UNIVERSITY OF TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS

CAMPUS IN HO CHI MINH CITY

INTRODUCTION TO
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
NHẬP MÔN NGÀNH CÔNG NGHỆ THÔNG TIN

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 GENERAL INFORMATION

Allocation of Credit Hours for Activities (Credit Hours per Lesson)

Discussion/Ex Practical
Theory Project Experiment Self-study
ercises Exercises
(Lesson) (Lesson) (Lesson) (Lesson)
(Lesson) (Lesson)

30 15 0 15 0 90

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 COURSE OBJECTIVES

Objective (G.x) Description

- Understand the basic concepts of Information Technology (IT) and the history of its
development.
- Understand the objectives and content of the fundamental, foundational, and
G.1 specialized courses in the IT program.
- Apply problem-solving thinking to address computing problems.
- Apply word processing software to write reports and presentation software to
design presentations.

- Explain the position and role of the IT field, including areas of expertise and possible
career environments after graduation.
G.2
- Apply skills in report writing and presentation.
- Apply communication and teamwork skills.

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 COURSE ASSESSMENT

Assessment Course Learning

Assessment Method (A.x.y) Assessment Criteria Weight (%)
Component Outcomes (G.x.y)

A.1.1. Attendance – Attendance 5%

Representing the algorithm for solving

A.1.2. Written test G.1.3 15%
a problem using a block diagram
A1. Formative
Assessment
A.1.3. Report G.1.4 G.2.2 - Report content - Report format 15%

- Presentation content - Presentation

A.1.4. Presentation report G.1.4 G.2.2 G.2.3 15%
format - Q&A responses

A2. Summative
A.2.1. Multiple-choice test G.1.1–4 G.2.1–3 - General knowledge of IT - Algorithms 50%
Assessment

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 CONTENT KNOWLEDGE

Chapter 2. Problem- Chapter 3. IT

Chapter 1. Overview
Solving Thinking Professions and Fields

Chapter 4. Computer
Chapter 5. Future Chapter 6. Report
Networks and the
Trends in IT Writing Skills
Internet

Chapter 7. Presentation
Skills

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 Chapter 1. Overview

➢ General introduction to IT

➢ Basic concepts in IT

➢ Fundamental components of a computer system

➢ History of computer development

➢ Representation of information in computers

➢ Classification of computers: Traditional classification / Modern classification

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview General introduction to IT

What is IT ?

Information Technology (IT) refers to the study, design,

development, implementation, support, and management of
computer-based information systems. It involves the use of
computers, networks, software, and electronic devices to collect,
store, process, secure, and exchange information.

• IT is not limited to programming; it focuses on applying

technology to solve real-world problems.

• IT professionals combine technical knowledge with analytical and

communication skills to deliver solutions in diverse fields.

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview General introduction to IT

Types of IT

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Basic concepts in IT

Computer & Program

Computer: A device that follows a set of programmed

instructions to receive input data, process it, and generate
information as output.

Input Processor Output

Memory

Program: A sequence of instructions stored in memory that

directs the computer to perform specific operations.

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Basic concepts in IT

Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom

I should bring water

Data: Numbers, signals, or raw facts without Wisdom Applied and avoid going out
at noon
inherent meaning.
At 35°C, staying
Information: Data that has been processed and Knowledge Context outside for too long
can cause heatstroke.
given meaning.

Knowledge: Understanding relationships, context, The current outdoor

and the ability to interpret information.

Information Meaning temperature in HCM
is 35°C.

Wisdom: The ability to use knowledge effectively

to act and make appropriate decisions. Data Raw 35°C, 1013 hPa, 60%
RH

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Basic concepts in IT

Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom

Example:

Data: 100 mg/dL

Information: This is a person’s blood sugar level.

Knowledge: 100 mg/dL is within the normal range.

Wisdom: I should maintain a healthy diet and regular

exercise to keep it stable.

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Basic concepts in IT

What is the Software ?

Software is a set of instructions, data, or programs used

to operate computers and perform specific tasks.

