Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 1: Information Technology, The Internet, and You
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Information Systems (4)
o Five parts to an information system
ƒ People – end users
ƒ Procedures – rules and guidelines to follow when using software
and/or hardware
ƒ Software – programs that convert data to information
ƒ Hardware – the equipment used
ƒ Data – raw unprocessed facts
People (6)
o Most important part of the system
o Our lives are touched every day by computers
o Different features in the book aid in competency and knowledge
ƒ Making it Work for You
ƒ Tips
ƒ Careers in IT
Software (7 )
o Programs – the instructions that tell computers how to process data
o Two types of software
ƒ System Software (8)
• Enables application software to interact with computer
hardware
• A collection of programs
o Operating system – coordinate the computers resources,
provide a user interface, and run applications (ex:
Windows XP, Mac OS X)
o Utilities – perform specific tasks related to managing
computer resources. (ex: Disk Defragmentor, Scan disk)
o Device drivers – Specialized programs that allow
input/output devices to communicate with the rest of
the computer system.
ƒ Application Software (9)
• End user software
• Two kinds – Basic and specialized
Hardware (10)
o Supercomputers
ƒ Most power type of computer
ƒ High-capacity computers
ƒ Fastest processing
ƒ Used by large organizations, usually research facilities
o Mainframes
ƒ Do not have as high of capacity or a fast processing as supercomputers
ƒ Capable of storing large amounts of data
ƒ Large corporations use these
o Minicomputers (mid-range)
ƒ Slower processing speed and less storage capacity than a mainframe
ƒ Used by medium-sized firms or departments of large corporations
ƒ Used for specialized purposes.
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Chapter Outline
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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 1: Information Technology, The Internet, and You
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o Microcomputers
ƒ Least powerful
ƒ Most widely used
ƒ Fastest growing
ƒ Four types
• Desktop
• Notebook
• Tablet PC
• Handheld
ƒ Parts (11)
• System unit –micro-processor and memory (RAM)
• Input/output devices – input (keyboard, mouse) output
(monitors, printers)
• Secondary storage – magnetic, optical, and solid state
• Communication devices – modems and network cards
Data (14)
o Raw unprocessed facts
o Stored in files
o Four types of files
ƒ Document files – created by word processors
ƒ Worksheet files – created by electronic spreadsheets
ƒ Database files – created by database management systems
ƒ Presentation files - created by presentation graphics applications
Connectivity, The Wireless Revolution, and the Internet (15)
o Connectivity is the ability of your microcomputer to share information with
other computers
o A network is the central concept of connectivity – when two or more
computers are connected
o The Internet is a largest computer network in the world.
Careers in IT (16)
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There are several different type of careers in IT.
Computer support specialist
Database administrator
Network administrator
Programmer
Software engineer
Systems analyst
Technical writer
Webmaster
A Look to the Future (17)
o Being computer competent is understanding how computer systems work and
being able to apply the technology
o The book will lead you in the path to competency
o The Internet and the Web are considered the two most important technologies
for the 21 st century
o We have powerful software that gives us uses for the computer we didn’t have
before
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Chapter Outline
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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 1: Information Technology, The Internet, and You
o We have powerful hardware. New technologies, such as wireless are changing
how we communicate and connect.
o Because of the ease of connectivity there are new types of security and
privacy issues that must be addressed.
o Computers are changing the way we do business, communicate, and live.
Chapter Outline
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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 1: Information Technology, The Internet, and You
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Information Systems (4)
o This first section is an overview of the different aspects that the text will cover.
The following aspect will be covered in greater detail in the chapter and
throughout the book.
ƒ People
ƒ Software
ƒ Hardware
ƒ Data
ƒ Procedures
People (6)
o Mention that people are the most important part of the system. We see
computers from the end-users perspective, but people can be systems
designers, programmers, support specialists, and analysts.
o You can refer to the Careers in IT section (16) to show the students all the
different types of jobs there are in field of computing.
o As end users – the book provides different features to promote computer
competency and knowledge. Highlight the following sections and explain
how they can help the students better understand computers.
ƒ Making it Work for You
ƒ Tips
Software (7 )
o Emphasize that there are two types of software - System Software, which
enables application software and users to interact with computer hardware,
and Application software, which enables the productivity of end-users and
what we typically associate as software.
o You can engage the students by asking them to name different types of
System software and Application software. Students typically will come up
with many applications, but few system software examples. You can further
the discussion by asking them why they have computers, which will help
emphasize the point that application software is the reason why we use
computers.
o Refer to the web site, www.ce2007.com , for additional research and
materials about different types of software.
