Friday, April 19, 2013

What is BRNET


Bio-Resource Network (BRNet) is a prototype portal site for biological information. An
initiative of Japan Science and Technology (JST) Corporation, BRNET is basically meant to bring
together biological information resources scattered over different networks for optimum
utilization.
BRNET categorizes the information resources in such a manner that the end user can easily
search the desired information. Furthermore, it also allows the users to create their own bio resources
database.

Advantages and features of NICENET


1. Internet Classroom Assistant (ICA2), a sophisticated communication tool that brings
powerful World-Wide-Web based conferencing, personal messaging, document sharing,
scheduling and link/resource sharing to a variety of learning environments.
2. The ICA2 incorporates many new features and responds to requests received from users.
Nicenet provides the ICA free of charge with no advertising.

3. Anyone can set up a class in minutes and allow others to join. After login, users are
presented with a "heads-up" display of class resources.
4. Conferencing: Create your own private, threaded conferencing on topics you make for the
class or opt to allow students to create their own topics.
5. Scheduling: Put the class schedule on-line. With a seven day advance view on your class
homepage, students will have a heads-up display of upcoming assignments and class
events.
6. Document sharing: Students and professors have the ability to publish their documents on
the site using simple web-based
7. No knowledge of HTML is needed. Automatically integrated with scheduling, students are
one click away from turning in their assignments on-line, giving their peers feedback on
published papers and receiving professors comments.
8. Personal Messaging: Similar to traditional email but fully integrated with document
sharing and conferencing, personal messaging is a great way communicate with and
between individuals in your class, comment privately on conferencing postings or give
private feedback on published papers.
9. Link Sharing: Share links to pertinent Internet resources sorted by topics that you create.

What is NICENET


NICENET is an organisation of internet professionals, founded in 1995 with the objective
to make electronic communication tools and resources accessible for education community.
NICENET provides one of the most popular “Learning Management System”.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF INFLIBNET


1. To promote and establish communication facilities to improve capability in information
transfer and access to knowledge, that provide support to scholarship, learning, research
and academic pursuit through cooperation and involvement of agencies concerned.
2. To establish INFLIBNET: Information and Library Network a computer communication
network for linking libraries and information centres in universities, deemed to be
universities, colleges, UGC information centres, institutions of national importance and
R & D institutions, etc. avoiding duplication of efforts.
3. Promote and implement computerisation of operations and services in the libraries and
information centres of the country.

4. Evolve standards and uniform guidelines in techniques, methods, procedures, computer
hardware and software, services and promote their adoption in actual practice by all
libraries, in order to facilitate pooling, sharing and exchange of information towards
optimal use of resources and facilities.
5. Evolved a national network, interconnecting various libraries and information centres in the
country, to improve capability in information handling and service.
6. Provide reliable access to document collection of libraries by creating on-line union
catalogue of serials, theses/dissertations, books, monographs and non-book materials
(manuscripts, audio-visuals, computer data, multimedia, etc.) in various libraries in India.
7. Provide access to bibliographic information sources with citations, abstracts etc. through
indigenously created databases of the Sectoral Information Centres of NISSAT, UGC
Information Centres, City Networks and such others and by establishing gateways for
on-line accessing of national and international databases held by national and international
information networks and centres respectively.
8. Develop new methods and techniques for archival of valuable information available as
manuscripts and information documents in different Indian Languages, in the form of
digital images using high density storage media.
9. Enable the users dispersed all over the country, irrespective of location and distance, to
have access to information regarding serials, theses/dissertations, books, monographs and
non-book materials by locating the sources wherefrom available and to obtain it through
the facilities of INFLIBNET and union catalogue of documents.
10. Create databases of projects, institutions, specialists, etc. for providing on-line information
service.
11. Create databases of projects, institutions, specialists, etc. for providing on-line information
service.
12. Encourage co-operation among libraries, documentation centres and information centres in
the country, so that the resources can be pooled for the benefit of helping the weaker
resource centres by stronger ones.
13. Train and develop human resources in the field of computerised library operations and
networking to establish, manage and sustain INFLIBNET.
14. Facilitate academic communication amongst scientists, engineers, social scientists,
academics, faculties, researchers and students through electronic mail, file transfer,
computer/audio/video conferencing, etc.
15. Collaborate with institutions, libraries, information centres and other organisations in India
and abroad in the field relevant to the objectives of the Centre.

What is INFLIBNET


Is an Autonomous Inter-University Centre (IUC) of University Grants Commission, Government
of India. It is involved in creating infrastructure for sharing of library and information resources
and services among Academic and Research Institutions. INFLIBNET (Information and Library
Network) works collaboratively with Indian university libraries to shape the future of the academic
libraries in the evolving information environment.

What is CONTENT REPOSITORIES


Content Repositories are large storage facilities for storing content. Repositories give answers to
any type of query. There can also be articles, comments, news about different matters. It is
possible to define a single content repository table that is flexible enough to store everything in one
place.

What is JOURNALS


A journal contains scholarly articles. It disseminates current information on research and development in a particular subject field. E-Journals, or electronic journals,are the electronic equivalent of paper journals. EJournalsprovide access to 'full text versions'(full content) ofarticles which you can read on-screen, print out or save todisc. In some cases you will be limited to viewing a description of the article – an abstract or summary.Scholarly Journals are journals which are respected for there search and information they provide about the topic they cover. They are written for and bypeople who have rich experience in a particulardiscipline or field. The research is oftenrefereed, meaning that it is reviewed by other researchers who are knowledgeable about the seriouslook than most popular magazines. They may contain graphs and charts but do not usually havemany pictures. Scholarly journals cite their sources using footnotes or bibliographies.

What is BOOKSITES


Book sites are the online book stores that allowyou to buy books and sometimes even on a reduced rate.They offer a wide range ofcollection. Book sites provide an enjoyableshopping experience. They also ensure a safeshopping by protecting you while you shop so thatyou never have to worry about credit card safety.Amazon is the clear leader in the online book market.
www.books.google.co.in www.gigapedia.com
You can get free e-books from www.free-ebooks.net, www.getfreebooks.com,
www.gutenberg.org, ebookdirectory.com, www.4shared.com, etc.

What is LIBRARIES


A traditional library is a collection of books. Today's libraries are repositories and access points forprint,audio, and visual materials in numerous formats including maps, prints, documents, microfilms,audiotapes, CDs, cassettes, videotapes, DVDs, video games,e-books, e-audio books and many other electronic resources.Libraries often provide public facilities to access to their electronic resources and the Internet.e-brary is a platform that provides desktop access toonline books. e-books are electronic versions of printed books and are an exact duplication of the printed book. Online books can be viewed online fromany PC connected to the Internet, browsed for quick research and reference. Most universities have e-braries that provide books for reference and research, in its vicinity.

What is ENCYCLOPEDIAS


An encyclopedia is a book or series of books that contain articles on a wide range of subjects or on variousaspects of a particular field.The word "encyclopedia" comes from the Greek enkyklios paideia, a "circle of learning." Originallymeaning a general education, it has come to signify a
reference work containing information on all branches ofknowledge, either in general or in a specialized field.An encyclopedia is often confused with a dictionary. Adictionary provides definition of words, while an
encyclopedia explores topics in depth with illustrations,maps, and photographs. Encyclopedias are now available online, with no print version. One of the
most important advantages of online encyclopedias is that they can be edited frequently, so they
are up to date. Traditionally, an encyclopedia was written by a single writer or as a collaborative
effort, but new works are being put together by a team of writers who often have no face to face
contact whatsoever with each other.
With the introduction of personal computers, CD-ROMs, and the World Wide Web,
many encyclopedias are now being published in CD-ROM form, with the most notable
example being Microsoft's Encarta.

