Introduction to Information

Technology
(GST 04107)
Sarungi D
 BASIC CONCEPTS OF IT
➢Information Technology (IT) refers to
anything related to computing technology,
such as networking, hardware, software, the
Internet, or the people that work with these
technologies.
➢Information technology is the use of
computers and software to manage
information.
 What is information technology?
Information Technology include computers(both
Hardware & Software), peripherals devices
attached to computers, communications devices
and networks –clearly incorporating the internet-
photocopiers, cellular telephone and related
wireless devices, computer-controlled factory
machines and even microchips embedded in cars,
airplane, elevators and home appliances.
Information technology is the integration of
computers, communication equipment, and other
technologies used in information systems.
Information Technology definition
➢ Is a term that encompasses all forms of
technology used to create, store, exchange, and
use information in its various forms (business
data, voice conversations, still images, motion
pictures, multimedia presentations, and other
forms.)
➢ Is a term that encompassing all forms of
technology involved in capturing, manipulating,
communicating, presenting and using data(and
data transformed into information),
Wainright,E,etl(1990).
 IT IN TERMS OF SCIENCE
➢Information technology is the broad term
where its invention is due to the advance of
science and technology
➢Science is the term that is concerned with
how and why things happen. Can be defined
as a process or product
 IT IN TERMS OF SCIENCE……
➢As a process, science can be defined as:-
• Description and explanation of the development
of knowledge.
• Determined by observation, hypothesis,
measurement, analysis and experimentation.
• Conceptualization of new ideas, from the abstract
to the particular.
 IT IN TERMS OF SCIENCE……
➢As a product, science can be defined as:
• Product of the mind
• The variety of knowledge, people, skills,
organizations, facilities, techniques,
physical resources, methods and
technologies that taken together and in
relation with one another.
 IT IN TERMS OF SCIENCE…….
➢Just like science, technology can as well be
defined as either a process or a product of
science.
➢As a process technology is defined as
• The application of science which is mainly
focused on inventing new or better tools and
materials or new and better ways of doing
things.
• The intelligent organization and manipulation of
materials for useful purposes.
 IT IN TERMS OF SCIENCE……
➢Technology as a product is
• A system of know-how, skills, techniques and
processes.
• The product of the scientific concept.
• Complex combination of knowledge, materials
and methods.
 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
• IT is therefore said to be originating from the
advancement of both science and technology.
• Information technology itself is very broad
but can be defined as it encompasses all
forms of technology involved in capturing,
manipulating, communicating, presenting and
using data and transforming data into
information.
 CATEGORIES OF INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
➢ IT exists in two major categories
 Computer technology - encompasses a few major areas such
as hardware, software and networking. Advanced areas
involve artificial intelligence, robotics and biomedical
forensics. However it also encompasses a host of ideas
involving the design, construction and use of information-
processing equipment.

 Communication technology - In the modern sense of the

term, it includes electronic systems used for communication
between individuals or groups not physically present at the
same location.
 THE FUTURE OF IT
➢As the result of growing trend of IT, the business
platforms will be reshaped.
➢High performing business and government will
adapt new computing world to keep up
competition.
➢The focus will shift from simple infrastructure
solutions to developing cloud strategies that
deliver increased functionality and flexibility
using a mix of public and private cloud-based
application and platform services.
 FUTURE OF IT…
➢The role of people in data security will
decline, replaced by automated capabilities
that detect, assess, and respond immediately.
➢Data privacy will be enhanced.
 How is IT being used in Education?
• Use email
• Presentation graphics software-PowerPoint
• Course management software-administering
online assignments, schedules, examination and
grades
• Many college classes are either taught online or
have a class website
Definition: Distance Learning is online education

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 Health: High Tech for Wellness
• Telemedicine: Medical care via telecommunications lets
doctors treat patients from far away
• 3D Computer models allow accurate tumor location
inside a skull
• Robots permit precise microsurgery
• Handheld computers allow patients to measure blood
sugar
• Medical implants allow stroke patients to directly
control computers to talk for them
• Health websites provide medical information

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 Money: Cashless Society?
• Definition: Virtual means something that is created,
simulated, or carried on by means of a computer or a
computer network
• Virtual airline tickets
• Virtual money
• Online bill paying
• PayPal
• Electronic payroll deposit
• Micropayments for online music

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 Leisure: Infotech in Entertainment
& the Arts
• Videogames
• Downloading
• Movies
• Music
• Term papers????
• Ethical/legal questions
• Most movies use computer animation
• Digital editing

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IT in Government & Democracy
• Governments can’t control information
• Individuals can find multiple viewpoints on
internet
• Email makes it easier to contact the
government
• Competing websites promote & criticize
politicians
• Blogs are a tool for political candidates
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 Advantages and Disadvantages of
Information Technology

➢ The significance of IT can be seen from the

fact that it has penetrated almost every aspect
of our daily lives from business to leisure and
even society.
➢Today personal PCs, cell phones, fax machines,
pagers, email and internet have all not only
become an integral part of our very culture but
also play an essential role in our day to day
activities.
 Advantages of IT

➢Organization efficiency and effectiveness.

Efficiency refers to cost/benefit, whereas
effectiveness is the degree to which these
objectives are achieved.
Efficiency refers to internal operating process,
and effectiveness is related to objective
achievement which is externally focused.
 Advantages of IT

• Globalization-IT has not only brought the world

closer together, but it has allowed the world's
economy to become a single interdependent
system.
• Communication- With the help of information
technology, communication has also become
cheaper, quicker, and more efficient.
 Advantages of IT

• Cost effectiveness- Information technology has helped to

computerize the business process thus streamlining
businesses to make them extremely cost effective money
making machines.
• Bridging the cultural gap - Information technology has
helped to bridge the cultural gap by helping people from
different cultures to communicate with one another, and
allow for the exchange of views and ideas, thus increasing
awareness and reducing prejudice.
 Advantages of IT

• More time - IT has made it possible for

businesses to be open 24 x7 all over the globe.
This means that a business can be open anytime
anywhere, making purchases from different
countries easier and more convenient. It also
means that you can have your goods delivered
right to your doorstep with having to move a
single muscle
 Advantage of IT…….
➢Organizational Transformation
It is changing an object (nature of product or
service) in another form e.g.-companies use sales
history of other companies also through I.T. cost
of communication is reduced.
➢Strategy Formation - Strategy is a way in which
an organization reacts to its environment,
deploys its resources and target on its objective.
➢Strategic Alliance formation - different
organizations join hands in doing business yet
they work in their separate offices.
 Disadvantage of IT
➢Unemployment-While information
technology may have streamlined the
business process it has also crated job
redundancies, downsizing and outsourcing.
➢Privacy- Though information technology may
have made communication quicker, easier
and more convenient, it has also bought
along privacy issues.
 Disadvantage of IT……
➢Lack of job security- Industry experts believe
that the internet has made job security a big
issue as since technology keeps on changing
with each day. This means that one has to be
in a constant learning mode, if he or she
wishes for their job to be secure.
 Disadvantages of IT

• Dominant culture- While information technology

may have made the world a global village, it has
also contributed to one culture dominating
another weaker one. For example it is now
argued that US influences how most young
teenagers all over the world now act, dress and
behave.