Information Technology

IT refers to the machines that store, process and transmit information.

Hardware is the computer and other physical items that work with the computer
Software is the instructions that make the hardware work.
i. Operating system e.g. windows, linus
ii. Word processor e.g. MS Word
iii. Spreadsheet e.g. Excel
iv. Database e.g Access
v. Graphics e.g. Paint
vi. Presentation e.g Powerpoint
vii. CAD/CAM, computer aided design or manufacture

Input devices used to give information and instructions to the computer

1. keyboard
2. scanner/barcode scanner
3. mouse
4. modem
Output devices these give the information to the user
1. monitor
2. printer
3. modem

Processing done in the brain of the computer, the CPU central processing unit.
Processors are measured in Gigahertz (GHz).

Storage memory is measured in Megabytes (Mb), Gigabytes (Gb) or Terabytes (Tb)

1000Mb = 1Gb, 1000Gb = 1Tb
There are two types of memory
ROM Read Only Memory, this is the basic instructions to start up the computer and
can not be changed
RAM Random Access Memory, this is the working memory of the computer and is
lost when the computer is turned off if its not saved

Uses of IT @ home
Using any software e.g spreadsheets for budgeting, word processing for letters
Internet for email and shopping
Games
Automated machines e.g. washing machines, TV/DVD

Uses of IT in Business
Using any software e.g spreadsheets, word processing
Stocktaking
Email, communications
Internet, web pages, e-commerce
CAD/CAM
Video Conferencing
Payroll