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

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Welcome!

DON’TPANIC!

You will learn where your towel is...

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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 they’re 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 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

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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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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!

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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!)

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Right then…

Any questions

so far?

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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!

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Jargon?

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School of Library, Archive and Information Studies

Jargon

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

• Technobabble...

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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)

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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 don’t 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 (G007!)

– 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?

• Hardware+

• Software+

• Liveware=

• Computer system

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The simplest model of a computer system

Input OutputProcess

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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”?

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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 user’s 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 it’s so easy - Why are we here?

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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/