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Basic concepts in IT

Types of the Software

System Software Application Software

Controls hardware and provides Designed for end-users to perform tasks.
a platform for other software.

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Importance of IT in Modern Society

Importance of IT in Modern Society

Easy ……
Shopping

Online AI and
Privacy Everyday
Concerns Tasks
Communication Knowledge Health and
Made Easy at Our Fitness
Fingertips Tech
Social
Media’s Work from
Rise Anywhere

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview History of computer development

Generations of a Computer

In 1801, in the 19th century, French inventor

Joseph Marie Jacquard created the automatic
loom using punched wooden cards. This
mechanism became the foundation for the
first computer models.

The Automatic Loom of Joseph Marie Jacquard

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview History of computer development

Generations of a Computer

Year of invention: 1946 (USA)

Developed by: John Presper Eckert and John Mauchly at the
University of Pennsylvania
Original purpose: To calculate ballistic trajectories for the U.S. Army
during World War II
Specifications: ENIAC
Used vacuum tubes: about 17,468 tubes (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer)
Size: Very large – occupied an entire room (≈ 170 m², weight 30
tons)
Speed: Could perform 5,000 additions per second, thousands of
times faster than humans
Memory: Used punch cards for input and output
Programming: Done by manually plugging and unplugging cables
and switches – very time-consuming

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview History of computer development

Generations of a Computer

Evolution of Operating Systems (1960s–1970s)

• 1971: AT&T Bell Labs created Unix (by Ken Thompson &
Dennis Ritchie).
• Freely distributed in the 1970s–80s → global adoption &
collaboration.
• Design principle: “minimum keystrokes for maximum effort.”
• Unix became the foundation for modern OS development.

Scientists at AT&T Bell Labs created the Unix system,

thereby laying the foundation for modern computers. Ken
Thompson (seated) and Dennis Ritchie (standing) are
credited with inventing Unix.

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview History of computer development

The World’s First Programmer

Did you know that the person often regarded as the

world’s first programmer was a woman, Ada Lovelace?
Early on, women didn’t get sufficient credit for their work.
The dedicated team of women programmers who worked
on the ENIAC received recognition for their work only in
the 1980s.

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview History of computer development

Generations of a Computer

1st Gen – Vacuum Tubes (1946 – 1957) 2nd Gen – transistor (1958 – 1964)

3rd Gen – Integrated Circuits (1965 – 1971) 4th Gen – Microprocessors / VLSI (1972 – Present)

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview History of computer development

Generations of a Computer

5th Gen: AI, Quantum (Present & Future)

Focused on artificial intelligence, natural language

processing, and advanced computing paradigms like
quantum computing.

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Classification of computers

Computers are classified based on their storage capacity and processing speed.

10 Types of cumputer

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Classification of computers

Handheld device

Phone Smartphone Tablet

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Fundamental components of a computer system

Block Diagram of a Computer Storage Unit

Secondary
Storage
Data Input Unit Output Unit Information

Mouse Primary Storage Screen

Keyboard Speaker
Mic Printer
….. …..

Control Unit (CU)

Data Folow
Arthmatic and
Logical Unit (ALU) Control Folow

Central Processing
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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Fundamental components of a computer system

Block Diagram of a Computer

1. Input Unit 3. Central Processing Unit (CPU) – The brain of the

Function: Receives data and instructions from the user or computer
external devices. Control Unit (CU): Directs data flow and coordinates
Examples: Mouse, Keyboard, Microphone. operations between units.
Purpose: Converts external information into a form the Arithmetic and Logical Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic
computer can process. operations (add, subtract, multiply, divide) and logical
2. Storage Unit comparisons (> , < , =).
Consists of two parts: 4. Output Unit
Primary Storage: Function: Delivers processed information to the user.
Temporarily stores data and instructions currently in use. Examples: Screen, Speaker, Printer.
Example: RAM.
Secondary Storage:
Stores data permanently.
Examples: Hard Disk, SSD, USB.

