Information Technology Overview

Data vs Information

• Data is raw, unprocessed facts, figures, or information from various sources.
• Data can be numbers, text, images, or observations.
• Data has no inherent meaning on its own.
• Information is processed, organized, or structured data that is meaningful.
• Information is useful for decision-making.
• Information is interpreted, analyzed, or formatted to provide context.

Defining Information Technology

• Information Technology (IT) is the use of computers, software, networks, and other electronic systems to capture, manage, process, and store data.
• IT involves both hardware and software solutions to support operations, communication, and decision-making for individuals and organizations.
• IT plays a crucial role in automating tasks, ensuring data security, and facilitating efficient information exchange.

Core Components of IT

Hardware

• Hardware are physical devices used in computing and networking.
• Examples include computers (desktops, laptops, servers), storage devices (hard drives, SSDs, cloud storage), networking equipment (routers, switches, modems), and peripheral devices (printers, scanners, monitors).

Software

• Software are programs and applications that instruct hardware to perform tasks.
• Types of software include system software (operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux), application software (programs for specific tasks, such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, web browsers), and utility software (security programs, antivirus, disk management tools).

Networks

• Networks are systems that connect multiple devices, enabling communication and data sharing.
• Types of networks include local area networks (LANs) used for connecting devices within a limited area (like an office), wide area networks (WANs) that span larger geographic areas (like cities or globally, e.g., the internet), and wireless networks (Wi-Fi and mobile data networks) for connectivity without physical wires.

Data Storage

• Data Storage are methods and technologies used to store and manage data.
• Types of data storage include physical storage (hard drives, SSDs, USB drives), Cloud Storage (remote storage accessed over the internet, like Google Drive or Dropbox), and databases (structured systems like SQL databases for organized data storage and retrieval).

Security

• Security are measures and technologies to protect information systems from unauthorized access, damage, or theft.
• Examples include firewalls (systems that monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic), encryption (encoding data to prevent unauthorized access), antivirus software (programs that detect and remove malware), and cybersecurity protocols (best practices and tools for ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of data).

Importance of Information Technology

• IT drives innovation across industries.
• IT enables fast, reliable communication.
• IT automates and optimizes business processes.
• IT provides a foundation for data management and security.
• IT facilitates digital transformation across multiple sectors (e.g., healthcare, education, finance).

IT Infrastructure

• IT Infrastructure are physical and virtual components that support IT operations, including hardware, software, networks, and data centers.
• Key components are data centers and servers, cloud computing platforms, network connectivity (LAN/WAN), and backup and disaster recovery systems.

Applications of Information Technology

• IT enables digital marketing, e-commerce, and customer relationship management (CRM).
• IT facilitates online learning platforms, e-books, and virtual classrooms.
• IT supports electronic health records (EHR), telemedicine, and healthcare information systems.
• IT enables online banking, mobile payments, and financial analytics.

Computer Hardware

• Computer Hardware are the physical components required for a computer system to function.

Form Factors

• System units come in various form factors.

Inside the System Unit & Inside a Laptop

• The content is on the parts inside of a system unit, and inside a laptop.

Power Supply Unit

• Converted AC voltage to operate the computer.

Motherboard

• The main circuit board, where all components are connected and communicate.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• The brain of a computer.
• Processes data using its instruction set.
• Performance is measured in instructions per second.
• Clock speed (measured in Hertz [Hz]) indicates a CPU's processing speed and is important in determining its performance. Higher numbers mean faster CPUs.

Primary Memory

• Used to store data for quick CPU access.
• Main form of primary memory is Random Access Memory (RAM).
• RAM is volatile memory; data is lost when the power is off.
• More RAM improves a computer's speed by providing more quick access memory.
• Memory capacity is measured in bytes, clock speed measured in Hz.

Secondary Memory

• Used to store files for repeated access over time. Also known as non-volatile storage; data retained without power.
• Examples include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), USB drives, and external HDDs.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

• Stores data on spinning magnetic disks.
• Data is read and written by moving magnetic heads.
• Advantages: cheap, widely used, large capacity, long operating life.
• Disadvantages: noisy operation, consumes more power than SSDs, needs careful handling.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

• Stores data on flash memory.
• Advantages: silent operation, higher read/write speeds, low power usage, more durable, use less space.
• Disadvantages: costlier than HDDs, can wear out faster than HDDs.

Memory Hierarchy

• A hierarchy of memory to optimize access speed for the computer.

Expansion Cards

• Additional circuit boards that provide extra functionality.
• Examples: sound cards, graphics cards, network cards.
• Plugged into the motherboard using slots.
• Examples of standards are ISA (International Society of Automation), PCI-Express, and AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port).

Graphics Card

• Used to perform graphics processing and run computer monitors.
• Consists of a graphics processing unit (GPU) (either part of CPU or separate), video memory, heatsink, & fan, and ports.

Input Devices

• Peripherals that allow the computer to receive input from the outside world, mainly from the user.
• Common examples: keyboard, mouse, webcam, voice recognition, biometric scanners, and RFID tags.

Output Devices

• Peripherals that present information processed by the computer to the user.
• Examples: computer monitors, printers, speakers, and touchscreens. Also includes emerging technologies like virtual reality.

Connectors and Buses

• All peripherals are connected to the motherboard via ports.
• Ports form part of a bus.
• Wired connections include USB, Thunderbolt, Ethernet, VGA, DVI, and HDMI.
• Wireless connections include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.