IT 231: IT and Application - Course Materials
Complete course materials for IT 231 IT and Application including syllabus notes, old questions, and presentation slides
48
Lecture Hours
73
Chapter Notes
2
Question Sets
67
Slide Decks
IT 231: IT and Application
Course Objectives
The main objective of this course is to provide students knowledge of fundamental concepts of computers and information technology and its applications in the real world. Students are expected to learn to use MS Office for word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, Access, and the internet.
Course Description
This course introduces students to the basic concepts of computers and information technology including introduction, hardware, software, memory, input/output, database, networks and data communication, internet, multimedia, computer security, and contemporary technologies.
Course Details
Unit 1: Introduction to Computer (3 LHs)
- Introduction
- Digital and Analog Computers
- Characteristics of Computer
- History of Computer
- Generations of Computer
- Classification of Computer
- Data and Program representation in Computer
- Application of Computers
Unit 2: Information Technology and Business (4 LHs)
- Business in the information age
- Information systems
- Organization structure and IT support
- Evolution and types of information systems
- Business information system
- Categories of business information system
- e-Business system
- Enterprise System
- IT for business
- IT for individuals
- Computers in past and present
Unit 3: Computer System Hardware (8 LHs)
- Introduction
- Central Processing Unit
- Memory Unit
- Interconnecting the Units of a Computer
- Inside a Computer Cabinet
- Computer Memory
- Access Types of Storage Devices
- Input and Output Devices
- I/O Port
- Working of I/O System
Unit 4: Computer Software (6 LHs)
- Introduction
- Types of Software
- System Software
- Application Software
- Software Acquisition
- Programming Languages
- Operating System
- New Trends in Software
Unit 5: Database and Business Intelligence (5 LHs)
- Introduction
- Database
- Data Concepts and Characteristics
- Database vs File System
- Database Models
- Database Management System
- Business-level advantages of databases
- Business Intelligence
Unit 6: Data Communication and Computer Network (3 LHs)
- Introduction
- Importance of Communication and Networking
- Data Communication Media
- Data Transmission across Media
- Data Transmission and Data Networking
- Computer Network
- Network Types
- Network Topology
- Communication Protocol
- Networking Hardware
- Wireless Networking
Unit 7: Internet and Internet Applications (6 LHs)
- Introduction
- History of Internet
- Managing the Internet
- Connecting to Internet
- Internet Connections
- IP Address and Domain Name System (DNS)
- Client-Server Architecture
- Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
- Electronic Mail (Email)
- File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
- World Wide Web
- Search Engines
- E-Commerce, M-Commerce, E-Payment, E-Governance
- Censorship and privacy issues
- Digital Divide
Unit 8: Multimedia and the Web (3 LHs)
- Introduction
- Elements of a Multimedia System
- Graphics
- Sound
- Image File Format
- Web Based Multimedia
- Future of Web Based Multimedia
- Multimedia in Business
- Applications of Multimedia in Business
Unit 9: Computer Security and Privacy (6 LHs)
- Computer security and control
- Unauthorized Access and Unauthorized Use
- Protecting Against Unauthorized Access and Unauthorized Use
- Computer Sabotage and Protection
- Types of Computer Crime
- Software Piracy
- Anti-Piracy
- Computer Virus, Worm, Spyware
- Professionalism, Ethics and Morality
- Ethical Issues in Computer
- Cyber Law
- Digital Literacy
- Copyright, Designs and Patents Act
- Network Security
- Hardware and Software Firewall
- Data and Message Security
- Encryption and Decryption
Unit 10: Contemporary Technologies and Businesses (4 LHs)
- Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Business and Society
- Data Science, Machine Learning
- Neural Networks
- Cloud Computing
- Green Computing
- Virtual Computing
- Big Data
- Blockchain Technology
- Social Media & Digital Marketing
- Internet of Things
Laboratory Works
After completing this course, students should have practical knowledge of:
- Hardware components of computer
- Operating systems (DOS and Windows Operating System)
- Word Processors
- Spreadsheets
- PowerPoint Presentation
- Database Management Systems
- Internet and its services
Suggested Reading
- Morley, D., & Parker Charles S., Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, Comprehensive, 15th Edition, Cengage Learning, 2015.