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Hardware (10)
o Emphasize the basic categories of computer hardware. You can give examples
of each. Refer to figure 1-8 in the text, which shows IBM’s Blue Gene for an
example of a supercomputer and its possible uses.
o Mention that the categories are determined by their storage capacity and
processing speeds. It is also helpful to mention what types of uses a computer
in each category can have.
o Emphasize that microcomputers are the fastest growing segment of computer
hardware and run the gamut from desktops to handhelds.
Data (14)
o Refer to figure 1-15 on page 14 for examples of common file types. You can
also refer to the registry and file extensions and how they are integrated.
Teaching Tips
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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 1: Information Technology, The Internet, and You
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Connectivity, The Wireless Revolution, and the Internet (15)
o You can emphasize the ubiquity of wireless computing by listing many
different types of wireless devices. You can refer to figure 1-16 on page 16for
illustrations of the devices.
o You can emphasize the exploding growth of home networking and how most
of it is through wireless technology.
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Careers in IT (16)
o A good reference for the different types of careers is figure 1-18 on page 16.
When most students think of computers and jobs, programming is the first,
and usually only, career that comes to mind. The list on page 16 helps to
bring a broader awareness of what is out there and what may interest them.
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A Look to the Future (17)
o Being computer competent is understanding how computer systems work and
being able to apply the technology and the book will lead the students in the
path to competency.
o This section emphasizes many of the different topics that will be covered and
how they impact our lives.
Teaching Tips
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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 1: Information Technology, The Internet, and You
Key Terms
Key Term
Definition
application software (9) End user software
basic application (9) Application software that is used in nearly all careers
(See also general-purpose application)
communication device (13) Computer equipment that allows a computer to
connect to other computer systems to share data and
information.
compact disc (CD) (13) A type of optical disc that has the least storage
capacity.
computer competency (3) Having computer related skills
connectivity (15) Allows computers to connect and share information
data (4) Unprocessed facts
database file (14) typically created by database management programs
to contain highly structured and organized data.
desktop computer (11) A type of microcomputer that is small enough to fit
on top of or alongside a desk yet are too big to carry
around.
device driver (8) specialized programs designed to allow particular
input or output devices to communicate with the rest
of the computer system.
digital versatile disc (DVD) (13) A type of optical device that gives great capacity and
can be used store many different types of data. (See
also digital video disc)
digital video disc (DVD) (13) A type of optical device that gives great capacity and
can be used store many different types of data. (See
also digital versatile disc)
document file (14) Data files created by word processors to save
documents such as memos, term papers, and letters.
end user (4) The most important part of an information system.
(See also people)
floppy disk (13) A magnetized secondary storage device that is small
and can easily transport data from one computer to
another.
handheld computer (11) The smallest microcomputer that is designed to fit
into the palm of one hand. (See also palm computer)
hard disk (13) A secondary storage device that uses magnetized dust
to store the information.
hardware (5) The equipment that processes the data to create
information
high definition (hi def) (13) A type of optical disk that has great capacity.
information (4) Processed facts
information system (4) Composed of five parts: people, procedures, software,
hardware, and data.
information technology (IT) (5) Relating to computer software and hardware, and data
input device (11) Translate data and programs that humans can
understand into a form that the computer can process.
Key Terms
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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 1: Information Technology, The Internet, and You
Internet (16) The largest computer network in the world
keyboard (11) A type of input device that allows the user to input
character data into the computer.
mainframe computer (10) A type of computer that is capable of great processing
speeds and data storage.
memory (11) Holds data and program instructions for processing
the data. (See also primary storage, random access
memory)
microcomputer (10) The least powerful type of computer, yet the most
widely used and fastest-growing, type of computer.
microprocessor (11) controls and manipulates data to produce information.
midrange computer (10) Refrigerator-sized machines that medium-sized
companies or departments of large companies
typically use them for specific purposes. (See also
Minicomputer)
minicomputer (10) Refrigerator-sized machines that medium-sized
companies or departments of large companies
typically use them for specific purposes. (See also
midrange computer)
modem (13) Modifies telephone communications into a form that
can be processed by a computer.
monitor (13) A common output device that allows the use to see
what the computer is doing. (See also video display
screens)
mouse (11) A type of input device that allows the user to point
and click on items for easier operation.
network (16) A communications system connecting two or more
computers. (See also computer network)
notebook computer (11) A type of microcomputer that is portable, lightweight,
and fit into most briefcases. (See also laptop
computer)
operating system (8) Program that coordinates computer resources,
provides an interface between users and the
computer, and runs applications.
optical disk (13) A secondary storage device that uses laser technology
and has the greatest capacity.
output device (11) translate the processed information from the
computer into a form that humans can understand.
palm computer (11) The smallest microcomputer that is designed to fit
into the palm of one hand. (See also handheld
computer)
people (4) The most important part of an information system.
