ICT - Information and Communications

Technology

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is used in all spheres of life. It has
changed the way everything functions, be it learning, solving problems, or working. The
tools of ICT such as communications, networked computers, and media have become
crucial for the efficient working of all professions. Today, it is almost impossible to
imagine the functioning of organizations without these tools. ICT tools have changed
the time and space of learning and working, which has been beneficial for the students
as well as the working professionals.

ICT comprises of two parts:

1. IT [Information technology]: It refers to the use of storing, processing,

collecting data. All the different components of the computer, like hardware and
software, come under this category.
2. CT [Communication technology]: It refers to the use of technology for
telecommunication, broadcasting media, audiovisual processing and transmitting
information, and transmitting information through wired or wireless networks.

ICT as a whole is a combination of IT and CT, where we collect, store, process, and
transmit data through wired or wireless methods.

What is ICT?
ICT, also known as Information and Communications Technology, is the
infrastructure that facilitates the communication of people and organizations in the
digital world. Generally, it includes applications, devices, systems, and networking
components that enable modern computing.

ICT System Components

The components of ICT allow people to interact with each other in the digital world. A
list of components of the ICT system is mentioned below. However, ICT is not limited to
the list as it includes any application, system, or device that enables the digital
interaction of organizations and people.

1. Communications Technology:
People in the present society have all shifted from old means of communication to new
modes which are advanced, faster, cost-saving, and easier to use. Communication
technology has made it is feasible for people to interact globally through various
connections. Technology is advancing day by day and has a major role in giving a boost
to the country's economy, as it is generating a lot of employment and making it easier
for people to do things efficiently and in no time.

2. Data:
The word Data is derived from Latin, which means something given. Data is the plural
word, and its singular form is Datum. At the initial stage, the data we provide to the
computer is raw. Then, the computer processes it and converts it into information. This
data can be present in the form of images, documents, audio clips, software programs
or any other form. This data is processed with the help of a CPU and stored in the hard
disk of the computer. Computers store the data in the form of binary numbers means in
the form of 1 and 0. There are 5 types of data present:

o Text Data: It contains all the alphabets from A-Z.

o Number data: It contains numbers from 0-9.
o Alphanumeric Data: It contains various symbols like @, #, $, %, &, *, and many
more.
o Image Data: It contains images in formats like JPEG, PNG, and JPG.
o Audio-Video Data: It contains data in different formats like MP3, MP4, and HD.

3. Software:
Software is a set of programs or instructions which tell a computer how to work. The
software executes tasks, which are specific in nature, through the set of instructions that
operates them. Software is digital portions that run with the help of hardware. Software
is of two types:

o Application Software: These are downloaded by the user according to needs,

such as games, antivirus, browsers, and many others.
o System Software: These include operating software like Mac OS or Windows.
System software runs without user intervention

4. Hardware:
It is divided into two types:

o Internal Hardware: They are found inside the system unit, which includes the
motherboard, CPU, RAM, ROM, graphics card, fan, sound card, expansion slot,
and different types of drives.
o External Hardware: It is the physical part of the computer like the monitor,
keyboard, or mouse. External hardware components are input devices, output
devices and storage devices; these are known as peripherals. It is further divided
into -
a. Input Devices: These are used to ender data in the computer, e.g.,
keyboard, scanner, joystick, light pen, etc.
b. Output devices: They receive the information from the computer and
convert it to a readable format. e.g., monitor, speakers, printer,
headphone, etc.
c. Storage Devices: These are used to store data. E.g., the optical disk,
floppy disk, USB flash drive, memory card, etc.

5. Cloud Computing:
Cloud computing is a data centre available on the internet for users across the globe.
Clouds have multiple functions and can be classified into the following types:

o Enterprise Cloud
o Hybrid Cloud (Combination of enterprise and public cloud)
 o Public Cloud

Social and Economic Impact of ICT

ICT has had a large social and economic impact on society, as it has changed the way
people communicate, learn, work, and live. Additionally, ICT has contributed to
converting human experience into the computer. Therefore, today, robots can perform
most human tasks and handle them efficiently.

ICT has largely contributed to the growth and development of the business and
economy. The digital age is possible only because of ICT, and it has converted the
traditional face to face interactions to digital ones.

Despite the tremendous possibilities and opportunities of ICT, the distribution of its
capabilities is not even among the people. Rich countries and individuals have access to
explore more possibilities of ICT. For example, many people have access to the devices
such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. However, internet access is limited to people
that can afford it. Even if many can afford the internet, they still have limitations of
speed.

Advantages and Disadvantages of ICT

Advantages
The developments in the ICT have led to many cost-saving opportunities for businesses.
These include businesses ranging from small scale to large scale. ICT has also changed
the way people shop, socialize, communicate, and interact. It has given more choices to
people and also enabled internet shopping by facilitating online transactions. Engineers
at ICT are developing various applications and systems to make work and daily life
easier for everyone.