Objectives of Educational S/w


1. Strengthening subject matter competence
2. Providing drill and practice activities
3. Enhancing logical thinking and problem-solving skills
4. Enriching research and writing skills
5. Simulating complex or dangerous processes that enable students to change variables and
visualize how processes are changed; and
6. Providing opportunities for students to extend learning beyond the scope of classroom
activity.
Effectiveness/Success of an Educational Software depends on– its Value, Viability and Success

CASE STUDY OF EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARES


Educational Software
Mainly there are two categories of Educational Software
a) To facilitate Education/Learning/Training
i) Teaching/ Self-learning/Training Kits
Examples of children’s learning software are ClickN KIDS, Disney Interactive learning
titles based on characters such as Winne-the-Pooh, Aladdin, The Jungle Book and
Mickey Mouse.
ii) Mainly for students/teachers to have/facilitate training on the subjects
Educational institutions like MIT have web-based publication of virtually all course
contents offered by them. Eg; MIT OpenCourse Ware(ocw.mit.edu), Georgetown
University Law Centre(www.law.georgetown.edu/faculty) etc.
b) To manage Learning Process
i) Learning Management Systems
A learning management system (LMS) is a software application for the administration,
documentation, tracking, and reporting of training programs, classroom and online
events, e-learning programs, and training content.
ii) Provide Collaborative Learning and Evaluation experience.
Educational Software Examples
For children
 ClueFinders titles
 GCompris - free software (GPL)
 JumpStart titles
 KidPix
 Reader Rabbit titles
 Tux Paint - free software (GPL)
 Zoombinis titles

List of LMS -EXAMPLES
 Alphastudy learning and knowledge portals, free web-based
 ATutor (GPL)
 Blackboard Inc.
 Chamilo
 Claroline
 eCollege
 eFront (CPAL)
 Dokeos (GPL)
 Fle3 (GPL)
 GCompris (GPL)
 ILIAS (GPL)
 JoomlaLMS
 LON-CAPA - free software (GPL)
 Moodle - free software (GPL)
 OLAT - free software
 Renaissance Place
 Sakai Project - free software
 SharePointLMS
 WebAssign

IT Tools in Education


1) Multimedia and Animation Tools
Enables better understanding of concepts, effective and more productive learning experience.
2) E-Community Resources
Continuous and fruitful communication of students with experts and teachers from different
parts of the world is possible.
3) Individualized instruction
4) Audio and Video Based Instructional Tools
Audio and Video Conferences, short animations, virtual reality, simulations, Video CDs,
NPTEL (This channel provides technical lectures from all seven Indian Institutes of
Technology and Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore), e Gyankhosh(is a National Digital
Repository to store, index, preserve, distribute and share the digital learning resources developed by the Open and
Distance Learning Institutions in the country)etc. are used in teaching.
5) Digital devices
a) Digital Blackboards, electronic pens, touch screens etc.
6) LCD Presentations
a) Improves learning experience using visualization tools

7) Personal Digital Assistants(PDA)
a) Wireless devices like PDA are used extensively in e-learning enabling the learners access
information anywhere, anytime. Also, a shift from e-learning to m-learning observed.
8) Online materials
a) Databases, e-Journals (IEEE, ACM etc)
9) Software Libraries / Digital Libraries
10) Interaction Patterns
a) Teacher-Parent, Teacher-Teacher and Teacher-Student interactions can be improved.
11)Online Tests and
12) College Websites
Factors Affecting the Use of IT in Education
 Leadership & Attitudinal Change
 Time Consuming
 Lack of sufficient Infrastructural facilities.

Need for Use of IT in Education


ng, we have to guide and equip our students and teachers with satisfactory level of technical
knowledge and skills. This is a competitive and career oriented world and hence we have to think
globally and act locally. There should be a shift in learning pedagogy from conventional methods
to modern methods, improve teaching quality, establish technology as a strategic resource for
faculty, staff and students.
A Perspective on IT in Education
 New technologies can stimulate the development of intellectual skills
 New technologies can contribute to the ways of learning knowledge, skills and attitudes,
although this is dependent on previously acquired knowledge and the type of learning
activity
 New technologies can spur spontaneous interest more than traditional approaches
Need of ICT
 Students using new technologies concentrate more than students in traditional settings
 Clearer understanding of and insights into the practices.

BASIC CONCEPTS OF IPR


Intellectual property rights are a bundle of exclusive rights over creations of the mind, both
artistic and commercial. The former is covered by copy rightlaws, which protect creative works,
such as books, movies, music, paintings, photographs, and software, and give the copyright holder
exclusive right to control reproduction or adaptation of such works for a certain period of time.
Intellectual property rights includes
• Patents - A patent is a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor or his assignee for
a limited period of time in exchange for a disclosure of an invention. Only non obvious ideas can
be patented.
• Copyrights -Copyright gives the author of an original work exclusive right for a certain time
period in relation to that work, including its publication, distribution and adaptation, after which
time the work is said to enter the public domain. The work for which copy rights are given are
poems, theses, plays, other literary works, movies, dances, musical compositions, audio
recordings, paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, software, radio and television and
broadcasts.
Copyright does not cover ideas and information
• Trademarks -is a distinctive sign or indicator used by an individual, business organization, or
other legal entity to identify that the products or services to consumers with which the trademark
appears originate from a unique source, and to distinguish its products or services from those of
competitors.

Criticism
The major criticisms against IPR are as follows.
 It creates intellectual monopolies
 It prevents progress as it remains in the hands of an individual or a firm.
 It leads to concentration of wealth in the hands of a few and is detrimental to the masses.

ACADEMIC SEARCH TECHNIQUES


As the largest interconnection of computers and computer networks, the World Wide Web
makes information widely accessible, but information integrity and management remain key issues
for individuals and firms using this platform. The Internet can provide a wealth of information, but
the credibility and accuracy depend entirely on the source, and finding credible information can be
time-consuming, requiring hours of sorting through largely irrelevant sites. These difficulties often
arise because search engines -while widely used – are often not wisely used. For many people,
arriving at the information desired, rather than at thousands of irrelevant hyperlinks, remains more
an art form than a science.
The computers are just a tool which helps you to get the information from the net. It cannot
think for you. It cannot impart knowledge to you. In this situation, Search Engines are like the
index in the back of a book. It helps you to search for specific words and topics.
Some of the examples of search engines are: Google, Alta Vista, Excite, Hotbot, Infoseek etc.

GOOGLE
 Google is a full-text search engine, which uses computerized "spiders" to index millions,
sometimes billions, of pages, allowing for much narrower searches than searchable subject
index, which searches only the titles and descriptions of sites, and doesn't search individual
pages
 Google is case-insensitive. If you search for Three, tHRee, THREE, or even THREE, you
get the same results.
 Singular is different from plural. Searches for apple and apples turn up different pages
 The order of words matters. Google considers the first word most important, the second
word next, and so on.
 Google ignores most little words, including include "I," "where," "how," "the," "of," "an,"
"for," "from," "how," 'it," "in," and "is,”. Google ignores most punctuation, except
apostrophes, hyphens, and quote marks
 Google returns pages that match your search terms exactly
 Google search word limit is 32
Some of the academic search techniques in the context of Google search engine are as follows.
1. Phrase Searches
 Enter key words search techniques. Google will find matches where the keywords appear
anywhere on the page
 If you want Google to find you matches where the keywords appear together as a phrase,
surround them with quotes, like this “search techniques”.
2. Basic Boolean
 Google's Boolean default is AND, which means that if you enter query words without
modifiers, Google will search for all your query words
 If you prefer to specify that any one word or phrase is acceptable, put an OR (in capital
letter), lower case or won’t work correctly. For example: enter Yahoo OR Google.
 A computer programming character | can work like OR (e.g. Yahoo | Google)
 If you want to search for a particular term along with two or more other terms, group the
other terms within parentheses, like so “search techniques” (Yahoo OR Google).
3. Negation
 If you want to specify that a query item must not appear in your results, prep end a (minus
sign or dash): “search techniques” –Google. This will search the pages that contain “search
techniques”, but not the word Google
 Note that the symbol must appear directly before the word or phrase that you don't want. If
there's space between, as in the following query, it won't work as expected “search
techniques” – Google
4. Explicit Inclusion
 Google will search for all the keywords and phrases that you specify, however, there are
certain words that Google will ignore because they are considered too common to be of any
use in the search (e.g. “a”, “the”, “of”, etc.)
 You can force Google to take a stop word into account by prep ending a + (plus) character,
as in +the “search techniques”.

