Chapter 1: IT, the Internet, and You

"Information Technology, the Internet, and You"

The following Competencies will be developed relative to this topic:
o Explain the five parts of an information system: people, procedures, software, hardware, and data.
o Distinguish between system software and application software.
o Discuss the three kinds of system software programs.
o Distinguish between basic and specialized application software.
o Identify the four types of computers and the six types of microcomputers.
o Describe the different types of computer hardware including the system unit, input, output, storage, and communication devices.
o Define data and describe document, worksheet, database, and presentation files.
o Explain computer connectivity, the wireless revolution, and the Internet.

Reading Assignment:
Computing Essentials 2011, Making IT work for you, Introductory Textbook, Chapter 1

Chapter 5: System Software

The following Competencies will be developed through in class group discussions on the following topics:
o Describe the differences between system software and application software.
o Discuss the four types of system software.
o Discuss the basic functions, features, and categories of operating systems.
o Describe Windows, Mac OS, UNIX, Linux, and virtualization.
o Describe the purpose of utilities and utility suites.
o Identify the five most essential utilities.
o Discuss Windows utility programs.
o Describe device drivers, including Windows’ Add a Device Wizard and Update.

Reading Assignment:
Computing Essentials 2011, Making IT work for you, Introductory Textbook, Chapter 5

Chapter 6: The System Unit

The following Competencies will be developed through this lesson:
o Describe the six basic types of system units.
o Discuss how a computer can represent numbers and encode characters electronically.
o Describe each of the major system unit components.
o Discuss microprocessors, including microprocessor chips and specialty processors.
o Discuss memory including RAM, ROM, and flash memory.
o Discuss expansion slots and cards.
o Describe five principal types of expansion buses.
o Compare standard, specialized, and legacy ports.
o Discuss power supply for desktop and notebook computers.

Reading Assignment:
Computing Essentials 2011, Making IT work for you, Introductory Textbook, Chapter 6

Chapter 7: Input and Output Devices

These Competencies will be developed through in class group discussion of the following topics:
o Define input.
o Describe keyboard entry including the different types of keyboards and keyboard features.
o Discuss pointing devices including mice, touch screens, joysticks, and styluses.
o Describe scanning devices including optical scanners and card readers.
o Discuss image capturing devices including digital cameras and digital video cameras.
o Define output.
o Discuss monitor features, flat-panel, CRT, e-book readers, data projectors, and HDTVs.
o Define printing features as well as ink-jet, laser, dot-matrix, thermal, plotter, photo, and portable printers.
o Discuss audio-output devices.
o Define combination input and output devices.

Reading Assignment:
Computing Essentials 2011, Making IT work for you, Introductory Textbook, Chapter 7