Information Technology (IT)

Concepts of Information Technology (IT)

Concepts of Information Technology (IT) requires the candidate to have an understanding
of some of the main concepts of IT at a general level. The candidate is required to understand the
make-up of a personal computer in terms of hardware and software and to understand some of the
concepts of Information Technology (IT) such as data storage and memory. The candidate shall also
understand how information networks are used within computing and be aware of the uses of
computer-based software applications in everyday life. The candidate shall appreciate health and
safety issues as well as some environmental factors involved in using computers. The candidate
shall be aware of some of the important security and legal issues associated with using computers.

                                         Introduction

In 1950 there were two computers in the world. Today there are millions. The introduction of the computer into general social use has had major effects for how work is organized, not only on the workers who are expected to use the computers but also for workers who have no access to
computers.

              The introduction of computers, and especially computer communications, has promoted globalization (the interconnecting of economies around the world) and so all workers are affected -
even if they do not use a computer. In order to influence and better understand globalization working people need to digitally develop their organizations. This is sometimes known as 'bridging the digital divide'.

             To begin digitally developing our organizations, however, we need to develop a better understanding of computer technology. The following module covers the basics of Information

Technology, including:

• General Concepts

• Hardware and Softwares

• Information Networks

• IT in Everyday Life

• The Electronic World

• Health and Safety

• The Environment

• Security Issues

• Copyright and the Law