Introduction to Subsidiary ICT 7

Introduction to Subsidiary ICT

Aims of Teaching and Learning ICT

At advanced level, Subsidiary ICT is taught to:

 help the learner to develop and consolidate his acquired ICT skills
 help the learner be aware of the new and emerging technologies
 encourage the learner develop as an independent individual user
 help learners develop ICT skills to enhance their work in a variety of fields
 equip the learner with skills for lifelong learning
 help the learner develop new ideas for self-employment
 help the learner get skills used in learning other subjects

The ICT Syllabus and Paper Format

UACE ICT syllabus – teaching sequence

This is the current functional advanced level Subsidiary ICT UNEB syllabus
skeleton

1. Introduction to computing 5. Computer hardware

 Introduction to computers  Input hardware
 World of ICTs  Output hardware
 Implications of using ICTs  Storage devices
 Processor components
2. Computer management
 The booting process 6. Computer software
 File management  System software
 Common utilities  Application software
 Print management
7. Electronic spreadsheet 1
3. Computer lab care and  Introduction to
maintenance spreadsheets
 Computer literacy  Working with spreadsheets
 Secure lab environment  Managing spreadsheets
 Servicing and maintenance  Formula and functions

4. Computer word processing 1 8. Internet and the www

 Introduction to word  Introduction to Internet
processing  Internet services
 Working with word  The worldwide web
processing software
9. Computer word processing 2

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 Page layout  Introduction to electronic

 Data tabulation publication
 Use of objects  Publication basics
 Document accuracy  Document layout
 Mail merge, document  Document enhancement
reference, and printing  Output and printing
 Complete publication
10. Electronic presentations  Web publishing
 Introduction to
presentations 13. Electronic spreadsheet 2
 Working with presentation  Working with charts
software  Working with page layout
 Developing a presentation  Printing a worksheet
 Working with charts
 Working with graphical 14. Electronic databases
objects  Introduction to databases
 Presentation output  Database objects
 Slide show
15. System security, ICT ethical
11. Data communication and issues and emerging
networking technologies
 Introduction to data  Computer system security
communication  Privacy and ICT ethical
 Introduction to networks issues
 Emerging technologies
12. Electronic publication  The ICT industry

The UACE ICT Examination format

Subsidiary ICT has three papers paper 1, 2 and 3 that are set. Paper 1 is
compulsory. A candidate chooses one of 2 and 3.

Paper 1 S850/1 is a theory paper with 20 equally weighted filling-in

compulsory questions, each taking 5 marks. It is marked out of 100 but the
mark converted to 40. It requires short and precise answers and takes 2 hours
and 30 minutes.

The questions set and fetched from the entire syllabus but with more emphasis
on basic ICT concepts and their applications in various fields.

Questions for this paper will be set basing on the question allocation table
below.

Type of question
Topic Knowledge Comprehension Application Analysis Total
Introduction 01 01 02
to computers

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Lab care and 01 01

maintenance
File 01 01 02
management
Computer 01 01 01 03
hardware
Computer 01 01 01 03
software
Internet and 01 02 03
www
Data com. 01 01 02
and
networking
Trends in 01 01 02
computing
Computer 02 02
applications
Total 20

Papers 2 and 3 (S850/2 and S850/3) are practical papers with 5 equally
weighted questions and takes only 2 hours. A candidate attempts only 3. All the
work is saved and written to a blank Compact Disc Recordable that is sent
along with hardcopies of the work to UNEB.

Numbers will be based on practical applications of Word processing,

Spreadsheets, Databases, Presentations and Desktop publishing. They are
marked out of 60 and the mark is not converted.

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1
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING

Introduction to Computers
A Computer is an electronic machine that receives data from the user,
processes it using stored instructions (programs) into information, stores and
outputs the information for future use. A computer processes data into
information.

Characteristics of modern computers

Modern computers have the following characteristic features in common

1. Speed. Computers operate with extremely high speeds compared to

human beings. Computer speed is usually measured in millions of
instructions per second (mips)

2. Automatic. They are automatic in that they do not need any supervision to
do tasks when instructed. They are continuous in action and carry on tasks
till they are finished.

