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SD CH 2

Chapter 2 discusses Information Technology (IT), defining it as the use of computers for managing electronic data within business operations. It highlights various applications of IT across fields such as social networking, online businesses, and education, while also addressing its advantages like improved communication and efficiency, and disadvantages including high costs and security breaches. The chapter emphasizes the critical role of IT in modern society and various professional roles associated with it.

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3 views

SD CH 2

Chapter 2 discusses Information Technology (IT), defining it as the use of computers for managing electronic data within business operations. It highlights various applications of IT across fields such as social networking, online businesses, and education, while also addressing its advantages like improved communication and efficiency, and disadvantages including high costs and security breaches. The chapter emphasizes the critical role of IT in modern society and various professional roles associated with it.

Uploaded by

iqra43124
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CHAPTER 2

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

2.1 Introduction

• What is IT?

Information technology is the use of computers to create, process, store, retrieve, and exchange all
kinds of electronic data and information. IT is typically used within the context of business operations as
pposed to personal or entertainment technologies.

• Definition

The study or use of systems (especially computers and


telecommunications) for storing, retrieving, and sending
information.

• Different types of IT

IT can take the form of any technology that teams within an


organization use to get their work done. That includes
hardware, software, and computer systems — as well as the
infrastructure (networks, data storage, memory, etc.) needed to
maintain those systems.

Organizational structures differ depending on the needs of the


company. Common functional areas include application
development, infrastructure and network administration, user
support and productivity, security, and business operations.

• Purpose of IT?

Information technology is building communications networks


for a company, safeguarding data and information, creating and
administering databases, helping employees troubleshoot

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problems with their computers or mobile devices, or doing a


range of other work to ensure the efficiency and security of
business information.

2.2 Uses of IT in various fields


• Social Networking
This can be described as the most common and most important
use of information technology. IT has helped to bring the
society together, ensuring that strong relationships are formed
and maintained. Social media sites, such as Facebook, are a
good proof of this.

• Management of Departments

When computers were invented, the business world underwent


a tremendous transformation. Computer software is now being
used to ensure the smooth running of different departments in
organizations. These departments may include security, human
resources, among other departments.

• Ensuring Success in the Global Market

Software packages are used by businesses to get jobs done


faster and easier. This way, businesses, and industries gain a
better and quick outlook of the global markets. Information
technology is also used to manage these software packages.

• Online Businesses

The development of information technology has led to the


growth of online businesses. More customers are demanding
faster access to their purchased items. Due to this, online
business platforms have been created to help in keeping up with

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the demand and supply. A good example of such a platform is


Amazon, which uses information technology to make online
transactions with customers.

• Education System

Information technology has found applications in the modern-


day education system. Online classes are now being offered in
almost every school. Students can access these classes from
anywhere, using laptops, smartphones, or even tablets.
Information technology has indeed made learning easier.

• Online Bank Transactions

Information technology is used to ensure that online Internet


transactions are kept safe and secure. Security networks and
programs are used to enhance the safety of these transactions.
In the absence of information technology, secure online bank
transactions would be almost impossible.
• Facilitates Sending and Receiving of Money

Sending and receiving of money has now been made both


easier and faster, by information technology. Online businesses
of any field can now open websites with ease, without the need
for registering. If the business owner intends to make
transactions, they can use registered online platforms, such as
eBay and Amazon.

• Easier Access to Credit

Due to information technology, a person’s credit scores and


ratings can be found securely online. Lending and insurance
companies can, therefore, make quick credit checks on
businesses or individuals, facilitating the easier opening of
credits.

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• Helping in Decision-Making

Most businesses make use of information technology when


making decisions, sometimes even unknowingly. For instance,
IT is used in understanding important metrics, such as specific
clients with overdue accounts.

• Supporting Innovation

In the workplace environment, there will always be research


being conducted. And, without the Internet, which is an
information technology tool, research conducted would be
meaningless. IT is, therefore, very important for research and
innovation to happen.

2.3 Advantages of IT
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:

• 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.

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• 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 and
monitoring financials can be completed by the computer
programs, leaving employees free to complete other tasks.

• 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.

• 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.

2.4 Disadvantages of IT
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.

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• Expense of Implementation and Maintenance

Setup costs for implementing an information technology


system within a home or business can be very costly. Software
can 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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Importance
Each and every field needs Information technology. Without
the internet and technical system, no business, education,
agriculture work and health sector can produce an expected
outcome. Technology in today’s world is important.

• Data scientist
• Network Administrator
• System Administrator
• System analyst
• Technology Specialist
• Database administrator
• Data scientist
• Network Administrator
• System Administrator
• System analyst
• Technology Specialist
• Data scientist
• Database administrator
• IT Manager
• Support Analyst
• Database developer
• Software Development Manager
• Network engineer
• Software developer
• Technical consultant

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