Information Technology Report: Key Concepts and Analysis

This report provides an overview of Information Technology (IT), discussing the classification of computers, the significance of the internet, and the usage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) via social media. The report begins by defining IT and then categorizes computers into super...Read More

Introduction
to
Information Technology

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Classification of Computers........................................................................................................1
Internet & its significance...........................................................................................................2
Usage of ICT via Social Media...................................................................................................2
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................3
References........................................................................................................................................4

INTRODUCTION
Information technology refers to development, maintenance as well as usage of computer
systems, networks and software for processing as well as distribution of data. Basically, it
involves processing as well as sharing of data. According to ND Century Code, Information
technology means utilisation of services by the usage of software and hardware for supporting
infrastructure for managing as well as delivering information by usage of video, voice and data
(Definition of Information Technology, 2017). This presentation deals with classification of
computer, importance of internet and ways in which social media has evolved.
Classification of Computers
Electronic devices that are being utilised for storing as well as processing of data in a
binary form as per instructions that are being given is referred to as computer. They differ from
one other with respect to processing abilities possessed by them. They are classified as:
Super Computer: They are fastest as well as largest systems that possess word length
about 64-96. They comprises of multiple CPUs which carry out their operations in parallel and
are being utilised for massive processing as well as solve sophisticated issues. They are being
used in biomedical research, weather forecast, automobile designing, etc.
Mainframe Computer: They are less powerful as compared to super computers and
their word length can be 64, 60 or 48 bits. This involves high processing speeds as well as have
the ability for storing large data. They are utilised in banks, airline reservations, large firms, etc.
Mini Computer: These computers are not as powerful as mentioned above two. It
comprises of 32 bit word length and are liable for performing complicated tasks. They are large
in size but their storage capacity lies in between small and medium. Such computers are being
utilised within accounting, payroll, scientific computation, etc.
Micro Computer: They denotes personal computers as well as utilise microprocessors
as their CPU. They are small in size as well as do not possess large storage space and their word
length range is in between 8 to 32 bits. They are being utilised for general purposes such as
graphic designing, industrial control, calculations, etc.
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Internet & its significance
Interconnected network (Internet) refers to global system which is interconnected with
networks via the usage of TCP/IP for linking the devices around the world. This was given by
ARPA (Advanced Research Projects Agency) of United States. It aims at creation of network
which must allow user of one university to communicate with users of other university. This is a
network that comprises of network of global exchanges that involves academics, business and
public networks that are linked by using fiber-optic, wireless and guided technologies. The
significance of internet has been illustrated below:
 Electronic communication: By the introduction of internet, interaction has became
easier as messages can be transmitted as well as received through different mediums like
emails or on social media. This aids both individuals and business to communicate with
others and also makes things easier. Along with this, through video conferencing
meetings can also be carried out.
 Online shopping: E-commerce is driving the market which denotes that it is crucial for
firms to opt for this as each individual needs to have services at their doorstep. With
respect to individuals, it also provides easiness as well as save lots of time.
 Online banking: It denotes electronic payment system which enable customers to
conduct financial transactions via their website. At present scenario, each individual likes
to go cashless so for carrying out transactions they opt for usage of online banking.
Through this, they can make as well as accept payments. It is attainable by having access
to internet.
 Internet of things: This implies ability of a system for connecting billions of devices as
well as computers with one other. It leads to creation of convenience with respect to
sharing as well as receive information along with capability for automation. For an
instance smart thermostat leads to reduction in energy cost by adjusting temperature.
Usage of ICT via Social Media
Technology is evolving rapidly with respect to all the perspectives, this has lead to
creation of interface by which operations can be carried out in an amplified manner. Information
and communication technology (ICT) is being utilised for handling broadcast media,
telecommunication, network based control, intelligent building system as well as monitoring
functions. Social Media plays crucial role the ways in which businesses and individuals carry out
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their businesses. ICT have altered the ways through which interaction can be carried out with
stakeholders as well as customers. It has been illustrated below:
 Better customer services: Social media has lead to open the door through which quick
connection and communication can be carried out even when customers do not want to
communicate with firm directly. Through this, they can have their feedback and
acknowledge them respectively.
 Enhanced transparency: Social media has formulated an environment in which
problems related with communication have been mostly resolved. The concept of
transparency can be understood by taking an instance like if customer has made any
negative feedback with respect to services that are being delivered by firm then same
problem might be noticed by other customers also. This has led to creation of transparent
environment.
Examples
For carrying out marketing of products and services that are being offered by firm, social
media provides an interface through which ample number of customers can acknowledge what is
being offered. Suppose, Thomas Cook has brought in a holiday package for 3 days, then social
media will provide them a way to advertise their offers to captivate more number of customers
towards their services.
Conclusion
From above it can be concluded that, information technology has wide role for each
individual to carry out their operations. This delivers an effective method through which
activities can be performed as per desired standards. Depending upon the requirements,
individual can make use of computers as each each deliver different functionalities. Internet
connects with different individuals sitting within any part of globe. Social Media provides an
enhanced way to reach out customers.
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References
Books & Journals
Marchewka, J. T., 2016. Information technology project management: Providing measurable
organizational value. John Wiley & Sons.
Rowley, J. and Hartley, R., 2017. Organizing knowledge: an introduction to managing access to
information. Routledge.
Schwalbe, K., 2015. Information technology project management. Cengage Learning.
Smith, L. C. and Wong, M. A. eds., 2016. Reference and Information Services: An Introduction:
An Introduction. ABC-CLIO.
Online
Definition of Information Technology. 2017. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.nd.gov/itd/about-us/definition-information-technology>.
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