Hi everyone, I'm Yoshi.
In this article, I'm going to explain "What Is Information Technology?"
We often hear the word "IT," such as "IT revolution" and "IT companies." However, when you try to explain the term "IT," it can be quite difficult. When I traced the origin of the term IT, I found IT consists of 3 definitions from some management journal.
Let’s get started!
Contents
The Origin of the Term "IT"
The term "Information Technology" was first used in an article in management journals from Harvard Business Review published in 1958.
Interestingly, it states that "IT consists of 3 components." Let's look at them one by one.
Three Definitions of IT
The following are 3 definitions of IT.
Let's explain these definitions with specific examples.
1st Definition of IT
Techniques for processing large amounts of information rapidly
The first definition of IT is "Techniques for processing large amounts of information rapidly."
For example, there will be tons of sales every day in the supermarkets.
To calculate the total amount of those sales, you only need to enter them into a spreadsheet. And with just a click of a button, you can easily view your daily sales and breakdowns on a bar graph or pie chart.
In other words, "A large amount of sales information was processed rapidly." So, you can say this is IT.
2nd Definition of IT
The application of statistical and mathematical methods to decision-making
The second definition of IT is "The application of statistical and mathematical methods to decision making."
How do you decide whether or not to take an umbrella with you when you go out? You will probably be watching the weather forecast. Now, do you know how the probability of precipitation is calculated?
It is calculated as follows.
In the case of this example, the probability of precipitation is calculated to be 80% since there were four rainy days and one sunny day in the past when the climatic data is equivalent to the present one.
And based on this 80% probability, you will decide to take an umbrella.
In other words, "We apply statistical data to the decision to take an umbrella from the weather forecast." So, you can say that it is IT that makes the decision to take an umbrella from the weather forecast.
3rd Definition of IT
The simulation of higher-order thinking through computer programs
The third and final definition of IT is "The simulation of higher-order thinking through computer programs."
The most obvious example is probably the video game. For example, a racing game such as Mario Kart can be said to simulate the behavior of a car by a computer program called a video game.
In other words, "The game console, or computer is highly simulating the movement of a car." So, you can think of this as another type of IT.
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Another example of "Simulation of higher-order thinking" might be AI:Artificial Intelligence, in which computers learn from data and create answers on behalf of humans.
Examples of IT Products
The Relationship between IT and Computers
You come across the word "Computer" or "Program" a few times in this article.
This means that "Information Technology," or devices that can
is effectively the only computer.
In fact, spreadsheets run on computers, the weather forecast is calculated by advanced computers, and game consoles are also a kind of computer.
In this way, it can be read as "Information Technology is the technology associated with computers."
IT Products around You
When you hear the word "computer," you may think of personal computers. However, the following products, for example, are also equipped with computers.
Small computers, called Microcomputers, are also included in household appliances such as microwave ovens and rice cookers used in our daily lives. Besides, cars, airplanes, and other vehicles also have multiple computers embedded in them, which control the vehicles precisely.
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As you can see, IT is an essential part of our lives today, and it is a technology that we all benefit from at some point or another. In other words, IT is so important and in very high demand. In fact, IT engineers such as programmers are in increasing demand.
IT vs ICT/IoT
Finally, I'll explain the meaning of the words "ICT" and "IoT", which are similar to "IT", and how they differ from "IT".
What Is ICT
The word "ICT" stands for Information Communication Technology. It is used almost synonymously with IT, emphasizing "communication" rather than IT.
For example, to exchange messages with friends and get the latest weather forecast on your phone, you need to connect to the Internet. In this way, it is inevitable that computers communicate with the outside world today. Therefore, the term "ICT" is used to emphasize this "communication".
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I think we hear the word "ICT" less often than "IT". In fact, we rarely call an "IT company" an "ICT company".
What Is IoT
The term "IoT" stands for the Internet of Things. The term expresses the idea of connecting not only IT products such as home appliances, which have never been connected to the Internet before, but also all things to the Internet.
For example, in agriculture, sensors capable of measuring temperature, humidity, and sunshine hours can be connected to the Internet to collect this information as needed, which is useful for growing high-quality crops. In addition, home appliances can be remotely controlled by connecting to the Internet.
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These days, I've come to see products that are compatible with "Google Home" and "Apple HomeKit", which allows you to control your appliances from your phone.
Summary
Finally, I'll summarize the contents of this article by looking back. I've been explaining the term “IT" which is often-heard but the definition is not well known.
"Information Technology" is a technology that consists of the following three elements
Also, "Information Technology" is
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Thank you for reading the article so far. In this blog, I will try to explain "Information Technology" in a way that is easy for beginners to understand.
Talk to you later!