Historical of Information Communication Technology

1.0 Abstract

Information communication technology (ICT) has transformed the world we live in, shaping the

way we communicate, work, learn, and interact with our surroundings. Its evolution has been a

remarkable journey, marked by groundbreaking inventions and continuous advancements. This

term paper delves into the rich history of ICT, tracing its origins from the early days of

communication to the cutting-edge technologies that define our modern world.

The paper begins by exploring the dawn of communication, examining ancient practices and the

early technologies that laid the foundation for modern ICT. It then examines the breakthroughs

of the 19th century, including the telegraph, telephone, and radio, which revolutionized

communication and mass media.

Next, the paper focuses on the rise of computing, from the invention of the first electronic digital

computer, ENIAC, to the widespread adoption of personal computers. It highlights the impact of

graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and user-friendly software in making computers accessible to a

broader audience.

The paper then turns its attention to the emergence of the internet and the World Wide Web,

analyzing their profound impact on communication, information access, and business practices.

It explores the development of e-commerce, online banking, social media, and other online

services that have transformed our daily lives.

Finally, the paper examines the continued evolution of ICT in the 21st century, with

advancements in mobile technology, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other emerging

fields. It discusses the impact of smartphones, tablets, and mobile devices, the transformative

nature of cloud computing, and the potential of artificial intelligence to shape the future of ICT.

Throughout the paper, the evolution of ICT is presented as a continuous journey of innovation,

driven by human ingenuity and the desire to connect, communicate, and access information more

effectively. It highlights the transformative impact of ICT on society, businesses, and

individuals, shaping the world we live in today

2.0 Introduction

The massive influence of information communication technology (ICT) in our modern world is

undeniable. From the instant messaging apps on our smartphones to the cloud-based tools

powering businesses, ICT has become an inextricable part of our daily lives, shaping the way we

communicate, work, learn, and interact with the world around us. However, the story of ICT is

not one of sudden emergence but rather a rich tapestry of innovation and evolution, spanning

centuries of human creativity.

3. Body

3.1 The Dawn of Communication: From Ancient Practices to Early Technologies

The desire to convey information and connect with others has been a fundamental human drive

since the dawn of civilization. Early societies relied on various methods of communication,

including smoke signals, drum beats, and the spoken word. The advent of writing, with its ability
to preserve and transmit information across time and space, marked a pivotal moment in human

communication.

In the 15th century, the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg revolutionized the

dissemination of knowledge and ideas. By enabling the mass production of printed materials, the

printing press democratized access to information, fueling intellectual and social progress.

3.2 The Breakthroughs of the 19th Century: Telegraphy, Telephony, and Radio

The 19th century witnessed a series of groundbreaking inventions that laid the foundation for

modern communication technologies. In 1833, Samuel Morse's invention of the electric

telegraph enabled the transmission of messages over long distances using electrical signals. This

invention marked a turning point in communication, significantly reducing the time it took to

relay information.

Just over four decades later, in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell's invention of the telephone

transformed the way people communicated, introducing the ability to converse in real time over

long distances. The telephone quickly gained popularity, becoming an indispensable tool for

businesses and individuals alike.

The early 20th century saw the advent of radio, a technology that revolutionized mass

communication. Invented by Guglielmo Marconi in 1895, radio transmission allowed for the

broadcasting of news, entertainment, and information to a wide audience. Radio became a

powerful tool for education, propaganda, and cultural exchange, shaping the way people

consumed information and connected with the world around them.

3.3 The Rise of Computing: From ENIAC to Personal Computers

The mid-22nd century ushered in the age of computing, marking a new era in information

processing. In 1946, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC), the first

electronic digital computer, was unveiled. While ENIAC was massive in size and limited in its

capabilities, it paved the way for the rapid development of computers throughout the following

decades.

The 1970s and 1980s witnessed the rise of personal computers, bringing computing power into

homes and offices worldwide. The introduction of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and user-

friendly software made computers accessible to a broader audience, further fueling the digital

revolution.

3.4 The Internet and the World Wide Web: A Network of Networks

The 1990s saw the emergence of the internet, a global network of interconnected computers that

transformed the way people communicate, access information, and conduct business. The World

Wide Web, developed by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989, provided a user-friendly interface for

accessing information on the internet, revolutionizing the way people interact with the digital

world. The internet's rapid growth and widespread adoption led to the development of e-

commerce, online banking, social media, and a myriad of other online services that have

transformed the way we live, work, and interact. The internet has become an essential tool for

communication, education, entertainment, and commerce, connecting people across the globe

like never before.

3.5 The 21st Century: A Continued Journey of Innovation

The 21st century has witnessed the continued evolution of ICT, with advancements in mobile

technology, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other emerging fields. Smartphones,

tablets, and other mobile devices have become ubiquitous, providing access to the internet,

communication tools, and a vast array of applications anytime, anywhere. Cloud computing has

revolutionized the way information is stored, accessed, and managed, enabling businesses and

individuals to access data and applications from anywhere in the world.

