CHAPTER ONE SELECTING AND USING TECHNOLOGY

1.1. Overview technology

The word “technology” refers to the study of applied techniques. Of course, there
are different types of techniques, and even the application of different techniques
has come to differentiate some cultures. The techniques can vary, for example, in
the cooking of the same food, which would change its flavor by applying a
different technique

In the same way, the development of the most advanced devices such as an
Android requires the use of multiple techniques from different disciplines to
achieve the common goal.
Of course, since there are different disciplines, this implies that each one of them
has its own types of technology or its different studies of techniques according to
its purpose. And certainly, there are many types of technology, which will be our
point of interest here

Technology, the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human

life or, as it is sometimes phrased, to the change and manipulation of the
human environment. Technology has a tremendous impact on the life style,
consumption pattern, and the economic well-being. Technology is a mixed blessing
in other ways also. A new technology may improve the live in one area while
creating environmental and social problems in other areas.
Introducing new technology, such as a computer or cell phone, into a business helps to improve
productivity and product innovation. In small businesses, simple Technology is constantly
changing the demands of consumers. Businesses use new technologies to produce new products
and services.
Entrepreneurs should realize that new technological developments such as the internet and cell
phones increase the exchange of information and may have an effect on the operations of their
business. Entrepreneurs may not be aware of the nature and effects of all new technologies, yet,
they must try to determine technical developments which are likely to have the greatest impact
on their business operations
Small businesses are flexible and can innovate and introduce new products. Conversely, small
businesses may not have the expertise, time or capital to develop and market a new product. A
small business must be realistic in judging.
Businesses use new technologies to produce new products and services.
Entrepreneurs should realize that new technological developments such as the
internet and cell phones increase the exchange of information and may have an
effect on the operations of their business. Entrepreneurs may not be aware of the
nature and effects of all new technologies, yet, they must try to determine technical
developments which are likely to have the greatest impact on their business
operations. Through planning and forecasting, it may be possible to predict some
technological changes that might affect sales of current products and the potential
for developing new products. Purchasing new technologies, such as a computer,
implies a long-term commitment of resources, which most.
small businesses do not have. Because of day to-day operational problems,
entrepreneurs have little time to do long-range planning, even though new
technologies may have a great impact on their businesses in the future.
Smaller companies must develop products and markets where they have a chance
to succeed and be competitive. Because of shortage of capital resources,
entrepreneurs must be able to react quickly to changes in the market and be
concerned with the future needs of their customers.
Technology has a tremendous impact on the life style, consumption pattern, and the
economic well-being
Technological breakthroughs can affect markets in three ways:

