Chapter 8 Learning Objectives

SECTION A

After reading Section A, you should be able to:

• provide three examples of counting devices
• contrast the operation of a manual calculator with that of a mechanical calculator
• discuss Charles Babbage’s contribution to the field of calculating devices
• explain the role of the U.S. Census in the development of calculating machines
• describe the prototypes from which the modern digital computer has evolved
• briefly describe the specifications of the first commercially successful computer
• discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using vacuum tube technology to store data
• describe the differences between first and second generation computers
• explain the characteristics of third-generation computers
• discuss the affect of microprocessor technology on the computer industry
• outline the history of the personal computer
• provide at least two reasons for the current popularity of personal computers

SECTION B

After reading Section B, you should be able to:

• provide reasons for the continual state of change in the industries that supply computer goods
• differentiate between the terms “computer industry” and “information technology industry”
• list five sectors that comprise the IT industry
• explain what is meant by the term “dot com”
• provide two factors that might account for the success of the IT industry
• describe the five stages in the life cycle of a computer product
• define the term “vaporware”
• discuss the testing process that software products undergo prior to their release
• explain the relevance of market tiers in the computer industry
• list four marketing channels for computer products

SECTION C

After reading Section C, you should be able to:

• succinctly define the term “computer professional”
• describe the typical responsibilities and skills required in the following IT industry jobs: systems analyst, security specialist, computer programmer, quality assurance specialist, database administrator, network specialist, computer operator, computer engineer, and technical support specialist
• discuss the advantages and disadvantages of working in the IT industry
• describe the current job outlook and expected salary for a computer professional
• define the term “telecommuting”
• explain how ergonomics can help to make the IT workplace healthier and safer
• compare and contrast the educational programs for the following computer-related disciplines: computer engineering, computer science, and information technology
• describe five types of certification exams

SECTION D

After reading Section D, you should be able to:

• list the steps necessary to find a job in the IT industry
• discuss the different versions of online resumes that you might create, as well as the reasons for creating them
• suggest factors that are important to include in a resume that will become part of a computer-searchable database
• define the term “Web portfolio”
• list three strategies that can be employed to find job openings
• explain the purpose of a job search agent
• discuss ways of protecting your privacy when using a job bank
• list factors to be considered before responding to a job opening