Introduction to Computing

CSCC 101

Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State

University – South La Union Campus
 COURSE
DESCRIPTION

This course provides an overview of the Computing Industry and Computing profession
including Research and Applications in different fields: 1) an Appreciation of Computing in
different fields such as Biology, Sociology, Environment and Gaming; 2) an Understanding of
ACM Requirements; and 3) an Appreciation of history of computing and Knowledge on the Key
Components of Computer Systems (Organization and Architecture), Malware, Computer
Security, Internet and Internet Protocols, HTML 4/5 and CSS (CMO No. 25, Series of 2015).

OBJECTIVES

At the end of the course, the students should be able to:

1. explain fundamental principles, concepts and evolution of computing systems
as they relate to different fields;

2. expound on the recent developments in the different computing knowledge

areas; and

3. analyze solutions employed by organizations to address different computing

issues.

✔ COURSE
REQUIREMENTS

1. Regularly attend the class (online and face-to-face)

2. Have active class participation
3. Take the quizzes and laboratory activities
4. Take and pass the required periodical examination; and
5. Submit the required final project before the end of the term

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 GRADING SYSTEM

CS (Recitation, Quizzes, Seatworks, Assignments, Lab

MIDTERM 60%
Activities)
GRADE
40% MIDTERM EXAM

CS (Recitation, Quizzes, Seatworks, Assignments, Lab

60%
FINAL GRADE Activities)
40% FINAL EXAM

Midterm Grade = CS + Midterm Exam

Final Term Grade = CS + Final Exam
Final Grade = 50% of Midterm Grade + 50% of Final Term Grade

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• Parson, June Jamrich(2018) New Perspective Computer Concepts : Introductory,
U.S.A: Cengage Learning Publishing Company
• Computing Essentials: Making IT work for you Complete(2014), U.S.A : McGraw-Hill
Companies.
• Stair, Ralph M., Reynolds, George W. (2014). Fundamentals of Information Systems.
Boston, USA: Cengage Learning.
• Stair, Ralph M. and Reynolds, George W.(2011). Principles of Information Systems,
8th Edition. U.S./.A: Cengage Learning.
• Tayuan-Caoili, R., Eleazar, M. Living in the Information Technology Era.
• Parson, June Jamrich et al. (2005). Computer Concepts., 5th Edition, U.S.A:
Cengage Learning Publishing Company

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 5

INTRODUCTION

This course presents the overview in the development of technology. It is

expected that you will learn about the specialization in the fields of CS/IT/IS,
meaning of Information Technology, Internet, the Web and Electronic Commerce and
also computer software.

OBJECTIVES

After studying the module, you should be able to:

1. Differentiate the different fields and specialization of CS, IS, and IT

2. Describe career opportunities, jobs and responsibility in technology
3. Discuss the role of information technology in our daily life.
4. Explain the use of internet in accessing the web and e-commerce.

DIRECTIONS

There are four lessons. Read each lesson carefully then answer the
exercises/learning activities to find out how much you have benefited from it.
Work on these exercises carefully and submit your output to your instructor.

Good luck and happy reading!!!

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 Lesson 1
Field in CS/IT/IS

Objectives:

On completion of this lesson, you will learn to …

- Differentiate and compare the programs: CS, IS and IT.

- Describe career opportunities available in these segments of the computer industry;
Technology careers and technology fields
- Identify job titles and responsibilities for various technology jobs

Lesson 1: Fields in CS/ IT/IS College of Computer Science

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 COMPARISON OF THE DIFFERENT PROGRAMS
Source: Association for Computing Machinery

Information Technology (IT) Computer Science (CS) Information Systems (IS)

IT professionals possess the right This offers a foundation that It is concerned with the
combination of knowledge and permits graduates to adapt to information that computer
practical, hands-on expertise to new technologies and new ideas. systems can provide to aid a
take care of both an organization’s company, non-profit or
information technology that uses governmental organization in
it. The work of computer scientists defining and achieving its goals.
They assume responsibility for falls into three categories:
selecting hardware and software a) Designing and building
products appropriate for an software;
organization.
b) Developing effective ways to
solve computing problems

c) Devising new and better ways

of using computers and
addressing particular challenges
in areas such as robotics,
computer vision, or digital
forensics

