Module 1 Notes
Module 1 Notes
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Overview of Information Technology
It is the use of computer systems or devices to access information. It is responsible for large
portions of our business operations, personal information and other daily activities. IT or
Information Technology is a term that encompasses a wide range of technologies, processes,
and systems used to manage, store, and transmit information. In today’s fast-paced,
technology-driven world, IT has become an essential component of many industries, including
healthcare, finance, education, and more.
Characteristics of IT
• It Processes millions of data at a single time.
• It globalizes the information so everyone can easily access the data.
• It has applications in almost every sector including business, education, research,
software development, e-commerce, entertainment, and communication.
• It makes the process faster, more efficient, and more accurate.
• It provides security to the data.
History of IT
1822- Charles Babbage. Implemented the concept of computer (Analytical engine)
1871- father of computer.
1945- Alan Turing, developed first electronic general-purpose computer (ENIAC).
1973-developed first personal computer (Micral N).
1989- Tim Berbers Lee developed World Wide Web (WWW).
2000- developed smart phone technology.
2010- developed AI, IOT (Internet of Things), data analytics. It also helped in the development
of IT.
Advantages of IT
1. It connected the world with information.
2. It has made access to information easy.
3. It created new job opportunities and new sectors in the market
4. It helps with online education in the meantime of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
5. It improves communication by introducing platforms like Whatsapp, Google Meet,
and Zoom.
6. It also provides a new way of entertainment, like online gaming and chatting, and
streaming.
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Disadvantages
1. There have been privacy-related issues in IT, like hacking of data, fraud scams, and
phishing.
2. Its maintenance and implementation can be expensive (initial setup cost).
3. It can lead to misinformation.
4. It can be addictive and impact one’s mental health.
5. It can lead to less social interaction.
6. It can lead to some harmful environmental issues, like the disposal of electronic waste
creates carbon emissions and air pollution.
• 1961- In this year, Leonard proposed the idea of earliest computer network
(ARPANET).
• 1965- Donald Davies implemented the concept of Packet Switching, to describe how
to send the data between computers on a network.
• 1969- Department of Défense in US developed a network called ARPANET (Advanced
Research Project Agency Network) to communicate between researchers located at
different areas. It was considered as the first computer network, in which two
computers were connected and used the packet switching concepts. ARPANET is the
first computer network.
• 1970- ARPANET was upgraded to enhance its flexibility and at that time ARPANET had
more than 100 users.
• 1971- first email was developed by Ray Tomlinson.
• 1974- Router was developed.
• 1976- Gateway (network device) was developed.
• 1978- TCP/IP protocol was developed. IPv4 (32bits)
• 1980- The National Science Foundation (NSF) started using the internet with the
name NSFNET. This increased the number of users to thousands.
• 1983- First DNS was developed.
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• 1988- Firewall technology was developed.
• 1990- The number of sites increased to a 1 Lakh.
• 1996- IPv6 (128 bits) was developed, IOT
Advantages of computer network
1. Central storage of data Files can be stored on a central node (server) that can be
shared and made available to each and every user.
2. Anyone can connect to a computer network.
3. Reliability.
4. Security through authorization.
5. It enhances fast communication
6. Availability of information.
7. It allows resource sharing (printers).
8. It allows file sharing.
Disadvantages of Network
1. It requires an expensive set-up.
2. Managing large network is complicated.
3. Lack of security.
4. Lack of robustness (main server breaks down, entire system would become useless).
5. Presence of computer viruses and malwares.
Applications of computer network
1. Resource sharing
We can share the resources like Printers, scanners, files etc. Resource sharing in a
computer network is the process of making a computer resource available to other
computers on the network. This can include a device or information that can be
accessed from another computer as if it were on the local machine.
