Introduction: Understanding

Information Technology

Chapter 1,
Exploring the Digital Domain
 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
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
 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
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
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