Information Technology: Today

• Information Technology (IT) involves using computer systems or devices to access information.
• IT is a significant part of the workforce, business activities, and daily access to information.
• IT integrates computing technology and information processing.

Technology Revolution: Today

• Enabling technology is part of today's tech revolution.
• Personal computers have affected work (mobile computing), home life (Internet access), and leisure (email, chat, online gaming).
• Telemedicine is part of the technology revolution
• Cashless society is part of the technology revolution

IT Competency for Employees

• Employers seek basic IT skills like word processing.
• Employers seek e-mail experience
• Spreadsheet skills are also needed, as well as presentation software skills.
• Employers seek basic database skills such as database management

The Digital Divide

• 120 million people are considered "knowledge workers" because their jobs involve interacting with information.
• Over 100 million people are not "IT Competent."
• Some people lack basic IT skills such as using computers, software, and digital tools.

Knowledge Workers

• Knowledge workers must be able to use, manipulate, and broadcast information in an information society.

What is a Computer?

• The word "computer" comes from the Latin word 'computare,' meaning to calculate.
• A computer is a programmable electronic device that retrieves, stores, and processes data.
• Computers consist of hardware (processor, memory, keyboard, etc.) and software (applications, operating systems, browsers, games, etc).
• Data is unorganized facts without context.
• Information is structured, organized, and meaningful data.
• Computers convert raw data into meaningful information.

Functions of a Computer System

• Computers perform input, processing, output, and storage.

Input

• The input function involves how data gets into the computer with devices such as keyboard, mouse, microphone, and scanner.

Processing

• The central processing unit (CPU) processes data from input devices and memory based on programmed instructions
• Processing is the core function, enabling calculations, rendering graphics, and running programs.

Output

• Processed information is sent to output devices i.e. monitors, speakers, and printers, for user interaction.

Storage

• Computers store information temporarily using temporary and permanent storage components.
• Temporary storage (RAM) is erased when the system shuts down; it stores running applications and data.
• Permanent storage (hard disk, external drives, USB drives, CD/DVD) retains data even after shutdown computers usually have at least a hard disk.

Computer Characteristics

Speed

• Computers calculate faster and more accurately than humans, performing millions of instructions per second or calculations in micro and nano seconds.
• Computer speed is measured in GigaHertz and MegaHertz

Diligence

• Computers can work tirelessly for hours without resting and sustain accuracy and concentration.
• Computers memory capability surpasses humans

Accuracy

• Low chance of errors when a computer performs an operation.
• Errors occur due to incorrect data submission.

Reliability

• Computers consistently produce the same output for the same input.
• Computers can do a variety of operations and calculations fast and accurately.

Versatility

• Computers perform various tasks with the same accuracy, doing multiple things at once through high capacity.

Memory

• Computer memory can store millions of records.
• Memory capacity is measured in Bytes, Kilobytes(KB), Megabytes(MB), Gigabytes(GB), and Terabytes(TB)
• Primary memory (built-in memory) and secondary storage (removable devices) are types of computer data storage.

Automation

• AI-based tech enables computers to perform tasks automatically after instructions are programmed.
• Automation can replace thousands of workers and achieved by scripts and batch processing.

Explaining Computers

• Computers are electronic devices that store, retrieve, and process data based on instructions.
• Computers are used in operations including computing, automation, and data storage.
• Computers help with tasks like creating documents, sending emails, printing, and editing.

How Computers Process Data

• Computers convert raw data into meaningful information.
• The process has four phases: input, processing, output, and storage.

Four Phases of the Computing Process

Input

• Data is entered into the computer and are the starting point of the cycle.
• Users provide data or commands using input devices.
• Input can be done through typing, clicking, scanning, and voice search.

Processing

• Computers process the received input
• The CPU processes data from input, turning it meaningful and is the brain of the computer

Output

• Computers deliver processed information.
• Output devices display the final product.

