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Introduction to Information Technology

Information Technology involves using computers to store, retrieve, and transmit information. A computer system consists of hardware and software, with major functions including input, processing, output, and storage. Key hardware components include the CPU, memory, and peripheral devices that enhance functionality.

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3 views

Introduction to Information Technology

Information Technology involves using computers to store, retrieve, and transmit information. A computer system consists of hardware and software, with major functions including input, processing, output, and storage. Key hardware components include the CPU, memory, and peripheral devices that enhance functionality.

Uploaded by

keacookie42
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to Information Technology

Objectives

● Describe a general-purpose computer system


● Explain the functions of the major hardware components of a computer system

What is Information Technology?


Information Technology is the use of computer to store, retrieve and transmit information.

What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic device that accepts input (data),
processes that input and stores it or outputs the resulting information.

Let’s break that down


Processing - This is the brain of the computer. When we give it an instructions it follows them
extremely fast.

Storing - Just like how we remember things in our brain, a computer has a way to store and
remember information. It stores pictures, games, homework, and everything else on it's
memory, so we can use it later.

Let’s break that down


Example of Data:
A list of numbers: 5, 7, 12, 9, 10
A list of names: John, Maria, Sasha, Liam

Example of Information:
“The test scores for students are: John: 5, Maria: 7, Sasha: 12, Liam: 9.”
Now the data (numbers) has been organized into useful information because we know the
scores belong to specific students.
Components of the Computer

● Hardware - The physical components that make up the computer system. (Things you
can touch).
● Software- A set of programs (a set of instructions) that tells the computer what to do.
● Computer System = Hardware+Software

Computer System
Computer system is an arrangement of computer components working together to process data
and to solve computer related problems.

Peripheral Devices
A peripheral device is any external device that connects to a computer to add extra functionality
or help it perform specific tasks.

Major Functions of the Computer System


● Input- entering data into the computer from input devices.
● Output- this is where information is produced from the computer through output devices
● Processing- this is where the computer manipulates data (taking raw data and following
a set of instructions to convert them into information).
● Storage- This is where data or information is saved in memory or secondary storage
devices.

Major Hardware Components of a Computer System


1. CPU (Central Processing Unit)
2. CU (Control Unit)
3. ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
4. Main memory (RAM)
5. Secondary storage
6. Input and output devices
Central Processing Unit
The CPU is also called the processor. It takes raw data, follows a set of instructions (programs)
and converts it into information. It can be found inside the system unit of the computer system

The CPU consists of two smaller units known as the control unit (CU) and the arithmetic and
logic unit (ALU).

Control Unit
The Control Unit (CU) is the main part of the CPU that directs and coordinates all activities. It
determines the sequence of instruction execution. The CU performs the following steps:
● Fetches instructions from memory.
● Decodes the instructions.
● Fetches the required data from memory.
● Sends data and instructions to the ALU for processing.
● Sends the processed data back to memory.

Arithmetic Logic Unit


The ALU performs all the arithmetic and logic functions in a computer. The arithmetic operations
include addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*) and division (/).

Main Memory
Main memory is also called computer memory, immediate access storage (IMAS/IAS) or primary
storage. This unit of memory is directly accessible to the CPU. It holds data and instructions that
the computer is processing at the time.

Secondary Storage
Secondary storage is used to store data and instructions when they are not being processed.
Unlike main memory, it retains data even when the power is off, making it more permanent.
Common types of secondary storage include magnetic storage (tapes and disks), optical
storage (CDs and DVDs), and solid-state memory (flash drives and USBs).

Input devices
Input devices are any device that is used to put data and instructions into the computer.
Some commonly used input devices are keyboard, mouse, joystick, digital camera, scanners,
barcode readers and magnetic strips.
Output devices
Output devices allow data process by the computer to be available to users.
Common output devices are monitor, printer and speakers..

___________________________________________________________________________

Summary
● Computer: An electronic device that takes in data, processes it, and either stores or
outputs the information.

● Computer System Components:


○ Hardware: Physical parts of a computer (e.g., keyboard, monitor, CPU).
○ Software: Programs or instructions that tell the computer what to do.

● Peripheral Devices: External devices that connect to a computer, like a mouse, printer, or
USB drive, to help it perform tasks.

● Main Functions of a Computer:


○ Input: Entering data into the computer.
○ Processing: The computer’s "brain" follows instructions and manipulates the
data.
○ Output: Producing information from the computer.
○ Storage: Saving data or information for future use.

Have a great day!

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