Copyright Prentice Hall, Inc. 1 Computers: Information Technology in Perspective, 11e Chapter 1 The Technology Revolution
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Computers: Information Technology in Perspective, 11e
Chapter 1
The Technology Revolution
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Objectives Once you have read and studied this chapter, you will
have learned: How information technology influences our society and you at
work, at home, and at play. What it means to achieve IT competency and become an active
participant in our information society. How local and worldwide computer networks impact businesses
and society. Essential hardware, software, and computer system terminology
that will enable you to begin your information technology learning adventure with confidence.
The relative size, scope, uses, and variety of available computer systems.
The fundamental components and capabilities of an IT system. A variety of enterprise computing and personal computing
applications.
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Why this chapter is important to you!
Computers and technology are a part of everything we do
Computers and new technologies will continue to play an even greater role in the future
Computers help make work tasks easier The more you know about computers the more
money you are capable of earning
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Our Information Society
Ask yourself what it will be like in the year 2020
Most adults are considered knowledge workers
IT changes how we work, learn, and communicate
Knowing computers will help you cope with IT
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The Technology Revolution: Today
At Work The mobile worker Productivity Communication Access
At Home Communication Personal correspondence Homework Connection
At Play Leisure activities Communication Gaming Connection
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The Technology Revolution: Tomorrow
Search for a home around the country
Obtain a doctor’s consultation via telemedicine
Information superhighway will connect every facet of our society
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Looking Back a Few Years
1950
1960s
mid-1970s
2001
ENAIC & UNIVAC I
PCs introduced!
Very expensive computers for large
companies. Computer
professionals ran the show.
Powerful PCs on every desktop.
Explosion of applications.
2003
Home computers & networks
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Rx for Cyberphobia: Information Technology Competency Feeling comfortable Making the computer work
for you Interacting with the
computer Comfortable in cyberspace Understanding the impact of
computers on society Making intelligent decisions Knowing the lingo
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Reasons to Become IT-Competent
Personal Travel arrangements Sports scores Managing finances
Workplace Strategic planning Competitive advantage Obtaining work Day-to-day processes Productivity
Educational Any-time-any place
learning Individual learning
Societal Ethical issues Harmful risks
Curiosity Natural curiosity for IT
power
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The Computer Proficiency Digital Divide
120 million people are considered knowledge workers
100 million are not considered IT competent
Most think they are IT competent
Questions to ask: Can you list five critical IT
issues? Which port is faster, USB
or 1394? When should you use your
defragmenter? What type of wiring do you
need for a home network? The list goes on and on…
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The NET Connection: Our Global Village
Over 80% of classrooms and libraries in the US are linked to the Internet
Most computers in the workplace are part of a network
Worldwide networks coordinate services and consumer goods
Global economy is changing
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The Net Connection: The Internet The Internet connects millions of
computers in every country all over the world
All colleges and most businesses have access to the Internet
Most subscribe to an ISP to gain Internet access
Others subscribe to an information service, such as AOL
A modem permits access via phone and/or cable
Individuals can access Web sites, music, products and lots more
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The Basics: Hardware
A computer system: Input
Keyboard/Mouse Processor
Chip Output
Monitor/Printer Storage
Permanent (Hard Disk) Temporary (RAM)
A processor is the heart of the computer
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The Basics: Software
Software tells the computer what to do
System software takes control of the computer upon start up Windows DOS
Application software performs specific task Word Excel
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The Basics: Computer Systems
Low end $500 desktop High end very expensive
supercomputer High/low end all have same
four system components: Input Processing Output Storage
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Personal Computers
1981: IBM PC Many manufacturers
followed with 100% IBM PC compatibles
Other PCs: Apple Power Mac Powerbook iMac iPod iPhone
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Notebook PCs
Early notebook PCs did not have the power of a desktop PC
Now notebooks offer the same level of performance
Notebook PCs: Light Compact Portable A docking station is used to
configure the notebook to act like a larger desktop
Ports allow devices to be connected, such as a printer
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Desktop PCs
Typical Desktop PC: Motherboard Keyboard Point and draw device Monitor Printer Hard disk Floppy CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Microphone Speakers
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Wearable PCs Cable connected modules that fit
into headsets, drape on shoulders, hang around the neck, or more
TLC PC for paramedics is a good example
As time goes on vendors will be concerned with fashion, as well as function
The Body Net is a great example
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Handhelds
Specifically designed to be held in the hand
Example: Palmtop PDA Organizer
Some have wireless capability
Use an electronic pen to work with most
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Computer System CapabilitiesProcessing Data and Producing Information
Information used to be only collected, sorted, summarized, exchanged and processed
Now information communicates, makes money available via ATMs, teaches, and lots more
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Computers in Action: A Payroll System Most organizations
use a payroll system The system enables
input and processes the checks
The system also processes reports and stores information
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The Computer’s Strengths
Speed Accuracy Consistency Reliability Communications Memory capability Human vs. computer
capabilities
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How Do We Use Computers?
Enterprise Computing Information systems Process/device control Science, research, &
engineering Personal Computing
Games Education Work
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Computer Decisions
Purchasing decisions Software decisions
Word processing Presentation Spreadsheet Database And more…
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Summary
Our Information Society IT competencyGetting connected Knowing the hardware basicsPersonal computers to supercomputersComputer system capabilitiesUsing computers