Introduction to

Information Technology

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Lecture # 1

Introducing Computer Systems

Information Technology

The branch of Engineering that deals with the use of Computers and Telecommunications to retrieve, store and transmit information

Any computer based tool that people use to work with information & support the information & information processing needs of an organization

Information

Facts presented in a meaningful fashion.

Technology A set of tools that enables

us to work with information

Hardware•Input devices•Output devices•Telecommunication devices•Storage devices

Software•Application software e.g.MS-office S/W, media software, business software•System software e.g. operating system software, utility software

Personal ComputersWireless NetworksSatellitesCellular technologyvideoconferencingInternet

Information Technology

Technical definition:

“The capability to electronically input, process,

store, output, transmit, and receive data and

information, including text, graphics, sound,

and video, as well as the ability to control

machines of all kinds electronically.”

Information Technology

Technology

A set of tools that enables you to work more efficiently and effectively with information

Rationally speaking people and information are the most important resources within MIS, not Technology

Most of organizations need all three.

Understanding Your Computer

Data• The raw facts and

figures that are processed into information

Information• Data that has been summarized or

otherwise manipulated for use in decision making

The purpose of a computer is to process data into information.

What is Data?Definition-1:

“A collection of raw facts that describes a phenomenon” Examples

– Current temperature– Price of a movie rental– Your age etc.

Definition-2:“A message which source wants to communicate to the

receiver”

e.g Text, Voice, Image, movies, Music etc

What Is Information?

Definition:

It has the particular meaning within a specific context

Every surprising/new thing is information

Reduction of redundancy in data

• For example if you are trying to decide what to wear, the current temperature is information because it is logical help to your decision.

DataCollection of raw

unprocessed facts, figures, and symbols from various

sources

InformationData that is organized, meaningful, and useful

What are data and information?

Data Vs. Information

Information

Facts presented in a meaningful fashion.

Technology A set of tools that enables

us to work with information

Hardware•Input devices•Output devices•Telecommunication devices•Storage devices

Software•Application software e.g.MS-office S/W, media software, business software•System software e.g. operating system software, utility software

Personal ComputersWireless NetworksSatellitesCellular technologyvideoconferencingInternet

Information Technology

Technical definition:

“The capability to electronically input, process,

store, output, transmit, and receive data and

information, including text, graphics, sound,

and video, as well as the ability to control

machines of all kinds electronically.”

Dimension of Information

• PersonalTime:- Access to info when you need it and information that describes the time period you are considering

Location:- Access to information no matter where you are

Form:- Information in a form that is most usable and understandable and information that is free of errorse.g Audio, Text, Video, Animation, Graph, Defective products etc

Dimension of Information

• Organizational

Information Flows:- Up, Down, Horizontal, inward/outward

{(Strategies, goals, directives), (Current State of the Organization), (Relation b/w Functional unites and work teams), (Customers, Suppliers, Partners)}

What Information Describes:-

Internal (specific operational aspects)External (Surrounding environment)Objective (Something known)Subjective (Something unknown)

Benefits of IT

Benefits of IT

Speed• Computers can perform complex calculations,

recall stored information, transmit information from one location to another in a split of a second.

Consistency• A computer can perform a task the same way

every time.

Benefits of IT

Precision• Computers can detect minute differences that

people can not see.• In automobile manufacturing embedded

computer system helps precise placement of a part.

Reliability • Reliability comes with speed, consistency and

precision

What is a System?

• A system is…– A set of interrelated components– With a clearly defined boundary– Working together– To achieve a common set of objectives– By accepting inputs and producing outputs– In an organized transformation process

Basic Functions of a System

• Input– Capturing and assembling elements that enter the

system to be processed• Processing

– Transformation process that converts input into output

• Output– Transferring transformed elements to their

ultimate destination

What is an Information System?• An organized combination of…

– People– Hardware and software– Communication networks– Data resources– Policies and procedures

• This system…– Stores, retrieves, transforms, and disseminates

information in an organization

What is an Information System?

• A system that collects, processes, stores, analyzes, and disseminates information.

CollectInputs

ProcessAnd

Transform

ProduceOutputs

Store

Data

Instructions

Calculations

Reports

IS---Examples

• Online bill payment system at a bank

• A support website of a product

• Computer system used to process orders for a business

Management Information System (MIS)

Technical definition:

“MIS deals with the planning for,

development, management, and use of

information technology tools to help people

perform all tasks related to information

processing and management.”

What Makes Information Useful?

• It is accurate– Free of errors

• It is complete– Includes everything needed

• It is flexible– Can be viewed in various

ways• It is reliable

– Results are always consistent

• It is relevant– Applies to the issue under

study• It is timely

– Available when needed• It is verifiable

– Basis for results can be traced

• It is accessible– All those who need the

information can get to it• It is secure

– Free from contamination (accidental or deliberate)

What Should Business Professionals Know?

Measuring IT Success

• Efficiency– Minimize cost, time, and use of information

resources• Effectiveness

– Support business strategies– Enable business processes– Enhance organizational structure and culture– Increase customer and business value

Developing IS Solutions

Components of an IS

Where Computers Are Used:Education

• Teaching and testing aid

• Learning by doing

• Computer-based instruction

Where Computers Are Used:Retailing

• Bar codes for pricing and inventory

• Shipping

Where Computers Are Used:Energy

• Locate oil, coal, natural gas, and uranium• Monitor the power network• Meter reading

Where Computers Are Used:Agriculture

• Billing• Crop information

• Feed combinations• Livestock breeding and

performance

Where Computers Are Used:Health and Medicine

• Monitor patients

• Electronic imaging

• Diagnose illnesses

• Tele-health

Where Computers Are Used:Robotics

• Perform jobs that are dangerous for humans

• Factory work

IT In Support of Business

Credit Card, Debit Card, ATM Card

Bar Code Security Access

E-commerce

On-Line Conferences

IT In Support of Business

Operational Excellence

Within the context of efficiencyDoing things right In the least amount of time At the least expense With the fewest numbers of errors Optimizing the use of resources

Thank You