Start entirely new industries, as computers, robots have done

Radically alter, or virtually destroy, existing industries.
Stimulate markets and industries not related to the new technology
Types of Technology
A computer system composed of components that are classified either as Computer hardware or
Computer soft ware
Hard Technology
Soft Technology
These two types of technology differ from each other, as we will see below, hard technology
cannot exist without soft technology; and soft technology becomes meaningless if hard
technology does not exist; The creation of cell phones, computers. That is, they can be defined
as the "hardware" of the device.
However, it is not only metal or strong parts like ships or buildings that belong to hard
technology. In fact, they are all those tangible objects created by man. Fabric, for example, is
considered a hard technology since it can be tangible and is made by humans. The disciplines
that mainly develop this type of technology are electronics, mechatronics, metallurgy, mechanics,
chemistry, architecture, textiles, among others. Computer hardware includes all the electrical,
mechanical, and the electronic parts of a computer. Any part that we can see
System Unit
Peripheral devices
Input devices i.e. keyboard, mouse etc.
Output devices i.e. Display Unit, printer etc.
Storage devices like hard disk, floppy disks etc. s the hard ware
On the other hand, soft technologies are all those that are not tangible. Disciplines such as
accounting, psychology and education are considered soft technologies. Actually, the term soft
technology covers all disciplines, knowledge, methods or skills, that is, the techniques that help
the development of services and products. The functioning of the computer is not dependent on
hardware alone. So, it requires a set of instructions that tells the computer what is to be done with
the input data. In computer terminology, this set of instructions is called a program and one or
more programs is termed as software software.
Let us understand hardware and software with an example. An audio cassette when played gives
you some sound. Here, the tape recorder and the audio cassette can be compared to hardware.
Define business technology
Business technology is any electronic object or system that helps employees accomplish tasks.
The technology that employees use includes computers, internet systems, printers, mobile
devices and software applications that help them organize and prioritize work. Business
technology can also help divide work as well, giving employees different goals to make larger
tasks easier.
Business technology is a method of organizing and coordinating technology management
throughout an organization. It is a combination of management strategies, tools, organizational
structures, and technological governance aimed to ensure that the use of technology across the
enterprise is optimized with the overriding goal of meeting customer demands and expectations.
Most companies recognize that they must continually challenge not only their competitors but
also themselves in order to enhance their consumers' perceptions and their capacity to meet
market demand.
Appropriate technology according to their business types to compute their competitors.
Especially the smart use of technology helps small companies stay ahead of the competition by
improving communications, making employees more efficient and tapping into effective
marketing channels. Most businesses understand that they need to challenge not only their
competitors but also themselves in order to constantly improve their customers‟ view and their
ability to meet market demand.
Appropriate technology according to their business types to compute their competitors.
Especially the smart use of technology helps small companies stay ahead of the competition by
improving communications, making employees more efficient and tapping into effective
marketing channels. Most businesses understand that they need to challenge not only their
competitors but also themselves in order to constantly improve their customers‟ view and their
ability to meet market demand.
Types of Business Technology
Here is a list of the most common types of business technology to assist you in making the shift
from traditional practices to modern-day techniques
Computers
Computers are utilized in a variety of enterprises. They have software that allows them to
execute a wide range of tasks such as analyzing financial information, sending and receiving
emails, and designing sales presentations. The computer is available as a desktop computer or a
portable laptop for use in the office or when traveling.
Software
To do specific activities, computers need several types of software, which include applications
and operating information. Microsoft Word, a word processing package,
Networking
Networking is a method of interacting with groups of people in order to share information and
documents, store data and send emails. It also enables the sharing of a printer or storage device
between PCs. A network might be limited to computers within a single office or connected to
multiple offices. Businesses need networking since it allows them to form contacts with others in
their connected sectors in order to find new clients and partners, as well as expand
Telephone Communication
Establishing commercial ties requires effective communication. As a result, businesses connect
with customers and organizations via a telephone system. This allows for quick, efficient, and
personal dealing with customers. Great customer service and effective communication with your
staff will help your company develop a strong reputation and expand in the long run. There are
currently commercial telephone systems that have a number of functions to meet a company's
demands.
Accounting System
An accounting system allows organizations to keep track of their expenses and revenue. Small
businesses are the most common users of Quick books. It's easy to set up and maintain. Larger
businesses, on the other hand, use more flexibility and system connectivity. The ideal accounting
system for your company is determined by its size and needs. Before making a decision, it's a
good idea to talk to your accountant about your possibilities.
Inventory Control System
An inventory control system is used to manage a company's whole inventory. It accurately keeps
track of products, including how much inventory is in stock, updating the system.
Customer Relationship Management Systems
A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System keeps track of a customer's interactions
with your business. The CRM system will track the customer's interactions with you from the
minute you get information about them. When a customer calls to order a product or service or to
ask for assistance or a technical query, the CRM system will tell the service representative when
the items were shipped, what is back-ordered, and any previous discussions the customer has had
with your organization.
Benefits of Business Technology
One of the greatest benefits of business technology is improved workplace communication.
Connecting with colleagues has never been easier thanks to instant messaging apps, email, and
conference software. Being able to receive real-time responses can assist in quickly resolving
issues and increasing teamwork.
Another major benefit is security. Hackers' abilities have improved as technology has progressed.
Since cyber-attacks are always a possibility, having security methods and software in place is
critical to avoid becoming a victim. To offer continuous protection, security software should be
updated and maintained on a regular basis.
Technology can also aid in increasing efficiency and productivity. Businesses can use a variety of
automated software packages. This aids in the acceleration of activities while also decreasing
human error and increasing efficiency. As a result, productivity is increased.
Finally, business technology can aid in cost-cutting. This is a benefit that all companies can
support. It can not only save you money, but it can also help you make more money because of
the increased productivity and efficiency
Application Software
application soft ware
application software is abstracted from the underlying technology that runs it. Abstraction in
programming means that the final product, seen by the end user, doesn‟t clearly show all the
details under the surface. In application development, this means the program and code that
manage the application. Users don‟t need to know how the program is written; they only need to
use the interface.
Operating systems are software that tell the computer hardware what to do. Operating systems
manage all of the basic instructions for computers. They also affect what applications can be
downloaded and run on a computer or mobile device. For example, some applications can‟t be
downloaded on devices that have older operating systems; the underlying system software isn‟t
able to support that particular application or a newer version of it.
Systems software consists of low-level programs that interact with the computer at a very basic
level. This includes operating systems, compilers, and utilities for managing computer resources
Operating systems are software that tell the computer hardware what to do. Operating systems
manage all of the basic instructions for computers. They also affect what applications can be
downloaded and run on a computer or mobile device. For example, some applications can‟t be
downloaded on devices that have older operating systems; the underlying system software isn‟t
able to support that particular application or a newer version of it.
Figuratively speaking, applications sit on top of systems software because they are unable to run
without the operating system and system utilities.
6 System software
System software is responsible for controlling, integrating, and managing the individual
hardware components of a computer system so that other software and the users of the system
see it as a functional unit without having to be concerned with the low-level details such as
transferring data from memory to disk, or rendering text onto a display. Generally, system
software consists of an operating system and some fundamental utilities such as disk formatters,
file managers, display managers, text editors, user authentication (login) and management tols,
and networking and device control software.
Software applications may include
Email
Database
internet
Word processing
Spreadsheet.
No.
System Software Application Software

