(Podcast) Information Technology and Environment

Episode 7 focuses on the development and history of the Internet. In this episode, we will learn about the elements of the Internet and the activities that can be performed on the Internet. Besides that, you will also identify the process of searching and manipulating information effectively over the Internet.

Episode 8 describes current software on the Internet. Some can be obtained for free, while others have to be paid for. Open source software will also be discussed here. We will also discuss a popular method of communication over the Internet that is e-mail. Initially, e-mail was merely text-based, but now you can send (attach) various types of data together with e-mails such as document, graphic, audio and Power Point presentation files. At the end of this episode, we will touch briefly on Internet scripting languages such as HTML and XML.

Episode 9 discusses on the relationship between information technology and society.

Episode 10 discusses on the effect between information technology and society.

Episode 1 gives an overview of IT, which covers the principles of IT, functions and benefits of IT, careers in IT, IT development in Malaysia and cyber laws.

Episode 2 discusses the main computer hardware components, which are the Central Processing Unit (CPU), main memory, and etc. Specifically, we will focus on the CPU or the microprocessor, which is at the core of all activities inside a computer that are responsible for changing raw data into the required information. Besides that, we will also discuss data representation and coding system. Towards the end of the episode, you will be introduced to some tools and hardware in a computer system.

Episode 3 introduces various methods of input and output. The keyboard is the most popular and frequently used input device. Besides the keyboard, there are also many latest input and output devices in the market, which will also be discussed in this episode.

Episode 4 introduces another computer component, that is, the secondary storage. Here, you will learn the various types of secondary storage available in the market and the comparison of storage types. This episode also explains the types of magnetic storage, optic storage and advantages of secondary storage.

Episode 5 introduces the software used in the computer system. There are two types of main software, that is, the system software and application software. The system software is used to switch on (start) the computer and to coordinate the hardware components and the application software. There are three categories of software within the system software, namely the operating system, utility programs and language translators. This episode discusses the concept and types of operating systems being used. Language translators are explained through programming languages. Programming languages will be discussed from the perspectives of generation, approach and compilation. At the end of this episode, you will discuss various types of application software that are commonly used such as word processing, spreadsheet and graphic software.

Episode 6 discusses programming language. Computer programs are developed using programming languages. A program is simply a list of instructions to be followed by the computer so that data can be processed. The process of producing a program is called programming. Programming is also known as software development and it consists of steps in producing a list of instructions. The steps in programming consist of program specification, program design, program coding, program testing, program documentation and program maintenance.