INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, THE INTERNET, AND YOU. -2 Lecture Objectives Basic Computing Concepts Basic Working of a Computer System Introducing a Problem.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, THE

INTERNET, AND YOU

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Lecture Objectives

Basic Computing ConceptsBasic Working of a Computer SystemIntroducing a ProblemAnalogy: Human & Computer

Defining Information Processing Cycle

Introducing Information Systems

Explain the five parts of an information system

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Introducing Computers

Computer could be considered as a problem solving machine.

Closely resembles with a human who is capable of solving a problem

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Introducing Computers (contd..)

What a Problem is?

A problem requires some unprocessed facts (data) converted into useful results (information)

For every problem, there exists a step-by-step method (algorithm) to do this conversion

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Muhammad

Ali Al-Hasan

80

70

Hashem 65

Husain 79

Data Values (Student Scores)

Averaging Technique

Problem AlgorithmAverage=73.5

Processed Result

Problem:

What will the average score in “math exam” in a class having 4 students, whose names & scores are as follows:

Muhammad,80 Ali Al-Hasan,70 Hashem,65 Hussain,79

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Humans: A well known Problem Solver

Muhammad

Ali Al-Hasan

80

70

Hashem 65

Husain 79

-------------------

-----------------

------

Average=73.5

Brain

Averaging Technique

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Computers: A more efficient Problem Solver

Muhammad

Ali Al-Hasan

80

70

Hashem 65

Husain 79

Average=73.5

Averaging Technique (Computer Software)

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Why to prefer Computers?

SpeedCapable of processing jobs in millionth of seconds

AccuracyCapable of performing the work with incomparable accuracy

Unlimited memory/ working capabilityDon’t have any limitation in working continuous hours (for long) or memorizing the contents

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Why we cannot avoid Humans?

IntelligenceHumans are not only obedient (as computers are) Capable of solving new situations (new algorithms) using their intelligence

Thinking new/ improved algorithmsComputers are dependant totally on humans for problem algorithms

Keen supervision for computer workingComputers are unable to detect and alarm for any erroneous algorithm step and keep on replicating any mistake when happen

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Information Processing Cycle

Get initial Data required for problem solution

Get an algorithm for solving problem at hand

Process initial data by following the algorithm stepsDisplay

Result to the user

Generate Problem Result

Store Result permanently

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Introducing an Information System

A SYSTEM is a collection of many inter-related/ interacting objects working together toward a common goal.

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What is an Information System?

An Information System is meant for transforming crude data (input) into some useful information (result).

Capable of implementing a complete Information Processing Cycle

Expected CapabilitiesReading Information Processing Information Generate Information (Results)

•Store Information•Secure Information

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Information System Examples

A Payroll Information System for generating Employee Salary Bills

Reads information about employees, their salary rates and the work done (number of hours per day)Does calculation for generating the month salaryDisplays results and saves it for future reference

More Examples• Student information system • Hospital billing systems• Airline reservation systems

Is it possible to have an IS without computers?

Yes, but it will prove to be very inefficient , less secure and less-accessible.

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Five Parts of an Information System

1. People

2. Procedures

3. Software

4. Hardware

5. Data

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1. People

The most important part.All information systems require people in order to be operational.

Two main classesSpecialists - develop and operate Information SystemsEnd Users - use the information produced by the Information Systems.

Contact is …Direct (by themselves)Indirect (through specialist users)

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..People

User uses Information Systems in…Business & EntertainmentEducation & Medicine

In a payroll information system example,Specialists are people like System Analysts, Programmers, System Operators who actively participate in system development/ run.End users include Company Employees, Managers, Clerks who are using the information generated by the system.

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2. ProceduresProcedures are the guidelines related with Information System operations/ usage/ development.

Procedures are meant for educating Information Systems related people (all classes) for their concerned activities.

Some examples could be

Usage Instructions for Students/ Faculty Members to make use of a University Registration System

Software Documentation Kit for Programmers to make modification in the relevant program.

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3. Hardware

Hardware includes all the physical devices and materials used in implementing an information processing cycle

Equipment that processes the data

Controlled by software

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…Hardware

The following could be considered:

Computers CalculatorsPaper Sheets/ Pens/ desksComputer Terminals/ Printers/ KeyboardMagnetic disk media/ CD ROM disks etc.Devices needed for communication (modems/ telephones/ network cables/ network cards etc.)

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4. Software

Software means set of instructions Needed to convert data into information.Directs the computer to do the data to information conversion.Used in concerned computers in an IS environment.Examples:

Computer Programs (in a computer based IS)Formula/ computational details used in a company by the relevant staff (in a non-computer based IS environment)

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…Software

In computer based IS, two major kinds of software

System Software

Application Software

In a Payroll IS Environment, the program under use of payroll staff on their personal computers.

Student Registration Web Site used by faculty, students (end-users) to perform registration activities.

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5. Data

Data could beUnprocessed – needs to be worked uponProcessed – processing result (also called information)

Storage media is needed to record data (papers, magnetic tapes/ disks, CDs etc.)

On electronic media, data is saved as files.

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…Data

Four common file types are Document files – mainly alpha-numeric data

Worksheet files – mainly mathematical sheets

Database files – environment data in an structured/ organized way

Presentation files – mainly pictures/ effects.

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Connectivity, the Wireless Revolution, and the Internet

ConnectivitySharing of information

Wireless communication is becoming popular

Computer networksConnected communication system of computers

Largest network is the Internet

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A Look to the FutureComputer Competent

The Internet & the Web

Powerful software & hardware

Privacy & security

Organizations

Changing Times

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FAQs

What is an information system?

What is IT?

How does raw data become information?

What is an operating system?

What are specialized applications? Please give some examples.

Is the Internet the same as the World Wide Web?

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Discussion Questions

How are you using information technology?

Explain the difference between system and application software.

Describe some of the uses for handheld computers.

Why is the wireless revolution so important?