Modules G027

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Modules G027 G028/G029Principles of Computing
and Information Technology

• Andy Dawson
• Department of Information Studies, UCL

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Welcome!
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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?

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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 theyre
  really all the same thing?
• Because of differing assessment
  requirements!(Similarly with Fundamentals of
  Information Science)

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Assessment of the module

• Everyone does an essay
• But only MSc foundation option do an exam!
• All DIS programmes have an integrative exam
• For MSc, it can be attached to this module (as
  G029)
• MA LIS and ECP also have an integrative exam
  but its not connected to this module
• Therefore, MA LIS ECP ( MSc general option)
  need to do additional assessment for this module
• MA LIS and others - website
• ECP MSc general option - 2nd essay

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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

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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

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Composition of practical groups

• Group 1 (Tuesdays 11.30 -1.00 Chadwick 223
  cluster)
• Part-timers from ALL programmes
• Group 2 (Wednesdays 10-11.30 Cruciform B12
  cluster except 19/10 7/12 - FC B29 cluster)
• Fulltime MA LIS group B and MSc
• Group 3 (Wednesdays 11.30-13.00 Cruciform B12
  cluster except 19/10 7/12 - FC B29 cluster)
• Fulltime MA LIS group A, ECP and others
• Please do NOT switch groups!

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Conduct of the lectures

• I like informal...
• Dont be afraid to
• Ask questions
• Interrupt
• Contribute
• Listen and think youre at UCL!
• Overheads will be available on the web
• but not always in advance (sorry!)

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Right then

• Any questions
• so far?

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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 Bullsht!

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Jargon?
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Jargon

• Necessity for jargon
• Value of jargon
• Problems with jargon
• Misuse of jargon
• Technobabble...

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Jargon
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Jargon

• We use jargon...
• We need jargon!
• Remember the audience!
• Will try to keep things in terms YOU
  understand... but...
• If you dont understand... ASK!!!

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Systems

• Not just computer systems...
• What is a system?
• Examples of systems
• Systems within systems
• Open systems
• Synergy
• Systems analysis (P007!)
• a tool for solving problems

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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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The system lifecycle

• Analysis
• Design
• Implementation
• Evaluation
• Decay
• Replacement

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What is a computer?

• A machine...
• Multipurpose
• Programmable
• Stores and executes instructions
• A machine for problem solving?
• What makes a computer system?

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What makes a computer system?
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The simplest model of a computer system
Input
Output
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How does a computer compare to a human?

• Faster
• More accurate
• Tireless
• Obedient
• BUT
• Stupid
• Unintelligent?
• Limited!

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Computer intelligence?
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Defining intelligence

• Data
• Information
• Knowledge
• Wisdom
• The suit analogy?
• Wisdom as intelligent decision making?
• More another time!

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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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Basic hardware structure

• Processor (CPU)
• Memory
• Input/Output mechanisms (I/O devices)
• Data bus

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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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A users perspective

• Focuses on Software
• Objectives
• What do you want to achieve?
• Evaluation
• What can the software do?
• Implementation
• Determines hardware requirement

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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 its so easy - Why are we
  here?

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Thats it for today!

• You can mail me at
• andrew.dawson_at_ucl.ac.uk
• Module info at www.ucl.ac.uk/infostudies/ucl-on
  ly/teaching/modules/instg027/