Introduction to ICTWorld
of Computers
Deborah Morley
Charles S. Parker Copyright 2015 Cengage Learning
Learning Objectives
• Introduction to Information and
Communication Technologies (ICT).
• Basics of computer hardware and
software.
• ICT platforms, networks, local and cloud
data storage.
• Scope of ICT in different walks of life.
• Emerging trends and future technologies
in ICT.
What is ICT (information and communications
technology or technologies)?
• The infrastructure and components that enable modern
computing.
• ICT encompasses tools and systems is to improve the
way humans create, process and
share data or information with each other.
• Applications in numerous areas, including business;
education; medicine; real-world problem-solving; and
even leisure activities related to sports, music, and
movies etc.
• Any technology, infrastructure, component, or device
that enables communications, data sharing, and global
connectivity between humans and between humans
and machines is included in the umbrella term ICT.
Computers in Your Life
• Before 1980
– Computers were large and expensive
– Very few people had access to them
– Computers were mostly used for high-volume
processing tasks
• Microcomputers in the early 1980s
– Inexpensive personal computers
– Computer use increased dramatically
Computers in Your Life
• Today
– Nearly all households include a computer, and most
use computers at work
– Electronic devices are converging into single units with
multiple capabilities
• Check e-mail on living room
television
• View Internet content on mobile
devices
– Computer literacy is an essential skill for everyone
What Is a Computer and
What Does It Do?
• Computer
– A programmable, electronic device that accepts data,
performs operations on that data, and stores the data
– Follows instructions, called programs, which determine the
tasks the computer will perform
• Basic Operations
– Input: Entering data into the computer
– Processing: Performing operations on the data
– Output: Presenting the results
– Storage: Saving data, programs, or output for future use
– Communications: Sending or receiving data
What Is a Computer and
What Does It Do?
Data vs. Information
• Data
– Raw, unorganized facts
– Can be in the form of text, graphics, audio, or video
• Information
– Data that has been processed into a meaningful form
• Information Processing
– Converting data into information
Hardware
• Hardware: The physical parts of a computer
– Internal hardware
• Located inside the main box (system unit) of the
computer
– External hardware
• Located outside the system unit
• Connect to the computer via a wired or wireless
connection
– Hardware devices are associated with all five computer
operations
Software
• Software
– The programs or instructions used to tell the computer
hardware what to do
• System Software
– Operating system starts up the computer and controls its
operation
– Without OS, computer cannot function
– Boots the computer and launches programs at the user’s
direction
– Most use a GUI to interact with the user via icons, buttons,
tiles, etc.
– Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, etc.
Application Software
• Application Software
– Performs specific tasks or applications
• Creating letters, budgets, etc.
• Managing inventory and customer databases
• Editing photographs
• Scheduling appointments
• Viewing Web pages
• Exchanging e-mail
• Burning DVDs
• Designing homes
• Playing games
Application Software
• Examples of application software
– Word processing programs
– Multimedia programs
– Web browsers
– E-mail programs
Hardware
• Input Devices
– Used to input data into the computer
– Keyboards, mice, scanners, cameras, microphones, touch
pads, touch screens, fingerprint readers, etc.
• Processing Devices
– Perform calculations and control computer’s operation
– Central processing unit (CPU) and memory
• Output Devices
– Present results to the user
– Monitors, printers, speakers, projectors, etc.
Hardware
• Storage Devices
– Used to store data on or access data from
storage media
– Hard drives, CD/DVD discs and drives,
USB flash drives, etc.
• Communications Devices
– Allow users to communicate with others and to
electronically access remote information
– Modems, network adapters, routers, etc.
Hardware
Software
• Software
– The programs or instructions used to tell the computer
hardware what to do
• System Software
– Operating system starts up the computer and controls its
operation
– Without OS, computer cannot function
– Boots the computer and launches programs at the user’s
direction
– Most use a GUI to interact with the user via icons, buttons,
tiles, etc.
– Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, etc.
Application Software
• Application Software
– Performs specific tasks or applications
• Creating letters, budgets, etc.
• Managing inventory and customer databases
• Editing photographs
• Scheduling appointments
• Viewing Web pages
• Exchanging e-mail
• Burning DVDs
• Designing homes
• Playing games
Application Software
• Examples of application software
– Word processing programs
– Multimedia programs
– Web browsers
– E-mail programs
Data and Program
Representation
• Digital Data Representation
– Coding Systems
• Used to represent data and programs in a manner
understood by the computer
– Digital Computers
• Can only understand two states, off and on
(0 and 1)
– Digital Data Representation
• The process of representing
data in digital form so it can be
understood by a computer
Digital Data Representation
– Bit
• The smallest unit of data that a
binary computer can recognize
(a single 1 or 0)
– Byte = 8 bits
• Byte terminology used to express
the size of documents and other
files, programs, etc.
