Information Technology

日本語

Overview

Information Technology (IT) reflects the combination of three key technologies:digital computing, data storage, and the ability to transmit digital signals through telecommunications networks. Rapid changes in semiconductor technology, information storage, and networking, combined with advances in software, have enabled new applications, cost reductions, and the extensive diffusion of IT.

Computers were originally used primarily for data processing. As they became more powerful and convenient, applications expanded. Word processing, spreadsheets, and database programs were among the early minicomputer and PC applications. Over the past two decades, software innovations have expanded to include educational software, desktop publishing, computer-aided design and manufacturing, games, modeling and simulation, networking and communications software, electronic mail, the World Wide Web, digital imaging and photography, audio and video applications, electronic commerce applications, groupware, file sharing, search engines, and many others.

In the 1960s, computers were used primarily in the R&D community and in the offices of large companies and agencies. Over the past few decades, the expansion of applications has contributed to the rapid diffusion of IT to affect nearly everyone, not just the relatively few people in computer-intensive jobs. IT has become common in schools, libraries, homes, offices, and businesses. For example, corner grocery stores use IT for a variety of electronic transactions such as debit and credit payments, and automobile repair shops use IT to diagnose problems and search for parts from dealers.

- Abridged from State Dept. Publications and other U.S. government materials
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