Study Guide: Basic ICT Skills

This guide provides a review of fundamental concepts related to Information and Communication
Technology (ICT), computer systems, mobile devices, and internet applications. It includes a quiz to test
comprehension, essay questions for deeper analysis, and a comprehensive glossary of key terms based
on the provided source material.

Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each based on the provided information.

1. What is Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and what are some of its common modern
applications?

2. Describe the three main units that constitute a computer system.

3. Explain the fundamental difference between computer hardware and software.

4. Name and describe two types of computer memory. What are storage devices used for, and can you
provide some examples?

5. What are the three primary steps a search engine performs to find and display information for a user?

6. List and define four different categories of keys found on a computer keyboard, excluding standard
letter and number keys.

7. Define a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) and explain its relationship to a web page and a website.

8. What is social media, and what is its primary purpose for users?

9. Explain the two parts of an email address. What is the key difference between using “CC” and “BCC”
when sending an email?

10. Describe the initial functions a computer performs when it starts up, beginning with the self-test.

Quiz Answer Key

1. What is Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and what are some of its common modern
applications? ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology and includes a diverse set of
tools and resources used to communicate, create, disseminate, store, and manage information. Common
applications include using smartphones with internet connections to stay connected via social media, as
well as using computer software at the workplace to create documents, tables, and graphs.

2. Describe the three main units that constitute a computer system. A computer system consists of three
main units: the Input Unit, the Central Processing Unit (CPU), and the Output Unit. The Input Unit is used
to enter information into the computer, the CPU performs arithmetic and logical operations, and the
Output Unit brings information from the computer back to the user.

3. Explain the fundamental difference between computer hardware and software. Computer hardware
refers to the physical parts of a computer system that can be seen and touched, such as the monitor or
keyboard. Software, which cannot be seen, is what makes the hardware work as desired; it is the set of
programs and instructions that displays information and carries out tasks.

4. Name and describe two types of computer memory. What are storage devices used for, and can you
provide some examples? The two types of computer memory are Primary and Secondary Memory.
Storage devices are used to store digital information and to transfer files between computers. Common
examples of these portable storage devices include USB flash drives, hard disks, CDs, and DVDs.

5. What are the three primary steps a search engine performs to find and display information for a user?
A search engine works in three main steps: Crawling, Indexing, and Ranking. First, automated programs
called “crawlers” visit websites to collect information. Second, this information is organized and stored in
a massive database called an “index.” Finally, when a user makes a query, the engine uses algorithms to
rank the pages from the index by relevance and displays them.

6. List and define four different categories of keys found on a computer keyboard, excluding standard
letter and number keys. Four categories are: Function keys (F1-F12) for specific program functions;
Control keys (CTRL, SHIFT) that perform special functions; Navigation keys (arrow keys, HOME) to move
the cursor within a document; and Command keys (INSERT, DELETE) for tasks like overwriting or
removing text.

7. Define a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) and explain its relationship to a web page and a website. A
URL, or Uniform Resource Locator, is a unique web address that identifies a specific resource on the
internet, such as a webpage or file. A web page is a single document on the internet, and a website is a
collection of these related web pages that are linked together and stored on a web server.

8. What is social media, and what is its primary purpose for users? Social media encompasses forms of
digital communication through which users can create online communities. The primary purpose is for
users to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content within these communities.
Examples include Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

9. Explain the two parts of an email address. What is the key difference between using “CC” and “BCC”
when sending an email? An email address is made up of two parts separated by the @ symbol: a user-
created name and the name of the email service provider. The difference between “CC” (carbon copy)
and “BCC” (blind carbon copy) is privacy; CC makes all recipients’ addresses visible to everyone, while
BCC keeps the recipients’ addresses hidden from each other.
10. Describe the initial functions a computer performs when it starts up, beginning with the self-test.
When a computer starts, the BIOS first performs a self-test to ensure the system is working correctly. If
the test is successful, the BIOS loads the Operating System. Once the OS is loaded, the computer is ready
to take inputs from the user.

