信息处理技术. chapter 8: the computer industry: history, products, and careers2 111chapter 4:...

信息处理技术信息处理技术

Chapter 8: The Computer Industry: History, Products, and Careers 2111Chapter 4: File Management, Virus Protection, and Backup

1Chapter 1: Computer, Internet, Web, and E-Mail Basics

Chapter 8: The Computer Industry: History, Products, and Careers 3

After this chapter, you should be able to:– Outline the development of calculating and computer

devices, beginning with simple counting aids and continuing through developments that led to today’s computer technology

– Describe the hardware, software, and operating system characteristics for computer prototypes and the four generations of computers

– List the factors that changed personal computers from hobbyists’ kits to widely used productivity and communications tools

Chapter 8 Preview


– Describe the role of the computer and IT industries in today’s global economy

– Explain the life cycle of typical hardware and software products

– Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various marketing channels for consumers who want to purchase computers and related products

– Describe the job outlook, working conditions, and salaries for computer professionals

– Differentiate between computer engineering, computer science, and information systems degree programs

– Demonstrate how to create a resume that works in today’s technology-driven job market

Chapter 8 Preview


Chapter 8 Outline

• Section A– Computer History

• Section B– The Computer and IT Industries

• Section C– Careers for Computer Professionals

• Section D– Job Hunting Resources

Computer Concepts 8th Edition

Chapter 8 The Computer Industry: History, Products, and

Careers计算机工业：历史、产品、产业计算机工业：历史、产品、产业Section A: Computer History


What came before computers?

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What came before computers?

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• A mechanical calculator implements algorithms autonomously

• Wilhelm Schickard created a mechanical calculator (called Shickard’s Calculator)

• Blaise Pascal developed the Pascaline• Leibniz Calculator• deColmar’s Arithmometer became the first

mass-produced calculator

Mechanical Calculators: When did machines begin to perform calculations?

Page 403


• Charles Babbage proposed a device called the Difference Engine that would operate using steam power

• Intended to quickly and accurately calculate large tables of numbers used for astronomical and engineering applications

• In 1834, Babbage began designing a new general-purpose calculating device, called the Analytical Engine

When did calculating devices begin to operate without human power?

Page 404


• A prototype is an experimental device that typically must be further developed and perfected before going into production

• The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) was the first to use vacuum tubes instead of mechanical switches

Computer Prototypes: Who invented the computer?

Page 405


• Konrad Zuse developed a computer called the Z3, which was based on bits

• Howard Aiken created the IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (ASCC), but it is usually referred to as the Harvard Mark I

Who invented the computer?

Page 405


• A computer called the UNIVAC is considered by most historians to be the first commercially successful digital computer

• Eckert-Mauchly Computer Corp constructed it

• UNIVAC was physically smaller than ENIAC, but more powerful

Generations of Computers: What was the first commercially successful computer?

Page 407


• Relay switches and vacuum tubes were replaced with smaller, less power-hungry components

• Computer historians seem to generally agree that computers have evolved through four distinct generations– In each generation, computers became smaller,

faster, more dependable, and less expensive to operate

How did computers progress from room-sized behemoths to modern personal computers?

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• First-generation computers can be characterized by their vacuum tubes

• A vacuum tube is an electronic device that controls the flow of electrons in a vacuum– They consumed a lot of power– They also tended to burn out quickly

• Characterized by custom application programs• Did not seem ready for “prime time”

What characterized the first generation of computers?

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What characterized the first generation of computers?

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• Used transistors instead of vacuum tubes• Transistors were much smaller, cheaper,

less power hungry, and more reliable• Several successful transistorized computers

were manufactured by companies such as IBM, Burroughs, Control Data, Honeywell, and Sperry Rand

How did second-generation computers differ from first-generation computers?

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• Early proprietary operating systems were designed to work only on a particular computer

• Second-generation computers also ran programming language compilers

• High-level languages, such as COBOL and FORTRAN were available for use on second-generation computers


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• Third-generation computers became possible in 1958, with the development of integrated circuits– RCA Spectra 70, IBM 360

• In 1965, Digital Equipment Corp.(DEC) introduced the DEC PDP-8

• By 2000, the IBM AS/400 (renamed the iSeries 400) was one of the few remaining devices that could be classified as a minicomputer

• Today, demand for minicomputers is satisfied by high-end personal computers and servers

What are the characteristics of third-generation computers?

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What are the characteristics of third-generation computers?

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• Ted Hoff developed the first general-purpose microprocessor in 1971

• Early industry leaders included Intel, Zilog, Motorola, and Texas Instruments

• The Intel line, used in most Windows-compatible computers, included the 8086, 8088, 80286, 80386, 80486, Pentium, and Itanium microprocessors

How did microprocessor technology affect the computer industry?

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How did microprocessor technology affect the computer industry?

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• One such system was the Mark-8 developed by Jonathan A. Titus

• In 1975, Ed Roberts and the MITS company announced the MITS Altair

• In 1977, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak founded Apple Computer Corporation and released the Apple I, a kit containing a motherboard with 4K of RAM that sold for $666.66

Personal Computers: Who invented the personal computer?

