Introduction and applications of ICT:

Definition:
ICT, or information and communications technology (or technologies), is the
infrastructure and components that enable modern computing.

Components of ICT:
•ICT is sometimes used synonymously with IT (for information technology); however,
ICT is generally used to represent a broader, more comprehensive list of all
components related to computer and digital technologies than IT.
•The list of ICT components is exhaustive, and it continues to grow.
•Some components, such as computers and telephones, have existed for decades.
Others, such as smartphones, digital TVs and robots, are more recent entries.
•ICT commonly means more than its list of components, though. It also
encompasses the application of all those various components.
Components of ICT:
1. Cloud Computing
2. Software
3. Hardware
4. Internet Access
5. Data
6. Transactions
7. Communication Technology

1. Cloud Computing:

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services (such as

storage, databases, servers, networking, software, analytics, and
intelligence) over the internet. Users can access and utilize computing
resources independently. Multiple users share physical and virtual
resources and resources can be rapidly provisioned and released.
Usage of cloud computing services is monitored and billed accordingly
by the service provider.

2. Software:

● Software consists of programs and data that instruct computers to perform

specific tasks.
● Key Types:
○ System software: Manages the hardware and provides basic
functionalities (e.g., operating systems, drivers).
○ Application software: Performs specific tasks for users (e.g., word
processors, spreadsheets, games).

3. Hardware:

● Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system.

● Key Components:
○ Input devices: Capture data and instructions (e.g., keyboards, mice).
○ Output devices: Display or produce results (e.g., monitors, printers).
 ○ Processing devices: Execute instructions and process data (e.g.,
CPUs).
○ Storage devices: Store data (e.g., hard drives, SSDs, USB drives).

4. Internet Access:

● Internet access enables devices to connect to the global network of

computers.
● Key Roles:
○ Facilitates communication: Email, messaging, video calls.
○ Provides information: Web browsing, research.
○ Enables online services: E-commerce, banking, social media.

5. Data:

● Data represents raw facts and figures that can be processed and interpreted.
● Key Types:
○ Structured data: Organized in a specific format (e.g., databases).
○ Unstructured data: Unorganized and various formats (e.g., text, images,
videos).

6. Transactions:

● Transactions involve the exchange of goods, services, or information.

● Key Types in ICT:
○ E-commerce: Buying and selling products online.
○ Online banking: Managing finances digitally.
○ Digital payments: Transferring funds electronically.

7. Communications Technology:

● Communications technology refers to tools and systems that enable

communication.
● Key Examples:
○ Telephones: Voice communication.
○ Mobile phones: Cellular communication.
○ Email: Text-based communication.

Impact of ICT:
•ICT is leveraged for economic, societal and interpersonal transactions and
interactions. ICT has drastically changed how people work, communicate, learn and
live.
•Moreover, ICT continues to revolutionize all parts of the human experience as first
computers and now robots do many of the tasks once handled by humans.
•For example, computers once answered phones and directed calls to the
appropriate individuals to respond; now robots not only can answer the calls, but they
can often more quickly and efficiently handle callers' requests for services.
•ICT's importance to economic development and business growth has been so
monumental, in fact, that it's credited with ushering in what many have labeled the
Fourth Industrial Revolution.
•ICT also underpins broad shifts in society, as individuals and masses are moving
from personal, face-to-face interactions to ones in the digital space.
•For all its revolutionary aspects, though, ICT capabilities aren't evenly distributed.
•Simply put, richer countries and richer individuals enjoy more access and thus have
a greater ability to seize on the advantages and opportunities powered by ICT.
•Consider, for example, some findings from the World Bank. Recently, it stated that
more than 75% of people worldwide have access to a cellphone.
However, internet access through either mobile or fixed Broadband remains
prohibitively expensive in many countries due to a lack of ICT infrastructure
•Some popular ICT tools are
–Emails
–Instant messaging
–Cellular phones
–Social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Significance of ICT:
•They range from highly automated businesses processes that have cut costs, to the
big data revolution where organizations are turning the vast trove of data generated
by ICT into insights that drive new products and services, to ICT-enabled
transactions such as internet shopping, telemedicine and social media that give
customers more choices in how they shop, communicate and interact.
•The digitization of data, expanding use of high-speed internet and the growing
global network together have led to new levels of crime, where so-called bad actors
can hatch electronically enabled schemes or illegally gain access to systems to steal
money, intellectual property or private information or to disrupt systems that control
critical infrastructure.

