Technology of Information and Communication

Information and communication technology, or ICT, is the umbrella term for the entire spectrum of hardware and software used in digital communication. This includes anything from PCs and storage units to monitors and mobile phones. Together with the hardware and software required to run the networks that transmit the information, from the smallest home office to the biggest international networks, it also includes all the various applications that facilitate the sharing or use of information, such as spreadsheets, video games, email, and online services.

Items that Make Up an ICT System

ICT includes both the mobile world powered by wireless networks and the internet-enabled one. In addition to modern ICT components like artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, it also contains outdated technology like landline phones, radios, and televisions that are still in widespread use today.

Although ICT and IT (information technology) are occasionally used interchangeably, ICT is typically used to refer to a more complete and wide range of all things linked to computer and digital technologies than IT.

The list of ICT components is exhaustive, and it continues to grow. Some components, such as computers and telephones, have existed for decades. Others, such as smartphones, digital TVs and robots, are more recent entries.

ICT commonly means more than its list of components, though. It also encompasses the application of all those various components. It’s here that the real potential, power and danger of ICT can be found.