3. Accurate. Computers cannot make mistakes. Any mistakes made are due to
human error. If wrong data is fed into a computer, wrong information is
expected hence the saying garbage in garbage out (GIGO)

4. Versatile. Modern computers can perform more than one task at the same
time

5. Diligence. They have ability to do repetitive tasks for long with the same
speed and efficiency without getting tired or fatigued

6. Artificially intelligent. They can be programmed to assume human

capabilities such as learning, reasoning, adaptation and self-correction

7. Storage capacity. They have memory to keep data, programs and

information either permanently or temporarily before or after processing.

8. Programmable. Computers can be programmed and reprogrammed to

take on new tasks. They lack natural brains and therefore use stored
instructions to do tasks.

9. Communication. They can communicate with other computers to share

data, information, programs and instructions through networks

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10. Adaptability. They can be adapted to work with different settings,

programs and in different environments. Multiple programs can run on the
same computer the same or different times

11. Flexible. They can easily switch from one task to another and support a
variety of peripheral devices

12. Processing ability. They can process data into meaningful information
basing on the instructions from the user

13. Portable. Can easily be moved from one place to another for example
laptop computers and mobile phones

14. Electronic in that their operation is powered by electricity

Components of a Computer System

A computer system is a collection of components that work together to

process data into information. A computer system comprises components that
make it fully useful such as:

Computer hardware refers to the physical devices of a computer that are

tangible such as the keyboard, mouse, monitors printer, compact discs, hard
discs, system units, speakers etc.

Computer software refers electronic instructions that tell a computer what

tasks to do and how to do them.

Computer communication is the transmission of data and information over a

channel between computers. Computer communication allows sharing of
hardware, software, data and information among networked computers.

Computer users or Human ware refers to the people who operate and give
instructions to computers. A computer user can be an ordinary or professional
user

 An Ordinary user doesn’t have much technical knowledge of computers

but uses computers for simple personal tasks, learn, have fun such as
computer students, typists, etc.

 A Professional user has formally been trained in the technical aspects of

computers or a trained personnel working in the fields of computing such
as programmers, webmasters, ICT teachers etc.

Computer Data and Information

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A computer processes data into information

Data is a collection of raw facts that are not meaningful to the user. Data can be
in form of text, numbers, images, audio, video or symbols. Examples of data are
students’ bio data, test scores, population figures, employee bio data, etc.

Information refers to processed data. It is organized, meaningful and useful to

the user. Examples of information include words, a mathematical formula,
grades, a piece of music, a song etc.

The process of transforming or converting data into information is referred to

as information processing.

The Information Processing cycle

It is a series of stages the computer system follows to process data into useful
information. These stages are illustrated below.

Collection of data - facts to be processed are first gathered from their sources
and recorded down on paper, or using recorders, sorted and made ready for
input.

Data input - the facts are then entered into a computer with help of suitable
input devices. The facts are sent into the processing unit -CPU for processing

Data processing - the CPU processes the data by performing arithmetic and
logical operations on it basing on the instructions from the user. The resultant
at this point is information.

Storage of information- the results of processing (information) are sent into

the storage memory where it is kept for future use. The stored information can
be retrieved from memory for output or further processing

Output of information - information is sent out in visual or audible form and

provided to the user through output devices.

