Chapter Nine: the Computer Industry: History, Careers, and Ethics

New Perspectives on Computer Concepts 2011 Instructor’s Manual1 of 18

Computer Concepts

Chapter Nine: The Computer Industry: History, Careers, and Ethics

A Guide to this Instructor’s Manual:

We have designed this Instructor’s Manual to supplement and enhance your teaching experience through classroom activities and a cohesive chapter summary.

This document is organized chronologically, using the same heading in bluethat you see in the textbook.Under each heading you will find (in order): Lecture Notes that summarize the section, Figures and Boxes found in the section (if any), Teacher Tips, Classroom Activities, and Lab Activities.Pay special attention to teaching tips, and activities geared towards quizzing your students, enhancing their critical thinking skills, and encouraging experimentation within the software.

In addition to this Instructor’s Manual, our Instructor’s Resources CD also contains PowerPoint Presentations, Test Banks, and other supplements to aid in your teaching experience.

For your students:

Our latest online feature, CourseCasts, is a library of weekly podcasts designed to keep your students up to date with the latest in technology news.Direct your students to where they can download the most recent CourseCast onto their mp3 player. Ken Baldauf, host of CourseCasts, is a faculty member of the Florida State University Computer Science Department, where he is responsible for teaching technology classes to thousands of FSU students each year. Ken is an expert in the latest technology and sorts through and aggregates the most pertinent news and information for CourseCasts so your students can spend their time enjoying technology, rather than trying to figure it out. Open or close your lecture with a discussion based on the latest CourseCast.

Table of Contents

Chapter Objectives

Students will have mastered the material in Chapter Nine when they can answer the following questions:

New Perspectives on Computer Concepts 2011 Instructor’s Manual1 of 18

• What are the key events in the history of computers?
• Before digital computers and calculators, what kinds of deviceswere used to carry out calculations?
• Who invented the first digital computer?
• How long did it take for computers to become such a ubiquitouspart of modern life?
• What technical innovations characterize each of the four generationsof computers?
• Which companies are major players in the computer industry?
• How important are the computer and IT industries in today’sglobal economy?
• Is the IT industry affected by outsourcing and offshoring?
• What do consumers need to know about the life cycles of hardwareand softwareproducts in order to make smart purchasingand investment decisions?

• How can consumers take advantage of the computer industry’soverlapping marketing channels?
• What kinds of jobs are available in the computer and IT industries?
• What qualifications are IT industry employers looking for?
• How do computers and the Internet figure into the process ofjob hunting?
• Are computer professionals faced with tricky ethical decisions?
• How safe are computers and other digital devices?
• What is ergonomics and how does it apply to computers?

New Perspectives on Computer Concepts 2011 Instructor’s Manual1 of 18

READING ASSIGNMENT FASTPOLL T/F QUESTIONS

090100Charles Babbage invented the first digital circuits. (Answer: False) (488)

090200 The ABC, Harvard Mark I, COLOSSUS, and ENIAC can be classified as computer prototypes. (Answer: True) (489)

090300 UNIVAC was one of the first personal computers. (Answer: False) (491)

090400 Transistors were an important technology in radios and computers. (Answer: True) (492)

090500 Integrated circuits were a key technology in 3rd generation computers. (Answer: True) (493)

090600 The dot com bubble refers to the period when domain names were added to the Internet. (Answer: False) (501)

090700 VARs are online discount computer dealers. (Answer: False) (508)

090800 The Internet is regulated in the U.S. by the FDIC. (Answer: False) (508)

090900 Many computer professionals work in IT departments. (Answer: True) (510)

091000 The computer industry employs very few contract workers. (Answer: False) (513)

091100 The Association for Computing Machinery has identified five major computing disciplines. (Answer: True) (514)

091200 In the computer industry, certification works just as well as a 4-year degree. (Answer: False) (515)

091300 A metasearch tool can search more than one online database at a time. (Answer: True) (521)

091400 The Digital Millennium Copyright Act was replaced by the USA Patriot Act. (Answer: False) (524)

091500 Using BitTorrent is not ethical. (Answer: False) (532)

091600 CRTs are safer to use than LCDs. (Answer: False) (535)

091700 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is classified as a sedentary lifestyle risk factor. (Answer: False) (536)

SECTION A: COMPUTER HISTORY (486)

SECTION A OPENER QUESTION

092100 If you were around when third-generation computers were invented, you would have been listening to what type of popular music?

