Technology is the application of knowledge in various areas. It can also refer to a product of such an endeavor. It is present in most fields and in our daily lives. For example, computers and cell phones use technology. Storage hardware is also an example of technology. It helps us in many ways. But what are the different types of technology?
Information technology
Information technology (IT) is an area of study with a wide range of fields, from computing and software to hardware and networking. It also encompasses the processes and oversight of technology. The term “IT” was first used in a 1958 article in the Harvard Business Review. The article predicted that high-speed computing, statistical methodologies, and computer programs would revolutionize the business world by the 1980s.
Computers
Computers have been around for quite some time, but they were originally designed for a specific purpose – to perform calculations. People have been calculating since ancient times, and mechanical devices such as looms and calculators have helped people to do so. In the early 20th century, mechanical devices were replaced by more sophisticated electrical machines capable of performing specialized analog calculations. During World War II, the first commercial electronic calculating machines were built, and in the 1970s, the microprocessor revolution was underway.
Cell phones
Fifty years ago, cell phones seemed like science fiction. They were inspired by the TV show Star Trek, which featured characters carrying around portable communications devices. In 1966, Motorola released the first true cellular phone, the Dynatac. It allowed its users to make calls even outside their cars.
Storage hardware
There are several types of storage hardware available, including optical, magnetic and solid state. These types of devices are solid and do not have moving parts, making them highly resistant to knocks. They store data using binary patterns using billions of tiny switches and use very little power. In some cases, they can be powered by the device they are plugged into.
Computer networks
Computer networks use different types of hardware and software to communicate with each other. One of the most common forms is packet-switched, which uses Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). In a computer network, each endpoint has a unique identifier and is known as an endpoint node. Endpoint nodes include personal computers, servers, networked printers, and sensors. The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model defines how data is transferred between nodes and networks.
Wireless communication
Wireless communication technology allows people to connect to each other and send information via radio waves, using short distances. Its applications range from personal use to business. Bluetooth, a relatively new technology, allows people to connect different devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and Bluetooth speakers. Bluetooth technology uses short-range low-energy radio waves to send information. Its range is up to 30 feet, but it can be blocked by some solid objects.