Information Technology Fundamentals Information Technology involves the use

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Information Technology Fundamentals

Information Technology Fundamentals

Information Technology involves the use of computers and communication networks to gain access to

Information Technology involves the use of computers and communication networks to gain access to vast amounts of information. Computer – electronic device which processes data into information Communications networks – mechanisms which enable the sharing of resources and information

Information Systems Information systems are the combination of hardware, software, and communications networks which

Information Systems Information systems are the combination of hardware, software, and communications networks which people build and use to collect data and create and distribute useful information. Data People Information Systems Hardware Software Communications Network

General Trend of Technology • Miniaturization • Affordability • Speed Smaller, cheaper, faster… 1940

General Trend of Technology • Miniaturization • Affordability • Speed Smaller, cheaper, faster… 1940 s Now

Data vs. Information Data - raw facts and figures that are processed into information

Data vs. Information Data - raw facts and figures that are processed into information Knowledge Information - data that has been processed and organized to have meaning Information Data Knowledge – application of information – making decisions, etc.

Computers are digital data processors used to turn data into information (bit manipulators) Input

Computers are digital data processors used to turn data into information (bit manipulators) Input Process Output Store Communicate

Computer Hardware & Software Hardware - the physical (tangible) equipment of the computer. 1.

Computer Hardware & Software Hardware - the physical (tangible) equipment of the computer. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Input Processing & Memory (primary storage) Storage (secondary storage) Output Communications Software - the set of instructions that enable the hardware to function (intangible) 1. 2. System – manage the hardware to create a environment for applications to run (Windows, Linux, etc. ) Application – enable user to accomplish a specific task (Word, People. Soft, etc. )

Data Communications - transmission of a signal via a medium/channel Signal - message comprised

Data Communications - transmission of a signal via a medium/channel Signal - message comprised of data (0 & 1) Channel - transmission media on which data signal travels

Analog vs. Digital Analog - continuous and varying signal (older, less precise) Digital –

Analog vs. Digital Analog - continuous and varying signal (older, less precise) Digital – data signals represented in a discrete two-state (binary) format (newer, more precise)

Communications Channels Wired – signal traveling via a physical wire. ◦ Coaxial ◦ Twisted

Communications Channels Wired – signal traveling via a physical wire. ◦ Coaxial ◦ Twisted pair ◦ Fiber optics Wireless - signals traveling through the air. ◦ Cellular ◦ Satellite ◦ Radio ◦ Infrared

Communications Network - a system of interconnected computers, and communications devices that can share

Communications Network - a system of interconnected computers, and communications devices that can share resources. Benefits of networks: ◦ Sharing of devices ◦ Sharing of software and data ◦ Better communications ◦ Security

Types of Networks Local area network (LAN) - connects computers and devices in a

Types of Networks Local area network (LAN) - connects computers and devices in a limited geographical area Wide area network (WAN) - a communications network that covers a wide geographical area

The Internet & World Wide Web Internet – Global network of networks (internetwork) enabling

The Internet & World Wide Web Internet – Global network of networks (internetwork) enabling people to communicate, collaborate and share information and resources. World Wide Web – Multimedia portion of the Internet. One application of the Internet.

Intranets & Extranets Intranet - an organization’s internal private network that uses the infrastructure

Intranets & Extranets Intranet - an organization’s internal private network that uses the infrastructure and standards of the Internet and the WWW. Limited access – restricted by username/password. Extranets - private intranets that connect not only internal personnel but also selected outsiders such as suppliers and other strategic parties.

Client/Server In the client/server network model – computers serve one of two purposes –

Client/Server In the client/server network model – computers serve one of two purposes – client or server. Server is computer that provides services to other computers (clients). Some examples include Web, print, file, database, DNS and application servers. Client is a computer (typically a pc) that makes requests of servers. 15

Cloud Computing The cloud is a metaphor for the Internet. Cloud computing involves storing

Cloud Computing The cloud is a metaphor for the Internet. Cloud computing involves storing and accessing applications and data over the Internet rather than through local computing resources. It is quickly evolving and some “experts are predicting that some businesses will be able to run most, if not all, of their IT services in the cloud “. (ITPRO) ITPRO - http: //www. itpro. co. uk/627952/what-is-cloud-computing#ixzz 2 q. Vl 0 SKM 3 16

Cloud Computing (cont’d) 17 ITPRO - http: //www. itpro. co. uk/627952/what-is-cloud-computing#ixzz 2 q. Vl

Cloud Computing (cont’d) 17 ITPRO - http: //www. itpro. co. uk/627952/what-is-cloud-computing#ixzz 2 q. Vl 0 SKM 3