This document provides an introduction to information technology. It discusses key topics such as defining IT, the applications of IT, and different categories of computers. IT is defined as using computer hardware and software to store, retrieve, and manipulate information. The applications of IT are discussed in various fields such as finance, education, government, healthcare, science, publishing, and travel. The different categories of computers explained include supercomputers, mainframes, personal computers, mobile computers, mobile devices, and embedded computers. Their characteristics and capabilities related to physical size, speed, and storage are also compared.

1. Introduction To Information
Technology
1
1.1 Overview of Information Technology
a) Explain Information
Technology
b) Discuss the applications of
Information Technology
c) Explain different
categories of computers
At the end of this topic, students
should be able to:

2. Information Technology (IT)
• Information technology or IT can be defined briefly
as the use of computer hardware and software to
store, retrieve, and manipulate information.
2
computer hardware
and software
manage
information
a) Explain Information Technology

3. Advantages and Disadvantages
of Information Technology
Advantages
Speed
Reliability
Consistency
Storage
Communications
Disadvantages
Health Risks
Violation of Privacy
Public Safety
Impact on Labor Force
Impact on Environment
Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
3Pages 9 - 10

4. Advantages
• Speed: When data, instructions, and information flow along electronic circuits
in a computer, they travel at incredibly fast speeds. Many computers process
billions or trillions of operations in a single second.
• Reliability: The electronic components in modern computers are dependable
and reliable because they rarely break or fail.
• Consistency: Given the same input and processes, a computer will produce the
same results — consistently. Computers generate error-free results, provided
the input is correct and the instructions work.
• Storage: Computers store enormous amounts of data and make this data
available for processing anytime it is needed.
• Communications: Most computers today can communicate with other
computers, often wirelessly. Computers allow users to communicate with one
another.
4Page 10 Discovering Computers : Chapter 1

5. Disadvantages
• Violation of Privacy: In many instances, where personal and confidential
records stored on computers were not protected properly, individuals have
found their privacy violated and identities stolen.
• Public Safety: Adults, teens, and children around the world are using
computers to share publicly their photos, videos, journals, music, and other
personal information. Some of these unsuspecting, innocent computer users
have fallen victim to crimes committed by dangerous strangers.
• Impact on Labor Force: Although computers have improved productivity and
created an entire industry with hundreds of thousands of new jobs, the skills
of millions of employees have been replaced by computers. Thus, it is crucial
that workers keep their education up-to-date. A separate impact on the labor
force is that some companies are outsourcing jobs to foreign countries
instead of keeping their homeland labor force employed.
5Page 10 Discovering Computers : Chapter 1

6. Disadvantages (continue)
• Health Risks: Prolonged or improper computer use can lead to health injuries
or disorders. Computer users can protect themselves from health risks
through proper workplace design, good posture while at the computer, and
appropriately spaced work breaks. Two behavioral health risks are computer
addiction and technology overload. Computer addiction occurs when
someone becomes obsessed with using a computer. Individuals suffering
from technology overload feel distressed when deprived of computers and
mobile devices.
• Impact on Environment: Computer manufacturing processes and computer
waste are depleting natural resources and polluting the environment. Green
computing involves reducing the electricity consumed and environmental
waste generated when using a computer. Strategies that support green
computing include recycling, regulating manufacturing processes, extending
the life of computers, and immediately donating or properly disposing of
replaced computers.
6Page 10 Discovering Computers : Chapter 1

7. 7Pages 34 - 36
Figures 1-36 – 1-39
b) Discuss the applications of Information Technology
Finance
• Loan processing system
• Finance Investment system
• Online banking services
• Electronic payment system
Education
• Learning Management System (LMS)
• Computer Based Training (CBT)
• Courseware
• E-Learning Portal
• Instructional Video

8. 8Pages 34 - 36
Figures 1-36 – 1-39
Government
• E-Filing – Online system for declaring tax.
• HRMIS – Online system for updating government employee information
• E-syariah - The portal will serve as a gateway for providing information to
the public and members of the Syariah Court to get the latest information
about the rules and procedures of the court. Public could also send online
queries to the court via this portal.
Health Care
• Counter registration System
• Telemedicine: Health care professionals in separate locations conduct
live conferences on the computer.
• Tele-surgery : Remote surgery , a surgeon performs an operation on a
patient who is not located in the same physical room as the surgeon
 Medline :
provides product and clinical solutions
Provides consulting and management services.
Chat room that allow patient to talk/chat to others diagnosed with
similar condition.

