Applications of Information Technology

Every day, people use computers in new ways. Computers and other electronic devices are becoming increasingly affordable. They continue to be more powerful as information-processing tools as well as easier to use. Humans are continually becoming Dependant on IT-enabled devices for carrying out simple tasks like remembering a phone number to complex ones like flying a fighter plane. Information Technology has applications in almost all aspects of our life. Some of the important ones are:

Science and Engineering: Scientific progress in fields like biotechnology is almost entirely dependent on the use of computers and other microprocessor-controlled devices. Using supercomputers, meteorologists predict future weather by using a combination of observations of weather conditions from many sources, a mathematical representation of the behavior of the atmosphere, and geographic data. Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programs have led to improved products in many fields, especially where designs tend to be very detailed. Computer programs make it possible for engineers to analyze designs of complex structures such as power plants and space stations.

Business & Commerce: One of the first and largest applications of computers is keeping and managing business and financial records. Most large companies keep the employment records of all their workers in large databases that are managed by computer programs. Similar programs and databases are used in business functions like billing customers; tracking payments received and payments to be made; and tracking supplies needed and items produced, stored, shipped, and sold. In fact, practically all the information companies need to do business involves the use of computers and Information Technology. Almost all the financial transactions in the world are done electronically. Newer technologies like m-commerce have enabled almost everybody to carry out routine financial transactions on the move.

On a smaller scale, many businesses have replaced cash registers with point-of-sale (POS) terminals. These POS terminals not only print a sales receipt for the customer but also send information to a computer database when each item is sold to maintain an inventory of items on hand and items to be ordered. Computers have also become very important in modern factories. Computer-controlled robots now do tasks that are hot, heavy, or hazardous. Robots are also used to do routine, repetitive tasks in which boredom or fatigue can lead to poor quality work.

With today's sophisticated hardware, software, and communications technologies, it is often difficult to classify a system as belonging uniquely to one specific application program. Organizations increasingly are consolidating their information needs into a single, integrated information system. Management Information System (MIS), with the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at its head, is a whole, new branch of enterprise management.

Education:
       The advent of Information Technology has changed the meaning of the term “literate”, with computer literacy being almost as important as basic literacy in many cases. Computer education is an essential course at the primary level in most schools across the world. With more information getting digitized every day, and the internet making it accessible to anyone across the world, students are increasingly relying on electronic sources of information rather than physical libraries for their needs. Instructional methodology has also undergone a sea change with use of images, animations, videos, presentations and e-learning to complement traditional techniques.

Governance: The concept of e-governance is one of the most novel applications of Information Technology whereby it is changing the lives of millions across the globe. Computerization of Government activities makes it easier to supervise and audit, and makes the administration more responsive to the needs of society. It also bridges the divide between the Government and the people. Technologies like touch-screen kiosks help disseminate information on land records, photo identity cards, pending bills etc. and enable even illiterate people to take more informed decisions. India is leading the world in the effective use of IT for elections.

Medicine:
           Information Technology plays an important role in medicine. For example, a scanner takes a series of pictures of the body by means of computerized axial tomography (CAT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A computer then combines the pictures to produce detailed three-dimensional images of the body's organs. In addition, the MRI produces images that show changes in body chemistry and blood flow. Most critical life support equipment are programmed to respond to changes in the patients status in split-seconds, thereby reducing the response time and risk of human error. Newer concepts like robotic surgery enable specialists to perform surgeries from remote locations. Genomic studies greatly depend on supercomputing power to develop technologies for the future.

Entertainment:
           IT has changed the lifestyle of most people. The convergence of various technologies has created various options for entertainment like games, streaming music and video, digital television broadcasts, satellite radio, animated movies etc. which can be accessed with the help of mobile phones, Pads, notebook computers or on television either with a cable connection or wireless using newer-generation WiFi, CDMA or GPRS technologies.



Information Technology plays a vital role in most of our daily activities. There is hardly anyone who has not been affected or influenced by IT. With each passing day, newer applications of IT are being developed which increase our interaction with and dependence on IT-enabled devices. Therefore, understanding this technology and using it creatively is imperative to human progress.

