An Overview of Information Technology

Aakriti Sood Karishma Dadoo

Kunal AgrawalShelly TageSwati Goyal

Introduction• Information Technology deals with the use of

electronic computers and computer software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit and securely retrieve information.

• Today IT encompasses various functions which include:

Data ManagementNetworkingEngineering Computer HardwareSoftware designing

.

. ( and the list goes on)

Backbone of IT: The Computers

• A computer is a machine that manipulates data according to a set of instructions.

• The two principal characteristics of a computer are: 1. It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well- defined manner.2. It can execute a prerecorded list of instructions.

• On a broad scale a computer has two parts:HardwareSoftware

Computer Hardware• It comprises of all the physical components that

makes up a computer.

Hardware

Input Unit

Processing Unit

Output Unit

Hardware Components

Input DevicesCPU, ALU, CU

MEMORY Output devices

Secondary Storage

Input Unit• Consists of components through which we enter

the raw data in the computer.

• Includes keyboard, scanner, webcam, optical pen, microphone etc.

Processing Unit

• Is responsible for the processing of the data entered by the input devices.

• Consists of Arithmetic Logical Unit, control unit & the main memory.

Output Unit• Consists of devices which are used to

communicate the results of data processing carried out by the processing unit to the outside world.

Computer Software

• Computer software, or just software is a general term used to describe the role that computer programs, procedures and documentation play in a computer system.

• Types of Software:

Application Software

Application Software

Used to perform specific functions

Used in accounting, control and engineering design

E.g. ERPEnterprise Resource planning

System Software

System Software

Consists of programs, languages and documents.

Allow user to communicate with computer.

Includes combination of following:Device drivers, OS, windowing systems, servers

Utility Software

Utility Software

Borderline case between system and application software

Used as a specific tool or for developing a package.

E.g. Antivirus software

Managing Data: Database

• Database in short implies Management of data.

• Technically, A database is an integrated collection of logically related records or files which

consolidates records into a common pool of data records that provides data for many applications.

• A database is a collection of information that is organized so that it can easily be accessed, managed, and updated.

Database Management System

• Database Management System (DBMS) is a set of computer programs that controls the creation, maintenance and the use of the database of an organization and its end users.

• It allows organizations to place control of organization-wide database development in the hands of database administrators (DBAs) and other specialists.

• E.g. Oracle 8i, 9i,• MS Access,• IBM DB2

Operating System

• An operating system (commonly abbreviated as either OS or O/S) is an interface between hardware and user.

• An OS is responsible for the management and coordination of activities and the sharing of the resources of the computer.

• Major Operating systems:

Microsoft Windows Red Hat Linux

Mac OS

Operating System: An Example

Mac OS

Connecting Computers: Networks

• A computer network is a group of interconnected computers.• A computer network allows computers to communicate with

each other and to share resources and information.

Types of Networks

• On a broad scale Networks are classified into three Types:

Local Area Network - LAN

• Network confined to relatively smaller area E.g. School building.• In a typical configuration one computer is designated as a file

server which stores all information which can be shared by the computers attached to it.

Metropolitan Area Network - MAN

• It covers larger geographical areas such as cities, schools, districts by interconnecting smaller networks within a large geographical areas

• Generally used by local libraries and government agencies.

Wide Area Network - WAN

• It connects larger geographical area throughout the world.• Trans- oceanic cabling and satellite uplinks may be used to

connect this type of network

Enterprise Resource planning• Enterprise Resource Planning or ERP is a way to

integrate the data and processes of an organization into one single system.

• In order to achieve integration, most ERP systems use a unified database to store data for various functions found throughout the organization.

• Ideal ERP System

Advantages of ERP

• A totally integrated system.• The ability to streamline different processes and workflows.• The ability to easily share data across various departments in an

organization.• Improved efficiency and productivity levels.• Better tracking and forecasting.• Lower costs.• Improved customer service.

Disadvantages of ERP

• Customization in many situations is limited.• The need to reengineer business processes.• ERP systems can be cost prohibitive to install and run.• Technical support can be shoddy.• ERP's may be too rigid for specific organizations that are either

new or want to move in a new direction in the near future.

Thank You