9. 9Pages 36 - 38
Figures 1-40 – 1-43
Science
Hawk-Eye Officiating System – Ball tracking technology, advance simulator and
coaching system for the sporting world.
Virtual Reality – Use of computer to simulate a real or imagined environment
that appears as 3D space
Neural network
A system that attempt to imitate the behavior of human brain.
Implant devices –e.g:
A cochlear implant allow a deaf person to listen
Publishing
• Digital Newspaper – Use of IT that allows people to read newspaper online
• Digital Magazine – Use IT that allows people to read magazine online
• Online Photo Printing
• Online card printing

10. 10Pages 36 - 38
Figures 1-40 – 1-43
Travel
Global Positioning System (GPS) – IT application that helps users to track routes
for specific location
Automatic Roaming System – Telecommunication companies provide
automatic roaming for travelers to travel abroad
Online Reservation System – Transportation & accommodation reservation can
be done through website
Manufacturing
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
• Computer –Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
CAD and CAM are IT application used to speed up and improve accuracy of the
process for tasks

11. A World of Computers
• Computers are everywhere
11Pages 4 - 5
Figure 1-1
c) Explain different categories of computers

12. Categories of Computers
Supercomputers
Mainframes
Personal Computers
Mobile Computers
Mobile Devices
Embedded Computers
12

13. Supercomputers
• A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful
computer
– Fastest supercomputers are capable of processing
more than one quadrillion instructions in a single
second
13Page 25
Figure 1-27

14. Mainframes
• A mainframe is a large,
expensive, powerful
computer that can
handle hundreds or
thousands of connected
users simultaneously
14Page 25
Figure 1-26

15. Personal Computer
• A personal computer can perform all of its input,
processing, output, and storage activities by itself
• Two popular architectures are the PC and the
Apple
– Desktop computer
15Pages 19 - 20
Figures 1-15 - 1-16

16. Mobile Computers
Personal computer you can carry
from place to place
Examples include notebook
computers, laptop computers,
netbooks, ultra-thins, and Tablet PCs
Mobile
Computer
16Pages 20 - 23

17. Mobile Devices
Computing device small enough to
hold in your hand
Examples include smart phones
and PDAs, e-book readers,
handheld computers, portable
media players, and digital cameras
Mobile
Device
17Pages 20 - 23

18. Embedded Computers
• An embedded computer is a special-purpose
computer that functions as a component in a
larger product
18
Consumer
Electronics
• Mobile and digital
telephones
• Digital televisions
• Cameras
• Video recorders
• DVD players and
recorders
• Answering
machines
Home Automation
Devices
• Thermostats
• Sprinkling systems
• Security
monitoring systems
• Appliances
• Lights
Automobiles
• Antilock brakes
• Engine control
modules
• Airbag controller
• Cruise control
Process Controllers
and Robotics
• Remote monitoring
systems
• Power monitors
• Machine
controllers
• Medical devices
Computer Devices
and Office Machines
• Keyboards
• Printers
• Faxes
• Copiers

19. 19Page 26
Figure 1-28
Figure shows some of the many embedded computer in cars.

20. Characteristics & capabilities for different categories of computers :
computers:
Physical size Speed Storage (referring to
memory)
Supercomputer A big room of connected processors Tens of thousands of processors
at clock speed 3.83 GHz,
delivering 33.86 PetaFLOPS
Extremely large
storage. Example: 3.1
PB
Mainframe Multiple racks, each the size of a fridge Dozens of processors Very large & addable
storage. Example:4.6
TB
Personal
computer
Desktop
Fits on a desk, on a lap, or in a hand.
Single processor (1.5-2.5 Ghz) Large.
Example: 500 GB
Mobile
computer
Mobile computer is small enough to fit
easily in a briefcase or hold in your hand
- -
Mobile devices Mobile Devices such as smart phone size
is fits in the palm of your hand or a
pocket size
- -
Embedded
computer
Size is very small. It is mounted on a
circuit board and then installed in a
machine or appliance using wires to carry
input and output signals
- -
20

21. References
Leary, T. J., & Leary, L. I. (2012).Computing essentials
2012 (Complete ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Ismail Shaari (2008). Score A information and
communication technology
Shelly, G. B., & Vermaat, M. (2012).Discovering computers:
your interactive guide to the digital world (Complete
ed.). Boston, Mass.: Course Technology/Cengage
Learning.
Hooi, Y. K., & Jung, L.T. (2014).Computer science for
matriculation semester 1. Kuala Lumpur: Oxford Fajar
SB.
21