Information technology includes not only the generation, collection, representation, detection, processing and storage of information, but also the transmission, transformation, display, identification, extraction, control and utilization of information. It mainly refers to the use of electronic computers and modern communication means to achieve information acquisition, transmission, storage, processing, display and release and other related technologies. The fundamental task of information technology is to improve or expand human ability to master information.
Information technology mainly includes computer technology, microelectronics technology, communication technology and sensing technology. (1) Computer technology is the core of information processing. In 1980s, with the continuous development and wide application of multimedia computer technology, information such as words, data, graphics and sounds were comprehensively processed by computers, which enabled people to obtain more intuitive and comprehensive information. (2) Microelectronics technology is the cornerstone of modern information technology. With its development, the size of various related devices is shrinking, and the integration and device performance are improving. (3) Modern communication technologies mainly include digital communication, optical fiber communication, satellite communication and microwave communication. The popularization and application of communication technology is a remarkable sign that mankind has entered the information age. With the rapid development of communication technology, the spread speed of information anywhere on the earth is significantly accelerated, and all kinds of media information (numbers, sounds, graphics and images) can be effectively spread, which has brought profound changes to people's social life style. Computer network and communication technology are inseparable. Today's network applications have developed to high bandwidth, high performance and support digital services. The increasingly interactive network is widely used, providing people with more and more information services and interactive platforms. (4) Sensing technology is also one of the rapidly developing high-tech. It is also an important symbol of the development of contemporary science and technology. If computers are extensions of human brains, then sensors are extensions of human five senses. Together with computer technology, communication technology and microelectronics technology, it constitutes one of the core pillars of the information industry.
To sum up, the continuous development of information technology will bring people more convenient and efficient methods, means, technologies and ways to obtain information, learn and cooperate.