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Fundamental components of a computer system

Components of a Computer
Central
Processing
Unit (CPU)
Two essential elements that every computer must
have are hardware and software.
Mainboard
In addition, there are also some peripheral devices. Storage 5 basic (Motherboard
(HDD, SSD)
)
components
of a
computer
Random
Graphics
Access
Processing
Memory
Unit (GPU)
(RAM)

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Fundamental components of a computer system

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, commonly referred to as the

"brain" of the computer.
It is an electronic circuit inside a computer that executes program
instructions by performing:
• Arithmetic operations
• Logical comparisons
• Data input/output (I/O) operations
The CPU is one of the most important components of a computer and
largely determines its performance.
Processing speed of a CPU is measured in gigahertz (GHz)

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Fundamental components of a computer system

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Main Components of a CPU :

• Control Unit (CU)
• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
• Register
• Cache L1
• Cache L2
• Cache L3
• Decoder (Instruction Decoder)
• IO Bus

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Fundamental components of a computer system

1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Fundamental components of a computer system

2. Mainboard (Motherboard)

If the CPU is considered the “brain” of the computer, then the

motherboard is its backbone.
• The motherboard connects all internal components and
external devices into a unified system.
• The CPU and the GPU (graphics card) are managed through
an integrated chipset on the motherboard.
• It is also the central hub where input/output devices are
plugged in.
• The motherboard controls the data pathways and the speed
at which data travels between components.
• Importantly, the quality and durability of the motherboard
play a major role in determining the lifespan of a computer.
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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Fundamental components of a computer system

3. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

The most important component that determines the power of a

graphics card is the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).
• The GPU has the dedicated role of handling all graphics-
related tasks of the computer.
• It is responsible for rendering images, videos, and animations,
as well as accelerating visual effects in applications and
games.
• Modern GPUs are also widely used in fields such as artificial
intelligence, machine learning, and data processing due to
their ability to perform massive parallel computations.

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Fundamental components of a computer system

4. Random Access Memory (RAM)

Definition: RAM is the temporary working memory of a computer.

Function:
• Stores data and program instructions while the CPU is processing them.
• Provides fast read/write access compared to hard drives or SSDs.
Volatility: Data in RAM is volatile, meaning it is erased when the computer
is turned off.
Impact on performance:
• More RAM allows a computer to handle more tasks simultaneously.
• Directly affects speed when running multiple applications or processing
large files.

Capacity measurement: The capacity of RAM is measured in Gigabytes (GB).

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Fundamental components of a computer system

4. Read-Only Memory(ROM)

Definition: ROM is a type of non-volatile memory, meaning its contents remain even when the
computer is powered off.
Function:
• ROM is preloaded with programs and instructions that cannot (easily) be modified by the user.
• It contains essential programs such as the firmware/BIOS, which help the computer start up
(boot process).
Key Feature:
• Unlike RAM, which is temporary, ROM permanently stores data that is required for the
computer’s basic operation.
Simplified understanding: ROM is memory that comes pre-programmed with data and
instructions to ensure that when you turn on the computer, it knows how to boot and load the
operating system.

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Fundamental components of a computer system

5. Storage (HDD, SSD)

Definition: Unlike temporary memory (RAM), the hard drive is a

non-volatile storage device, meaning it retains data even when
the computer is turned off.
Function:
• Stores the operating system, software applications, and user
data (documents, images, videos, etc.).
• When the computer starts up, the OS and applications are
loaded from the hard drive into RAM for execution.
Capacity measurement: Hard drive capacity is measured in
Gigabytes (GB) or Terabytes (TB).

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Fundamental components of a computer system

Devices

• Input / output • Ports

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Number Systems

What is a Number System?

A number system is a set of symbols (digits, letters) used to
represent numbers and determine their values.
• Each number system has a finite set of digits.
• The number of digits in a system is called its base or radix.