Uses of ICT:
ICT in education:
•Increased access to resources
–ICT allows the students to access educational resources from anywhere at any
time. This increased access to resources is very useful for the students. It is
especially valuable for the students with special needs and students form rural areas
and developing countries.
•Provide distant learning
–The learning has become web based with the help of ICT. It has resulted in the
distance learning and online education.
•Supplement traditional learning
–ICT also helps the students in traditional learning. Students use software programs
such as MS Word to prepare assignments and MS PowerPoint for presenting their
work.

Information Technology:
•IT is the study or use of electronic systems especially computers for storing,
retrieving, and sending information.
•IT is the technology that uses computing with high speed communication links to
spread information from one place to another.
IT is the technology involving the development, maintenance, and use of computer
systems, software, and networks for the processing and distribution of data.

IT in Society:
•Personal Communication
–Conversations (phone, cellular phone)
–Messaging (E-mail, SMS, WhatsApp)
–Video Calls
•Entertainment
–Web searching
–Downloading video and audio files
–Interactive gaming
•Day-to-Day living
–Buying airline ticket
–Ordering books
–Electronic banking/ stock market
–Online shopping
•Electronic Commerce
–Call Centers
–Electronic transactions
–Online sales
•Business operations
–Operation softwares
–Databases

1. Explain why it is essential to learn about computers today and discuss several ways
computers are integrated into our business and personal lives.
Computers and other technology appear almost everywhere in today’s world, and most
people need to use a computer or a computerized device frequently on the job, at home, at
school, or while on the go. Computer literacy, which is being familiar with basic computer
concepts, helps individuals feel comfortable using computers and is a necessary skill for
everyone today. Computers abound in today’s homes, schools, workplaces, and other
locations. Most students and employees need to use a computer for productivity, research,
or other important tasks. Computers allow:
FOR STUDENTS: Distant learning, access to resources and supplement traditional leaning
FOR WORKERS: research, off site communication, informed decisions, improved productivity
(perform calculations and process data much faster than humans)
FOR INDIVIDUALS: Individuals often use computers at home and/or carry portable
computers or smartphones with them to remain in touch with others or to use Internet
resources on a continual basis. Individuals also frequently encounter computers while on the
go, such as consumer kiosks and point-of-sale (POS) systems.

2. Define a computer and describe its primary operations

A computer is a programmable electronic device that accepts input; performs processing
operations; outputs the results; and provides storage for data, programs, or output when
needed. Most computers today also have communications capabilities. This progression of
input, processing, output, and storage is sometimes called the information processing cycl

Data is the raw, unorganized facts that are input into the computer to be processed. Data
that the computer has processed into a useful form is called information. Data can exist in
many forms, representing text, graphics, audio, and video

3. List some important milestones in computer evolution.

One of the first calculating devices was the abacus. Early computing devices that predate
today’s computers include the slide rule, the mechanical calculator, and Dr. Herman
Hollerith’s Punch Card Tabulating Machine and Sorter. First-generation computers, such as
ENIAC and UNIVAC, were powered by vacuum tubes; second-generation computers used
transistors; and third-generation computers were possible because of the invention of the
integrated circuit (IC). Today’s fourth-generation computers use microprocessors and are
frequently connected to the Internet and other networks. Fifth-generation computers are
emerging and are, at the present time, based on artificial intelligence

4. Identify the major parts of a personal computer, including input, processing, output,
storage, and communications hardware.
A computer is made up of hardware (the actual physical equipment that makes up the
computer system) and software (the computer’s programs). Common hardware
components include the keyboard and mouse (input devices), the CPU (a processing device),
monitors/display screens and printers (output devices), and storage media and storage
devices (such as DVDs, DVD drives, hard drives, USB flash drives, and flash memory cards).
Most computers today also include a modem, network adapter, or other type of
communications device to allow users to connect to the Internet or other network.

