Basic Concepts of

Information Technology (IT)

 What is Information?
Information is data processed for some purpose
Information can only be considered to be 'real' Info if
it meets the following criteria:

it must be communicated to the recipient

it must be in a language that is understood
it must be in a suitable form
it must be relevant for achieving some purpose
 What is Information?
is any form of communication that provides
understandable and useful knowledge for the person
receiving it.
 Systems Theory
System theory is the trans-disciplinary study of the
abstract organization of phenomena, independent of
their substance, type, or spatial or temporal scale of
existence.
It investigates both the principles common to all
complex entities, and the models (usually
mathematical) which can be used to describe them.
System Objectives
Product Development
 Product Development
Information technology can speed up the time it
takes new products to reach the market.
Companies can write product requirement
documents by gathering market intelligence from
proprietary databases, customers and sales
representatives.
 Product Development
Computer-assisted design and manufacturing
software speed up decision making, while
collaborative technologies allow global teams to
work on different components of a product
simultaneously.
From innovations in microprocessors to efficient drug
delivery systems, information technology helps
businesses respond quickly to changing customer
requirements.
Stakeholder Integration
 Stakeholder Integration
Using global 24/7 interconnectivity, a customer
service call originating in Rome, Italy ends up in a call
center in Manila, Philippines, where a service agent
could look up the relevant information on severs
based in corporate headquarters in Dallas, Texas, or
in Frankfurt, Germany
Public companies use their investor relations
websites to communicate with shareholders,
research analysts and other market participants.
 Process
Improvement
 Process Improvement
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems allow
managers to review sales, costs and other operating
metrics on one integrated software platform, usually
in real time.
An ERP system may replace dozens of legacy systems
for finance, human resources and other functional
areas, thus making internal processes more efficient
and cost-effective.
Cost Efficiency
 Cost Efficiency
Although the initial IT implementation costs can be
substantial, the resulting long-term cost savings are
usually worth the investment.
IT allows companies to reduce transaction and
implementation costs.
IT-based productivity solutions, from word
processing to email, have allowed companies to save
on the costs of duplication and postage, while
maintaining and improving product quality and
customer service.
Competitive
Advantage
 Competitive Advantage
Cost savings, rapid product development and process
improvements help companies gain and maintain a
competitive advantage in the marketplace.
If a smartphone competitor announces a new device
with innovative touch-screen features, the
competitors must quickly follow suit with similar
products or risk losing market share.
Companies can use rapid prototyping, software
simulations and other IT-based systems to bring a
product to market cost effectively and quickly.
Globalization
 Globalization
Companies that survive in a competitive
environment usually have the operational and
financial flexibility to grow locally and then
internationally.
IT is at the core of operating models essential for
globalization, such as telecommuting and
outsourcing.
 Globalization
A company can outsource most of its noncore
functions, such as human resources and finances, to
offshore companies and use network technologies to
stay in contact with its overseas employees,
customers and suppliers.
Different Types
of Systems
 Different Types of Systems
Abstract and Physical System
Deterministic and Probabilistic System
Open and Closed System
User Machine System
Abstract and Physical System
 Abstract System
An Abstract or Conceptual System is an orderly
arrangement of interdependent ideas or constructs,
which may or may not have any counterpart in the
real world.
 Physical System
Physical Systems are generally concrete operational
systems made up of people, materials, machines,
energy and other physical things.
Deterministic and Probabilistic System
 Deterministic System
One in which the occurrence of all events is known
with certainty.
 Probabilistic System
One in which the occurrence of events cannot be
perfectly predicted.
Though the behavior of such a system can be
described in terms of probability, a certain degree of
error is always attached to the prediction of the
behavior of the system.
Open and Closed
System
 Open System
An open system is one that interacts with its
environment and thus exchanges information,
material, or energy with the environment, including
random and undefined inputs.
Open systems are adaptive in nature, as they tend to
react with the environment in such a way, so as to
favor their continued existence.
 Open System
Open Systems are self organizing, in the sense that
they change their organization in response to
changing conditions.
 Closed System
A closed system is one, which does not interact with
its environment.
Such systems in business world, are rare, but
relatively closed systems are common.
Thus, the systems that are relatively isolated from
the environment but not completely closed, are
termed closed system.
User-machine System
 User-machine System
Most of the physical systems are user-machine (or
human-machines) systems.
Both human and machine perform some activities in
the accomplishment of a goal (e.g. decision-making).
The machine elements (may be a computer
hardware or software) are relatively closed and
deterministic, whereas the human elements of the
system are open and probabilistic.
 What is a Computer?
A computer is a general purpose, programmable
device that is used for the production and processing
of information
capable of calculating and storing results
 What do we mean by general purpose?