Storage

• Data is stored for future use..
• RAM is a temporary storage that keeps data while the computer is running.
• Hard drives are permanent storage, retaining data when devices are off with USB and cloud storage as examples.

Elements of a Computer System

Hardware

• Hardware are the physical, tangible parts of a computer.
• These components are electronic or mechanical instruments

Hardware Types

• the four types of hardware depend on their actions
• Input Hardware for data entry (keyboard, mouse, scanner)
• Output Hardware for translating and displaying data processing (monitor screen, printer)
• Processing and Memory Hardware for data manipulation
• Secondary Storage Hardware for storing data permanently (hard disk, pendrive)

Software

• Software includes the programs/computer instructions that help users to perform specific tasks that they would like to do

The people factor

• The element of 'people' interacting with the computer, known as "liveware."

Procedures

• Procedures are set of instructions in code for computer tasks.

Data

• Data are the raw facts and figures entered into the computer.
• Data transform into organized information when processed through the computer system.

Connectivity

• Connectivity allows computers to link to networks for information & file sharing.
• Computers can connect through LAN, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and satellites.

History of Computing

• Computing is any task a computer performs with calculations by taking data as input and processing for a result
• The earliest computing was done counting and calculations with sticks, stones and bones.

Early Computing Devices

Abacus

• The abacus was first used in China around 3000 BC and known as Abaci/Abacuses.
• An abacus is made with wires or rods on frame which allow digits to be moved as calculations.
• An abacus is used for basic calculations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Napier's Bones

• John Napier created Napier’s Bones, a manually operated calculator with ivory strips marked with numerals to multiply and divide.
• Napiers Bones were the first machine to calculate using the decimal point system.

Slide Rule

• A Slide Rule is a device for performing calculations mechanically with scales for multiplication, division, square roots, and trigonometric functions.
• The slide rule was essential in science, engineering, business, and industry until portable electronic calculators became common in the late 20th century.
• Edmund Gunter devised an early logarithmic rule to guide seamen with nautical calculations.
• William Oughtred designed the first adjustable logarithmic rule in 1632, with an inner sliding rule invented by Robert Bissaker in 1654.

Pascaline

• Pascaline was invented in 1642 by Biaise Pascal
• It was the first mechanical and automated calculator
• Pascaline was a wooden box with gears and wheels inside.

Stepped Reckoner

• Invented in 1673
• A German mathematician named Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz improved Pascal's Pascaline
• The stepped reckoner was also known as the Leibniz wheel because it used fluted drums instead of gears.

Difference Engine

• Created in the 1820's
• Made by Charles Babbage
• A mechanical computer for basic computations that runs off steam to numerical tables like logarithmic tables

Analytical Engine

• Created in 1830
• Made by Charles Babbage
• A mechanical computer using punch cards and which could perform almost all mathematical operations and store data

Tabulating Machine

• Invented by Herman Hollerith in 1890.
• The Tabulating Machine was mechanical and punch card-based.
• It could compute statistics and record/sort data, being ultimately manufactured into IBM in 1924.

Differential Analyzer

• The first electrical computer invented in 1930 by Vannevar Bush.
• It used vacuum tubes to perform 25 calculations in a matter of minutes.

Mark 1

• Planned by Howard Aiken in 1937 and constructed in 1944, made by IBM and Harvard.
• It could perform massive calculations using enormous numbers.

Five Computer Generations

First Generation (1940-1956): Vacuum Tubes

• Vacuum tubes and magnetic drums for memory
• Used machine language and could only solve single problems in time
• The inputs are based on punched cards and paper tapes, displayed on printouts.
• Their operations were limited due, slow operating speed, high power consumption, needing large spaces for installation as well as low programming capabilities

Second Generation(1957-1963): Transistor

• This generation used assembly languages like COBOL and FORTRAN, replacing vacuum tubes with transistors that were smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient.
• Transistors replaced the bulky electric tubes in the first generation of computers around 1955.
• Manufacturing was low and the size considerably reduced.
• The second-generation computers still used punched cards and printed outputs.
• In this generation, key components of the computer (CPU), memory, programming language and input/output units were developed.

