UNIT-4 ICT SKILLS

INTRODUCTION TO ICT
Information can be recorded or stored in many ways. It can be hand-
written on paper, typed using a typewriter or a computer and so on.
When information is stored and recorded on electronic devices, it takes
on a ‘digital’ form. ICT devices are tablet, smartphones and laptops’ as
shown in Figure 3.1. As a student you should be able to identify
and understand the functions of the main components of a
typical information and/ or communication system as well as the
functions.

ICT at Workplace
ICT has become part of our workplace in all sectors of economy, right
from carrying out money transactions through the online banking
system to development of textbooks or research papers in educational
institutions. At workplace, we use different computer software and
applications to complete tasks like making documents,
calculations, tables, graphs, etc. We can also use applications to do
every day work, like buying things, booking train or bus tickets,
Internet banking and making online payments. Modern ICT employs a
variety of media forms, which includes text, graphics, animation,
audio and video, etc.
It also involves creating, curating, managing images and documents;
gathering and processing data and presenting them; working with audio
and video tools to create media rich communications, etc. Therefore,
employees are expected to possess a sound knowledge of all these to
work independently on various software
and computers.

ICT at Home
These days most of the people uses television for entertainment and
phones for calling up other people. New devices, such as smartphones
with an Internet connection are now being used to stay connected with
family and friends on a regular basis through social media networks,
such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. We use computers and mobile
phones for talking to each other, sending and receiving information,
watching videos and news, listening to music and playing games. You
can visit the following sites and know about the ICT activities which are
being carried out in various sectors
Smartphones
Mobile phones are ICT tools for talking to people but smartphones are
more advanced. With a simple mobile phone you can only make phone
calls and receive calls. With a smartphone (Figure 3.3), you can
make calls and do things that you normally do using a computer, such
as browsing the web, sending e-mails, making video calls, playing
games, listening to music, watching movies and much more.
Smartphones are also called mobile phones as you can use them
anywhere — at home, in office or on the road (Figure 3.4). They do not
need a telephone line. They use wireless (mobile) networks to make calls
and to connect to the Internet. Some of the popular operating systems
for smartphones are Android OS, Apple iOS and Windows Mobile.
For some activities, such as reading a book for a longtime, the
screen of a mobile may be too small. For such activities, we can use a
tablet
A tablet is a mini computer with input, output and processing
functions that are all combined into one ‘touchscreen’, where you can
do various tasks just by touching its screen. It is bigger than a
smartphone and you can perform all the functions that one can perform
on a computer or a smartphone.
ICT TOOLS: SMARTPHONES AND TABLETS — II
To operate your smartphone, you need to know about basic controls
and functions and their uses.
Mobile Device Layout
Some of the basic controls you see on mobile device are as follows:
• Power button: This is used to start
and shut down a mobile device.
• Screen: A screen on which we
perform
functions by touching with our
fingers.
• Back button: You use the Back
Button to go back to the previous
screen in an application.
• Microphone: This is present at the bottom of the mobile and we
speak into the microphone when we talk to someone.
Menu button: This is used to show the options available in a particular
app. This may not be present in all mobile devices.
• Home button: This brings you back to the Home Screen from
wherever you are in your mobile, whether you are on another page
• or using an App.
• Earpiece: This helps you to listen to voice calls.
• Volume button: This helps you to increase or reduce the sound of your
mobile

Basic Features of a Mobile Device

Bluetooth: This is a short-range wireless technology which

helps you connect with other devices that are within 30 feet of
where you are. Once connected, you can send messages and
songs.
Chargeable Battery: This is a portable power pack which can
be recharged. It allows you to use the device anywhere.
Wi-Fi: This is a wireless network technology that helps you
connect to the local area network. This is used to connect to the
Internet and work with e-mails, social media and anything to
do which requires internet.
Touch Screen: The output display of a mobile device is a
touch screen. This helps you to run apps and type anything into
the mobile by simply touching different areas of the screen
with your finger.
Camera: Smartphones and Tablet have a front and back
camera to capture pictures and videos.
Clock: Every mobile device has a clock which can be set
according to the time in your country.
Cellular network connectivity: This provides the network
through which you can make calls.
Global Positioning System: It is a navigation (direction
finding) system that helps you to navigate, find direction and
maps to specific locations.
PARTS OF A COMPUTER AND PERIPHERALS
Parts of a computer
A computer system is a programmable machine designed to store
and retrieve information and perform arithmetic and logical
operations to produce meaningful results in desired format. It
consists of three main units: Input Unit, Central Processing Unit
(CPU) and Output Unit. Different computers have different ways
in which the input, processing and output units are connected. In
desktop computers, as shown in Figure, all three units are
separate devices. It has:
(i) a keyboard, which is the input unit,
 (ii) a box with the Central Processing Unit,
which is the processing unit and
(iii) a monitor, which is the output unit.
Input unit helps the user to enter raw data
and instructions into the computer
system, central processing
unit performs the required operations
Common Peripheral Devices

Keyboard: It is Mouse: We use Microphone Projector: It is

used to provide it to go to : It is used used to project
input to the different parts to record images or video
computer on what of the screen voice on the from computer
to do, which could on the monitor. computer, on a screen.
be in the form of and
typed letters, communicat
numbers, and e.
symbols.