- Paul Bocij, Andrew Greasley and Simon Hickie, Business Information Systems: Technology, Development and Management for the E-Business, Fifth Edition, 2015.
- Peter Norton’s, Introduction to Computers, Tata McGraw-Hill.
- P K Sinha & Priti Sinha, Computer Fundamentals: Concepts, Systems and Applications, BPB Publications.
- Efraim Turban, Carol Pollard and Gregory Wood, Information Technology for Management: On-Demand Strategies for Performance, Growth and Sustainability, 11th Edition, Wiley.
Unit 1: Introduction to Computer and IT
1.1
Introduction to Computers | IT 231
Foundational introduction to computers: definition, characteristics, history, and digital vs. analog.
1.2
Components of a Computer System | IT 231
Understanding the fundamental components of a computer system: hardware, software, data, procedures, and people.
1.3
Generations of Computers | IT 231
The five generations of computers: from vacuum tubes to artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
1.4
Functions of a Computer | IT 231
The four primary functions of a computer: input, processing, output, and storage.
1.5
Classification of Computers by Size and Power | IT 231
Classification of computers: microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframes, and supercomputers.
1.6
Data and Program Representation in a Computer | IT 231
Explanation of binary system (bits/bytes), ASCII, and Unicode for data representation.
1.7
Applications of Computers in Modern Society | IT 231
Overview of computer applications in business, education, healthcare, entertainment, and government.
Unit 2: Information Technology and Business
2.1
Unit 2 Intro: Information Systems in Business | IT 231
Introduction to Information Systems (IS) in modern business and the Information Age.
2.2
Business in the Information Age | IT 231
Information Age overview: data as a strategic asset and the role of knowledge workers.
2.3
The Relationship Between Information Systems and Organization | IT 231
Mutual influence of Information Systems and Organizations: structure, culture, and processes.
2.4
The Evolution and Types of Information Systems | IT 231
Evolution of IS: TPS, MIS, and DSS explained.
2.5
Types of Business Information Systems | IT 231
Overview of Business Information Systems (BIS) in Finance, Marketing, HR, and Manufacturing.
2.6
E-Business and Enterprise Systems | IT 231
Introduction to E-Business and Enterprise Systems (ERP, SCM, CRM).
2.7
The Role of IT for Business and Individuals | IT 231
Importance of IT: Efficiency, communication, and access to information.
2.8
Computers Past and Present: A Brief History | IT 231
History of computers: from Abacus to AI (generations explained).
Unit 3: Computer Hardware
3.1
Unit 3 Intro: CPU, Memory, and Hardware Interconnections | IT 231
Introduction to CPU, Memory (Hierarchy), and Hardware Interconnections.
3.2
Inside a Computer: The Motherboard and its Components | IT 231
Inside the Computer Cabinet: Motherboard, CPU, RAM, and Expansion Slots.
3.3
The Computer Memory Hierarchy | IT 231
Computer Memory Hierarchy: Registers, Cache, RAM, and Storage trade-offs.
3.4
Types of Computer Memory (RAM and ROM) | IT 231
Understanding RAM and ROM: types, characteristics, and differences between volatile and non-volatile memory.
3.5
A Guide to Computer Storage Devices | IT 231
Secondary Storage: HDDs, SSDs, and Optical Drives explained.
3.6
How Computers Use Memory: The CPU and Memory Interaction | IT 231
CPU & Memory Interaction: Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle explained.
3.7
Input and Output Devices of a Computer | IT 231
Input/Output Devices Guide: Keyboards, mice, monitors, and more.
3.8
Understanding I/O Ports and Buses | IT 231
I/O Ports & System Bus: Connecting peripherals and internal components.
Unit 4: Computer Software
4.1
Unit 4 Intro: An Introduction to Software | IT 231
Intro to software: System vs Application software explained.
4.2
System Software vs. Application Software | IT 231
System vs Application Software: Functions and Examples explained.
