Information Technology

Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input from the user and processes
these data under the control of set of instructions (called program) and gives the result (output) and saves
output for the future use.
A computer has four functions: Input
a. accepts data
b. processes data Processing
c. produces output Output
d. stores results Storage

Input (Data):
Input is the raw information entered into a computer from the input devices. It is the collection of letters,
numbers, images etc.

Process:
Process is the operation of data as per given instruction. It is totally internal process of the
computer system.

Output:
Output is the processed data given by computer after data processing. Output is also called as Result.
We can save these results in the storage devices for the future use.

Memory: It facilitates the remembrance power to computer system. It refers to the physical devices
used to store programs (sequences of instructions) or data (e.g. program state information) on a
temporary or permanent basis for use in a computer or other digital electronic device.
Primary Memory can be categorized as Volatile Memory & Non-Volatile Memory.

Volatile memory(RAM)

Volatile memory is computer memory that requires power to maintain the stored information. Most
modern semiconductor volatile memory is either Static RAM or dynamic RAM.

Non Volatile Memory (ROM)

Non-volatile memory is computer memory that can retain the stored information even when not
powered

Secondary Memory:
A. Hard Disk (Local Disk)
B. Optical Disks: CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW
C. Pen Drive
D. Floppy Disks
F. Memory Cards
G. External Hard Disk
H. Blu Ray Disk

Software
Software, simply are the computer programs. The instructions given to the computer in the form of a
program is called Software. Software is the set of programs, which are used for different purposes. All
the programs used in computer to perform specific task is called Software.

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Types of software

1. System software:
a) Operating System Software
DOS, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Unix/Linux, MAC/OS X etc.
b) Utility Software
Windows Explorer (File/Folder Management), Compression Tool, Anti-Virus Utilities, Disk
Defragmentation, Disk Clean, BackUp, WinZip, WinRAR etc…
c) Language Processors
Compiler, Interpreter and Assembler

2. Application software:
a) Package Software
Ms. Office 2003, Ms. Office 2007, Macromedia (Dreamweaver, Flash, Freehand), Adobe (PageMaker,
PhotoShop)
b) Tailored or Custom Software
School Management system, Inventory Management System, Payroll system, financial system etc.

Network
A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together via communications devices and
transmission media
Advantages of a network include:
• Facilitating communications
• Sharing hardware
• Sharing data and information
• Sharing software
• Transferring funds

Internet standards
The purpose of a network is to be able to work together for communication and services. A standard is a
set of rules that a group agrees to follow. A protocol is an agreed method of transaction, communication,
and exchange. So the network is literally created by its standards and protocols. The network that
developed into the Internet and World-Wide Web is already 40 years old so many standards have come
and gone in that time but many remain.

World-Wide Web:
A virtual network formed by a group of Internet servers that all communicate with clients using the
Hyper-Text Transport Protocol (HTTP). A document stored on one server can contain a locator for a
document stored on another server, giving clients the impression that the second document is
hyperlinked from the first.

Social media
Social media is the collective of online communications channels dedicated to community-based input,
interaction, content-sharing and collaboration. Websites and applications dedicated
to forums, microblogging, social networking, social bookmarking, social curation, and wikis are among
the different types of social media.
Here are some prominent examples of social media:
 Facebook is a popular free social networking website that allows registered users to create
profiles, upload photos and video, send messages and keep in touch with friends, family
and colleagues.

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  Twitter is a free microblogging service that allows registered members to broadcast short
posts called tweets. Twitter members can broadcast tweets and follow other users' tweets
by using multiple platforms and devices.
 Google+ (pronounced Google plus) was Google's social networking project, designed to
replicate the way people interact offline more closely than is the case in other social
networking services. This website is no longer offered to new users and plans to shut down
remaining accounts in 2019.
 Wikipedia is a free, open content online encyclopedia created through the collaborative
effort of a community of users known as Wikipedians. Anyone registered on the site can
create an article for publication; however, registration is not required to edit articles.
Wikipedia was founded in January of 2001.
 LinkedIn is a social networking site designed specifically for the business community. The
goal of the site is to allow registered members to establish and document networks of
people they know and trust professionally.
 Pinterest is a social curation website for sharing and categorizing images found online.
Pinterest requires brief descriptions but the main focus of the site is visual. Clicking on an
image will take you to the original source. For example, clicking on a picture of a pair of
shoes might redirect users to a purchasing site and an image of blueberry pancakes might
redirect to the recipe.

Information Systems

 “Information systems (IS) is the study of complementary networks of hardware and

software that people and organizations use to collect, filter, process, create, and
distribute data.
 “Information systems are combinations of hardware, software, and
telecommunications networks that people build and use to collect, create, and
distribute useful data, typically in organizational settings.

 “Information systems are interrelated components working together to collect,

process, store, and disseminate information to support decision making, coordination,
control, analysis, and visualization in an organization.

Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial intelligence (AI), in its simplest sense, refers to the ability of a computer to perform
tasks that are similar to that of human learning and decision making. The term can also refer to the
study, science, and engineering of such intelligent machines, systems, and programs.

Wireless Communication?
Communication Systems can be Wired or Wireless and the medium used for communication can
be Guided or Unguided. In Wired Communication, the medium is a physical path like Co-axial
Cables, Twisted Pair Cables and Optical Fiber Links etc. which guides the signal to propagate
from one point to other.
Such type of medium is called Guided Medium. On the other hand, Wireless Communication
doesn’t require any physical medium but propagates the signal through space. Since, space only
allows for signal transmission without any guidance, the medium used in Wireless
Communication is called Unguided Medium

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Types of Wireless communication

Satellite Communication
Satellite Communication System is an important type of Wireless Communication. Satellite
Communication Networks provide worldwide coverage independent to population density.
Satellite Communication Systems offer telecommunication (Satellite Phones), positioning and
navigation (GPS), broadcasting, internet, etc. Other wireless services like mobile, television
broadcasting and other radio systems are dependent of Satellite Communication Systems.
Mobile Telephone Communication System
Perhaps, the most commonly used wireless communication system is the Mobile Phone
Technology. The development of mobile cellular device changed the World like no other
technology. Today’s mobile phones are not limited to just making calls but are integrated with
numerous other features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, and FM Radio.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
GPS is solely a subcategory of satellite communication. GPS provides different wireless services
like navigation, positioning, location, speed etc. with the help of dedicated GPS receivers and
satellites.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is another important low range wireless communication system. It provides data, voice
and audio transmission with a transmission range of 10 meters. Almost all mobile phones, tablets
and laptops are equipped with Bluetooth devices. They can be connected to wireless Bluetooth
receivers, audio equipment, cameras etc.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
Wireless Local Area Network or WLAN (Wi-Fi) is an internet related wireless service. Using
WLAN, different devices like laptops and mobile phones can connect to an access point and
access internet.
Infrared Communication
Infrared Communication is another commonly used wireless communication in our daily lives. It
uses the infrared waves of the Electromagnetic (EM) spectrum. Infrared (IR) Communication is
used in remote controls of Televisions, cars, audio equipment etc.