Lecture 1

1. What is information technology?

Information technology- The computer & telecommunications equipment used to capture, store & distribute data

2. What is an information system?

Information system- Collection of computer hardware & software that can provide decision-making, control or other similar information based on underlying data

3. What is the difference between information and data?

Information consists of processed data, the processing directed at increasing its usefulness. Information is contained in descriptions. Whereas data refers to symbols that represent the properties of objects and events. Data can be considered as factual or statistical items.

4. What is hardware?

Hardware- Refers to physical technology equipment such as computers, printers, projectors, etc

5. What are the different kinds of hardware?

Input devices- Allow users to input or capture data

Output devices- Provides data/information in a format understandable to humans

Storage devices- Allows data to be retained when power is switched off

Processors- They perform calculations & execute tasks

Communications devices- Allows computers and computer users to communicate with each other across networks

6. What are the different kinds of software?

Operating system software- Performs a computer’s basic functions, such as: application management, input/output management, device management, memory management, processor management & hardware management

Application software- Describes a computer program that is designed to perform a specific purpose. It is designed with the end-user in mind and provides a user-friendly interface which can be lacking in some operating systems software. It communicates with the underlying operating system software to perform common tasks

7. Give one effect the advent of the internet had on business.

Allowed traditional businesses to trade online & has provided new business models

8. Give another effect the advent of the internet had on business.

Generated a more competitive environment, where information is quickly available to consumers

9. What is a network?

Network- A collection of computers & other equipment connected to each other either wired or wirelessly. Networks allow computing resources to be shared

10. What is local area network?

Local area network- Network that is usually restricted on a single building or buildings in close proximity to each other

11. What is wide area network?

Wide area network- Network that covers a much wider geographical area, across several sites or even countries