IS112 – Class 01

Computer Organization and Programming

Professor Catherine Dwyer

IS112 - Computer Organization

Agenda Inside a computer Evaluating Internet Research Your strategies for uncovering

biased information Chapter 1 topics Discussion topics for next class

IS112 - Computer Organization

Student Site for Text

http://averia.mgt.unm.edu/sa3e_student/

Student username issa3e

Student password isUnicode

IS112 - Computer Organization

Inside a computer See White pp. 12-13 Identify the parts of a computer Processor Hard drive Bios bus

IS112 - Computer Organization

Evaluating Internet Research http://www.virtualsalt.com/evalu8it

.htm Internet has quickly become

primary medium for distributing technical information

Volumes of information available Searcher must take on role of

editor/filter

IS112 - Computer Organization

Diversity of information Information is a commodity available in

many flavors Varies greatly in accuracy, reliability and

value Information exists on a continuum of

reliability and quality Is created for many purposes – to inform, to

persuade, to sell, to present a viewpoint, to create or change an attitude or belief

IS112 - Computer Organization

Screening information Clarify purpose of your research

Get new ideas, find support for specific position, survey information?

Select reliable sources http://csis.pace.edu/~molluzzo/IS112-

2001/Resources/ResourcesTopFrames.htm

http://averia.mgt.unm.edu/sa3e_student/

IS112 - Computer Organization

What to look for in a source Reliable research sites are more

likely to have the following information: Author’s name, title or position Author’s organizational affiliation Date of page creation or version Author’s contact information

IS112 - Computer Organization

Evaluating information IS professionals are paid to make

decisions Basing a decision on unreliable information

invariably leads to problems Source evaluation (determining reliability

of information) is something of an art Not based a single litmus test, instead

requires inference from a collection of clues or indicators

IS112 - Computer Organization

CARS Checklist Credibility

Trustworthy source, author’s credentials, evidence of quality control

Accuracy Up to date, factual, detailed

Reasonableness Fair, balanced, objective, reasoned

Support Listed sources, contact information,

documentation

IS112 - Computer Organization

Your strategies for uncovering biased information What experience do you have

filtering information Example of biased web site? Example of objective web site?

IS112 - Computer Organization

Summary of Ch. 1 Technical knowledge of computer hardware

and systems software is required to develop information systems.

Technical knowledge also is required to manage the computer resources of an organization.

Technical knowledge constantly must be updated due to changes in hardware and software technology.

IS112 - Computer Organization

Summary (cont.) Information about computer hardware and

software is readily available on the World Wide Web.

An understanding of computer technology is necessary.

Computer knowledge can be updated through reading periodicals, using Web sites and joining professional societies.

IS112 - Computer Organization

Questions Has the process for deciding on

computer systems become easier or harder over the last few years?

What consequences can there be for a poor choice for a business?

IS112 - Computer Organization

What technical skills should you focus on? Go to http://www.salary.com for

description of IT positions and technical requirements

IS112 - Computer Organization

Next class Meet Tuesday 10/2 Reading: Burd – ch. 2, White p.

201-207 First homework due Discussion topic

White reading on system bus – “backwards compatibility” is a significant factor in system bus design. Why?