Forms of information

Information can take one of the following forms:

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1. Written information – the common type of information in organizations,

often presented on media such as paper
2. Aural information – information presented in form of speech such as in
meetings, voice calls, voice mails
3. Audio (audible) - information heard through speakers
4. Visual information, seen by human eyes such as:
 Video – information in form of moving images
 Multimedia - combined forms of information such as text, audio, videos,
images
 Text - characters, symbols, letters, numbers and graphics

Softcopy – refers to non-printed information displayed by the visual display

unit
Hardcopy – refers to printed information

Qualities of good information

Good and valuable information should be:

 Accurate. It should be error free to help users make correct decisions

 Verifiable. It should be proven whether correct or incorrect
 Timely. It should have a validity time frame i.e. when is should be valid or
when it should not.
 Accessible. It should be available when it is needed by the user or decision
maker.
 Meaningful and useful. It should have meaning to the people who receive it
 Cost-effective. It should give more value than it cost to produce

Advantages of using computer for information processing

 Computers are very fast

 They are cheap and cost effective
 Computers can process large amounts of data and give correct results
 Use of computer can increase efficiency and productivity, costs lower in the
long run
 Security of information can be ensured through passwords
 Computers can store large amounts of data
 Computers can help users share data

Limitations, disadvantages and negative effects of using computers

 Due to computerization, some jobs may be lost e.g. typists

 Face to face interactions among workers may be limited
 The initial investment cost is high on hardware, software, training users
 Information is susceptible to computer errors and viruses
 Computer work on electric power which may not be present
 Computers are not reliable, need humans to control them

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 They are unable to learn from past operations

 Computers often are used as means to access inappropriate literature and
pornography
 Prolonged use of computer can lead to health problems such as backache,
loss of sight
 Prolonged use of computers may result into addiction to games, Internet

The common Hardware parts of a Computer

The basic parts of a computer

1. The system unit is a rectangular box that houses the internal electronic
delicate parts of a computer.
2. Mouse is a small device used to point and select items on the computer
screen. It used in the movement of the cursor
3. Keyboard is an input device mainly used for typing text and issuing
commands into the computer
4. A monitor is an output device that displays information in visual form like
text and graphics to the user.
5. A printer is a device that converts softcopy information into hard copy.
6. A speaker is an output device that is used to play sound.

System unit Speakers Keyboard Mouse Printer

Revision Questions

1. (a) What is meant by data processing?

(b) Describe the data processing cycle

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2. (a) Give the advantages and disadvantages of using computers for data
processing
(b) Give any five activities that take place during data collection

3. (a) Give any three forms of information

(b) Give any five qualities of good information

4. Give any three threats to computer held information

5. Give any three traditional methods of processing data you know

The World of ICTs

ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology.

ICT is a collection of related technological tools and methods used to create,

store, manage and disseminate or distribute information.

The term information and communication technology combines two terms:

Information technology and Communication technology.

Information technology (IT) is a combination of computers and

communication technologies to process data into information

Some of the common ICT devices are laptop and desktop computers, radios,
televisions, cellular phones, compact discs, Internet and networking hardware,
software platforms, satellite systems, biometric devices, fax machines, etc.
However, the term ICTs commonly is used to refer to computers.

Uses of ICTs in our daily Society

ICTs have changed society today; people interact with computers and other
ICTs in fields such as: education, business and commerce, health, security,
politics, communication, entertainment and leisure, technical and scientific
fields.

Uses of ICTs in the area of education

 Use computer of assisted instruction (CAI) to deliver lessons, web based

lessons
 Use of computer of computer aided learning (CAL) such as use of
projectors to deliver lessons more efficiently
 Printing learning materials such as exam papers, manuals, etc.
 Use computer of computer aided assessment (CAA) to assess learners'
progress
 Schools use computers to create school websites for sharing information
with the public.

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 Productivity tools like desktop publishing are used in projects and other
school activities.
 Computers are used for calculating mathematical arithmetic by students
and teachers
 They are used to manage school records
 They are used to create students’ progressive report cards electronically
 Distance learning through computer based training (CBT). Students can get
awards such as degrees without going to class.
 Teachers use simulation software to perform difficult or dangerous
experiments in class.
 Special facilities for students with disabilities like text to speech and speech
recognition to help blind students can be used
 Used in preparation of school daily documents such as receipts, exams etc.
 Enable students to do online research using online dictionaries and
libraries
 Allows studying online, cyber classes via web conferences
 Teachers can use audio-visual methods such as presentations to introduce
complex topics
 Computers themselves are used as teaching and learning aids
 They have eased storage of data and information for teachers and students
 Enable edutainment, a form of learning that combines learning and
entertainment to make learning interesting and more fun
 Use of interactive whiteboards and projectors to ease learning

