Information Technology

Development
Topic 1
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[Reference: Vermaat, M. E., Sebok, S. L., Freund, S. M., Frydenberg, M., & Campbell, J. T. (2017).
Enhanced discovering computers (1st ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.]
Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the relationship between data and
information
2. Describe the five components of a computer
3. Understand different categories of software
4. Understand different categories of computers
5. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages that users
experience when working with computers

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Data and Information
• Data is a collection of raw and unprocessed items, which
can include text, numbers, images, audio, and video.
• Information is processed data that conveys meaning and
is useful to people.

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Information Processing Cycle
The information processing cycle consists of a series of
steps where raw data (input) is fed into a system to
produce meaningful information (output).

Communication

Data Information

Input Process Output

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Storage
Stages of
Information Processing Cycle
• Input stage
• Computer receives data and instructions.
• Process stage
• Computer processes data into information.
• Storage stage
• Computer stores data and information.
• Communication stage
• Computer shares data and information with others.
• Output stage
• Computer displays information to people. 5
Discussion:
Information Processing Cycle of Social Media
Stage Task
Input The computer receives data such as likes,
comments, shares, posts, timestamps, and
geolocation.
Process The computer analyses the data to identify
patterns, sentiments and relevant trends.
Output The computer presents personalised content
feeds to users, alerts users about new
activities, messages and relevant updates,
and provides insights about user
engagement, trends and other metrics.
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Example: Information Processing Cycle of
Social Media (con’t)
Stage Task
Storage The computer stores user profiles,
preferences, historical interactions,
media files, posts and other content.
Communication The computer facilitates
communication between users through
messages, comments, and direct
interactions; enables third-party
applications to interact with social
media platforms; notifies users of real-
time events and updates, and allows
users to share content from external
sources and integrate with other 7
platforms.
Components of a Computer
• Input devices
• Output devices
• System unit
• Storage
• Communications devices

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Input Devices
• Hardware that allows users to
enter data and instructions
into a computer.
• Examples: biometric device,
touch screen, stylus,
microphone, web cam,
scanner, bar code reader,
RFID reader, magnetic stripe
card reader, touch-sensitive
pad, graphics tablet,
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keyboard, mouse
Output Devices
• Hardware that
conveys information
from a computer to
one or more people.
• Examples: monitor,
printer, speakers,
headphones,
projector

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System Unit
• A case that
contains and
protects all
electronic
components of
the computer
from damage.

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Components in a System Unit

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Storage
• Storage holds
data,
instructions,
and
information
for future use.

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Storage Media Storage Device
• Storage media are physical • A storage device is hardware
materials on which a that is used to record (write)
computer keeps data, and retrieve (read) items to
information, programs and and from storage media.
applications. • Examples: memory card
• Examples: memory card, reader, optical drive
optical disc

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Communications Devices
• Hardware that is capable of transmitting data,
instructions, and information from computers and
devices to transmission media and vice versa.
• Examples: digital modem, network card, router

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Discussion:
Hardware Specifications
• Hardware specifications refer to the detailed
information about the physical components and
capabilities of a computer or electronic device.
• These specifications provide a comprehensive
overview of the device's hardware, including its
performance, features, and capabilities.

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Case Study
Molinja is planning to buy a smartphone. She will
be primarily using the smartphone for creating
and editing Tik Tok images and videos. Suggest
hardware specifications that can handle graphic-
intensive tasks efficiently.

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 Hardware Hardware Specification
Processor (CPU) Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 or 8 series
Graphics Processing Unit Adreno GPUs (for Qualcomm
(GPU) Snapdragon processors)
Random Access Memory 6GB or 8 GB
(RAM)
Storage 128GB or more
Display FHD+ or QHD+ resolution
AMOLED or OLED screen
technology
Camera Optical image stabilization (OIS)
4K video recording
Battery 4000mAh or more
Connectivity Fast-charging, USB-C port

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Other considerations?
Computer Software
• Software, also called a program, consists of a series of
related instructions, organised for a common purpose,
that tells the computer what tasks to perform and how
to perform them.
• Two categories of software:
• System software
• Application software Operating
System system (OS)
software System utility
Software
Application (tool)
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software
System Software
• System Software consists of the programs that control
or maintain the operations of the computer and its
devices.
• Types of system software:
• An operating system is a set of programs that coordinates
all the activities among computer hardware devices and
allows users to run application software.
• A system utility (tool) is used to perform maintenance-
type tasks usually related to managing devices, media, and
programs.

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Operating System (OS) Functions
starts the
computer
administer manage
security programs

control a manage
network memory
Functions of
an
provide file operating
system coordinate tasks
management
and configure
and
devices (I/O)
other tools

provide the
monitor user
performance establish an interface 21
internet
connection
Operating System (OS) Examples
Examples of operating systems by category

Server Desktop / Laptop Mobile

Microsoft Microsoft Google

Windows Server Windows Android

Mac OS X Server Mac OS Apple iOS

Microsoft Windows
UNIX UNIX
Phone

Linux Linux
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Chrome
OS
System Utility (tool) Examples
Examples of system utilities by category

Security tools File, disk, and system management tools

Personal firewall File manager

Antivirus program Search utility

Internet filter Image viewer

Uninstaller

File compression tool

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Backup tool
Application Software
• Application software consists of programs designed to
make users more productive and/or assist users with
personal tasks.
• Examples of application categories:
• A productivity application assists users in becoming more
effective and efficient while performing daily activities at
work, school, and home.
• A graphics and media application enables power users such
as engineers, architects, desktop publishers, and graphic
artists to work with graphics and media.