Most devices can be described by their function e.g

Washing Machine, DVD Player
Computers, however, can be used for almost any
purpose:
- typewriter
- video editor
- accounts tracker
- database / address book
- DVD / CD Player
- and many others
 Computers are Programmable
Computers respond to instructions in the form of
programs
Programs are written in order to make computers
behave in specific ways i.e. word processor, systems
control
Programs are stored in the Computer memory
How computers process information?
Computers accept inputs ( i.e. data)
The input is translated into binary numbers and
processed
The process produces output (i.e information)
This sequence can repeat endlessly: outputs can be
inputs!
Illustrating this - the Black Box model
Processing - The Black Box Model
We can think of a computer as a black
box :
input process output
3+5 8
 Components of a Computer System
Computer Systems are made up of:
Hardware the physical parts
Software - the instructions or programs that control
the hardware
The Human Being the brains behind the whole
system!
 Classes Of Computer
By size
By function
By usage
 Classes by Size
Microcomputers
Minicomputers
Mainframe computers
Supercomputers
 Microcomputers
Most common kind of computers
The term was introduced with the advent of systems
based on single chip microprocessors
 Examples (mobile devices)
Laptop and notebook computers - portable and all-
in-one case
Tablet computer - like laptops, but with a touch-
screen, entirely replacing the physical keyboard
Smartphones, Smartbooks, Personal Digital Assistant
(PDA), and Palmtop Computers - Small handheld
computers with limited hardware
Smartbooks
PDA
Palmtop Computers
 Examples (mobile devices)
Programmable calculator - Like small handhelds, but
specialized on mathematical work
Handheld game consoles - The same as game
consoles, but small and portable
 Examples
Desktop computers - a case and a display, put under
or on a desk
Game consoles - Fixed computers specialized for
entertainment purposes (video games)
In-car Computers (Carputers) - Built into a car, for
entertainment, navigation, etc
Some Tech Advancements in Cars
for 2016
Ford autonomous driving in winter
In case you haven't been following all of the news in
self-driving cars, the one hurdle is that almost every
test -- from Tesla to Google to Magna -- involves
reading lane markings.
Ford recently demonstrated how powerful lasers and
sensors could map an entire urban area even in
winter and still drive autonomously without any lane
markings.
 Toyota is building the satellite car
Its just a concept now (and doubly so, since this tech
is used on the Mirai fuel cell concept), but Toyota
is showing how satellite cells on the roof of a
car might work someday.
It means more reliable communication in multiple
regions (not just the U.S. on cell networks) and a
greater possibility of vehicle-to-vehicle
communication, a great need with autonomous
driving.
The luxury car that stops for pedestrians
Infiniti announced the new 2016 QX60, which uses a
new tech called Forward Emergency Braking with
pedestrian detection.
As you might guess, it means the car can detect
people crossing front of the car (not just behind you,
which has been around a while) and stop if you dont
react in time.
Its intended for slower urban driving around town.
 This minivan has an
Are we there yet? app for kids
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has a unique app that runs
in the back display for kids.
Once you program it with your destination, they can
view an animation that shows the arrival time.
Its a nod to the frequent question parents get about
are we there yet from the backseat.
 The Lexus LC 500 luxury coupe can
handle stop-and-go traffic
Another step on the path to autonomous driving,
the Lexus LC 500 coupe-- which has a futuristic look -
- uses adaptive cruise control in traffic. The car can
brake down to zero and resume, a technology they
call All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Whats
unique here is that the high-end and sporty coupe
relieves some of stress of traffic.
 Minicomputers (or midrange)
A class of multi-user computers that lie in the middle
range of the computing spectrum, in between the
smallest mainframe computers and the largest
single-user systems (microcomputers or personal
computers).
The term superminicomputer or supermini was used
to distinguish more powerful minicomputers that
approached mainframes in capability.
 Mainframe Computers
Used in large institutions such as government, banks
and large corporations.
They are measured in MIPS (million instructions per
second) and respond to up to hundreds of millions of
users at a time
 Supercomputers
Focused on performing tasks involving intense
numerical calculations such as weather forecasting,
fluid dynamics, nuclear simulations, theoretical
astrophysics, and complex scientific computations
 Classes of Computers by Function
Servers
Workstations
Information appliances
Embedded computers
 Servers
Server usually refers to a computer that is dedicated
to provide a service.
For example, a computer dedicated to
a database may be called a "database server".
"File servers" manage a large collection of computer
