Which of the following best defines IT?

The definition of IT, or Information Technology, primarily revolves around the utilization of digital technology for information processing. This encompasses a broad range of technologies and systems that manage and process data. IT includes not only hardware and software systems but also the ways in which these technologies are employed to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate information.

This definition emphasizes that IT is fundamentally about handling information through technology, which is essential for businesses, organizations, and individuals to operate efficiently and effectively in an increasingly digital world. It consolidates various aspects of technology, including data management and processing, which are central to the function of IT in any context.

The other options focus on specific aspects of IT rather than encompassing the entire field. For instance, while managing hardware systems is a component of IT, it does not cover software, data management, or the broader context of how technology helps process information. Similarly, providing technical support for networking and developing software applications are both important roles within IT but do not capture the overall goal of leveraging technology for information handling and processing, which is the essence of the field.