In simple words ‘IT’ means collection, storage, dissimilation and use of information. Not confined to hardware & software but acknowledgement of importance of man & the goals he sets to the technology.
The scientific technological & engineering disciplines & the management techniques used in information handling & processing their application, computer & their interpretation with man, machines and associated social, economical & cultural matters are covered in IT.
Data leads to information, information leads to knowledge, knowledge leads to wisdom, & wisdom is the key to existence of human civilizations.
Our need of accuracy & revolution towards processing of information has led us to ‘Information Revolution’.
Computers and IT tools can take humans to the peak of new millennium or destroy human civilization.
Major activities that expedited the information age:
a. In 1820’s Charles Babbage invented the ever first computer called Babbage machine. It was based on mechanical gears & discs. This was the first step of human mankind towards computer.
b. From 1890 to 1900, abundant and rapid development of electricity.
In 1928, electron movement thesis came that opened various aspects towards pristine fields. Invention of electronic equipments fueled the revolutionary scenario of IT.
c. In 1943, transistor was developed.
d. In 1948, ENIAC, the Ist computer of modern age was invented by US; it was based on Vacuum Tubes.
e. In 1958, transistors were used (Advantage: less power consumption, more accurate. Computers accommodated 100s & 1000s of transistors. Result: Computers size was as big as room).
f. ICs replaced transistors. ICs evolved during last 35 years and have now become multi tasking, sophisticated algorithm design based chips. Computers of human types are replacing ICs by neuron type chips and neural networks.
Technological aspects of IT:
Enabling Technologies: Enabling Technologies involves:-
a. Data Generation
b. Data Processing
c. Data Transportation
d. Data Storage
e. Data Retrieval
f. Data Representation
Basis of Enabling technologies:
• A Global information infrastructure: Basis is to create information channel i.e. information can move to one-another; information distribution
• A national information infrastructure & static information infrastructure as natural corollaries to JIT (Just In Time), can be developed in integrated manner.
• Information superhighways comprise of satellite links, optical fibre links, microwave networks (3G/4G networks), telephone lines, communication modes (internet modes), cellular phone stations, VSAT terminals.
• Most common hardware in the users premises is a PC with multimedia technology & associated communicator links.
• Operational & Application Software: In a nutshell, system of information to behave in certain manner is necessary.
Major Technologies evolved in the entire activity:
i) Data Processing & storage by computers. In the form of silicon based IC (integrated circuit) technology.
ii) Communication technology: Optical fibre communication resulting fibre optic link around the globe.
iii) Memory technologies – Laser disc & CD-ROM.
iv) Display technologies – LCD & digital.
ii) Communication Technology: Main thrust to it came from development of computer technology and defense requirements. One would wonder that backbone of today IT, the internet was started as small project (ARPANET) to communicate within the defense requirements in 1970s.
The basics of communication technology can be understood with the following flow diagram:
(transfer) (change)
Sound or Signal Digital ------------Digital ------------- Sound or Signal
Optical fibre technology in communication is used today so that information must not be lost even to a smaller extent. Satellite technology & internet use has been wide spread.
iii). Memory Technology: This technology is related to improvement of communication technology. This technology has been broadly divided into two parts:
(a) Toroidal memory & semiconductor memory.
(b) Laser memory devices such as CDROMS, DVD&LDROMS, MP3 systems
Concept in Hardware – Neuron Chips
{In software it can be terms as copying the solution} As human beings reach by complex analysis, researchers are heading on to develop the computer that would conclude the problems i.e. diagnosing through conclusions (in the past) in spite of lack of modern machines. (Simulation techniques).
Artificial Intelligence Software: For detection of fault in the field whether that be space research centre, automobile industries or any other field e.g. in a satellite launching vehicle if there is any functional problem, the software will itself detect it as well as find its solution.
Applications of IT: IT applications are almost ubiquitous; key coverage areas include:
i. Education & training systems
ii. E-governance
iii. Industrial sector
iv. Improvement in social interaction & it is expected that manufacturing discrimination will disappear
v. Employment to multitude of people.