(See also end users)
personal digital assistant (PDA) The most widely used handheld computer
(11)
presentation file (15) created by presentation graphics programs to save
presentation materials.
Key Terms
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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 1: Information Technology, The Internet, and You
primary storage (11) Holds data and program instructions for processing
the data. (See also random access memory, memory)
printer (13) A computer output device that produces a hard copy
of data.
procedures (4) The rules or guidelines for people to follow when
using software, hardware, and data
program (4) Consist of the step-by-step instructions that tell the
computer how to do its work. (See also software)
random access memory (RAM) Holds data and program instructions for processing
(11) the data. (See also primary storage, memory)
secondary storage device (13) holds data and programs even after electrical power
to the computer system has been turned off.
service program (9) A part of the system software that perform specific
tasks related to managing computer resources. (See
also Utility)
software (4) Consist of the step-by-step instructions that tell the
computer how to do its work. (See also program)
specialized application (10) Computer programs that are narrowly focused on
specific disciplines and occupations. (See also
special-purpose application)
supercomputer (10) The most powerful type of computer that is a special
high-capacity computer used by very large
organizations.
system software (8) enables the application software to interact with the
computer hardware and helps the computer manage
its own internal resources.
system unit (11) A container that houses most of the electronic
components that make up a computer system. (See
also chassis, system cabinet)
tablet PC (11) a type of notebook computer that accepts your
handwriting and converts it to standard text that can
be further processed by .
utility (8) A part of the system software that perform specific
tasks related to managing computer resources. (See
also Service Program)
Web (16) provides a multimedia interface to the numerous
resources available on the Internet. (See also World
Wide Web)
wireless revolution (15) a revolution that is expected to dramatically affect the
way we communicate and use computer technology.
worksheet file (14) created by electronic spreadsheets to analyze things
like budgets and to predict sales.
Key Terms
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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 1: Information Technology, The Internet, and You
Crossword Puzzle Answers:
Across
Num.
1
7
10
12
13
14
Clue
Answer
The most essential part of an information system.
Coordinates computer resources.
Modifies signals for processing.
Data that has been processed by the computer.
Unprocessed facts.
Notebook computer that accepts handwritten input..
People
Operating System
Modem
Information
Data
Tablet PC
Down
Num.
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
13
Clue
Answer
Uses computers to become more productive.
Rules or guidelines to follow when using software,
hardware, and data.
Created by word processors.
Specialized programs that allow input and output
devices to communicate.
Created by database management programs.
The physical equipment of a microcomputer.
The world’s largest computer network.
Provides step-by-step instructions to the computer.
Num
Multiple Choice
Answers
Matching
Answers
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
B
B
A
B
D
D
A
C
D
D
E
F
I
H
A
C
G
B
D
J
End User
Procedures
Document Files
Device Drivers
Database Files
Hardware
Internet
Software
Open Ended Questions:
1. Explain the five parts of an information system. What part do people play in this system?
a. People: making people, or end users more productive.
Procedures: The rules or guidelines for people to follow when using software,
hardware, and data are procedures.
Software: A program consists of the step-by-step instructions that tell the
computer how to do its work. The purpose of software is to convert data
(unprocessed facts) into information (processed facts).
Hardware: The equipment that processes the data to create information is called
hardware.
Answers to End of Chapter Materials
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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 1: Information Technology, The Internet, and You
Data: The raw, unprocessed facts, including text, numbers, images, and sounds,
are called data.
b. People are surely the most important part of any information system. Our lives
are touched every day by computers and information systems.
2. What is system software? What kinds of programs are included in system software?
a. 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.
b. It consists of operating systems, utilities, and device drivers.
3. Define and compare basic and specialized application software. Describe some different
types of basic applications. Describe some types of specialized applications.
a. Basic applications, or general-purpose applications, are widely used in nearly all
career areas. They are the kinds of programs you have to know to be considered
computer competent. One of these basic applications is a browser to navigate,
explore, and find information on the Internet.
b. Specialized applications, also known as special-purpose applications, include
thousands of other programs that are more narrowly focused on specific
disciplines and occupations. Some of the best known are graphics, audio, video,
multimedia, Web authoring, and artificial intelligence programs.
4. Describe the different types of computers. What is the most common type? What are the
types of microcomputers?
a. There are four types of computers: supercomputers, mainframe, computers,
minicomputers, and microcomputers.
b. Microcomputers are the most widely used and fastest-growing, type of computer.
(10)
c. There are four types of microcomputers: desktop, notebook, tablet PC, and
handheld computers.
