Introduction: Understanding Information Technology Chapter 1, Exploring the Digital Domain

In this chapter . . . You will learn about the importance of information for most enterprises understanding the roles of information technology in shaping how we manage and preserve information how digital information technology subsumes and merges other information technologies how digital information technology affects our lives, our work, and our world

The Nature of Information information implies facts knowledge significance and meaning Shannon and Weaver described information as what is beyond chance prediction it reduces our uncertainty about predicting states of the world

Information Technology technologies are artificial instruments, processes or systems that extend our natural capabilities e.g.s: the wheel, agriculture, electric light bulb Information technologies extend natural forms of representing and communicating information to incorporate artificial and external forms e.g.s: writing, the printing press, telephone

Digital Information Technology employs digital methods for the representation, processing, and communication of information represents a new breed of information technology it has the capability to imitate, extend, and subsume other technologies

3 Classes of Information Users information consumers individuals who need or benefit from information services for both work or leisure information producers vendors, distributors of information services information workers professions that depend on the analysis, assessment, and use of specific forms of information