4.3
How Software is Acquired: Build vs. Buy | IT 231
Software Acquisition: Build vs Buy, COTS, Custom, and SaaS options.
4.4
An Introduction to Programming Languages | IT 231
Programming Languages: High-level vs Low-level, Compilers vs Interpreters.
4.5
The Role of the Operating System (OS) | IT 231
Operating System Functions: Hardware management, GUI, and examples.
4.6
Utility Software and System Tools | IT 231
Understanding utility software: system maintenance, security, file management, and optimization tools.
4.7
New Trends in Software: AI, Cloud, and Low-Code | IT 231
Software Trends: AI, Cloud Computing, SaaS, and Low-Code.
Unit 5: Database Systems
5.1
Unit 5 Intro: An Introduction to Databases | IT 231
Intro to Databases: Data management, DBMS, and File System limitations.
5.2
Fundamental Data Concepts: From Characters to Databases | IT 231
Data Hierarchy: Character, Field, Record, File, Database explained.
5.3
Database vs. File System: Understanding the Difference | IT 231
Database vs File System: Redundancy, Consistency, and Centralization.
5.4
An Introduction to Database Models | IT 231 Course Notes
An overview of the different types of database models, including the hierarchical, network, and relational models, with a focus on the structure and importance of the relational model.
5.5
Database Management Systems (DBMS) Explained | IT 231 Notes
An introduction to the Database Management System (DBMS), the software that acts as an interface to a database, and its key functions like data definition, manipulation, and security.
5.6
The Business-Level Advantages of Using Databases | IT 231 Notes
An overview of the key business-level advantages of adopting a database approach, including improved decision making, enhanced customer service, and increased operational efficiency.
5.7
An Introduction to Business Intelligence (BI) | IT 231 Notes
An introduction to Business Intelligence (BI), the process of using technologies and strategies to analyze business data and provide actionable information to help executives make better decisions.
Unit 6: Networks and Communications
6.1
Unit 6 Intro: Communication and Networking | IT 231 Notes
An introduction to the fundamental concepts of data communication and computer networking, covering network types, topologies, protocols, and hardware.
6.2
Data Communication Media and Transmission | IT 231 Course Notes
An overview of data communication media, including guided (wired) media like twisted-pair and fiber optic cables, and unguided (wireless) media. Also covers the basics of data transmission, including bandwidth and signals.
6.3
Networking Basics: Network Types and Topologies | IT 231 Notes
An introduction to the basics of computer networking, covering the main network types (LAN, WAN) and the common physical network topologies (Bus, Star, Ring).
6.4
Network Protocols and Hardware | IT 231 Course Notes
An overview of the essential protocols (TCP/IP, Ethernet) and hardware (switches, routers, modems) that make computer networking possible.
6.5
An Introduction to Wireless Networking | IT 231 Course Notes
An introduction to wireless networking, covering the basics of Wi-Fi, the components of a Wireless LAN (WLAN), and the importance of wireless security protocols like WPA3.
Unit 7: Internet and World Wide Web
7.1
Unit 7 Intro: The Internet and World Wide Web | IT 231 Notes
An introduction to the internet and the World Wide Web, covering their history, key protocols like HTTP and TCP/IP, and their impact on society, including issues of privacy and the digital divide.
7.2
How to Connect to the Internet | IT 231 Course Notes
An overview of the common ways to connect to the internet, including wired broadband connections like cable and fiber, and wireless connections like Wi-Fi and cellular data.
7.3
IP Addresses and the Domain Name System (DNS) | IT 231 Notes
An explanation of IP addresses, the unique identifiers for devices on the internet, and the Domain Name System (DNS), which translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses.
7.4
Understanding Client-Server Architecture | IT 231 Course Notes
An introduction to the client-server architecture, the fundamental model of the internet, explaining the roles of clients and servers and how they interact.
7.5
Key Internet Protocols: HTTP, Email, and FTP | IT 231 Notes
An overview of three fundamental internet application protocols: HTTP for the World Wide Web, the protocols for email (SMTP, POP3, IMAP), and FTP for file transfer.
