Introduction to Information Systems (Overview)

Editor's Notes

• #1: This presentation will introduce you to the basics of Information Systems, which are the backbone of modern technology. We’ll cover important concepts like how information is processed, the hardware and software that make up computers, and how networks connect everything together. By the end, you’ll have a good understanding of how these systems work and why they’re important.
• #3: Information is what we get when we process raw data, like numbers or text, into something meaningful. For example, if you have a list of numbers, those are just data. But if those numbers represent test scores, they become information that tells you how well someone did on a test. In digital technology, we use bits and bytes to represent this data. Bits are the smallest unit of data in a computer, and bytes are made up of 8 bits. Understanding how data becomes information is the first step in understanding information systems.
• #4: Computers are made up of several key components that work together to process information. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is like the brain of the computer, handling all the instructions. Memory, or RAM, is where the computer temporarily stores data that it's currently using. Storage devices like hard drives (HDD) and solid-state drives (SSD) are where data is saved long-term. Input devices, like keyboards and mice, let you interact with the computer, while output devices, like monitors and printers, let the computer communicate with you. Knowing these components helps you understand how computers operate.
• #5: An operating system (OS) is the software that manages all the hardware and other software on a computer. Popular examples include Windows, macOS, and Linux. The OS helps you perform tasks like opening files, running applications, and organizing your data. The folder structure in an OS is how files are organized, like the C: drive in Windows or the Home directory in macOS. Without an OS, you wouldn’t be able to interact with your computer in a meaningful way.
• #6: Computing environments refer to the different setups in which computers operate. A client is a computer that accesses services provided by a server, which is a more powerful computer that provides resources like file storage or websites. Virtualization allows one physical machine to run multiple virtual machines, which can each act like a separate computer. Cloud computing takes this further by providing services over the internet, so you can access things like Google Drive from anywhere. Understanding these environments helps you see how computers work together, whether in a small office or across the globe.
• #7: Wired networks use physical cables to connect devices. Ethernet is the most common type of wired network, known for being reliable and fast, with speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps. It's often used in homes and offices where stable connections are needed, like for gaming or streaming. Fiber optics is a newer technology that uses light to transmit data at even higher speeds, often used in large networks and for internet connections that require fast, reliable service. Knowing about wired networks helps you understand how data can be transferred quickly and securely.
• #8: Wireless networks connect devices without cables, using radio waves instead. Wi-Fi is the most common wireless technology, allowing devices like phones, tablets, and laptops to connect to the internet. Wi-Fi speeds can be very fast, especially with the latest standards like Wi-Fi 6, but the signal can weaken with distance or obstacles like walls. Bluetooth is another wireless technology used for short-range connections, like connecting a mouse or headphones to a computer. Wireless networks are convenient because they allow mobility, but they can also be less reliable than wired connections.
• #9: Wireless networks connect devices without cables, using radio waves instead. Wi-Fi is the most common wireless technology, allowing devices like phones, tablets, and laptops to connect to the internet. Wi-Fi speeds can be very fast, especially with the latest standards like Wi-Fi 6, but the signal can weaken with distance or obstacles like walls. Bluetooth is another wireless technology used for short-range connections, like connecting a mouse or headphones to a computer. Wireless networks are convenient because they allow mobility, but they can also be less reliable than wired connections.
• #10: Installing software means putting programs onto your computer so you can use them. There are different ways to do this: Media Install: Installing software from a physical disc or USB drive. Network Install: Installing software from a server over a local network. Cloud Install: Downloading and installing software from the internet, like with apps from the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store. Each method has its benefits, depending on where the software is coming from and how you need to use it.
• #11: Different companies offer bundles of software, called ecosystems, that work well together. Microsoft offers Windows, Office, and Office 365, which are widely used in businesses and schools. Google provides Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), including Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive, which are popular for collaboration. Adobe offers Creative Suite for creative professionals, with products like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, available as either traditional software or via the Creative Cloud. Understanding these ecosystems helps you choose the right tools for your work or study needs.
• #12: Backing up your data means making copies so you don’t lose important files if something goes wrong. There are two main ways to do this: Auto-Save: Some programs automatically save your work as you go, so you don’t have to worry about losing it. Manual Backups: You can manually copy your files to another location, like an external hard drive or a cloud service like Google Drive. Having backups ensures that your data is safe and can be recovered if your computer crashes or is lost.
• #13: When something goes wrong with your computer, troubleshooting is the process of figuring out what’s wrong and fixing it. Start with these basic steps: Power Check: Make sure the device is plugged in and turned on. Reboot: Sometimes, just restarting the computer can solve many problems. Error Messages: If the computer gives you an error message, read it carefully and look it up online for solutions. These steps can solve many common issues without needing professional help.
• #14: Cybersecurity is all about protecting your computer and data from threats like viruses and hackers. Here are some basic things to know: Common Threats: Malware (like viruses), phishing (tricking you into giving away information), and ransomware (locking your files until you pay a ransom). Best Practices: Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication (a second step to verify your identity), and be careful about clicking on links in emails or messages that seem suspicious. Being aware of these threats and how to prevent them keeps your data safe.
• #15: We’ve covered a lot of ground today: We started with the basics of how data becomes information. We learned about the hardware inside computers and the operating systems that run them. We explored networking technologies, both wired and wireless, and discussed bandwidth. We also talked about how to install software, major software ecosystems, the importance of backing up data, and basic troubleshooting. Finally, we touched on cybersecurity and how to protect your information. Now, if you have any questions, let’s discuss them!