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Hard disks Diskettes have been replaced by high-capacity media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