Information and Communication Technology

Vocabulary flashcards covering the basic concepts of data, information, ICT applications in various sectors, and the five generations of computer evolution based on the provided lecture notes.

Data

The numbers, words, images and symbols which do not bear a meaning when standing alone.

Information

Meaningful results obtained by arranging and processing data, used to make decisions.

System

A combination of components that work together to fulfil a task.

Input

The act of submitting data for processing within a system.

Output

The result received after processing data.

Information System

A collection of components that receive data, process and store them, and provide results when required.

Relevancy

A characteristic of quality information where only the necessary and applicable information is submitted for a specific requirement.

Completeness

A quality of information ensuring all necessary details are present to avoid drawing wrong conclusions.

Accuracy

A characteristic of quality information where the data must be correct to avoid harmful consequences.

Timeliness

A quality of information requiring that it is always updated and provided when needed.

Cost Effectiveness

Providing information in a way that the cost of collection does not exceed the benefits or profits gained.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Technology used to convert data into information and then to exchange it among different people or systems.

e-Government

When a government communicates with its citizens, companies, and other organizations using ICT.

WBT (Web Based Training)

The process of contacting a teacher or trainer via the internet for educational purposes.

Learning Management System (LMS)

A system used to manage school and higher education systems, allowing students and teachers to access learning units and assignments online.

Online Distance Learning

Pursuing higher education by connecting with a university or learning center online within a flexible time frame.

CAT (Computerized Axial Tomography) Machine

A machine used to create three-dimensional ($3D$) images of different parts of the body for diagnosis.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Machine

A device that creates digitalized images of internal organs using strong magnetic fields and radio waves.

ECG (Electrocardiogram) Machine

A machine used to monitor the heart beat by recording electrical impulses produced when the heart pumps blood.

Cardiac Screening Machine

A machine that displays the physiology and movements inside the heart to diagnose problems such as thinning of veins.

EEG (Electro-encephalography) Machine

A device used to record the electrical impulses of the brain in both awake and asleep states.

Telemedicine

The use of ICT to examine and provide healthcare to a patient who is physically far away from the hospital or specialist.

Telesurgery (Remote Surgery)

The ability of a doctor to perform surgery on a patient in consultation with a specialist who is at a different location using telecommunication technologies.

Meteorological Devices

Instruments used in agriculture to assess weather, climatic changes, rainfall, and wind direction for crop planning.

Drip irrigation

Automated devices that control the supply of water based on fed data to minimize wastage and crop destruction.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device)

A device used in farm management to identify, count, and locate animals in large areas.

Video Conferencing

Technology that enables geographically separated parties to convene face-to-face meetings at their own premises.

Online Shopping (Electronic Commerce)

The process of buying and selling goods or services over the internet with $24$-hour availability and electronic payment methods.

Abacus

A device invented around $5000$ years ago used for adding numbers.

Blaise Pascal

The inventor of the world’s first ever mathematical Adding Machine in $1642$.

Analytical Engine

A machine designed by Charles Babbage based on the concepts of input, process, output, and store.

Charles Babbage

Known as the father of computing for his development of the concept of the Analytical Engine.

Ada Augusta Lovelace

Considered the first programmer for her work in writing programs for the Analytical Engine.

MARK 1

An Automatic Sequence Control Calculator invented by Howard Aiken in $1944$ at Harvard University.

First Generation Computers ($1940-1956$)

Computers characterized by the use of vacuum tubes, large size, high heat generation, and machine language.

Second Generation Computers ($1956-1963$)

Computers that used transistors, were smaller than the first generation, and utilized assembly language.

Third Generation Computers ($1964-1975$)

Computers characterized by Integrated Circuits (IC), the birth of Operating Systems, and the use of keyboard and mouse.

Fourth Generation Computers ($1975-1989$)

Computers using LSIC and VLSIC technology, microprocessors, and Graphical User Interfaces (GUI).

Fifth Generation Computers ($1989$-present)

Computers utilizing ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and voice recognition.