C182 - Introduction to IT STUDY GUIDE NOTES
Unit 2
Module 1 - Introduction to Information Technology
The Big Picture of Information Technology
- Define information technology (IT)
- Explain the purpose of an IT department in an organization.
- Define system.
Internal operations of any organization are supported by and dependent on IT.
IT extends beyond physical borders, and shapes the way customers interact with and feel
about the company -- as well as how vendors procure goods and services.
IT consists of hardware, software
and users of technology.
These components are further
divided into categories, which
altogether support an organization.
The efforts of the IT system are
directed to supporting and
improving aspects of business.
Networking encompases all of the
core components of hardware,
software, and users.
- Define information technology:
- IT consists of hardware, software, and users of technology, encompassed by
networking. It is a combination of subsystems which help support and improve
particular aspects of a business.
- Define the purpose of an IT department in an organization:
- An IT department furthers the visions and goals of an organization by
supporting and improving aspects of an organization. This includes
communication, sharing of resources, integrating departments, managing and
securing information, and ensuring ethical practices.
- Define system:
- A system is a combination of independent parts, working together to
accomplish a goal.
,Module 2 - IT as a Discipline
- Identify major IT roles and functions.
- Define information technology (IT)
What is Information Technology?
IT is a term used to describe several aspects:
- gathering and processing data (but not necessarily the analysis of data)
- disseminating information using technology
- the technology itself,
- the collection of people who are in charge of maintaining IT infrastructure.
Generally, we will consider IT to be the technology used in creating, maintaining, and making
information accessible. In other words, IT combines people with computing resources,
software, data, and networks.
Roles of Information Technology Professionals
- Identify major IT roles and functions
Administration
An administrator is in charge of some portion of IT infrastructure.
System Administrator
The most common role in IT. System administration is the process of maintaining the operating
system of a computer system. Includes an understanding of software, hardware, and
programming.
Software:
- installing software, making it available, making it run efficiently
- troubleshooting problems
- configure software appropriately, create accounts, manage passwords
- safeguard from outside attacks
Hardware:
- installing and troubleshooting hardware
- repairing components and laying network cable
- installing device drivers
Programming:
- writing shell scripts (programs run by Unix command line interpreter)
- identify configuration files and edit to tailor how components work
, Network Administrator
In charge of all aspects of the computer network. Duties include laying down cable, making
connections, working with routers and switches, configure machines to be able to communicate.
May need to edit configuration files, install network software, and troubleshoot the network.
Database Administrator
Focus on the design, development, and support of database management systems. Tasks
include installation, maintenance, performance analysis, and troubleshooting, using specific
applications associated with DBMSs. May be involved in integrating data from old systems to
new ones, and securing databases for remote access.
Security Administrator
Must stay informed on different types of attacks, including denial of service attacks on web
servers, IP spoofing, buffer overflows, etc. Responsible for installing, configuring, administering
appropriate firewall security to protect systems from intrusion.
Web Administrator
Also known as a webmaster. Maintains websites; installs, configures maintains, secures, and
troubleshoots the web server.
Support
IT personnel provide support, either by training or by help desk support. The IT person is
responsible for teaching new and current users how to use the infrastructure (training).
Because training occurs only as needed, most support comes in the form of a help desk. This
requires someone available to respond to problems at random times.
Unit 2
Module 1 - Introduction to Information Technology
The Big Picture of Information Technology
- Define information technology (IT)
- Explain the purpose of an IT department in an organization.
- Define system.
Internal operations of any organization are supported by and dependent on IT.
IT extends beyond physical borders, and shapes the way customers interact with and feel
about the company -- as well as how vendors procure goods and services.
IT consists of hardware, software
and users of technology.
These components are further
divided into categories, which
altogether support an organization.
The efforts of the IT system are
directed to supporting and
improving aspects of business.
Networking encompases all of the
core components of hardware,
software, and users.
- Define information technology:
- IT consists of hardware, software, and users of technology, encompassed by
networking. It is a combination of subsystems which help support and improve
particular aspects of a business.
- Define the purpose of an IT department in an organization:
- An IT department furthers the visions and goals of an organization by
supporting and improving aspects of an organization. This includes
communication, sharing of resources, integrating departments, managing and
securing information, and ensuring ethical practices.
- Define system:
- A system is a combination of independent parts, working together to
accomplish a goal.
,Module 2 - IT as a Discipline
- Identify major IT roles and functions.
- Define information technology (IT)
What is Information Technology?
IT is a term used to describe several aspects:
- gathering and processing data (but not necessarily the analysis of data)
- disseminating information using technology
- the technology itself,
- the collection of people who are in charge of maintaining IT infrastructure.
Generally, we will consider IT to be the technology used in creating, maintaining, and making
information accessible. In other words, IT combines people with computing resources,
software, data, and networks.
Roles of Information Technology Professionals
- Identify major IT roles and functions
Administration
An administrator is in charge of some portion of IT infrastructure.
System Administrator
The most common role in IT. System administration is the process of maintaining the operating
system of a computer system. Includes an understanding of software, hardware, and
programming.
Software:
- installing software, making it available, making it run efficiently
- troubleshooting problems
- configure software appropriately, create accounts, manage passwords
- safeguard from outside attacks
Hardware:
- installing and troubleshooting hardware
- repairing components and laying network cable
- installing device drivers
Programming:
- writing shell scripts (programs run by Unix command line interpreter)
- identify configuration files and edit to tailor how components work
, Network Administrator
In charge of all aspects of the computer network. Duties include laying down cable, making
connections, working with routers and switches, configure machines to be able to communicate.
May need to edit configuration files, install network software, and troubleshoot the network.
Database Administrator
Focus on the design, development, and support of database management systems. Tasks
include installation, maintenance, performance analysis, and troubleshooting, using specific
applications associated with DBMSs. May be involved in integrating data from old systems to
new ones, and securing databases for remote access.
Security Administrator
Must stay informed on different types of attacks, including denial of service attacks on web
servers, IP spoofing, buffer overflows, etc. Responsible for installing, configuring, administering
appropriate firewall security to protect systems from intrusion.
Web Administrator
Also known as a webmaster. Maintains websites; installs, configures maintains, secures, and
troubleshoots the web server.
Support
IT personnel provide support, either by training or by help desk support. The IT person is
responsible for teaching new and current users how to use the infrastructure (training).
Because training occurs only as needed, most support comes in the form of a help desk. This
requires someone available to respond to problems at random times.
