OverviewThis module will discuss the basics of Information Technology as they relate to the computer technician.

It covers different computer types and software applications. A brief overview of theInternet is also included. The student will identify the basic features of the Windows operatingsystem and the elements of the Windows desktop.Additionally, the student will learn several vocabulary words that are important to the technician.The student will also examine the methods used in number conversions, including binary todecimal and decimal to binary. Explanations and introductions to analog, digital, and algorithmsare included.Safety is the first priority when working with computers. This module will detail safety proceduresthat pertain to the labs used throughout this course and in the workplace. 1.1 Getting Started in IT1.1.1 Computer systems and programsA computer system is shown in Figure . A computer system consists of hardware and softwarecomponents. Hardware is the physical equipment such as the case, floppy disk drives,keyboards, monitors, cables, speakers, and printers. The term software describes the programsthat are used to operate the computer system. Computer software, also called programs,instructs the computer on how to operate. These operations may include identifying, accessing,and processing information. Essentially, a program is a sequence of instructions that describehow data will be processed. Programs vary widely depending on the type of information that willbe accessed or generated. For example, instructions for balancing a checkbook are very differentfrom instructions for simulating a virtual reality world on the Internet.The two types of software are operating systems and applications.Application software accepts input from the user and then manipulates it to achieve a result. Thisresult is known as the output. Applications are programs designed to perform a specific functionfor the user or for another application program. Examples of applications include wordprocessors, database programs, spreadsheets, Web browsers, Web development tools, andgraphic design tools. Computer applications are detailed later in this module. Refer to Figures , ,and for examples of common application software.An operating system (OS) is a program that manages all the other programs in a computer. It alsoprovides the operating environment for applications that are used to access resources on thecomputer. Operating systems perform basic tasks like recognizing input from the keyboard or mouse, sending output to the video screen or printer, keeping track of files on the drives, andcontrolling peripherals such as printers and modems. The Disk Operating System (DOS),Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Linux, Mac OS X, DEC VMS, and IBM OS/400 are allexamples of operating systems.Operating systems are platform-specific, meaning they are designed for specific types of computers. For example, the Windows operating system is designed for an IBM-compatiblepersonal computer (PC). ). The Mac OS will only

work with Macintosh computers. PC andMacintosh are called platforms. A platform is the computer system on which different programscan be used.

Firmware is a program that is embedded in a silicon chip rather than stored on a floppy disk. Anychange to either the hardware or software can cause firmware to become outdated. This can leadto device failure, system failure, or data loss. When this happens to older firmware, the onlysolution is to replace it. Current firmware is flashable, meaning that the contents can beupgraded, or flashed. This subject is covered in more depth in a later module. 1.1 Getting Started in IT1.1.2 Computer typesTwo types of computers are detailed in this section. The first is the mainframe, which hasprovided computing power for major corporations for more than 40 years. The second is thepersonal computer, which has had more impact on people and business than any other device inhistory.MainframesMainframes are powerful machines that allow companies to automate manual tasks, shortenmarketing time for new products, use financial models that enhance profitability, and so on. Themainframe model consists of centralized computers that are usually housed in secure, climatecontrolled computer rooms. End users interface with the computers through dumb terminals.These terminals are low-cost devices that usually consist of a monitor, keyboard, and acommunication port to communicate with the mainframe. Initially, terminals were hard wireddirectly to communication ports on the mainframe and the communications were asynchronous.An illustration of a mainframe computer is shown in Figure . NOTE:Asynchronous means without respect to time. In terms of data transmission, asynchronousmeans that no clock or timing source is needed to keep both the sender and the receiver synchronized. Without the use of a clock, the sender must signal the start and stop of

eachcharacter so the receiver will know when to expect data.A mainframe environment consists of a single computer or group of computers that can becentrally managed and maintained. This configuration has the additional advantage of being moresecure for two reasons. First, the computer is stored in a secure room. Second, the ability of theend user to introduce viruses into the system is decreased. Virus protection and eradication costscompanies hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars annually.At its peak in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the mainframe and minicomputer market wasdominated by IBM and Digital Equipment Corporatio