FP105 COMPUTING ESSENTIALS

CLO1discuss actively the basic concepts, trends, issues and challenges related to current information technology. (C3)

1.1 Basic concept and terminology of information technology

• Five parts of an information system• Define information technology• Evolution of computing technology• Emerging technologies in computing• Various measures to secure data• Applications of ICT• Importance of a life-long learning and continual

professional dev. To an IT professional

WHAT IS INFORMATION SYSTEM?

• An information system (IS) can be defined as a collection of procedures, hardware, software, people and data, organized to generate information to support an organization’s objectives.

Five parts of an information system:

1. Hardware : • refers to all the system’s physical

equipment that processes the data to create information.

2. Software: is a program that contains the step-by-step instructions that tell the computer how to do its work.

3. People– People used information systems in order

to increase productivity.4. Procedures

Are rules or guidelines for people to follow when using software, hardware and data

5. Data - data consists of raw unprocessed facts,

including text, numbers, images and sounds.

Evolution of computing technologies

• First generation (1950s)• The Second Generation

Early1960s • The Third Generation

(Mid 1960s to Mid 1970s)• The Fourth Generation (1975-1991)• Fifth Generation

First generation (1950s)The first generation of computers used vacuum tubes as suis. Vacuum tubes failed frequently so first generation computers did not work most of the time.

• Example : – ENIAC (Electronic Integrator & Calculator) vacuum tubes.

• First electronic digital computer.• Area : 140 meter square, Power : 130 kWatt, 18000 unit

vacuum tube, Capability : 5000 addition, 300 times per sec.

– UNIVAC 1 (Universal Automation Calculator).• Used for business data processing• Used mercury to data storage.

The Second Generation Early1960s

• The second generation computer used transistor and diode to replace vacuum tube.

• Magnetic core is used to data storage purpose.• The capacity of processing and memory size also

increased.• Programming language is used like FOTRAN and

COBOL.• Example :

– DEC PDP-8 is a first mini-computer produced in 1964 then followed by IBM (International Business Machine) mini-computer, 7090 and 7094.

The Third Generation (Mid 1960s to Mid 1970s)

• Transistors have been scaled down to microscopic size or also known as chip

• IBM monopolizing the computer manufacturing industry .

• The famous brand of computer at third generation such as Apple II, IBM PC, NEC PC and Sinclair .

- Used programming language like BASIC, PASCAL, C , and etc.

- The operating systems allowed the machines to run many different applications.

The Fourth Generation (1975-1991)

• employed very-large-scale integration (VLSI) • developed Intel 4004, first microprocessor • Apple Computer founded • IBM introduced the Personal Computer (PC) • IBM compatibles or clones introduced • Macintosh was the first commercial personal computer to

offer a user interface • Microsoft’s Windows 98 is a popular GUI designed for

IBM-compatible microcomputers

Fifth Generation

• Current trends now are to exploit the advantages of computer systems which can contain literally thousands of computers.

• This means that thousands of computations can be taking place at the same time.

• This type of large scale processing of information makes it possible to explore very different kinds of processing that could be done earlier.

What is Information Technology

• I.T." It refers to anything related to computing technology, such as networking, hardware, software, the Internet, or the people that work with these technologies.

• Many companies now have IT departments for managing the computers, networks, and other technical areas of their business

• New technologies follow a cycle that includes invention, prototyping, proof of concept, productizing, and manufacture. Throughout this process, the inventions are called emerging technologies.

Emerging technologies in computing

• Example– Agriculture– Biotech and healthcare– Computing and communication– Display technology– Electronic– Transportation

Emerging Technologies in Computing

• Password• Encryption• Physical access restrictions• Software access restrictions • Backup and recovery• Fireproof cabinet• Archiving• Virus protection• Data corruption

Various Measures to secure data

• ICT is used as a general term for all kinds of technologies which enable users to create, access and manipulate information

• Businesses need to meet the demands of their employees and customers to allow for greater access to systems and information

• This unified platform reduces costs and boosts productivity across a business and beyond.

• Benefits to users in collaboration, messaging, calendaring, instant messaging, audio, video, and Web conferencing

ICT to solve problem

• ICT in Society -tools are emails, instant messaging (IM), Chat rooms and social networking websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, Skype, iPhones, cellular phones and similar applications

• ICT in Education-extends beyond equipping classrooms with computers and an Internet connection

ICT to solve problem

• Continuous building of skills and knowledge throughout the life of an individual

• It occurs through experiences encountered in the course of a lifetime.

• Benefits of lifelong learning as such – Keep the IT professionals current on the recent and

emerging technologies– Help to provide new strategies for solving problem– To keep IT professional up to date on new networking

initiatives and tool

Importance of a Life-Long Learning to IT Professional

• Computers might increase job skill requirements and earnings inequality.

• Computers can increase the skill demands within occupations in several ways:

- Learning to operate the equipment and software may require scarce skills.

-Because a computerized workplace involves the manipulation of symbols and information, employers may demand more conceptual, abstract reasoning, and problem-solving skills of their workers.

• Computerization within an organization may increase skill requirements and wages even for jobs that do not involve directly working with computers.

Impact of IT on Job Skills and Careers

• Computers can also increase the demand for skill and relative wages by altering the distribution of workers between occupations.

• not only the IT professionals who manage the technology, but also accountants and production planners who analyze the information it generates—or by automating less-skilled jobs out of existence, such as data entry clerks.

Impact of IT on Job Skills and Careers

• System Analyst and DesignersSystem Analyst and Designers - The role of system analysts and designers is critical in contemporary system development. The systems analyst is a key partner with project managers and system developers

• Database AdministratorDatabase Administrator -design, implement, maintain and repair an organization's database

• Network AdministratorNetwork Administrator -provide operational support for and management of computer networks to ensure they run efficiently

• Computer ProgrammerComputer Programmer -write, test, and maintain the programs that computers follow when performing specific functions

Roles of Various Personnel in Computer Related Profession