1. Grateful Dead
2. Beatles
3. Elvis
4. Aerosmith

(Answer: b)

Manual Calculators (486)

LECTURE NOTES

• Explain that a manual calculator is a device that helps you to perform numeric calculations, but requires you to keep track of the algorithm—the process used to manipulate numbers.
• Identify the earliest manual calculators, including the abacus, Napier’s Bones, and the slide rule. Figures 9-1 and 9-2 show examples of all three types.

TEACHER TIP

Consider asking students to bring examples of manual and mechanical calculators to class, and supplement them with your own samples of calculators (such as an abacus or slide rule). Do any of your students know how to use an abacus or a slide rule?

FIGURES

• Figure 9-1, Figure 9-2

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

• Quick Quiz:
• A(n) ______calculator is a device that assists in the process of numeric calculations, but requires a human operator to keep track of the algorithm. (Answer: manual)

• A(n) ______consists of beads mounted on rods within a rectangular frame. (Answer: abacus)
• True/False: Slide rules were used through the 1960s. (Answer: True)

Mechanical Calculators (487)

LECTURE NOTES

• Demonstrate the difference between a manual calculator—which requires you to apply algorithms to perform calculations—and a mechanical calculator—which uses algorithms on its own.
• Identify early types of mechanical calculators, including Schickard’s Calculator, the Pascaline, the Leibniz Calculator, the Analytical Engine, and the Hollerith Tabulating Machine. Of these, the Analytical Engine is significant because it shared many characteristics that define modern computers, such as storing programs and data for calculations on punched cards.
• Point out that the Tabulating Machine is also an important historical development, because it led to the founding of IBM.

FIGURES

• Figure 9-3

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

• Class Discussion: Ask students if any of them regularly use a calculator. Why or why not? For what purpose?
• Class Discussion: Discuss the calculating power and costs of early calculators versus those today.
• Quick Quiz:
• Mechanical calculators were developed as early as ______. (Answer: 1623)
• What was the first mass-produced calculator? (Answer: deColmar’s Arithmometer)
• True/False: The Analytical Engine was completed in 1834. (Answer: False)

Computer Prototypes (489)

LECTURE NOTES

• Emphasize that no one person invented the computer. Instead, it evolved from a series of prototypes.
• Discuss COLOSSUS and ENIAC, a machine that was programmed by connecting cables and setting 6,000 switches.

TEACHER TIP

As students read through this section, have them make a list of ways that inventors influenced each other in the development of the modern computer. Do they feel that one person stands out as having contributed more than others have?

FIGURES

• Figure 9-4, Figure 9-5

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

• Quick Quiz:
• The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) was the first to use ______, instead of mechanical switches for processing circuitry. (Answer: vacuum tubes)
• True/False: The ABC is often considered the first electronic digital computer. (Answer: True)

Generations of Computers (491)

LECTURE NOTES

• Explain that historians consider the UNIVAC, completed in 1951, to be the first commercially successful digital computer. The UNIVAC set the trend for future generations of computers—although it was smaller than the ENIAC, it was more powerful. As computer technology improved, computers became smaller, faster, more dependable, and less expensive to operate.
• If possible, show students photos of vacuum tubes, transistors, and early integrated circuit boards (or use real examples).
• Review the differences in technology between first, second, third, and fourth generation computers.

