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Chapter 18

Technology inthe Workplace

Section 18.1

InformationTechnology

Read to Learn

Describe the role of information technology in business.

Identify ways that technology has changed in the workplace.

The Main Idea

People want instant access to information. At home and at work, they use hardware and software to create, store, and communicate information. Information technology allows people to access information from anywhere.

Key Concepts

The Role of Information Technology

How Technology Has Changed the Workplace

Key Terms

informationtechnology (IT)

technology that uses computing, electronics, and telecommunications to process and distribute information in digital and other forms

Key Terms

telecommunicationsthe transmission of information over communication lines

Key Terms

telecommuting

an arrangement that allows employees to work at home while communicating with the workplace by phone, fax, or modem

Key Terms

wearablecomputers

computer-aideddesign (CAD)

a small portable computer designed to be used while it is worn on the body

software for designing products with a computer

Key Terms

virtualreality

an artificial, three-dimensional visual world created by a computer

The Role of Information Technology

Computers are an important part of information technology (IT).

information technology (IT)technology that uses computing, electronics, and telecommunications to process and distribute information in digital and other forms

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Information Technology (IT)

Computers

Telephones

Personal Digital

Assistants (PDAs)

Fax Machines

Wireless Technology

(WiFi)

MP3 Players

The Role of Information Technology

People depend on telecommunications for getting information quickly and easily.

telecommunicationsthe transmission of information over communication lines

How Technology Has Changed the Workplace

In the past, computers were too big and heavy to take from the office.

Today, mobile computers are light enough to take anywhere.

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Technology On the Go

PortableComputers

WearableComputers

WirelessPhones

BroadbandAccess

E-Mail

SpecializedSoftware

Open-Source Systems

An operating system is the basic set of programs and utilities that makes your computer run. Users can modify and redistribute open-source operating systems such as Linux®.

Telecommuting

Telecommuting requires that employees have their own computers and other equipment to do their work.

telecommutingan arrangement that allows employees to work at home while communicating with the workplace by phone, fax, or modem

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Advantages of Telecommuting

Decreased traffic

Flexible work hours

Improved quality of work

Fewer absent days

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Disadvantages of Telecommuting

Less contact with other workers

Distractions of home

Supervisors find it more difficult to supervise workers

Equipment expenses

Figure 18.1 Computer Users by Age Group

Wearable Computers

A portable music player that can also record speech is an example of a wearable computer.

wearable computera small portable computer designed to be used while it is worn on the body

Technology in Manufacturing

By using computer-aided-design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programs, companies can custom design and make products.

computer-aided design (CAD)software for designing products with a computer

Technology in Manufacturing

In manufacturing plants, robots and computer-controlled machines do much of the work.

Workers direct the robots and machine tools instead of doing hard or monotonous jobs.

Electronic Information Transfer

Using an automated teller machine (ATM) to transfer funds from one bank account to another is an example of an electronic funds transfer.

Electronic Information Transfer

Many companies electronically transfer paychecks to employees’ bank accounts.

Virtual Training

Virtual training allows people to simulate a real situation using a computer.

Computer-run flight simulation programs allow pilots to learn how to fly aircraft.

Virtual Training

Virtual reality is used in training. virtual reality

an artificial, three-dimensional world created by a computerIn a virtual world, the

computer recreates places and actions that seem real.

Virtual Training

Special goggles and data gloves give users the illusion of real object or places.

In medical training, computers allow surgeons to practice proceedures without real patients.

1. What are some forms of information technology?

computers, telephones, PDAs

2. How has technology, especially mobile technology, changed the workplace?

making it possible to work outside the office, especially from home

3. What are some of the pros and cons of telecommuting?

pros: work at home, work without physical supervision, less travel time, flexible work hours;

cons: lack of contact with co-workers, distractions, problems in supervision, cost of equipment