Childrens Illustrated Encyclopedia

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

278

Computers

Electronics

Internet

Technology

Find out more

OffICE COmmunICaTIOn

In the early 20th century, a new kind of workplace came into

being—the office. Early offices contained manual typewriters

and telephones. These were followed by machines powered

by electricity, such as electric typewriters and photocopiers.

Today, the modern office is absolutely computerized, and

relies completely on information technology, from

computers and email to printers and scanners.

DIsabIlITy

Information technology has brought major

advantages for people with disabilities. This is

because the technology can be designed to make

the most of each person’s physical abilities. for

example, word-activated processors are available

for blind people, who can both receive and send

sound messages. People with physical disabilities

can communicate via email, or access

information through the Internet, without

leaving home.

TRansPORTaTIOn

Information technology is important in transportation,

and is used to control airplanes, large ships, and even

some cars. The cockpit of an aircraft in particular has

become very sophisticated. The information supplied by

the technology to the pilots is so accurate that pilots do

not need to look out of the aircraft to fly safely, but can

rely on the technology.

HOsPITals

Information technology is very useful in

hospitals, and for medicine generally, and

it is now possible to diagnose and treat

many illnesses without physically looking

inside the body. scanning devices enable

a doctor to monitor the development of

an unborn baby on screen, checking on

progress and identifying any problems at

an early stage.

OnlInE sHOPPInG

E-commerce—buying

and selling over the

Internet—is a recent

development, and many

people now shop online.

To do this, you must pay

with a credit card.

fraud is a risk, but

special programs can

keep credit card

numbers safe.

By using the image

displayed on a

monitor, the doctor

can show a woman

how her baby is

developing inside her.

Online shoppers

can browse

through pictures

of items for sale

displayed in

virtual stores.

The scanning device is held in

the doctor’s hand and moved

over the woman’s stomach,

where it collects information

that is shown on screen.

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