– Prefixes are often used to express larger quantities of
bytes: kilobyte (KB), megabyte (MB), gigabyte (GB),
terabyte (TB), petabyte (PB), exabyte (EB), zettabyte (ZB),
yottabyte (YB).
Coding Systems for Text-
Based Data
• ASCII (American Standard Code for
Information Interchange)
– Coding system traditionally used
with personal computers
• EBCDIC (Extended Binary-Coded
Decimal Interchange Code)
– Developed by IBM, primarily for
mainframes
Coding Systems for Text-
Based Data
• Unicode
– Newer code (32 bits per character is common)
– Universal coding standard designed to represent text-
based data written in any ancient or modern language
– Replacing ASCII as the primary text-coding system
Coding Systems for Other
Types of Data
• Audio Data
– Must be in digital form in order to be stored on or
processed by a computer
– Often compressed when sent over the Internet
• MP3 files are 10 times smaller than their uncompressed
digital versions
• Download more quickly and take up less storage space
• Video Data
– Displayed using a collection of frames, each frame contains
a still image
– Amount of data can be substantial, but can be compressed
Representing Software Programs
• Machine language
– Binary-based language for representing computer
programs the computer can execute directly
– Early programs were written in machine language
– Today’s programs still need to be translated into machine
language in order to be understood by the computer
Inside the System Unit
Inside the System Unit
• The Motherboard
– Computer Chip
• Very small pieces of silicon or other semi-conducting
material onto which integrated circuits are embedded
– Circuit Board
• A thin board containing computer chips and other
electronic components
– System Board
• The main circuit board inside the system unit to which
all devices must connect
Inside the System Unit
• External devices (monitors, keyboards, mice, printers)
• Wireless devices (e.g., Bluetooth)
• Power Supply
– Connects to the motherboard to deliver electricity
(personal computer)
– Portable computers use rechargeable battery pack
• Nonremovable batteries more difficult and expensive
to replace
Inside the System Unit
• Drive Bays
– Rectangular metal racks inside the system unit that house
storage devices
• Hard drive, CD/DVD drive, flash memory card reader
• Connected to the motherboard with a cable
• Processors
– The CPU (Central Processing Unit)
• Circuitry and components packaged together and connected
directly to the motherboard
• Does the vast majority of processing for a computer
• Also called a processor; called a microprocessor when talking
about personal computers
Inside the System Unit
• Processing Speed
– CPU clock speed is one measurement of processing speed
– Rated in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz)
– Higher CPU clock speed = more instructions processed per
second
– Alternate measure of processing speed is the number of
instructions a CPU can process per second
• Megaflops (millions), gigaflops (billions), teraflops
(trillions)
– Benchmark tests can be used to evaluate overall
processing speed
System Software vs. Application
Software
• System Software
– The operating system and utility programs that control a
computer system and allow you to use your computer
• Enables the boot process, launches applications,
transfers files, controls hardware configuration,
manages files on the hard drive, and protects from
unauthorized use
• Application Software
– Programs that allow a user to perform specific tasks on a
computer
• Word processing, playing games, browsing the Web,
listening to music, etc.
