What is ICT

ICT is an acronym that stands for Information and communication technology. However, apart from explaining an acronym, there is not a universally accepted definition of ICT. Why? Because the concepts, methods and applications involved in ICT are constantly evolving on an almost daily basis. It's difficult to keep up with the changes- they happen fast.

Lets focus on three words behind ICT:

INFORMATION refers to the organised computer generated data. Meaninful material derived from computer data by organising it and interpreting it in a specific form.

COMMUNICATION refers to the exchange of data by electronic means, usually over some distance. This is often achieved via networks of sending and receiving equipment, wires and satellite links, WiFi, etc.

TECHNOLOGY is the application of tools and methods of processing, developing information. It is a methodology that applies technical knowledge of tools, equipments and systems to produce information.

A good way to thing about ICT is to consider all uses of digital technology that already exist to help individuals, businesses and organizations use information.

ICT covers any product that stores, retrieves, manipulate, transmits or receive information electronically in a digital form. For example, personal computers, digital television, emails, robots, cell phones, PDA's etc.


So ICT is concerned with the storage, retrieval, manipulation, transmission or reception of digital data. Importantly, it is also concerned with the way these different uses can work with each other in business, ICT is often categorised in two broad types of product.

i. The traditional computer-based technologies (things you can typically do on a personal computer or using computer at home at work or school); and

ii. The more recent and fast-growing range of digital communication technologies(which allow people and organisations to communicate and share information digitally).

Let's take a brief look at these two categories to demostrate the kinds of products and ideas that are covered by ICT.

Traditional Computer Based Technologies.
These types of ICT include;

APPLICATION/USE.
Standard Office Applications-Main Examples.
World processing: E.g. Microsoft Word: write letters, reports etc
Spreadsheets: E.g Microsoft Excel: analyze financial information: calculations; create forecasting models etc.

Database software: E.g Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Acess; Managing data in many forms, from basic list (e.g. Customer contacts through the complex material (e.g. Catalogue).

Presentation software: E.g. Microsoft Powerpoint; make presentation, either directly using a computer screen or data projector. Publish in digital format via email or over the internet.

Desktop publishing: E.g. Adobe indesign, Quark Express, Microsoft Publisher; produce newsletters, magazines and other complex documents.

Graphics software: E.g. CorelDraw, Adobe Photoshop and illustrator; Macromedia Freehand and Fireworks; create and edit images such as logos, drawings or pictures for use in websites or other publications.

SPECIALIST APPLICATIONS-EXAMPLES.

Accounting package; E.g. Peachtree, Oracle, Quicknote; Manage an organization's accounts including ranging from basic packages suitable for small business through to sophisticated ones aimed at multinatioal companies.

Computer Aided Design: Computer Aided Design (CAD) is the use of computer to assist the design process. Specialized CAD programs exist for many types of design: ArchiCad for architectural, engineering, AutoCad for mechanical, electronic & other engineering disciplines.

The technologies involved in communication tend to be complex. However, there are aspects of digital communications that you need to be aware of. There relate primarily to the types of network and the way of connecting to the internet. Let's look at there two briefly.

INTERNET NETWORKS
Usually referred to as a Local Network (LAN), this involves linking a number of hardware items (input and output devices plus computer processing) together witho an office or building.

The aim of a LAN is to be able to share hardware facilities such as printers or scanners, software applications and data. This type of network is invaluable in the office environment where colleagues need to have access to common data or programs.


EXTERNAL NETWORKS
Often you need to communicate with someone outside your internal network; in this case you will need to be part of a Wife Area Network (WAN). The internet is the ultimate WAN- it is a vast network of networks.