Chapter 2

Information Technology

Objectives
Explain the five parts of an information system:

people, procedures, software, hardware, and data.

Distinguish between system software and

application software.
Discuss the three kinds of system software

programs.
Define data and how data are stored.

Introduction
Computer competency refers to acquiring

computer-related skills
Microcomputers are common tools in all areas of
life
Web-based courses provide alternatives for people
who are homebound or work odd hours
The Web provides new ways to communicate, to
find people with similar interests, and to purchase
goods

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

Information technology is the application of

computers and telecommunications

equipment to store, retrieve, transmit and
manipulate data.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

Applications of Information Technology (IT)
include many fields such as:
Education: electronic libraries, e-learning
Entertainment: streaming videos, online gaming
Business: online stores, online banking
Communication: video calls, e-mails

INFORMATION SYSTEM
Information system is a system that collects,

processes, analyzes and stores information.

Parts of an Information System

There are five parts of an information system:
1.People
2.Procedures
3.Software
4.Hardware
5.Data

1.People
People are professional and the end users.
Most important part of any system
Contact is

Direct
Indirect
Computer uses
Business & Entertainment
Education & Medicine

2.Procedure
Procedures are the set of rules or guidelines

for people to follow when using software,

hardware and data.

3.Software
Software is another name for programs
Two major kinds of software

System Software
Application Software

System Software
A collection of programs not a single program

Includes Operating System software, Utilities, and Device Drivers

Enables the application software to interact with the

hardware, and helps the computer manage its resources

Two best-known operating systems for microcomputers are
Windows 7 and Mac OS X

Application Software
Software which is designed for end users are called

application software.
Two major categories
Basic applications
Specialized applications

4.Hardware
Hardware is the physical parts of the computer

itself, and all of its support equipment. For

example CPU input / output devices, storage
devices and communication devices.

5.Data
Data are facts that are used by programs to produce useful

information. Like programs, data are generally stored in

machine-readable form on disk or tape until the user needs
them.
Processed data becomes information
Digital data is stored electronically in files.

5.Data
There are four common types of files (data files):
A.Document Files: are created by word processors to save
documents.
B.Worksheet Files: are created by electronic spread sheets
to analyze budgets and calculations.
C.Database Files: are created by database management
programs which are used to store data in organized form.
D.Presentation Files: are created by presentation graphics
programs to save presentation materials.