2. Information sharing
We can share any kind of information like Files, documents etc. Information sharing in
a computer network is the process of exchanging data or information electronically
between users, systems, or organizations. It can involve the use of various networks,
platforms, or technologies
3. Communication
Email, call, message broadcast, social media these are the communication applications
in network. It is used to facilitating, communication and collaboration between
employees, customers and partners of the company. It is used to providing remote
access to business applications and data. It is used to delivering internet access, VPN
(Virtual Private Network) services and other managed network services.
4. Entertainment
Entertainment applications on computer networks are software that allow users to
access and share media content, such as videos, music, and podcasts. For
entertainment, Computers are widely used for viewing films and television shows
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online, creating Cartoon animation, playing video games, and using computer
applications for picture and video editing.
Eg: Gaming, simulation games, movie, live programs, music
5. Access to remote database
Hotel reservations, airplane booking, online newspapers, automated library these are
the examples of remote database access.
6. Home applications
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for distance learning include Google Classroom, Google Meet, Zoom, and
WhatsApp groups.
• Cloud storage- Cloud computing allows educators to store and access
learning materials, such as syllabi, assignments, and course lectures. Students
can access these materials from any device with an internet connection.
• Collaboration- Networks allow users to share files, resources, and
information, and to find answers to questions more quickly.
• Smart campuses- Smart campuses use advanced technology, especially digital
and internet-connected solutions, to improve the educational environment.
• Digital library
• Online classes
Eg: Distant learning, online classes, digital library, online publication medium
Internet
The Internet is the foremost important tool and the prominent resource that is being used by
almost every person across the globe. It connects millions of computers, webpages, websites,
and servers. Using the internet, we can send emails, photos, videos, and messages to our
loved ones. Or in other words, the Internet is a widespread interconnected network of
computers and electronic devices (that support Internet). It creates a communication medium
to share and get information online.
Client-server Model
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• Client: -When we say the word Client, it means to talk of a person or an organization
using a particular service. Similarly in the digital world, a client is a computer (Host)
i.e. capable of receiving information or using a particular service from the service
providers (Servers).
• Servers:- Similarly, when we talk about the word Servers, It means a person or medium
that serves something. Similarly in this digital world, a Server is a remote computer
that provides information (data) or access to particular services.
• So, it is the Client requesting something and the Server serving it as long as it is in the
database
ISP (Internet Service Provider)- Providing the internet service
Eg: BSNL, AIRTEL, JIO
WWW (World wide web)
The world wide web is a collection of all the web pages, and web documents that you can
see on the Internet by searching their URLs (Uniform Resource Locator) on the Internet.
The World Wide Web (web) is an information system, where documents and other web
resources are identified by URLs (Uniform Resource Locator). It is mainly used to uniquely
identify the resources on the internet.
Example for URL
1 2 3 4
[Link]
1. Protocol Identifier – which protocol is used to retrieve that web page.
2. Domain name (resource name) – host name
3. Top level domain -indicate the purpose of website
Eg: .com, .org, .in, .edu
4. Path- location of the web page.
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World Wide Web Internet
The world wide web is a subset of The Internet is the superset of the world wide
the Internet. web.
The world wide web uses HTTP. The Internet uses IP Addresses.
Wireless Technology
It refers to the transmission of data without physical connections. It takes place over RF (Radio
Frequency), where one device (transmitter) sends a signal to another device (receiver). It uses
radio waves instead of cables to connect devices.
Some wireless technologies are:-
1. Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)
• Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a wireless networking technology that allows devices
like smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, and IoT devices to connect to the
internet or communicate with one another using radio waves.
• Mainly used in homes, offices, public places etc.
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• Speed: Speed depends on the standard, network configuration, and
interference. Speed is up to 11Mbps- 100Mbps
• Security: Supports encryption protocols like WPA3 (latest), WPA2 for secure
communication. WPA3 enhances protection against unauthorized access and
eavesdropping.
• Wireless Router: Connects to the internet via a modem and distributes the
signal wirelessly.
• Access Point (AP): Used to extend coverage or connect multiple devices in
larger setups.
