11
Conclusion of Chapter 1
Introduction
"Information technology" is derived from two words, information and technology. Information is the output that is collected, processed, analyzed and recapitulated so that it can be put into practice. Technology is the innovation that is related to production, process and dissemination to users. The examples of Information technology are telecommunication and computer engineering. When these two words are combined, they become information technology. Information technology is conducted to prepare information for use. Many instruments such as computers, telecommunication facilities, word processors and other automatic processors are employed to collect information sources. Information is spread, communicated, recorded, reproduced and benefited so that users can get access to it conveniently. Information technology has had a long history of development before it becomes present-day computer technology producing highly effective, cheap and compact computers. As for telecommunication technology, it developed to become a network technology producing Web 2.0 where users could share their opinions through weblogs which later become Web 3.0.
Web 3.0 is considered as the ‘invented intelligence’ of information technology development. Information technology consists of two main components, processing technology, or computer technology and technology for distribution or communication and telecommunication technology. It can be said that information technology has so many benefits such as increasing the effectiveness of information production, facilitating access to information, reducing time and spatial problems including applying information in education, business, banking, police science, national security, medication, entertainment, environmental management, varieties of services and social network access. For these reasons, people related to information technology use and development must appropriately consider its use and service since information technology has both positive and negative impacts.
Conclusion of Chapter 2
Computer Technology
A computer is an automatic electronic working as intelligence to solve both simple and complex problems via mathematical methods. It differs from other calculators in self- acting, speed, storage, reliability, accuracy, repeatability and communication with other electronics.
A computer has the following functions;
1. A computer receives an input via an information/order reception unit.
2. Information is sent to a central processing unit to be processed as ordered.
3. In processing information, orders are stored in a main memory unit.
4. Processed information is stored in a secondary memory unit.
5. Partial output is displayed via an output unit.
A computer consists of the following parts;
1. Input unit: The input unit receives information and orders to be put into a computer.
2. Central processing unit or CPU: The CPU controls the overall functions of a computer in order for it to work properly. It consists of a control unit and logical unit.
3. Memory Unit: The memory unit stores information and orders. It can be divided into the main memory unit and the secondary unit.
4. Output unit: The output unit displays various kinds of output.
5. Communication unit: The communication unit connects a computer to a network for communication.
1. Types of computer are the supercomputer, with the best effectiveness, followed by the mainframe computer, the minicomputer and the microcomputer, which is a personal computer , consisting of a desktop computer, a notebook computer and a tablet computer.
Computer software controls a computer so that it functions as ordered. There are two types of software, system software and application software. System software controls hardware to function effectively. Application software is developed for users’ special purposes. To buy a computer, we should consider working purposes, budget and main qualifications such as speed of a processor, storage of a hard disk and Ram etc.
Conclusion of Chapter 3
Information Communication Technology
Communication of information via computer is close to human communication but differs in some respects. Communication via a computer needs a computer and computer instruments as well as clearly-defined regulations so that communication via computer can be done. Besides, such communication also needs a computer network.
Computer network means communication or connections through network by more than two computers , using a medium for information exchange. The components of communication consist of information, a transmitter, a receiver, a medium and a protocol. Computer network enhances mutual use of resources, leading to convenience in communication, thus reducing expenses and making the working system reliable.
Broadcast computer communication transmits information from a starting computer to terminal computers as dissemination of one to all. Full-Duplex or dual communication which makes a transmitter and a receiver transmit information simultaneously. It is the type of communication commonly used at present. We can categorize communication into many types. 1) Based on service location, there are Local Area Networks (LAN), Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN). 2) Based on information dissemination, there are Centralized Networks, Peer to Peer Networks, Workgroup and Client Server Networks.
For proper communication, the local network uses an Ethernet which was later developed to be a wireless network. Signal wires are not required. The present standard is 802.11n. The effectiveness of a network can be assessed by its ability, reliability and safety. The university has employed a network system in educational management such as SDU Hosting, SDU, IDM, SDU and Kiosk. Communication technology has been continually developed. Therefore, knowledge must be sought to keep pace with the technology.
Conclusion of Chapter 4
The Internet
The term internet is derived from the words “inter connection network” meaning the large network of computer networks connecting worldwide computers with the ability to communicate with each other.
The internet’s history
The ‘Internet’ developed from the military network of the USA Department of Defense called ARPANET (Advanced research project agency). In Thailand, The Internet was initially used by Prince of Songkla University and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in 1987, supported by The International Development Plan (IDP), to communicate with the University of Melbourne by e-mail. In 1988, Prince of Songkla University initially asked for an internet address “sritrang.pus.th”. In 1992, Chulalongkorn University connected an internet network by THAINET and NECTEC, and established THAISARN network.
The Internet’s development
Web 1.0 is a static website. Users can only read information. The functions of Web 1.0 are Dial Up 50k, Static web, Read only, E-mail, Instant Messaging, Personal websites, Commerce.
Web 2.0 is a dynamic website where users can read and compose information themselves and can connect or build social networks through other websites. The functions of Web 2.0 are Broadband 1mb, Dynamic web, Read-Write, Wikis, XML, Blogging, Social networking.
Web 3.0 is an all-rounded website. Users can read, compose, manage related information and get access to information easily. The functions of Web 3.0 are Mobile 10 Mb, Semantic web, Read-Write-Execute, Artificial intelligence, Scalable Vector, Graphics, Ontology.
The Internet’s functions
The standard protocol for internet connection is TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
IP address is a computer’s code in the IP address system. The IP address of Suan Dusit Rajabhat University is 203.183.233.6.
