INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY (NET 201) Lecture#1: Over View of Information Technology + Computer Components Networks and Communication Systems Department 1 Lecture Contents Networks and Communication Department What is Information Technology?? Information Technology Components Computers Communications Know How Information Technology Benefits 2 3Networks and Communication Department Information Technology Definition Information Technology : A term used to refer to a wide variety of items and abilities used in the creation, storage, and dispersal of data and information. Its three main components are: computers communications networks and know-how. 4Networks and Communication Department Data: Raw facts, figures, and details. Information: An organized, meaningful, and useful interpretation of data. Knowledge: An awareness and understanding of a set of information and how that information can be put to the best use. Information Technology Definition (Cont.) 5Networks and Communication Department Information Technology Components 6Networks and Communication Department Computers A Computer : is an electronic system that can be instructed to accept, process, store, and present data and information. Computers come in four sizes: Microcomputers Midrange computers Mainframes Supercomputers Information Technology Components 7Networks and Communication Department Microcomputers: A relatively compact type of computer, the most common of all, easily outsells all other types of computers annually for use in business and at home. Five types of Microcomputers: Desktop Computers Notebook Computers/Laptop Computers Tablet PCs Personal Digital Assistants Palm PCs Information Technology Components Computers 8Networks and Communication Department Midrange computers and Mainframes: A computer uses to interconnect people and large sets of information. More powerful than a microcomputer. the minicomputer is usually dedicated to performing specific functions. Computers Information Technology Components 9Networks and Communication Department Supercomputers: The most powerful of all computers, supercomputers were designed to solve problems consisting of long and difficult calculations. Computers Information Technology Components 10Networks and Communication Department Computers Information Technology Components System: A set of components that interact to accomplish a purpose. Information System: A business information system designed to produce the information needed for successful management of a structured problem, process, department, or business. 11Networks and Communication Department Computers Information Technology Components 12Networks and Communication Department Communications Networks Information Technology Components Communication: The sending and receiving of data and information over a communications network. Communications Network: A set of locations, or nodes, consisting of hardware, programs, and information linked together as a system that transmits and receives data and information. Data Communication: The transmission of data and information through a communications medium. 13Networks and Communication Department Know-How Information Technology Components The capability to do something well. Information technology know-how consists of: Familiarity with the tools of IT; including the Internet Possession of the skills needed to use these tools An understanding of when to use IT to solve a problem or create an opportunity The Benefits of Information Technology? Networks and Communication Department 15Networks and Communication Department Information Technology Benefits 16Networks and Communication Department Information Technology Benefits Television Education Training Entertainment Shipping Paperwork Money and Investments Agriculture Taxation and Accounting Health and Medicine Manufacturing Journalism Energy Sports Networks and Communication Department 17 Any Questions ?