17.1 Components of Information Technology
(IT)
SLO 17.1.1: Describe information technology (IT) and the
components of information technology (hardware, software,
data, procedure, and people).
PART 1: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(IT)
🔹 What is Information Technology (IT)?
Information Technology (IT) is the use of computers and communication systems to collect,
process, store, retrieve, and transmit information.
Conceptual Meaning:
IT is not just about computers.
It is a complete system that manages information from beginning to end.
Think in process form:
Raw Data → Processing → Information → Storage → Communication → Decision Making
IT makes information:
Fast
Accurate
Easily accessible
Shareable worldwide
Secure
🔹 Why IT is Important?
, 1. Saves time
2. Reduces human error
3. Increases efficiency
4. Improves communication
5. Helps in decision making
AKUEB Conceptual Angle:
If a question describes a situation involving processing and communication of information using
technology → It refers to IT.
PART 2: COMPONENTS OF
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Information Technology has five essential components:
1. Hardware
2. Software
3. Data
4. Procedures
5. People
These five work together. If one is missing, the system becomes incomplete.
1⃣ Hardware
Definition:
Hardware is the physical parts of a computer system that can be seen and touched.
Examples:
Keyboard
Mouse
Monitor
Printer
CPU
Hard disk
,Conceptual Understanding:
Hardware performs four main functions:
1. Input (keyboard, mouse)
2. Processing (CPU)
3. Output (monitor, printer)
4. Storage (hard disk)
Important Concept:
Hardware without software is useless.
It is like a body without a brain.
AKUEB MCQ Logic:
If question says:
“Which component is tangible?”
Answer → Hardware
2⃣ Software
Definition:
Software is a set of instructions or programs that tell hardware what to do.
Types of Software:
1. System Software
Controls computer
Example: Windows, Linux
2. Application Software
Performs specific tasks
Example: MS Word, Excel
3. Utility Software
Maintains system
Example: Antivirus
, Conceptual Understanding:
Software gives life to hardware.
Without software:
Computer cannot process data.
Hardware cannot function.
AKUEB Conceptual Trap:
System software manages hardware.
Application software helps users perform tasks.
3️⃣ Data
Definition:
Data are raw facts and figures that have no meaning by themselves.
Example:
85, 90, 78 → Data
After processing:
Average = 84% → Information
Key Concept:
Data becomes information after processing.
Very Important:
Data is input.
Information is output.
AKUEB MCQ Focus:
Difference between data and information.
4️⃣ Procedures
(IT)
SLO 17.1.1: Describe information technology (IT) and the
components of information technology (hardware, software,
data, procedure, and people).
PART 1: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(IT)
🔹 What is Information Technology (IT)?
Information Technology (IT) is the use of computers and communication systems to collect,
process, store, retrieve, and transmit information.
Conceptual Meaning:
IT is not just about computers.
It is a complete system that manages information from beginning to end.
Think in process form:
Raw Data → Processing → Information → Storage → Communication → Decision Making
IT makes information:
Fast
Accurate
Easily accessible
Shareable worldwide
Secure
🔹 Why IT is Important?
, 1. Saves time
2. Reduces human error
3. Increases efficiency
4. Improves communication
5. Helps in decision making
AKUEB Conceptual Angle:
If a question describes a situation involving processing and communication of information using
technology → It refers to IT.
PART 2: COMPONENTS OF
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Information Technology has five essential components:
1. Hardware
2. Software
3. Data
4. Procedures
5. People
These five work together. If one is missing, the system becomes incomplete.
1⃣ Hardware
Definition:
Hardware is the physical parts of a computer system that can be seen and touched.
Examples:
Keyboard
Mouse
Monitor
Printer
CPU
Hard disk
,Conceptual Understanding:
Hardware performs four main functions:
1. Input (keyboard, mouse)
2. Processing (CPU)
3. Output (monitor, printer)
4. Storage (hard disk)
Important Concept:
Hardware without software is useless.
It is like a body without a brain.
AKUEB MCQ Logic:
If question says:
“Which component is tangible?”
Answer → Hardware
2⃣ Software
Definition:
Software is a set of instructions or programs that tell hardware what to do.
Types of Software:
1. System Software
Controls computer
Example: Windows, Linux
2. Application Software
Performs specific tasks
Example: MS Word, Excel
3. Utility Software
Maintains system
Example: Antivirus
, Conceptual Understanding:
Software gives life to hardware.
Without software:
Computer cannot process data.
Hardware cannot function.
AKUEB Conceptual Trap:
System software manages hardware.
Application software helps users perform tasks.
3️⃣ Data
Definition:
Data are raw facts and figures that have no meaning by themselves.
Example:
85, 90, 78 → Data
After processing:
Average = 84% → Information
Key Concept:
Data becomes information after processing.
Very Important:
Data is input.
Information is output.
AKUEB MCQ Focus:
Difference between data and information.
4️⃣ Procedures
