Chapter 1: Introduction to Information Technology— Hardware, Software, and Telecommunications
Computer
An electronic device which: -Accepts data as input -Processes that data according to instructions stored in memory -Produces information as output -Stores the results
Scanning devices
Bar-code reader Fingerprint/Iris Scanning for Access
Optical media
CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW DVD
Smartphones
Cell phone with built-in applications and Internet access Provide phone service, text messaging, e-mail, Web browsing, still and video cameras, MP3 players, and video viewing There are many health-related apps for smartphones
Expansion of Wireless Technology
Cell phones GPS WiFi PDAs Smartphones Tablet computers
Processing Hardware
Comprises the brains of the computer -Central processing unit -Memory
Information technology includes
Computers Networks Computer literacy
Central Processing Unit
Control unit directs operation following instructions of programs Arithmetic-logic unit performs arithmetic operations and logical operations (comparisons) Examples: Intel Pentium, Intel Celeron, Intel Core i5, i7, i9, Intel Xeon, AMD
Solid-state high-capacity memory devices
Flash memory
Magnetic media
Hard disks Diskettes have been replaced by high-capacity media
Input Hardware
Includes all devices used to digitize and input data into the computer
Hardware
Includes all the physical parts of the computer, the parts you can see and touch
Telecommunications
Involves the linking of computers
Input Devices
Keyboards Direct-entry devices -Pointing devices Microphones Cameras Scanning devices
Computer Literacy
Knowledge of basic computer concepts The ability to use computers to make tasks easier The ability to use the Internet and World Wide Web
Supercomputer
Largest and most powerful at any time Used for scientific applications such as weather forecasting and simulations
Secondary Storage Devices
Magnetic media Optical media Solid-state high-capacity memory devices
Operating system
Microsoft Windows, IOS, Android, OS X
Soft copy
Monitors Voice synthesis
Microcomputers
PCs, desktops Used by individuals
Read-only memory (ROM)
Permanent, firmware, holds startup instructions
Hard copy
Printers -Impact -Nonimpact (Laser)
Memory
Random access memory (RAM) Read-only memory (ROM)
Minicomputers
Scaled-down mainframe Multiuser Used in small businesses
Netbooks
Scaled-down microcomputers Light and easy to carry Provide a link to the Internet, and support common application software
Bar-code reader
Scans universal product codes
Embedded computers
Single-purpose computers on chips inside appliances or human beings May be used to regulate a heartbeat or dispense medication, among other uses
Personal digital assistants (PDAs)
Small, handheld computers Used throughout the health care system for references, to gather information, and to write prescriptions
Output Devices
Soft copy Hard copy Plotters
Computer Classifications
Supercomputer Mainframes Minicomputers Microcomputers Netbooks Personal digital assistants (PDAs) Smartphones Tablet computers Embedded computers
Software
System software manages the hardware -Operating system -Utilities
Random access memory (RAM)
Temporary work space, holds current work
Voice synthesis
Text to computer voice
Connectivity
The fact that computers can be linked for sending and receiving data
Mainframes
Used by large institutions (businesses, hospitals, universities) Powerful, multiuser computer; many users access mainframe through terminals Used for data processing tasks, e.g., generating a payroll, processing insurance claims
Utilities
Used to maintain the computer (Virus Software, Back Up)
Tablet computers
Wireless touchscreen computers which may use a stylus or digital pen to input information Tablet computers have become widely used by health care providers
Application software does tasks for the user:
Word processors Spreadsheets Database management systems Graphics Communications Specialized packages