TECHNOLOGY CAREERS
With billions of dollars in annual revenue, the technology industry is a major source of career
opportunities worldwide. This industry has created thousands of high tech career
opportunities, even in organizations whose primary business is not technology related. As
technology changes so do the available careers and requirements. New careers are available
in social media and mobile technologies that did not exist a few years ago. For this reason,
you should stay up to date with technology developments.
Most medium and large businesses and government organizations have an IT Department.
They are responsible for ensuring that all computer operations, mobile devices, and networks
run smoothly. They also determine when and if the organization requires new hardware,
mobile devices or software. Usually, these jobs are divided into the following area:

• Management –directs planning, research, development, evaluation, and integration of

technology.
• Research and software development – analyzes, designs, develops, implements new
information technology and maintains and improves existing systems.

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 • Technical support services – evaluates and integrates new technologies, administers
the organization’s data resources, and supports the centralized computer operating
system and servers.
• Operations – operates the centralized computer equipment and administers the
network including both data and voice communications
• Training/ Support – teaches employees how to use components of the information
system of answers specific user questions.
• Information security services- develop and enforce policies that are designed to
safeguard an organization’s data and information from unauthorized users.
• Marketing/ Strategy – directs and implements Internet and social media marketing,
and manages customer relationships.

FIELDS IN TECHNOLOGY

1. Technology Equipment field consists of manufacturers and distributors of

computers, mobile devices and other hardware, such as magnetic and optical
drives, monitors, printers, and communications and networking devices. Careers
include designing and fabricating chips, testing internal components, assembling
computers and devices and packing finished products.

2. Software and application field consists of companies that develop, manufacture,

and support a wide range of software and apps for computers, the web and mobile
devices. Some companies specialize in a particular type, such as productivity
software or tools, or focus on device type. Larger firms like Microsoft produce and
sell many types of software that work with both computers and mobile devices and
may use Internet services to sync data among devices or provide collaborative
features.

3. Technology Service and Repair provides preventive maintenance, component

installation and repair services to customers. Some technology service technicians
possess general knowledge that enables them to work with a variety of devices
from different manufacturers. Many technology equipment manufacturers include
diagnostic software with their computers and devices that assists technicians in
identifying problems.

4. Technology Sales field, people with this job must possess a general understanding
of technology and a specific knowledge of the product they are selling. Strong
people skills are important, including a keen listening ability and superior verbal
communications. They generally determine buyers’ needs and direct buyers toward
devices, computers and apps that meet their needs. The technology salesperson in
a retail store often is a suitable entry level job for students working towards a
certificate or degree in computer relates fields.

5. Technology Education, Training and Support field, Schools, colleges, universities

and private companies all need qualified educators to provide technology-related
education and training. Corporate trainers teach employees how to use software

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 and apps, design and develop systems, write programs, integrate and sync data
from apps used on multiple devices, and perform other technology-related
activities.

6. IT Consulting field, technology professionals sometimes become IT consultants

after gaining experience in one or more technology areas, such as software
development, systems analysis and design, network configuration, developing
mobile devices, using social media or web development. An IT consultant, typically
hired based on expertise, provides technology services to his or her clients and
must possess strong technical skills in their specialized area.

JOB TITLES AND DESCRIPTIONS

The following sections briefly describe some of the more popular technology relates
job titles for several categories of IT Careers:
1. System Development. Careers in systems development require you to analyze or
create software, apps, databases, websites and web-based development platforms
and networks.

System Development Jobs

Job Title Job Description
Cloud Architect Identifies business requirements, strategies and solutions
for cloud storage and services that meet company’s goals
or needs
Cognitive Engineer Develops artificial-intelligence based machines and
programs based on data analysis to mimic human thought
processes
Database Engineer Specifies the structure, interface and requirements of a
large-scale database; determines security and permissions
for users
Program and App Specifies designs, implements, tests and documents
Developer programs and apps in a variety of fields, including robotics,
operating systems, animation and applications
Systems Analyst Works closely with users to analyze their requirements,
designs and develops new information systems and
incorporates new technologies
Systems Installs and maintains operating systems software and
Programmer provides technical support to the programming staff
Web Designer Designs the layout, navigation and overall appearance of a
website with a focus on user experience; specifies a
website’s appearance using HTML5, JavaScript, CSS, media
and other web design technologies
Web Developer Analyzes, develops, and supports the functionality of a
website including applications that often interact with
databases or other online resources

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 2. Technology Operations. Careers in technology operations require you to have
knowledge about hardware, software and networks function. Some careers are
below.