1
System software basically provides helps to operate computer As compare to system software a
hardware which provides the support to run the application. help the user to perform single as w
computer system.
2
As we know system software will execute in environment which Application software will execute
was self-created. environment which was created by t
3
This program executes continuously when our computer system is This program does not execute c
in a running state. requirements, we can execute this.
4
This program will stop executing when our computer system is Application software also stops wo
not in a running state. system is not in a running state.
5
Development programming of system software is complex as Development programming of app
compared to application software. We need knowledge of the complex as compare to application
hardware on which we are working. application software we need kno
hardware.
6
There is only limited system software available as compared to There are many application softwar
the application software. the system software.
7 As compare with application software system software will runs in the background, it will not interact with the As compare with system software application software will
user. user. As per requirement users can interact with application so

Adjusting the required equipment

Your workplace policies and procedures should include detailed information on
how to clean, start and operate machinery. You should receive training in the safe
operation of this machinery and equipment. You will be required to wear
appropriate PPE including goggles, gloves, hairnets, safety boots or shoe covers. It
is your responsibility to ensure you wear the PPE correctly. The set of articles or
physical resources serving to equip a person or thing: such as the implements used
in an operation or activity : supports equipment all the fixed assets other than land
and buildings of a business enterprise the rolling stock of a railway piece of such
equipment the equipping of a person or thing the state of being equipped mental or
emotional traits resources ,
Equipment is considered more permanent and longer lasting than supplies, which
are used up quickly. Equipment includes machinery, furniture, fixtures, vehicles,
computers, electronic devices, and office machines

Business equipment /technology

Business equipment is tangible property used in a business. Equipment is
considered more permanent and longer lasting than supplies, which are used up
quickly. Business equipment include but not limited to Fax machine, Telephone
system including answering machines, Printer, Photocopier, Shredder and Binding
equipment.
Fax machine
The facsimile machine (commonly referred to as a „fax‟ machine) is used to
transmit a copy of a document to someone located in another location, which also
has a fax machine. The message is transmitted via a telephone line. Most
organizations have a dedicated fax line so as to not hold up their incoming or
outgoing telephone calls.
Telephone System