5. Synonyms
 The Google synonym operator, the ~ (tilde) character, prep ended to any number of
keywords in your query, asks Google to include not only exact matches, but also what it
thinks are synonyms for each of the keywords. Searching for: ~ape turns up results for
monkey, gorilla, chimpanzee, and others (both singular and plural forms) of the ape or
related family, as if you'd searched for: monkey gorilla chimpanzee (Synonyms are bolded
along with exact keyword matches on the results page, so they're easy to spot)
6. Number Range
 The number range operator, .. (two periods), looks for results that fall inside your specified
numeric range (e.g. digital camera 3..5 megapixel $800..$1000)
 You can also use the number range syntax with just one number, making it the minimum or
maximum of your query (e.g. digital camera ..5 megapixel $800..)
7. Simple Searching and Feeling Lucky
 The I'm Feeling Lucky™ button is a thing of beauty. Rather than giving you a list of search
results from which to choose, you're whisked away to what Google believes is the most
relevant page given your search (i.e., the first result in the list). Entering Washington Post
and clicking the I'm Feeling Lucky button takes you directly to
http://www.washingtonpost.com.
Searching Within Your Results help you narrow down your results to find the really
relevant pages within your results pages


INTERNET AS A KNOWLEDGE REPOSITORY


In the information age, lifelong learning and collaboration are essential aspects of most
innovative work. Information technology is not only transforming our workplace but also our
educational system. The information revolution is having a profound and permanent effect on the
way we learn. Fortunately, the computer technology which drives the information explosion also
has the potential to help individuals and teams to learn much of what they need to know on
demand. In particular, computer-based systems on the Internet can be designed to capture
knowledge as it is generated within a community of practice and to deliver relevant knowledge
when it is useful.
In this internet world, we can search any kind of information. Just type the keyword in
search engine and you can find a lot of information about it. The internet is recognized as a rich
source of information, which can be easily tapped by any person who has the skills to use the
internet. More than ever before online databases are easily accessible to all learners who have a
computer and a telephone line.
The rapid development of Information and Communication Technology has yielded an
almost unlimited variety of databases and multimedia platforms that are able to supply
multifarious needs, including knowledge, edutainment, entertainment, leisure activities, consumer
facilities, interpersonal interaction etc. there are many knowledge centers in the net like which can
be accessed and used by all. There are virtual library and also on-line discussion boards which are
useful tools for academic exchanges. Thus the use of internet by students and teachers is perceived
as a vehicle to increase knowledge and skills necessary for successful negotiation of tasks
presented by 21st century.
Knowledge repository means a place to store knowledge and retrieve knowledge. Hence
internet is truly a knowledge repository.

What is Knowledge Management


This is information age. To survive in this information age organizations should use
information efficiently and effectively.
Knowledge management includes identifying and mapping intellectual assets within the
organization, generating new knowledge for competitive advantage within the organization,
making vast amounts of corporate information accessible, sharing the best practices, and
technology that enables all of the above including groupware and intranets.

A comprehensive definition on knowledge management is “Knowledge Management caters
to the critical issues of organizational adaptation, survival and competence in face of increasingly
discontinuous environmental change. Essentially, it embodies organizational processes that seek
synergistic combination of data and information processing capacity of information technologies,
and the creative and innovative capacity of human beings.”

Knowledge is what we know


Information allows us to expand our knowledge beyond the range of our senses. We can capture
data in information, and then move it about so that other people can access it at different times.
Knowledge is like the map of the World we build inside our brains. Like a physical map, it
helps us know where things are – but it contains more than that. It also contains our beliefs and
expectations. “If I do this, I will probably get that.” The brain links all these things together into a
giant network of ideas, memories, predictions, beliefs, etc. Our brains constantly update this map
from the signals coming through our eyes, ears, nose, mouth and skin.
Brain connects all knowledge. Everything is inter-connected in the brain. Brain uses two
sources to build this knowledge - information and data. Computers are artificial brains. They
don’t understand what they are processing, and can’t take independent decisions.

Data, Information and Knowledge


People often use the terms data and information interchangeably but there is a distinction
when we use them with reference to computers.
Data is a collection of facts, or an idea. Data can be a number, a word, a picture, or even a
recording of sound. For example 04933239230 is a number and the names Saji and Khan are
pieces of data. But they are of no use to anyone. When we are presented with a contact list that
shows Saji Khan and his phone number as 04933239230, then it is useful. This is information.

DATA, INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE REPOSITORY


All of us have some knowledge about computers. But do we know how it works and how it
is useful for academic purposes? A computer connected to internet opens up a whole new world
for us and we can enhance our knowledge. You can have any information on your fingertips as you
can search for them using a search engine. You can search content, images, videos etc. using a
search engine by simply typing the keywords in the search bar. Also academic learning gets a
boost by the existence of online encyclopedias like Wikipedia. Using email, instant messaging,
online forums and groups, learning and transfer of knowledge is possible. This section deals with
the uses of computer in knowledge management and higher education.

What is CLOUD COMPUTING


Cloud computing is the delivery of computing and storage capacity as a service to a community
of end-recipients. The name comes from the use of a cloud-shaped symbol as an abstraction for the
complex infrastructure it contains in system diagrams. Cloud computing entrusts services with a
user's data, software and computation over a network.
There are three types of cloud computing:
 Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS),
 Platform as a Service (PaaS), and
 Software as a Service (SaaS).

Using Infrastructure as a Service, users rent use of servers (as many as needed during the
rental period) provided by one or more cloud providers. Using Platform as a Service, users rent use
of servers and the system software to use in them. Using Software as a Service, users also rent
application software and databases. The cloud providers manage the infrastructure and platforms
on which the applications run.
End users access cloud-based applications through a web browser or a light-weight desktop
or mobile app while the business software and user's data are stored on servers at a remote
location. Users of cloud computing claim that it allows enterprises to get their applications up and
running faster, with improved manageability and less maintenance.
Cloud computing relies on sharing of resources to achieve coherence and economies of
scale similar to a utility (like the electricity grid) over a network (typically the Internet). At the
foundation of cloud computing is the broader concept of converged infrastructure and shared
services.

Is DNA Computer a Reality?


