Introduction of information and communication technology

Components of information and communication technology:

Hardware

1) Mother board

A motherboard is the main circuit board in a computer that connects all of its internal components and
provides power to them:

• Function

The motherboard is the central communications hub that allows all the
components of a computer to communicate and work together. It's a key
part of any computer and is found in almost all computers, especially
laptops and desktops.

• Components

The motherboard connects many of the computer's most important electronic components, including
the central processing unit (CPU), memory, and graphics card. It also has ports for other hardware, such
as memory cards

2) CPU( central processing unit)

CPU stands for central processing unit , the CPU is the main component of a computer, responsible for
processing data and instructions to run the operating system and applications. It's also known as the
"central" or "main" processor.

Functions.

• Running the operating system and apps: The CPU runs the
computer's operating system and applications.

• Processing instructions: The CPU interprets, processes, and

executes instructions from computer programs.

• Transforming data: The CPU performs arithmetic, logic, and other operations to convert data
input into usable information output.

• Storing and executing instructions: The CPU stores and executes program instructions.

• Multitasking: The CPU can perform multitasking

3) RAM
RAM stands for Random Access Memory and is a computer's short-term
memory that stores data for quick access by the CPU, RAM is a type of volatile
memory that stores data temporarily, and is lost when the computer is turned
off. It's used to store data that the CPU needs to access quickly, such as for
running applications and opening files

4) Hard disk
hard disk drive (HDD) is a secondary storage device which is used for long-term storage a hard
disk is a flat, circular plate made of aluminum or glass that's coated with a magnetic material. It's
a type of non-volatile storage, which means it can retain stored data even when the device is not
powered.

5) Power supply
A power supply is an electrical device that converts an electric current from a power source into
the correct voltage, frequency, and format for a device or load.

6) Cooling fans
A cooling fan is a device that circulates air to dissipate(remove) heat, protect the computer
components for demolding and prevent overheating.
 7) CD/DVD Drive
A CD drive uses a laser beam to read data from a CD. The laser beam is focused onto a specific
track on the CD, and as the disc rotates, the drive can read more of it. The drive can understand
the data on the CD by analyzing how the laser beam reflects off the CD's surface.

The other hardware components are :

• Key board
• Mouse
• Moniter
• Speakers
• Mic
• Graphics card
• Usb ports
• VGA ports etc…….
ICT plateforms
Defination:
• An ICT platform is a set of technologies that allow users to access, store, transmit, understand,
and manipulate information. ICT stands for information and communication technologies, and it
includes a wide range of devices, networking components, and applications.
• ICT platforms can include computers, software, networks, and electronic devices.

• ICT platforms are used in many fields, including business, education,

medicine, and real-world problem-solving. One emerging type of ICT
platform is cloud computing, which allows users to access hardware
and operating systems through an internet-based server.

Use of ICT

 In Education
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is used in education to improve
teaching and learning through digital technologies. Here are some ways ICT is used in education:
• Personalized learning
ICT can create personalized learning experiences for students. For example, the iPrep Digital
Library allows students to learn in a way that suits their individual needs.
• Collaboration
ICT tools can help students collaborate and learn from each other. For example, cloud computing
tools can promote better collaboration between students and teachers.
• Access to resources
ICT provides access to a wide range of resources, such as videos, websites, graphics, and games.
• Communication
ICT can help students and teachers communicate more spontaneously and less formally.
• Digital literacy
ICT helps students develop digital literacy, which prepares them for the modern workforce.
• Flexible learning
ICT allows for flexible learning, catering to diverse student needs. For example, the "flipped
classroom" model allows students to watch lectures at home and use classroom time for more
interactive exercises.
• Remote access
ICT can make education more accessible for students through remote access. For example,
Internet of Things devices can make education accessible for students, whether they are in a
classroom or virtual environment.

 In business
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can be used in business in many
ways, including:
• Improving communication
ICT can make communication faster and more efficient between employees, departments, and
customers. It can also help employees who aren't in the office communicate more easily.
• Increasing productivity
ICT can help businesses streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve overall productivity.
• Enhancing customer experience
ICT can help businesses deliver enhanced services to customers, increase customer satisfaction,
and retain talent.
• Supporting innovation
ICT can help businesses foster innovation and adapt to changing market dynamics.
• Improving decision-making
ICT can help businesses gather valuable insights and make informed decisions.
• Tracking inventory
ICT can help businesses track inventory levels and costs across various departments and
locations.
• Increasing flexibility in production
ICT can allow companies to produce more products with fewer workers and less equipment.
• Expanding globally
ICT can help corporations expand globally.
• Providing workers access to company data
 ICT can provide workers access to company data where and whenever they have it.
Some examples of ICT tools include:
Cloud computing, Data analytics, Telecommunication systems, Databases, Accounting software,
Email, Instant messaging, Videoconferencing, Social media apps, and Webchat apps.

 In governance
Information and communication technology (ICT) can play a significant role in
governance by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of government services, increasing
transparency and accountability, and improving citizen satisfaction:
• Efficiency and effectiveness
ICT can help governments automate tasks, reduce paperwork, and streamline processes.
• Transparency and accountability
ICT can make government information and data more accessible to citizens and businesses, which
can help reduce corruption.
• Citizen satisfaction
ICT can make it easier for citizens to access government services and provide them with more
options for interacting with the government.
• Citizen participation
ICT-enabled governance processes can encourage citizens to participate in the public service
administrative process.

