1.1 | ITE1063
TOPIC 1.0 - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LITERACY
1.1 - Basic terminologies and related equipment such as modem, file server,
Sub-Topic
LAN, internet, intranet and storage device
Student should be able to :
• Differentiate internet and intranet
Learning Outcome
• List storage devices for a computer system
• Give examples of computer software
WHAT IS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LITERACY?
Definition Ability to use, manage, understand and assess technology
• Technology literacy is related to digital literacy in that when an individual
is proficient in using computers and other digital devices to access
the Internet
Description • Digital literacy gives them the ability to use the Internet to discover, review,
evaluate, create, and use information via various digital platforms, such
as web browsers, databases, online journals, magazines, newspapers, blogs,
and social media sites
BASIC TERMINOLOGIES & RELATED EQUIPMENT
COMPUTER SYSTEM
• A computer is a general-purpose, programmable electronic device that
receives, stores, processes and displays data or information
• The components of a computer system are :
a) Hardware
The physical components of a computer system
Examples : CPU, memory modules, keyboard, printer, hard disk, etc.
b) Software
Set of instructions that tells the computer how to behave and how
to carry out a wide range of tasks. Two (2) types of software are
Description system software and application software.
Examples : Operating systems (Windows, Linux), word processor
(MS Word), Internet browser (Google Chrome), etc.
• Hardware and software are mutually dependent.
a) A computer uses both its hardware and software to process data and
information
b) Software is designed to run on hardware. Its capabilities are limited
by the hardware capacities it runs on
c) Hardware cannot perform useful functions without instructions from
software
1
, 1.1 | ITE1063
MODEM
• It is a hardware component that allows a computer or another device, such
Definition
as a router or switch, to connect to the Internet
• Modem comes from the two (2) words - Modulation and Demodulation
• A modem converts information from analog to digital and vice versa. Digital
information is represented in a series of 1's & 0's. Analog information
varies continuously like a sound wave
Description
• External Modem - This type of modem is externally
connected with a computer with a com port or USB port
and has some lights which indicate the processing status
Types
• Internal Modem - Also known as on-board modem, is a
type of modem that is installed on the slots of the
motherboard
• Wireless Modem - The wireless modem transmits data through the air
(using unguided media) instead of cable (guided media)
• Fax Modem - It can be used for a computer to connect to a dial-up Internet
server or fax machine
• Dial Up Modem - The dial-up modem transfers the analog signal through
ordinary telephone lines
Example
• DSL Modem - DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) modem also called broadband
modem is used for providing broadband service to a different kind of
Internet connection
• ISDN Modem - ISDN stands for Integrated Services for the Digital Network
is a type of communication standards for simultaneous digital transmission
of voice, video data over a single wire or optical fiber
2
TOPIC 1.0 - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LITERACY
1.1 - Basic terminologies and related equipment such as modem, file server,
Sub-Topic
LAN, internet, intranet and storage device
Student should be able to :
• Differentiate internet and intranet
Learning Outcome
• List storage devices for a computer system
• Give examples of computer software
WHAT IS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LITERACY?
Definition Ability to use, manage, understand and assess technology
• Technology literacy is related to digital literacy in that when an individual
is proficient in using computers and other digital devices to access
the Internet
Description • Digital literacy gives them the ability to use the Internet to discover, review,
evaluate, create, and use information via various digital platforms, such
as web browsers, databases, online journals, magazines, newspapers, blogs,
and social media sites
BASIC TERMINOLOGIES & RELATED EQUIPMENT
COMPUTER SYSTEM
• A computer is a general-purpose, programmable electronic device that
receives, stores, processes and displays data or information
• The components of a computer system are :
a) Hardware
The physical components of a computer system
Examples : CPU, memory modules, keyboard, printer, hard disk, etc.
b) Software
Set of instructions that tells the computer how to behave and how
to carry out a wide range of tasks. Two (2) types of software are
Description system software and application software.
Examples : Operating systems (Windows, Linux), word processor
(MS Word), Internet browser (Google Chrome), etc.
• Hardware and software are mutually dependent.
a) A computer uses both its hardware and software to process data and
information
b) Software is designed to run on hardware. Its capabilities are limited
by the hardware capacities it runs on
c) Hardware cannot perform useful functions without instructions from
software
1
, 1.1 | ITE1063
MODEM
• It is a hardware component that allows a computer or another device, such
Definition
as a router or switch, to connect to the Internet
• Modem comes from the two (2) words - Modulation and Demodulation
• A modem converts information from analog to digital and vice versa. Digital
information is represented in a series of 1's & 0's. Analog information
varies continuously like a sound wave
Description
• External Modem - This type of modem is externally
connected with a computer with a com port or USB port
and has some lights which indicate the processing status
Types
• Internal Modem - Also known as on-board modem, is a
type of modem that is installed on the slots of the
motherboard
• Wireless Modem - The wireless modem transmits data through the air
(using unguided media) instead of cable (guided media)
• Fax Modem - It can be used for a computer to connect to a dial-up Internet
server or fax machine
• Dial Up Modem - The dial-up modem transfers the analog signal through
ordinary telephone lines
Example
• DSL Modem - DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) modem also called broadband
modem is used for providing broadband service to a different kind of
Internet connection
• ISDN Modem - ISDN stands for Integrated Services for the Digital Network
is a type of communication standards for simultaneous digital transmission
of voice, video data over a single wire or optical fiber
2