The amount of information gathered on the molecular biology of DNA over the last 40
years is almost overwhelming in scope. But still a lot needs to be done for a DNA Computer to
become a reality for common people like us.
The technology is still evolving and so DNA computers will not be sold in the immediate
future at our computer show rooms. It exists only in a few specialized labs used by scientists and it
will take years to develop a workable DNA computer. But when it is built, scientists say that it will
be more compact, accurate and efficient than conventional computers. The current applications of
DNA chips are restricted to the field of medicine. Affymetrix Inc pioneered the research in the
field of DNA medicine. However now many companies such as Motorola and Corning and the
Hewlett-Packard spinoff Agilent Technologies have joined this rapidly growing technology

What is DNA COMPUTING


Microprocessors made of silicon will eventually reach their limits of speed and miniaturization. So
scientists are turning to our own DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) molecules, the material our genes are made
of, which have the potential to perform calculations many times faster than the world's most powerful
human-built computers.
Leonard Adleman of the University of Southern California is the Father of DNA Computing.
A DNA computer, as the name implies, uses DNA strands to store information and taps the
Re-combinative properties of DNA to perform operations. A small test tube of DNA strands
suspended in as solution could yield millions to billions of simultaneous interactions at speeds —.
in theory— faster than today's fastest supercomputers.DNA computer uses the re-combinative
property of DNA to perform operations. The main benefit of using DNA computers to solve
complex problems is that different possible solutions are created all at once. This is known as
parallel processing. Humans and most electronic computers attempt to solve the problem one
process at a time (linear processing).DNA itself provides the added benefits of being a cheap,
energy-efficient resource.
In a different perspective, more than 10 trillion DNA molecules can fit into an area no
larger than 1cubic centimeter. With this, a DNA computer could hold 10 terabytes of data and
perform 10 trillion calculations at a time.
In a traditional computer, data are represented by and stored as strings of zeros and ones.
With a DNA computer, a sequence of its four basic nucleotides — adenine, cytosine, guanine, and
thymine — is used to represent and store data on a strand of DNA. Calculations in a traditional
computer are performed by moving data into a processing unit where binary operations are
performed. Essentially, the operations turn miniaturized circuits off or on corresponding to the
zeros and ones that represent the string of data.

What is SMART CARD


A smart card, chip card, or integrated circuit card (ICC) is any pocket-sized card with
embedded integrated circuits. Smart cards are made of plastic, generally polyvinyl chloride, but
sometimes acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or polycarbonate.
Smart cards can provide identification, authentication, data storage and application
processing. Smart cards may provide strong security authentication for single sign-on (SSO)
within large organizations.
Smart cards serve as credit or ATM cards, fuel cards, mobile phone SIMs, authorization
cards for pay television, household utility pre-payment cards, high-security identification and
access-control cards, and public transport and public phone payment cards.
Smart cards may also be used as electronic wallets. The smart card chip can be "loaded"
with funds to pay parking meters and vending machines or at various merchants. Cryptographic
protocols protect the exchange of money between the smart card and the accepting machine. No
connection to the issuing bank is necessary, so the holder of the card can use it even if not the
owner.
Smart health cards can improve the security and privacy of patient information, provide a
secure carrier for portable medical records, reduce health care fraud, support new processes for
portable medical records, provide secure access to emergency medical information, enable
compliance with government initiatives (e.g., organ donation) and mandates, and provide the
platform to implement other applications as needed by the health care organization

Infrared Disadvantages


1. Line of sight: transmitters and receivers must be almost directly aligned (i.e. able to see
each other) to communicate
2. Blocked by common materials: people, walls, plants, etc. can block transmission
3. Short range: performance drops off with longer distances
4. Light, weather sensitive: direct sunlight, rain, fog, dust, pollution can affect transmission
5. Speed: data rate transmission is lower than typical wired transmission

Infrared Advantages:


Infrared technology offers several important advantages as a form of wireless communication
1. Low power requirements: therefore ideal for laptops, telephones, personal digital assistants
2. Low costs for the coding/decoding circuitry.
3. Simple circuitry: no special or proprietary hardware is required, can be incorporated into
the integrated circuit of a product
4. Higher security: directionality of the beam helps ensure that data isn't leaked or spilled to
nearby devices as it's transmitted
5. Portable
6. Few international regulatory constraints: IrDA (Infrared Data Association) functional
devices will ideally be usable by international travelers, no matter where they may be.
7. High noise immunity: not as likely to have interference from signals from other devices.

Uses of Infrared technology


Infrared light is used in industrial, scientific, and medical applications. Night-vision
devices using infrared illumination allow people or animals to be observed without the observer
being detected. In astronomy, imaging at infrared wavelengths allows observation of objects
obscured by interstellar dust. Infrared imaging cameras are used to detect heat loss in insulated
systems, observe changing blood flow in the skin, and overheating of electrical apparatus
Some common applications of infrared technology are listed below.
1. Augmentative communication devices
2. Car locking systems
3. Computers
a. Mouse
b. Keyboards
c. Floppy disk drives
d. Printers

4. Emergency response systems
5. Environmental control systems
a. Windows
b. Doors
c. Lights
d. Curtains
e. Beds
f. Radios
6. Headphones
7. Home security systems
8. Navigation systems
9. Signage
10. Telephones
11. TVs, VCRs, CD players, stereos. Infrared is the most common way for remote controls to
command appliances.
12. Toys

INIFRA RED COMMUNICATIONS


Infrared is an energy similar to visible light, but with a longer wavelength. Infrared energy
is invisible to the human eye, however, while visible light energy is emitted by objects only at a
very high temperature; infrared energy is emitted by all objects at ordinary temperatures. Since
thermal imager’s sense infrared energy which varies with the temperature of objects in a scene, the
image generated provides a thermal signature of the scene. This image can be displayed on a
standard video monitor. Infrared energy from objects in a scene are focused by optics onto an
infrared detector. The infrared information is then passed to sensor electronics for image
processing. The signal processing circuitry translates the infrared detector data into an image that
can be viewed on a standard video monitor
In infrared communication an LED transmits the infrared signal as bursts of non-visible
light. At the receiving end a photodiode or photoreceptor detects and captures the light pulses,
which are then processed to retrieve the information they contain.

Uses of GPS


Many civilian applications use one or more of GPS's three basic components: absolute location,
relative movement, and time transfer. GPS is used for the following civilian purposes:
 GPS/Cellular position detection for emergency mobile calls to 911.
 Vehicle tracking systems, person tracking systems, and pet tracking systems use GPS to locate
a vehicle, person, or pet. These devices are attached to the vehicle, person, or to the
target leave a designated area.
 GPS is used for geotagging ie, applying location coordinates to digital objects such as photographs
and other documents for creating map overlays.
 GPS is used for Aircraft Tracking.
 GPS tours: Location determines what content to display; for instance, information about
an approaching point of interest.
 Map-making: Both civilian and military cartographers use GPS extensively.
 Navigation: Navigators value digitally precise velocity and orientation measurements.
 Robotics: Self-navigating, autonomous robots using a GPS sensors, which calculate latitude,
longitude, time, speed, and heading.
 Recreation: For example, geocaching, geodashing, GPS drawing and waymarking.
 Surveying: Surveyors use absolute locations to make maps and determine property boundaries.
 Tectonics: GPS enables direct fault motion measurement in earthquakes.
 Telematics: GPS technology integrated with computers and mobile communications technology
in automotive navigation systems
 Fleet Tracking: The use of GPS technology to identify, locate and maintain contact reports
with one or more fleet vehicles in real-time.

GPS is used for the following military purposes.
 Navigation: GPS allows soldiers to find objectives, even in the dark or in unfamiliar
territory, and to coordinate troop and supply movement.
 Target tracking: Various military weapons systems use GPS to track potential ground and
air targets before flagging them as hostile.
 Missile and projectile guidance: GPS allows accurate targeting of various military weapons
including ICBMs, cruise missiles, precision-guided munitions and Artillery projectiles.
 Search and Rescue: Downed pilots can be located faster if their position is known.
 Reconnaissance: Patrol movement can be managed more closely.

