Introduction to Information Technology

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to Information Technology, including definitions of various terms and types of computer systems.

Information Technology (IT)

The use of computers, storage, communication, and other devices to create, process, store and exchange electronic data.

Computer Science

The study of computers and computation systems, focusing on theory and programming.

Telecommunications

The process of transmitting data between devices using transmission facilities such as telephone lines or microwave links.

Office Automation

The use of productivity tools software to create, collect, store, analyze, and share data in a meaningful manner.

Hardware

The physical components of a computer system that can be seen and/or touched, e.g., keyboard, motherboard.

Software

A set of instructions telling the computer system what to do; also called a program.

General-purpose computer

A computer that is suitable for undertaking a wide range of tasks.

Special-purpose computer

A computer that performs a small range of tasks with features designed for a specific application.

Supercomputer

A high-speed computer system used for complex mathematical computations, classified by performance expressed in FLOPS.

Mainframe

A powerful computer system used by large organizations to manage and process data from large databases.

Desktop System

A computer system designed to fit on or under a desk, typically used as a personal computer.

Mobile Devices

Smaller, lighter computers like laptops, notebooks, and netbooks that are not restricted to electrical outlets.

Smartphone

A mobile phone that performs many functions of a computer, featuring a touchscreen and internet access.

Tablet

A portable computer using a touchscreen as its primary input device, intermediate in size between a laptop and smartphone.

Embedded Devices

Computer systems designed to perform dedicated functions as part of larger systems.