Uses of ICTs in Business, Finance and Banking

 Computers enable people to work from home, using a computer connected

to the employer's network or via the Internet known as telecommuting.
 Computers have created more jobs such as computer technicians,
computer teachers, etc.
 Buying and selling computers and components is a source of income to
individuals, and companies.
 Through, computer aided design (cad), scale drawings, and excellent
designs can be created easily.
 Computers are used to send and receive mobile money, making world-wide
money transfers.
 Computers are used to manage transactions and automated teller machines
ATMs for 24 hours banking.
 Computers help in business advertisement through creating websites,
Internet, flyers, brochures and billboards.
 Computers are used in typesetting business for production of document
printouts and publication of books for sale.
 Computers are used for e-commerce: the sale of goods and services over
the Internet.
 Online shopping and order of goods
 Product research through online surveys, questionnaires
 Inventory and control management

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 Customer care and service through SMS and toll free calls
 Social media marketing and advertisement
 Computer equipment such as CCTV cameras are used to keep security over
business premises
 Multinational companies can carry out online seminars and meetings
 They are used to keep basic business records
 Barcode readers are used to read serial numbers on packaged products to
examine genius and determine prices
 Magnetic ink character recognition readers are used to read details on
customers' cheques
 EPOS terminals are used to record and invoice customers' purchases
 Online banking and money transfer
 Paying bills, prepare budgets using finance software
 Online banking and online investment

Uses of ICTs in the health care

 Hospitals use computers for managing and storing records electronically,

rather than paper files.
 Computers are used for printing labels, allocating beds; make
appointments, staff rotas, etc.
 Internet helps us get web sites for information on health care, treatments,
conditions, etc.
 Monitoring, diagnosis such as heart rate, blood pressure aided by computer
expert systems.
 Medical training is facilitated by simulation software and on-line data
sources.
 Computers are used to carry out many surgical procedures such as
laparoscopic surgeries
 Computerized devices such as CT scan, ultra sound devices and magnetic
imaging.(IMR) are used assist in medical tests, diagnosis and cure of
diseases
 They enable online consultations by medical professionals.
 Use of computer assisted tests can be carried out before prescribing
treatment.
 Use of computer assisted life saver machine.
 Surgeons implant computerized devices such as Pacemakers in the body to
allow patients live longer
 Surgeons use computer-controlled device to do operations that need much
precision such as laser eye surgery and robot assisted heart surgery
 Telemedicine – doctors can have a conference to discuss medical tests
 Telesurgery – doctors direct robots to do surgery when they are away
 Enable faster communication between patients and doctors through calls,
SMS, emails
 Can be used to monitor the patients in hospitals e.g. CCTVs
 Medicals use the web and special software to assist with research and
diagnosis

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 Pharmacists use computers to file insurance claims

 Computer controlled robots can deliver medications to nursing stations in
hospitals
 Doctors use computers and mobile devices to keep patients records
 Tiny implants such as cochlear implants allows a deaf person to hear
 Small camera pills can be swallowed and take images in the body to detect
cancer, and other abnormalities
 Electrodes implanted in the brain stops tremors associated with the brain
diseases

Uses of ICTs in the area of security

 Computers aid monitoring security through cameras, automatic number

plate recognition, etc.
 Communication systems are widely used in the military to coordinate the
personnel.
 Some computer systems can detect temperatures and alarm in case of
danger of fire outbreaks.
 Computers are used for capturing data for police national computer
databases –, vehicle number plates, criminals fingerprints, etc.
 Computers are used to detect presence of illegal devices such as bombs.
 Computers are also used for controlling dangerous weapons such as
missiles.
 Computers are used for storing criminal databases and information at
police stations.