The Operating System
• Operating System
– A collection of programs that manage and coordinate the
activities taking place within a computer
– Acts as an
intermediary
between the
user and the
computer and
between the
application programs
and system hardware
Functions of an Operating
System
• Interfacing with Users (typically via a GUI)
• Booting the Computer
– Loads essential part of operating system (kernel) into
memory
– Reads opening batch of instructions
– Determines hardware connected to computer
• Configuring Devices
– Device drivers are often needed; can be reinstalled if
needed
– Plug and Play devices are recognized automatically
Functions of an Operating
System
• Managing Network Connections
– Manages wired connections to home or office network
– Manages wireless connections at home, school, work, or
on the go
• Managing and Monitoring Resources and Jobs
– Makes resources available to devices and programs
– Monitors for problems and attempts to correct those that
arise
– Schedules jobs
• Jobs to be printed
• Files to be retrieved from hard drive
Functions of an Operating
System
• File Management
– Keeps track of stored files on computer so they can be
retrieved when needed
• Files usually viewed in a hierarchical format
• Security
– Passwords
– Biometric characteristics
– Firewalls
Functions of an Operating
System
Differences Among Operating
Systems
• Command Line Interface
– Require users to input commands
using the keyboard
• Graphical User Interface
– Graphics based interface
– Used by most operating systems
Computer Users and
Professionals
• Computer Users (end users)
– People who use a computer to obtain information
• Computer professionals include:
– Programmers
• Write programs computers use
– Systems analysts
• Design computer systems
– Computer operations personnel
• Manage day-to-day computer operations
– Security specialists
• Secure computers and networks against hackers
Computers To Fit Every Need
• Six basic categories of computers:
– Embedded computers
– Mobile devices
– Personal computers
– Servers
– Mainframe computers
– Supercomputers
Embedded Computers
• Embedded Computers
– Embedded into a product and designed to perform specific
tasks or functions for that product
– Cannot be used as general-purpose computers
– Often embedded into:
• Household appliances
• Thermostats
• Sewing machines
• Treadmills
• Answering machines
• Cars
Mobile Devices
• Mobile Device
– A very small device with some type of built-in computing
or Internet capability
– Typically has a small screen
and keyboard
– Examples:
• Smartphones
• Handheld gaming devices
• Portable digital media players
• Media tablets
Personal Computers (PCs)
• Personal Computer (PC)
– Small computer designed to be used by one person at a
time
– Also called a microcomputer
– Available in different sizes and shapes
• Desktop Computers
– On or next to a desk
– Tower case, desktop case,
or all-in-one
– PC or Macintosh
– Not portable
Portable Computers
• Portable Computers
– Designed to be carried around easily
– Fully functional computers
– Notebook (laptop) computers
• Typically use a clamshell design
– Tablet computers
• Usually use a digital pen/stylus or touch screen
• No physical keyboard; can use on-screen or attached
keyboard
– Hybrid notebook-tablet computers
– Netbooks
• Smaller and have more limited features than conventional
notebooks
Portable Computers
Thin Client and Internet
Appliances
• Thin Client
– Designed to utilize a network for much of its processing
– Lower cost, increased security and easier maintenance
– Limited or no local storage
– Not able to function as a computer if network is down
• Internet Appliance
– Specialized network computer designed for Internet access
– Some use apps to deliver news, sports scores, weather,
music, and other Web-based information
Inside the Industry Box
Tech Clothing
– Allows you to carry multiple
devices safely
– Can use devices while they
are being worn
– Make airport checkpoints
easier
Servers
• Server
– A medium-sized computer used to host programs
and data for a small network
– Sometimes referred to as a minicomputer
– Users connect via a network with a
computer, thin client, or dumb terminal
– Virtualization
• Creating virtual rather than
actual environments (often
used to share a server
for increased efficiency)
Mainframe Computers
• Mainframe Computer
– Powerful computer used by many large organizations to
manage large amounts of centralized data
– Standard choice for hospitals, universities, large
businesses, banks, government offices
– Located in climate-controlled data centers and connected
to the rest of the company computers via a network
– Larger, more expensive, and more powerful than servers
– Usually operate 24 hours a day
– Also called high-end servers or enterprise-class servers
Mainframe Computers
Supercomputers
• Supercomputer
– Fastest, most expensive, most powerful type of computer
– Generally run one program at a time, as fast as possible
– Can cost several million dollars each
– Tend to be very large and contain a large number of CPUs
– Titan is one of the fastest computers in the world
Supercomputers
Computer Networks and the
Internet
• Computer Network
– A collection of hardware and other devices that are
connected together
– Users can share hardware, software, and data
– Users can communicate with each other
• Network Servers
– Manage resources on a network
Computer Networks and the
Internet
• Computer networks exist in many sizes and types
– Home networks
– School and small office networks
– Large corporate
– Public wireless networks
– Mobile telephone networks
Computer Networks and the
Internet
Storage System Characteristics
• Storage Media and Storage Devices
– Medium
• Hardware where data is stored
• DVD disc, flash memory card, etc.
– Device
• DVD drive, flash memory card reader, etc.
