Information Technology

What is Information ? Information is processed form of data. What is Data ? Data is any thing collected to create information. OR data is the raw form of information What is Technology ? Technology is the technical means people use to improve their surroundings. It is also a knowledge of using tools and machines to do tasks efficiently What is Information Technology ? + Information Technology refers to collecting & processing data with the means of technology Where do computers / computing accessories stand in IT ? Source of collecting data Source of processing & producing information Source of disseminating information Source of Storing information

Definition of Information Technology The acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual and numeric information through the use of computer technology and telecommunication. “In other worlds you can say that Information Technology is the use of hardware, software, services, and supporting infrastructure to manage and deliver information.” Benefits of IT in Business Cheaper Faster Accurate Globalization Competitive Advantages of IT in Business Cost Effective Strategies Differentiation Strategies Innovation Strategies INTORDUCTION TO COMPUTING

Influences of Information Technology At University At Work At Home At Play At Remote Areas IT Competency – What is ? Nice-to-have skill Job-critical skill Forget about any Emerging Technology Fear Be comfortable in using computers and accessories Be comfortable in Cyberspace Be an intelligent consumer of Computers & Accessories Be proficient in choosing and using various application software Able to analyze the cost – benefit analysis in IT Investment Analyze yourself as an IT Competent ?

INTORDUCTION TO COMPUTING Global Village & Cyber world IT Competency – Reasons to be an IT Competent ? At workplace Among friends and colleagues Curiosity to discuss about Emerging Technologies IT Skill Level Personal Satisfaction Cyber world : An online world where users have the mechanisms in place to transact any business or personal activity as easily and freely as they can transact them in the physical world A vast planet based computer network to share information & resources Examples: o Global Airline Reservation System o Stock Exchanges o Country wide Teleconferences o Use of GPS

Components of Technology 1. Hardware Hardware is a physical, tangible equipment that is part of a computer system Hardware can be classified into the following components: a. Input Devices Devices used for insertion of data into a data processing system. For example keyboard, Scanners etc… b. Output Devices Devices involved with the transfer of data or information out of an information processing system. e.g., Monitor, Printer c. Processing Devices Devices capable of performing operations on data. For example, Central Processing Unit (CPU) d. Storage Devices Devices into which data can be entered, held and retrieved at a later time. For example, Hard Disk Drive (HDD) 2. Software Software is set of instructions that tell the hardware what to do. So hardware is useless unless it is instructed to perform activities. Software can be classified into two categories: a. System Software System Software are programs that manage & support the resources and operations of computer system. For example Operating Systems, Device Drivers etc. b. Application Software Application Software are programs that direct the performance of a particular use or application, of computers to meet the info processing needs of end users. INTORDUCTION TO COMPUTING

3. Communication Communication or more specifically telecommunication involves the transmission of signals / data, images, voice and movies over long distances, using telecom channels like cables & wireless media Communication Medium a. Computer Cables Within a home or company premises, computers can be connected directly to each other or in a network. b. Telephone Network Outside the home or company premises, national or international telephone network is used. c. Undersea Cables For long distances or across the oceans, undersea cables or satellites are used d. Wireless Medium In a wireless medium of transmission, data is transferred in the form of microwave signals or radio signals INTORDUCTION TO COMPUTING