Basic Number Systems in Computers

• Binary system (base 2) – digits: 0, 1
• Octal system (base 8) – digits: 0–7
• Decimal system (base 10) – digits: 0–9
• Hexadecimal system (base 16) – digits: 0–9 and A–F

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Non-Positional number system

In Non-Positional number system, each symbol represents the same value regardless of its position.

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Information measurement

UNIT VALUE Text

1 Byte 8 Bits
1KB (Kilobyte) 1024B (Bytes)
....... Number
1MB (Megabyte) 1024KB (Kilobytes)
1GB (Gigabyte) 1024MB (Megabytes)
Types of Data
1TB (Terabyte) 1024GB (Gigabytes)
1PB (Petabyte) 1024TB (Terabytes)
Images Audio
1EB (Exabyte) 1024PB (Petabytes)
1ZB (Zettabyte) 1024EB (Exabytes)
1YB (Yottabyte) 1024ZB (Zettabytes) Video

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Binary System

The binary system (or base-2 system) is a number system that uses
Binary number 01011001
only two symbols (0 , 1) to represent numerical values.
A binary number has the form:

A(2)=anan-1an-2…a0.a-1a-2…a-m

Its value in decimal is calculated as:

A(10)=an2n+an-12n-1+an-22n-2+…+a020+a-12-1+a-22-2+…+a-m2-m

• Example : 101(2) = 1.22 + 0.21 + 1.20 = 5(10)

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Binary System

Ex : 1010101001(2) = ???

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Binary System

In any binary number, the rightmost digit is called least significant

bit (LSB) and leftmost digit is called most significant bit (MSB).

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Octal System

The Octal System(or base-8 system) is a number system that uses

only eight symbols (0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7) to represent numerical values.
A Octal number has the form:

A(8)=anan-1an-2…a0.a-1a-2…a-m

Its value in decimal is calculated as:

A(10)=an8n+an-18n-1+an-28n-2+…+a080+a-18-1+a-28-2+…+a-m8-m

• Example : 43(8) = 4.81 + 3.80 = 35(10)

• Example : 726(8) = ???(10)

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Decimal System

The Decimal System(or base-10 system) is a number system that uses

only ten symbols (0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) to represent numerical values.
A Decimal number has the form:

A(10)=anan-1an-2…a0.a-1a-2…a-m

Its value in decimal is calculated as:

A(10)=an10n+an-110n-1+an-210n-2+…+a0100+a-110-1+a-210-2+…+a-m10-m

• Example : 536(10) = 5.102 + 3.101 + 6.100 = 536 (10)

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Hexadecimal System

A Hexadecimal number system has sixteen (16) alphanumeric values from 0 to 9 and A to F.
Every number (value) represents with (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
A<=>10,
B <=>11, A Hexadecimal number has the form:
C <=>12,
D <=>13, A(16)=anan-1an-2…a0.a-1a-2…a-m
E <=>14,
Its value in decimal is calculated as:
F <=>15)
A(10)=an16n+an-116n-1+an-216n-2+…+a0160+a-116-1+a-216-2+…+a-m16-m

• Example : 1AB(16) = 1.162 + 10.161 + 11.160 = 427 (10)

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Conversion Table Between Number Systems

1. From (base 10) => (base 2) and (base 16)

2. From (base 2) or (base 16) => (base 10)
3. Conversion between (base 2) <=> (base 16)

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Conversion Table Between Number Systems

1. From (base 10) => (base 2) and (base 16)

• Example : 30(10) = ??(2)

• Step 1: Divide the number by 2 repeatedly until

the quotient becomes 0.

• Result : 30(10) = 11110(2)

• Step 2: The result is obtained by writing down the
remainders from bottom to top.

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Conversion Table Between Number Systems

1. From (base 10) => (base 2) and (base 16)

• Example : 71(10) = ??(2)

• Result : 71(10) = 1000111(2)

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Conversion Table Between Number Systems

1. From (base 10) => (base 2) and (base 16)

For the fractional part of a decimal number:

• Multiply the fractional part by 2.
• The integer part of the result becomes the binary digit.
• The fractional part of the result is multiplied again by 2.
• Repeat the process until the fractional part becomes 0.

