information technology


The word "technique" comes from the Greek and means "craft", "skill" or "art". Various techniques have been used to reduce the mental and physical work we humans need to do to feed ourselves, keep warm and raise our standard of living. But also for more advanced purposes, such as traveling into space or building large, worldwide networks for various types of communication.

Definition of technology

Technology can be defined in several different ways, for example as an extension of human biological functions obtained through evolution. It can also be stated as a way of trying to bridge the physical limitations that exist in terms of time and space.

Technology has also been divided into four different functions. Among them are the transport of people and information, transformation of materials, storage of various kinds and control or regulation.

One can find many different kinds of technology used in our society. There is biotechnology, communication technology, space technology and more.

Technology

Technology is the study of technology, and is defined as knowledge about how to use systems, crafts, tools and technology. It is a collective name for the technical knowledge we have as humans. Among researchers, technology is usually referred to as technical science or engineering science. A university-educated person with a higher degree who works with technology is titled engineer, or technologist if he has not had time to graduate yet.

Examples of technology

Using simple tools to make a fire or carve a spoon are examples of simple technology. Man's invention of the wheel has made it possible for us to travel further and faster, and to transport food, wood and other things that are difficult to carry with only arms and legs. More recently, we have invented the Internet, the printing press and the telephone, all technological innovations in communication that have changed the world.

Disadvantages of technology

But while technological development has improved many people's standard of living, it has also come at a price. In order to produce our technological innovations, such as electric cars and smartphones, we must extract more and more natural resources. Metals such as copper, aluminum and iron are used to manufacture smartphones, creating huge amounts of waste when the metals are extracted. The waste is often handled incorrectly, which has negative consequences for the environment. Using our technological innovations also often requires electricity, more than 80% of which is produced from non-renewable energy sources. The emissions this causes are also negative for the environment and climate.

Technology, engineering and science

It can be difficult to distinguish between technology, engineering and science. When you work in a science, you make observations and experiments, and thus gain an expanded knowledge of the world and how it works. Engineering means producing systems or tools, using technology that is a result of science. Technology is the fruit of both engineering and science. Anatomical studies of how a dog's body works when it barks or runs can be used to create robots that resemble dogs, for example. Further studies can then be done on these robots, which then lead to more technological innovations.