Disadvantages
ICT has several advantages that have contributed to the growth and development of
society. However, many problems have arisen with the development of ICT. Data
security is one of the major problems. Moreover, the growing global network and
increased speed of the internet has given rise to crimes. The security breach and stealing
of intellectual property, money, and data have increased.
Additionally, ICT has encouraged automation and robotics, which has rapidly replaced
workers. Another disadvantage of ICT is that it has limited personal interaction of people
with each other, and hence it is creating a population that is largely dependent on
technology. Other disadvantages are:

1. Expensive or costly:
The major drawback of using ICT in schools is the fact that computers, laptops,
projectors, screens, digital boards, and electricity charges are much higher, which can't
be afforded by most schools in rural areas.

2. Require trained and official teachers:

Due to the lack in the quality of training to the teachers, the teachers aren't aware of the
various functions of the smartboard and the digital equipment, so they are not able to
use the facilities to the fullest.

3. Rigid Nature:
Most of the teachers want to stick to their traditional forms of teaching. Many teachers
don't want to teach by modern methods as they think that these gadgets will leave
them jobless by taking over their job.

4. Addiction and time-wasters:

ICT has innumerable benefits if used in a productive way. Still, many use it for playing
games, especially teenagers, and they get addicted to it and waste most of their time
playing games.

5. Identity theft hacking, viruses, cheating:

As we know, ICT has made it easy for the users to do most of the things from the
convenience of their homes, but it has also made the process risky for those who are not
able to use these digital services properly. Various cases of cheating, hacking, etc., are
reported daily. Besides all this virus is the major problem which people face; if a virus
enters our computer system, it can destroy our computer software or even leak our data
to unknown sources.

6. Health Problems:
Spending too much time on computers or laptops increases the health problems like
distorted vision, obesity, feeling of fatigue, and many other long-term problems.

ICT and IT
Applications of the computer, which include storage, retrieval, transmission and data
manipulation, are parts of Information Technology (IT). It is often popularly known as
a communication system, computer system, and information system. It is known as the
subset of the ICT and also includes other technologies of information distribution such
as televisions and telephones. Along with these technologies, it is popularly known for
computer networks.

The primary use of Information technology is in the storage, transmission, and

manipulation of information. It is particularly beneficial for businesses. IT can be defined
as a computer system that can act as a communication and information system.
Peripheral equipment, hardware, and software are the part of the computer system that
facilitates the functioning of the IT system. IT comprises television and telephone
technology along with computer and computer systems. ICT is a major field, and IT is a
part of ICT that has a specific application, and a limited group can access it.

ICT has an exhaustive list of components that are growing continuously. Computers and
televisions were the traditional ICT devices, and some of the new ICT devices include
smartphones, robots, and digital TVs. ICT also covers the domain of the wireless network
along with wired devices and networks.

Applications of ICT Tools

ICT has a special provision in engineering and technology due to its widespread
applications in almost every profession. It has a great impact on our day to day lives.
Additionally, there are various roles and importance of ICT in almost every field. It has
significantly contributed to engineering and technology literacy. Moreover, ICT is
expected to grow more in the coming years. Some of the applications of the ICT tools
are listed below:

1. ICT in Workplace:
From a small office to a big organization, computers are used directly or indirectly on a
daily basis according to the need. From transmitting data from one user to another on a
personal level or organizational level, data is transferred with the help of various
applications.
2. ICT in Education:
Nowadays, ICT is widely used by students for e-learning. Students take help from
various websites and applications which are available for clearing their concepts and
enhancing their skills. These websites and applications help the students to learn the
various concepts through animations and other resources.

3. ICT in Healthcare:
ICT plays a major role in healthcare from manufacturing and packaging to the
distribution of medicines. The various types of machinery used in hospitals like x-ray
machines, ECG, CT scan, MRI, etc., are also made with the help of ICT.

4. ICT in Governance:
The various schemes and benefits for the citizen are introduced by the government
through different digital portals. The government has recently announced a digital India
initiative to support ICT. To update your Aadhaar card, Passport or pay the electricity
and water bill, all can be done from the convenience of your home. ICT helps the
government in storing our personal data securely such as details on Aadhaar card,
ration card, pan card, and on different portals.

5. ICT in business:
Various e-businesses, telecom and marketing websites use ICT as a medium to promote
their websites. ICT helps the business industry from carrying out transactions to
delivering any item; ICT has done it all and made almost everything paperless and user-
friendly.

Role of ICT in Business:

o For recording the data

o For retrieving the previous data
o For maintaining the cash flow
o For maintaining the profit and loss

Modes of Accessing ICT

1. Affordability of technology and technology use
 2. Appropriateness of technology
3. Human capacity and training
4. Integration into daily routines
5. Legal and regulatory framework
6. Local economic environment
7. Locally relevant content, applications, and services
8. Macro-economic environment
9. Political will and public support
10. Physical access to technology
11. Socio-cultural factors
12. Trust in technology

ICT Tools
1. Mobile Phones: There are various smartphones available in the market which
allows us to access the internet and to communicate in different corners of the
world.
2. Tablet: A tablet is a smaller version of a laptop that is mainly used for
educational purposes. Nowadays, it is widely used in India for reading e-books.
3. Smartboard: Smartboards are generally used in educational organizations for
teaching purposes. It helps the teachers to teach students through various
animations and video content.
4. Newspaper: Newspaper publishers have launched their respective applications
to help the users to read the newspaper on their mobile phones.
5. E-mail: Nowadays, e-mails are used almost everywhere for transmitting data, to
communicate with people, for giving confidential information and for various
other purposes.