Third Generation (1964-1971): Integrated Circuits

• Introduced in 1964 replacing transistors with Integrated Circuits/ICs (known as chips)
• Integrated circuits combined transistors, resistors, and capacitors onto a small silicon chip called a semiconductor that increased the speed of the power of computers
• Keyboards and monitors used with an operating system to run multiple applications.
• Computers became more accessible as they were smaller and cheaper.

Fourth Generation (1971-1980): Microprocessors

• Started around 1975 using Large Scale Integrated Circuits (LSIC) built on microprocessors.
• Development of the microprocessor meant that its possible to palace the CPU on a single chip.
• Computers now became microcomputers fitting on table tops or palms.
• Resulted in Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs), Internet, and devices like a mouse and handhelds.

Fifth Generation (1980-Present): Artificial Intelligence

• These computers from 1980's use parallel processing, superconductors Artificial Intelligence and ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration)
• Used in C,C++, Java,.NET, IBM, Pentium, Desktop, Laptop, Notebook, Ultrabook, etc.

Applications of Computers in Society - Key Takeaways

• Computers address problems and aid different fields
• Computers are technologically advanced in business, education, and the medical field.
• The characteristics allow distinctions between computer based and paper based

Computer Based Databases versus Paper Based Databases

• Computer organized by collection of stored data through computer software.
• Paper databases are traditional methods of data storage using tangible documents, such as paper, records, and folders.
• Computerized allow storage of vast amounts of data
• Computerized are fast to find a record
• Computerized have passwords for security
• Computerized is easier to back up in case of data loss
• Paper-based databases are limited by physical space available only and locking records for security as well as difficult if not impossible backups resulting from data loss

Applications of Computers in Business and Industries

• Essential business tools that includes products creation, marketing, accounting, and administration.
• Computer Communications in businesses efficiently help individuals and organizations.
• Computer Research helps businesses to quickly access information and perform complex analyses.
• Sales and marketing use computers in customer relation management systems, marketing, and tracking.
• Data management and storage by computer make it easier to securely store and manage many large volumes of data efficiently.
• product development is improved and enhances manufacturing from start to finish.

Applications of Computers in Education

• Computers support and improve learning processes and access/share resources in interactive and personalized ways
• Access to information by accessing vast information online for students and teachers
• Interactive Learning by multimedia presentations, simulations tool to create a more interactive experience
• Distant Learning using computers now means that education doesn't need to be done in classroom confinement
• Tests that are online through student assessments with technology
• IT skills can be acquired through skills development

Benefits of Computers in Education

• Enable collaboration and customizable learning paths
• Enable interaction with interactive tools
• Allows for the accessibility of remote students

Challenges of Modern Technology in Education

• Limited Access in underprivileged areas
• Risk of distraction from non-educational content
• High costs of devices and maintenance

Computers in the Medical Field

• Essential with the advance of medicine, making healthcare more convenient and effective
• Medical Imaging: X-rays, CT scans, MRIs that help with faster and more accurate diagnoses.
• Robotic Surgery: Results in minimally invasive procedures for a less invasive process and reduced recovery time.
• Telemedicine-Remote consults especially if not near area or for patients of limited mobility.
• Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Fewer errors result, there is more efficient patient information and easy data access
• Data Analysis, Medical Simulations
• Hospital Information Systems: Managing billing of a hospital and appointments

Computer Applications Beyond Tech

• Various industries like Environmental sciences, Healthcare, Finance, Education use computers

Computer Usage in Design, Arts, Sports

• Creation of visual content is done with graphic design
• Streaming is done, movies and music videos

Modern day Computer Role

• Enhanced fan experience, data analysis

Flaws of Computes

• Hardware Failures and Software Bugs, leads to Downtime
• Physical malfunctions can disrupt the workflow and cause loss of data

Software

• Software has errors causes crashing and results in outputs that are incorrect

Computer Cybersecurity Risk

• Risks, malware and viruses compromises finances and system
• Over-Reliance is dependence as it requires more updates and failure

Privacy Concerns

• Concerns that have surfaced from electronic surveillance (photography, video and audio).
• Personal info being stolen for nefarious actions is identity theft.

