Chapter

Information
Technology,
the Internet, and
You

Copyright 2015 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.

Learning Objectives
Explain the parts of an information system: people, procedures,

Computing Essentials 2015

software, hardware, data, and the Internet.

Distinguish between system software and application software.
Differentiate between the kinds of system software programs.
Define and compare general purpose, specialized, and mobile
applications.
Identify the four types of computers and the four types of personal
computers.
Describe the different types of computer hardware, including the
system unit, input, output, storage, and communication devices.
Define data and describe document, worksheet, database, and
presentation files.
Explain computer connectivity, the wireless revolution, the Internet,
and cloud computing.

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Introduction

Personal computers are common tools

Computing Essentials 2015

in all areas of life.

New forms of learning have developed.
College course does not have to be a
quarter or semester any longer.

Computers offer many new ways to

communicate.
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Parts of an Information System

Hardware
Data
The Internet

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People
Procedures
Software

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People

Most important part of any system

Contact is
Direct
Indirect

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Computer uses

Entertainment
Business
Medicine
Education

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Software

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There are two major kinds of

software:
System Software
Application Software
The purpose of software is to
convert data into information.

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System Software

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Enables application software to interact with

the computer hardware
Background software helps manage
resources
Collection of programs
Operating Systems
Utilities
Device Drivers

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System Software cont.

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Operating System
Coordinates computer resources
Provides the user interface
Runs applications

Return
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System Software cont.

Utilities
Perform specific tasks related to managing
computer resources

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Antivirus Program

Device Drivers
Programs designed to allow input or
output devices to communicate with the
computer

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Application Software

End-user software
Three types

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General-Purpose applications
Specialized applications
Mobile apps

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Hardware Types of Computers

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Supercomputers
Mainframe computers
Midrange computers
Personal computers

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Personal Computer Types

Tablet PC
Handheld

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Desktop
Laptop (Notebook)

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Personal Computer Hardware

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Four basic
categories of
equipment
System Unit
Input/Output
Secondary
Storage
Communicatio
ns

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System Unit

Two important components

Microprocessor
Memory

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Holds data currently

being processed
Holds the processed information
before
it is output
Temporary storage, contents are
lost when power is off
Return
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Input/Output Devices

Input

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Keyboard
Mouse

Output
Printer
Monitor
Return
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Secondary Storage

Holds data and programs even

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if power is off
Hard disk
Solid-state storage
No moving parts
More reliable
Requires less power

Optical disc
Laser technology
Great capacity
CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray

Return
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Communications

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Communication devices, such as modems,

provide personal computers with the ability
to communicate with other computer
systems
Modems modify audio, video and other
types of data into a form that can be
transmitted across the Internet

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Data

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Raw, unprocessed
facts
Processed data
becomes information
Digital data is stored
electronically in files

Document files
Worksheet files
Database files
Presentation files

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Document Files

Created by word
processors

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Term papers
Memos
Letters

Return
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Worksheet Files

Created by electronic spreadsheets to analyze

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things like budgets and to predict sales

Return
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Database Files

Typically created by database management

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programs to contain highly structured and

organized data

Return
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Presentation Files

Created by presentation graphics programs to

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prepare presentation materials.

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Connectivity and the Mobile

Internet
Connectivity
Sharing of information
Mobile/Wireless devices
Cloud computing and the Wireless Revolution

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Computer networks
Connected communication system of computers
Largest network is the Internet

Cloud Computing
Uses the Internet and the Web to shift many
computer activities from a users computer to
computers on the Internet

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Careers in IT
For a complete listing of careers, visit

Computing Essentials 2015

http://www.mhhe.com/ce2015/
Select Student Edition and then Careers
Career

Description

Webmaster

Develops and maintains websites and web

resources. See page 52

Software Engineer

Analyzes users needs and creates application

software. See page 81

Computer Support Specialist

Provides technical support to customers and other

users. See page 105

Computer Technician

Repairs and install computer components and

systems. See page 132

Technical Writer

Prepares instruction manuals, technical reports, and

other scientific or technical documents. See page
159

Network Administrator

Creates and maintains computer networks. See

page 213
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A Look to the Future

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Using and Understanding Information

Technology
The Internet and the Web
Powerful Software
Powerful Hardware
Security, Privacy and Ethics
Organizations
Changing Times

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Open-Ended Questions (Page 1 of 2)

Explain the parts of an information system. What part do people play

in this system?

What is system software? What kinds of programs are included in

Computing Essentials 2015

system software?

Define and compare general-purpose applications, specialized,

applications and apps. Describe some different types of generalpurpose applications. Describe some types of specialized
applications.
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Open-Ended Questions (Page 2 of 2)

Describe the different types of computers. What is the most

common type? What are the types of personal computers?

Computing Essentials 2015

What is connectivity? What are wireless devices and the wireless

revolution? What is a computer network? What are the Internet and
the Web? What is cloud computing?

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