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Modules G027, G028/G029Modules G027, G028/G029Principles of Computing and Principles of Computing and
Information TechnologyInformation Technology
Andy DawsonAndy Dawson
School of Library, Archive & Information Studies, UCLSchool of Library, Archive & Information Studies, UCL
2Andy Dawson – Principles of Computing and Information Technology
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
Welcome!
DON’TPANIC!
You will learn where your towel is...
3Andy Dawson – Principles of Computing and Information Technology
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
What we will cover today
• Introduction to the module– Aims & objectives – Module structure & content
• Use (and misuse) of Jargon• Some basic systems theory• What are computer systems?
4Andy Dawson – Principles of Computing and Information Technology
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
PCIT - The mysterious multiple module
• What are G027, G028 and G029?– Three different module numbers referring to PCIT, used
by different programmes
• Who is doing what?– MSc (foundation option) do G028 and G029– Everyone else does G027
• Why do we have these three modules if they’re really all the same thing?– Because of differing assessment requirements!
(Similarly with Fundamentals of Information Science)
5Andy Dawson – Principles of Computing and Information Technology
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
Assessment of the module
• Everyone does an essay…• But only MSc do an exam!
– All SLAIS programmes have one exam– For MSc, it’s attached to this module (as G029)– MA LIS and ECP also have an exam – but it’s not
connected to this module
• Therefore, MA LIS & ECP need to do additional assessment for this module:– MA LIS and others - website– ECP - 2nd essay
6Andy Dawson – Principles of Computing and Information Technology
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
Aims of the module
• To give a general introduction to computers– how they work– what they can do
• Provide a broad conceptual foundation• Provide some basic practical experience• Provide sufficient knowledge to talk to experts
– Banish FUD
7Andy Dawson – Principles of Computing and Information Technology
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
Module structure and content
• See separate detailed timetable handout• Lectures followed by practical sessions,
in groups• Practical sessions are at different
times/days/locations according to your group
8Andy Dawson – Principles of Computing and Information Technology
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
Composition of practical groups
• Group 1 (Tuesdays 11.30 -1.00, HM1)– Part-timers from ALL programmes
• Group 2 (Wednesdays 10.00-11.30, HM1)– Fulltime MA LIS group B and MSc
• Group 3 (Wednesdays 11.30-1.00, HM1) – Fulltime MA LIS group A, ECP and others
• Please do NOT switch groups!
9Andy Dawson – Principles of Computing and Information Technology
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
Conduct of the lectures
• I like informal...• Don’t be afraid to:
– Ask questions– Interrupt– Contribute
• Listen and think – you’re at UCL!• Overheads will be available on the web…• …but not always in advance (sorry!)
10Andy Dawson – Principles of Computing and Information Technology
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
Right then…
Any questions
so far?
11Andy Dawson – Principles of Computing and Information Technology
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
As we were saying about aims…
• Intention to banish FUD…• By gaining an understanding of what the systems
do….• And by understanding the language of
computing…• …and to spot the Bullsh*t!
12Andy Dawson – Principles of Computing and Information Technology
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
Jargon?
13Andy Dawson – Principles of Computing and Information Technology
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
Jargon
• Necessity for jargon• Value of jargon• Problems with jargon• Misuse of jargon
• Technobabble...
14Andy Dawson – Principles of Computing and Information Technology
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
Jargon
• Portable metacarpally-mounted digital temporal monitoring module audio interface
• (digital watch alarm)• Initialising a cerebral storage refresh of a queued
interactive event requiring interrupt initialisation and system shutdown due to a virtual combustion warning in real-time test mode
• (reminding me to do a fire drill)
15Andy Dawson – Principles of Computing and Information Technology
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
Jargon
• We use jargon...• We need jargon!• Remember the audience!
• Will try to keep things in terms YOU understand... but...
• If you don’t understand... ASK!!!
16Andy Dawson – Principles of Computing and Information Technology
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
Systems
• Not just “computer systems”...• What is a system?• Examples of systems• Systems within systems• Open systems• Synergy• Systems analysis (G007!)
– a tool for solving problems
19Andy Dawson – Principles of Computing and Information Technology
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
Remember...recurrent themes
• Systems are tools, not ends• Systems are not isolated• Systems must be seen as parts of larger systems...• But - also see systems as a whole• (Computer) systems are more than “automation”• Systems analysis should TRANSFORM, not just
TRANSLATE• System life cycles
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School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
The system lifecycle
• Analysis
• Design
• Implementation
• Evaluation
• Decay
• Replacement
21Andy Dawson – Principles of Computing and Information Technology
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
What is a computer?
• A machine...• Multipurpose• Programmable
– Stores and executes instructions
• A machine for problem solving?• What makes a computer system?
22Andy Dawson – Principles of Computing and Information Technology
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
What makes a computer system?
• Hardware+
• Software+
• Liveware=
• Computer system
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School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
The simplest model of a computer system
Input OutputProcess
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School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
How does a computer compare to a human?
• Faster• More accurate• Tireless• Obedient
BUT• Stupid• Unintelligent?• Limited!
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School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
Computer intelligence?
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School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
Defining “intelligence”
• Data• Information• Knowledge• Wisdom
• The suit analogy?• Wisdom as “intelligent decision making”?
27Andy Dawson – Principles of Computing and Information Technology
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
Hardware and Software
• What is hardware?– Electronic and mechanical components– “The bit you can kick”
• What is software?– Programs:
• Applications• Shells• Operating systems
– Data
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School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
Basic hardware structure
• Processor (CPU)• Memory• Input/Output mechanisms (I/O devices)• Data bus
29Andy Dawson – Principles of Computing and Information Technology
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
Roles of software layers
• Applications• Shells• Operating systems• BIOS• Software “layers”• Software makes hardware do useful work• Simple tasks complex tasks = System
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School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
A user’s perspective:
• Focuses on Software• Objectives
– What do you want to achieve?
• Evaluation– What can the software do?
• Implementation– Determines hardware requirement
31Andy Dawson – Principles of Computing and Information Technology
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
Final thoughts
• Computer systems - success or failure?• The computer industry - success or failure?• Users vs Suppliers
– A 1 minute history of systems development– Software licenses– Upgrading systems– Monopolies– Complexity and control
• If it all works and it’s so easy - Why are we here?
32Andy Dawson – Principles of Computing and Information Technology
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
That’s it for today!
You can mail me at andrew.dawson@ucl.ac.uk
Module info at www.ucl.ac.uk/slais/ucl-only/teaching/modules/instg027/
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