Essay Questions for Deeper Understanding

The following questions are designed for longer, essay-style answers. Do not supply answers.

1. Discuss the role of ICT in both personal and professional life, citing specific examples of devices,
applications, and media forms mentioned in the source material.

2. Explain the complete journey of information within a computer system, from input to processing to
output. Your explanation should incorporate specific examples of input devices, the role of the CPU, and
various types of output devices.

3. Describe the process of accessing and navigating the World Wide Web. Define key components like
the internet, WWW, web browser, client, server, website, and home page, and explain how they interact.

4. Elaborate on the mechanics of how a search engine operates. Detail the interconnected processes of
crawling, indexing, and ranking, explaining what happens at each stage and what factors influence the
final results.

5. Compare and contrast various methods of digital communication and information sharing, including
email, social media, and the different types of blogs (personal, company, news and views).

Glossary of Key Terms

Term Definition

3D Printer An output device that creates three-dimensional objects from a 3D computer model.
Accuracy A characteristic of a computer related to its correctness in performing operations.

Audio Ports Ports used to connect microphones, speakers, and headphones to a computer system.
The output port is often called the line out port.

Automation A characteristic of a computer.

Backspace Key A command key used to remove typed text, characters, and other objects to the left side
of the cursor.

Barcode Reader An input device that scans and decodes barcode information.

BCC (Blind Carbon Copy) An email feature that keeps recipient addresses hidden from other
recipients.

BIOS The system that performs a self-test when a computer starts to ensure the system is fine before
loading the operating system.

Blog A website that publishes regularly updated content (posts) on a specific topic, often in an
informal style and reverse chronological order.

Braille Embosser An output device that translates digital text into Braille characters.

CC (Carbon Copy) An email feature that makes all recipients’ email addresses visible to one
another.

Central Processing Unit (CPU) One of the three main units of a computer system, responsible for
performing arithmetic and logical operations.

Client A computer that requests services from a server.

Command Keys Keys such as INSERT (INS), DELETE (DEL), and BACKSPACE that perform specific
commands.

Company Blog A blog published and maintained by a company or organization to share content and
build brand awareness.

Computer A programmable machine designed to store and retrieve information and perform
arithmetic and logical operations to produce meaningful results.

Computer Hardware The physical parts of a computer system that can be seen and touched.

Computer Server A powerful computer that provides services such as web hosting, network
storage, and application processing.

Computer Software The programs and instructions that cannot be seen but make the hardware
work.

Consistency A characteristic of a computer.

Control Keys Special keys such as CTRL, SHIFT, SPACEBAR, ALT, CAPS LOCK, and TAB that perform
special functions.
Crawling (Search Engine) The process where automated programs (“crawlers” or “spiders”) visit
websites to collect information about their content.

Delete Key A command key used to remove typed text, characters, and other objects on the right
side of the cursor.

Digital India A flagship programme of the Government of India with a vision to transform India into a
digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.

Digitizer An input device that converts analog signals (like handwriting) into digital data.

Diligence A characteristic of a computer.

Display Port A port that connects a monitor or other display unit to the computer, such as a Video
Graphics Array (VGA) or High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port.

Drag and drop A mouse operation used to move an item on the screen.

E-governance Initiatives, often citizen-centric, involving the use of technology in governance.

Email (Electronic Mail) A quick way of sending messages over the Internet from one person to another.

Email Address An address made of two parts separated by the @ symbol: a user-created part and the
service provider’s name.

Enter Key A key (also labeled RETURN) used to move the cursor to the beginning of a new line or to
send commands and confirm tasks.

Ethernet Port A port used for connecting a computer system to a high-speed internet cable.

Function Keys Keys labeled from F1 to F12 used to perform specific functions that differ from program
to program.

Home Key A navigation key that moves the cursor to the left end of a line of text.

Home Page The default and first page of a website.

ICT (Information and Communication Technology) A diverse set of technological tools and
resources used to communicate, create, disseminate, store, and manage information.