5. What is connectivity? How are the wireless revolution and connectivity related? What is
a computer network? What is the Internet? What is the Web?
a. Connectivity is the capability of your microcomputer to share information with
other computers.
b. The single most dramatic change in connectivity in the past five years has been
the widespread use of mobile or wireless communication devices. These wireless
applications are just the beginning of the wireless revolution, a revolution that is
expected to dramatically affect the way we communicate and use computer
technology.
c. A computer network is a communications system connecting two or more
computers.
d. The largest network in the world is the Internet. It is like a giant highway that
connects you to millions of other people and organizations located throughout the
world.
e. The Web, also known as the World Wide Web or WWW, provides a multimedia
interface to the numerous resources available on the Internet.
Answers to End of Chapter Materials
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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 1: Information Technology, The Internet, and You
Applying Technology
Focus
Ethical
Expanding Your
Knowledge
How Computer Virus
Protection Programs Work
Web Tools
Home Networking
Job Opportunities
Software Tools
TV Tuner Cards and Video
Clips
Digital Video Editing
How Internet Telephones Work
How Wireless Home Networks
Work
How Computer Virus
Protection Programs Work
How Digital Cameras Work
Writing About
Technology
Antitrust
Electronic Monitoring
HTML Source Code
Job Opportunities
Antitrust
Writing Skills
Ethical focus
1. Expanding your Knowledge exercise #1 How Computer Virus Protection Programs Work
has the students explore how Viruses work and how they affect applications, operating
systems, and networks.
2. Writing about Technology exercise #2 Antitrust has the students explore the Antitrust
cases against Microsoft and how if owning an Operating System can give its applications
an unfair advantage.
3. Writing about Technology exercise #3 Electronic Monitor has the students explore the
new technologies that are available to police and other agency, and how they relate to
personal privacy issues.
Web Tools
1. Applying Technology exercise #2 Home Networking has the student explore how to
setup a home network and get connected to the Internet.
2. Appling Technology exercise #4 Job Opportunities explores the different aspects of using
the Internet for resume building. It has the student explore the Internet for different types
of job openings and job resumes.
3. Expanding your Knowledge exercise #3 How Internet Telephones Work has the students
explore the different items needed to use Internet telephony and how it can be cost
effective to us.
4. Expanding your Knowledge exercise #4 How Wireless Home Networking Works has the
students explore how easy to install and use a home network can be. It also looks at how
easy it is to configure to can access to the Internet.
Software Tools
1. Applying Technology exercise #1 TV Tuner Cards and Video clips has the student
explore inserting clips from TV and VHS using tuner card.
2. Applying Technology exercise #2 Digital Video Editing has the student explore making
home movies. It deals with editing and distributing their own videos and clips.
3. Expanding your Knowledge exercise #1 How Computer Virus Protection Programs Work
has the students explore how Viruses work and how they affect applications, operating
systems, and networks.
4. Expanding your Knowledge exercise #2 How Digital Cameras Work has the students
compare traditional photography with how digital photography works.
Focus tables to End of Chapter materials
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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 1: Information Technology, The Internet, and You
5. Writing about Technology exercise #1 HTML Source Code has the students look at the
pros and cons of writing their own HTML code versus using a Web Authoring program.
Writing Skills
1. Appling Technology exercise #4 Job Opportunities explores the different aspects of using
the Internet for resume building. It has the student explore the Internet for different types
of job openings and job resumes.
2. Writing about Technology exercise #2 Antitrust has the students explore the Antitrust
cases against Microsoft and how if owning an Operating System can give its applications
an unfair advantage.
Focus tables to End of Chapter materials
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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 1: Information Technology, The Internet, and You
Topic Area
Applying Your Knowledge
TV Tuner Cards and
Video Clips
Digital Video Editing
Home Networking
Job Opportunities
Expanding Your Knowledge
How Computer Virus
Protection Programs
Work
How Digital Cameras
Work
How Internet
Telephones Work
How Wireless Home
Networks Work
Writing About Technology
HTML Source Code
Antitrust
Electronic Monitoring
Description
The student explores inserting clips from TV and VHS
using tuner card.
The students explore ways of making, editing and
distributing their own home videos and clips.
The student explores how to setup a home network and
get connected to the Internet.
It explains how to use the Internet to look for different
types of job openings and types of job resumes.
The students explore how Viruses work and how they
affect applications, operating systems, and networks.
The students compare traditional photography with how
digital photography works.
The students explore the different items needed to use
Internet telephony and how it can be cost effective to us.
The students explore how easy to install and use a home
network can be. It also looks at how easy it is to
configure to can access to the Internet.
The students look at the pros and cons of writing their
own HTML code versus using a Web Authoring
program.
The students explore the Antitrust cases against
Microsoft, and how if owning an Operating System can
give its applications an unfair advantage.
The students explore the new technologies that are
available to police and other agency, and how they relate
to personal privacy issues.
Topics covered in End of Chapter materials
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