Lesson 2: ICT Tools and Software

Exploring Hardware and Software Components

Introduction
Technology has become an integral part of our lives, so much so that it’s now being implemented
in our academics, healthcare systems, businesses and many more. The development of ICT –
Information and Communications Technology, allowed for innovation and creativity. It introduced
gadgets, devices and other helpful tools that made certain actions more convenient. As the field of
ICT expands, understanding of its concepts and theories, and application becomes relevant. By
identifying hardware and software components and their functions, it would foster individuals’ skills
and competency towards ICT as base knowledge or for specialization.

ICT – Information and Communications Technology

Information – pertains to the data that we accumulate as we perform certain actions.
Communication – is the process of relaying information to its recipient or receiver.
Technology – refers to devices, gadgets or other machinery that is run by electricity or power to
serve a function or purpose.

Computer System Unit – also known as a computer chassis. It is the enclosure that contains most
of the hardware of a personal computer. The components housed inside the case are referred as
the internal hardware, while hardware outside the case are known as peripherals.

Type of Computer Components:

 Hardware
o Input Devices
o Output Devices
o Storage Devices
o Internal Components
 Software
o Operating Software and Utility Software
o Programming Software
o Application Software

Peripherals – is an auxiliary hardware device used to transfer information into and out of a
computer. This includes mouse, keyboard, speakers, printer and etc.
Peripherals – is a device that is connected to a computer but is not part of the core computer
architecture. A device external to a computer case. It is dependent on computer system.
Peripherals are detachable and can be replaced.
For example, the hard drive is a peripheral that is detachable and replaceable. When a hard drive
gets old, it can be replaced with another hard drive. Replacing the hard drive does not change the
core computing unit. The central processing unit, the brain of the computer, does not change.
Peripherals of a computer are those devices that connect to the core computer to give it more
power and ability. Printers, speakers, and microphones are examples of computer peripherals.
Hardware – physical parts of a computer, such as the case, central processing unit, random
access memory, monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage, graphics card, sound card,
speakers and motherboard.
Hardware in a computer is referred to physical components in a computer working together that
we can see and touch.
Hardware Components:
Input Devices – ex: mouse and keyboard
Input devices are devices that send information to the computer. They do not receive information
from the computer. Input devices are one-way devices. A mouse is an input device because it
sends information to the computer. A mouse is used to tell the computer which way to move the
cursor. A microphone is another peripheral that is an input device. The microphone sends audio
data to the computer.
They feed the data such as text, images, and sound and help in file transfers between different
devices and the computer.
An easy way to remember this is to think of input as putting something in to the computer. So,
input device means putting data in the computer.
Output Devices – ex: monitor and printer
An output device is a device that receives information from the core computing unit but does not
send information to the computer. A speaker is an output device because the computer sends
sound information to the speaker, but the speaker does not send sound information to the
computer.
This is a device that converts information to a human-readable format. These devices are
normally used for display.
It extracts the information from the computer and displays it to the user. The monitor is the most
prominent output device.
Storage Devices – ex: hard drive or flash drive
These are the devices that help to store the data and are further subdivided into primary and
secondary memory.
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the primary memory and it retains data only when the computer
is switched on.
Secondary memory does not directly communicate with the microprocessor. This type of memory
is non-volatile and is subdivided into two categories. They are
Internal device – These devices are always placed on the computer. Eg – Hard disk
External devices – These are external devices that are connected to the computer using plug-and-
play. Eg – An external hard disk
Internal Components – ex: motherboard, CPU, RAM, etc.
These are the processing unit of the computer. They are generally called as brain of the computer.
They send signals to all the other parts of the computer, thus controlling the entire computer
system. This is usually termed CPU. (Central Processing Unit) CPU consists of three components:
Memory or storage unit, Control unit, ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
 Motherboard
o The Computer Motherboard or mainboard is nothing but a piece of PCB (printed
circuit board) where all the other devices are connected using cables & wires.
o The motherboard generally distributes all the voltages and power received from
SMPS or power supply to other parts of the hardware devices attached to the PC.
o Backbone of computer
o CPU Platform: Intel and AMD
o BIOS Software:
o Basic Input Output System
o UEFI – Unified Extensible Firmware Interface
o Components are connected to this
o Communicates with each of the components

 CPU – Central Processing Unit

o CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, which is responsible for almost all computer
system operations.
o CPU performs Arithmetical and logical operations, including addition, subtraction,
division, multiplication, and logical operations, including comparison and less and
greater values.

