A7D

Technologies of Information in the 21st Century

• Information technologies have revolutionized human life over centuries, constantly improving living conditions and increasing access to knowledge and progress.
• The current era of information is unique compared to previous technological advancements, placing citizens at the heart of information dissemination.
• Previously, information and knowledge were exclusive privileges, now they are accessible to most citizens at relatively low cost.
• Information transmission systems have evolved alongside computing, enhancing accessibility, availability, and immediacy. This has led to the emergence of the information society.
• Technological advancement, specifically in communication and information technologies (ICT), facilitated the emergence of the knowledge society.
• Humans always sought information to organize observations, and communication was essential for progress.
• The knowledge society began in 1981 with the creation of Microsoft's MS-DOS and IBM's first personal computer.
• The Macintosh (1984), with its graphical user interface and mouse, further popularized computers.
• The post-industrial society transitioned into a computerized society (cybersociety) prioritizing information as a key resource.
• The service sector, especially computer-related roles, became prominent.
• Automation and industrial processes were replaced by robotics, reducing human industry participation.

Multimedia, Hypermedia and Virtual Reality

• Multimedia integrates sound, images, and text.
• Hypermedia organizes text non-sequentially, creating interconnected content.
• Virtual reality uses ICT to transport users to different realities.
• Large computer networks replicate communication between groups.
• Internet, also known as the information superhighway, allows communication among any connected computer, accessing textual, visual, and audio files.
• Mobile phones have rapidly developed, combining PC capabilities with Internet connectivity.
• Information technology encompasses data collection, processing, storage, and transmission between people.
• Communication involves both transmission (through telecommunications) and content (messages).

Effects of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)

• ICTs have profoundly affected everyday life, impacting work, leisure, education, and social interactions.
• In the knowledge society, knowledge is the primary source of productivity.
• Historically, work focused on natural resource transformation, but the current era prioritizes knowledge, culture, leisure, and social interaction.
• The shift from industrial to service sectors followed the Industrial Revolution, affecting the workforce.
• ICTs now mediate interactions between individuals and machines.
• This creates a unique relationship between individuals and technology, including a higher degree of dependence on these networks.
• The boundary between home and work has blurred, as work-related tasks can be carried out anywhere.
• The use of ICTs has given rise to concerns about public safety. This concerns aspects such as the regulation of online activities, protecting one's privacy or ensuring the security of communications.

Information Security

• Rapid technological advances create security challenges for organizations.
• IT security involves technical and operational aspects.
• Information security focuses on organization-level strategies for risk management and the safeguarding of information (confidentiality, integrity, availability).
• Adequate security measures are crucial. Mechanisms require a comprehensive approach that considers legal aspects.
• Policies should transcend individual security tools.
• User awareness is an important factor in information security.

e-Government and Electronic Signature

• E-government initiatives aim to improve public services, transparency, and citizen participation.
• Electronic signatures offer secure communication in online interactions, ensuring authenticity, integrity, and non-repudiation.

Communication and Social Concerns

• The internet is frequently unregulated.
• This lack of regulation potentially contributes to harmful activities.
• Controls are needed to prevent misuse.
• Information security must consider aspects like intellectual property, privacy, and regulation of cultural product piracy.