Singapore International School

Introduction to ICT: Key Concepts, Devices, and Internet Technologies for Grade 8

1. Understanding the Internet and Data Transmission

• The Internet:

o A global network of interconnected computers that communicate using the

Internet Protocol (IP).

o Allows devices to connect and share information worldwide.

• Data Transmission:

o Data is sent over the internet in small packets, each containing part of the
overall data.

o TCP/IP Protocol:

 TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) ensures data is sent and

received correctly by breaking it into packets and reassembling it at
the destination.

 IP (Internet Protocol) handles the addressing and routing of

packets to ensure they reach the correct destination.

o Packet Switching:

 Data is broken into packets and sent through the network using the
most efficient path. If a part of the network is congested or fails,
packets can take alternative routes.

• IP Address:

o A unique identifier assigned to every device connected to the internet.

o It can be static (permanently assigned) or dynamic (temporarily assigned by

the network).

• Domain Name System (DNS):

o Translates human-friendly domain names (like www.google.com) into IP

addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network.

2. Introduction to Cloud Computing

• What is Cloud Computing?

o The delivery of computing services (servers, storage, databases, networking,

software, analytics, and intelligence) over the internet ("the cloud").

o Allows for on-demand access to resources without direct active management

by the user.

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• Benefits of Cloud Computing:

o Cost-Effective: Reduces the need for expensive hardware and software

investments.

o Scalable: Easily scales up or down based on business needs.

o Accessibility: Accessible from any device with an internet connection.

o Collaboration: Enhances collaboration by allowing multiple users to work on

the same document or project simultaneously.

o Security: Provides data backup and disaster recovery solutions, often with
better security than on-premises systems.

• Examples of Cloud Services:

o Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Provides virtualized computing

resources over the internet (e.g., Amazon Web Services).

o Platform as a Service (PaaS): Offers hardware and software tools over the
internet (e.g., Google App Engine).

o Software as a Service (SaaS): Delivers software applications over the

internet (e.g., Microsoft 365, Google Workspace).

3. Introduction to Encryption and Data Security

• What is Encryption?:

o The process of converting data into a coded format to prevent unauthorized

access.

o Encrypted data is called ciphertext, and the process of converting it back into
readable format is called decryption.

• Importance of Encryption:

o Confidentiality: Ensures that sensitive data cannot be read by unauthorized

parties.

o Integrity: Helps detect if data has been altered during transmission.

o Authentication: Verifies the identity of the sender and receiver, ensuring

data is sent and received by the correct parties.

o Compliance: Many laws and regulations require encryption for certain types
of data, such as personal information and financial records.

• Types of Encryption:

o Symmetric Encryption: Uses the same key for both encryption and
decryption. Faster but less secure if the key is compromised.

o Asymmetric Encryption: Uses a pair of keys—a public key for encryption

and a private key for decryption. More secure but slower.

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• Common Encryption Protocols:

o SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security): Used to

secure communication between web browsers and servers.

o AES (Advanced Encryption Standard): Widely used for securing sensitive

data.

4. Data Storage and Backup

• Data Storage:

o Refers to the methods and technologies used to store digital data.

o Common storage devices include Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Solid-State Drives
(SSDs), USB flash drives, and cloud storage services.

• Data Backup:

o The process of copying and archiving data to prevent data loss in case of
hardware failure, accidental deletion, or cyber attacks.

o Types of Backup:

 Full Backup: A complete copy of all data.

 Incremental Backup: Only copies data that has changed since the
last backup.

 Differential Backup: Copies all data that has changed since the last
full backup.

• Importance of Regular Backups:

o Protects against data loss from hardware failures, malware, accidental

deletion, and natural disasters.

o Critical for business continuity and disaster recovery plans.

5. Introduction to Cybersecurity

• Cybersecurity:

o Protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks.

o Common Cyber Threats:

 Malware: Malicious software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain

unauthorized access to computer systems.

 Phishing: A method used by cybercriminals to trick people into

providing personal information through fake emails or websites.

 Ransomware: A type of malware that encrypts a victim's data and

demands a ransom for its release.

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• Best Practices for Cybersecurity:

o Use strong, unique passwords for different accounts.

o Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible.

o Regularly update software and applications to patch security vulnerabilities.

o Be cautious of suspicious emails and links.

o Regularly back up important data.

6. Using ICT Responsibly

• Digital Citizenship:

o Involves using technology in a safe, responsible, and ethical manner.

o Key Aspects:

 Respect for others online, including being aware of cyberbullying.

 Protecting personal information and privacy.

 Understanding the impact of digital footprints.

• Online Safety:

o Do not share personal information with strangers online.

o Be aware of the risks associated with social media and online gaming.

7. Computer Devices

• Input Devices:

o Devices used to enter data into a computer.

o Examples:

 Keyboard: Used for typing text and commands.

 Mouse: A pointing device used to interact with items on the screen.

 Scanner: Converts physical documents into digital format.

 Microphone: Captures audio input.

• Output Devices:

o Devices that display or produce the results of computer processing.

o Examples:

 Monitor: Displays visual output from the computer.

 Printer: Produces physical copies of digital documents.

 Speakers: Output sound generated by the computer.

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• Storage Devices:

o Devices used to store data for long-term access.

o Examples:

 Hard Disk Drive (HDD): A traditional magnetic storage device.

 Solid-State Drive (SSD): A faster, more reliable storage device with

no moving parts.

 USB Flash Drive: A portable storage device used for transferring data
between computers.

 Cloud Storage: Online storage service where data is stored on

remote servers and accessed over the internet.

• Processing Devices:

o The components of a computer that process data.

o Examples:

 Central Processing Unit (CPU): The brain of the computer that

performs calculations and executes instructions.

 Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): Handles rendering of images,

video, and animations, especially for gaming and graphic design.

• Networking Devices:

o Devices that enable computers to connect and communicate within a network.

o Examples:

 Router: Directs data packets between different networks and

manages traffic.

 Modem: Converts digital data from a computer into a format suitable

for a transmission medium.

 Network Interface Card (NIC): Allows a computer to connect to a

network.

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