Introduction: Understanding Information Technology

1. Introduction: Understanding Information Technology Chapter 1, Exploring the Digital Domain

2. In this chapter . . . You will learn about • the importance of information for most enterprises • understanding the roles of information technology in shaping how we manage and preserve information • how digital information technology subsumes and merges other information technologies • how digital information technology affects our lives, our work, and our world

3. The Nature of Information • information implies • facts • knowledge • significance and meaning • Shannon and Weaver described information as • what is beyond chance prediction • it reduces our uncertainty about predicting states of the world

4. Information Technology • technologies are artificial instruments, processes or systems that extend our natural capabilities • e.g.s: the wheel, agriculture, electric light bulb • Information technologies extend natural forms of representing and communicating information to incorporate artificial and external forms • e.g.s: writing, the printing press, telephone

5. Digital Information Technology • employs digital methods for the representation, processing, and communication of information • represents a new breed of information technology • it has the capability to imitate, extend, and subsume other technologies

6. 3 Classes of Information Users • information consumers • individuals who need or benefit from information services for both work or leisure • information producers • vendors, distributors of information services • information workers • professions that depend on the analysis, assessment, and use of specific forms of information