This document provides an introduction to information technology, defining it as the use of computers and technology to manage and process data. It discusses the key components of IT, including hardware (physical devices like computers and servers), software (programs and applications), networks, data, security, and support. The document traces the evolution of IT from the 1940s to today, highlighting milestones like the development of mainframes, personal computers, the Internet, smartphones, cloud computing and advances in artificial intelligence. It also covers common types of hardware, system software, and application software.