• Wi-Fi-Enabled Devices: Smartphones, laptops, tablets, smart home devices,
etc.
2. Wi- MAX (World Wide Interoperability for Microwave Access)
• WiMAX is a wireless communication technology designed to provide high-
speed broadband internet access over a wide area.
• Based on the IEEE 802.16 standard
• it is often seen as a complement or alternative to Wi-Fi.
• Provides wireless data over long distances
• Designed to provide high speed connectivity
• Larger coverage area than Wi-Fi
• Coverage: Provides coverage over a large area, up to 30 miles (50 km) for fixed
stations and 3–10 miles (5–15 km) for mobile stations.
• Speeds: speed up to 70 Mbps (under optimal conditions).
• Flexible Deployment: supports both fixed (e.g., home or business connections)
and mobile (e.g., on-the-go) internet access.
• Wi- MAX Components
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➢ Base Station (BS): Acts as the central hub, transmitting signals over a wide
area. Connected to the internet backbone via fiber or other high-speed
connections.
➢ Subscriber Station (SS): Located at the user's premises (home or office) or
integrated into mobile devices to receive signals.
➢ Wireless Communication: Data is transmitted wirelessly between the base
station and subscriber stations using microwave signals.
3. Satellite Communication
• Satellite communication is an advanced communication technology which
involves the transmission of information from one point to another by using an
artificial satellite orbiting the Earth.
• It is also known as a communication satellite
• Satellite communication is an effective communication method for
transmitting information over very large distances across the globe.
• Examples- radio broadcasting, TV broadcasting, military applications,
weather forecasting
• Speed up to 200Mbps
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It comprises the following main components −
• Transmitter (Transmitting Earth Station) − It is a device located at a point on the
earth and it sends information signals to the satellite.
• Satellite Transponder (Satellite) − It is a device located on the communication
satellite in the space. It receives information signals from the earth station, amplify
and retransmits them to another location on the earth.
• Receiver (Receiving Earth Station) − It is the destination device in the satellite
communication, located on the earth. It captures the retransmitted data from the
satellite and process them.
• Uplink- transmission of signal from earth station to satellite
• Downlink- transmission of signal from satellite to earth station
• Orbital Altitude- distance between earth surface and satellite
Advantages of Satellite Communication
4. Bluetooth
• Bluetooth is used for short-range wireless voice and data communication.
• It is a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) technology and is used for
data communications over smaller distances.
• Bluetooth coverage up to 10 meters.
• speed up to at least 1 Mbps or 3 Mbps.
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• A Bluetooth network is called a piconet and a group of interconnected
piconets is called a scatter net.
• It can be paired with other devices
• Bluetooth is a wireless technology that lets devices like phones, tablets, and
headphones connect to each other and share information without needing
cables.
• It uses radio waves for transmitting and receiving data.
• IEEE standard is IEEE 802.15
Piconet
Piconet is a type of Bluetooth network that contains one primary node called the
master node and other active secondary nodes called slave nodes. The
communication between the primary and secondary nodes can be one-to-one or one-
to-many. Possible communication is only between the master and slave; Slave-slave
communication is not possible.
Scatternet
It is formed by using various piconets. A slave that is present in one piconet can act
as master or we can say primary in another piconet. This kind of node can receive a
message from a master in one piconet and deliver the message to its slave in the
other piconet where it is acting as a master. This type of node is referred to as a
bridge node. A station cannot be mastered in two piconets.
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• Two types of RFID:
• Active RFID- power source on RFID tag
• Passive RFID- energy supplied from radio wave
Applications of RFID
1. Pet and livestock tracking
2. Inventory control
3. Vehicle tracking
4. Healthcare applications
• Cell Towers (Base Stations): These are distributed across a region to provide coverage.
Each tower covers a specific area called a "cell," and when a user moves from one cell
to another, the network ensures seamless connectivity through a process called
handoff or handover.
