What is the Internet?
The Internet, or simply the Net, is the publicly accessible worldwide system of
interconnected computer networks that transmit data and information. It is made
up of thousands of smaller commercial, academic, domestic, and government
networks. It carries various information and services, such as electronic mail,
online chat, and the interlinked Web pages and other documents of the World
Wide Web.
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What is Information and Communications Technology (ICT)?
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) or Information technology (IT)
is a broad subject concerned with technology and other aspects of managing and
processing information. In particular, IT deals with the use of electronic
computers and computer software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit,
and retrieve information. Today, ICT is used to describe the convergence of
Information Technology, Telecommunications and Data Networking Technologies
into a single technology.
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How is ICT making a difference to our life?
ICT has made a huge impact on almost every aspect of our daily lives - its
power influencing engineering, health, aerospace, communications, education,
research, banking, finance, defense, entertainment to name just a few. Over the
past few decades ICT has contributed to real social, economic and cultural
development in countries right across the world. Indeed, ICT has opened up
opportunities for millions of people not only to earn a living but also to
contribute to the social and economic progress of their respective communities.
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What is a Knowledge-based Society?
A knowledge-based society in which the government has transparency in its
operations and exhibits vital statistics about the economy in general, its plan
for future, current social and economic indicators in such a manner that it can
be easily accessed by all section of the society.
The knowledge-based society is being heralded by knowledge-based industries
that are closely connected with other enterprises to provide local expertise
and may also service international markets.
Individuals in the knowledge-based society are empowered with relevant and
current information so as to bring out their potential strengths in
transforming the society with enhanced skills.
In general ICT has enabled an info-technological revolution by which there is
greater connectivity, improved efficiency, enhanced productivity, renewed
economic diversity, and increased job opportunities within an empowered
knowledge-based society.
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What is a Digital Society?
A Digital Society is a modern, progressive society that is formed as a result
of the adoption and integration of Information and Communication Technologies
at home, work, education and recreation.
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What are the features of a Digital Society?
In a Digital Society, people avail various government services, pay their bills
and taxes, access important information and register companies through an
online gateway that works 24/7. People prefer reliable and secure electronic
transactions to cash. All residents are issued national identity cards based on
smart-card technology that enables biometric authentication with a capability
for multiple-applications such as personal identification, financial
transactions, medical records and employment status in a single card.
Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) will create more job
opportunities through technology parks, IT incubators, and call centres. All
governmental units will be electronically connected with each other and will
provide better public services. People will be highly IT literate and will use
e-Government services to better their lives. Lastly, a digital society will
boast of highly advanced telecommunications and wireless connectivity systems
and solutions.
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What is meant by a ‘Digital Divide’?
'Digital Divide' is the term used to describe the growing gap, or social
exclusion, between those who have access to and the skills to use ICT and those
who, for socio-economic and/or geographical reasons, have limited or no access.
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What is Oman doing to bridge the Digital Divide?
Oman is working towards bridging the Digital Divide by involving the entire
community as partners in its mission towards creating a digital society.
Efforts are underway to raise IT literacy levels through formal training and
inclusion of certified IT qualifications, especially in the educational and
government sector. Additional measures taken include providing affordable
Internet and telecom access to remote regions of the Sultanate and endowing the
entire community with subsidized e-Learning facilities.
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