Chapter1: Basic Concepts in Information Technology Chapter2: Hardware Chapter3: Memory, Storage and Performance Chapter4: Software

Basic Concepts in Information Technology Chapter 1

The Computer System The computer system consists of: 1. Hardware: Physical Components 2. Software: set of instructions that tell the computer what to do and how to do it. 3. Users: people who use the software and hardware to do something.

Information Technology The set of tools used to: receive, process, store, retrieve, print, and transmit information in an electronic form. Information can be: text, sound, picture, or video

Types of Computers Computers vary in performance and cost, in size and capabilities

Super Computers Very high-speed Used in large scientific and research labs. Very expensive (millions of dollars)

Mainframes Room-sized, expensive, high- speed, very powerful with large storage. Connected to many terminals (dumb and intelligent)

Mini Computers Same as the mainframe but smaller in size Used instead of Personal computers when they are not adequate, and mainframes are expensive.

Personal Computers The most popular, and not very expensive. The software that is compatible with the PC depends on the manufacturer of this PC.

Laptops Portable and Briefcase sized As powerful as a PC but more expensive

Palmtop Computers Portable Hand- held computers. Does very simple functions, and relatively cheap. Also called “ Notepad ”.

Parts of the Computer 1. System Unit: the box that contains the CPU, Main Memory Drives, and power Supply. 2. Input Devices: Devices that allow the user to enter data into the computer 3. Output Devices: Devices that translate information after being processed into a form the user can understand. 4. Peripherals: any hardware that is connected to a computer