Uses of ICTs in the area of politics and governance

 Public records -a maintained database of statistical information such as

electoral register and census data can be availed online.
 Use of electronic voting during elections. The introduction of biometric
voters’ verification machines during the 2016 general elections in Uganda.
 Government websites provide citizens with current and up-to-date
information about govt activities
 Government departments can use a computer based platform to get
feedback from the citizens.
 Citizens can pay online for tickets, taxes, licenses, etc.

Uses of ICT in art, leisure and entertainment

 Computers enable people to play computer games like need for speed,
solitaire etc.
 Internet has promoted social networking that has enabled interaction
between people
 Computers can be used to play music during free time.
 Computers can be used to watch movies and videos.
 Digital cameras can be used to record and capture videos on parties, tours.

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 They are used to compose and edit songs by producers through using audio
and video production software.
 Internet enables people to read magazines online.

Uses of ICTs in the area of communication

 E-mail: electronic mail sent from one person to other using connected
computers helps a lot in the area of communication.
 Video conferencing enables people in different locations to conduct
meeting as if they are in the same location.
 Computers are used for faxing: sending an image of a document
electronically.
 Computers enable people to send voice, image, text and data though
telephones and mobile cell phones.
 Social networks such as face book, and twitter enable people to stay in
touch with their relatives, friends and interests.

Industrial, travel and transport, technical and scientific uses of ICTs

 Astronomists use computers to study the behavior of complex systems in

space as regards to their movements, interactions etc.
 Meteologists can use computers to analyze data and predict weather
conditions
 Through computer aided manufacture (cam), computers can be used to
control the production of goods in factories.
 Computers perform telescope pointing and tracking (including error
correction), camera operation, image download and storage, image
reduction (the measurement of the image), and data processing.
 Computers are used to tell schedules of water vessels, train, buses to their
respective stations. You only need to use your PDA device or cello phone
and check it out.
 Computers are used very extensively in design of roads. Roadways and
bridges are designed using software programs like cad etc.
 Vehicles with navigation systems (GPS) can help locate their destinations
to the user
 Websites are used by travellers to reserve travel tickets
 Directions and maps can be printed to aid travellers
 Monitoring highway traffic
 Computer aided manufacturing assist with production of goods such as in
fabrication and assembly

Implications of Using ICTs

The widespread use of computers and related technologies in almost all fields
of work and life has imposed both positive and negative effects on people’s
lives and work.

Positive implications of using ICTs

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 Enhancement of efficiency- ICT has brought the ability among workers to

produce good results by using the available time, money, supplies etc. In
most effective manner.
 Communication. This has been enhanced by the development in the
communication industry e.g. E-mail, Skype, Facebook etc.
 Networking. This is basically use of computer and other resources thus
eliminating duplication of data and other resources in the organization
 Security. Computers have generally improved security through computer
development of security conscious gadgets like automated gates CCTV
cameras.
 Service delivery. It has stimulated a sustainable flow of information and
interlinking the various stakeholders within the various businesses.
 Entertainment. For example playing computerized music, games, computer
games etc.
 Enhancement of employment opportunities e.g. computer teachers,
software engineers etc. which has created employment opportunities.
 ICT explore and facilitates scientific research e.g. solving the problem of
physics and engineering design, explore relations of biological and
physiological processes.

Negative implications of using ICTs

 Health problem. Computers have affected health standards of human life

for stance light from the screen affect eyes, sitting down causes back pain
etc.
 Fraud. This is where one commits unacceptable activity as the way of
getting organization's information or data without permission from the
owner. E.g. stealing money from one account to another in the bank.
 Moral degeneration. Through the pornographic literature, message clips
etc. which have led to loss of cultural values
 Increase in the cost of production. This is because computers are expensive
to buy and maintain hence increased prices.
 Unemployment. It has negatively affected the society by replacing the
workers with no computer skills.
 Computer viruses. These are considered the greatest nightmare because
they attack once the computer system and destroy it within a minute
leading to loss of information.
 Death and accidents. They cause death and accidents due to computer
explosions
 Over reliance on computer. This has come up due to over dependence on
computer making them do everything hence causing mental decadence.
 Environmental degradation. Computer resources and hardware
components are very harmful to the environment. They have led to soil and
air pollution in the environment.