5. Define software and understand how it is used to instruct the computer what to do.
Software is a set of instructions or programs that tell a computer what to do. It's the
intangible part of a computer system, as opposed to the physical hardware components like
the keyboard, monitor, and processor. There are two types of software:
1. System Software
2. Application Software
All computers need system software, namely an operating system (usually Windows, OS X,
or Linux), to function. The operating system assists with the boot process, and then controls
the operation of the computer, such as to allow users to run other types of software and to
manage their files. Most software programs today use GUI i.e. a variety of graphical objects,
icons, buttons that tell the computer what to do. The basic workspace for Windows’ users is
the Windows desktop. Programs designed to allow people to perform specific tasks or
applications, such as word processing, Web browsing, photo touch-up, and so on are called
application software (apps). Software programs are written using a programming language.
Programs are written by programmers; computer users are the people who use computers
to perform tasks or obtain information.

6. List the six basic types of computers, giving at least one example of each type of
computer and stating what that computer might be used for.
Embedded computers are built into products (such as cars and household appliances) to
give them added functionality.
Mobile devices are small devices (such as mobile phones and tablets) with computing or
Internet capabilities; an Internet-enabled mobile phone is called a smartphone.
Small computers used by individuals at home or work are called personal computers (PCs)
or microcomputers. Most personal computers today are either desktop computers or
portable computers (notebook computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, hybrid
notebook-tablet computers, and netbooks) and typically conform to either the PC-
compatible or Mac standard.
Thin clients are designed solely to access a network; Internet appliances are ordinary
devices that can be used to access the Internet.
Medium-sized computers, or servers, are used in many businesses to host data and
programs to be accessed via the company network. A growing trend is virtualization, such as
creating separate virtual environments on a single server that act as separate servers or
delivering each users’ desktop to his or her device.
The powerful computers used by most large businesses and organisations to perform the
information processing necessary for day-to-day operations are called mainframe
computers. The very largest, most powerful computers, which typically run one application
at a time, are supercomputers.
Embedded Computers
Embedded into a product and designed to perform specific tasks or functions for that
product
Cannot be used as general-purpose computers
Often embedded into Household appliances, Thermostats, Sewing machines, Treadmills,
Answering machines, Cars
Mobile Device
A very small device with some type of built-in computing or Internet capability
Typically has a small screen and keyboard
Examples: Smartphones, Handheld gaming devices, Portable digital media player, Media
tablets
Personal Computer (PC)
–Small computer designed to be used by one person at a time
–Also called a microcomputer
–Available in different sizes and shapes
Desktop Computers
–On or next to a desk
–Tower case, desktop case, or all-in-one
–PC or Macintosh
–Not portable
Portable Computers
–Designed to be carried around easily
–Fully functional computers
–Notebook (laptop) computers
Typically use a clamshell design
Tablet computers
Usually use a digital pen/stylus or touch screen
No physical keyboard; can use on-screen or attached keyboard
Hybrid notebook-tablet computers
Netbooks
Smaller and have more limited features than conventional notebooks
Thin Client
–Designed to utilize a network for much of its processing
–Lower cost, increased security and easier maintenance
–Limited or no local storage
–Not able to function as a computer if network is down
Internet Appliance
–Specialized network computer designed for Internet access
–Some use apps to deliver news, sports scores, weather, music, and other Web-based
information
Server
– A medium-sized computer used to host programs and data for a small network
– Sometimes referred to as a minicomputer
– Users connect via a network with a computer, thin client, or dumb terminal
– Virtualization
– Creating virtual rather than actual environments (often used to share a server for
increased efficiency)
Mainframe Computer
–Powerful computer used by many large organizations to manage large amounts of
centralized data
–Standard choice for hospitals, universities, large businesses, banks, government offices
–Located in climate-controlled data centers and connected to the rest of the company
computers via a network
–Larger, more expensive, and more powerful than servers
–Usually operate 24 hours a day
–Also called high-end servers or enterprise-class servers
Supercomputer
–Fastest, most expensive, most powerful type of computer
–Generally run one program at a time, as fast as possible
–Can cost several million dollars each
–Tend to be very large and contain a large number of CPUs
–Titan is one of the fastest computers in the world