ICT is central to e-governance, which is the use of

information technologies to transform relations with
citizens, businesses, and other arms of government

 In health care
Information and communication technology (ICT) has many uses in healthcare, including:
• Telemedicine: ICT enables healthcare services to be delivered remotely through video
conferencing, email, and online chat.
• Patient data: ICT can connect hospital beds to networks, allowing patient data to be accessed via
the Internet of Things.
• Reducing medical errors: ICT can help ensure that team members input and verify codes more
accurately, which can lead to fewer medical errors and better patient outcomes.
• Improving communication: ICT can improve communication between patients and healthcare
providers.
• Supporting independent living: ICT can help support independent living for people with
conditions like stroke and Alzheimer's disease.
• Early diagnosis: ICT can help with early diagnosis of disease. For example, people can use
wearable or smart gadgets to track blood glucose, heart rate, and temperature.
• Improving quality of life: ICT can improve the quality of life for senior citizens
 In digital media
 Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are used in digital media to create, access,
and share information:
• Content creation
ICT is used to create animations, videos, and other digital media content.
• Content distribution
ICT is used to distribute content through social media, streaming media, blogs, and other
platforms.
• Content consumption
ICT is used to access and consume information through the internet, web-enabled applications,
and mobile technology.
• Communication
ICT is used to communicate with others through instant messaging, video chatting, and social
networks.
• Collaboration
ICT is used to collaborate with others through video conferencing and collaboration tools.
• Learning
ICT is used in schools to connect students with the wider world and to access learning resources.
• Global learning
ICT is used in global learning to publish research and recommendations, and to test theories
through virtual reality and games.
ICT is a broad term that includes many technologies, such as computers, software, networks,
telecommunications, and mobile devices.
 In entertainment

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have changed how people access and
experience entertainment in many ways, including:

• Access

ICT allows people to access entertainment more easily, such as watching movies and listening to
music online. People can also read news online instead of buying a newspaper or magazine, or
download and read books on an e-reader.

• Creation

ICT is used to create special effects for movies, animated features, and multimedia
presentations. Computers are also used to simulate games and experiment with different gaming
strategies.

• Immersion

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) create more immersive and interactive
entertainment experiences. VR immerses users in a fully digital environment, while AR overlays
digital elements onto the real world.

• Music
 ICT is used in music education, creation, promotion, sharing, and preservation. It provides
material to music students and tools to music teachers.

• Digital transformation

The media and entertainment sector is adopting technologies like data, automation, and AI to
deliver personalized consumer experiences

Network

A network is a group of two or more connected devices that can communicate with each other:

• How they work

Devices in a network are connected to a central hub, like a router, and use communication
protocols to exchange information.

• Types of networks

Networks can be categorized by their proximity, type of traffic, or whether they are physical or
virtual. For example, a local area network (LAN) connects devices that are close together, while a
wide area network (WAN) connects devices over a larger area.

• How they are used

Computers on a network can share resources, like printers and CDs, exchange files, or
communicate electronically.

• Documentation

It's important to document a network, including technical specifications, hardware, software,

firmware, policies, and procedures.

The internet is a network of networks, where computers are connected to each other within
networks, and those networks are connected to other networks

Local and cloud data storage

The main difference between local and cloud data storage is who owns the storage and how the
data is accessed:

• Cloud storage
 Data is stored on remote servers owned by a third-party cloud service provider. You can access
your data from anywhere with an internet connection. Cloud storage is more cost-effective and
scalable than local storage. However, cloud storage providers typically use a shared responsibility
model, so you're still responsible for taking security measures to protect your data.

• Local storage

Data is stored on physical devices within your company, such as a server or flash memory. You
have complete control over your data and security, but you're responsible for maintenance and
preventing hardware failure. Local storage is more reliable and always accessible, but it may not
be open to remote access.

When choosing between local and cloud storage, you can consider things like:

• Accessibility: Cloud storage allows remote access, while local storage may require physical
proximity.

• Security: Cloud storage providers implement security measures, but local storage is more secure
because it doesn't rely on the internet.

• Scalability: Cloud storage is easily adjustable, while local storage might need additional
hardware.

• Cost: Cloud storage is more cost-effective than local storage.

• Performance: Local storage has faster response time.

You can also consider combining both cloud and local storage to take advantage of their
strengths. For example, you can capture and process data locally and then store it in the cloud for
long term retention.

Emerging technologies and future trend

Some emerging technologies and future trends include:

• Artificial intelligence (AI): AI is expected to be in high demand as more industries use it for
automation and decision-making.

• Cybersecurity: As digital infrastructure faces more threats, cybersecurity will continue to be

critical. Organizations are working on building cybersecurity frameworks that can detect,
respond to, and mitigate threats.

• Quantum computing: Quantum computing is expected to be in high demand as it can tackle

complex problems that current technology can't.

• Extended reality (XR): XR can bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds.

• The metaverse: The metaverse is a shared, immersive digital space that can be accessed through
augmented reality devices.

• Bioprinting: Bioprinting is expected to revolutionize medicine and manufacturing.

• Blockchain: Blockchain is expected to be in high demand, and is not just limited to
cryptocurrency.

• Smart cities: Smart cities are expected to be built to be sustainable and connected.

• The Internet of Things (IoT): The IoT is expected to be a web of connected devices.

• 5G/6G networks: 5G/6G networks are expected to be in high demand.

Other emerging technologies include:

Regenerative medicine, Tissue engineering, Stem cells, Functional materials, Carbon nanotubes,
Graphene, Personalized medicine, Bioinformatics, and Health monitoring technology