Introduction to IT
Short for Information and Communications Technology, it is the study or business of developing and using technology to process information and aid communications.
(for example: voice conversation, email, commercial data processing through computer applications, etc.).
The past few years have seen a complete revolution in the way information is collected, archived and used in both business and government around the world. In much of the world, the workplace has transformed from one based on paper documents, riddled with errors and delays, to one based on information technology (IT).
However, aside from explaining an acronym, isn’t there a universally accepted definition of ICT? Because? Because the concepts, methods and applications involved in ICT are constantly evolving almost daily. It’s hard to keep up with the changes, they happen so fast.
Let’s focus on the three words behind ICT:
INFORMATION
COMMUNICATIONS
TECHNOLOGY
A good way to think about ICT is to consider all the uses of digital technology that already exist to help people, businesses and organizations use information.
ICT covers any product that electronically stores, retrieves, manipulates, transmits, or receives information in digital form. For example, personal computers, digital television, email, robots.
So, ICT deals with the storage, retrieval, manipulation, transmission or reception of digital data. Importantly, he is also concerned with how these different uses can work with each other.
Discuss: Why is IT so important to the modern world?
In business, ICT is often classified into two broad types of products:
Traditional computer-based technologies (things you can normally do on a personal computer or using computers at home or at work); and
The latest and fastest growing range of digital communication technologies (enabling individuals and organizations to communicate and share information digitally)
Traditional computer-based technologies
These types of ICT include:
Office Standard Applications – Core Examples
word processing
For example, Microsoft Word: write letters, reports, etc.
spreadsheets
For example, Microsoft Excel; Analysis of financial information; calculations; create forecast models, etc.
database software
For example, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Access; Data management in many forms, from basic lists (eg customer contacts to complex material (eg catalog))
presentation software
For example, Microsoft Power Point; make presentations, either directly using a computer screen or a data projector. Publish in digital format via email or the Internet.
desktop publishing
For example, Adobe In-design, Quark Express, Microsoft Publisher; produce newsletters, magazines and other complex documents.
graphics software
For example, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator; Macromedia Show of Hands and Fireworks; create and edit images such as logos, drawings, or images for use in DTP, websites, or other publications
Specialized Applications – Examples (there are many!)
accounting package
For example, Sage, Oracle; Manage an organization’s accounts, including income/sales, purchases, bank accounts, etc. A wide range of systems are available ranging from basic packages suitable for small businesses to sophisticated ones intended for multinational companies.
Desing assisted by computer
Computer Aided Design (CAD) is the use of computers to assist in the design process. There are specialized CAD programs for many types of design: architecture, engineering, electronics, roads.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Software that allows companies to better understand their customers by collecting and analyzing data about them, such as their product preferences, clothing purchases, etc. Often linked to software applications that run call centers and loyalty cards, for example.
Traditional computer-based technologies
ICT Part C refers to the communication of data by electronic means, usually over some distance. This is often accomplished through networks of sending and receiving equipment, cables, and satellite links.
The technologies involved in communication tend to be complex. You certainly do not need to understand them for your ICT course. However, there are aspects of digital communications that you should be aware of. These mainly relate to network types and ways to connect to the Internet. Let’s look at these two briefly.
internal networks
Usually referred to as a local area network (LAN), it involves linking together a series of hardware elements (input and output devices plus computer processing) within an office or building.
The purpose of LAN is to be able to share hardware facilities such as printers or scanners, software applications, and data. This type of network is invaluable in the office environment where colleagues need access to common data or programs.
external networks
Often you need to communicate with someone outside of your internal network, in this case, you will need to be part of a Wide Area Network (WAN). The Internet is the ultimate WAN: it is a vast network of networks.
ICT in a broader context
It will almost certainly cover the above examples of ICT in action, perhaps focusing on the use of key applications such as spreadsheets, databases, presentations, graphics, and web design software.
You will also consider the following important issues related to the way ICT is used and managed in an organization:
The nature of information (the “I” in ICT)
This covers topics such as the meaning and value of information; how information is controlled; ICT limitations; legal considerations.
Information management
this covers how data is captured, verified and stored for effective use; the manipulation, processing and distribution of information; keep information secure; design networks to share information
information systems strategy
This considers how ICT can be used within a business or organization as part of achieving goals and objectives.
As you can see, ICT is a vast and changing topic.