ICT

ICT stands for information and communications technology. ICT is the infrastructure and components that help to enable modern computing systems. ICT consists of both the internet as well as the mobile connected which are connected by wireless networks. It also includes all the antiquated technologies such as landline telephones, television and radio. These technologies are widely used all over the world. Apart from that cutting edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are the advancement in ICT.

ICT Definition:

Although there is no specific definition that can define the term ICT, it is an extensional term for information technology (IT) which mainly focuses on the role of unified communications and integrated with telecommunications which includes telephone lines & wireless signals and computers. It also comprises all the software, audio, visual,  middleware and storage that helps users to store, transmit, access and understand information and manipulate it according to their needs.

ICT also includes the merger of telephonic communication, audio and visual networks with computer system networks by the use of a single cable or any link system.

ICT is a broader term that includes all the communicational devices, cell phones, radio, television, and computer along with satellite systems. Various services and appliances such as video conferencing and distance learning programmes are also included in ICT with analogue technology.

Components of ICT: 

The major components of the ICT system are as follows:

• Software
• Hardware
• Cloud Computing
• Transaction
• Data
• Internet
• Communication Technologies

Classification of ICT:

ICT is an umbrella term that covers all the devices and equipment that helps to connect and to store data. ICT is mainly classified into four main categories which include:

• Computing and Information Technology:

Computing and information technology mainly refers to designing and building computers. It also refers to maintaining and troubleshooting the computer system. It also ensures that the computer runs smoothly.

• Broadcasting:

Broadcasting is the transfer of audio and video visuals through any electronic mass communication to various audiences all over the world. It mainly uses the electromagnetic spectrum to transfer the data.

• Telecommunications:

Telecommunications are the transfer of electronic information over several distances. This information may be in the form of voice, data, text, images or any video.

• Internet:

The Internet is a global system that provides a variety of information and other communicational services by the use of interconnected networks. It uses the Internet Protocol (IP) to communicate with others 

Benefits of ICT:

ICT has a wide range of applications in different fields. The benefits of ICT in different fields are as follows:

• ICT in Entertainment:

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have a very influencing impact on entertainment and other leisure activities in various ways in which you can spend your time effectively. ICT offers a wide variety of entertainment and leisure activities that allow you for quick access to movies, cinemas or music which can be easily accessed and you can watch your favourite movies and listen to music directly from the Internet. This technology also adds more interactive technologies to TV shows. Digital cameras, printers and scanners are also enabling more people to experience image production to develop graphic interfaces.

• ICT in Medical Science:

Medical devices and modern equipment have evolved by the use of information and communications technology. ICT is involved in the use of the devices, resources and tools that are needed to improve health and biomedicine systems. Many of the medical devices work according to information and communication technology for the use of detection and treatment of various serious diseases. A major advancement in Medical science through ICT are robotics arm, robotics tools, surgical advancement, MRI system and many more.

• ICT in Finance:

Information and communication technology is used by financial companies mainly to trade and report business’s earnings and also used to keep records of personal budgets. It allows very rapid calculation of financial data and also provides financial services companies with strategic and innovative solutions. Electronic transfer of money, use of credit cards, or e-commerce are some of the innovative solutions which include the purchase and payment through the Internet. ICT also helps in dealing with security concerns and legal issues.

• ICT in Education:

Information and communication technology also contribute greatly to the education system. It improves the way by which educational institutes provide a better educational environment with the use of tablets, computers, data displays, interactive electronic boards, and others in the process of communicating information. UNESCO pursues an educational system, which is enhanced by information and communications technology. It also focuses on the main challenges in joint work, whether in the field of communications, information, science, or education.

• ICT in Business:

The use of information and communications technology is very important for any kind of business. It established a hassle-free and secure communication flow and meet daily operational tasks. The tools that are used in ICT are mainly helped companies to analyze, store and process large amounts of data and share it with others which helps to make better use of products and resources. ICT tools also help to improve profitability and reduce costs.

• ICT In political and military aspects: 

Information technology in politics and the military has played a major role in terms of power and dominance of the state. The major countries are developing the use of communication and means of obtaining information about the enemy. The amount of information that is available can become a serious weapon through which entire countries could be destroyed by radars and drones. In the Military, Encrypted information is one of the fundamental powers of the state.