Information Technology Notes
Subject Overview
Information Technology surveys the core concepts and technologies that constitute the IT field — computer fundamentals and number systems, memory/
Subject at a glance
4
Units
25
Topics
4
Credits
4
Infographics
Unit-wise Syllabus
4 units — open any unit for detailed topic-wise notes, diagrams and important exam questions
- Block structure of a computer
- characteristics
- generations and classification of computers
- bit/byte/binary/decimal/hexadecimal/octal systems and conversions
- binary arithmetic
Decimal to binary
Divide by 2, read remainders upward
Binary to decimal
Σ bit × 2^position
Binary to octal
Group 3 bits from the right
Binary to hex
Group 4 bits from the right
Example
(13)₁₀ = (1101)₂ = (15)₈ = (D)₁₆
Study guide
This unit builds computer fundamentals: block structure, characteristics, generations and classification of computers, number systems (binary, decimal, octal, hexadecimal) with conversions and binary arithmetic. Practise number system conversions until they are fast.
- Memory types (magnetic core, RAM, ROM, secondary, cache)
- input/output units
- storage devices
- printer types
- machine/assembly/high-level/4GL languages
- compilers
- interpreters
- assemblers
- system and application software
- Registers
Fastest, smallest, inside the CPU
- Cache
Very fast, small
- Main memory (RAM)
Fast, volatile
- Secondary storage
SSD, HDD: large, slower
- Archival storage
Tape, cloud: largest, slowest
Study guide
You study memory types (RAM, ROM, cache, secondary), input and output units, storage devices, printers, the language levels (machine, assembly, high-level, 4GL), translators (compiler, interpreter, assembler) and system and application software. Compare RAM and ROM and a compiler and an interpreter in short tables.
- Batch/multi-programming/time-sharing/network/real-time/distributed operating systems
- graphical OS fundamentals
- word processing
- spreadsheet and presentation graphics software features
Batch
Jobs grouped and run without interaction
Payroll processing
Time-sharing
CPU time shared among users
Multi-user servers
Real-time
Guaranteed response time
Air traffic, medical devices
Distributed
Many computers act as one
Cloud systems
Network
Shares resources over a network
File and print servers
Study guide
You study operating system types (batch, multiprogramming, time-sharing, network, real-time, distributed), graphical OS basics and the features of word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software. Link each OS type to a real example.
- Network types and topologies
- communication devices and media
- internet applications (e-mail, TELNET, FTP, WWW, chatting)
- intranet and extranet
- security management tools
- viruses/worms/threats
- firewalls and proxy servers
Bus
All devices on one cable
Cable fault stops the network
Star
All devices to a central hub
Hub failure stops the network
Ring
Devices in a closed loop
One break can stop the ring
Mesh
Devices linked to many others
Costly cabling
Study guide
You study networks and security: network types and topologies, communication devices and media, internet applications (email, Telnet, FTP, WWW, chat), intranet and extranet, security tools, viruses, worms and threats, firewalls and proxy servers. Know the difference between a virus and a worm.
Why Information Technology Matters
This paper is the common foundation for the whole degree: it explains how computers, networks and software fit together, and it feeds directly into later papers on architecture, operating systems and networking.
How to Prepare for Information Technology
- Prepare comparison tables for memory types, language levels and OS types.
- Practise binary, octal and hexadecimal conversions daily.
- Learn the main security threats and the tool that defends against each.
Information Technology: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
RAM is volatile read-write memory used while a computer is running, while ROM is non-volatile memory that mainly stores permanent start-up instructions.
What is a firewall?
A firewall is a security system that monitors and filters network traffic according to rules to block unauthorised access.