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Communicaton 1

The document outlines key concepts in Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT), detailing the differences between information, communication, and technology, as well as the main components of a computer system unit. It discusses the functions of operating systems, types of application software, and compares Microsoft Office with Google Workspace. Additionally, it covers programming languages, data transmission media, and the importance of switching and routing in networking.

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7 views7 pages

Communicaton 1

The document outlines key concepts in Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT), detailing the differences between information, communication, and technology, as well as the main components of a computer system unit. It discusses the functions of operating systems, types of application software, and compares Microsoft Office with Google Workspace. Additionally, it covers programming languages, data transmission media, and the importance of switching and routing in networking.

Uploaded by

nb1701165
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Allama IQBAL Open University

Name Mehwish

Student ID 0000836781

Course code Applications of Information and Communication Technologies (9384

Semester AUTUMN-2024
Assignment no 1
Q1: Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) &
System Unit Components

(a) Key Differences Between Information, Communication, and


Technology (ICT)

ICT stands for Information, Communication, and Technology, a


broad term that refers to the role of digital technologies in transmitting,
storing, and processing information. The distinctions among these
components are:

Aspect Information Communication Technology


Tools and systems
Exchange of
Data that has been used to process,
messages between
Definition processed and store, and
individuals or
given meaning. communicate
systems.
information.
Computers, mobile
A report, a
Phone calls, emails, phones, the internet,
Example database, or an
video conferencing. and cloud
article.
computing.
Provides the
Acts as the content Enables sharing of infrastructure and
Role in
that is information across tools for processing
ICT
communicated. distances. and sharing
information.

(b) Main Components of a System Unit and Their Interaction

A system unit houses the main hardware components of a computer.


These include:

1. Central Processing Unit (CPU) – The "brain" of the computer


that processes instructions.
2. Motherboard – The main circuit board connecting all hardware
components.
3. Memory (RAM) – Temporarily stores data and instructions for
quick access.
4. Storage Devices (HDD/SSD) – Permanent storage for operating
systems, applications, and data.
5. Power Supply Unit (PSU) – Converts electricity into usable
power for the system.
6. Cooling System (Fans/Heatsinks) – Prevents the CPU and GPU
from overheating.
7. Input/Output (I/O) Ports – Connects peripherals like a mouse,
keyboard, and external drives.

Interaction of Components

When a user inputs a command, the CPU processes it using RAM,


retrieves necessary data from storage, and displays the result through the
output devices (e.g., monitor or printer). The motherboard ensures all
components communicate effectively.

Q2: Operating Systems & Types

(a) Functions and Importance of an Operating System (OS)

An Operating System (OS) is software that manages computer


hardware and software resources. Its key functions include:

1. Process Management: Allocates CPU resources to various


applications.
2. Memory Management: Distributes and optimizes RAM usage for
smooth operation.
3. File System Management: Controls data storage and retrieval.
4. Device Management: Facilitates communication between
hardware and software.
5. Security & User Access Control: Protects data using
authentication mechanisms.
6. User Interface (UI): Provides interaction through GUI or CLI
interfaces.

Without an OS, users would need to manually execute complex


commands to control hardware.

(b) Comparison of Operating Systems and Their Use Cases

OS Type Example Common Use Case


Used in banking and payroll
Batch OS IBM z/OS
processing.
Multi-user environments (e.g.,
Time-Sharing OS Unix
universities).
Real-Time OS Embedded systems like industrial
VxWorks
(RTOS) automation.
Windows
Network OS Managing large-scale networks.
Server
Mobile OS Android, iOS Smartphones and tablets.

Q3: Application Software & Microsoft Office vs Google


Workspace

(a) Categories of Application Software

1. Productivity Software: Word processors, spreadsheets (e.g.,


Microsoft Word, Excel).
2. Multimedia Software: Video and audio editing tools (e.g., Adobe
Photoshop, VLC Media Player).
3. Web Browsers: Software for accessing the internet (e.g., Google
Chrome, Mozilla Firefox).
4. Communication Software: Tools for messaging and video calls
(e.g., Zoom, WhatsApp).
5. Enterprise Software: Used by businesses (e.g., SAP,
QuickBooks).

(b) Microsoft Office vs Google Workspace

Feature Microsoft Office Google Workspace


Installed on a local Cloud-based, accessed via a
Installation
computer. browser.
Requires manual file Real-time collaboration via
Collaboration
sharing. cloud.
One-time purchase or
Pricing Subscription-based.
subscription.
Offline Access Fully functional offline. Limited offline capabilities.
Examples Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Docs, Sheets, Slides.

Q4: Programming Languages & Role of Compilers

(a) Types of Programming Languages and Their Use Cases

1. Low-Level Languages (Machine & Assembly Language)


o Used for hardware-level programming (e.g., BIOS
programming).

2. Procedural Languages (C, Pascal)


o Suitable for structured programming like system software.

3. Object-Oriented Languages (Java, Python, C++)


o Ideal for application development and game programming.

4. Scripting Languages (JavaScript, PHP, Python)


o Used for web development and automation.

5. Database Query Languages (SQL, MongoDB)


o Used for managing databases.
(b) Role of Assembler, Compiler, Linker, and Interpreter

Tool Function
Assembler Converts assembly language into machine code.
Translates entire source code into machine language before
Compiler
execution.
Interpreter Translates and executes code line by line.
Linker Combines multiple object files into a single executable file.

Q5: Data Transmission Media & Networking

(a) Types of Data Transmission Media

Media Type Example Application


Wired Media Fiber optic cables High-speed internet.
Coaxial Cables Cable TV Telecommunication.
Twisted Pair Cables Ethernet cables Local area networks (LAN).
Wireless Media Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Mobile communication.

(b) Importance of Switching and Routing in Networking

1. Switching:
o Transfers data between devices in a network.
o Used in LANs to optimize data flow.

2. Routing:
o Determines the best path for data to travel between networks.
o Used in the internet to direct traffic efficiently.

Conclusion:
Both switching and routing ensure smooth and efficient communication
between devices, enabling modern networking capabilities.

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