Essential Information Technology Fundamentals

Information Technology Fundamentals

Information Technologies: These are the tools and methods used to collect, store, handle, or distribute information.

Hardware: This includes any physical component of technology that works or somehow interacts with the computer.

Characteristics of the Third Generation of Computers

• Integrated Circuit Chips: These chips comprise thousands of transistors on a silicon wafer.
• Performance: They offer increased processing speed and improved existing storage systems.
• New Programming Languages: Introduction of Pascal, BASIC, and Logo.

Software: This refers to all the intangible components of the computer; it is a group of programs.

RAM (Random Access Memory): This temporarily stores data and instructions; it is measured in megabytes or gigabytes.

ROM (Read-Only Memory): This is read-only memory that usually contains instructions to start computer operations.

Operating Systems (OS)

An Operating System allocates system resources, schedules the use of these resources and the work of the computer, and monitors the activities of the computer system.

Operating System Components:

• Memory manager
• Process manager
• Administrator of input and output devices
• Information manager
• Administrator for protection and error handling

OS Classification by User Support:

Operating systems are rated as single-user or multi-user based on the number of users they can simultaneously support.

OS Classification by Task Management:

They are also classified by the number of jobs that can run at the same time: single-tasking or multi-tasking.

Examples of Software and Systems

• Single-user Systems: OS/2, Windows 98, Mac OS.
• Multi-user Systems: Unix.
• Application Software: Word processors, spreadsheets.

Interpreter: A program that makes an instant translation at the time of execution. It translates and executes line by line or statement by statement and will submit errors as they occur.

Virus Cleaner: These are normally part of detectors and are designed to remove viruses.

Core Technology Categories

Sensor Technology: Devices that help to capture environmental data and translate it into a form understandable to the computer. Examples: Scanners, touch screens, video cameras, and barcodes.

Analysis Technology: This involves hardware and software used by the computer to take sensory information and/or communication technology for storage and/or processing. Examples: PCs, minis, mainframes, and supercomputers.

Output Technology: Technologies for making information accessible to the user through sound or image. These graphically show results or information. Examples: Displays, Virtual Reality, and LCD Monitors.

Communications Technologies: Technologies used to unite and communicate sensory, analysis, and output technologies. Examples: Modems, Networks, Internet, Networking, Cellular Phones, and Fax.