Indexing (Search Engine) The process of organizing and storing information collected by crawlers
into a massive database called an “index.”

Input Device A device used to enter information into a computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse).

Input Unit One of the three main units of a computer system, through which information is
entered.

Insert Key A command key that, when turned ON, allows a user to overwrite characters to the right
of the cursor.

Internet A huge network of computers around the world that allows users to access information
stored on the World Wide Web.
Joystick A hand-held input device used to control movement and actions, often in video games.

Keyboard A primary input device used for entering text, numbers, and commands into a computer.

Light Pen A stylus-like input device used to interact with a computer screen by directly selecting or
drawing on it.

Login A process involving a login-ID and password that allows a user to access and use a computer.

Logout The process of ending a user session on a computer.

Magnetic Ink Character Reader (MICR) An input device used to read magnetic ink characters,
commonly used in banks to process checks.

Memory A characteristic of a computer.

Memory Unit A unit of a computer system that consists of Primary and Secondary Memory.

Microblog A short message or post that can be shared on social media.

Microphone An input device used to input audio data.

Monitor The most common output device, on which a computer displays output information like
text, images, and videos.

Mouse A hand-operated pointing device used to move, select, and open items on a computer screen.

Navigation Keys Keys such as arrow keys, HOME, END, PAGE UP, and PAGE DOWN used to move around
in a document.

News and Views Blog A type of blog that combines current news reporting with commentary and
opinions on those events.

Operating System (OS) Software that manages computer hardware and software resources. Windows
10 is an example.

Optical Character Reader (OCR) An input device that reads printed text and converts it into a digital
format.

Optical Mark Reader (OMR) An input device that reads marks made on specially printed forms, used
for data entry in surveys or tests.

Output Device A device that brings information from the computer to the user (e.g., monitor, printer).

Output Unit One of the three main units of a computer system, responsible for presenting processed
information to the user.

Personal Blogs Blogs typically written by individuals about their life, thoughts, experiences, and
opinions.

Plotter A specialized output printer that uses pens to create vector graphics or drawings on paper.

Point and click A mouse operation used to select an item on the screen.
Power Port A port used for connecting the computer system to the power supply.

Primary Memory One of the two types of computer memory.

Projector An output device that takes images generated by a computer and projects them onto a
surface.

Punctuation Keys Keys for punctuation marks, such as the colon (.

Ranking (Search Engine)The process where a search engine uses algorithms to find and order the most
relevant pages from its index in response to a user’s query.

Reliability A characteristic of a computer.

Roll over/hover A mouse operation where the pointer is moved over an item on the screen.

ScannerAn input device that captures images or text from physical documents and converts them into
digital form.

Search Engine A software system that finds and displays information on the web based on a user’s
query.

Secondary Memory One of the two types of computer memory.

Social Media Forms of digital communication through which users create online communities to share
information, ideas, and other content.

Speed A characteristic of a computer.

Storage Devices Devices used to store digital information and transfer files, such as a USB flash drive,
hard disk, CD, or DVD.

Trackball A pointing input device that allows users to move the cursor by rotating a ball.

Uniform Resource Locator (URL) A web address that uniquely identifies a specific resource on the
internet.

USB Port A port that connects peripheral devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer, to a
computer.

Versatility A characteristic of a computer.

Video Card (Graphics Card) A computer component that processes video data and transmits it to
the monitor.

Web Browser A software application for using and sharing information on the World Wide Web.

Web Page A document present on a computer that is connected to the Internet, each having a
unique address.

Web Portal A website that offers a wide range of services and information, acting as a central hub
for multiple online resources.

Webcam A video camera that captures video and images, used for video calls or recording.
Website A collection of web pages that are linked together and stored on a web server.

Windows 10 A Microsoft operating system for personal computers, tablets, and other devices,
released in July 2015.

World Wide Web (WWW) A collection of different websites that can be viewed if connected to the
Internet.