Using Information Technology - Chapter 1

Knowing what computers can do and what they can't, knowing how they can benefit you and how they can harm you, and knowing when you can solve computer problems and when you have to call for help. Important: You will know how to make better buying decisions, how to fix ordinaty computer problems, how to upgrade your equipment and integrate it with new products, how to use the internet most effectively, how to protect yourself against online villains, and what kinds of computer uses can advance your career.

Technology that helps to produce, manipulate, store, communicate and/or disseminate information. Important: Information technology is bringing about the fusion of several important industries dealing with computers, telephones, televisions, and various handheld devices.

Programmable, multiuse machine that accepts data—raw facts and figures—and processes (manipulates) it into useful information, such as summaries and totals. Important: Computers greatly speed up problem solving and other tasks, increasing users' productivity.

Electromagnetic devices and systems for communicating over long distances. Important: Communications systems using electronic connections have helped to expand human communication beyond face-to-face meetings.

Using a computer or other information device, connected through a network, to access information and services from another computer or information device. Important: Online communication is widely used by businesses, services, individuals, and educational institutions.