Information Technology
Information Technology
IT encompasses all of the technologies that we use to create, collect, process, protect and
store information.
It refers to hardware, software and computer networks.
Data
Data can be any character, text, word, number or raw facts.
Information
Information is processed form of data which is organized.
Definition of a Computer
A computer is an electronic device, that accepts input and processes it under control of
instructions to produce meaningful output.
Input Device
Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer
Output Device
Hardware component that conveys information to one or more people
System Unit
Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to process data
Storage Device
Records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media
Communications Device
Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one
or more computers or mobile devices
Computer System
A computer system is a set of integrated devices that input, output, process, and store data
and information.
Computer system is currently built around at least one digital processing device.
There are five main hardware components in a computer system: Input, Processing,
Storage, Output and Communication devices.
Architecture of Computer
In computer engineering, computer architecture is a set of rules and methods that describe
the functionality, organization, and implementation of computer systems
Computer Architecture is a specification detailing of how a set of software and hardware
technology standards interact of form a computer system.
Computer System
Every Computer System has the following three basic components:
1. Input Unit
2. Central Processing Unit
3. Output Unit
1. Input Unit
This unit helps user to enter data and commands into a computer system.
Input unit converts data and instructions into binary form and directs into computer.
3. Output Unit
Output unit conveys data/information to users.
It converts the processed data into a format which human can understand.
Memory
Computer memory, device that is used to store data or programs (sequences of instructions)
on a temporary or permanent basis for use in an electronic digital computer.
Memory is of two types :
1. Primary Memory or Internal Memory
1. Primary Memory
a. RAM (Random Access Memory)
It contains the programs (BIOS) needed to start a PC, which is essential for boot-up.
It is permanent memory and read only.
The ROM is used by Operating system to perform major input/output tasks.
There are numerous ROM chips located on the motherboard and a few on expansion
boards.
The chips are essential for the basic input/output system (BIOS), boot up, reading
and writing to peripheral devices, basic data management and the software for basic
processes for certain utilities.
Because ROM cannot be changed and is read-only, it is mainly used for firmware.
2. Secondary Memory
MAGNETIC TAPES
A magnetic tape drive is a storage device that makes use of magnetic tape as a medium for
storage.
It uses a long strip of narrow plastic film with tapes of thin magnetizable coating.
MAGNETIC DISKS
A magnetic disk is a storage device that uses a magnetization process to read, write, rewrite
and access data.
It is covered with a magnetic coating and stores data in the form of tracks, spots and
sectors.
Hard disks, zip disks and floppy disks are common examples of magnetic disks.
PEN DRIVE
A USB flash drive or Pen Drive is a data storage device that includes flash memory
with an integrated USB interface.
Storage capacity: 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB and
512 GB
UNITS OF MEMORY