• Radio Frequencies (RF): Cellular networks use different radio frequency bands to
transmit signals between cell towers and mobile devices. Different generations of
networks (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G) use different frequency ranges, with newer technologies
typically using higher frequencies.
• Mobile Devices: Phones, tablets, and other devices communicate with the network
via the cell towers. These devices have radios tuned to the frequencies used by the
carrier's network.
• Core Network: This is the central part of the cellular network, handling switching, data
routing, and overall network management. It connects the radio access network (RAN)
to external networks, such as the public internet.
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• SIM Cards: Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards in mobile devices authenticate
users on the network, ensuring security and allowing carriers to manage billing and
services.
Generations of Cellular Networks
1G (First Generation): Introduced analog voice communication.
2G: Brought digital voice communication, SMS, and basic data services.
3G: Improved data speeds for web browsing and early multimedia applications.
4G LTE: Enhanced mobile internet experience with high-speed data suitable for video
streaming and real-time applications.
5G: The latest standard, offering even faster speeds, lower latency, and supporting more
devices. It's key for the future of IoT, smart cities, and autonomous vehicles.
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• 3G brought mobile internet to phones, supporting video calling, multimedia streaming
• Faster data transfer (up to 2 Mbps).
• It used different technologies for data communication like: HSPA (High Speed Packet
Access) and HSPA+
• This generation allowed for apps, mobile web browsing, and the early stages of mobile
commerce.
4. 4G (Fourth Generation) & LTE:
• Touch screen
• Mobile OS (Android, IOS)
• Mobile processors
• Camera
• Battery technology
• Biometric security (Finger print sensors, facial recognition)
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• Device Management: Manages hardware devices like printers, scanners, keyboards,
and monitors, facilitating communication between hardware and software through
device drivers.
• Security and Access Control: Ensures system security by regulating user access,
managing permissions, and protecting against malware and unauthorized access.
• User Interface: Provides a user interface (graphical or command-line) to interact with
the system and run applications.
Types of Operating Systems:
1. Batch Operating Systems: Executes a series of tasks without user interaction (used in
early computers).
2. Time-Sharing Operating Systems: Allows multiple users to share system resources
simultaneously by allocating time slots for each task.
3. Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS): Provides real-time processing for time-sensitive
applications like embedded systems (e.g., medical devices, industrial controls).
4. Distributed Operating Systems: Manages multiple computers in a network, allowing
them to function as a single system.
5. Mobile Operating Systems: Designed for smartphones and tablets, like Android and
iOS.
6. Desktop/Server Operating Systems: Common OS for personal computers (Windows,
macOS, Linux) and servers.
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Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's work, ideas, or intellectual property without
giving proper credit or permission. It involves presenting another person's content as your
own, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and is considered unethical in academic,
creative, and professional settings.
Types of Plagiarism
1. Direct Plagiarism: Copying someone’s work word-for-word without citation.
2. Paraphrasing Plagiarism: Rewriting someone else's ideas or text in your own
words without proper acknowledgment.
3. Mosaic Plagiarism (Patchwriting): Mixing copied phrases from multiple
sources with your own work, without proper citation.
4. Self-Plagiarism: Reusing your own previously published work without
disclosure or permission. This can occur in academic settings where reusing
assignments or research is not allowed.
5. Accidental Plagiarism: Failing to cite sources correctly or using someone else’s
ideas unintentionally, often due to lack of awareness.
Consequences of Plagiarism
• Cite Sources: Always give proper credit to original authors or creators by citing the
sources in the correct format
• Use Quotation Marks: When directly quoting someone, use quotation marks and
attribute the quote properly.
• Paraphrase Correctly: When paraphrasing, ensure that you are not simply changing a
few words. Instead, fully rewrite the idea in.
IT impacts in learning
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1. Access to Information- IT provides students with instant access to a wealth of
information through online libraries, e-books, educational websites, and databases.
This democratizes knowledge, allowing students from various backgrounds to access
quality resources.