The telephone system will vary from organisation to organisation. Small businesses may have
one incoming telephone line and one handset through to several incoming lines and several
handsets. Large organisations may have an electronic switchboard or software program that
enables all telephone calls to be managed via a computer.
Printers

Printers are used to reproduce documents created, retrieved or received via a computer. A printer
can be used to print a word-processed document, a worksheet in a spreadsheet program, database
report, presentation slide, email, or information from the Internet. Where a computer has
facsimile software installed, the computer can be used as a fax machine and the printer can print
a copy of all fax messages sent and received.
Printers can be:-
Impact printers, such as dot matrix, where letters or characters are produced through a series of
dots printed onto the paper. Impact printers tend to be noisy but are inexpensive to operate and
maintain.
Non-impact printers, such as a laser printer, where powder is discharged from a cartridge inside
the printer to make up the characters or letters to be printed; an ink-jet printer (or bubble jet),
where ink is discharged onto the paper to create the letters or characters. Non-impact printers are
more expensive to maintain and operate than an impact printer and they provide a good result.
Printers can print black images or full colour images. Printing in colour can be expensive so you
should be very careful when printing in colour to ensure you are not wasting the ink or toner.
Photocopier
Photocopiers are used to make copies of:

Documents that may need to be read by more than one person

Pages from books or journals
Articles from newspapers
Fax messages received on thermal paper.
Photocopiers can be basic – providing an option to produce a copy of the document
in its original form. Photocopiers can also offer a range of other options.
A guillotineis used to trim the edges of a document before binding it or to cut pages to a particular size
1.2.1 Business Technology
Commercial or business applications Computers are needed to perform business operations that require
handling large amounts of data. Several computer applications are available to assist business in working
with large volumes of data.
Examples are :-

Text processing
Accounting and Finance management
Inventory control
Database management

Technology includes:

Computer technology laptops & Pc .

Digital camera, Modems,Printers, Scanners, Zip drives, Photocopiers, Shredders,
Binders, Laminators and Cutter

To select appropriate technology and software for your tasks, you need to
understand the functions of the technology available to you. And also need to
understand the operational guidelines for using the equipment safely. If you are
working at a computer for an extended period each day, you should make sure your
workstation is comfortable and designed so you can carry out your tasks
efficiently. You will need to organize your work so you aren‟t doing a repetitive
task for a long time. You also need to take time to stand up and stretch.
You must learn how to use technology according to your organization‟s
requirements; for example, you should know your organization‟s login procedures
and how to name, open and close files. You must be aware of your workplace‟s
work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures.
Technology varies from organization to organization. All workers should receive
training in the technology they need to use. Organizations should have training
manuals specific to the equipment used. If you are unsure, ask your manager or
work colleagues to tell you where manuals are stored.
Before you can select the appropriate technology for your work, you need to
understand how each type of business technology functions. Computers will be
examined first as they have become essential in workplaces. Here is a basic outline
of personal computers and laptops, and the benefits of using both.
Personal computers
A computer is an electronic device for storing and processing information. A
personal computer has a separate hard drive and monitor that are attached to other
equipment such as a keyboard and mouse. Personal computers are used in all
organizations to carry out many different tasks. Organizational data is usually
processed using a computer and different software applications.
Laptops
A laptop is a small, portable computer that has its hard drive, screen and keyboard
within the same piece of equipment. Laptops are popular as they are portable,
lightweight and don‟t solely rely on a plug-in power supply (they have
rechargeable batteries). However, laptops have disadvantages. Their small size
makes them easy to steal, and they are not adjustable and, therefore, not as
comfortable to use unless a separate laptop stand is available.
Personal computer hardware
System unit :- micro-processor and memory (RAM)
Input devices:- keyboard and mouse
Output devices:- most common is computer display, or monitor
Secondary storage:- hard disks, solid-state storage, and optical disks Hard disks:- store programs
and very large data files
Communication devices:- modems
Tablets
A tablet PC is a truly portable computing tool. It is as powerful as a modern PC, but it doesn‟t
require a keyboard. Instead, using “digital ink” technology, you can add information by writing
on the screen (or “tablet”) with a digital pen or “stylus,” much like you do in a patient‟s paper
chart.