The Purpose of Information Technology

Today, my thought is a very cornerstone one… What is the purpose of information technology management as a profession? Obviously the information professional implements, maintains, operates, and manages an organization’s information technology (IT) systems. What is not so obvious is why those organizations use IT in the first place. I think that it is a very good idea to revaluate these fundamental reasons on a regular basis


Here are the reasons why, I believe, organizations move from manual processes to automated ones using information technology:

Reduce uncertainty. In a world where the data comes at you like a New York City fire department hydrant that has burst, we have forever progressed past the point where a human can even consider, let alone evaluate the flow. Turing data into information is now the province of the computer.

Reduce cycle time. Any process that is repetitive – building cars, painting animation cells, or drawing blueprints – can be sped up through the use of IT based automation.

Reduce the cost of creation. Seen any movie lately? All of those CG (computer generated) special effects are excellent examples of products that can be created for a fraction of the price using computers.

Improve archiving. There is a reason why the first computers were used for the US Census. If you want to permanently record anything, you will be far more effective using IT than people. Accurate record keeping is a function that we have turned over to computers.

Mining data. Closely coupled to our discussion of uncertainty reduction, above, you cannot argue that when experts spend their talent and time creating rules for computers to review data with, you can produce knowledge much more effectively. Information Technology excels at filtering huge quantities of data to create context and relevance.

Speeding up decision-making. I know that my computer chess program can play at speeds that I cannot. I am sure that it gets very bored waiting the millions of CPU cycles it must to slow down to a pace that I only lose 9 times out of ten against it.

That is it. I know of no other that is not a derivative of one of the above. I recommend that you try to use these categories to bin your IT challenges at work. If you start the conversation with the fundamental idea of specifying what you are trying to accomplish, you may just find much greater clarity and understanding occurs all around the corporate decision making table.

Office Automation

The term office automation refers to all tools and methods that are applied to office activities which make it possible to process written, visual, and sound data in a computer-aided manner.

Office automation is intended to provide elements which make it possible to simplify, improve, and automate the organization of the activities of a company or a group of people (management of administrative data, synchronization of meetings, etc.).

Considering that company organizations requires increased communication, today, office automation is no longer limited to simply capturing handwritten notes. In particular, it also includes the following activities:
exchange of information
management of administrative documents
handling of numerical data
meeting planning and management of work schedules

11 Ways to Prevent Computer Viruses

It doesn't matter if you've been on the Internet for five minutes or five years, you've probably thought about ways in which you can prevent a computer virus from entering your machine. A virus can compromise your personal information and even destroy your computer completely. Luckily, there are many low cost things you can do to protect yourself and stay one step ahead of the hackers. Here are 11 things you can do to help prevent computer viruses from invading your computer.

1. Install a reliable anti virus program
       From the first moment you turn your computer on, you should have a trusted anti virus program by your side. Even if you have a machine that isn't hooked up to the Internet, a reliable anti virus program is a low cost and common sense addition to any machine. There are even free anti virus programs you can download that work almost as well as industry giants like Norton and McAfee.

2. Install anti-spy ware and anti-malware programs
          As good as the best anti virus programs are, they sometimes need a little bit of help. Thankfully, many of the top anti-spy ware programs are completely free. Spy bot Search and Destroy and C Cleaner are just two free programs that can help prevent computer viruses from doing any damage on your machine. As helpful as these programs are, however, you must update them and run them on a regular basis for them to do any good.

3. Avoid suspicious websites
         A good virus protection program will alert you when you visit a website that attempts to install or run a program on your computer. Many less than reputable adult websites do this, so if you get a warning, don't go back, you may end up with a bug you can’t get rid of.

4. Never Open Email Attachments Without Scanning Them First
         The most common way viruses are spread throughout the Internet is still via email. Some attachments, like pictures, now display in emails and don't require an attachment to be manually opened, but other documents do. Make sure you use an email client that scans all email attachments before you are allowed to open them. This will help prevent computer viruses from getting a foothold on your machine.

