WGU C182 Introduction to IT

WGU C182 Introduction to IT Information Technology The technology used in creating, maintaining, and making information accessible. IT Professional Roles Administration and Support System Administrator Maintains all aspects of the system including hardware, software, and programming. Network Administrator In charge of all aspects of the computer network Database Administrator Focuses on the design, development, and support of database management systems (DBMSs). Security Administrator Installs, configures, and administers firewall security to protect systems and proactively work to stop intrusions. Web Administrator Installs, configures, maintains, secures, and troubleshoots web severs. Support IT Professionals Help desk and training. Information Processed data. DIKW Hierarchy Defines the transition of data to information to knowledge to wisdom. (Data Information Knowledge Wisdom) Data in DIKW The input directly received by the user (or computer). It is generally not usable until it has been converted into a relevant form. Information in DIKW Having been inferred from data; one or more processes have been applied to the data to transform it into a more useful form. Knowledge in DIKW Information that has been put to use; information placed into a context. Refined information such that the user of the knowledge is able to call forth only relevant portions of information when needed. Wisdom in DIKW Provides a social setting to knowledge; an understanding of the "why". Can only come by having both knowledge and experience. Information Systems A collection of data and information used to support the management of an organization. Also refers to the technical components and human resources that enable the assembly, storage, and processing of data and the delivery of information. This has existed for a lot longer than computers. Characteristics of Quality Data Relevance - the data being used must apply directly to the decision being made Timely - data must be efficient and must be provided in a timely manner Thorough - the data must be complete Accurate - data should be captured only once, where possible and should be captured as close to the point of activity as possible. Reliable - data should reflect stable and consistent data collection processes across collections points and over time IPOS The Input-Procession-Output-Storage Cycle Input Raw data is entered by the user. Processing Raw data is organized or structured for usefulness. Output Information is output so user can see results. Storage Processed information is stored for permanent record. Computer System A collection of components that work together to meet the needs of the user; typically categorized as either hardware, software, networks, or users. Hardware Physical components of a computer system which include the system unit and its components and peripheral devices; tangible aspects of the computer. Software Computer programs that tell the computer what to do--how to execute commands and process information Network A collection of computers and resources connected by various media so that they can communicate with each other. User Those who use a computer. Software Categories Systems Software and Applications Software Evolution of Users First users were the engineers who built and programmed computers, then employees who had received specialized training were users, and now today, anyone and everyone can be a user. Protocol Rules provided by which networks communicate with each other. TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. Most commonly used protocol; is required of all computers that communicate over the Internet. Protocol Stack A collection of protocols. TCP/IP is an example. Components of a Computer CPU, Memory and Storage, Peripheral Devices CPU Executes programs' instructions and commands various components in the computer. Referred to as the "chip". Memory Stores the programs being executed and the data they are using. I/O Subsystem All peripheral devices where long term storage devices are used. Bus Permits information to move between each component; electrical channels that enable communication among the electronic components System Unit Critical component of all computer based systems; consists of most of the hardware the computer needs in order to run; comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Internal Components of the System Unit Case, Internal Bays, Buses, Ports, Hard Drive, Motherboard, CPU, CPU Cooler, Memory Module (RAM), Power Supply Unit (PSU), Expansion Slots/Cards Parts of the CPU Control Unit (CU) - retrieves the instructions and the raw data that is input and coordinates or controls the sending of those instructions and data to the ALU Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) - does the actual processing of the data; completing mathematical calculations and logical operations to process the data and converting the input of the keyboard text entry to output displayed on the screen System Clock Controls the speed at which instructions are processed. RAM Stands for Random Access Memory. It temporarily stores data before it is processed and sent to your screen or printer. It is volatile (means data or information stored disappears when the computer is turned off or loses power). You can choose the amount of RAM your computer has. Types of RAM Dynamic RAM (DRAM) - typically called main memory Static RAM (SRAM) - cache memory and registers BIOS ROM BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System; ROM stands for Read Only Memory. Typically stored in ROM chip on the motherboard. Is software not hardware, ("basic" operating system that runs when the computer is first turned on). Runs tests of memory and the CPU and initializes hardware components so that the actual Operating System can be loaded from the hard disk. Can't choose the amount or contents. 1st Generation of Computers Vacuum tubes, relay switches, the need to program in machine language 2nd Generation of Computers Transistor components, magnetic core memory, smaller size, easier to program, disk drives and drums, called mainframe computers 3rd Generation of Computers Silicon chips (known as ICs - integrated circuits), reduced cost, called mini computers, networks introduced via dumb terminals 4th Generation of Computers Single chip processor, called microcomputer, first personal computer, rudimentary computer graphics, home use Moore's Law Doubling of transistor count roughly every 18 - 24 months (exponential increase); observation, not physical law Evolution of Storage Punch cards, magnetic tape, hard disks, floppy disks, optical discs, flash memory, cloud storage Machine/Low-level Language Written for a specific machine by the engineers who built and ran the computers; no need for OS since only one program could run at a time Assembly Language Easier than machine but still required detailed, precise low level instructions Language Translator Programs Function is to translate one program language into another; take source code and convert it to another form; source code by itself cannot be read by a computer Complier Improve language translator; requires that the components of the software all be defined before compilation can begin; code is more effcient Structured Programming Programmer is limited to high level control constructs such as while loops, for loops, and if/else statements and not allowed to use primitive GOTO statements Object Oriented Programming Initially introduced in Smalltalk in 1970's and early 80's Interpreted Code Runs inside a special environment; is better for testing Shell Scripting Small programs that place Linux commands or DOS batch files into a file Local Computer The computer that the user is using; physically present with Remote Computer A computer being accessed over the network