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Productivity Application Types
Types of Productivity Applications
Type Function Example
Create and manipulate documents
Word Microsoft Word,
processing containing mostly text and graphics
OpenOffice.org Writer
such as letters, memos, and reports
Create visual aids for presentations to Microsoft PowerPoint,
Presentation communicate ideas, messages, and OpenOffice.org
other information Impress
Organise data in rows and columns Microsoft Excel,
Spreadsheet
and performs calculations on the data OpenOffice.org Calc
Plan, schedule, track, and analyse the
Project Microsoft Project,
management events, resources, and costs of a GanttProject
project
Microsoft Office 25
Record and report financial
Accounting Accounting
transactions of a business
Professional
 Types of Graphics and Media Applications
Graphics and Media Application Types
Type Function Example
Computer-Aided Create engineering, architectural, and
Design (CAD) Microsoft Visio, AutoCAD
scientific designs and models
Create sophisticated publications that contain
text, graphics, and many colours such as Microsoft Publisher, Adobe
Desktop publishing
textbooks, corporate newsletters, product InDesign
catalogues, and annual reports
Drawing/vector Draw, enhance, and modify pictures, shapes, Adobe Illustrator,
graphics and graphics CorelDRAW

Edit and customise digital photos such as

Photo editing retouching photos, adding special effects, Adobe Photoshop, GIMP
removing or rearranging objects in a photo

Modify a segment of a video, called a clip, Windows Movie Maker,

Video editing
reorder a series of clips or add special effects Adobe Premiere

Modify audio clips, produce studio-quality Adobe Audition,

Audio editing
soundtracks, and more Sony Sound Forge
Create webpages that include multimedia
Microsoft Expression Web,
Webpage authoring and interactive content, and organise, 26
Adobe Dreamweaver
manage, and maintain websites
Categories of Computers

Desktop Computers

Laptops and
Mobile Devices

Game Consoles

Servers

Supercomputers

Embedded Computers
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Desktop Computers
• A desktop computer is a type of computer whereby all the
components fit entirely on or under a desk or table.
• An all-in-one (AIO) or all-in-one desktop, by constrast, does
not have a tower and instead houses the display, system unit,
and possibly an optical drive, in the same case.

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Laptops
• A laptop, also called a notebook computer, is thin,
lightweight mobile computer with a screen in its lid and a
keyboard in its base.
• It is designed to fit on your lap and for easy transport.

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Mobile Devices
• Tablet PC
• Handheld computer
• Smartphone

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Tablet PCs
• A tablet PC is usually smaller than a laptop but larger
than a smartphone.
• It is a thin, lighter-weight mobile device that has a touch
screen.

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Handheld Computers
• A handheld computer is a
computer small enough to
fit in one hand.
• Many handheld computers
are industry-specific and
serve the needs of mobile
employees, such as parcel
delivery people or
warehouse employees.

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Smartphones
• A smartphone is an Internet-capable phone with a touch
screen.
• It usually includes a calendar, an address book, a
calculator, a notepad, games, browsers, and numerous
other apps.

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Game Consoles
• A game console is a mobile computing device designed
for single-player or multiplayer video games.

Standard game consoles

Handheld game consoles

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Servers
• A server is a computer dedicated
to provide one or more services to
other computers or devices on a
network.
• A server can support from two to
several thousand connected
computers and devices at the same
time.

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Supercomputers
• A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful, and the
most expensive computer.
• Supercomputers
are capable of
processing many
trillions of
instructions in a
single second.

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Embedded Computers
• An embedded computer is a special-purpose computer
that functions as a component in a larger product.

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Advantages & Disadvantages of
Using Computers

Advantages Disadvantages
• Speed • Health risks
• Reliability • Violation of privacy
• Consistency • Public safety
• Storage • Impact on labour force
• Communications • Impact on environment

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Current Developments
Artificial Intelligence
• A branch of computer science focused on creating intelligent
machines capable of performing tasks that typically require
human intelligence.
• A collection of algorithms and techniques that enable
machines to learn from data and experience, adapt to new
situations, and generate intelligent responses.
• Technology that simulates human intelligence processes,
such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision
making.

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Current Developments
Generative AI
• A type of AI technology that generates content
(including text, code, images, and audio) in response to
prompts written in natural-language conversational
interfaces.
• It utilises neural networks as its primary engine,
mimicking the human brain's ability to learn and
generate outputs. Examples include:
• Text generation: ChatGPT
• Image generation: Canva
• Audio/voice generation: AIVA

Note: Using AI-generated media for commercial purposes can be legal and ethical, but it depends on
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the specific circumstances and considerations involved. From a legal perspective, AI-generated media
can be subject to copyright laws if they are sufficiently original and creative to meet the threshold for
protection.