Introduction to Information and communication Technology

Introduction to course

This is an introductory course on Information and Communication Technologies. Topics include ICT terminologies, hardware and software components, the internet and world wide web, and ICT based applications.

Prerequisites: none

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs):

At the end of the course the students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an awareness of the main processes in an ICT system (sending, receiving, storing, retrieving, manipulating, conveying)

2.Demonstrate an awareness of some of the hardware, software and communication components used in ICT systems

3. Use a system map or a block diagram to identify the components of an ICT system

Textbooks:

Discovering Computers by Gary B. Shelly & Misty E. Vermaat, Course Technology; 1st Edition (January 25, 2011).
Computing Essentials 2012 by Timothy J. O'Leary and Linda I. O'Leary, McGraw Hill Higher Education; 22nd Revised Edition (February 1, 2011).Computers:
Understanding Technology by Fuller, Floyd; Larson, Brian, Fourth Edition, ISBN: 978-0-76383-927-7 (OR Latest Edition.)
The Concepts of Information Technology by Imran Saeed, Afsan Raza, Tariq Mahmood and Zafar Hussain, 6th Edition, IT Series Publications

Course Content:

Introduction to Computers: Data and Information, Information Processing Cycle, the Components of a Computer, Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Computers. Networks and the Internet. [TB1, Ch.1]
Computer Software, Categories of Computers, Elements of an Information System, Examples of Computer Usage, Computer Applications in Society [TB1, Ch. 1].
The Internet and World Wide Web: Key Concepts of the Internet, Evolution of the Internet, the World Wide Web, E-Commerce, Other Internet Services, Netiquette [TB1, Ch. 2].
Application Software: Business Software, Graphics and Multimedia Software, Software for Home, Personal, and Educational Use, Web Applications, Application Software for Communications. [TB1, Ch. 3]
The System Unit: Processor, Data Representation, Memory, Expansion Slots and Adapter Cards, Ports and Connectors, Buses, Bays, Power Supply. [TB1, Ch. 4]
Input Devices: What Is Input? What Are Input Devices? The Keyboard, Pointing Devices, Mouse, Other Pointing Devices, Touch Screens And Touch-Sensitive Pads, Pen Input, Other Input For Smart Phones, Game Controllers, Digital Cameras, Voice Input, Video Input, Scanners And Reading Devices, Biometric Input, Terminals, Putting It All Together, Input Devices For Physically Challenged Users. [TB1, Ch. 5]
Output Devices: What is Output? Display Devices, Printers, Speakers, Headphones, and Earbuds, Other Output Devices. [TB1, Ch. 6]
Storage: Hard Disks, Flash Memory Storage, Cloud Storage, Optical Discs, Other Types of Storage. [TB1, Ch. 7]
System Software: Operating Systems, Operating System Functions, Types Of Operating Systems. [TB1, Ch. 8]
Stand-Alone Operating Systems, Server Operating Systems, Embedded Operating Systems, Utility Programs [TB1, Ch. 8] Communications: Uses of Computer Communications, Networks, Network
Communications Standards, Communications Software, Communications over the Telephone Network, Communications Devices, Home Networks, Communications
Channel, Physical Transmission Media, Wireless Transmission Media. [TB1, Ch. 9]
Databases: Data, and Information, The Hierarchy of Data, Maintaining Data, File Processing Versus Databases. [TB1, Ch. 10]
Database Management Systems, Relational, Object Oriented, and Multidimensional Databases, Web Databases, Database Administration. [TB1, Ch. 10]
Computer Security and Safety, Ethics, and Privacy: Computer Security Risks,
Internet And Network Attacks, Unauthorized Access And Use. [TB1, Ch. 11]
Hardware Theft And Vandalism, Software Theft, Information Theft, System Failure, Backing Up, Wireless Security, Health Concerns Of Computer Use, Ethics And Society. [TB1, Ch. 11]