Technology Operations Jobs

Job Title Job Description
Computer Installs, maintains, and repairs hardware and servers;
Technician installs, upgrades, and configures software; troubleshoots
hardware problems.
Helpdesk Answers technology-related questions in person, on the
Specialist/Helpdesk phone, or via email or an online chat room
Technician
Network Installs, configures and maintains LANs, WANs, wireless
Administrator/ networks, intranets, internet systems, and network
Engineer software, identifies and resolves connectivity issues.
Technical Project Guides design, development, and maintenance tasks; serves
Manager as interface between programmers/ developers and
management

3. Web Marketing and Social media. Careers in web marketing and social media
require you to be knowledgeable about web-based development platforms, social
media apps, and marketing strategies.

Web Marketing and Social Media Jobs

Job Title Job Description
Customer Integrates apps and data related to customer inquiries,
Relationship purchases, support requests, and behaviors in order to
Management (CRM) provide a complete application that manages a company’s
Specialist relationship with its customers
Internet/Social Directs and implements an organization’s use of Internet
Media Marketing and social media marketing, including Facebook Pages,
Specialist twitter feeds, blogs, and online advertisements
Search Engine Writes and develops web content and website layouts so
Optimization (SEO) that they will appear at the beginning of search results
Expert when users search for content
User Experience Plans and designs software and apps that consider a user’s
(UX) Designer reaction to a program and its interface, including its
efficiency, its effectiveness and its ease of use

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 4. Data Storage, Retrieval and Analysis. Careers in data storage and analysis require
you to be knowledgeable about collecting, analyzing, and reporting data from
databases or the web.

Data Storage, Retrieval and Analysis Jobs

Job Title Job Description
Data Scientist Uses analytics and other Big Data techniques to interpret a
company’ data from a variety of sources to better
understand its performance make recommendations for
improvement and predict future outcomes.
Database Creates and maintains data dictionary; monitors database
Administrator performance
Database Analyst Uses data modeling techniques and tools to analyze and
specify data usage
Digital Forensics Collects and analyzes evidence found on computers,
Examiner networks, mobile devices and databases
Web Analytics Collects and measures Internet data, such as website traffic
Expert patterns and advertising and develops reports that
recommend strategies to maximize an organization’s web
presence

5. Information and Systems Security. Careers in information and systems security

require you to be knowledgeable about potential threats to a device or network,
including viruses and hacking. Security specialist need to know the tools and
techniques to protect against threats.

Information and Systems Security Jobs

Job Title Job Description
Computer Security Creates logs, documentation, and recovery plans based on
Incident Responder cybersecurity threats and incidents
Computer Security Responsible for the security of data and information stored
Specialist/Mobile on computers and mobile devices within an organization
Security Specialist
Digital Forensics Inspects electronics data to recover documents and files
Analyst from data storage devices that may have been damaged or
deleted, in order to use them as evidence in a crime
investigation
Network Security Configures routers and firewalls; specifies web protocols
Administrator and enterprise technologies
Security Analyst Implements security procedures and methods, looks fir
flaws in security of a company’s devices and networks,
works with and trains employees at all levels, and assigns
permissions and network settings.
Security System Develops and maintains programs and tools designed to
Project Manager provide security to a network

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Summative Test Module 1 12

6. Application Development and Mobile Technologies. Careers in app development

and mobile technologies require you to have knowledge about trends in the
desktop and mobile market, as well as the ability to develop secure apps for a
variety of computers and mobile devices.

App Development and Mobile Technologies Jobs

Job Title Job Description
Desktop or Mobile Converts the system design into the appropriate application
Application development language, such as Visual Basic, Java C#, and
Programmer/ Objective C, and tool kits for various platforms
Developer
Games Designer/ Designs games and translates designs into a program or app
Programmer using an appropriate application development language
Mobile Strategist Integrates and expands the company’s initiatives for mobile
users
Mobile Technology Develops and directs an organization mobile strategy,
Expert including marketing and app development
Virtual Reality Designs applications that incorporate technologies (Such as
Engineer VR and 3-D) with tools such Google Cardboard to create
story telling tools and apps

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