1. Fluency with Information Technology
7th Edition
Chapter 1
Defining Information Technology

2. Learning Objectives 1.1 The “big ideas” of computing inventions
1.2 The importance of knowing the right word
1.3 Be able to define basic hardware and software terms
1.4 Be able to define and give examples of “idea” terms

3. 1.1 Computation’s 8 Big Ideas
Digitizing information
Stored-program computers
Transistors
Integrated circuits
Personal computers
The Internet
The World Wide Web and HTTP
Layered software

4. Big Idea #1: Digitizing Information
Data represented as numbers
The breakthrough? Machines reading digital information
Census data digitized (1890)
In 1880 it took 8 years to process the data by hand
Punch cards digitized the process (not a computer, a card reader)

5. Big Idea #2: Stored-Program Computers
Central processing unit (CPU): instructions stored in memory (software)
Programs can be changed quickly, more complex, and autonomous
Large and complex: fills a room
Vacuum tubes
Use a lot of power
Burn out quickly

6. Figure 1.4 ENIAC (1946)
ENIAC, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator, started in 1943 and finished in 1946.

7. Big Idea #3: Transistors
Alternative to vacuum tubes
Low power, less heat
Extremely reliable
Small in size and weight
One problem: lots of assembly required

8. Figure 1.6 Vacuum Tubes and Transistors
In (a), the first transistor made by Bardeen, Brattain, and Shockley; (b) a size comparison of a packaged transistor compared to a vacuum tube; and (c), a circuit board with electronic components mounted

9. Big Idea #5: Personal Computers
1973: first personal machine, Xerox’s Alto
1977: “There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in their home.” –Ken Olsen, President of small computer manufacture DEC
To compare: how many computers do you have with you today?

10. Big Idea #6: The Internet
A network of networks
1969: ARPANET sent its first message
Used for and file transfer

11. Big Idea #7: HTTP and the World Wide Web
Brings the Internet to the general public
HTTP can transfer any file to any computer
The first widely used web browser: Mosaic

12. Big Idea #8: Layered Software Development
Until 1980 programs had little structure, making them difficult to write and maintain
With layered software development, programs at one level apply code for lower levels, and provide more advanced facilities for higher levels
Uses a software stack structure

13. The Software Stack
Concept used to structure and organize the software in contemporary computer systems
Series of layers of programs that implement user applications
Each software layer implements operations used to build the layers above

14. Figure 1.8 The Software Stack
The software stack for the Android smartphone: The hardware is on the bottom; the apps are on the top

15. The Software Stack in Action: YouTube Videos
To watch a YouTube video on your smartphone, you would:
use the browser application to get to YouTube
the browser app uses the window manager, and several other frameworks
the window manager uses media manager, and several other libraries
the media manager uses the display drivers, and several other kernel operations

16. 1.2 Knowing the Right Word – Terms of Endearment
Learn the right computing terms, and understand how to use them
Two practical reasons:
To talk with Tech Support for help
To learn a new subject

17. The Right Words for Help/Tech Support
Without the right word(s):
The search algorithm of the software’s Help won’t be very helpful
Tech Support might not know what you’re talking about

18. 1.3 Basic Hardware and Software Terms
Processor
Software
Algorithm

19. The Right Word: Processor
The processor is the computer itself, usually hidden inside the box.
connects to various input and output devices
the variations between computers depend on:
the devices connected to the processor
the software run by the system

20. The Right Word: Software
Software is the collective name for programs
Programs contain the instructions which form applications
The processor follows the program and carries out the application

21. The Right Word: Algorithm
An algorithm is a precise and systematic method for producing a specified result.
Programs express algorithms
On example of an algorithm: performing long division
Other examples?

22. 1.4 Idea Terms Abstract and Abstractions
Generalize and Generalizations
Operationally Attuned
Mnemonic

23. Idea Terms: Abstract and Abstractions
The word has several meanings:
In natural language: to remove; can mean to steal
In computing: to abstract also means to remove, but to remove an idea or a process, and it is extracted from some form of information
Abstractions
In parables and fables, we abstract the essential point of the story so that we might learn from it

24. Idea Terms: More about Abstractions
Many details of the story are less important to understanding the concept
An abstraction has meaning beyond the story
In computing, abstractions identify the relevant details to be able to apply the abstraction to other cases

25. Idea Terms: Generalize and Generalization
To express an idea, concept, or process that applies to many situations
If an idea is true most of the time, we can generalize it
Generalization
The statement that sums up the generalized idea

26. Idea Terms: Operationally Attuned
The ability to apply what we know about how a device or system works to simplify its use
Past experience: Loosen a lid by turning it left and tighten it by turning it right
Experiences help us to know explicitly
With computing, thinking about how computation works makes it simpler to use

27. Idea Terms: Mnemonic Mnemonic
An aid for remembering something, like a pronounceable word or phrase
Example: HOMES (the Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior)

28. Summary We’ve learned: 8 of computation’s big ideas
The importance of using the right word
Definitions for a few common computer terms
Definitions for a brief list of “idea” terms