Unit 1.1: Introduction to IT
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)
IT is the use of systems (hardware, software, and networks) to store, process, protect, and share data. IT helps businesses run efficiently, automate tasks, and make better decisions.
IT SYSTEM COMPONENTS
An IT system has three main parts:
Hardware
Physical components of a computer (CPU, memory, storage, devices)
Software
Programs and instructions that tell hardware what to do
Network
Connects devices so they can communicate and share data
These three work together to create a functional system.
PURPOSE OF IT SYSTEMS
Automate and streamline processes
Improve communication
Store and manage data
Support decision-making
DATA VS INFORMATION
Data
Raw facts and figures
Unprocessed
No meaning on its own
Example: numbers, names, measurements
Input into a system
Information
Processed and organized data
Meaningful and useful
Helps with decisions
Example: reports, trends, charts
Output from a system
Key idea: Data becomes information when it is processed and given meaning.
CHARACTERISTICS
Data
Raw
Unstructured
Input
Not meaningful alone
Information
Processed
Organized
Output
Meaningful and useful
KEY TERMS
Hardware
Physical parts of a computer system
Software
Programs that control hardware
Operating System (OS)
Core software that manages hardware and allows programs to run
Network
System that connects devices to share data
Database
Organized collection of data
Application
Software designed to perform specific tasks
Server
Provides resources to other computers
Client
Device that uses resources from a server
Cloud Computing
Delivering services over the internet
Cybersecurity
Protecting systems and data from attacks
Bandwidth
Amount of data that can be transmitted over time
Protocol
Rules for communication between devices
Interface
Where users interact with a system
Algorithm
Step-by-step process to solve a problem
KEY CONCEPT
Data (input) → Processing → Information (output)