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Computers and the Environment

Green Computing

Green computing or ICT sustainability refers to environmentally sustainable

computing or IT. Green computing is environmentally responsible use of
computers and related resources.
Or
Green computing is the study and practice of designing, manufacturing, using,
and disposing of computers servers and subsystems in a way that does not
harm the environment.

Green computing involves the implementation of energy-efficient CPUS,

servers and peripherals as well as reduced resource consumption and proper
disposal of electronic waste (e-waste)

Goals of green computing

 Reduce the use of hazardous materials.

 Maximize energy efficiency during the product’s lifetime.
 Promote the recyclability, biodegradability of ICT products and factory
waste.
 Make the use of computers as energy- efficient as possible.

Core objectives of green computing strategies

 Minimizing energy consumption

 Purchasing green energy
 Reducing the paper and other consumables used
 Minimizing equipment disposal requirements
 Reducing travel requirement for employees or customers

Ways of promoting Green Computing

Outline any three measures that can be taken to prevent environmental

degradation through the use of ICT. (UACE 2018)

 Minimize the use of paper by using the Internet to send e-mails than
physical letters
 Properly recycling and disposing off of e-waste such as toner cartridges,
etc.
 Sensitizing people about environmental management via social media,
radio, TV talk shows
 Using Google maps to spot areas where degradation has occurred so as to
mitigate the effect
 Using radio announcements to disseminate information about
environmental management

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 Using of pop-up messages sent to phone to alert or remind people about

environmental management
 Use of computer controlled planes to plant trees, spray, irrigate, put off fire
in remote areas
 Use of grid computing and cloud computing
 Promoting use of virtualization of computing hardware
 Using low power hardware like LCD monitors and laptops instead of CTRs
and Desktops
 Through developing bio-degradable computing devices
 Switch off hardware components such as printers and monitors when not
in use
 Using power management features to turn off hard drives and display after
several minutes of not in use.
 Employ alternative energy sources for computing workstations, servers,
networks and data centers.

Advantages of green computing

 Reduced use of energy lower carbon dioxide emission from fuel used in
power plants transportation
 Conserving resources means less energy is required to produce, use and
dispose of products
 Saving energy and resources saves money
 Green computing encourages recycling, lowering energy use by individuals
and business
 Reduce risks of chemicals that cause cancer, nerve damage, immune
reactions in humans

Cloud Computing

It refers to storing, accessing data and programs on remote servers that are
hosted on Internet instead of computer's hard drive or local server. It is also
referred as Internet based computing or online storage
Or
Cloud computing-this is the practice of using a network of remote servers
hosted on the Internet to store, manage, and process data, opposed to local
server, personal computers

Examples of online file storage sites

1. Amazon Drive 2. Box

3. Google Drive 4. Hightail
5. I-Cloud 6. Media File
7. Drop Box 8. Microsoft One Drive
9. Share File 10. Sugar Sync

Advantages of cloud computing

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 It reduces the cost of buying computer hardware and software.

 It is available 24 hours, allows accessibility of user’s data anywhere,
anytime
 Efficient recovery. It delivers faster more accurate retrieving of
applications and data
 Flexibility of growth. It is scalable, companies can add and remove
resources based on their needs
 Cloud hosting is very easier to implement in organizations
 It allows automatic updates of software
 It offers great security when any sensitive data has been lost.
 It helps organizations to reduce their carbon print
 Cloud applications enhance collaboration of distant people to virtually
meet and exchange information.
 It is very easier to monitor and manage.

Disadvantages of cloud computing

 Very expensive to install and pay subscriptions to cloud service providers

 Requires you to be online in order access the resources and services
 The customer has limited control over the services compared to service
providers
 There is always temporary inaccessibility when service providers are
upgrading and servicing server
 There is insecurity of data due to hackers

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