files.
"Web servers" process web pages and web
applications.
 Workstations
Workstations are computers that are intended to
serve one user and may contain special hardware
enhancements not found on a personal computer.
 Information Appliances
Information appliances are computers specially
designed to perform a specific "user-friendly"
functionsuch as playing music, photography, or
editing text.
The term is most commonly applied to mobile
devices, though there are also portable and desktop
devices of this class.
 Embedded Computers
Embedded computers are computers that are a part
of a machine or device.
Generally execute a program that is stored in non-
volatile memory and is only intended to operate a
specific machine or device.
Typically required to operate continuously without
being reset or rebooted, and once employed in their
task the software usually cannot be modified.
 Embedded Computers
An automobile may contain a number of embedded
computers; however, a washing machine and a DVD
player would contain only one.
The CPUs used in embedded computers are often
sufficient only for the computational requirements of
the specific application and may be slower and
cheaper than CPUs found in a personal computer.
 Intelligent and Dumb Terminals
Intelligent Terminal - A terminal (monitor and
keyboard) that contains processing power. Intelligent
terminals include memory and a processor to
perform special display operations.
Dumb Terminal - A dumb terminal is simply an
output device that accepts data from the CPU.
Computer Organization the Von
Neumann model
Most Computers are based on a model proposed by
John Von Neumann in 1946
Hungarian-American mathematician, physicist,
inventor, computer scientist, and polymath.
 Classes of Computers by Usage
Public Computer
Personal Computer
Display Computer
 Public Computer
Computers that are open for public uses.
They are normally fire walled to prevent abuse. Most
are restricted to install software.
There are many places one can use them such
as cybercafes, schools and libraries.
 Personal computer
Computers that are solely for one user.
The user has complete access to any part of the
computer.
 Display Computer
Computers that are displayed in a shop.
These computers are mainly for preview.
These computers are rarely firewalled but are
monitored. They are likely to have internet access.
Computer Organization the Von
Neumann model
The logical units of this model are:
Stored program
Central Processing Unit: fetches and executes the
program instructions sequentially
Memory
Input and Output devices
Computer Hardware components
A typical PC System is made up of:
System Unit
Keyboard
Monitor (VDU Visual Display Unit)
Mouse
Printer
Modem
Multimedia Devices
 Hardware The System Unit
The central component of the system
Houses:
The Processor: corresponds to the CPU
Memory: RAM and ROM
Storage: Hard Disk, Removable Storage devices
 The Processor (CPU)
Types include Intel Pentium series, Celerion, AMD
Athlon
Chip at the heart of the computer- does the
calculations
Speed is very important measured in megahertz
(MHz): the faster the processor the more calculations
performed per second.
 Memory
A computer must be able to store its
calculations and programs
Two types of memory: Volatile and Non-
volatile.
Measured in bytes
One byte = eight bits
 Volatile Memory
A computer memory that requires power to
maintain the stored information
Example: RAM chip (Random Access Memory)
SRAM (Static RAM)
DRAM (Dynamic RAM)
 Non-Volatile Memory
A computer memory that can retain the
stored information even when not powered
Examples:
ROM chip (Read Only Memory)
PROM (Programmable ROM)
EPROM (Erasable ROM)
Flash Memory
Magnetic computer storage (hard disk drive,
floppy disk, magnetic tape)
Optical disc
 Random Access Memory (RAM)
Used by the Computer as the working area
Holds the working program, the data being
processed and the interim results
Volatile - contents are erased if power is cut
Can be accessed randomly: can get any piece of data
directly.
Faster than permanent storage
Not to be confused with ROM (Read-Only Memory)
 RAM versus ROM
A ROM chip is used primarily in the start up process
of a computer
A RAM chip is used in the normal operations of a
computer after starting up and loading the operating
system.
Writing data to a ROM chip is a slow process
Writing data to a RAM chip is a faster process.
 RAM versus ROM
A RAM chip can store multiple gigabytes (GB) of data,
up to 16 GB or more per chip.
A ROM chip typically stores only several megabytes
(MB) of data, up to 4 MB or more per chip.
 Storage - Hard Disk
Permanent Memory - records and stores all
programs and data / information magnetically
Larger than RAM - average 12 - 120GB
Slower - involves mechanical movement (read/write
head, revolving disk)
 Other types of Storage
Floppy Disks
CD/DVD ROM
Zip Drive
Magnetic Tape
Zip Drives
 Input Devices
Keyboard
Mouse: used in conjunction with the GUI
(Graphical User Interface), point and click
Other types of Input Devices:
Trackballs
Light Pens
Touch Screens
Tablets
Trackballs
 Output Devices
Monitor: also known as the Visual Display Unit
(VDU)
Printers
Impact Printer
Non-impact Printer
Non-impact Printers