What is Global Positioning System


Artist's conception of GPS Block II-F satellite Automotive navigation system in a taxicab.
in Earth orbit

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based satellite navigation system that
provides location and time information in all weather, anywhere on or near the Earth, where there
is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. It is maintained by the United States
government and is freely accessible to anyone with a GPS receiver.
The GPS program provides critical capabilities to military, civil and commercial users
around the world. In addition, GPS is the backbone for modernizing the global air traffic system.
The GPS project was developed in 1973 to overcome the limitations of previous navigation
systems, integrating ideas from several predecessors, including a number of classified engineering
design studies from the 1960s. GPS was created and realized by the U.S. Department of Defense
(DoD) and was originally run with 24 satellites. It became fully operational in 1994.
While originally a military project, GPS is considered a dual-use technology, meaning it
has significant military and civilian applications.
GPS has become a widely deployed and useful tool for commerce, scientific uses, tracking,
and surveillance. GPS's accurate time facilitates everyday activities such as banking, mobile phone
operations, and even the control of power grids by allowing well synchronized hand-off switching

What is Bluetooth


Bluetooth is the name of a wireless technology that is standard for connecting devices
without cables. Bluetooth works by using radio signals to transmit information over short distances
that are generally 33 feet or less. Thus Bluetooth is a technology that allows for short distance
wireless data transmission. It is used most commonly in phones for peripheral devices like
headsets.
Created by telecoms vendor Ericsson in 1994,[1] it was originally conceived as a wireless
alternative to RS-232 data cables. It can connect several devices, overcoming problems of
synchronization.
Bluetooth provides a secure way to connect and exchange information between devices
such as faxes, mobile phones, telephones, laptops, personal computers, printers, Global Positioning
System (GPS) receivers, digital cameras, and video game consoles.
List of applications (Uses)
A typical Bluetooth mobile phone headset.
 Wireless control of and communication between a mobile phone and a hands free headset.
This was one of the earliest applications to become popular.
 Wireless control of and communication between a mobile phone and a Bluetooth compatible
car stereo system
 Wireless Bluetooth headset and Intercom.
 Wireless networking between PCs in a confined space and where little bandwidth is
required.
 Wireless communication with PC input and output devices, the most common being the
mouse, keyboard and printer.
 Transfer of files, contact details, calendar appointments, and reminders between devices
with OBEX.
 Replacement of previous wired RS-232 serial communications in test equipment, GPS
receivers, medical equipment, bar code scanners, and traffic control devices.
 For controls where infrared was often used.
 For low bandwidth applications where higher USB bandwidth is not required and
cable-free connection desired.

 Sending small advertisements from Bluetooth-enabled advertising hoardings to other,
discoverable, Bluetooth devices.
 Wireless bridge between two Industrial Ethernet (e.g., PROFINET) networks.
 Three seventh-generation game consoles, Nintendo's Wii and Sony's PlayStation 3 and PSP
Go, use Bluetooth for their respective wireless controllers.
 Dial-up internet access on personal computers or PDAs(Personal Digital Assistants) using
a data-capable mobile phone as a wireless modem.
 Short range transmission of health sensor data from medical devices to mobile phone,
set-top box or dedicated tele-health devices.
 Allowing a DECT phone to ring and answer calls on behalf of a nearby mobile phone
 Real-time location systems (RTLS), are used to track and identify the location of objects in
real-time using “Nodes” or “tags” attached to, or embedded in the objects tracked, and
“Readers” that receive and process the wireless signals from these tags to determine their
locations.
 Personal security application on mobile phones for prevention of theft or loss of items. The
protected item has a Bluetooth marker (e.g. a tag) that is in constant communication with
the phone. If the connection is broken (the marker is out of range of the phone) then an
alarm is raised. This can also be used as a man overboard alarm. A product using this
technology has been available since 2009.
Bluetooth exists in many products, such as the iPod Touch, Lego Mindstorms NXT, Play
Station 3, PSP Go, telephones, the Nintendo Wii, and some high definition headsets, modems, and
watches. The technology is useful when transferring information between two or more devices that
are near each other in low-bandwidth situations. Bluetooth is commonly used to transfer sound
data with telephones (i.e., with a Bluetooth headset) or byte data with hand-held computers
(transferring files).

What is WIRELESS APPLICATIONS


During the past 15 years, mobile services have evolved from basic voice communication to
mobile-broadband multimedia services. The mobile-broadband applications and services
commercially available around the world owe their existence to the evolution of wirelesstechnology
advancements of yesterday and today.
The technology advancements achieved through airlink-performance enhancements—
higher data rates, optimized quality of service (QoS), reduced latency and increased network capacity—
have led to new and enhanced service offerings for mobile operators.

SMS& MMS and Uses


Text messaging, or texting, is the exchange of brief written text messages between two or
more mobile phones or fixed or portable devices over a phone network. While the original term
was derived from referring to messages sent using the Short Message Service (SMS) originated
from Radio Telegraphy, it has since been extended to include messages containing image, video,
and sound content (known as MMS messages).
Text messages can be used to interact with automated systems such as ordering products
and services for mobile phones or participating in contests. Advertisers and service providers use
direct text marketing to notify mobile phone users about promotions, payment due dates and other
notifications that can usually be sent by post, e-mail or voicemail.

Uses
1. Text messaging is most often used between private mobile phone users, as a substitute
for voice calls in situations where voice communication is impossible or undesirable.
2. Some text messages such as SMS can also be used for the remote controlling of
appliances. It is widely used in domotics systems.
3. A Flash SMS is a type of text message that appears directly on the main screen without
user interaction and is not automatically stored in the inbox. It can be useful in cases such
as an emergency (e.g. fire alarm) or confidentiality (e.g. one-time password).
4. Text messaging has become so popular that advertising agencies and advertisers are now
jumping into the text messaging business. Services that provide bulk text message
sending are also becoming a popular way for clubs, associations, and advertisers to reach
a group of opt-in subscribers quickly.
5. Micro Blogging
Out of many texting trends, a system known as Micro Blogging has surfaced, the system
consists of a miniaturized blog, inspired mainly by peoples’ tendency to jot down babble
and post it. They consists of sites like Twitter equivalent Weibo.
6. Emergency services
In some countries, text messages can be used to contact the emergency services. In the
UK, text messages can be used to call the emergency services after registering with the
emergency SMS service. This service is primarily aimed at people who, by reason of
disability, are unable to make a voice call, but has recently been promoted as a means for
walkers and climbers to call emergency services from areas where a voice call is not
possible due to low signal strength.
7. Reminders of hospital appointments
SMS messages are used in some countries as reminders of hospital appointments.
8. SMS is widely used for delivering digital content, such as news alerts, financial
information, logos and ringtones.
9. The use of text messaging for business purposes has grown significantly during the
mid-2000s. Some practical uses of text messaging include the use of SMS for confirming
delivery or other tasks, for instant communication between a service provider and a client
(e.g., stock broker and investor), and for sending alerts.
10. Several universities have implemented a system of texting students and faculty’s campus
alerts.

Limitations of Mobile Computing


 Insufficient bandwidth: Mobile Internet access is generally slower than direct cable
connections, using technologies such as GPRS and EDGE, and more recently HSDPA and
HSUPA3G networks. These networks are usually available within range of commercial cell
phone towers. Higher speed wireless LANs are inexpensive but have very limited range.
 Security standards: When working mobile, one is dependent on public networks,
requiring careful use of VPN. Security is a major concern while concerning the mobile
computing standards on the fleet. One can easily attack the VPN through a huge number of
networks interconnected through the line.
 Power consumption: When a power outlet or portable generator is not available, mobile
computers must rely entirely on battery power. Combined with the compact size of many
mobile devices, this often means unusually expensive batteries must be used to obtain the
necessary battery life.
 Transmission interferences: Weather, terrain, and the range from the nearest signal point
can all interfere with signal reception. Reception in tunnels, some buildings, and rural areas
is often poor.
 Potential health hazards: People who use mobile devices while driving are often
distracted from driving and are thus assumed more likely to be involved in traffic
accidents.(While this may seem obvious, there is considerable discussion about whether
banning mobile device use while driving reduces accidents or not.). Cell phones may
interfere with sensitive medical devices. Questions concerning mobile phone radiation and
health have been raised.
 Human interface with device: Screens and keyboards tend to be small, which may make
them hard to use. Alternate input methods such as speech or handwriting recognition
require training