A Domain name system is the name of an IP address which is easy to remember, for example, .com (business institutes) and .edu (educational institutes).
Internet’s connection
The computer network connection is like a spider’s web all over the world which can be connected by an ISP (Internet service provider). The internet could be connected through 2 ways, wired and wireless connection.
Conclusion of Chapter 6
Database and Searching
Contents
Basic knowledge on database and searching
Electronic database for searching
Searching techniques
Tendencies of searching in the future
Basic knowledge on database and searching
1. Definition of database and searching
“Database” is the collection of related information on the same topic for convenient use. It uses a program to categorize characteristics of information, facilitate saving information in the database, update and search for information and designate rights to use the database so that users can get access to the information easily and effectively. It acts as the media between database users to communicate with each other.
For examples, to get access to Suan Dusit Rajabhat University’s registration database http://webregis.dusit.ac.th, users must have their own account or username and a password to log in with, in order to use services as the ISP designates.
Searching is to systematically retrieve information from various sources by using information technology to get access to information conveniently and quickly according to the user’s needs. Information can be searched from sentences, characters or letters, pictures, human voices, music sounds, songs and videos.
2. Parts of Database
Picture 6.1 Parts of Database
3. Information searching process
4. Benefits of Database
Stored information becomes less redundant.
Stored information is up to date.
Information can be shared.
Information is protected by the security system.
Electronic database is available for searching
Information Resources Database is available at the Information Service Institute
Other interesting E-book websites are those providing
books and journals concerning computer and computer program usage;
- Ramkamhaeng University’s Textbooks Center
.
- National Library’s electronic books
Search Techniques
Table 6.4: Connectors or symbols used in searching information.
Connectors/Symbols / Definitions / ExamplesAND / Connect two words above. Both of the two words occur in searching results. / Computer AND Internet
OR / Connect two words above. One or both of the two occur in searching results. / Computer OR Internet
NOT / Connect two words above. Only the first word occurs in searching results, the second one does not. (The symbol – can be used instead of not.) / Computer NOT Internet
? / The symbol “?” represents any letters. The word will occur in search results, for example, int??net. The results are internet, intranet…. / Int??net
* / The symbol is used to search unsure words or groups of words with the symbol, “*”. It represents any letters following the searched words. The earched words are enclosed with a quotation mark, for example, “int*”. The results are inter, internet, international… / “Inter*”
# / The symbol is used only for certain words defined. The results will only show the particular words in search results. / Program#
~ / The symbol is used to search for synonyms with the symbol, “~”. The results will show the words having similar or close meaning. / food
“ ” / The symbol “ ” is used to search for the words we know exactly, for example, personal names, book titles, song titles and place names etc. / “Prisna Matchima”
Multimedia Searching
“Multimedia” is the mixture of various kinds of media including texts, images, animations, sounds and videos by using computer processes to express meaning and interact with users according to their purposes.
There are various kinds of multimedia services for users by searching
· Pictures on the internet
· Sounds on the internet
· Videos on the internet
Search tendencies in the future
To enhance effective searching, in the era of web 3.0, with information connected more than before by a semantic network, some more intelligent programs such as intelligent agents and semantic searches etc. are developed.
Conclusion of Chapter 7
Technology with information and knowledge management
From data to knowledge
§ Data is a fact that is recorded without any interpretation. The purpose is to either investigate or crosscheck whether there are any problems or happenings at work. Recording data is considered basic work that must be accomplished.
§ Information is the data that is filtered, analyzed or synthesized in order to make information applicable. The recorded data is transformed to make it easier to understand. Information management results from transforming information systematically and continually to achieve the qualified information we need. There are 5 steps of transforming information:
1. entering input
2. processing data
3. storing
4. Displaying output
5. communicating information
§ Knowledge is what is accumulated from practice, experience, phenomenon perceived through hearing and listing and insight from everyday life or natural knowledge. It can also be obtained from learning, researching and studying in each academic field. Wisdom is knowledge that is applied or adapted to create values or great benefits.
Types of knowledge
1. Tacit knowledge is personal knowledge learned from experience, belief or creative ideas at work such as transfer of knowledge and thoughts through observation, conversation, training and etc.
2. Explicit knowledge is recorded knowledge used in various kinds of media such as
publications, office documents, e-mails, websites and intranets etc. This kind of knowledge is expressed by using symbolic systems so that it is easily communicated and transmitted.
Definition of Knowledge Management
Knowledge management is the systematic management focusing on work development together with mutual learning of people in an organization to create values as well as new knowledge. Everybody in an organization can get access to knowledge and develop themselves to be specialists. This also facilitates effective working which leads to competition in an organization.
Process of knowledge management
1. Specification of Knowledge Desired
2. Knowledge Creation or Knowledge Acquisition
3. Refining or Classifying Systematic Knowledge Saving
4. Knowledge Utilization
5. Knowledge Sharing and Exchange
6. Knowledge Application
7. Knowledge Codification & Knowledge Measurement
8. Recognition and Rewards[1]
9. Knowledge Distribution
Types of Information technology and Knowledge management
Ø Information technology for knowledge accumulation and management
Ø Information technology for knowledge creation
Ø Information technology for knowledge access such as…
Ø Information technology for knowledge application
Ø Information technology to support tacit knowledge management
Ø Information technology for knowledge processing
The benefits of IT in knowledge management
1. To protect knowledge loss.
2. To increase decision efficiency.
3. To enable personal adaptation and flexibility
4. To provide advantages in competition
5. To enable the organization to gain benefits from present intellectual property.
6. To improve products.
7. To bring in satisfaction, increase sales volume and earn income.