Ch1.pdf

Ch1: Introduction to Information Technology Information Technology (IT) is a fundamental aspect of modern society, encompassing the use of computers and telecommunications equipment to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data. This introduction covers essential IT concepts, historical developm...

Ch1: Introduction to Information Technology Information Technology (IT) is a fundamental aspect of modern society, encompassing the use of computers and telecommunications equipment to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data. This introduction covers essential IT concepts, historical developments, its role in modern society, and the evolution of computing devices and technologies. By exploring these topics, learners will gain a foundational understanding of IT and its significant impact across various domains. by Ibtisam Al-hamadi Overview of Information Technology Concepts: Definition of Information Technology: Information Technology refers to the application of computers and telecommunications equipment to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data. It encompasses hardware, software, networks, and processes used to create, process, secure, and exchange electronic data. When computer and communication technologies are combined, the result is information technology Computer A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory Accepts Produces data Processing information (input) (output) Data and Information Data and Information A keyboard contains keys you press to enter data and instructions into a computer or mobile device Data and Information A pointing device is an input device that allows a user to control a small symbol on the screen called the pointer Some mobile devices and computers enable you to speak data instructions using voice input and to capture live full-motion images using video input Data and Information A scanner is a light-sensing input device that converts printed text and images into a form the computer can process Data and Information An output device is any hardware component that conveys information from a computer or mobile device to one or more people A printer is an output device that produces text and graphics on a physical medium, such as paper or other material – A 3-D printer can print solid objects, such as clothing, prosthetics, eyewear, implants, toys, parts, prototypes, and more Data and Information A display is an output device that visually conveys text, graphics, and video information Data and Information A display is an output device that visually conveys text, graphics, and video information Data and Information Speakers allow you to hear audio such as music, voice, and other sounds – Earbuds – Headphones Data and Information Memory consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed and the data needed by those instructions A computer keeps data, instructions, and information on storage media A storage device records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media Data and Information Hard Disk Solid-State USB Flash Drive Drive Memory Card Optical Disc Cloud Storage Key Components of Information Technology Hardware Software Computers, servers, peripherals, and storage Applications, operating systems, and devices that form the physical infrastructure programming languages used to perform of IT systems. tasks and manage data efficiently. Networking Data Management Infrastructure, protocols, and technologies Methods and systems for organizing, storing, that facilitate data communication and and retrieving data efficiently and securely connectivity between devices and systems. across various platforms. Historical Development of Information Technology 1 Early Computing From mechanical calculators to the development of electronic computers such as ENIAC, marking the beginning of modern computing. 2 Mainframe Era Advancements in computing power and data processing capabilities in the mid-20th century, revolutionizing business operations. 3 Personal Computing Revolution Introduction of PCs, graphical user interfaces, and the rise of software applications, bringing computing to the masses. 4 Internet and Networking Growth of the internet, protocols (e.g., TCP/IP), and global connectivity, transforming communication and information access. Role of IT in Modern Society: Communication Email Messaging Apps Social Media Facilitates instant written Enables real-time text, voice, Platforms for sharing communication across the and video communication, information, ideas, and globe, revolutionizing business fostering personal and experiences, connecting and personal correspondence. professional connections. people worldwide and shaping public discourse. Role of IT in Modern Society: Information Access and Efficiency Information Access Automation and Efficiency Global Connectivity IT enables unprecedented IT enhances productivity and IT connects people, access to vast amounts of efficiency through automation businesses, and governments information online, of tasks and streamlined globally, enabling transforming education, business processes. From international trade, cultural research, and business automated manufacturing to exchange, and political operations. Digital libraries, AI-powered data analysis, discourse on a scale never online courses, and search technology is revolutionizing before possible. engines have made how work is done across knowledge more accessible industries. than ever before. Early Computing Devices Mechanical Calculators First Generation Computers Devices like the Pascaline and Leibniz's Stepped Vacuum tube-based machines like ENIAC and Reckoner laid the foundation for automated UNIVAC marked the beginning of electronic computation, revolutionizing mathematical computing, capable of complex calculations at calculations. unprecedented speeds. Advancements in Computing: Transistors to Microprocessors 1 Transistors Replaced vacuum tubes, making computers smaller, faster, and more reliable. This innovation paved the way for more compact computing devices. 2 Integrated Circuits Combined multiple transistors on a single chip, further reducing size and increasing processing power of computers. 3 Microprocessors Revolutionized computing by integrating entire CPUs on a single chip, leading to the development of personal computers and mobile devices. Personal Computers and Software Revolution 1 Democratization of Computing 2 Software Innovation Personal Computers (PCs) brought The rise of PCs led to an explosion in computing power to homes and small software development, with applications businesses, making technology accessible for productivity, entertainment, and to the masses. specialized tasks. 3 Graphical User Interfaces 4 Digital Creativity GUIs made computers more user-friendly, PCs enabled new forms of digital art, allowing non-technical users to interact music production, and content creation, with complex systems through visual revolutionizing creative industries. elements. Emerging Technologies: Mobile and Cloud Computing Mobile Computing The rise of smartphones and tablets has enabled mobile applications and ubiquitous connectivity, transforming how Quiz