ICT Notes

ICT: Stands for Information and Communication Technology.

It refers to technologies that provide access to information through telecommunications. It focuses
primarily on communication technologies, including:

 Computers

 The Internet

 Television and radio

 Mobile phones

 Networks and cloud systems

 Software applications

In a broader sense, ICT covers all digital tools and resources used to create, store, transmit, and
manipulate information.

Components of ICT:
 Hardware: Computers, servers, storage devices, mobile devices.

 Software: Operating systems, application software, programming tools.

 ICT Platforms: Desktop environments, mobile apps, web-based platforms.

 Networks: LAN, WAN, routers, switches, internet connectivity.

 Data Storage: Hard drives, SSDs, USBs, cloud storage (Google Drive, AWS, Dropbox).

Hardware:
Central Processing Unit (CPU): The central
processing unit (CPU) (also known as a
microprocessor or processor) is central to all
modern computer systems (including tablets
and smartphones). Central Processing Unit,
is the "brain" of a computer, responsible for
executing instructions from programs and
performing calculations. It fetches instructions
from memory, decodes them, executes
operations, and stores the results. The CPU is
essentially a complex set of electronic circuitries that runs the computer's operating system and
applications. The CPU interprets, processes and executes instructions, most often from the hardware
and software programs running on the device.

ALU
ALU stands for the arithmetic and logic unit. This unit is responsible for mathematical, logical, and
decision operations. This unit is divided into two main parts or groups of functions. The arithmetic
portion completes the mathematical operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division. The logic portion completes operations comparing, selecting, matching, and merging data
and information. The ALU can have multiple designs, and some are more powerful and efficient than
others.
Control Unit

The control unit (CU) is the director of operations. This is where the input is read and interpreted. It
sends data to the ALU, memory unit, and other locations as needed. It translates things into binary in
order to store them and sends instructions to many different output devices. The control unit is the
coordinator of all input and output devices. It transfers data and instructions to other parts of the
CPU.

Clock Speed

Clock speed, or clock rate, is the CPU's operating speed. This tells the number of operations it
performs in one second. Previously, this was the most important measurement of a CPU's
performance. Clock speed was originally measured in hertz, but due to advances in technology, it is
typically measured in larger amounts, like gigahertz.

Input devices:
• Input devices can be described as the peripheral devices that we use to send out signals to the
computer system.
• A computer system cannot do the processing without receiving some input from the user.
• Therefore, these devices are used to send raw data for processing to the system.

Types of Input Devices:

• Mouse
• Keyboard
• Concept Keyboard
• 2D & 3D Scanner
• Trackball
• Graphic Tablets
• Touchscreens
• Microphone
• QR Code Reader
• Digital Camera
• Interactive Whiteboard
• Barcode Reader
Output Device
An output device is a piece of computer hardware used to communicate the results of data
processing performed by a computer. The objective of an output device is to turn computer
information into a human friendly/readable form.

There are many examples of output devices

 LCD & LED Flat Display Screens

 LCD & DLP Data Projectors
 Inkjet Printer
 Laser Printer
 3D Printer
 Wide-Format Printer
 2D Cutter
 3D Cutter
 Speakers and Headphones
 Actuators

Memory:
Primary Storage
 Primary storage is directly accessed by the CPU
 Computer systems need both primary and secondary storage to operate
 Both types of storage play a crucial role in the operation of a computer system
 A computer needs primary storage because access times are considerably faster than
secondary
 This means the time taken to complete operations such as the Fetch-Execute Cycle is
dramatically reduced
 Primary storage holds the data and instructions that the CPU needs to access whilst
the computer is turned on

RAM
 RAM (Random Access Memory) is primary storage that is directly connected to the
CPU and holds the data and instructions that are currently in use
 RAM is volatile which means the contents of RAM are lost when the power is turned
off
 For the CPU to access the data and instructions they must be copied from secondary
storage
 RAM is very fast working memory, much faster than secondary storage
 RAM is read/write which means data can be read from and written to
ROM
  ROM (Read Only Memory) is primary storage that holds the first instructions a
computer needs to start up (Bootstrap)
 ROM contains the BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
 ROM is a small memory chip located on the computers motherboard
 ROM is fast memory, much faster than secondary storage but slower than RAM
 ROM is non-volatile which means the contents of ROM are not lost when the power
is turned off
 ROM is read only which means data can only be read from

