Introduction to Information Technology
Chapter 1 : Introduction to Information Technology
1.1 The Practical User: How Becoming Computer SavvyBenefits You
What does being computer savvy mean, and what are its practical payoffs?
There is no doubt now that for most of us information technology is becoming like a second skin—an extension of our intellects and even emotions, creating almost a parallel universe of “digital selves.” Perhaps you have been using computers a long time and in a multitude of ways, or perhaps not.
Either way, this book hopes to deliver important practical rewards by helping you become “computer streetwise”—that is, computer savvy. Being computer savvy means knowing what computers can do and what they can’t, knowing how they can benefit you and how they can harm you, knowing when you can solve computer problems and when you have to call for help.
Among the practical payoffs are the following: 1) YOU WILL KNOW HOW TO MAKE BETTER BUYING DECISIONS
No matter how much computer prices come down, you will always have to make judgments about quality and usefulness when buying equipment and software. In fact, we start you off right in this chapter by identifying the constituent parts of a computer system, what they do, and how much they cost. 2) YOU WILL KNOW HOW TO FIX ORDINARY COMPUTER PROBLEMS
Whether it’s replacing a printer cartridge, obtaining a software improvement (“patch”), or pulling photos from your digital camera or camera cellphone, we hope this will give you the confidence to deal with the continual challenges that arise with computers—and know when and how to call for help. 3) YOU WILL KNOW HOW TO UPGRADE YOUR EQUIPMENT& INTEGRATE IT WITH NEW PRODUCTS
New gadgetry and software are constantly being developed. A knowledgeable user learns under what conditions to upgrade, how to do so, and when to start over by buying a new machine. 4) YOU WILL KNOW HOW TO UPGRADE YOUR EQUIPMENT & INTEGRATE IT WITH NEW PRODUCTS
New gadgetry and software are constantly being
1.1 The Practical User: How Becoming Computer SavvyBenefits You
What does being computer savvy mean, and what are its practical payoffs?
There is no doubt now that for most of us information technology is becoming like a second skin—an extension of our intellects and even emotions, creating almost a parallel universe of “digital selves.” Perhaps you have been using computers a long time and in a multitude of ways, or perhaps not.
Either way, this book hopes to deliver important practical rewards by helping you become “computer streetwise”—that is, computer savvy. Being computer savvy means knowing what computers can do and what they can’t, knowing how they can benefit you and how they can harm you, knowing when you can solve computer problems and when you have to call for help.
Among the practical payoffs are the following: 1) YOU WILL KNOW HOW TO MAKE BETTER BUYING DECISIONS
No matter how much computer prices come down, you will always have to make judgments about quality and usefulness when buying equipment and software. In fact, we start you off right in this chapter by identifying the constituent parts of a computer system, what they do, and how much they cost. 2) YOU WILL KNOW HOW TO FIX ORDINARY COMPUTER PROBLEMS
Whether it’s replacing a printer cartridge, obtaining a software improvement (“patch”), or pulling photos from your digital camera or camera cellphone, we hope this will give you the confidence to deal with the continual challenges that arise with computers—and know when and how to call for help. 3) YOU WILL KNOW HOW TO UPGRADE YOUR EQUIPMENT& INTEGRATE IT WITH NEW PRODUCTS
New gadgetry and software are constantly being developed. A knowledgeable user learns under what conditions to upgrade, how to do so, and when to start over by buying a new machine. 4) YOU WILL KNOW HOW TO UPGRADE YOUR EQUIPMENT & INTEGRATE IT WITH NEW PRODUCTS
New gadgetry and software are constantly being