Requirement of ergonomic

The word “ergonomics” comes from the Greek word “Ergon” which means work and “Nomos”
which means laws. You can think of it this way; ergonomics is the science of designing the
workplace, keeping in mind the strengths and weaknesses of the human body. Ergonomics is
about creating comfortable conditions to work in. It is concerned with fitting the job to the
worker, rather than the worker to the job. This is done by adapting workstations, tools and
equipment to suit each worker‟s individual needs.
Ergonomics is a wide-ranging field that seeks to design tools, equipment and tasks to optimize
Human capabilities. Several catchphrases are described below that serve as good definitions. As
you will see, in many ways, ergonomics is not really anything new. It amounts to seeing
everyday things from a new perspective that is, putting on your “ergonomics glasses.” Much of
ergonomics is common sense, once you think about it. The field can be summarized in a set of
basic principles, which form the core of this booklet. Ergonomics is the science of work. Taking
a scientific approach allows us to objectively measure workplace risk factors that lead to fatigue,
discomfort and pain for workplace athletes.
Ergonomic may include:-
Avoiding radiation from computer screens
Chair height, seat and back adjustment
Ddocuments holder
footrest
keyboards and mouse position
lighting
noise minimization
posture
screen position
workstation height and layout,The goal of ergonomics is to make work more comfortable and to
improve both health and productivity. Many ergonomic problems can be fixed by rearranging,
adjusting or modifying existing furniture and tools, so don't be in too much of a rush to go out
and purchase the next great ergonomic "THING".
One of the easiest to follow guidelines for any office set up is Office wise - A guide to health and safety
in the office Developed by the Ergonomics Unit Victorian Work Cover Authority.
Risk factors of Ergonomic are:-

Awkward Postures
Awkward postures place excessive force on joints and overload the muscles and tendons around the
effected joint. Joints of the body are most efficient when they operate closest to the mid-range motion of
the joint. Risk of MSD is increased when joints are worked outside of this mid-range repetitively or for
sustained periods of time without adequate recovery time.
High Force Requirements
Many work tasks require high force loads on the human body. Muscle effort increases in response to high
force requirements.
Desk
The height of the desk or chair should be adjusted so that the surface of the desk is at elbow
height (when sitting).
There should be plenty of room for legs below the desk surface
Personal and stationery items should be arranged for easy access, to minimize twisting and
bending
Computer
The monitor should be positioned after adjustments have been made to the desk or chair. It is
recommended that the top of the screen be level with the eyes and be positioned about 50cm
away from the body when seated.
The keyboard should be placed on the desk, as close to the user as possible. Allow room for it to
be moved away when not in use.
Document holder
The document holder should be placed close to the screen to minimize the movement required to
turn from one to the other.
Depending upon personal preference, it may be preferable to swap the screen position with the
document holder, if tending to look at the document more often.
Paper wastage
Proofread and edit documents on screen before printing
Don't print more pages than needed, use the "print range" function of software to only print those
pages which have been edited
Print on both sides of your paper where possible
Use scrap paper from printed documents no longer needed. Write on the back for informal notes
or memos
Use the duplex facility of the photocopier.
Recycling
Paper should be saved for recycling where possible - if the information is confidential, it can be
shredded before disposal into a recycling container
Use recycled paper products wherever possible
Reuse office products such as folders, envelopes and packaging materials.
Energy and power use
Use the "power save" feature of your printer, if available
Switch off lights and equipment when not required.

promote - the giving and receiving of systematic instruction, the process of facilitating learning,
constituted from countless methods, tools, and structures, operated by teachers and many others
– may usefully be seen as a technological phenomenon; that all educators are thus educational
technologists (albeit that their choices of technology may vary); and that this has some very far
reaching consequences for research and practice, explaining some hitherto puzzling phenomena,
and challenging some of the fundamental beliefs held by many educators and researchers in
education
Using technology
Ways in which technology has become an integral part of everyday work:
Communications technologies
Office productivity
Record keeping and retrieval.
Internet and search
Analytics and new decision structures
Automation, robotics and future factories
Adoption of virtual and augmented reality.

