Module 0-2: Text 1

e-TERM reference*

TKB1

Version no.*

1

Version date*

2001-09-20

Contributor*

Barata, Kimberly J

Author/s*

Parsons, June, and Oja, Dan

Title*

Computer Concepts

Print availability

3rd edition; Course Technology, 8 March 2000; ISBN 0619017325

Electronic availability

-

Copyright

© 2000 Thompson Learning

Introduction

This text teaches the basics of software, data, architecture, networks, the Internet, including Windows and Mac information, advances with Multimedia, new hardware components. The role of computers in today's society is also covered; topics include coverage of e-commerce, advances on the Internet and security. A CD-ROM accompanies the text and includes course labs and Internet links to supplement concepts explained in the text. The third edition is has more illustrations and easier to learn from.

This edition provides a two-page approach that introduces and teaches main concepts on the left page and offers simple illustrations on the right to enhance the lesson.

The text is 304 pages in total, although over half of the book is taken up with illustrations. It is a very useful introductory reference book.

Course Technology is a division of Thomson Learning, a provider of lifelong learning course materials.

Relevance

Concepts*

Business processes
Culture
Database Management Systems
Hardware
Groupware
Implementation
Information technology
Internet
Intranet
Multimedia
Networks
Organisational Change
Reengineering
Security
Software
Standards
Systems design

Cases

-

Module no.*

0-2

Role

-

Contribution to learning objectives*

Study of this text will contribute to the following learning objectives:

Preliminary reading

-

Reading help

This text is a good introductory reference book. Part A 'Using Computers: Essential Concepts' provides a useful introduction to concepts. Although students are encouraged to skim through the entire text, it is recommended that they concentrate on Part A. While reading, think about :

• What are the component parts that are required to form an ICT architecture?

• What hardware, software, operating systems, databases and other forms of office automation are being used in your office, department, Ministry?

• What emerging technologies are most applicable to your work?

Discussion

New information technologies, such as integrated office systems, imaging technologies, groupware, workflow, data warehousing and records management applications are having a profound impact on the creation and management of records. How comfortable are your colleagues with using ICT? What opportunities has ICT offered in your workplace? What problems have ICTs created?

Assignment

Write a brief paper describing of the types of computers in place and their main uses. Use the following questions to guide your investigation.

Find out the type or types of computers used in your office. Are they mainframe computers, mini-computers, workstations or personal computers? What 'processes' or actions are the computers used for? If your office has more than one type of computer, find out why? What different tasks are the different computers intended to do?

Does your organisation use databases? For what purposes? What kinds of information are entered into the databases? Who is responsible for maintaining them? Who can access them?

Does your organisation use electronic mail? For what purposes? What kinds of information are conveyed using electronic mail? Who has access to the electronic mail systems?

Also consider what priorities you would establish for yourself in order to study more about computerisation and make yourself sufficiently comfortable with the topics included here. What would you do first? What next? Why?

Further reading

There is a plethora of introductory materials to computers and computing concepts. Particularly useful materials include:

How It Works series:

• Derfler, Frank and Les Freed. How Networks Work. How it Works Series. (Emeryville, CA: QUE Corp., 1998).
• Gralla, Preston and Mina Reimer. How Intranets Work. How It Works Series. (Emeryville, CA: QUE Corp., 1996).
• White, Ron. How Computers Work. How It Works Series. (Emeryville, CA: QUE Corp., 1998).

These illustrated books are filled with basic, useful information on the workings of a computer and the advanced technology that is making computers an everyday part of life.

IDG Books. ...for Dummies. Computer Book Series. Chicago, IL: IDG Books, various years. This series of introductory texts explains computers in clear simple language with practical examples and illustrations. See http://www.dummies.com

Barata, Kimberly, et al. Understanding Computers: An Overview for Records and Archives Staff. Managing Public Sector Records: A Study Programme. Michael Roper and Laura Millar, eds. (London: International Records Management Trust, 1999). This text provides a short introduction to computers and computing and was written with archivists and records managers in mind.

Orlikowski, Wanda J. 'Evolving with Notes: Organisational Change around Groupware Technology.' http://ccs.mit.edu/papers/CCSWP186.html

Cooper, Randolph B. The Inertial Impact of Culture on IT implementation.' Information and Management 27 (1994): 17-31.