Angelito C.

Anatalio BSE PHYSICS 4A

IT versus ICT

IT versus ICT

When do we use the term ICT and how does it differ from IT? ICT, or Information and
Communications Technology, is often used in a more general sense, and is described as using
computers and other digital technologies to assist individual or institutions in handling or using
information. ICT is technology that supports activities involving information such as gathering,
processing, storing, and presenting data. Increasingly, these activities also involve collaboration
and communication.
IT, or information technology, pertains to the industry that involves computers, software,
networking, and other IT infrastructure to help relay or manage information important in
modern-day living as seen primarily in large companies or corporations. Simply, put, IT is a
subset of ICT as the technology used in the field of IT aids in the use of ICT (Wang 2016)

Breakdown of ICT

Information

Information refers to the knowledge obtained from reading, investigation, study, or research.
Process Some of the tools that transmit information are the telephone, television and radio. Not
to be confused with the data, information is regarded as processed data. Computers normally
process data that are later understood as information. For example, while typing on your laptop,
you usually punch in random letters on your keyboard to make up words and sentences. The
typing on the keyboard is considered as input data while the words and sentences you see on
your computer monitor is considered as output information.

Information is needed to make decisions and to foresee the future. For example, scientists can
detect the formation of a tsunami using the latest technology and warn the public to avoid
disasters in the affected areas.

Processed information is called knowledge. Knowledge helps fulfill daily tasks. For, example,
knowledge is used to predict tomorrow’s weather and decide if there is a need to bring an
umbrella. Knowledge is also used to analyze the stock market and check which company is
worth investing in.

Communication

Communication is an act of transmitting messages. It is a process in which information is

exchanges between individuals through verbal and non-verbal means.

In prehistoric days, humans communicated through signs or symbols as evidenced by cave

paintings and drawings, rock art, stone carvings, and the like. Forms of communication have
evolved through time as communicating more and more complex ideas has become necessary.
With technology, communication is faster, more convenient, and more efficient. When face-to-
face meeting is not possible, long distance communication or virtual communication is now
common and easy with the use of smartphones and computers with internet access.

Technology

Technology has evolved in ways that improve people’s daily activities. As mentioned above,
technology has made communication much easier and faster through telephones, fax machines,
mobile devices, and the internet. It has also made broadcasting of information, such as news or
weather report, more effective. Radio, television, satellites, and the World Wide Web are
powerful tools that can be used by individuals to gather needed information to aid them in their
office, school or house work, or in simple day-to-day activities.

References:
Caoli-Tayuan and Eleazar, Living in the IT Era

What is IT?

Information technology (IT) refers to the use, development, and management of computer-
based systems and software to store, process, transmit, and retrieve data. IT professionals are
responsible for maintaining and managing computer systems, networks, and databases to
ensure the smooth operation of an organization’s technology infrastructure.

Key aspects of IT include:

 Hardware:IT professionals work with computer systems, servers, and other physical
devices to ensure their proper functioning.
 Software:IT professionals develop, ins
 tall, and maintain software applications and operating systems.
 Network:IT professionals manage and maintain computer networks to enable data
communication and resource sharing.
 Security:IT professionals implement measures to protect computer systems and data
from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
 Support:IT professionals provide technical support and assistance to end-users,
troubleshooting issues and resolving technical problems.

What is ICT?

Information and communications technology (ICT) is a broader term that encompasses IT but
also includes the use of communication technologies, such as telecommunication networks and
the internet, to enable the exchange of information. ICT focuses not only on the technology
itself but also on how it is used for communication and collaboration.

Key aspects of ICT include:

  Information Systems:ICT professionals design, develop, and manage information
systems that integrate hardware, software, and communication technologies.
 Telecommunications:ICT professionals work with telecommunication networks to
enable voice, data, and video communication.
 Internet Technologies:ICT professionals utilize internet technologies to facilitate
information sharing, online collaboration, and e-commerce.
 Digital Media:ICT professionals create and manage digital content, such as websites,
multimedia presentations, and social media platforms.
 Data Management:ICT professionals handle the collection, storage, and analysis of data
to support decision-making processes.

Are IT and ICT the same?

Although IT and ICT are closely related, they are not the same. IT focuses primarily on the
management and use of computer-based technology, whereas ICT encompasses a broader
range of technologies that facilitate communication and information exchange.

To put it simply, IT is a subset of ICT. IT is concerned with the technical infrastructure and
systems that enable the processing and storage of data, while ICT includes IT but also
encompasses telecommunication networks, internet technologies, and digital media.

References:
https://ccitraining.edu/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-ict-and-it/
https://www.hows.tech/2024/02/ict-vs-it-what-is-difference-between.html

IT: Imagine a bustling city where computers are skyscrapers, networks are highways, and data
zips around like speedy delivery drones. That's IT, folks! It's all about managing information,
keeping the digital infrastructure humming like a well-oiled machine. Think fixing computer
woes, setting up networks, and making sure your boss's cat video doesn't crash the entire
system (again).
ICT: Now, picture that same city, but with everyone connected via smartphones, video calls, and
social media. That's the magic of ICT! It's about using technology to communicate, collaborate,
and share information seamlessly. Think video conferencing with colleagues in pyjamas,
educational apps that make learning as fun as Angry Birds, and the ever-present struggle to
explain emojis to your grandma.

It's like comparing apples and...well, slightly more high-tech apples. IT focuses on the nuts and
bolts of technology, the hardware and software that make it all work. ICT, on the other hand, is
about the human element, how we use technology to connect and interact. Think of it this way:
IT is the engine that powers your car, while ICT is the road trip you take with your friends in that
car. Both are crucial, but for different reasons.

References:
https://www.hows.tech/2024/02/ict-vs-it-what-is-difference-between.html
References:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/itc-service-support-enrique-cristian-montel-de-la-roche-inyre

References:
https://newsspot.co.ke/2023/09/22/difference-between-it-and-ict/