Introduction to Information Technology

Lecture # 1

Introduction to Computers and IT

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Definition of Computer
A Computer is a combination of electronic devices used to perform following operations on data:
Input Store Process Output

So, a computer is a programmable machine that operates under the control of a set of instructions stored in its memory unit.
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Definition of Computer (cont.)

Computer is a device that accepts data (raw facts, figures etc) that is normally in unmeaningful form and converts it into information (meaninful form) after processing Processed form of data is called Output (result, information) that is necessary for decision making

Definition of Computer (cont.)

Computer is considered to be a reliable and flexible machine for performing arithmetic and logical operations through which un meaningful data can be processed quickly into valuable information

Benefit of using Computers

The benefits gained from using computers is that
It speeds up the problem solving Increases productivity Information stored in it can be accessed quickly

Characteristics of Computers
Characteristics of Computers are:
Fast Speed Reliable and Accurate Versatile Diligent (Hard Working) Data Storage Capacity Productive

Characteristics of Computers
The important characteristics of computers are:
A computer responds to a specific set of instructions in a well defined manner It can execute a prerecorded list of instructions (a program)

Computer Hardware and Software

Modern computers are electronic and digital and the actual machinery, i.e. wires, transistors, and circuits etc is called Hardware; the instructions and data that a computer operators on, are called Software

Difference between Computer and Calculator

Although a Calculator is also a device that can be used for data input, processing and Output etc, but the main difference is that a Computer can perform the Input, Processing and Output for very huge volumes of data, where as for calculators data needs to be entered again and again

Difference between Computer and Calculator (cont.)

A Computer is a functional unit that can perform substantial computation, including numerous arithmetic operations or logic operations, without human intervention during execution but in the case of Calculators human intervention is required most of the time

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Data and Information

Data is:
Collection of facts, figures which is usually not meaningful Unprocessed form of data

Information is:
Meaningful form of data Processed form of data

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Information Technology
IT (Information Technology) is a term that includes all forms of technology used to create, store, exchange, and use information in its various forms, i.e. business data, voice conversations, still images, motion pictures, multimedia presentations, and other forms, including those not yet conceived

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Information Technology (cont.)

It's a convenient term for including both telephony and computer technology in the same word. It is the technology that is driving what has often been called "the information revolution."

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Information Technology (cont.)

Information Technology refers to anything related to computing technology, such as networking, hardware, software, the Internet, or the people that work with these technologies Many companies now have IT departments for managing the computers, networks, and other technical areas of their businesses

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Information Technology (cont.)

According to the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), I.T is
The study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware

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Information Technology (cont.)

Information Technology jobs include:
Computer programming, Network administration, Computer engineering, Web development, Technical support, and occupations

many

other

related

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Information Technology (cont.)

Since we live in the "information age," information technology has become a part of our everyday lives. That means the term "IT," already highly overused, is here to stay

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Information Technology (cont.)

Clearly information technology is changing the old jobs and inventing new ones. To prosper in this environment, we will need to combine a traditional education with training in computers and communications

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