Secondary Storage
 Storage devices are non-volatile secondary storage, that retain digital data within a
computer system
 They provide a means of storing, accessing, and retrieving data, which can include
software applications, documents, images, videos, and more
 There are 3 types of storage:
o Magnetic
o Solid-state (flash memory)
o Optical
 Computer systems need both primary and secondary storage to operate
 Both types of storage play a crucial role in the operation of a computer system

Secondary Storage:
Hard Disk Drives (HDD)
 Data is stored in a digital format on the magnetic surface of the disks (platter)
 A number of read/write heads can access all of the surfaces of the disk
 Each platter will have two surfaces which can be used to store the data
 Data is stored on the surfaces in sectors and tracks
 HDD has very slow data access compared to RAM
Solid-State Drive (SSD)
 There are no moving parts, and all data is received at the same time (not like HDD)
 Store data by controlling the movement of electrons within NAND chips, as 1s and 0s
 Non-volatile rewritable memory
 Benefits of using SSD rather than HDD:
o More reliable (no moving parts)
o Considerably lighter (suitable for laptops)
o Lower power consumption
o Run much cooler than HDDs
o Very thin
o Data access is faster than HDD
 Drawback – questionable longevity (20GB per day)

Off-Line Storage:
CD/DVD Disks
  Laser (red) light is used to read and write data on the surface of the disk.
 A thin layer of metal alloy is used to store data.
 Both systems use a single spiral track that runs from the centre of the disk to the
edge
 DVD uses Dual-Layering, which increases the storage capacity (two individual
recording layers)
Blu-ray Disks
 Uses a blue laser to carry out read-and-write operations
 The wavelength of laser light is less than CD and DVD (stores up to five times more
data than DVD)
 Automatically come with secure encryption (prevent piracy and copyright
infringement)
 Used as backup systems
USB Flash Memories
 Very small, lightweight, and suitable for transferring files
 Small back-up devices for photo, music
 Solid state, so needs to be treated with care
Cloud Storage:
 Cloud storage is a method of data storage where data is stored on remote servers
 The same data is stored on more than one server in case of maintenance or repair,
allowing clients to access data at any time. This is known as data redundancy.

Software
Software, in the context of computers, is a set of instructions, data, or programs that tell
a computer what to do.
Types of Software
1. System Software e.g. Operating System, Utility programs and device drivers
2. Application Software e.g. spreadsheet, word processor, etc.

System Software:
 these are a set of programs which control and manage the operations of hardware
 gives a platform for other software to run
 it is required to allow hardware and software to run without problems
 provides a human-computer interface (HCI) to the user
 controls the allocation and usage of hardware resources

Application Software:
 allows a user to perform specific tasks using the computer’s resources
 maybe a single program (for example, NotePad) or a suite of programs (for example,
Microsoft Office)
 user can execute the software when they require, and it is mostly not automatic
Examples
System Software:
 Compiler: Translates high-level language into machine code, allowing for direct use
by a computer to perform tasks without re-compilation.
 Linker: Combines object files produced by a compiler into a single program, allowing
the use of separately written code modules in the final program.
  Device driver: Software that enables hardware devices to communicate with a
computer's operating system, without which a device like a printer would be unable
to work.
 Operating system: Software that manages basic computer functions such as
input/output operations, program loading and running, and security management,
making computers more user-friendly.
 Utility programs: Software that manages, maintains, and controls computer
resources by carrying out specific tasks, such as virus checking, disk repair and
analysis, file management, and security.
Application Software:
 Word Processor: Software used for manipulating text documents, including creating,
editing, and formatting text with tools for copying, deleting, spell-checking, and
importing images.
 Spreadsheet: Organizes and manipulates numerical data using a grid of lettered
columns and numbered rows, with each cell identified using a unique combination of
columns and rows. It can calculate using formulas, produce graphs, and do modelling
and "what if" calculations.
 Database: Software used to organize, analyze, and manipulate data consisting of one
or more tables that hold records and fields. It provides the ability to query and
report on data and add, delete, and modify records in a table.
 Control and Measuring Software: A program designed to interface with sensors and
allow a computer or microprocessor to measure physical quantities and control
applications by comparing sensor data with stored data and altering process
parameters accordingly.
 Apps: Software designed to run on mobile phones or tablets, downloaded from an
"App Store" and ranging from games to sophisticated software such as phone
banking. Common examples include video and music streaming, GPS, and camera
facilities.
 Photo and Video Editing Software: Software that allows users to manipulate digital
photographs or videos, including changing colour, brightness, and contrast, applying
filters and other enhancements, and creating transitions between clips.
 Graphics Manipulation Software: Software that allows the manipulation of bitmap
and vector images, with bitmap graphics editors changing pixels to produce a
different image, while vector graphics editors manipulate lines, curves, and text to
alter the stored image as required.

