optimize application functioning on a variety
of mobile platforms. Individuals in this field may find diverse
project and employment opportunities, including optimizing
mobile versions of existing applications, designing game
apps, or designing functional lifestyle apps.
PROGRAMMING/SOFTWARE ENGINEER
Software engineers design, develop, test, and optimize
computer programs used in areas such as operating
systems, business applications, network control systems,
video games, and social networks.
The field encompasses a wide range of careers and
professional roles. Some software engineers may work on
specialized software or projects for niche companies, while
others may work on software for networks and databases,
for large groups or government agencies. Software
engineers typically work in teams with other engineers, as
well as administrators.
USER INTERFACE ENGINEER
User interface designers work to ensure that software
functions smoothly and logically for users and consumers.
User interface designers operate within a software
development team to design, create, and troubleshoot the
user interface aspects of software. User interface designers
rely on technical knowledge, familiarity with a variety of
programming languages, critical thinking, and ingenuity to
ensure that the user experience for software is not
hampered by a poorly designed interface.
APPLICATIONS ARCHITECT
Applications architects ensure individual software projects
follow the organization’s application development
methodology and parameters. They also ensure the project
fits a company’s technology infrastructure and business
strategy.
Typically, large companies employ applications architects
to work with a diverse set of existing applications that need
to be integrated with numerous new application
development projects. Based on an employer’s design
standards, applications architects design components of
applications, including middleware, interface, and
infrastructure.
CLOUD SOLUTIONS ARCHITECT
Cloud-based:
Services or
resources
available to users
on demand via
the internet from a
cloud computing
server/s
Cloud solutions architects design solutions for companies
seeking to move their IT infrastructure and services from onpremise servers to a cloud-based storage solution.
Cloud solutions architects define the cloud structure for a
company and work with business analysts to make sure the
architecture is in line with business requirements. They also
make sure the cloud service provides high availability,
scalability, and fault tolerance. Cloud solutions architects
manage cloud infrastructure and ensure that private and
public clouds interface well.
Cloud solutions architects must have an understanding of
the basics of enterprise architecture, including how to
configure information technology assets around the needs
of a company; they also need to have an expert
understanding of service-oriented architecture (SOA).
COMPUTER TECHNICIAN
The computer technician is often someone who will work
directly on computer hardware installation, repair, and
troubleshooting. Experience and skill may be gained in other
ways such as by putting together computers from parts as a
hobby. The computer technician will have to understand
the role of the various pieces of hardware in a computer
system and understand the electrical engineering
technology behind it—such as testing whether a device is
receiving power. Skills might include wiring/soldering, using
various electrical tools, and troubleshooting.
GAME DEVELOPER
Software bug:
An error, flaw, or
fault in a computer
program or system
that causes it to
produce an
incorrect or
unexpected result.
Game developers spend their time programming and
developing games. This includes programming console,
computer, and mobile video games. They design, program,
and test games. That includes designing characters and the
environment in 2D or 3D, making them move using
programming, and testing them out for potential bugs. Most
games are done by a team, with each part of the team
dedicated to design, one in programming, one in UI design,
and many others.
SKILLS AN IT STUDENT SHOULD HAVE
Skill
Troubleshooting,
problem solving
Knowledge of
operating systems
System level
programming
System security
Hardware
Description
Example
Poor processor
Detect a problem
performance
Diagnose its cause
Disk space full
Find a solution (fixing it)
Virus
Operating system
installation
Application software
Verions of linux, unix,
installation
windows, mac OS
User account creation
System monitoring
Manipulating
Scripts
configuration files for
programs
system services
Configuring a system
firewall
Installing antivirus /
Ensuring proper system
antimalware software
security is in place
Examining log files for
Following or drafting
evidence of intrusion
policies for users
and system security
Monitoring for threats
holes
Keeping u with the
latest security patches
Installing and
Replacing CPUs and
configuring new
disk drives
hardware
Connecting network
Troubleshooting,
cables to network
replacing or repairing
hubs, switches, routers
defective hardware
There probably is not a prototypical IT student. But an IT
student should: (Fox, Richard)
1. Enjoy playing around with the computer—not just using
it, but learning how it works, learning how to do things on it
at the system level
2. Enjoy learning on your own—liking the challenge of
figuring things out, especially new things
3. Think that technology is cool—to not be afraid of
technology but to embrace it in all of its forms
4. Enjoy troubleshooting
References:
Books:
Fox, R, 2013. Information Tehnology: An Introduction for Today’s Digital World, CRC Press,
London
Williams, B & Sawyer, S, 2014, Using Information Technology: A Practical Introduction to
Computers & Communications, McGraw Hill, New York, U.S.A.
Images:
Cover Image
https://jooinn.com/coding-and-programming-computer-science-and-it.html
CT scan
https://www.radiologyinfo.org/gallery-items/images/virtual-colonoscopy-technologistct082.jpg
Billy Monger
https://www.goodblogscdn.com/sites/www.rollingwithoutlimits.com/post_images/cropped/
3559.jpg?v=1548267661
Mobile Legends
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9e/Mobilelegends.png
Articles:
WHO Standard List of Equipments
https://www.who.int/medical_devices/survey_resources/medical_device_technical_specific
ations_armenia.pdf
Mayo Clinic Robotic Surgery
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/robotic-surgery/about/pac-20394974
23andme Website
https://www.23andme.com/
Cryptocurrency
https://cointelegraph.com/bitcoin-for-beginners/what-are-cryptocurrencies
Mining Cryptocurrency
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/mine-ethereum-090005159.html
Psychology of Social Media
https://buffer.com/resources/psychology-of-social-media/
Mayor Isko Divisoria
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/metro/699692/mayor-isko-moreno-clearsdivisoria-of-street-vendors/story/
Motherboard Manufacturing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylk6VMBLrvM
Yakult Manufacturing
https://www.animetric.net/yakult-philippines-factory-tour.html