Advantages of Mobile Computing


The advantages of mobile computing are tremendous and manifold. While it allows us to
carry our virtual world with us wherever we ourselves choose to be, it does so with the same,
sometimes better, ease and smoothness, given the ever advancing communications and computing
technologies, as done by the fixed computing counterparts.
 Locational Flexibility: You no longer need to stay plugged in (literally!) to a specific
location for performing computing activities. Mobile computing allows you unprecedented
flexibility to move about and perform computing activities at the same time. This is,
indeed, the chief among all other benefits of portable computing. Mobile computing
enables you to connect with near and dear ones while you're in transit.
 Saves Time: Mobile computing technology can be used to get our work done during travel.
It also allows to instantly connecting with your family anywhere and anytime.
 Enhanced Productivity: Increased work flexibility is directly proportionate to enhanced
work productivity - the fact that you can do your work from any place you want, without
waiting for, and making efforts to, get access to computing facility translates into people
being able to do more work with greater flexibility. This is the reason why most companies
these days offer home-computing access to employees. Suppose a national emergency is
declared or any natural calamity occurs (or any other reason) due to which offices stay
closed, work can still go on as people are no longer dependent upon office computing
systems to get their work done.
 Ease of Research: Mobile computing and the flexibility offered by it enable students as
well as professionals to conduct in-depth research on just about any topic or subject even
when on the go!
 Entertainment: As discussed previously, nowadays, with the advent and advance of
mobile communication technology, no time is wasted. Getting bored is so last-decade now
what with zillions of entertainment options available on mobile communication and
computing devices these days - games, movies, music, videos etc.

These are some of the most prominent advantages of mobile computing. With the arrival of
coming-of-age devices such as PDAs, Smart phones, etc., mobile computing is here to stay.
While it allows us to carry our virtual world with us wherever we ourselves choose to be, it
does so with the same, sometimes better, ease and smoothness, given the ever advancing
communications and computing technologies, as done by the fixed computing counterparts

What is Mobile Computing


Mobile computing is "taking a computer and all necessary files and software out into the
field."
"Mobile computing: being able to use a computing device even when being mobile and therefore
changing location. Portability is one aspect of mobile computing."

"Mobile computing is the ability to use computing capability without a pre-defined location
and/or connection to a network to publish and/or subscribe to information." Mobile Computing is a
variety of wireless devices that has the mobility to allow people to connect to the internet,
providing wireless transmission to access data and information from where ever location they may be.
Mobile Computing is a modified and new way of interacting with the computer device and
to facilitate the other computing capabilities being present at different mobile locations.
Devices
Many types of mobile computers have been introduced since the 1990s including the:
 Personal digital assistant/enterprise digital assistant
 Smartphone
 Tablet computer
 Ultra-Mobile PC
 Wearable computer

IT APPLICATIONS IN BUSINESS, COMMERCE AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT


Information technology is widely used in business, commerce and other related areas. Its
main application areas are:
Stock control
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) facilitates exchange of orders between different
businesses and allows Just In Time stock ordering. Also with computerized stock control,
businesses should be able to check stock levels almost on a real-time basis.
CAD/CAM-Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacture
CAD and CAM are two systems that tend to work together. CAD helps design products on
computers, rather than having to create endless drawings. The system can create realistic 3D
images of the finished product
EMERGING TRENDS IN IT
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the structured transmission of data between organizations
by electronic means. It is used to transfer electronic documents or business data from one
computer system to another computer system, i.e. from one trading partner to another trading
partner without human intervention.[1] It is more than mere e-mail; for instance, organizations
might replace bills of lading and even cheques with appropriate EDI messages.
In 1996, the National Institute of Standards and Technology defined electronic data
interchange as "the computer-to-computer interchange of strictly formatted messages that
represent documents other than monetary instruments. EDI implies a sequence of messages
between two parties, either of whom may serve as originator or recipient. The formatted data
representing the documents may be transmitted from originator to recipient via telecommunications
or physically transported on electronic storage media." It distinguishes mere electronic
communication or data exchange, specifying that "in EDI, the usual processing of received
messages is by computer only. Human intervention in the processing of a received message is
typically intended only for error conditions, for quality review, and for special situations. For
example, the transmission of binary or textual data is not EDI as defined here unless the data are
treated as one or more data elements of an EDI message and are not normally intended for human
interpretation as part of online data processing."
Benefits of using EDI
 The system eliminates the need to use paper. This saves money and helps preserve the environment.
This also reduces the odds of errors appearing in the documents.
 Information sharing becomes quicker and more effectual.
 The end result is increased productivity.
 Response times get quicker and management of information is simplified

IT APPLICATIONS IN HEALTH CARE


Information technology (IT) has the potential to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency
of health care. The use of IT in health care is generally low. Barriers include the cost and
complexity of IT implementation, which often necessitates significant work process and cultural
changes. Given IT’s potential, both the private and public sectors have engaged in numerous
efforts to promote its use within and across health care settings. Additional steps could include
financial incentives (e.g., payment policy or loans) and expanded efforts to standardize records
formats, nomenclature, and communication protocols to enhance interoperability.
Delivering quality health care requires providers and patients to integrate complex information
from many different sources. Thus, increasing the ability of physicians, nurses, clinical technicians,
and others to readily access and use the right information about their patients should improve
care. The ability for patients to obtain information to better manage their condition and to
communicate with the health system could also improve the efficiency and quality of care.
In general, IT allows health care providers to collect, store, retrieve, and transfer information
electronically.
IT Applications are used in the health sector for the administrative and financial systems,
clinical systems and infrastructure that support the administrative and clinical system.
The following technologies and terms are often included in discussions of information
technology in health care:

• Electronic health record (EHR)
EHRs were originally envisioned as an electronic file cabinets for patient data from various
sources (eventually integrating text, voice, images, handwritten notes, etc.). Now they are
generally viewed as part of an automated order-entry and patient-tracking system providing
real-time access to patient data, as well as a continuous longitudinal record of their care.
• Computerized provider order entry (CPOE)
CPOE in its basic form is typically a medication ordering and fulfillment system. More
advanced. CPOE will also include lab orders, radiology studies, procedures, discharges, transfers,
and referrals.
• Clinical decision support system (CDSS)
CDSS provides physicians and nurses with real-time diagnostic and treatment
recommendations. The term covers a variety of technologies ranging from simple alerts and
prescription drug interaction warnings to full clinical pathways and protocols. CDSS may be used
as part of CPOE and EHR.
• Picture archiving and communications system (PACS)
This technology captures and integrates diagnostic and radiological images from various
devices (e.g., x-ray, MRI, computed tomographyscan), stores them, and disseminates them to a
medical record, a clinical data repository, or other points of care.
• Bar coding
Bar coding in a health care environment is similar to bar-code scanning in other
environments: An optical scanner is used to electronically capture information encoded on a
product. Initially, it will be used for medication (for example, matching drugs to patients by using
barcodes on both the medications and patients’ arm bracelets), but other applications may be
pursued, such as medical devices, lab, and radiology.
• Radio frequency identification (RFID)
This technology tracks patients throughout the hospital, and links lab and medication
tracking through a wireless communications system. It is neither mature nor widely available, but
may be an alternative to bar coding.
• Automated dispensing machines (ADMs)
This technology distributes medication doses.
• Electronic materials management (EMM)
Healthcare organizations use EMM to track and manage inventory of medical supplies,
pharmaceuticals, and other materials. This technology is similar to enterprise resource planning
systems used outside of health care.
• Interoperability
This concept refers to electronic communication among organizations so that the data in
one IT system can be incorporated into another. Discussions of interoperability focus on
development of standards for content and messaging, among other areas, and development of
adequate security and privacy safeguards.


