Download CIS 101 – Introduction to IT

CIS 101 – Introduction to IT
Dr. Basel Mahafzah
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What is Information Technology?
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Information Technology is a set of tools
that helps you work with information
and perform tasks related to
information processing.
Included in this set are 7 building
blocks; together we call these building
blocks an IT system.
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Building Blocks for an IT Systems
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Input and output devices.
Software.
Communication devices.
The processing engine.
Information.
Storage devices.
People.
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Input and Output Devices
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Input and output devices that you use
to enter information and commands
and to receive the results of your
requests.
Input devices such as mouse and
keyboard.
Output devices such as screen, printer,
and speakers
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Software
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Software is the set of instructions that
your central processing unit executes to
perform a particular task for you.
System Software such as operating
systems (Windows XP and Unix).
Application Software such as MS-Word,
MS-Excel, MS-Power Point, MS-Access,
MS-Outlook Express, etc.
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Examples of Application Software
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You can write a term paper using word processing
software.
You can send messages to other people using
communication software.
You can schedule appointments and creates a budget
using personal information management software.
You can learn to play the guitar using educational
software.
You can create presentations that include color,
sound, and video with presentation graphics
software.
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Communication Devices
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Communication devices are the hardware
connections between different IT systems.
Communication devices include modems,
satellites, coaxial cable (TV cable), and
optical fiber.
Using the communication devices you can do
the following:
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Connect to the Internet using Web Browsers.
Transfer files between computers using FTP.
Connect to other server using Telnet.
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Processing Engine
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The processing engine contains 2 components:
central processing unit (CPU) and internal memory.
CPU is hardware that executes the software to
perform a particular task for you.
CPU is responsible for performing all calculations and
processing information (addition and sorting).
CPU also responsible for coordinating the interaction
of all other hardware devices in your IT system.
While the CPU is at work, it temporarily stores
information and software in internal memory.
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Information
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The term information technology implies that
you are using technology as a set of tools to
work with information.
You can work with information in a variety of
forms – text, sound, video, and movement.
A piece of data is a known fact with a
singular meaning, while information is a fact
known as a result of processing data in a
more meaningful way.
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Storage Devices
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Storage devices are the hardware
components that permanently store
information and software.
Storage devices include videotape, CDROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and
hard disk.
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People
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The last building block in an IT system is
people.
The other building blocks of IT systems have
been created with people in mind.
Always remember you are the most important
building block of an IT system.
People include IT specialists who develop
systems, maintain the hardware, etc.
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