Chapter 2. Concepts of Information Technology

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Terms you'll need to understand:

Application software
Binary system
Bits per second (bps)
Byte
CD-ROM
Central processing unit (CPU)
Client/server
Digital
Diskette
Electronic commerce (e-commerce)
Electronic mail (email)
Freeware
Gigahertz (GHz)
Graphical user interface (GUI)
Hard disk
Hardware
Information technology (IT)
Input device
Internet
Joystick
Laptop computer
Local area network (LAN)
Megahertz (MHz)
Modem, monitor, mouse
Network computer
Operating system software
Output and Peripheral devices
Personal computer and printer
Personal digital assistant (PDA)
Random access memory (RAM)
Read-only memory (ROM)
Software
Storage device
Touchscreen
Trackball
Virus
Wide area network (WAN)
World Wide Web (WWW)

Techniques you'll need to master:

Identifying common types of computer hardware
Understanding the main types of software
Distinguishing the major types of computer networks
Listing some of the major ways in which computers are used in business, government, education, healthcare, and at home
Understanding the health, safety, and environmental impacts of computers
Listing some of the basic rules of information security
Understanding the basic legal implications of computers

Your journey to the ICDL starts with the first module, "Concepts of Information Technology." Just as learning to drive an automobile starts with a basic understanding of what a car is, where you can drive it, and why you'd want to do so, learning to drive your computer requires you to understand some basic concepts. This module covers eight general areas:

IT concepts
Computer hardware
Types of software
The use of networks
IT in everyday life
Health, safety, and environmental issues
Computer security
Legal aspects of IT

You'll learn about each of these areas in this chapter. By the end of the chapter, you'll be ready to go out and take the test for the first module!

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