Good quality letters

and numbers
 Impact Printer
Impact printer refers to a class of printers that
work by banging a head or needle against an
ink ribbon to make a mark on the paper.
Examples:
Dot-matrix printer uses a needle
Daisy-wheel printer uses a wheel just like in a
typewriter
 Why use an Impact Printer?
Continuous feed paper - While continuous-feed
paper has the disadvantage of having perforated
edges that can be unattractive, it also offers the
convenience of being able to be connected to the
printer where it feeds through hundreds or
thousands of pages with less of a risk of jamming and
without needing to be refilled.
 Why use an Impact Printer?
Multipart Forms - Multipart forms consist of multiple
copies of a form that are sandwiched together with
either carbon paper or a layer of carbon contained in
the paper.
 Software
Generic name of all programs
Made up of code interpreted by the hardware
Written in programming languages - Java, C,
C++, Perl
Two kinds of Software:
System
Application
 System Software
Concerned with the computer itself: devices,
file and storage management, error correction
Main piece of SS: Operating System (OS)
OS: the driving program of the computer
communicates between all programs and the
hardware
controls timing and sequence of events
manages data to ensure security and integrity
Examples: Windows, Mac OS, Unix
 Applications Software
Concerned with the world outside the computer
Gives the computer its general purpose nature
Used for the things you want the computer to do
Common Examples - Word, Excel, Internet Explorer
Applications can be more specialised: e.g.
Architecture package
 How Software is made
Involves a cycle of research, analysis, development
and testing
Systems Analysts - study the business processes and
designs the software
Programmers - develops the software
 Problems with Software
Software is complex
Difficult to test comprehensivly
Can have bugs: these can be trivial or major
Symptoms of bugs
hanging
crashes
The Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Represents all the program / computer resources as
icons
Workspace represented graphically - creates virtual
documents
More usable: led to wider use of computers
Adds to the unique nature of the computer as both a
tool and a medium
 Dos and Donts
Do Dont
give the computer room block air vents
to breathe eat or drink while using
keep it in a dry place the computer
dust free expose to extremes of
shut down properly temperature
keep removable storage just switch off
away from the screen move while the
computer is in
operation