THEORY

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, THE INTERNET AND YOU

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

  • Information systems consist of several crucial components that work together to process data and facilitate information flow.
    • Parts of Information Systems:
    • Hardware: Physical devices that allow users to interact with the information system.
    • Software: Programs and applications that run on hardware.
    • Data: Raw, unprocessed facts that are transformed into information.
    • Procedures: Protocols and operations that govern how data is processed and information is managed.
    • The Internet: A global network that connects computers and allows data sharing.

SOFTWARE

  • Software is categorized into two primary types:
    • System Software:
    • Enables application software to interact with computer hardware.
    • Background software that helps manage internal resources of the computer.
    • Not a single program; it is a collection of various programs, including operating systems and utilities.
    • Application Software:
    • End-user software designed to carry out specific tasks.
    • Includes both general-purpose applications (e.g., word processors, spreadsheets) and specialized applications (e.g., Sound Forge Pro 10).
      • Example: Sound Forge Pro 10, a professional digital audio production suite that includes Sound Forge Pro 10 and Noise Reduction 2.

PERSONAL COMPUTER HARDWARE

  • Types of Personal Computers:
    • Desktop Computers: Layout typically includes a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and the system unit.
    • Laptops: Portable computers with integrated components, designed for mobile use.
    • Tablets: Touchscreen devices that operate primarily on mobile operating systems.
    • Smartphones: Handheld devices that provide telephony and other computing functions.
    • Wearable Devices: Technology integrated into clothing or accessories (e.g., smartwatches).

SYSTEM UNIT

  • Components of the System Unit:
    • Storage Devices:
    • Solid-State Drive (SSD): e.g., WD Blue 3D NAND SATA SSD.
    • Optical Discs: e.g., DVD-R DL, Compact Discs for data storage.
    • Input/Output Devices: Components that allow for user interaction and communication, can be hardware like keyboards and mice.

DATA AND INFORMATION

  • Data:
    • Defined as raw, unprocessed facts.
    • Examples of data values represented include strings of characters (e.g., 15997, 05081197FFC108B36).
    • Transformation of Data into Information: Processed data becomes meaningful information.

THE INTERNET AND THE WEB

  • Launch of the Internet:
    • The Internet was launched in 1969 in the USA.
    • The World Wide Web (the web) was introduced in 1991 in Switzerland.
  • Differences Between the Web and the Internet:
    • The internet is the physical network infrastructure, while the web is a system of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the internet.

COMMON USES OF THE INTERNET

  • The predominant activities undertaken on the Internet include:
    • Communication: Various forms, such as emails, instant messaging, and social networking.
    • Shopping: E-commerce activities allowing users to purchase goods online.
    • Searching: The use of search engines to find information on specific topics.
    • Entertainment: Streaming video, music, and gaming services.
    • Education / E-Learning: Platforms for online learning and resources.

INTERNET ACCESS

  • Steps to Connect to the Internet:
    • Obtain an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
    • Utilize a web browser to access web resources.

PROVIDERS

  • Internet Service Providers (ISPs):
    • Common means of accessing the internet.
    • Permanently connected to the internet infrastructure.
    • Technologies used by ISPs include telephone lines, cables, and wireless connections.

BROWSERS

  • Definition: Programs that provide access to web resources.
  • Common Browsers:
    • Microsoft Internet Explorer
    • Mozilla Firefox
    • Google Chrome
    • Safari
    • Opera Mini
  • Connection to the Web: Browsers require the address (URL) of the resource to access specified web pages.

ADDRESSING WEB RESOURCES

  • URL (Uniform Resource Locator):
    • Structure of a URL includes:
    • Protocol: e.g., https://
    • Domain Name: e.g., www.google.com
    • Top-level Domain (TLD): e.g., .com

COMMUNICATION ON THE INTERNET

  • Importance of Internet Communication:
    • The primary activity of internet use.
    • Popular types of communication include:
    • E-mail: Sending and receiving messages electronically.
    • Instant Messaging: Real-time message exchange between users.
    • Discussion Groups: Online groups where individuals discuss topics of interest.
    • Social Networking: Platforms that connect individuals and allow sharing.

SEARCH TOOLS AND ENGINES

  • Web Statistics: As of February 2023, over 1.98 billion websites exist on the web.
  • Function of Search Engines:
    1. Connect to a search engine (e.g., Google, Bing).
    2. Conduct Keyword Search:
    • Users enter keywords or phrases to reflect their information needs.
    • The search engine processes this input against its database and returns relevant results.

ELECTRONIC COMMERCE (E-COMMERCE)

  • Definition: E-commerce involves the buying and selling of goods over the internet.
  • Benefits: Provides incentives for both consumers and businesses.
  • Categories of E-Commerce:
    • Business-to-Consumer (B2C): The fastest-growing type of e-commerce, includes online banking, financial trading, and shopping.
    • Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C): Individuals selling goods to other individuals, often through e-commerce platforms such as online auctions or classified ads.

COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM

  • System Board (Motherboard):
    • Serves as the communication platform within the computer, connecting all components.
  • Microprocessor:
    • The Central Processing Unit (CPU) integrated into a microprocessor chip.
    • Key Functions:
    • Control Unit: Directs data and instruction flow.
    • Arithmetic-Logic Unit (ALU): Responsible for all arithmetic and logical operations.
  • Memory Types:
    • Random Access Memory (RAM): Volatile storage, retains data only while powered.
    • Read Only Memory (ROM): Non-volatile storage with pre-installed programs, maintains data without power.
  • Expansion Slots and Cards:
    • Most system boards have slots for expansion cards to enhance capabilities (e.g., graphics cards, sound cards).
  • Ports:
    • Sockets for external devices to connect to the system unit, divided into standard and specialized ports.
    • Common ports include VGA (Video Graphics Array), HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), Ethernet, and USB (Universal Serial Bus).
  • Power Supply:
    • Converts Alternating Current (AC) from standard outlets to Direct Current (DC) needed for computer components.