FIGURES

• Figure 9-6, Figure 9-7, Figure 9-8, Figure 9-9

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

• Assign a Project: Ask students to list the defining characteristics of each computer generation.
• Quick Quiz:

1. Transistors regulate current or voltage flow and act as a(n)______for electronic signals. (Answer: switch)
2. True/False: First-generation computers can be characterized by their use of vacuum tubes. (Answer: True)
3. True/False: Microprocessors are a characteristic of third-generation computers. (Answer: False)

Personal Computers (494)

LECTURE NOTES

• Discuss the milestones in the history of personal computers: the first commercial microcomputer, the Altair, the Apple I, the Apple II.
• Discuss the differences between the early and current PC.
• Demonstrate the use of DOS. Show how to display the directory using Windows and how to display it using DOS.
• Discuss IBM’s role in the development of the PC.
• Discuss the relationship between PCs and the software industry. Software made personal computers useful.Advances in hardware technology allowed developers to create more powerful, and more appealing software.
• Discuss the role the Internet played in the popularity of PCs.

TEACHER TIP

Find an advertisement for an early PC on the Internet or in a library. Have students look at a current advertisement and the early advertisement. For each feature, compare the differences.

FIGURES

• Figure 9-10, Figure 9-11, Figure 9-12, Figure 9-13

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

• Quick Quiz:

1. True/False: The Altair was a computer for the hobbyist. (Answer: True)
2. The IBM PC used an operating system called ______. (Answer: PC-DOS)

SECTION B: THE COMPUTER AND IT INDUSTRIES (497)

SECTION B OPENER QUESTION

092200 Understanding the computer industry can be useful when purchasing a computer or making investment decisions. Which one of the following is the LEAST important aspect of the computer marketplace for consumers and investors?

1. Market share
2. Market tiers
3. Market channels
4. Market synthesis

(Answer: d)

Industry Overview (497)

LECTURE NOTES

• Differentiate between the computer industry—companies that manufacture computers—and the information technology industry—companies that develop, produce, sell, or support computers, software, and computer-related products.
• Identify companies in the IT industry, including equipment manufacturers, chipmakers, and software publishers.
• Discuss the roles of equipment manufacturers, chipmakers, and software publishers. Focus on their interdependence.
• Discuss the fact that some companies are computer intensive in their technology needs, but do not actually belong to the IT industry
• Discuss outsourcing and offshoring. What are their implications on the IT industry. Discuss how the lack of trained computer scientists and IT professionals is impacting these phenomena.

FIGURES

• Figure 9-14, Figure 9-15, Figure 9-16

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

• Class Discussion: Ask students to write a brief summary of what their previous ideas of the computer and IT industries were. Have them compare their ideas to the description in the text. Were their ideas accurate?
• Quick Quiz:

1. ______is defined as the use of components or labor from outside suppliers. (Answer: Outsourcing)
2. True/False: Offshoring is defined as relocating business processes to lower-cost locations in other countries. (Answer: True)
3. True/False: All companies that use computers are part of the IT industry. (Answer: False)

Economic Factors (500)

LECTURE NOTES

• Explain that the IT industry has grown steadily since the mid-1980s, and has contributed significantly to the gross domestic product.
• Discuss the increased globalization of the IT industry.

TEACHER TIP

Have students discuss which factors they think most account for the success of the IT industry. Have them discuss which factors they believe will continue to play a role in the next ten years.

FIGURES

• Figure 9-17, Figure 9-18

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

• Quick Quiz:
• True/False: The IT industry is dominated by the US. (Answer: True)
• True/False: Two important factors that contribute to the success of the IT industry is population growth and business globalization. (Answer: True)
• True/False: Another dot com boom is likely. (Answer: False)

Product Development (502)

LECTURE NOTES

• Discuss why so many new computer products appear each year.
• Identify and describe the five stages of a typical product development life cycle for hardware: product development, product announcement, introduction, maintenance, and retirement.
• Review alpha testing and beta testing, pointing out the differences between the two.

TEACHER TIP

Ask students to select an IT product and describe which stages of the product development life cycle it has completed. Encourage them to use the Internet to research how the company handled each stage. For example, have them provide examples of the product announcement. Which products had a shorter life span than others did?

