CONTENT

CAPE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY_ UNIT 1

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TOOLS

Objective # 10: Identify tools used in the entry, retrieval, processing, storage,
presentation, transmission and dissemination of information

Hardware, software, and communication tools

Tools associated with the Internet including:

 Search Engines- This is a web based tool that is used by users to locate desired

information on the World Wide Web (WWW)

 Usenet- This is a collection of newsgroups where the users can post messages and these

posted messages are distributed via Usenet servers.

 Internet Relay Chat (IRC)- Internet Relay Chat(IRC) is a system for chatting among a

group of persons that involves a set of rules and conventions and client/server software.

 Telnet- Short for Terminal Network, refers to a network protocol that allows a user on

one computer to access remotes computers and terminals over the internet or a TCP/IP

computer network.

 FTP- This is the method or protocol of transferring data files from one computer to

another over a network or internet over TCP/IP connections.

 Newsgroups- A newsgroup is a discussion forum on a particular topic, which takes place

on a central internet system which is made possible through the Usenet system

 Message Board- An Internet site where users can post comments about a particular issue

or topic and reply to other users' postings

 Mailing List- A list of the names and addresses of people to whom advertising matter,

information, or other materials may be mailed regularly.

  Internet Telephony- This is a type of communications technology that allows voice calls

and other telephony services like fax, SMS and other voice-messaging applications to be

transmitted using the Internet as a connection medium.

Objective # 11: Justify the tools used in Information Technology

Functions of the major hardware components of a computer system

1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)- The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is said to be the brain of

the computer. It controls how the rest of the computer works. The two parts that makes up the

CPU are the Control Unit (CU) and the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU). The Control Unit

carries out instructions in the software and directs the flow of data through the computer. The

Arithmetic and Logic Unit performs the mathematical calculations and logic operations.

2. Main Memory/immediate access storage - Main memory refers to physical memory that is

internal to the computer. The word main is used to distinguish it from external mass storage

devices such as disk drives. Another term for main memory is Random Access Memory (RAM).

Main memory enables a computer to store instructions and data. Main memory is considered to

be Volatile, as information is lost once power goes out.

3. Secondary Storage- Secondary Storage, also known as auxiliary storage is said to be non-

volatile memory. This is so, as information is not lost when power goes down. These devices

hold data until it is deleted. Secondary storage is not directly accessible by the CPU, because it is

not accessed via the input/output channels. Secondary storage devices includes: floppy disk,

hard-disk drives, CD-ROM drives, DVD drives and tape drives.

4. Input devices- An input device is any hardware device that sends data to a computer, allowing

you to interact with and control the computer. The picture shows a Logitech trackball mouse, an
example of an input device. The most commonly used or primary input devices on a computer

are the keyboard and mouse.

5. Output devices- An output device is any hardware that receives data from a computer. In

other words, they are used to get processed information out of a computer, for example to a

printer, computer screen or to speakers.

Objective # 12: Outline the History of Information Technology

http://cs.sru.edu/~mullins/cpsc100book/module02_introduction/module02-03_introduction.html

http://www.r-type.org/computer-evolution.htm
Objective # 13: Explain the meaning of terms related to telecommunication
Transmission media- This is the pathway that carries information from the sender (sending
device) to the receiver (receiving device). Transmission media are one of two types: physical or
wireless.
 Physical transmission media- use wire, cable and any other tangible materials to send
communication signals. Physical transmission media used in communications include:
twisted-pair cable, coaxial cable, and fibre-optic cable. These cables typically are used
within or underground between buildings.

 Wireless transmission- send communications signals through the air or space using radio,
microwave and infrared signals. Many users opt for wireless transmission media because
it is more convenient than installing cables. Types of wireless transmission media used in
communications include: infrared, broadcast radio, cellular radio, microwaves and
communications satellites.

Channels- Communication channel is the physical transmission medium (wire) or logical

connection between transmitters and receiver through which data can be
transmitted.

Receivers- Receivers refers to devices to which receives the message that was sent by the
sender.

Senders- This is the device that sends the message to the receiver.

Modulation- Refers to the process of transforming digital/binary information (1’s and 0’s) into
analog (sound) signals.

Bandwidth- Refers to the amount of data that is transmitted in a fixed amount of time. When
web hosts talk about bandwidth, they are talking specifically about how many
bytes of data are transmitted per month.

Telecommuting- This involves a work arrangement in which an individual works outside the
office, normally from home or other areas of comfort (internet café, beach,
coffee shop, etc) working from home
 CONTENT

CAPE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY_ UNIT 1

Objective # 1: Describe Information Technology Systems;

Definition of Information Technology Systems

 Information Technology Systems are combinations of hardware, software, and

telecommunications networks that people build and use to collect, create, and distribute

useful data, typically in organizational settings

Types of Information Technology Systems

 Management Information Systems (MIS)

 Decision Support Systems (DSS)

 Knowledge Management System (KMS)

 Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)

 Office Automated Systems (OAS)

 Executive Support System (ESS)

Objective # 2: Identify the Components of an Information Technology System

1. HARDWARE- Refers to the physical part of the computer that can be seen and touch.

Hardware includes:

 Central Processing Unit (CPU)- The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is said to be

the brain of the computer. CPU is broken down into:

o Control Unit (CU)

o Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU)

 Memory - Main memory refers to physical memory that is internal to the computer.

o RAM

o ROM

 Secondary Storage- Secondary Storage, also known as auxiliary storage is said to

be non-volatile memory.

o Floppy Disk o DVD drives

o Hard-Disk Drives o Tape drives

o CD-ROM Drives

 Input devices- An input device is any hardware device that sends data to a

computer, allowing you to interact with and control the computer.

o Keyboard o Touch Screen

o Scanner o Light Pen

o Barcode Reader o Tablets &

o Biometric Readers Smartphones

o Digital Camera o Joystick

o Microphone

 Output devices- An output device is any hardware that receives data from a

computer:

o Printer o Headphone/Earphone

o Monitor o Plotter

o Speakers o Video Display Unit

2. Software- This is the part of the computer system that can be seen and accessed but not

physically; that is, it cannot be touched.

 System Software

o Linux

o Windows

o Mac OS

o Android

o IOS
  Application Software

o Microsoft Office Suit (Word, Excel, Access), Email software, Graphic

Suites, Game software

3. Network- A network is a collection of computers, servers, mainframes, network devices,

peripherals, or other devices connected to one another to allow data to be shared. The
internet is a network.

4. Users- Users are considered to be persons who interact with computer system and shares

information using such a medium.

Types of Users

o End Users- These users refers to those for whom the software or hardware

program is designed for.

o IT Professionals- These individuals creates and design the software and

hardware programs that are often used by the end-user.

Objective #3: Describe the Purpose and Functions of Hardware Components

Purpose, functions and types of hardware

Input- These devices are used to enter data into the computer

Output- Information is retrieved whether as softcopy or hardcopy for various reasons.

Storage- This is the means by which information is put aware or secured to be used at a later

date, after it has been processed

Processor- This performs the main functions of a computer and enables the system to perform all

required tasks
Peripheral devices- These devices normally connected to a computer system to add functionality

and enable tasks to be performed.