Information Technology Fundamentals

Information Technology 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 people build and use to collect data and create and distribute useful information. Information Systems Communications Network Software People Data Hardware

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

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

Computers Store Communicate 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. Input Processing & Memory (primary storage) Storage (secondary storage) Output Communications Software - the set of instructions that enable the hardware to function (intangible) System – manage the hardware to create a environment for applications to run (Windows, Linux, etc.) Application – enable user to accomplish a specific task (Word, PeopleSoft, etc.)

Data Communications 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 – data signals represented in a discrete two- state (binary) format (newer, more precise) Examples of analog devices: Speedometer Thermometer Tire-pressure gauge Radio Telephone Television “Digital” is generally synonymous with “computer-based.”

Communications Channels Wired – signal traveling via a physical wire. Coaxial Twisted pair Fiber optics Wireless - signals traveling through the air. Cellular Satellite Radio Infrared GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit) - highest zone in space occupied by satellite systems; 22,300 miles and up, and always directly above the equator. MEO (Medium-Earth Orbit) - 5000-10,000 miles up, and inclined to the equator; requires more satellites for global coverage than GEO. LEO (Low-Earth Orbit) - 4000-1000 miles up with no signal delay. LEO satellites are smaller and cheaper to launch.

Communications Networks 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 Network (communications network) - a system of interconnected computers, telephones, or other communications devices that can communicate with one another and share applications and data.

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 people to communicate, collaborate and share information and resources. World Wide Web – Multimedia portion of the Internet. One application of the Internet. Physical connection - the wired or wireless means of connecting to the Internet.

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 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 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#ixzz2qVl0SKM3 16

Cloud Computing (cont’d) ITPRO - http://www.itpro.co.uk/627952/what-is-cloud-computing#ixzz2qVl0SKM3 17