2. Fundamentals of Information Technology seeks to provide
you with an understanding of the uses of computers. The
course additionally aims to endow you with practical skills of
using a word processor, a spreadsheet, the Internet, and an
operating system, efficiently.
3. Introduction to computers and information technology
View the following pictures and formulate a definition of the
term „information technology‟.
4. Introduction to computers and information technology
“Information Technology (IT), is the term used to describe
the equipment, hardware and computer programs (software),
that allows us to access... and present data and information
(Gay and Blades, 2005).”
Information Technology is the integration of various
computing tools used for information processing within
today‟s society. It is mostly an adventure into how we
conduct business and how we live our lives (Long, 2005).
Additionally, we can view IT as a field of study in which we
learn how best to remain competitive in society with
inventions; as well as attain vocational and life-lasting skills
to use these inventions.
5. Introduction to computers and information technology
Technically, a computer is any counting device; more
specifically, it is
“...an electronic device capable of interpreting and
executing programmed commands for input, output,
computation, and logic operations (Long, 2005).”
Consequently, we can consider the computer system as a set
of components that interact to achieve a common goal.
The purpose, therefore, of a computer system is to use
all its working components to produce quality information.
6. Introduction to computers and information technology
For each of the following, highlight at least two means by
which we use computers:
Information systems/data processing systems
Personal computing
Science, research, and engineering
Process/device control
Education
Entertainment
Artificial Intelligence Speed
Reliability
Consistency
Accuracy
Storage
Communication
7. Introduction to computers and information technology
A computer system has only four fundamental components:
Input –handles the gathering of data
Processing –transformation of data to information
Output –handles the dissemination of processed data
Storage –safe keeping of information for future use
Note: The computer system (and not the computer) is made
up of four components.
8. Introduction to computers and information technology
An input device is any peripheral device that allows one to
enter data or instructions into a computer.
9. Introduction to computers and information technology
An output device is any peripheral device that conveys
information to one or more individuals.
Highlight three output
devices that are
commonly used today.
10. Introduction to computers and information technology
The processor is the electronic component that interprets
and carries out instructions to operate the computer
system (which resides on the motherboard).
11. Introduction to computers and information technology
Storage components hold data, instruction, as well as
information for future use; these items are kept on
storage media (which are housed within the system unit).