IT FOR NATIONAL INTEGRATION


India has many races, nationalities, castes, subs castes and communities but so far the heart
of India is concerned it is one. It is true that societies that have been integrated into bonds of unity
have always enjoyed peace, stability, prosperity and permanence. The national integration is the
process of uniting different people from all walks of life into a single whole. The most serious
problem being faced by India in present circumstances is, how to develop an atmosphere of
national consciousness among so varied a people.

This consciousness of oneness among the population will be achieved only by development
and economic up liftment of the downtrodden. There should be equal distribution of income
among the population. For this all should get equal opportunities in life.
Information technology is an important and extremely effective tool through which
development and progress can take place with the help of the co-operation of all strata of society
including government and the public. The government should recognize the need to harness the
growing power of IT for the betterment of the life of the citizens.
Dealing with government is usually complicated, slow and confusing. Government is
usually associated with red-tapism, elaborate procedures and slow decision making. Public access
to government services is uncoordinated, cumbersome and paper based, which is further
compounded in case more than one agency is involved. IT together with, greater transparency, will
improve the image of government and simpler procedures can help tackle some of the maladies of
Government resulting in speedier and better decisions.
The vision of the government is to create a knowledge-based society through extensive use
of Information Technology. Administration should envisage a scenario wherein every citizen shall
be able to access the benefits of Information Technology. The ultimate goal is to use IT as a
medium for effective interaction between the Administration and the public so that exchange of
information and access to government departments is speedy and easy leading to a better quality of
life.
When there is economic progress and transparency in governance, it will be easy to bring
about national integration.

Types of Interactions in E-governance


E-Governance facilitates interaction between different stake holders in governance. These
interactions may be described as follows:
1. G2C (Government to Citizens)
In this case, an interface is created between the government and citizens which enables the
citizens to benefit from efficient delivery of a large range of public services. This expands the
availability and accessibility of public services on the one hand and improves the quality of
services on the other. It gives the citizens the choice of when to interact with the government
(eg:- 24 hours a day, 7days a week), from where to interact with the government (eg. Service
center, unattended kiosk or from one’s home/workplace), and how to interact with the government
(eg. through internet, fax, telephone, email, face-to-face, etc.) the primary purpose is to make
government, citizen-friendly.
2. G2B (Government to Businesses)
Here, e-governance tools are used to aid the business community-providers of goods and
services- to seamlessly interact with the government. The objective is to cut red tape, save time,
reduce operational costs and to create a more transparent business environment when dealing with
the government. The G2B initiatives can be transactional, such as in licensing, permits,
procurement and revenue collection. They can also be promotional and facilitative, such as in
trade, tourism and investment. These measures help to provide a congenial environment to
businesses to enable them to perform more efficiently.
3. G2E (Government to Employees)
Government is by far the biggest employer and like any organisaion, it has to interact with
its employees on a regular basis. This interaction is a two-way process between the organisation
and the employee which helps in fast and efficient service on one hand and increase satisfaction
levels of employees on the other.
4. G2G (Government to Governments)
In this case, Information and Communications Technology is used to increase the flow of
information and services within and between different entities of the government. This kind of
interaction is only within the sphere of government and can be both horizontal and vertical.
Horizontal interaction means between different government agencies, as well as between different
functional areas within an organization, and vertical interaction means between national, state and
local government agencies, or different levels within an organization. The primary objective is to
increase efficiency, performance and output of the government

Benefits of e-Governance


E-Governance ushers in multiple advantages:
 It greatly simplifies the process of information accumulation for citizens and businesses.
 It empowers people to gather information regarding any department of government and get
involved in the process of decision making.
 E-Governance strengthens the very fabric of democracy by ensuring greater citizen participation
at all levels of governance
 E-Governance leads to automation of services, ensuring that information regarding every work
of public welfare is easily available to all citizens, eliminating corruption.
 This revolutionizes the way governments function, ensuring much more transparency in the
functioning, thereby eliminating corruption.
 Since the information regarding every activity of government is easily available, it would make
every government department responsible as they know that every action of theirs is closely
monitored.
 Proper implementation of e-Governance practices make it possible for people to get their work
done online thereby sparing themselves of unnecessary hassles of travelling to the respective
offices.
 Successful implementation of e-Governance practices offer better delivery of services to
citizens, improved interactions with business and industry, citizen empowerment through access to
information, better management, greater convenience, revenue growth, cost reductions etc.
 Furthermore, introduction of e-Governance brings governments closer to citizens. So much so
that today it becomes extremely convenient to get in touch with a government agency. Indeed,
citizen service centres are located closer to the citizens now. Such centres may consist of an
unattended kiosk in the government agency, a service kiosk located close to the client, or the use
of a personal computer in the home or office.
 E-Governance practices help business access information that might be important for them at a
click

Although internet-based governmental programs have been criticized for lack of reliable
privacy policies, studies have shown that people value prosecution of offenders over personal
confidentiality. Ninety percent of United States adults approve of Internet tracking systems of
criminals, and 57% are willing to forgo some of their personal internet privacy if it leads to the
prosecution of criminals or terrorists

I T Applications


I T can be effectively applied in numerous fields. Some of the important areas of IT
application are e-governance, health care, business, commerce and resource management.
E-GOVERNANCE
The emergence of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has provided
means for faster and better communication, efficient storage, retrieval and processing of data and
exchange and utilization of information to its users. With growing computerization and increasing
internet connectivity, this process has presently reached a stage where more and more users are
motivated to modifying their ways of doing things in order to get the advantages provided by ICT.
India has been harnessing the benefits provided by the Information and Communication
Technologies (ICT) to provide integrated governance, reach to the citizens faster, provide efficient
services and citizen empowerment through access to information. The aim is to redefine
governance in the ICT age to provide SMART GOVERNANCE. Several significant initiatives
have been taken at the center and the state level in this direction. The government of India has
drawn up a ‘Minimum Agenda of E-Governance’. Further Ministries and Departments have
provision of 2 to 3 percent of their annual budgets to be spent on IT related activities. The
government has enacted IT Act 2000 which provides legal status to the information and
transactions carried on the net. A list of some significant e-governance projects implemented are
project Bhoomi in Karnataka, E-Seva in Andhra Pradesh, Gyandoot in Madhya Pradesh, Warana
in Maharashtra, RajNidhi & Raj-SWIFT – Rajasthan etc.
Some of the ongoing projects in Kerala state are FRIENDS, AkshySa, IT @ School,
Dr. SMS, IDEAS etc.
E-Governance would generally involve the use of ICTs by the government agencies for any
or all of the following reasons.
1. Exchange of information with citizens, businesses or other government departments.
2. Speedier and more efficient delivery of public services.
3. Improving internal efficiency
4. Reducing costs/increasing revenue
5. Re-structuring of administrative processes and
6. Improving quality of services.

Defining e-Governance: ‘E-Government' (or Digital Government) is defined as ‘The employment of the
Internet and the world-wide-web for delivering government information and services to the citizens.
(United Nations, 2006; AOEMA, 2005).
'Electronic Government' (or in short 'e-Government') essentially refers to ‘The utilization of
IT, ICTs, and other web-based telecommunication technologies to improve and/or enhance on the
efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery in the public sector.’ (Jeong, 2007).
E-government describes the use of technologies to facilitate the operation of government
and the disbursement of government information and services. E-government, short for electronic
government, deals heavily with Internet and non-internet applications to aid in governments.
E-government includes the use of electronics in government as large-scale as the use of telephones
and fax machines, as well as surveillance systems, tracking systems such as RFID tags, and even
the use of television and radios to provide government-related information and services to the
citizens
Disadvantages
The main disadvantages concerning e-government is the lack of equality in public access to
the internet, reliability of information on the web, and hidden agendas of government groups that
could influence and bias public opinions.
There are many considerations and potential implications of implementing and designing
e-government, including disintermediation of the government and its citizens, impacts on
economic, social, and political factors, vulnerability to cyber attacks, and disturbances to the status
quo in these areas.[.
Hyper-surveillance
Increased contact between government and its citizens goes both ways. Once e-government
begins to develop and become more sophisticated, citizens will be forced to interact electronically
with the government on a larger scale. This could potentially lead to a lack of privacy for civilians
as their government obtains more and more information on them. In a worst case scenario, with so
much information being passed electronically between government and civilians, a totalitarian-like
system could develop. When the government has easy access to countless information on its
citizens, personal privacy is lost.
Cost
Although "a prodigious amount of money has been spent" on the development and
implementation of e-government, some say it has yielded only a mediocre product. The outcomes
and effects of trial Internet-based governments are often difficult to gauge or unsatisfactory.
According to Gartner, Worldwide IT spending is estimated to total $3.6 trillion in 2011 which is
5.1% increase from the year 2010 ($3.4 trillion).