5. Set up Automatic Scans
       Many of the top anti virus programs, as well as the best anti-spy ware programs, now have settings that will let them automatically run during down times or in the middle of the night. Of course, your computer must be on for this to happen, but having daily scans run when nothing else is going on is a great way to prevent even the latest computer viruses from sticking around too long.

6. Watch Your Downloads
       Part of the fun of the Internet is downloading music, movies and other items. However, since these downloads are so massive, it can be easy to sneak a virus along for the ride. Only download these files from trusted sites that you can count on, or, at the very least, scan them before you open them.

7. Updates, Updates, Updates
        There is a reason why Windows has a feature called Critical Updates. There is an entire branch of Microsoft dedicated to staying one step ahead of the hackers out there so when they manage to fix a possible security loophole, you need to download the patch right away. Help Microsoft help you prevent computer viruses from causing too much trouble.

8. Know What To Look For
       Even if you are just a casual computer user, you should have an idea of how your machine operates, what normal pop up windows look like and what popular viruses are out there, that way, when your computer begins exhibiting tell tale signs, you'll know. You can help prevent computer viruses by staying updated and educated.

9. Stay Away From Cracked Software
      It is so secret that you can download illegal, cracked versions of some programs on line. As tempting as it may be, these files are almost always infested with advanced and difficult to detect bugs. Play it safe and get your software from the source.

10. Install a Firewall
      A firewall is a program that screens incoming Internet and network traffic. Along with your virus program, it can help prevent unauthorized access to your computer.

11. Be prepared to Lock Down
       If you hear of a virus that is spreading like wildfire through the Internet, make an extra effort to be careful. Don't open any suspicious emails or accept any downloads for a week or two until your virus protection program has been updated and you are, once again, safe.

DOS

DOS stands for "Disk Operating System". It is a program, which acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware. DOS allows manipulation of files and programs by interpreting and processing the commands typed by the user.

The DOS software is automatically copied from a floppy disk or the hard drive into the computer's memory whenever the computer is turned on or booted(made a computer ready to be used by putting in its instructions). DOS is not an application package that you start and then exit when done. This is an operating system runs from the moment you turn the computer on until you turn the machine off. The major tasks the DOS must carry out are:

1. To control input and output devices.

2. To enable user to load and execute program.

3. To maintain an orderly system of data in the disk.

Anti-Virus

Computer users need to protect their computers from viruses until they are eradicated from the source and until they no longer exist. Fortunately there are solutions to safe guard your system against viruses. The first thing that you need to know is the ways in which your system may be infected. The most common ways that may infect your system are:
1. A floppy or a removable hard disk from another user may be a carrier of virus.

2. Virus may be transmitted to other computers via Network. That is your system may be infected when you link your system with another user, an online service, or the Internet.

3. Program purchased from unauthorized dealers may be the potential carrier of viruses.

A number of programs have been designed to protect software from viruses. These are called anti-virus programs. However no anti-virus programs guarantees protection against all viruses. If you suspect that a program is a carrier of virus, you can analyze the program using anti-virus program to see if it contains any know viruses. Most anti-virus programs can be used to eliminate to a virus found in a disk. Many computer users have installed these anti-virus programs on their computers. A good anti-virus program checks for infected files automatically every time you insert any kind of disk or use your modem to retrieve a file, several anti-virus programs rae available and some are even free. Some common anti-virus programs are:

1. McAfee Virus Scan

2. Norton Antivirus

3. Virex

Virus Activities

Some of the activities that a virus has been programmed to do are:
1. Copy themselves to other programs.
2. Display information on the screen.
3. Destroy data files
4. Erase an entire hard disk
5. Lie dormant for a specified time or until a given condition is met.
 Like the viruses that cause cold and diseases in humans, computer viruses do not occur naturally. A virus program may be harmless, simply producing an obscene or silly unexpectedly on the computer screen. But it may also be a very destructive and harmful. It may wipe out huge amount of data or corrupt files on the user's hard disk. Whatever is the motive behind it anger, revenge or intellectual challenge, it is clear that people creating virus do not have respect for other people's hard work.