FIGURES

• Figure 9-19, Figure 9-20

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

• Assign a Project: Figure 9-20 displays three sample computers. Have the student find three different computers and make the same comparison. Have prices increased or decreased based on features.
• Quick Quiz:
• True/False: Unlike computer hardware products, older versions of software typically do not remain in a vendor’s product line. (Answer: True)
• Products that are announced, but are never produced are known as ______. (Answer: vaporware)
• True/False: The first phase of testing is calledan alpha test. (Answer: True)
• True/False: Few software products undergo extensive testing before they are released. (Answer: False)

Market Share (504)

LECTURE NOTES

• Explain that market share refers to a company’s share, or percentage, of the total market. Research and see if these market share percentages are current or have the students do the research.
• Use Figure 9-22 todiscuss market tiers.
• Describe the kinds of companies that belong to each computer industry market tier.

FIGURES

• Figure 9-21, Figure 9-22

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

• Quick Quiz:
• ______refers to a company’s share of the total market. (Answer: Marketshare)
• True/False: Hewlett-Packard leads worldwide hardware sales. (Answer: True)
• True/False: Industry analysts classify PC makers with market levels. (Answer: False)

Marketing Channels (506)

LECTURE NOTES

• Explain that hardware and software companies sell their products through marketing channels, which include computer retail stores, mail-order and Internet outlets, value-added resellers, and direct from the manufacturer.
• Go over the strengths and weaknesses of each channel.
• Explain that for personal computer users, the choice of channels is usually between retail and mail order. Retail still seems to be the best choice for novice users.

TEACHER TIP

Ask students to imagine that they are representing a small business, large corporation, school, or individual and who needs to compare computer-pricing information. For example, they could visit a Web site that sells computers, select and price a system, and then call a local computer retailer to compare prices for a similar system. Students should also identify any additional services the computer vendor provides, such as support or training.

FIGURES

• Figure 9-23, Figure 9-24

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

• Class Discussion: Ask students where they purchased their own computers. Were they satisfied with their experiences? Would they recommend buying that way?
• Quick Quiz:

1. Computer hardware and software are sold through marketing outlets called ______. (Answer: marketing channels)
2. A(n) ______purchases computer products from a variety of manufacturers, and then sells those products to consumers. (Answer: computer retail store)
3. True/False: Mail order refers to hardware manufacturers that sell their products directly to consumers without a middleman. (Answer: False)

Industry Regulation (508)

LECTURE NOTES

• Explain that some parts of the IT industry are regulated by the FCC, and are policed by other federal agencies, including the FTC.
• Explain that the Internet is largely unregulated, leaving it to Internet service companies to police and monitor customers’ activity.
• Discuss how the IT industry perceives regulations.

TEACHER TIP

In class, visit Web sites for IT trade organizations, such as the Software and Information Industry Association ( and the Information Technology Industry Council ( to see what types of standards and policies these organizations advocate.

FIGURES

• Figure 9-25

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

• Class Discussion: Which IT companies are located in your geographic area? Are there many, or just a few? How many can your student’s name?
• Quick Quiz:
• True/False: The IT industry is highly regulated. (Answer: False)
• True/False: The IEEE Standards Association is the regulatory authority for the IT industry. (Answer: False)

SECTION C: CAREERS FOR COMPUTER PROFESSIONALS (510)

SECTION C OPENER QUESTION

092300 Suppose you’re considering a computing career. Which one of the following would give you the LEAST marketable resume for a career in the computer industry?

1. An associates degree in computer engineering and a network certificate
2. A Ph. D. in information technology with 4 years of work experience at Apple
3. A four-year degree in software engineering
4. An MBA with an emphasis on information systems

(Answer: a)

Jobs and Salaries (510)

LECTURE NOTES

• Define a computer professional as one whose primary occupation involves designing, configuring, analyzing, developing, modifying, testing, or securing computer hardware or software.
• Identify computer professional job titles and describe the responsibilities and skills associated with each.
• Emphasize that industry analysts think the largest increases in computer careers will be for technical support specialists, network systems designers and administrators, and security specialists.
• Point out that many IT companies are characterized by employee-friendly working conditions and low turnover rates.
• Discuss the pros and cons of contract work and telecommuting.

TEACHER TIP