Inaccessibility/ Digital divide
An e-government site that provides web access and support often does not offer the
"potential to reach many users including those who live in remote areas, are homebound, have low
literacy levels, exist on poverty line incomes.”
False sense of transparency and accountability
Opponents of e-government argue that online governmental transparency is dubious
because it is maintained by the governments themselves. Information can be added or removed
from the public eye. To this day, very few organizations monitor and provide accountability for
these modifications. Even the governments themselves do not always keep track of the information
they insert and delete.


Compiling Information from the Interne


We can also get information from the internet and moreover, we can search for specialized
information from the web. For instance, if you wanted to poll the readership for a magazine or
conduct a survey to detect the pulse of a selected community, the web provides you with the ideal
platform and opportunity. Using forms, e-mails etc., you can conduct surveys and get opinion of
people across the world. There are hundreds of discussion groups and LISTERVs, where one can
post a question and get it answered by hundreds of people who participate in these discussions

Providing Information on the Internet


The best and most inexpensive way to let people know who you are, what you are doing/
have done, and how, is through the Internet. For an organization or an institution, setting up a
home page is a good way to let the world know what its products and services are. In addition to
advertising, the other critical functions that relate to provision of information are

 Publishing including full text articles, abstracts, computer programs and demonstrations.
 Blogging, which is a form of self-publishing. A blog (or Web log) is a website, usually
maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or
other material such as graphics or video.
 Extension, in which some of the delays associated with the printed media, may be reduced.
 Teaching, the possibilities here include both distance learning and assistance for students.

Getting information on the internet


The amount of information available through the Internet is staggering. To make all of it
more easily available to users, programs such as the gopher were developed to help present
material in some logical fashion. The most recent and very successful attempt at presenting
information over the internet is the World Wide Web (WWW). You could get information about
people, products, organizations, research data, electronic versions of the printed media, etc. from
the internet

IT AND INTERNET


Internet has transformed our lives and the way we communicate, how we learn, how we
work and spend free time. In essence it has more or less changed every aspect of human society
one can think of. The significance of the Internet and Information Technology in both nosiness and
private field has grown considerably in the last few years, with exponential growth of Internet
users and services offered.
The internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that interchange data
by packet switching using the standardized Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP). It is a “network of
networks” that consists of millions of private and public academic, business, and government
networks of local to global scope that are linked by copper wires, fiber-optic cables, wireless
connections, and other technologies. The Internet carries various information resources and
services, such as electronic mail, online chat, file transfer and file sharing, online gaming, and the
inter-linked hypertext documents and other resources of the World Wide Web (WWW). The
WWW is the graphical Internet service that provides a network of interactive documents and the
software to access them. It is based on documents called pages that combine text, pictures, forms,
sound, animation and hypertext links called hyperlinks.
Internet is accessed using a browser, which is a piece of software that acts as an interface
between the user and the inner-workings of the internet specifically the WWW.
Internet is the cheapest and fastest means to get, provide and compile information

Components of Information Technology


Technological change is becoming a driving force in our society. Information technology is
a generic term used for a group of technologies. James William (1982) has identified the following
six major new technologies as most relevant in modern library and information system.
• Processor, memory and input/output channels,
• Micro. Mini and Large scale computers,
• Mass storage technologies,
• Data communication, networking and distributed processing,
• Data entry, display respond, and
• Software
These technologies can also be grouped into three major areas:
• Computer Technology,
• Communication Technology and
• Reprographic, Micrographic and Printing Technologies

A. Computer Technology
The wide spread use of computer technology has made dramatic developments in the
information transmission process in very field of human life. Highly sophisticated information
services ranging from elaborate abstracting and indexing services to computerized data bases in
almost all scientific disciplines are in wide use all over the world. The current developments in
computer technology include mini computers, microcomputers, personnel computers, portable
computers, super computers, speaking computer with IQS, microchip technology, artificial
intelligence, software developments, C-ROM technology, machine-readable database, etc.
B. Communication Technology
1 Audio Technology
Due to tremendous improvements and inventions, older gramophone records are now
dwindling and much sophisticated cassettes and tape records are emerging. The outmoded AM
(Amplitude Modulated) radio receivers are being received by the modern FM (Frequency
Modulation) receivers. Thus, the new audio technology can be used in libraries and information
centers for a wide variety of, recreation, etc.
2 Audio-Visual Technology
Motion pictures, Television, Videodisc are the main contributions of this technology.
Videodisc is a new medium containing prerecorded information, which allows the user to reproduce
this information in the form of images on the screen of a television receiver at, will. Videodisc
technology offers high quality storage, image stability and speed of recall.
3 Facsimile Transmissions (Fax)
Facsimile transmission has been boosted by the adoption of methods of data compression
made possible by compact, reliable and inexpensive electronics. During the initial stages, the
average speed of facsimile transmission was found to be 3.4 minutes per page. This technology
was slow and it was replaced by micro facsimile. Satellite communication and fiber optics have
increased the potential of facsimile transmission.
4 Electronic Mail
E-mail is the electronic transmission and receiving of messages, information, data files,
letters or documents by means of point-to-point systems or computer-based messages system.
C. Reprographic, Micrographic and Printing Technologies
The technology of reprography made a big impact on the document delivery system. Most
of the research libraries have reprographic machines and provide photocopy of any document on
demand. Using reprographic and micrographic techniques, we can condense the bulky archives
and newspapers and solve the storage problems. They also serve the purpose of preservation. They
help in resource sharing and save the time of users.
1 Micro Forms
Microforms is a term for all type of micro-documents whether they are transparent or
opaque or in roll or sheet form. The verities of microforms are microfilm, microfiche, ultra fiche,
micro opaque, cards, computer about microfiche / micro film (COM).

2 Roll-film (microfilm)
It is a continuous strip of film with images arranged in sequence. It is available in 100 feet
roll with 35mm width.
3 Microfiche
It is flat film having large number of images arranged in rows and columns. Standard sized
microfiche of 4x6 inches accommodated 98 pages.
4 Printing Technology
Thousands of years ago, people recognized the necessity of keeping records of their daily
activities. Paper was invented and the art of writing and record keeping came to be defined. At
present, lasers and computers have entered the field of printing. Computer printers are three
categories; line printers, dot matrix printer, and laser printers. Laser printers are popular today.


INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ITS COMPONENTS


The term “Information Technology” in English is derived from the French word
‘Informatique’ and “Informatika” in Russian means information handling. IT is a new science of
collecting, storing, processing and transmitting information.
The word “Information Technology” is a combination of two words. One is information
and other is technology. Information means knowledge, it can be a bit or a para or a page. IT is
science of information handling, particularly using computers to support the communication of
knowledge in technical, economic and social fields.
According to ALA Glossary, Information Technology is the application of computers &
other technologies to the acquisition, organisation, storage, retrieval & dissemination.
According to UNESCO, IT is scientific, technological and engineering disciplines and
management techniques used in information handling and processing their applications, computers
and their interaction with man and machines or associated social, economic and cultural matters.