IT GEN 001 Chapter 1 Quiz

Course Information

• Course Title: Information Technology
• Course Code: GEN 001
• Instructor: Dr. Ahmed Tohamy

Chapter 1: Introduction to the World of Computers

Learning Objectives

• Explain the importance of learning about computers today, considering their integration into business and personal life.
• Define a computer and its primary operations.
• Identify key milestones in computer evolution.
• Recognize the major parts of a personal computer (input, processing, output, storage, and communication hardware).
• Understand software and its role in instructing the computer.
• List six basic computer types with examples and their uses.
• Explain networks, the internet, and the World Wide Web, including identification of computers, people, and web pages.
• Describe how to access and navigate websites.
• Analyze the societal impact of computers, including advantages and disadvantages.

Overview

• This chapter covers what computers are, how they work, and how they are used.
• It includes computer terminology, overview of computer history, basic computer types, internet access, and societal impacts.

Computers in Your Life

• Importance of computer literacy
• Pervasive computing (ubiquitous computing)
• Computers are integral parts of daily lives
• Basic computer literacy is essential; understanding computers is important
• Computers were large and expensive before 1980, and accessible to few.
• Microcomputers became inexpensive in the 1980s, significantly increasing computer use.
• Today, nearly all US households have computers and most individuals use them at work.
• Electronic device convergence into single units with multiple capabilities (e.g., e-mail on TV, internet content on mobile devices).
• Computer literacy is vital in modern times

Computers in the Home

• Computers are used for a variety of tasks (information lookup, e-mail, shopping, TV/video watching, music/movie downloads, image organization, gaming, vacation planning).
• Computers are used for reference, productivity, and entertainment. Wireless networking enables computer use in varied locations.
• Smart appliances use built-in computers or communications technology to automate household tasks in smart homes.

Computers in Education

• Today's youth are called the computing generation.
• Most students access computers at school.
• E-books are integrated into some school curricula.
• Colleges and universities are highly integrated with computers.
• Some institutions have computer requirements for enrollment.
• Distance learning is facilitated using computers and internet access via wireless hotspots.

Computers on the Job

• Computers are now essential tools for all types of employees for decision-making, productivity, and communication.
• Used for access control, security measures, service in professional settings, and especially by the military.
• Computer skills must be continuously updated.
• Common uses include decision making, productivity, off-site communication, and authentication.

Computers on the Go

• Encountered in most aspects of daily life.
• This includes consumer kiosks, ATMs, POS systems, self-checkout systems, consumer authentication systems, portable computers, and mobile devices, as well as GPS systems.

Technology and You

• Example of modern technology: Restaurant iPad Ordering Systems.
• Used with e-menus; customers place and pay orders.
• Systems provide additional resources to customers.

What Is a Computer and What Does It Do?

• A computer is a programmable, electronic device.
• It accepts, processes, and stores data according to program instructions.
• Basic operations include input (data entry), processing (operations on data), output (presenting results), storage (saving data/programs), and communications (sending/receiving data).

Data vs. Information

• Data: raw, unorganized facts (text, graphics, audio, video).
• Information: processed data into meaningful form.
• Information processing is the conversion of data into information.

Computers Then and Now

• Computers are a recent invention, part of successive generations with major technological advances.
• Precomputer era (pre-1946) used tools like the abacus, slide rule, mechanical calculator, punch cards, and tabulating machines.
• First-generation (1946-1957): vacuum tubes, enormous, high electricity consumption, significant heat generation (ENIAC and UNIVAC).
• Second-generation (1958-1963): transistors, smaller, more powerful, cheaper, more energy-efficient, more reliable (punch cards and magnetic tape).
• Third-generation (1964-1970): integrated circuits (ICs), even smaller and more reliable.
• Fourth-generation (1971-present): microprocessors, keyboards, mice, monitors, printers, hard drives, flash memory, and development of networks, and the Internet.
• Fifth-generation (present and future): artificial intelligence, voice/touch input, optical computers.

Hardware

• Hardware: Physical components of a computer.
• Internal hardware is located inside the computer's main box (system unit).
• External hardware is located outside the system unit and connects via wired or wireless connections.
• Hardware devices are used for all five basic computer operations.
• Input components (keyboards, mice, scanners, cameras, microphones, touchpads).
• Processing components (CPU, memory).
• Output components (monitors, printers, speakers, projectors).
• Storage components (hard drives, CD/DVDs, flash drives).
• Communications components (modems, network adapters, routers).

Software

• Software: Programs or instructions controlling hardware operations.
• System software: manages computer operations (like operating systems - OS).
• Application software: performs specific tasks.
• Example system software (Operating System - OS) start and control computer operations.
• Examples of operating systems include Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android.
• Example of application software (word processing, multimedia, web browsers, email).

Computer Users and Professionals

• Computer users (end users): obtain information using computers.
• Computer professionals include systems analysts, computer system designers, programmers, operations personnel, and security specialists.

Quick Quiz

• Questions and answers will depend on the specific quiz. This section is for student's preparation.

Additional Notes:

• Figures and diagrams within the presentation are critical for visual understanding of the concepts.