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Careers

Section B: The Computer and IT Industries

计算机及信息产业


• Computer industry encompasses those companies that manufacture computers

• Information technology industry (or IT industry), is typically used to refer to the companies that develop, produce, sell, or support computers, software, and computer-related products

Industry Overview: Is there a difference between the computer industry and the information technology industry?

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– Equipment manufacturers– Chipmakers– Software publishers– Service companies– Retailers

• The IT industry also encompasses large conglomerates with one or more divisions devoted to computer hardware, software, or services

What kinds of companies are included in the IT industry?

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• The 1990s spawned a group of Internet-based companies that came to be called “dot coms

• Amazon.com was one of the first Internet-based companies

• Unless a “dot com” sells computers, peripherals, or software online, it is probably not considered part of the computer industry

What about “dot coms”?

Page 415


What are outsourcing and offshoring?

• Outsourcing is the use of components or labor from outside suppliers

• Offshoring refers to relocating business processes such as development and production, to other countries

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• You can dig up lots of information on IT and computer companies from a wide variety of computer and business publications

• The type of computer publication you need depends on the kind of information you want

Where can I find information about the IT industry?

Page 416


What are the stages in the life cycle of a typical hardware product?

Page 418


• Software begins with an idea that is shaped by a design team and marketing experts

• Most software products undergo extensive testing before they are released

• The first phase of testing, called an alpha test, is carried out by the software publisher’s in-house testing team

• Errors, or “bugs,” found during the alpha test phase are fixed, and then the software enters a second testing phase called a beta test

• A beta test is conducted by a team of off-site testers

Is the life cycle of a software product similar to that of a hardware product?

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• A newly published software package can be an entirely new product, a new version, or a revision

• Unlike computer hardware products, older versions of software typically do not remain in the vendor’s product line

Is the life cycle of a software product similar to that of a hardware product?

Page 420


• Market share refers to a company’s share, or percentage, of the total market “pie”

• Competition is fierce in all segments of the industry

• Market share is one indicator of a company’s ability to “steal” sales from its rivals

Market Share: How do computer companies stack up against each other?

Page 420


Marketing Channels: Why are computer equipment and software sold through so many outlets?

Page 422


• Hardware manufacturers and software publishers try to reach consumers by making their products available through a variety of sources

• Computer hardware and software are sold through marketing channels– These channels include computer retail stores,

mail-order/Internet outlets, value-added resellers, and manufacturer direct

Why are computer equipment and software sold through so many outlets?

Page 422


• A computer retail store purchases computer products from a variety of manufacturers, and then sells those products to consumers

• A computer retail store is often the best shopping option for buyers who are likely to need assistance after their purchases

• Retail stores can be a fairly expensive channel for hardware and software

Isn’t a computer retail store the best channel for hardware and software products?

Page 422


• Mail order is a special instance of retailing in which a vendor takes orders by telephone or from an Internet site

• Mail-order suppliers generally offer low prices, but might provide only limited service and support

• Experienced computer users are often happy with mail-order suppliers

How does the mail-order channel compare to retail?

Page 423


• Manufacturers sell directly to consumers

• A manufacturer can make more profit on each unit sold

• The manufacturer must provide customers with technical support—a potentially costly service that requires large teams of technical support personnel

Do some manufacturers and publishers sell direct?

Page 423


Do some manufacturers and publishers sell direct?

Page 423


• VAR stands for value-added reseller

• Combines commercially available products with specialty hardware or software to create a computer system designed to meet the needs of a specific industry

What’s a VAR?

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• Consumers can benefit from a variety of channels

• Vendors within the channels often find that their sales are pirated by other channel vendors—a process referred to as channel conflict

Do so many channels confuse consumers?

4


• Some aspects of the IT industry are regulated by government agencies, but many aspects are self regulated

• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable

• The U.S. Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice police the business practices of the IT industry

Industry Regulation: Is the IT industry regulated in any way?

Page 424



Careers

Section C: Careers for Computer Professionals


• Computer professional – any person whose primary occupation involves the design, configuration, analysis, development, modification, testing, or security of computer hardware or software

Jobs and Salaries: What is a “computer professional?”

Page 426


What kinds of jobs are typically available to computer professionals?

• Information Systems Director

• Programming Services Manager

• Systems Analyst• Programmer/Analyst• Technical Support

Specialist• Web Site Designer

• Computer Operations Supervisor

• Database Administrator

• Security Specialist• Computer Operator• Network

Administrator

Page 427


• Job satisfaction depends on– Working conditions– Salary– Benefits– Job security

• When the economy is slow, job satisfaction declines

Are IT workers typically satisfied with their jobs?

Page 429


• The typical IT industry employee works a 40-hour week, and often longer hours are required

• A contract worker is typically hired as a consultant

• IT businesses benefit from the ability to hire contract workers

What about part-time or contract work?

Page 430


• Workers in many industries are interested in telecommuting

• The Internet and telecommunications technologies have made an impact on the availability of telecommuting opportunities

• It has become common for employees to collaborate through e-mail, fax, groupware, and videoconferencing

Can I work at an IT job from home?