Solutions to Societal Problems (Access to Healthcare and Education)

• Provide software, apps and various platforms
• Al Powered Diagnostics

Cybersecurity Problems

• Trojan horse malware is caused by email attached website downloads or messages
• Spyware collects and sends data to third-parties.

Types of Viruses:

• Direct action and Polymorphic
• Polymorphic Viruses are especially used to change program for better detection by antiviruses.
• Ransomeware is where encrypting data where people will demand for ransom

Types of Malware:

• Rootkits: Remote Access Software
• SQL Slammer hacks using Microsoft code
• Hacking due to code

Computer Hardware Overview

• Physical components of a computer
• Modern systems include; System Unit, Secondary Storage, Input/Output and Communications Devices

System Unit Contents

• Motherboard, CPU, RAM, ROM (main circuit)
• CPU is the brain of computer. Has Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and Control Unit
• Arithmetic Logic Unit does operations and Logic
• Control Unit interprets code

System Time

• The system time sends out electrical pulses
• Bus Lines send electrical data
• Memory chips stores programs/data

RAM & ROM

• RAM (Random Access), a Volatile Memory, data is lost with power loss
• ROM does booting
• CMOS (flexible info). and FLASH chips (non-volatile)
• Cache memory with speeds of processing

Storage Slots

• Expansion Slots is for expansion cards
• Ports are Out-System-Units

Secondary Storage Components

• These are the places for permanent data i.e. programs
• Floppy disks made to storage Info. In rings called tracks High Amount Data, Speed is more than other devices
• Magnetic Tape backups and reliable, but slow.
• Optical Discs use Optical tech.

Input and Output Devices:

• "Translation": Translates what the computer uses
• Output: Production of output that humans understand

Communication Devices

• Data transfer like modems/network cards
• Sends info. over local and internet networks

Computer Hardware: First, Second, Third, and Fourth

Generations

• First Generation: Vacuum, huge power, Military and slow. - ENIAC and UNIVAC
• Second Generation Transistors are less electricity and faster for businesses and science -IBM 1401 etc..
• Third Generation: IC's, more affordable and increased power
• Fourth Generation Microprocessors.

Hardware Classification:

• Memory
• Processing/CPU
• Input: Keyboard, Scanner Device Mouse etc.
• Keyboarding can allow you to interact better, or scan with mouse

Outputting

• Translating Digital Info. And output is visual screen
• Headphone is used to listen as opposed to other people
• The Central Processing used to store data by memory. Random Access is used short term

CPU

The Main Component to Computer

• Primary storage: short term RAM
• The Secondary drive is a drive external HD's. CD disks or SSD

Communication Hardware

These are the data transmission that is a necessary component

• Wired: NIC, MODEM, Router
• Wireless: WiFi, Bluetooth
• Use via cables
• Enable smooth data, modem

Computerized Software

• Set of steps executed by computer operation
• Can perform through monitors or computer that is a CPU.

Types: 1) Primary 2) Secondary 3) Tertiary

• All hardware does storing, porting, extracting both temporarily and permanently

Types of Memory & Definitions

1. Primary- Also known as Main that is related to CPU

• Instructions and smaller in size
• RAM and ROM both have to be accessed

2. Secondary- External. Used for long term. Ex SSD CDS and FLashdrives

3. Mostly without human use

Communication Hardware

• Devices to help transfer between users
• essential to allow different platforms together

Variety and Devices

• All can transmit for specific use

Wired Devices

• Physical CABLES needed to secure connections
• NIC cards help establish connections that transfer all data back and fourth over landline
• MODEM has to transfer over digital or a vice versa
• ROUTERS AND SWITCHES are for data between locations

Uses:

• INTERNET for data from WIFI and more.