1. Information Technology Fundamentals

2. Information Technology
Information Technology involves the use of computers and communication networks to gain access to vast amounts of information.
Computer – electronic device which processes data into information
Communications networks – mechanisms which enable the sharing of resources and information

3. Information Systems
Information systems are the combination of hardware, software, and communications networks which people build and use to collect data and create and distribute useful information.
Information
Systems
Communications
Network
Software
People
Data
Hardware

4. General Trend of Technology
Miniaturization
Affordability
Speed
Smaller, cheaper, faster…
1940s
Now

5. Data vs. Information
Data - raw facts and figures that are processed into information
Information - data that has been processed and organized to have meaning
Knowledge – application of information – making decisions, etc.
Knowledge
Information
Data

6. Computers Store Communicate
Computers are digital data processors used to turn data into information (bit manipulators)
Input  Process  Output
Store Communicate

7. Computer Hardware & Software
Hardware - the physical (tangible) equipment of the computer.
Input
Processing & Memory (primary storage)
Storage (secondary storage)
Output
Communications
Software - the set of instructions that enable the hardware to function (intangible)
System – manage the hardware to create a environment for applications to run (Windows, Linux, etc.)
Application – enable user to accomplish a specific task (Word, PeopleSoft, etc.)

8. Data Communications
Communications - transmission of a signal via a medium/channel Signal - message comprised of data (0 & 1) Channel - transmission media on which data signal travels

9. Analog vs. Digital
Analog - continuous and varying signal (older, less precise)
Digital – data signals represented in a discrete two- state (binary) format (newer, more precise)
Examples of analog devices:
Speedometer
Thermometer
Tire-pressure gauge
Radio
Telephone
Television
“Digital” is generally synonymous with “computer-based.”

10. Communications Channels
Wired – signal traveling via a physical wire.
Coaxial
Twisted pair
Fiber optics
Wireless - signals traveling through the air.
Cellular
Satellite
Radio
Infrared
GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit) - highest zone in space occupied by satellite systems; 22,300 miles and up, and always directly above the equator.
MEO (Medium-Earth Orbit) ,000 miles up, and inclined to the equator; requires more satellites for global coverage than GEO.
LEO (Low-Earth Orbit) miles up with no signal delay. LEO satellites are smaller and cheaper to launch.

11. Communications Networks
Network - a system of interconnected computers, and communications devices that can share resources.
Benefits of networks:
Sharing of devices
Sharing of software and data
Better communications
Security
Network (communications network) - a system of interconnected computers, telephones, or other communications devices that can communicate with one another and share applications and data.

12. Types of Networks
Local area network (LAN) - connects computers and devices in a limited geographical area
Wide area network (WAN) - a communications network that covers a wide geographical area

13. The Internet & World Wide Web
Internet – Global network of networks (internetwork) enabling people to communicate, collaborate and share information and resources.
World Wide Web – Multimedia portion of the Internet. One application of the Internet.
Physical connection - the wired or wireless means of connecting to the Internet.

14. Intranets & Extranets
Intranet - an organization’s internal private network that uses the infrastructure and standards of the Internet and the WWW. Limited access – restricted by username/password.
Extranets - private intranets that connect not only internal personnel but also selected outsiders such as suppliers and other strategic parties.

15. Client/Server
In the client/server network model – computers serve one of two purposes – client or server.
Server is computer that provides services to other computers (clients). Some examples include Web, print, file, database, DNS and application servers.
Client is a computer (typically a pc) that makes requests of servers. 15

16. Cloud Computing The cloud is a metaphor for the Internet.
Cloud computing involves storing and accessing applications and data over the Internet rather than through local computing resources.
It is quickly evolving and some “experts are predicting that some businesses will be able to run most, if not all, of their IT services in the cloud “. (ITPRO)
ITPRO - 16

17. Cloud Computing (cont’d)
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