Information Technology (IT) : IT Software and Hardware

Definition
Information Technology (IT)

Information technology (IT) is the use of any computers, storage, networking and other
physical devices, infrastructure and processes to create, process, store, manipulate, secure and
exchange all forms of electronic data.
Typically, IT is used in the context of enterprise operations as opposed to personal or

entertainment technologies. The commercial use of IT encompasses both computer
technology and telephony.
The term information technology was coined by the Harvard Business Review, in order to
make a distinction between purpose-built machines designed to perform a limited scope of
functions and general-purpose computing machines that could be programmed for various
tasks. As the IT industry evolved from the mid-20th century, it encompassed transistors and
integrated circuits -- computing capability advanced while device cost and energy
consumption fell lower, a cycle that continues today when new technologies emerge.
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,
methodologies and regulations governing the use and storage of data.
Business applications include databases like SQL Server, transactional systems such as real-
time order entry, email servers like Exchange, Web servers like Apache, customer
relationship management and enterprise resource planning systems. These applications
execute programmed instructions to manipulate, consolidate, disperse or otherwise affect data
for a business purpose.
Computer servers run business applications. Servers interact with client users and other
servers across one or more business networks. Storage is any kind of technology that holds
information as data. Information can take any form including file data, multimedia, telephony
data and Web data, data from sensors or future formats. Storage includes volatile random
access memory (RAM) as well as non-volatile tape, hard disk and solid-state flash drives.
IT architectures have evolved to include virtualization and cloud computing, where physical
resources are abstracted and pooled in different configurations to meet application
requirements. Clouds may be distributed across locations and shared with other IT users, or
contained within a corporate data center, or some combination of both deployments.
IT education and job functions
A team of administrators and other technical staffers deploy and manage the company's IT
infrastructure and assets. IT teams depend on a wide range of specialized information and
technology skills and knowledge to support equipment, applications and activities. Third-
party contractors and IT vendor support personnel augment the IT team.
The information technology profession is extremely diverse: IT workers can specialize in

fields like software development, application management, hardware -- desktop support,
server or storage administrator -- and network architecture. Many businesses seek IT
professionals with mixed or overlapping skill sets.
Common IT careers:
Chief information officer: This person is responsible for IT and computer systems that
support the enterprise's goals.
Chief technology officer: This person sets all technology goals and policies within an
organization.
IT director: This person is responsible for the function of all of the business's technology
tools and processes. This role is commonly called IT manager or IT leader.
Systems administrator: This person configures, manages, supports and troubleshoots a

multi-user computing environment. Within an enterprise, this role can be segmented by
technology, requiring an administrator or team dedicated to server, desktop, network,
virtualization or other components.
Application manager: This person's role centers on the provisioning and management of a
high-value business application, such as Exchange.
Developer: This person or team writes, updates and tests code for programs to meet business
objectives internally or facing customers.
Architect: This person examines and changes IT functions to best support the business.
What is the Difference between Information
Technology and Computer Science?
If you have an interest in computer hardware and software but you aren’t sure which career
path to choose, you probably want to learn about information technology (IT) and computer
science. These two rewarding careers each require a slightly different set of skills, and they
each appeal to a somewhat different type of person. An IT career involves installing,
organizing and maintaining computer systems as well as designing and operating networks
and databases. Computer science is focused entirely on efficiently programming computers
using mathematical algorithms.
An IT career doesn’t necessarily require a computer science (CS) degree, although a CS

degree opens certain doors that otherwise wouldn’t be available. IT professionals typically
work in a business environment installing internal networks and computer systems and
perhaps programming. Computer scientists work in a wider range of environments, ranging
from businesses to universities to video game design companies. Both of these careers have
excellent growth potential and high salaries, with software developers somewhat ahead of IT
professionals in earnings.
Computing
Definition
The process of utilizing computer technology to complete a task. Computing may involve computer
hardware and/or software, but must involve some form of a computer system. Most individuals use
some form of computing every day whether they realize it or not. Swiping a debit card, sending an
email, or using a cell phone can all be considered forms of computing. "Mason understood that his
new job at the large IT firm would require a large portion of computing projects."
What is computing
Computing is defined as the science that studies the treatment of information by automated
methods and techniques. It was in 1957 when Karl Steinbuch cited first computing word
under the concept described above.
From the earliest times, humans has invented and developed techniques to convey
information such as language, writing, sound or light signals and whistles, drums, telephone,
television... can move from generation to generation all thought and knowledge acquired
throughout history, thanks to this transfer and processing of information humans have
evolved toward technology currently available.
The main purpose of computing is automated using electronic equipment all kinds of
information, such as to avoid the repetition of arduous tasks which may mislead while
reducing the execution time thereof, can you imagine account manually without the help of
any calculator or computer program all economic transactions of a large shopping center?.
To automate the information computing is based on the realization of three basic tasks:
 Admission Information
 Processing information
 Output Information
The computer system must be provided with some means by which we bring information,
turn the computer system must be able to interpret and store this information, so that once we
request you show us by any output medium.
When we introduce a song on the computer with an external memory, the USB port of
computer would be the means of entry, then the computer saves the song on the hard disk and
a specific software (music player) treats such that transforms stored bits in music broadcast
by the speakers (output medium) of the computer.
The science of computing broken down into various branches of science such as
programming, network architecture and computers, electrical and electronics, artificial
intelligence, etc .. branches of science that allows us to develop the hardware and software
necessary and fundamental in computer science.
The area of application of computing is vast, from managing companies using spreadsheets,
inventory management systems, crm, erp, etc ... until the application for monitoring and
handling of satellites that traveled around our solar system, as well as applications for
medicine, design of structures, mathematical, physical and chemical analysis, etc...
What is Software engineering?
Software engineering is a field of engineering, for designing and writing programs for computers or
other electronic devices. A software engineer, or programmer, writes software (or changes existing
software) and compiles software using methods that make it better quality.
What is Computer Engineering?
Computer engineering is the branch of engineering that integrates electronic engineering with
computer sciences. Computer engineers design and develop computer systems and other technological
devices.

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Definition

Information Technology (IT)

Typically, IT is used in the context of enterprise operations as opposed to personal or

IT software and hardware

IT includes several layers of physical equipment (hardware), virtualization and management

IT education and job functions

The information technology profession is extremely diverse: IT workers can specialize in

Systems administrator: This person configures, manages, supports and troubleshoots a

An IT career doesn’t necessarily require a computer science (CS) degree, although a CS

What is Software engineering?

What is Computer Engineering?

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