• Medium is inserted into device to be used
– Can be internal, external, or remote
– Storage devices are typically identified by letter
Storage System Characteristics
Storage System Characteristics
• Volatility
– Storage media are nonvolatile
• Random vs. Sequential Access
– Random access (direct access) allows data to be retrieved
from any location on the storage medium
– Virtually all storage devices use random access
– Sequential access means retrieval of data can occur only in
the order in which it was physically stored on the storage
medium
• Magnetic tape drive
Storage System Characteristics
• Logical vs. Physical Representation
– File
• Anything stored on a storage medium, such as a
program, document, digital image, or song
– Filename
• Name given to a file by the user
– Folder
• Named place on a storage medium
into which files can be stored
Storage System Characteristics
Other Types of Storage Systems
• Network Storage and Cloud Storage Systems
– Remote storage
• Using a storage device not directly connected to the
computer being used
• Accessed through the Internet or through a network
– Network storage
• Remote storage via local network
Network and Cloud Storage
Systems
• Network attached storage (NAS)
– High performance storage systems connected individually
to a network
– Designed for small business and home use
• Storage area network (SAN)
– Separate network of hard drives or other storage devices
which are attached to the main network
Network and Cloud Storage
Systems
Network and Cloud Storage
Systems
• Cloud storage (online storage)
– Accessed via the Internet
• Via Web sites (Flickr, Facebook, Google Docs, etc.)
• Via online storage sites (Box, Dropbox, etc.)
• Growing in importance because more and more
applications are Web based
• Increasing being used for backup purposes
• Files can be synched between PC and cloud storage
• Many Web sites providing online storage offer it free
• Business cloud storage is available
Network and Cloud Storage
Systems
Computers in Your Life
• Today
– Nearly all households include a computer, and most
use computers at work
– Electronic devices are converging into single units with
multiple capabilities
• Check e-mail on living room
television
• View Internet content on mobile
devices
– Computer literacy is an essential skill for everyone
Computers in the Home
• Computers used for a variety of tasks:
– Looking up information and news
– Exchanging e-mail
– Shopping and paying bills
– Watching TV and videos
– Downloading music and movies
– Organizing digital photographs
– Playing games
– Making vacation plans
Computers in the Home
• Used for reference, productivity, and entertainment
• Wireless networking
– Computers can be used in nearly any location
• Smart appliances
– Traditional appliances with built-in computer or
communication technology
• Smart homes
– Household tasks are monitored and controlled by a main
computer in the house
Computers in Education
• Youth today: the computing generation
• Computer labs and classrooms
– Most students today have access to computers at school
– Some schools integrate e-books into the curriculum
• Wireless hotspots
– Colleges and universities are even more integrated
– Some have computer requirements for enrollment
• Supplied or Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
• Distance learning
– Students participate from locations other than the traditional
classroom setting using computers and Internet access
Computers in Education
Computers on the Job
• Computers have become a universal on-the-job tool for
decision-making, productivity, and communication
– By all types of employees
– For access control and other security measures
– For service professional use
– Extensively by the military
– Requires continually refreshing computer skills
– Common uses:
– Decision making, productivity, off-site communications,
and authentication
Computers on the Job
Computers on the Go
• Computers are encountered in nearly every aspect of daily life
– Consumer kiosks
– ATM transactions
– POS systems at retail stores
– Self-checkout systems
– Consumer authentication systems
– Portable computers or mobile devices
– GPS systems
Future Trends
• Nanotechnology
– The science of creating tiny computers and components
less than 100 nanometers in size
– Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) used in many products today
– Nanofilters and nanosensors
– Future applications may be
built by working at the
individual atomic and
molecular levels
Technology and You Box
“Magic” Glass
– MIT has developed nano-sized conical patterns on the
surface of glass to eliminated its reflective properties
– Glass resists fogging and is self-cleaning
– Possible uses:
• Smartphone screens
• Eyeglasses
• TVs
• Car windshieds
• Building windows
Future Trends
• Quantum Computing
– Applies the principles of quantum physics and quantum
mechanics to computers
– Utilizes atoms or nuclei working together as quantum bits
(qubits)
– Qubits function simultaneously as the computer’s
processor and memory and can represent more than two
states
– Expected to be used for specialized applications, such as
encryption and code breaking
Future Trends
• Optical Computing
– Uses light, from laser beams or infrared beams, to perform
digital computations
– Opto-electronic computers use both optical and electronic
components
• Silicon Photonics
– The process of making optical devices using silicon
manufacturing techniques
• Possible low-cost solution to future data-intensive
computing applications—telemedicine, cloud data
centers
Future Trends
• 3D Chips
– Contain transistors that are
layered to cut down on the
surface area required
– Created by layering individual
silicon wafers on top of one
another
– Being used with memory, flash
memory, and CPUs