4.0 Conclusion

The history of information communication technology (ICT) is a remarkable tale of human

ingenuity, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of effective communication and information

exchange. From the early days of smoke signals and cave paintings to the cutting-edge

technologies shaping our modern world, ICT has transformed the way we live, work, learn, and

interact with our surroundings. The evolution of ICT has been marked by a series of

groundbreaking inventions, each building upon the previous and propelling communication to

new frontiers. The telegraph, telephone, and radio revolutionized mass communication, while the

advent of computers and the internet ushered in an era of unprecedented connectivity and

information access. Today, ICT is an indispensable tool in our daily lives, permeating every

aspect of society, from business and education to healthcare and entertainment. Mobile devices

have become ubiquitous, providing access to the internet and a vast array of applications

anytime, anywhere. Cloud computing has revolutionized information storage and management,

while artificial intelligence is poised to transform industries and shape the future of work. As we

look to the future, the evolution of ICT will continue to accelerate, driven by advancements in
emerging fields such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and the Internet of Things. These

technologies hold the potential to further blur the lines between the physical and digital worlds,

creating new opportunities for communication, collaboration, and innovation. The history of ICT

is a testament to the human spirit's boundless creativity and the enduring quest to connect and

communicate. As we continue to innovate and explore the potential of ICT, we shape the future

of our world, opening doors to new possibilities and fostering a more connected, informed, and

empowered global society.

The History of Information System

Abstract

Information systems have played a pivotal role in shaping the modern world, transforming the

way we communicate, manage data, and conduct business. This term paper delves into the rich

history of information systems, tracing their evolution from the early days of clay tablets and

written records to the sophisticated cloud-based systems of today.

The paper explores the groundbreaking inventions and innovations that have propelled the

development of information systems, including mechanical tabulating machines, electronic

computers, databases, networking technologies, and the internet. It examines the societal impact

of these advancements, highlighting their role in revolutionizing industries, facilitating

communication, and enabling the efficient processing of vast amounts of data.

The paper also discusses the emergence of cloud computing, big data analytics, and artificial

intelligence as key transformative forces in the 21st century. It explores the potential of these

technologies to further enhance the capabilities of information systems and shape the future of

data management, communication, and decision-making.

Throughout the paper, the evolution of information systems is presented as a continuous journey

of innovation, driven by human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of more effective ways to

collect, organize, communicate, and analyze information. It highlights the transformative impact

of information systems on society, businesses, and individuals, shaping the world we live in

today and influencing the trajectory of future advancements.

Introduction

Information systems, the foundation of modern communication and data management, have

undergone a remarkable transformation throughout history. From the ancient clay tablets of

Mesopotamia to the sophisticated cloud-based systems of today, information systems have

evolved alongside human civilization. This term paper explores the rich history of information

systems, delving into the key milestones, innovations, and societal impacts that have shaped this

ever-evolving field.

Body

Early Information Systems: From Clay Tablets to Paper Records

The origins of information systems can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where clay tablets

served as the earliest form of recorded information. These tablets, inscribed with cuneiform

script, were used to track transactions, record laws, and preserve historical accounts.

As societies developed, so did the need for more sophisticated information systems. Paper

records emerged, providing a more flexible and portable medium for storing and managing

information. Accounting ledgers, maps, and written books became essential tools for trade,

navigation, and knowledge dissemination.

The Advent of Mechanical Systems: Tabulating Machines and Hollerith Cards

The 19th century witnessed a revolution in information systems with the introduction of

mechanical devices. In 1880, Herman Hollerith developed a mechanical tabulating machine,

which significantly improved the efficiency of data processing. Hollerith's machine used

punched cards to encode information, allowing for automated data sorting and analysis.

Hollerith's invention was instrumental in the rapid processing of the 1890 US Census,

demonstrating the power of mechanical systems in managing large datasets. His work paved the

way for the development of more advanced mechanical data processing systems, such as punch-

card machines and early computers.

The Rise of Electronic Computing and Information Systems

The mid-20th century marked a pivotal shift in the history of information systems with the

advent of electronic computers. The development of electronic digital computers, such as the

ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) in 1946, ushered in a new era of data

processing and information management.

Electronic computers offered unparalleled speed, accuracy, and storage capacity, enabling the

processing of vast amounts of data that were previously unimaginable. This led to the

development of more sophisticated information systems, capable of supporting complex business

operations, scientific research, and government functions.

The Emergence of Modern Information Systems: Databases, Networking, and the Internet

The 1960s and 1970s saw the emergence of modern information systems, characterized by the

development of databases, networking technologies, and the personal computer. Databases

provided a structured and efficient way to store and organize large volumes of data, while

networking technologies enabled the sharing and communication of information across computer

systems.