7.6
The World Wide Web and Search Engines | IT 231 Course Notes
An introduction to the World Wide Web, its key components like web browsers and web servers, and the crucial role of search engines in navigating its vast amount of information.
7.7
E-Commerce, M-Commerce, E-Payment, and E-Governance | IT 231
An overview of the major applications of the internet, including e-commerce, m-commerce, electronic payment systems, and e-governance.
7.8
Ethical and Social Issues of the Internet | IT 231 Course Notes
An examination of the major ethical and social issues associated with the internet, including censorship, the erosion of privacy, and the digital divide.
Unit 8: Multimedia Systems
8.1
Unit 8 Intro: An Introduction to Multimedia | IT 231 Notes
An introduction to multimedia, the combination of different content forms, covering the key elements of text, graphics, audio, video, and animation, and its applications in business and on the web.
8.2
Web-Based Multimedia and Future Trends | IT 231 Notes
An overview of web-based multimedia and the future trends shaping the field, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and the metaverse.
8.3
Applications of Multimedia in Business | IT 231 Course Notes
An overview of the various applications of multimedia in business, including its use in training, marketing, and communication.
Unit 9: Computer Security and Ethics
9.1
Unit 9 Intro: Computer Security, Ethics, and Privacy | IT 231 Notes
An introduction to the critical issues of computer security, control, ethics, and privacy, covering common threats like malware and software piracy, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of IT professionals.
9.2
Unauthorized Access and Protection | IT 231 Course Notes
An overview of the threat of unauthorized access to computer systems and the primary methods of protection, including authentication methods like passwords, biometrics, and two-factor authentication.
9.3
Computer Sabotage and Cybercrime | IT 231 Course Notes
An overview of computer sabotage and cybercrime, covering the different types of perpetrators (hackers, crackers, etc.) and common forms of computer crime.
9.4
Software Piracy and Anti-Piracy Measures | IT 231 Course Notes
An explanation of software piracy, the unauthorized copying or distribution of copyrighted software, and the various anti-piracy measures used to combat it, such as license keys and digital rights management (DRM).
9.5
Understanding Malware: Viruses, Worms, and Trojans | IT 231 Notes
An overview of malware (malicious software), covering the main types including viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and ransomware, and how to protect against them.
9.6
Professionalism, Ethics, and Morality in IT | IT 231 Course Notes
An introduction to the concepts of professionalism, ethics, and morality, and their importance for professionals in the field of Information Technology.
9.7
Cyber Law, Digital Literacy, and Copyright | IT 231 Course Notes
An overview of the legal and educational frameworks of the digital world, including cyber law, the importance of digital literacy, and the fundamentals of copyright law.
9.8
Network Security: Firewalls and Encryption | IT 231 Course Notes
An introduction to the fundamental concepts of network security, including the role of firewalls in filtering traffic and the use of encryption and decryption to protect data in transit.
Unit 10: Emerging Technologies
10.1
Unit 10 Intro: Emerging Trends in IT | IT 231
Emerging IT trends: AI, Big Data, Cloud Computing, and IoT shaping business and society.
10.2
AI Concepts: Data Science, Machine Learning, and Neural Networks | IT 231
Overview of Data Science, Machine Learning (ML), and Neural Networks in AI.
10.3
Cloud, Green, and Virtual Computing Trends | IT 231
Overview of Cloud Computing, Green Computing, and Virtualization trends.
10.4
Big Data and Blockchain Explained | IT 231
Introduction to Big Data and Blockchain: key characteristics (3Vs) and distributed ledgers.
10.5
Social Media & Digital Marketing | IT 231
Introduction to social media, SEO, and content marketing.
10.6
The Internet of Things (IoT) | IT 231
Introduction to IoT: connected devices, sensors, and smart applications.
2025
Unit 1-5 Practice Questions | IT 231
Practice questions covering Computer Basics, IS in Business, Hardware, Software, and Databases
📊 50 marks ⏱️ 2.5 hours
2025
Unit 6-10 Practice Questions | IT 231
Practice questions covering Networking, Internet, Multimedia, Security, and Emerging Trends
📊 50 marks ⏱️ 2.5 hours