chapter 1 2016

Introduction To Information Technology

1

1.1 Overview of Information Technology

a) Explain Information Technology

b) Discuss the applications of Information Technology

c) Explain different categories of computers

At the end of this topic, students should be able to:

Information Technology (IT)• Information technology or IT can be defined briefly

as the use of computer hardware and software to store, retrieve, and manipulate information.

computer hardware and software

manage

information

a) Explain Information Technology

Advantages and Disadvantages of Information Technology

Advantages Disadvantages

Advantages of Information Technology

1. Speed: Data, instructions, and

information flow incredibly fast speeds. Many computers process billions or trillions of operations in a single second.

2. Reliability: The electronic

components in computers are dependable and reliable because they rarely break or fail.


3. Consistency: A computer with the

same input will produce the same results consistently.

4. Storage: Computers store

enormous amounts of data and make this data available for processing anytime it is needed.


5. Communications: Computers today can

communicate wirelessly with other computers. This allow users to communicate with one another.

Disadvantages of Information Technology

1. Violation of Privacy: Personal and

confidential records stored on computers were not protected properly, individuals have found their privacy violated and identities stolen.

2. Public Safety: - People around the

world are using computers to share publicly their photos, videos, journals, music, and other personal information.

- They will be victims to crimes committed by dangerous strangers.


3. Impact on Labour Force: Computers have improved productivity. This will make computers replaced many labours.

4. Health Risks: - Prolonged or

improper computer use can lead to health injuries .

- Behavioral health risks are computer addiction and technology overload.


5. Impact on Environment: Computer manufacturing processes and computer waste are destroying natural resources and polluting the environment.

Applications of Information Technology

1. Education2. Finance3. Government4. Health care5. Science6. Publishing7. Travel 8. Manufacturing

b) Discuss the applications of Information Technology


FinanceLoan Processing System –

Finance Investment System– – Investors buy and sell stocks & bond online without using broker.

Online banking - - to pay bills, track personal income and expenses, manage investments and evaluate financial plans.


Health CareMedline – many web sites provide up-to-date medical fitness, nutrition or exercise information. Counter Registration System – hospitals and doctors use computers and mobile devices to maintain and access patience record.


PublishingOnline Newspaper – Use of IT allows people to read newspaper onlineOnline Magazine – Use IT allows people to read magazine onlineOnline Photo PrintingOnline Card PrintingYoutube.com


ManufacturingComputer-Aided Design (CAD) – creates , modifies, analyses and optimizes a design through the use of computer systems to increase designer productivity and design quality.Computer –Aided Manufacturing (CAM) – controls machine tools, mainly robot arms, in high-tech assembly lines.

A World of Computers• Computers are everywhere

c) Explain different categories of computers

Categories of Computers

Supercomputers

• A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful computer– Fastest supercomputers are capable of processing

more than one quadrillion instructions in a single second

Mainframes

• A mainframe is a large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously

Personal Computer

• A personal computer can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself

• Two popular architectures are the PC and the Apple– Desktop computer

Mobile Computers

Mobile Devices

Embedded Computers

• An embedded computer is a special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product

Figure shows some of the many embedded computer in cars.

Characteristics & capabilities for different categories of computers :Physical size Speed Storage (referring to

memory)Supercomputer A big room of connected processors Tens of thousands of processors

at clock speed 3.83 GHz, delivering 33.86 PetaFLOPS

Extremely large storage. Example: 3.1 PB

Mainframe Multiple racks, each the size of a fridge Dozens of processors Very large & addable storage. Example:4.6 TB

Personal computer

DesktopFits on a desk, on a lap, or in a hand.

Single processor (1.5-2.5 Ghz) Large. Example: 500 GB

Mobile computer

Mobile computer is small enough to fit easily in a briefcase or hold in your hand

- -

Mobile devices Mobile Devices such as smart phone size is fits in the palm of your hand or a pocket size

- -

Embedded computer

Size is very small. It is mounted on a circuit board and then installed in a machine or appliance using wires to carry input and output signals

- -

ReferencesLeary, T. J., & Leary, L. I. (2012).Computing essentials

2012 (Complete ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.Ismail Shaari (2008). Score A information and

communication technologyShelly, G. B., & Vermaat, M. (2012).Discovering computers:

your interactive guide to the digital world (Complete ed.). Boston, Mass.: Course Technology/Cengage Learning.

Hooi, Y. K., & Jung, L.T. (2014).Computer science for matriculation semester 1. Kuala Lumpur: Oxford Fajar SB.