Information Technology Overview - Week 1 to Week 3

Week 1

• Moore's Law states a trend of increasing transistor density on integrated circuits.
• Disruptive technology examples include smartphones, personal computers, and the internet.
• Businesses can future-proof themselves through anticipating technological advancements and adapting to emerging market trends.

Week 2

• Data is raw facts, information is processed data that is meaningful, knowledge is understanding derived from information, and wisdom is applying knowledge to make sound judgments.
• The DIKW model represents the progression from data to wisdom, while the DAKIR model includes knowledge and insight.
• Different knowledge types include factual, conceptual, procedural, and metacognitive knowledge, with examples varying based on context.
• A database is a structured collection of data, managed by a Database Management System (DBMS).
• The DBMS structure consists of tables, records, and fields.

Week 3

• A Management Information System (MIS) is a system for gathering, storing, and processing information within a company.
• MIS consists of six components: input, processing, output, storage, feedback, and control.
• Various information systems, including transaction systems and decision support systems, serve specific business functions.
• Information management involves planning and controlling the collection, usage, and distribution of information.
• A Central Processing Unit (CPU) manages data processing and its speed is measured in Hertz (Hz) or Gigahertz (GHz).
• RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory for temporary storage, ROM (Read-Only Memory) stores permanent data, and secondary storage like hard disks offers long-term storage.
• Embedded systems are computer systems integrated into larger devices; examples include car navigation systems and digital cameras.

Week 4

• Computer software's levels of abstraction refer to different levels of complexity, from the hardware to the user interface.
• Programming languages are used to create software instructions - some require compilation, and some interpret instructions.
• Application software supports specific user tasks, and system software manages the computer's hardware and software resources.
• Open-source software offers freely accessible source code, allowing modifications and improvements. Advantages include cost-effectiveness and community support, while disadvantages include potential security vulnerabilities and the need for user effort.

Week 6

• A domain name is a unique identifier for websites, used to locate websites.
• Internet Service Providers (ISPs) make internet access possible. ISPs are responsible for managing internet infrastructure.
• Cloud computing is internet-based computing where resources are accessed via a network and provided on demand. It includes PaaS, SaaS, and IaaS. Cloud computing offers flexibility, scalability, and cost savings.
• E-commerce is facilitated by online transactions. E-commerce models include business-to-consumer (B2C), business-to-business (B2B) and consumer-to-consumer (C2C) models.
• Porter's Five Forces model outlines competitive forces in an industry. This model considers the threat of new entrants, the bargaining power of buyers, the bargaining power of suppliers, the threat of substitute products, and rivalry amongst existing competitors.

Week 7

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is used to improve a website's ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs).
• Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising involves businesses paying for ad placements based on clicks. PPC campaigns require careful budget management, target audience analysis, and ongoing performance monitoring.

Week 9

• A computer virus is malicious software designed to cause harm to computer systems.
• Hackers use their technical skills without malicious intent, while crackers exploit systems for personal gain.
• Software development has distinct stages, including planning, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. These stages are iterative to accommodate feedback and changes throughout development.

Week 10/11

• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) sets standards for data protection across the European Union.
• Intellectual property encompasses copyrights, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets, securing ownership of creative endeavours and products.
• Market analysis involves understanding the market to make informed business decisions. Market analysis includes assessing market size, identifying target customers, and understanding competitive landscapes. Three stages of market analysis can include exploratory, descriptive, and predictive phases.

Explore the foundational concepts of information technology, including Moore's Law, disruptive technologies, and the DIKW model. Understand the differences between data, information, knowledge, and wisdom, as well as the structure of databases and Management Information Systems. This quiz covers essential topics that are crucial for navigating the tech landscape.