2. Interactive and Engaging Learning -IT tools like multimedia presentations, videos, and
simulations make learning more engaging. Tools like virtual reality (VR) and
augmented reality (AR) bring interactive, immersive experiences, enhancing the
understanding of complex subjects.
3. Personalized Learning - Educational software and learning management systems
(LMS) can adapt to students' individual learning paces and styles. Teachers can use
data analytics to track progress, identify strengths and weaknesses, and adjust
teaching methods accordingly.
4. Collaboration and Communication – Online platforms and tools (e.g., Google
Classroom, Microsoft Teams, Zoom) enable students to work together remotely.
Students can communicate with peers and instructors anytime, fostering collaboration
and improving problem-solving skills.
5. Skill Development for Future Careers - IT literacy is essential for most modern jobs,
and learning through IT builds students' digital skills. Coding, data analysis, and digital
communication are valuable skills taught directly through IT in education.
6. Flexibility and Accessibility - E-learning and online courses provide students the
flexibility to learn at their own pace and time. IT can accommodate students with
disabilities through assistive technologies like screen readers and voice recognition
software.
Academic Services
1. INFLIBNET (Information & Library Network)
• It is an autonomous inter-university centre of UGC (University Grants
Commission), Government of India
• It is involved in creating infrastructure for sharing library & information
resources and provide services.
• Works in collaboration with Indian University libraries.
• Its aim is to modernizing university libraries in India and connecting them as
well as information centres through high-speed data network
Functions
➢ Promote and implement computerization of operations and services in libraries &
information centres
➢ Provide uniform guidelines for sharing & exchanging data
➢ Establish a national network for interconnecting various libraries & information
centres
➢ provide access to theses, books, non-book materials, audio- visuals
➢ provide access to bibliographic information services
➢ provide online information services
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2. NICNET (National Informatics Centre Network)
• It is a satellite-based nation-wide network of national informatics centre
• Set up by Govt. of India to collect information from every nook & corner of
the country
• Largest satellite-based computer communication network in India.
• Largest video conferencing network in India connecting all most all cities in
India
Some projects of NICNET
➢ Speedy court case trails- through video conferencing between jail and
court, implemented in many states
➢ Redressal of public grievances
➢ IT in Indian Courts- it covers all the levels of courts (Supreme court, High
Courts, District court) in India
➢ Video conferencing- also provides video conferencing services.
3. BRNET (Bio-Resource Network)
• It is a portal for biological information
• It collects all biological information resources scattered over different
networks for optimum visualization.
• Mainly for biology students, teachers, researchers
• It allows the users to create their own bio-resources
4. Elsevier
• Elsevier is a Dutch-based academic publishing company that specializes in
scientific, technical, and medical content.
• Founded in 1880, it has become one of the largest and most influential
publishers in the world, with a broad array of products and services designed
for researchers, institutions, and professionals.
Some key aspects of Elsevier
➢ Academic Journals- Elsevier publishes thousands of high-impact academic
journals covering fields such as medicine, engineering, computer science,
and social sciences.
➢ ScienceDirect- ScienceDirect is a comprehensive platform for accessing
journal articles and books. It provides researchers with millions of articles
and chapters, supporting their studies, projects, and publications with a
reliable source of academic content.
➢ Scopus - Scopus is Elsevier’s abstract and citation database, widely used
by researchers, institutions, and academic bodies to track the impact and
relevance of research publications. It offers tools for analysing research
trends, author profiles, journal metrics, and institutional performance.
➢ Mendeley - Mendeley is a reference manager and academic social
network acquired by Elsevier that helps researchers organize their
research, collaborate with colleagues, and discover new trends. It allows
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users to create a personal library, annotate PDFs, and share findings with
others.
➢ Research Metrics and Analytics - to assess the quality and impact of
journals and articles.
➢ Digital Tools and Software- facilitate access to updated guidelines, patient
care resources, chemical data, and research materials.
➢ Research and Development Support- it supports research works & its
development
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