Computer Literacy and Information

Communication Technology (ICT)

Understanding Computer Literacy:
Computer literacy refers to the ability to use computers and related technology
efficiently, with a focus on basic skills such as navigating operating systems,
using software applications, and understanding fundamental concepts.
Importance:
• Essential in today's digital age for personal and professional tasks.
• Enables effective communication, problem-solving, and information
retrieval.
• Empowers individuals to participate in the modern workforce and society.
Basic Skills in Computer Literacy:
• Understanding about Operating Systems
• Document Processing
• Efficient Internet Browsing
• Basic Troubleshooting
• Understanding About Content Creation etc.
Information Communication
Technology (ICT)
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a broad
term that encompasses a wide range of technologies, tools, and
systems used to manage and communicate information. Here are
some key components included in ICT:

• Computing Systems: Categories & Types of Computers,

Servers & data Centers etc.
• Networking Infrastructure: LAN, MAN, WAN, VPNs &
Networking equipment’s etc.
• Communication technologies: Email Systems, VOIP, Video
Conferencing & Instant Messaging etc.
• Software and Applications: OS, Productivity Software’s (i.e.,
MS Office, google Workspace etc.), ERPs, CRM and customized
software applications etc.
Information Communication
Technology (ICT)
• Data Management and Storage: Databases, Cloud
Storage Solutions (i.e., Google Drive, Dropbox, MS One
Drive, Amazon Drive, iCloud etc.) and Data Warehouses
etc.
• Internet Technologies: Web development tools and
languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), Web Browsers &
Servers etc. Cybersecurity: Firewall, Antivirus
Software’s, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and
Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) & Encryption
technologies etc.
• Emerging Technologies: AI, Machine Learning (ML),
IOT, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) &
Blockchain technologies etc.
Information Communication
Technology (ICT)
• E-Government and E-Services: Online government
services & Digital platforms for public services.
• Mobile Technologies: Smartphones and tablets,
Embedded operating systems (iOS, Android) & Mobile
applications etc.
• Social Media and Collaboration Tools: Social
Networking Platforms also Collaboration and project
management tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams).
• Digital Media and Entertainment: Streaming services
(i.e. Netflix, Disney +, HBO Max, Spotify, YouTube TV &
Twitch etc.) & Digital content creation tools (Canva, MS
Designer, Inkscape, Blender & GIMP etc.)
Information Communication
Technology (ICT)
• Educational Technologies: LMS & Online courses and
educational software etc.
• Robotics and Automation: Industrial automation
(Manufacturing Robotics, CNC Machines, Automated Guided
Vehicles (AGVs), Distributed Control Systems (DCS),
Automated Packaging Systems & Smart Factories etc.) and
Robotic process automation (Invoice Processing, Automated
Report Generation, Compliance Monitoring and Customer
Onboarding etc.)
Significance of Computer Literacy /
ICT in Upcoming Future:
• Computer literate Workforce
• Increasing demand for tech-savvy professionals across industries.
• Employability enhanced with strong computer literacy skills.
• Integration of education with technology.
• Prepares students for future careers and lifelong learning regarding
entrepreneurial mind set.
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Foundation for technological innovation.
• Enables individuals to create and contribute to the digital economy.
• Crucial Role in reshaping Smart Cities and Infrastructure
• Social Connectivity and smart Communication system development
etc.
What is Software & Software
Categories
• Software refers to a set of instructions or programs that instruct a computer to perform
specific tasks. It consists of code written in a programming language that tells the computer
how to operate, what calculations to perform, and how to process and manage data.
Software is a crucial component of computing systems, enabling them to execute a wide
range of functions.
• Categories of Software
Software and operating systems can be categorized into various types based on their
functionality and purpose. Here are the main categories for both as under;

1- System Software:

Operating Systems: Manage hardware resources and provide a platform for software
applications. Examples include Windows, macOS, Linux.
Device Drivers: Facilitate communication between the operating system and hardware
components like printers, graphics cards, and peripherals.
Software Categories
2- Application Software:
Productivity Software: Tools for creating documents, spreadsheets,
presentations, etc. Examples include Microsoft Office, Google Workspace.
Graphics Software: Used for creating and editing visual content, such as
Adobe Creative Cloud.
Media Players: Software for playing audio and video files, like VLC Media
Player.
Web Browsers: Enable users to access and interact with websites, e.g.,
Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox.
Antivirus Software: Protects the computer from malware, like Norton,
McAfee.
Games: Software designed for entertainment, such as Fortnite, Minecraft.
Communication Software: Facilitates communication between users,
including Skype, Slack.
Software Categories
3- Utility Software:
• Antivirus Utilities: Scan and remove viruses and malware.
• Disk Cleanup Tools: Optimize and clean up storage.
• Backup Software: Facilitate data backup and recovery.
• File Compression Tools: Compress and decompress files (e.g.,
WinRAR, 7-Zip).
• System Maintenance Tools: Optimize system performance.

4- Programming Software:

• Compilers and Interpreters: Translate code into machine-readable

format.
• Integrated Development Environments (IDEs): Provide comprehensive
tools for software development (e.g., Visual Studio, Eclipse).
• Version Control Software: Manage changes to source code (e.g., Git).
Categories of Operating
Systems
• Desktop Operating Systems:
• Designed for personal computers and workstations.
• Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux distributions.

• Server Operating Systems:

• Optimized for server hardware, providing services to other computers on the network.
• Examples: Windows Server, Linux server distributions (e.g., Ubuntu Server, CentOS).

• Mobile Operating Systems:

• Designed for smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices.
• Examples: Android, iOS.

• Embedded Operating Systems:

• Used in embedded systems and devices (e.g., IoT devices, industrial controllers).
• Examples: Embedded Linux, FreeRTOS.
Categories of Operating
Systems
• Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS):
• Designed for systems with real-time requirements.
• Examples: VxWorks, FreeRTOS.

• Network Operating Systems:

• Facilitate communication and resource-sharing among computers in a network.
• Examples: Novell NetWare (historical), modern networks often use general-purpose OS.

• Distributed Operating Systems:

• Enable distributed computing across multiple interconnected computers.
• Examples: Google's Chrome OS, Amoeba.

• Multi-User and Time-Sharing Operating Systems:

• Support multiple users simultaneously.
• Examples: UNIX, Linux.