7. Explain what a network, the Internet, and the World Wide Web are, as well as how
computers, people, and Web pages are identified on the Internet.
Computer networks are used to connect individual computers and related devices so that
users can share hardware, software, and data as well as communicate with one another.
The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks. Typically, individual users connect to the
Internet by connecting to computers belonging to an Internet service provider (ISP)—a
company that provides Internet access, usually for a fee.
One resource available through the Internet is the World Wide Web (Web)—an enormous
collection of Web pages located on Web servers. The starting page for a Web site (a related
group of Web pages) is called the home page for that site. Web pages are viewed with a
Web browser, are connected with hyperlinks, and can be used for many helpful activities.
Internet addresses are used to identify resources on the Internet.
Computers on the internet are identified by IP addresses. An IP address is a unique
numerical label assigned to each device connected to a network
People aren't directly identified on the internet by a specific number or code. However, we
often use email addresses or usernames associated with our online accounts to identify
ourselves. These identifiers are linked to specific devices and IP addresses
Web pages are identified by URLs (Uniform Resource Locators). A URL is a unique address for
a specific webpage. For example, https://www.google.com is the URL for Google's
homepage. URLs help browsers locate and display the correct web page.

8. Describe how to access a Web page and navigate through a Web site.
Web pages are displayed by clicking hyperlinks or by typing appropriate URLs in the
browser’s Address bar. Favorites/Bookmarks and the History list can be used to redisplay a
previously visited Web page and search sites can be used to locate Web pages matching
specified criteria. Website’s navigation bar and search menu can be used to access the
desired information.

9. Discuss the societal impact of computers, including some benefits and risks related to
their prominence in our society.
Computers and devices based on related technology have become indispensable tools for
modern life, making ordinary tasks easier and quicker than ever before and helping make
today’s worker more productive than ever before
Benefits of a computer-oriented society:
1. Computers can process information and perform calculations at lightning-fast speeds,
significantly reducing the time it takes to complete tasks
2. Modern computers can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, increasing productivity
and efficiency
3. Computers facilitate online learning platforms, making education accessible to people
worldwide
4. Video conferencing tools allow for face-to-face communication, bridging geographical
distances.
5. Computers aid in medical research, drug discovery, and disease analysis leading to
earlier medical diagnoses and more effective treatment
6. Data analysis tools help businesses make informed decisions.
7. Devices that allow physically and/or visually challenged individuals to perform job
tasks
8. Various softwares allow computational analysis of products before construction
leading to safer products
9. Documents e-mailed or faxed in moments
10. Download information, music, programs, movies, and more on demand
In addition to the benefits, however, there are many risks and societal implications related
to our heavy use of the Internet and the vast amount of information available through the
Internet.

Risks of a computer-oriented society:

1. privacy and security risks and concerns (such as malware and spam)
2. differences in online and offline communications
3. the anonymity factor
4. amount of unreliable information that can be found on the Internet
5. Stress and health concerns
6. Identity theft and phishing
7. How data is collected and how secure is the collected data

DEFINITIONS:
IP Addresses
–Are numeric and unique
Domain Names
–Correspond to IP addresses
–Top-level domains (TLDs)
–Identifies type of organization or its location
Uniform Resource Locators (URLs)
Uniquely identifies a Web page, including
Protocol or standard being used
Web server hosting the page
Names of folders in which the Web page file is stored
Web page’s file name
Search site:
–Helps you locate what you are looking for
–Typically search using keywords
Nowadays image and voice search also available
Reference sites
–Look up addresses, telephone numbers, ZIP codes, maps, etc.

Electronic mail (e-mail)

Electronic messages exchanged between computers on a network
One of the most widely used Internet applications
Can be conventional e-mail program, Web-based, or mobile-based
Conventional Microsoft Outlook Mac OS X Mail
Web-based Gmail Outlook.com