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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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