The introduction of personal computers in the 1970s brought computing power into homes,

offices, and educational institutions, further expanding the reach and impact of information

systems. These advancements laid the foundation for the widespread adoption of information

systems in various sectors of society.

The Information Age and the Rise of the Internet

The 1990s marked the beginning of the Information Age, characterized by the explosive growth

of the internet. The internet, a global network of interconnected computers, revolutionized

communication, information access, and e-commerce. The development of the World Wide Web

provided a user-friendly interface for accessing information on the internet, further accelerating

its adoption.

The internet's impact on information systems was profound, transforming the way organizations

communicate, manage data, and conduct business. It enabled the creation of new industries, such

as e-commerce and social media, and profoundly altered the way people consume information

and interact with the world around them.

The 21st Century: Cloud Computing, Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence

The 21st century has witnessed the continued evolution of information systems, with

advancements in cloud computing, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence. Cloud
computing provides on-demand access to computing resources, enabling businesses and

individuals to store, manage, and process data remotely.

Big data analytics, the process of extracting insights from large datasets, has become a powerful

tool for businesses, governments, and research institutions. Artificial intelligence (AI), the ability

of machines to simulate human intelligence, is rapidly transforming various industries, from

healthcare and finance to transportation and manufacturing.

Conclusion

Information systems have undoubtedly transformed the world we live in, shaping the way we

communicate, manage data, and conduct business. The history of information systems is a

testament to human ingenuity, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of more effective ways to

collect, organize, communicate, and analyze information. From the ancient clay tablets of

Mesopotamia to the sophisticated cloud-based systems of today, information systems have

evolved alongside human civilization, adapting to the changing needs of society and driving

technological advancements. The history of information systems is a testament to the boundless

human spirit and the enduring quest to connect, communicate, and access information. As we

continue to innovate and explore the potential of information systems, we shape the future of our

world, opening doors to new possibilities and fostering a more connected, informed, and

empowered global society.

The Effective Use of Mobile Phones Over Laptop

In today's technology-driven world, mobile phones and laptops have become ubiquitous tools for

communication, work, and entertainment. While both devices offer a range of capabilities,

mobile phones have emerged as increasingly effective tools for many tasks, often surpassing the

capabilities of laptops in terms of portability, productivity, and entertainment. This essay

explores the advantages of mobile phones over laptops in these three key areas.

One of the most significant advantages of mobile phones over laptops is their unmatched

portability. Weighing in at a fraction of the weight of a laptop, mobile phones can be easily

carried in pockets, handbags, or backpacks, making them accessible anytime, anywhere. This

portability allows users to stay connected, productive, and entertained on the go, whether

commuting, traveling, or simply relaxing in a park.

Laptops, while offering greater processing power and screen size, often come at the expense of

portability. Their larger size and weight can make them cumbersome to carry around, limiting

their use in situations where mobility is essential.

Mobile phones have evolved into powerful tools for work and collaboration. With the advent of

mobile apps and cloud-based services, users can now access and edit documents, manage emails,

participate in video conferences, and even create presentations from their mobile devices. This

flexibility allows for seamless productivity, enabling users to work effectively from anywhere,

whether at home, in the office, or on the move.

Laptops, while traditionally considered the primary tools for work, can be less convenient for

mobile work scenarios. Their larger size and need for a power source can limit their flexibility in

certain settings.

Mobile phones have become the go-to devices for entertainment, offering a vast library of

multimedia content at users' fingertips. With access to streaming services, music apps, and

gaming platforms, mobile phones provide a convenient and portable source of entertainment for

individuals on the go.

Laptops, while offering larger screens and higher-quality audio, can be less suitable for casual

entertainment due to their size and limited portability. Additionally, the battery life of laptops

may not be as conducive to extended periods of entertainment use.

Mobile phones and laptops, once distinct categories of devices, are increasingly converging in

terms of their capabilities. Mobile phones are gaining processing power and screen size, while

laptops are becoming more compact and lightweight. However, mobile phones retain a

significant advantage in terms of portability, making them the preferred choice for many users in

today's mobile-centric world.

The effective use of mobile phones over laptops is not about replacing laptops altogether, but

rather about recognizing the unique strengths of each device. Mobile phones excel in portability,

productivity, and entertainment, while laptops offer larger screens, higher processing power, and

more traditional desktop functionalities. By understanding the strengths of each device, users can

make informed decisions about which device is best suited for their specific needs and

preferences.
As technology continues to evolve, mobile phones are poised to play an even more prominent

role in our daily lives. With advancements in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and other

emerging technologies, mobile phones will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible,

further enhancing their effectiveness and appeal.

 Olaniran Semilore Peter

CSC/2019/156

CSC 311 Assignment

Course Coordinator: Dr. Ikono