The information age is upon us, and every corner of our lives has been affected. Everything we do—our work, our play,
the way we communicate, commerce, and our relationships—has been affected by computers. Becoming computer
literate—being familiar enough with computers that you understand their capabilities and limitations and know how to
use them—has become a necessity to succeed. Becoming computer literate is what this course is all about.
Now that the personal computer is such a large part of our lives, knowing how to analyze, choose, purchase, and
maintain your own computer system are required skills for success in the academic and business worlds. Being a savvy
consumer will help you accomplish all the things on this slide. It will save you money, make you more productive, help
you protect your identity, and ensure you have a working system when you need it. As technology evolves, you will also
be able to keep up and adapt.
Information technology (IT) is the set of techniques used in information handling and retrieving information
automatically. IT includes computers and telecommunications. IT careers are on the rise, and the seven fastest-growing
occupations are all computer related.
Regardless of which profession you pursue, if computers are not already in use in that career, they most likely will be
soon. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that by 2010, 70 percent of the U.S. workforce will be using computers at
work. Becoming truly computer literate—understanding the capabilities and limitations of computers and what you can
do with them—will undoubtedly help you perform your job more effectively.
Business around the world is conducted on computers. Information is stored in enormous databases. To make meaning
of all that data, businesses use a process known as data mining.
Retail systems called Personal Shopper Systems are provided by some stores. These small computers show shoppers
information such as prices, specials, and total purchase price.
Some businesses use package tracking with wireless Bluetooth technology. Every segment of business has been
transformed by the computer.
The creative arts have also been enhanced by computers. Artists communicate and collaborate across oceans. Writers
and editors complete their work together from across the country. New forms of graphic arts and cinematography are
introduced every day, all globally and immediately. Even dance has been enhanced with the computer.
The computer and video game industry is enormous. In fact, revenues from computer gaming in the United States have
surpassed revenues from Hollywood. Very intricate programming is behind these games. The animations are the result
of years of research and development, with new games being developed every day.
Because computer games are best developed for a local market by people native to that market, game development will
most likely stay in the United States instead of being outsourced as many programming jobs have been.
Computers have given teachers tremendous new tools for presenting information and keeping records.
Colleges offer full degree programs, totally over the Internet.
Vast stores of information are available wherever there is an Internet connection. Libraries have brought the computer
into their operations. Training tutorials are used to teach new tasks and research is done from the desktop. Education
will never be the same as it was.