Networks

Networks are interconnected systems that allow for the transfer of data and resources between
multiple devices, such as computers, servers, and smartphones. They enable communication and
resource sharing, facilitating various applications and services.

LAN, MAN, and WAN

 LAN (Local Area Network): Covers a small geographic area, like a home or office. High speed
and low latency.

 MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): Covers a larger area than a LAN but smaller than a
WAN, typically a city. Often used for connecting multiple LANs.

 WAN (Wide Area Network): Covers a vast geographic area, such as countries or continents.
Lower speed and higher latency, often involving leased telecommunication lines.

4G and 5G Network
  4G: Fourth-generation mobile network, offering high-speed internet (up to 100 Mbps

 5G: Fifth-generation mobile network, significantly faster than 4G (up to 10 Gbps).

Internet Works

1. You either type an address (URL) into address Bar or click on a hyperlink.

2. Your browser sends a request to your ISP server asking for the page. When the
browser sends a request to the ISP the following information is transferred from user PC:

• Web Page Request

• User ID

• IP Address

5. The ISP server forwards the request to the country's gateway After receiving the user request,
the ISP transmits the following information to the country's gateway:

• Web Page Request

• User ID

• IP Address

• ISP ID

4. The host server sends the requested page back to the country gateway and similarly,
the country gateway sends the page back to the concerned ISP server.

5. Your ISP sends the page to your browser and you see it displayed on your screen.

Digital Citizenship: Responsible and ethical use of technology and the Internet, encompassing
aspects like online safety, privacy, and respectful communication.

Personal Data: Any information that can identify an individual, such as name, email, and location.
Protecting it is crucial for privacy.

Intellectual Properties (IP), Privacy, and Its Laws: IP laws protect creations like inventions,
trademarks, and copyrights. Privacy laws govern how personal data is collected and used.

Software License and Its Types:

 Freeware: Software available for free, often with limited functionality or support.

 Shareware: Software that can be tried for free with the option to purchase a full version
later.

Cloud Storage and Its Advantages/Disadvantages:

 Advantages: Accessibility from anywhere, data backup, and collaboration features.

 Disadvantages: Dependency on Internet connection, potential privacy concerns, and security

risks.

Google Drive, Gmail, Google Docs/Sheets/Slides and Advantages:

 Cloud-based services for file storage and collaboration. Advantages include real-time
collaboration, ease of access, and integration with other Google services.

Google Translate, Google Maps and Its Types, Google Coordinates:

 Google Translate: A tool for translating text between languages. Google Translate IS a free
multilingual machine translation service developed bu Google, to translate text.
  Google Maps: Provides navigation and location services. Google Maps is a web-based
service that provides detailed information about geographical regions and sites around the
world.

 Google Coordinates: Refers to latitude and longitude data used for mapping and location
services. After selecting anyplace in google maps we can start navigation by selecting the
Directions option, Save that place, Search Nearby places to that location, send that place to
your phone (in case of desktop usage) and we can also share the location via URL.

Scope of ICT

 Education: access to information, interactive learning-learning platforms, virtual classrooms,

digital libraries, collaboration, administrative efficiency .

 Business: E-commerce, cloud computing, digital marketing, automation, communication

(email and messaging), video conferencing, data management, project management,
customer relationship management, financial management.

 Governance: E-Government services, digital IDs, online public portals, enhancing

transparency and accountability, improved service delivery, facilitating citizen engagement
and participation, online surveys data analysis, strengthening security and resilience .

 Healthcare: Electronic Health Records (EHR), telemedicine, health monitoring apps, health
information system, support for medical research

 Digital Media & Entertainment: Streaming platforms, digital publishing, gaming, social
media, content sharing, collaboration, virtual reality experience.

3. Emerging Technologies and Future Trends

 Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: speech recognition, decision making,
problem solving,

 Internet of Things (IoT)

 Blockchain and Cryptocurrency

 5G Technology

 Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

 Cybersecurity advancements

 Quantum Computing