Lecturer: Mr. Andrei Scott Semester: I, 2008 E-mail: andrei.scott@yahoo.

com

Group 1 Mondays -8:00 am to 10:00 am, Room 1 Tuesdays -8:00 am to 10:00 am, Room 6 (last hour practical) Group 2 Mondays -7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, Room 1 Thursdays -6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Room 1 (practical) Discovering Computers 2007. Shelly, Cashman, Vermaat. Computers and Information Systems. Larry Long. CAT Information Systems.

Written Examination: 60% 50 multiple choice questions 4 structured questions, choose 2 Practical/Course Work: 40% 2 to 4 assignments 1 test (at least) 24/60 from written exam 16/40 from course work

Fundamentals of Information Technology seeks to provide you with an understanding of the uses of computers. The course additionally aims to endow you with practical skills of using a word processor, a spreadsheet, the Internet, and an operating system, efficiently.

Introduction to computers and information technology

View the following pictures and formulate a definition of the term information technology.

Introduction to computers and information technology

Information Technology (IT), is the term used to describe the equipment, hardware and computer programs (software), that allows us to access... and present data and information (Gay and Blades, 2005). Information Technology is the integration of various computing tools used for information processing within todays society. It is mostly an adventure into how we conduct business and how we live our lives (Long, 2005). Additionally, we can view IT as a field of study in which we learn how best to remain competitive in society with inventions; as well as attain vocational and life-lasting skills to use these inventions.

Introduction to computers and information technology

Technically, a computer is any counting device; more specifically, it is ...an electronic device capable of interpreting and

executing programmed commands for input, output, computation, and logic operations (Long, 2005).
Consequently, we can consider the computer system as a set of components that interact to achieve a common goal. The purpose, therefore, of a computer system is to use all its working components to produce quality information.

Introduction to computers and information technology

For each of the following, highlight at least two means by which we use computers:

Information systems/data processing systems

Personal computing Science, research, and engineering Process/device control Education Entertainment Artificial Intelligence
Speed Reliability Consistency Accuracy Storage Communication

Introduction to computers and information technology

A computer system has only four fundamental components: Input handles the gathering of data Processing transformation of data to information Output handles the dissemination of processed data Storage safe keeping of information for future use Note: The computer system (and not the computer) is made up of four components.

Introduction to computers and information technology

An input device is any peripheral device that allows one to enter data or instructions into a computer.

Introduction to computers and information technology

An output device is any peripheral device that conveys information to one or more individuals.

Highlight three output devices that are commonly used today.

Introduction to computers and information technology

The processor is the electronic component that interprets and carries out instructions to operate the computer system (which resides on the motherboard).

Introduction to computers and information technology

Storage components hold data, instruction, as well as information for future use; these items are kept on storage media (which are housed within the system unit).