Information Technology Overview

Information Technology (IT)

• IT plays a crucial role in supporting organizational activities, driving industrial growth to higher levels.
• IT, or ICT (Information and Communication Technology), comprises tools for information processing, including computers, accessories, multimedia, and the internet.
• IT encompasses the study, design, development, implementation, support, and management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and hardware.
• IT uses electronic computers and software for converting, storing, protecting, processing, transmitting, and securely retrieving information.
• The scope of IT has expanded to encompass many computing and technology aspects.
• IT professionals handle diverse tasks, from installing applications to managing entire systems, including data management, networking, engineering, computer hardware, database design, and software design.

What is a Computer?

• A computer is an electronic device that accepts input, processes data, stores results, and supplies output, based on instructions/programs.
• Computers have two primary components: hardware (physical parts) and software (instructions/programs).
• A computer is a system of interacting components that transform inputs to outputs. The primary purpose of a computer is to speed problem-solving and boost productivity, doing so by accepting, storing, processing, and giving outputs.

Classification of Computers

• Computers are classified by type (digital, analog, hybrid), purpose (special-purpose, general-purpose), and capacity (micro, mini, macro).
• Digital computers handle data as discrete units (0s and 1s). Analog computers use continuous data representation. Hybrid computers combine both.
• Special-purpose computers are designed for specific tasks, like controlling chemical processes or digital watches. General-purpose computers can handle a wide range of tasks, including scientific calculations and commercial operations (input/output bound).
• Microcomputers are small, mini-computers are medium-sized, and macrocomputers (mainframe computers) and supercomputers are large and powerful systems. Macrocomputers are expensive, often used by many, and have a wide range of peripheral devices and generate considerable heat; likewise supercomputers, though they may have thousands of processors working together.

Parts of a Computer

• The computer has two core components: Hardware and software
• Hardware: includes input devices (keyboard, mouse, scanner), output devices (monitor, printer, speakers), and a system unit (housing the CPU, memory, and other internal components).
• Software: are instructions for the computer in a logical form, enabling it to meet user needs. It includes operating systems and application software such as spreadsheets, word processing, graphics programs, databases, and internet browsers.

Data Representation

• Data is typically represented in binary form using bits (binary digits, 0 or 1).
• Common data representation schemes include ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange), BCD (Binary Coded Decimal), and EBCDIC (Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code).

Computer Viruses

• Computer viruses are malicious programs that attach themselves to other programs, causing malfunctions to replicate and/or spread from disk-to-disk and system-to-system.
• Viruses can harm software/data, often lying dormant initially and operating before detection.
• Specific symptoms of a virus attack include unusually long loading times, reduced disk space, strange sounds/beeps, different graphics, strange names of files, inability to access hard drives, and program size changes.

Computer Networks

• A computer network is two or more computers linked to share information and equipment.
• Network topologies include star, bus, and ring networks. A star network connects all devices to a central unit; a bus network has a common cable connecting all nodes; and a ring network links devices in a ring structure.
• Types of networks include private, public, and the Internet (which allows global connection). A Local Area Network (LAN) covers a localized area like a floor or building; a Wide Area Network (WAN) is for a larger geographical area. Modems are critical devices to transform signals between computer and analog/digital systems.

Basic System Management

• Proper management involves optimizing computer system operations for user safety, longevity, and productivity. Critical components include space, dust protection, temperature control, proper lighting, stable power supply, connection security, and cleanliness.
• Eye strain prevention is critical (15 minute breaks/hour). Optimal seating and monitor placement are key.

Data and Information

• Data are recorded facts (events, transactions), raw materials for information. Information is useful data processed into a usable form (context), enabling meaningful understanding and reducing uncertainty.
• Data types include alphabetic, numeric, and alphanumeric.
• Information is categorized by its source, nature, level, time, use, occurrence, and type. Information fulfills a role reducing uncertainty and improving understanding by providing context.