Using and Promoting technology

The use of entertainment technology entertainment is beneficial for creating and improving an
entertaining experience in human life. As the field of entertainment is way too broad, hence
everyone has their form of getting entertained. Social media is a computer-based modern
technology people use to interact and share with other users in their networks. This can be done
through virtual interactions such as building communities. Electronics technology is a part of the
fabric of our lives. social media has become a significant part of our society
The term „technology‟ is, as, an „annoyingly vague abstraction,‟ with many fuzzy, shifting,
evolving, inconsistent, and sometimes contradictory meanings. There is widespread agreement
that technologies do things for us, or help us to achieve our purposes “the way we do things”,
implying regularized structuring and organization of objects, concepts, and so on in order to
achieve those purposes. Part of the problem, though, is that technology can be both something
that we do and something that has been done, often simultaneously.
Assembly and Technological evolution
Arthur‟s definition is particularly compelling because it is tightly coupled with his fundamental
insight that many of the orchestrated phenomena in any given technology assembly are
orchestrated by other technologies - nuts and bolts, rules of grammar, software compilers, and so
on - building on and incorporating those that already exist. Technologies thus tend to evolve
towards greater complexity. As all of whom orchestrated phenomena to some purpose, and
whose artifacts and 5 methods contribute materially – if not necessarily directly - to our own
tools, knowledge and skills, in an unbroken chain leading back to flint axes, the dawn of
language, and perhaps beyond. Though specific technologies may perish, the types that they
represent are seldom if ever fully displaced.
Faustian bargains
Though most technologies solve problems, most new technologies create new problems to solve
(Unfortunately, as Dubos (1969, p.8) puts it, “developing counter technologies to correct the new
kinds of damage constantly being created by technological innovations is a policy of despair.”
Many technologies in educational systems, from exam regulations to user roles in an LMS are
counter-technologies that are designed to curb the unwanted effects of others we have created.
Not science
Many definitions of „technology‟ refer to it as the application of science (“Technology‟” node).
This is false. Scientific theories and discoveries may increase the available phenomena for
orchestration, and thus some technologies do indeed apply science. However, it is more accurate
to say that science is applied technology (including theories and models, which are correctly
described as tools in scientific literature) than to say that technology is applied science. Many
technologies do not rely on scientific knowledge at all
Never neutral
Technologies are seldom if ever morally neutral. Apart from those explicitly designed to do harm
or good, they may enable better ways to dominate or subdue our fellow humans, being what
Boyd (1996) describes as „dominative‟ - but almost all the means by which it is intentionally
accomplished by human beings, and a good number of its products (such as language, theories,
remembered poems, etc) are.
Anticipation and plasticity
We are not just users but participants in the orchestration of technologies, with active roles to
play in achieving their ends, from trivially simple actions (e.g. pressing a button) to inordinately
complex activities (e.g. writing a paper about technologies and education). Reciting scriptures or
answering objective quiz questions must be performed more or less exactly as required in a
predetermined order for the technology to work correctly.

Assemblies that soften or harden

Almost all technologies are assemblies of both soft and hard technologies, so extremes are
vanishingly rare. All hard technologies were once soft to their creators and, once created, can
nearly always be assembled with other technologies (soft or hard) and so become softer.
Computers, for example, consist of nothing but hard, deterministic components but (at least to
their programmers) form the basis of among the softest of technologies because the ways we
could extend them, with software, hardware, and methods, is essentially infinite. Equally, most if
not all soft technologies contain at least some hardness. It would not be describable as a
technology at all if there were not some consistent
Structural patterns harder technologies
Usually play a larger structural role in the assembly than soft technologies, because they are less flexible
and thus cannot as easily be changed. Like natural ecologies (O‟Neill et al, 1986) and cities (Brand,
1997), the slower-changing elements affect the faster changing more than vice versa. Hard technologies
cause path dependencies; paths that, once taken, exclude other path