Information Technology Fundamentals

Study Notes

Definition and Scope

Information Technology (IT) refers to the use of computers and telecommunications equipment to store, retrieve, and transmit information.
IT encompasses a broad range of technologies and disciplines, including:
- Computer hardware and software
- Networking and telecommunications
- Data management and storage
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning

Key Concepts

Data: Raw, unorganized facts and figures.
Information: Organized, structured, and meaningful data.
System: A set of interrelated components that work together to achieve a common goal.
Network: A collection of interconnected devices that communicate with each other.

Types of IT Systems

Transaction Processing Systems (TPS): Automate and record daily transactions, such as sales and inventory management.
Management Information Systems (MIS): Provide managers with information and data to support decision-making.
Decision Support Systems (DSS): Support decision-making by providing data analysis and modeling capabilities.
Executive Information Systems (EIS): Provide senior executives with summarized information and data to support strategic decision-making.

IT Infrastructure

Hardware: Physical components of IT systems, including computers, servers, and networking equipment.
Software: Programs and operating systems that run on hardware, including applications, systems software, and utilities.
Network Infrastructure: Routers, switches, and other devices that connect and facilitate communication between devices.

IT Roles and Careers

IT Manager: Oversees IT operations and strategy.
Software Developer: Designs, develops, and tests software applications.
Network Administrator: Installs, configures, and maintains network infrastructure.
Cybersecurity Specialist: Protects IT systems and data from unauthorized access and cyber threats.

Definition and Scope of IT

Information Technology (IT) involves the use of computers and telecommunications equipment to store, retrieve, and transmit information.
IT encompasses various technologies and disciplines, including computer hardware and software, networking and telecommunications, data management and storage, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Key Concepts

Data: Refers to raw, unorganized facts and figures.
Information: Represents organized, structured, and meaningful data.
System: Consists of a set of interrelated components that work together to achieve a common goal.
Network: A collection of interconnected devices that communicate with each other.

Types of IT Systems

Transaction Processing Systems (TPS): Automate and record daily transactions, such as sales and inventory management.
Management Information Systems (MIS): Provide managers with information and data to support decision-making.
Decision Support Systems (DSS): Support decision-making by providing data analysis and modeling capabilities.
Executive Information Systems (EIS): Provide senior executives with summarized information and data to support strategic decision-making.

IT Infrastructure

Hardware: Includes physical components of IT systems, such as computers, servers, and networking equipment.
Software: Encompasses programs and operating systems that run on hardware, including applications, systems software, and utilities.
Network Infrastructure: Comprises routers, switches, and other devices that connect and facilitate communication between devices.

IT Roles and Careers

IT Manager: Oversees IT operations and strategy.
Software Developer: Designs, develops, and tests software applications.
Network Administrator: Installs, configures, and maintains network infrastructure.
Cybersecurity Specialist: Protects IT systems and data from unauthorized access and cyber threats.

Description

Learn about the basics of Information Technology, including computer hardware and software, networking, data management, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Understand the difference between data and information.