LIVING IN THE IT ERA

The quickening pace of evolution in technology is very evident in this era. It

seems that it is progressing faster than ever. From year to year, the evolution
of technology is one of staggering promise and opportunity--as well as
uncertainty. Basically, technology has been around before, and as long as
there are people, information technology will be there also because there
were always ways of communicating through technology available at that
point in time. The future may be unknown, but digital advancement
continues to reshape our world in ways that encourage people to form new
habits, find new ways to work together, and become better human beings.
And, in most cases, these changes translate into a range of opportunities and
disruptions across every industry. Humans have always been quick to adapt
technologies for better and faster communication.

This course explains how the influence of Information Technology defines the way
we live today. Identify the different discoveries and inventions on computers that
help mold Information Technology as we know it.
The students of this course will be acquainted with the history of computers and
information technology. They must be able to define the different pros and cons in
living in IT Era, familiarize the new trends and upcoming technologies, and
construct the possible future of information technology.

The benefits of technology are all around us and can be seen in every thing from
electricity to global communications. Our cars and cell phones have navigation
systems to ensure that we do not get lost. We can pay our bill sat the touch of a
button on the internet. Our cellphones have evolved into tiny little computers in
our pockets. We can now communicate with anyone, anywhere in the world at
anytime not only by telephone, but also by video conference, instant messenger
and email. With faster internet connections being introduced on a daily basis it
seems like the only limit to what technology can do is our own imagination. All of
these innovations have one goal in mind to make our lives easier!

Information technology (IT) is the use of any computers, storage, networking and
other physical devices, infrastructure and processes to create, process, store, secure
and exchange all forms of electronic data.
IT Software and Hardware
IT includes several layers of physical equipment(hardware), virtualization and
management or automation tools, operating systems and
applications(software) used to perform essential functions. User devices,
peripherals and software, such as laptops, smartphones or even recording
equipment,
can be included in the IT domain. IT can also refer to the architectures, methodolo
gies and regulationsgoverning the use and storage of data.

Importance of Information Technology

We are living in the information age and are constantly inundated from every area
within our lives with information technology. It is now a part of our everyday lives
and has greatly impacted society. We use information technology to do school
work, research for work, recreation and almost anything else that can be imagined.
Family and friends are able to stay connected through internet applications and
smart devices.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Information Technology

Advantages of Information Technology

Information technology is a huge advantage to businesses by allowing
organizations to be more efficient and to maximize productivity. It allows for faster
communication, protection of company records and electronic storage. Every work
environment is now dependent on computers and information technology. Other
advantages of information technology include:

1. Protecting and Storing Information

Electronic storage systems are being created to hold the information that is being
shared over the internet and internal intranets. Secure maintenance of customer
and company files is vital to the integrity of the company. Virtual vaults keep
information safe by limiting access to a select few. Security systems are put in
place to protect your electronic information and keep it from being wiped out or
damaged during a system breakdown. Hackers are also kept at bay with intense
securities.

2. Automated Processes
The ability to find ways to complete more work in a shorter amount of time is
essential to the success of a company. Information technology improves a company’s
efficiency by implementing
automated processes to make employees more capable of handling a larger work load
. Reports, queries andmonitoring financials can be completed by the computer
programs, leaving employees free to complete other tasks.

3. Communication
Communication in every aspect of human interaction is essential. In the business
world, communication is imperative to the success of the company. Emailing,
video conferencing and chat rooms allow for easier communicating between
employees and supervisors as well as employees and clients.

4. Remote Access or Telecommuting

When a company has implemented an information technology system, many times
employees can then access the company’s network electronically. This enables
employees to work from home or while on the road. This gives the employees
more flexibility and they are more productive because they can still work when not
in the office.

Disadvantages of Information Technology

Information technology has changed the world around us. Communication is done
much faster and global trade is becoming a simplified process. Although the
benefits of information technology make it seem ideal, there are also some
disadvantages of information tech that are listed below.

1. Expense of Implementation and Maintenance

Setup costs for implementing an information technology system within a home or
business can be very costly. Software training can also take another big bite out of
the budget. Information technology systems, just like any other equipment, need to
be maintained and repaired from time to time. But there are also updating and
upgrading costs associated with IT systems.
2. Elimination of Jobs
By implementing IT systems into a company, tasks take less time and therefore,
employees have more time throughout the day. Paperwork is processed and filed
immediately, reports are generated with the touch of a button and financial
statements are generated automatically. Companies are finding that they can
combine jobs and need a smaller staff to operate fully

3. Breaches in Security
When information is stored electronically, there are more chances of
having security breaches. Hackers are evolving along with technology and they are
never up to any good. Security systems that were state-of-the-art last year are now
out-of-date and in desperate need of upgrading. To protect company data, a
security specialist should be kept on staff.

While information technology is quickly becoming something that we cannot live

without, there are many aspects that keep us on our toes. Trying to stay current on
the changes and be able to afford the upgrades can make a person feel helpless and
confused. But when we understand the different aspects of information technology,
then we can accomplish so much more than without it.

Evolution of Information and Communication Technology

Communication has improved and evolved to facilitate our daily activities. In the
21st century,
everything related to communication utilizes technology to ‘send out’ or
disseminate information toa wider audience. Information can be ‘sent out’ in many
ways. The inventions of cellular phones, television and other electronic devices are
important in enhancing communication.

What is Information and Communication Technology (ICT)?

ICT is the technology required for information processing, in particular, the use of
electronic computers, communication devices and software applications to convert,
store, protect, process, transmit and retrieve information from anywhere, anytime.
Information
Information refers to the knowledge obtained from reading, investigation, study or
research.

The tools to transmit information are the telephone, television and radio.

We need information to make decisions and to predict the future. For example,
scientists can detect the formation of a tsunami using the latest technology and
warn the public to avoid disasters in the affected areas.

Information is knowledge and helps us to fulfill our daily tasks. For example,
forecasting the stock exchange market.

Communication
Communication is an act of transmitting messages. It is a process whereby
information is exchanged between individuals using symbols, signs or
verbal interactions. Previously, people communicated through sign or symbols,
performing drama and poetry. With the advent of technology, these ‘older’ forms
of communication are less utilized as compared to the use of the Internet, e-mail or
video conferencing.

Communication is important in order to gain knowledge. With knowledge, we are

more confident in expressing our thoughts and ideas.

Technology
Technology is the use of scientific knowledge, experience and resources to create
processes and products that fulfill human needs. Technology is vital in
communication.

Aiding Communication
Telephone and fax machines are the devices used in extending communication.

Spreading Information
To broadcast information such as news or weather reports effectively. Radio,
television, satellites and the World Wide Web (www) are powerful tools that can
be used.

Technology Timeline

Technology Year
 In 3500 BC, the Sumerians developed
cuneiform writing.

In 1500 BC, the Phoenicians developed

the alphabet

In 105 BC, Tsai Lun of China

invented paper.

In 1454, the first printing began with

the creation of a printing machine.

In 1793, the telegraph line was

invented.

In 1876, the first telephone was

introduced.
In 1925, television was made known
to public.

In 1941, the computer was created.

In 1958, the photocopier machine was

introduced.

In 1963, the communication

satellite was introduced.

In 1969, the first Internet known as

ARPANET was introduced.