BASIC IT CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) What is information technology? Information Technology (IT) is the use of computers, software, networking systems, and digital tools to collect, store, process, and share information. It is everywhere in modern life—from mobile phones to banks, schools, hospitals, and social media. Main Components of IT IT is built on four main pillars: 1. Hardware Physical parts of a computer that can be touched. Examples: CPU Monitor Keyboard Mouse Printer 2. Software Programs that run on a computer and tell hardware what to do. Examples: Windows Operating System Microsoft Word Google Chrome 3. Data Raw facts and figures that are processed by the computer. Example: Names, numbers, marks 4. Network A system that connects computers to share information. Example: Internet Importance of IT Fast communication (Email, WhatsApp) Online education Digital banking Business automation Entertainment platforms engin-akyurt-UL1-37M9eNQ-unsplash.jpg