Monitor: It Speakers: It Scanner: It Printer: It helps

displays all the plays back all is a device to print out the
visual output that the sound- that scans/ visual output on
CPU produces based output. captures a the paper, as
after processing paper image, displayed on the
the input. document monitor.
and converts
it
to digital file
on
computer.
Other peripheral devices and their functions
In large retail stores, a peripheral device commonly found is the
barcode reader or barcode scanner. It is used for recording the items
purchased in order to create the receipt/bill. In offices and homes, we
use a peripheral device known as scanner, and it is used to convert the
information on a paper document into a digital information document.
Central Processing Unit
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) of the computer as shown in
Figure 3.13, is like our brain. How does our brain work? Our eyes
see (input) a mathematical problem and sends the details to the brain.
The brain thinks (processes) and gets the result while the hand writes
it on paper (output). In a similar way, the CPU also processes
information received from the keyboard and gives the output to the
monitor or the printer. Just as our brain can understand arithmetic
and logical information, the CPU can also solve mathematical and
logical problems.
There are 3 main parts of the CPU.
• Control unit: It acts like a receiver and a manager of a
company. It receives inputs from user and controls different
parts to do the operations required.
• Processing unit: It acts as an accountant of a company and
performs all the mathematical and logical calculations.
• Memory unit: It acts as the storage room of a company,
where data is stored temporarily (RAM) as well as for a long
time (ROM).
Understanding RAM and ROM
Let us take the example of a kitchen to understand the meaning of RAM
and ROM. If you are a cook, what would you keep on the kitchen
counter? And what would you store away i n t h e k i t c h e n s h e l v e s ?
Well, all the things you need immediately and regularly will be on the
counter. And things that you do not access often will be in the shelves.
Random Access Memory (RAM) is like the kitchen counter to a
computer that is switched on, and Read Only Memory (ROM) is like
the storage shelf. Flash memory is usually an external device which is a
mix of both RAM and ROM. Some key differences between various
storage devices are given in Table
RAM ROM Flash Memory

KVS ZIET MYSORE 53

• When you are • Permanently • Can permanently
doing tasks on stores store information
your computer, information
you use RAM
• Temporarily • Information is • Information is not lost
stores stored when when computer is
information computer is off switched off
• Information is • Information • Information can be
lost when cannot be changed on easily. It is
computer is changed easily m a i n l y u s e d in
switched off • It is mainly used removable storage
• Information when starting the devices (like USB), and
can be changed computer. its usage is based on
easily. user’s needs.
Motherboard
Motherboard, also referred to as a system board, is the main circuit
board inside a computer. It connects input, processing and output
devices. Some other important parts of a computer system are
storage devices, ports and connections.
Storage devices
In order to transfer files from one computer to another one, you need
smaller storage devices which you can carry easily from one place to
another. These storage devices are used to store digital information.
The commonly used storage devices are USB flash drive, hard disk,
CD, DVD, etc., as shown in Figure.

Compact Disc USB Flash Drive DVD External Hard Disk

Storage Devices

They mainly differ in their storage capacity (how much data they can
store).
You may have heard of a computer with data storage capacity of
500 MB or 2GB. What does that mean? Data is stored in the form of
bits and bytes. Bit (Binary Digit, represented by 0 or 1) is the smallest
storage unit. Eight bits combined together form a byte, which in turn
represents a character (numerals/letters/symbols).
• 8 bits make a byte and 1024 bytes make a kilobyte (KB).
• 1024 KB make 1 megabyte (MB)
• 1024 megabyte make 1 gigabyte (GB)
• 1024 gigabyte make 1 terabyte (TB)
Very simply, more the number of bytes, larger and more
number of files can be stored.
Ports and connections
How do you think we connect our keyboard or mouse to the CPU? We
do it with the help of wires. Where do you think the wires go in the
CPU? The slots or channels into which we connect the
mouse/keyboard/external hard disk wires are called ports. Thus, ports
help us connect input, output and storage devices in a computer system.
There are several types of ports that you can use to connect a computer
to an external devices and networks. These are:
• Universal serial bus or the USB port which connects peripheral
devices, such as a mouse or a keyboard or a printer to a computer using
the cable.
• Display port which connects the monitor, or any display unit, to the
computer using the cable. These can be of different types, like Video
Graphics Array (VGA) and High Definition Multimedia Interface
(HDMI), depending on the requirement.
• Audio ports help to connect microphone, speakers, and headphones
to a computer system. Often, the speaker and headphone port is called
the line out port,
i.e., it is meant for sound output.
• Ethernet port is used for connecting the system to high speed
Internet cable.
• Power port is used for connecting the computer system to the power
supply.