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Conversion Table Between Number Systems

1. From (base 10) => (base 2) and (base 16)

• Example : 0.625(10) = ??(2) • Example : 0.375(10) = ??(2)

Calculation Result Bit Obtained Remainder

0.625×2 1.25 1 0.25
0.25×2 0.5 0 0.5
0.5×2 1.0 1 0

• Result: 0.625(10) = 0.101(2)

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Conversion Table Between Number Systems

1. From (base 10) => (base 2) and (base 16)

• Example : 5.025(10) = ??(2)

Step 1 : 5 | 0.025

Step 2 : 101 | 00000110011001100…

• Result: 5.025(10) = 101.00000110011001100...(2)

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Conversion Table Between Number Systems

1. From (base 10) => (base 2) and (base 16)

• Example : 287(10) = ??(16)

• Step 1: Divide the number by 16 repeatedly until

the quotient becomes 0.

• Result : 287(10) = 11F(16)

• Step 2: The result is obtained by writing down the
remainders from bottom to top.

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Conversion Table Between Number Systems

1. From (base 10) => (base 2) and (base 16)

• Example : 983(10) = ??(16)

• Result : 983(10) = 3D7(16)

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Conversion Table Between Number Systems

2. From (base 2) or (base 16) => (base 10)

2 1 0
• Example: 101(2) = ??(10)
• Step1 : 1 0 1

• Step 1: Assign position values from right to

• Step 2 : 1 x 22 + 0 x 21 + 1 x 20 = 5
left starting at 0.

• Step 2 : Multiply each digit by 2 raised to • Result: 101(2) = 5(10)

its position power, then sum all results.

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Conversion Table Between Number Systems

2. From (base 2) or (base 16) => (base 10)

• Example : 10110(2) = ??(10) • Result : 10110 (2) = 22(10)

• Example : 01000011(2) = ??(10) • Result : 01000011 (2) = 67(10)

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Conversion Table Between Number Systems

2. From (base 2) or (base 16) => (base 10)

2 1 0
• Example: 2BC(16) = ??(10)
• Step1 : 2 B C

• Step 1: Assign position values from

• Step 2 : 2 x 162 + 11 x 161 + 12 x 160 = 700
right to left starting at 0.

• Step 2 : Multiply each digit by 16 • Result: 2BC(16) = 700(10)

raised to its position power, then
sum all results.

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Conversion Table Between Number Systems

2. From (base 2) or (base 16) => (base 10)

• Example: 1EA(16) = ??(10)

• Result: 1EA(16) = 490(10)

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Conversion Table Between Number Systems

• S1 : Grouping 0001 1010

3. Conversion between (base 2) <=> (base 16)

• Example : 11010(2) = ??(16) • S2 : Convert to 10 1 10

• Step 1: Starting from the right, group the binary • S3 : Convert to 16 I A

digits into sets of 4. If a group has fewer than 4
digits, add 0 to the left to make it 4 digits. • Result : 11010(2) = IA(16)

• Step 2 : Convert each 4-bit group from base 2

to base 10.

• Step 3 : Convert each decimal value from Step 2 into base 16.

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Conversion Table Between Number Systems

3. Conversion between (base 2) <=> (base 16)

• Example : 10101000111111(2) = ??(16)

• Step 1 : 0010 1010 0011 1111

• Step 2 : 2 10 3 15

• Step 3 : 2 A 3 F

• Result : 10101000111111 (2) = 2A3F(16)

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➢ Chapter 1. Overview Representation of information in computers

Conversion Table Between Number Systems

Excercises

• 127(10) = ??(2) • 1010101010101100101(2) = ??(16)

• 101011010(2) = ??(10) • 2A3F4B(16) = ??(2)

• 2020(10) = ??(16) • 6CB(16) = ??(10)

• 121.275(10) = ??(2) • 2.345(10) = ??(2)

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