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The Open University

Introducing computing and IT

The Open University via OpenLearn

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Overview

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This free course, Introducing computing and IT, provides a general overview of how digital technologies have come to dominate virtually every aspect of the modern world and some guidance on how to prepare for this digital life. It raises awareness of the importance of data security and online safety. It also provides an explanation of the internal structure and workings of a typical computer and describes hard and solid state drives in some detail.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 Computers: from rarity to ubiquity
  • 1 Computers: from rarity to ubiquity
  • 1.1 The telephone
  • 1.2 The computer
  • 1.3 The information society
  • The rise of texting and messaging
  • 1.4 Summary of Section 1
  • 2 Some aspects of our information society
  • 2 Some aspects of our information society
  • 2.1 Business
  • Commerce
  • Work
  • 2.2 Communities
  • 2.3 Information
  • 2.4 Entertainment
  • 2.5 Public information and services
  • Changing internet use over time
  • Security and risk
  • 2.6 Communicating on the move
  • 2.7 Summary of Section 2
  • 3 Participating in a digital world
  • 3 Participating in a digital world
  • 3.1 Netiquette: respecting other people online
  • Other cues
  • Moderation
  • Some other advice
  • 3.2 Ethical and legal considerations
  • 3.3 Copyright
  • 3.4 Good academic practice
  • 3.5 Summary of Section 3
  • 4 Are search engines bad for your health?
  • 4 Are search engines bad for your health?
  • 4.1 Childhood vaccinations
  • 4.2 The number of myths
  • 4.3 Countering myths
  • 4.4 Explicit recommendations
  • 4.5 Summary of Section 4
  • 5 Hard disk drives: a conversation
  • 5 Hard disk drives: a conversation
  • 5.1 The structure of a hard disk drive
  • 5.2 Storing files on a hard drive
  • 5.3 Formatting a hard disk
  • 5.4 Deleting data from an HDD
  • How to permanently delete data from an HDD
  • 5.5 Fragmentation
  • 5.6 Summary of Section 5
  • 6 Solid-state drives: The conversation continued
  • 6 Solid-state drives: The conversation continued
  • 6.1 Comparing SSDs and HDDs
  • 6.2 How flash memory works
  • 6.3 Writing data to an SSD
  • 6.4 Deleting data from an SSD
  • 6.5 Summary of Section 6
  • Conclusion
  • Glossary
  • References
  • Acknowledgements

Tags

Reviews

5.0 rating, based on 2 Class Central reviews

4.3 rating at OpenLearn based on 35 ratings

Start your review of Introducing computing and IT

  • Profile image for Enrique Enriquez
    Enrique Enriquez @EEnriquez
    17
    Having completed this course, the provided description proved entirely accurate, outlining a comprehensive journey through the evolution and impact of computing and IT. The structure logically progressed from the foundations of our information society to the intricate details of data storage on HDDs and SSDs, a progression that illuminated the ubiquitous nature of digital technology. The time commitment was as stated, allowing for thorough engagement with concepts like netiquette, digital forensics, and the societal implications of search engine algorithms. Possessing the certificate of completion now serves as a testament to a solidified understanding of these critical digital age concepts.
  • Profile image for Sabbir Hasan
    Sabbir Hasan
    6
    It is a very good course for beginners to learn about Introducing computing and IT. You will get a fundamental knowledge of Introducing computing and IT.
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