Brief introduction to Information Technology and its uses

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

When man passed each age from the Stone Age, he has had an increasing urge to get more information. Likewise he wanted information to take decisions, to plan, to predict and to perform many other activities.

From the Stone Age, man created tools for fulfilling his day-to-day need. For that he used appropriate technology.in the information age, man wanted to have technology for various purposes such as creating, managing, communicating and using information.

Information and communication technology (ICT) can be defined as a technology that was created to fulfil all the above needs.

Use of Information and Communication Technology in Various sectors

At present computer is a common device that can be seen everywhere. Since computer related information and communication technology has become an essential part of man's day-to-day life, let us examine how information and communication technology can be used for daily activities.

EDUCATION SECTOR

Today, computer has become one of the most important equipment used in the field of education.one special feature here is the ability to use the educational programs repetitively in the classroom.

It should be mentioned that nowadays most of the subjects taught from primary to secondary education are computerized and in particular such lessons are made using multimedia technology.

The traditional learning process that operated in a classroom between teacher and pupils has of late developed up to the distance education mode. Under this system the teacher stayed in one place and provided his notes and instructions and the pupils learnt the lessons required staying in a place convenient to them. There was no need for the teacher to meet the pupils. Very often distance education took place via the post or telephone. With the development of information technology distance education has become very popular. Although only a few pupils can be served in the classroom, it has to be mentioned that a large number of student can learn at once through e-education, which is imparted using multimedia technology.

HEALTH SECTOR

Health sector is another field where computers are widely used.

 Various kinds of analytical machines such as CT scanners, MRI scanners, ECG, EEG machines that are used today for special tests have become indispensable in hospitals. Computers are used to operate such equipment. We can diagnose diseases accurately and effectively using computer based accessories and the health sector can provide a more qualitative and effective service using such machinery. The role of computer in the health sector is extended today not only for e channelling the specialist doctors but also to carryout remote surgeries.

BANK AND FINANCIAL SECTOR

Computer and communication technology are widely used today in the financial sector too. Especially as banks and financial institutions are connected to their main branch through computer networks, it is now possible to carry out one's financial activities successfully from any branch.as various bank services are accessible to one another through automatic teller machines (ATMs) a customer of any bank can get his work done easily through teller machines.

Further, banks have provided various facilities for their customers to carry out their banking activities without going to bank or their particular branch. ”Telebanking’’ and ''phone banking'' services can be used as examples for that.as a result, now we can transfer money among our own accounts or to others account and many other services such as the payment of bills on selected services can be performed from home through the computer.

Now it is even possible to do transactions with international financial institutions through the Internet facility.

COMMUNICATION SECTOR

Computer technology and communication technology are inter-related technologies. Internet has reduced distance countries and nationalities through the concept of 'Global Village’. Further, the mobile phone has become a common equipment tody used by everyone so we can contact anyone easily.

Computers are widely used in mass media institutions such as radio and television. The computer is an indispensable instrument in printing industry. The books and newspapers, which were completed in a few weeks in the recent past, can now be completed within few days. The computer has become a popular component for creating most of the radio and television programmes today.

TRANSPORTATION SECTOR

Institution such as Department of Immigration and Emigration, Department of Registration of Motor Vehicles, Department for Issuing of Driving Licenses has resorted to the use of computers for their activities now.

At present computers has become essential equipment in air travel activities. Today, computers are used widely for air traffic control, electronic ticketing and reservations of seats etc.

CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

Computers have enabled use to construct strong buildings with better looks. Computers are used from the stage of designing the structure of the buildings till we get the final outlook.

Production of environment friendly building construction materials using computers is common today. Completion of construction with a low cost is another benefit we can have by using the computers in this sector.

Further, computers are used for town planning as well. Today, use of computers has made it easy to design well planned, environment friendly cities.

SECURITY AND DEFENCE SECTOR

The rate of the usage of information communication technology is high in the field of defence. Computers are used today to perform very complex and risky task such as the handling of missiles and handling of nuclear of power stations.

It is impossible even to think of an environment without computers where gathering and analysing of intelligence information could place.