USB Port Audio Ports

RGB Display port (Left) and HDMI port (Right)

Ethernet Port Power port

Write short answers for the following: (2 marks each)
1. Define ICT and explain its importance in modern education.
2. Differentiate between hardware and software, giving examples of each.
3. Explain the concept of a file extension and give an example.
4. Describe the function of an operating system (OS) in a computer system.
5. What is the purpose of a web browser? Provide examples of popular web
browsers.
6. Define RAM (Random Access Memory) and explain its role in a computer
system.
7. What is a search engine, and how does it work? Provide an example of a
popular search engine.
8. Describe the purpose of data backup in ICT.
9. Explain the concept of cloud computing and its advantages.
10. Define cyber security and list three common cyber security threats.
11. What is the role of an IP address in internet communication?
12. Explain the concept of encryption and its importance in data security.
13. Define ICT and provide examples of its components.
14. Describe the difference between application software and system software.
15. Mention two uses of ICT at home

ANSWERS:
1. Define ICT and explain its importance in modern education.
Answer: ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology. It
encompasses technologies used to manage and communicate information and
includes hardware, software, networks, and media. In education, ICT enhances
learning through access to resources, collaboration tools, and interactive learning
platforms.
2. Differentiate between hardware and software, giving examples of each.
Answer: Hardware refers to physical components of a computer system that you
can touch, such as CPU, monitor, keyboard, and printer. Software refers to
programs and applications that run on a computer, like operating systems (e.g.,
Windows), word processors (e.g., Microsoft Word), and web browsers (e.g.,
Google Chrome).
3. Explain the concept of a file extension and give an example.
Answer: A file extension is a suffix added to the end of a filename, indicating the
format or type of data stored in the file. For example, ".docx" indicates a
Microsoft Word document, and ".jpg" indicates a JPEG image file.
4. Describe the function of an operating system (OS) in a computer system.
Answer: An operating system manages computer hardware and software
resources and provides common services for computer programs. It facilitates
communication between software and hardware, manages memory and files, and
provides a user interface for interaction.
5. What is the purpose of a web browser? Provide examples of popular web
browsers.
Answer: A web browser is used to access and view websites on the World Wide
Web. Examples include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and
Safari.
6. Define RAM (Random Access Memory) and explain its role in a computer
system.
Answer: RAM is a type of volatile memory that temporarily stores data and
instructions that the CPU needs to perform tasks. It allows for quick access to data
but loses its contents when the computer is turned off.
7. What is a search engine, and how does it work? Provide an example of a
popular search engine.
Answer: A search engine is a web-based tool that allows users to search for
information on the internet by entering keywords or phrases. Examples include
Google Search, Bing, Yahoo Search, and DuckDuckGo. Search engines use
algorithms to retrieve relevant web pages based on the user's query.
8. Describe the purpose of data backup in ICT.
Answer: Data backup involves creating copies of important data to protect against
data loss due to hardware failure, human error, or cyber-attacks. It ensures that
data can be restored in case of accidental deletion or system failure.
9. Explain the concept of cloud computing and its advantages.
Answer: Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services over the
internet, including storage, processing power, and software applications.
Advantages include scalability, cost-efficiency, accessibility from anywhere with
internet access, and automatic updates and maintenance by the service provider.
10. Define cybersecurity and list three common cybersecurity threats.
Answer: Cybersecurity involves protecting computer systems, networks, and data
from cyber threats. Common threats include malware (e.g., viruses, ransomware),
phishing attacks, data breaches, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
11. What is the role of an IP address in internet communication?
Answer: An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a numerical label assigned
to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for
communication. It uniquely identifies devices and allows them to communicate
with each other over a network.
12. Explain the concept of encryption and its importance in data security.
Answer: Encryption is the process of converting plain text or data into a coded
form (cipher text) that cannot be easily understood by unauthorized users. It
ensures data confidentiality and protects sensitive information from unauthorized
access or interception during transmission.
13. Define ICT and provide examples of its components.
Answer: ICT (Information and Communication Technology) refers to
technologies used to manage, process, and communicate information.
Components include hardware (e.g., computers, smartphones), software (e.g.,
operating systems, applications), networks (e.g., LAN, WAN), and the internet.
14. Describe the difference between application software and system
software.
Answer: Application software performs specific tasks for users (e.g., word
processing, web browsing), while system software manages and supports
computer hardware and software (e.g., operating systems, device drivers).
16. Mention two uses of ICT at home
Two uses of ICT at home
A. Smartphones with internet connections for staying connected with friends and
family through social media
ICT can contribute to universal access to education, equity in education, quality
learning, and teaching to students at home. Other than students, ICT is also
helpful for elders in texting messages, gathering information on various topics,
etc.