Information technology: any computer-based tool that people use to work with information and support the information and information-processing needs of an organization.
Hardware: physical devices that make up a computer (or computer system)
Software: set of instructions that hardware executes to carry out a specific task for you
System software: handles tasks specific to technology management and coordinates the interaction of all technology devices.
Two main types of system software: Operating system software, Utility software
Personal productivity software helps you perform personal tasks Writing memos (word processing) Creating graphs (spreadsheet) Creating slide presentations (presentation) Software suite – several applications bundled together (usually productivity software)
Vertical market software: application software for a specific industry
Patient scheduling software
Restaurant management software
Horizontal market software: application software suitable for use in many industries
Payroll, inventory, and billing
Personal digital assistant (PDA): small handheld computer for personal tasks like appointment scheduling and address book maintenance
Tablet PC: pen-based computer with the functionality of a notebook or desktop
Notebook computer: small, portable, fully functional, battery-powered computer
Desktop computer: most popular type of personal
computer