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• Most people in the IT industry work at “desk jobs”

• According to the BLS, “Data entry keyers and others who work at video terminals for extended periods of time may experience musculoskeletal strain, eye problems, stress, or repetitive motion illnesses, such as carpal tunnel syndrome”

How safe are computers, monitors, and other electronic equipment?

Page 430


• Workers should be aware of the ergonomics of their work areas

• Ergonomics is the study of work and the work environment

• OSHA further explains ergonomics as “the science of designing the job to fit the worker, rather than physically forcing the worker’s body to fit the job”


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Education: What are the basic qualifications for IT industry jobs?

Page 432


• Computer science is only one of the many computer-related degrees that are offered by colleges and universities

• Computer engineering focuses on the design of computer hardware and peripheral devices, often at the chip level

• Computer science focuses on computer architecture, and how to program computers to make them work effectively and efficiently

Do I need a computer science degree to work in the computer industry?

Page 432


• Information systems, or “information technology,” degree programs, typically offered by a university’s College of Business, focus on applying computers to business problems

Do I need a computer science degree to work in the computer industry?

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• Rarely sufficient to qualify you for a job in the IT industry

• Certification is only part of your total package of qualifications

Certification: How important is certification?

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• Certificates of completion are offered to students who successfully complete one or more courses on a specific topic

• A certification exam is an objective test that verifies your level of knowledge about a particular technology or subject

• Certification exams can be divided into several categories:– General computer knowledge

What type of certification is available?

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– Software Applications– Database Administration– Networking– Computer Hardware– Computer Security

What type of certification is available?

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Careers

Section D: Job Hunting Resources


• In many ways, finding a job in the IT industry is just like finding a job in any other industry

Job Hunting Basics: How do I find a job in the IT industry?

Page 436


• Define the jobs for which you are qualified• Non-standardized job titles can pose a

problem for job hunters• Job hunters in the IT industry should take

some time to compile their own lists of equivalent job titles and relevant search terms

Where do I start?

Page 436


• As a computer professional, you are expected to use technology effectively for everyday tasks

• You can demonstrate this ability to prospective employers by the way you treat your resume

• Prepare your resume in a variety of formats, suitable for different computer platforms and delivery methods

• If requested by a prospective employer, you can attach your resume file to an e-mail message that serves as your cover letter

Resumes for Today’s Job Market: Do I need an online resume?

Page 437


Should an IT industry resume contain any special elements?

• Regardless of the industry in which you seek employment, an effective resume is clear, correct, and easy to read

Page 438


• A simple Web portfolio is a hypertext version of your resume

• More effective Web portfolios contain links to samples of your work

• Some human resource directors are nervous about any information that indicates an applicant’s age, gender, ethnicity, or physical characteristics

• You might want to keep such multimedia presentations on hand, but supply them only when requested

Web Portfolios: Can my personal home pages figure into my job search?

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• Successful job hunting typically requires several strategies

• One strategy is to look for job openings and initiate contact with an employer by submitting an application

• A second strategy is to post an online resume that can be found by recruiters who then initiate contact

• A third strategy is to develop a liaison with a recruiting firm

Job Listings: What’s the best way to find job openings?

Page 440


What are job banks?

Page 441


Do I have to manually search every online job bank?

Page 442


• The term head hunter refers to a recruitment firm

• Head hunter recruitment fees are usually paid by the companies that hire them

• Companies usually ask head hunters to help fill managerial and executive positions

• During boom times in the IT industry, qualified applicants at all levels of the corporate ladder sometimes become scarce

Head Hunters and Employment Agencies: What’s a “head hunter?”

Page 443


• An employment agency works on behalf of employees, rather than employers

• The focus of an employment agency is to find employers for people who seek work

• Private employment agencies, however, usually charge a fee for their services

What about employment agencies?

Page 443


• A job application takes time—your time and a recruiter’s time

• Before you apply for a job, most career counselors suggest that you first gather some background information about the company and its location

• You also may be able to use the Web to find out about your prospective employer’s financial status and corporate culture

Evaluating Job Openings: What factors should I consider before responding to a job opening?

Page 444


• To find information about a company, start at its Web site

• Most companies provide a set of “About us” pages that describe the company’s mission

• Research the best places to work in IT

How do I find information about a company’s finances and corporate culture?

Page 444


You should now be able to:– Outline the development of calculating and computer

devices, beginning with simple counting aids and continuing through developments that led to today’s computer technology

– Describe the hardware, software, and operating system characteristics for computer prototypes and the four generations of computers

– List the factors that changed personal computers from hobbyists’ kits to widely used productivity and communications tools

Conclusion


– Describe the role of the computer and IT industries in today’s global economy

– Explain the life cycle of typical hardware and software products

– Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various marketing channels for consumers who want to purchase computers and related products

– Describe the job outlook, working conditions, and salaries for computer professionals

– Differentiate between computer engineering, computer science, and information systems degree programs

– Demonstrate how to create a resume that works in today’s technology-driven job market

Conclusion

信息处理技术. chapter 8: the computer industry: history, products, and careers2 111chapter 4:...

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