Heart and brain of the computer

Data processing operation

Intel
AMD

 SMPS (Switching Mode Power Supply) / Power Supply

Supplies power to all computer components

SMPS is responsible to give power to the motherboard later, this power is distributed
among the other hardware devices for better functionality.

 Hard Disk Drive

Computer Hard disk drives are used to store data permanently.

It is a type of non-volatile memory that does not lose data or programs when there is no
power.

The hard disk capacity is measured in MB-MEGABYTES, GB-GIGABYTES & TB-

TERABYTES.

Data storage device:

Pictures
 Videos
Documents

 Solid State Drive

 RAM – Random Access Memory
o gives the computer more room to process more operations more quickly.
o is the physical memory space inside a computer
o It stores data and instructions that can directly be accessed by the CPU
o Computers usually have a limited amount of main memory to store all your data
o RAM [Random Access Memory] is an essential part of the computer system that
temporarily stores data or programs.
o A volatile memory tends to lose data when power is missing from a power supply.
 Cabinet Casing
o Cabinet case comes in various shapes and sizes, but the commonly used case is a
tower case whose height ranges from 15 to 25 inches.
o The Commonly attached hardware devices to the PC case are Power supply,
Motherboard CPU, RAM, Hard disk, DVD-RW, etc.
Optional:
 Graphics Card
 DVD – ROM
External Hardware:
 Keyboard
o The keyboard is an input device primarily used for entering text as input to the CPU.
 Mouse
o The mouse is a Pointing device used for selecting, pointing, and dragging icons,
files, and folders from one location to another in hard drives.
 Monitors
o Monitors are display units or commonly called VDU which stands for [visual display
unit] they are used to display information received from computers on their screen.
 Speaker
o Speakers are used to output digital signals. You can use a speaker for hearing
sound, videos, and playing games.
Secondary storage devices include: compact discs (CD), USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash drivers
and etc. Secondary storage devices cannot be directly accessed by the CPU
Software – the set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and execute
specific tasks run by hardware. Software is a generic term used to refer to applications, scripts and
programs that run on a device.
Software is a set of instructions that allows the hardware of the computer to perform a specific set
of tasks and commands to receive desired output.
Software describes a collection of programs and procedures that perform tasks on a computer.
Software is an ordered sequence of instructions that change the state of a computer’s hardware.
Software is what developers actually code. Those programs are then installed onto a hard drive.
Computer software helps the computer hardware to perform the task using programs. It is
generally a language that a computer understands.
Types of Software:
 System software
 Programming software
 Application software
System software – Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows Vista, compilers, translators,
interpreters, etc.
System software acts as a middle layer between the user and the computer.
They communicate with all the hardware components in the computer and also control the CPU,
memory, and other devices. When we switch on the computer the system software is the first
application that gets initialized and hence it manages the entire computer system.
This system software is loaded in memory and keeps running in the background. Two main types
of system software are the Operating system and utility software.
Operating software (OS) is the program that, after being initially loaded into the computer by a
boot program, manages all of the other application. Ex: Microsoft Windows, iOS, Linux and etc.
Utility software is a program specifically designed to help manage and tune system or application
software.
The Utility Software is system software that helps to maintain the proper and smooth functioning of
a Computer System. It assists the Operating System to manage, organize, maintain, and optimize
the functioning of the computer system.
Programming software – Android, Linux, C++, Java, Unix, etc.
This software is usually used by computer programmers. Most internet applications use Java or
PHP as a programming language.
Using programming language all the software programs and applications are developed and
tested.

Application software – Word processors, Database software, Multimedia software, Graphics

software, etc.
Application software is generally used by end-users to perform any task.
MS Word or Powerpoint applications are designed for the user to write a document or prepare
presentations.
The apps that we find on mobiles or tablets are all application software.
Software that is used in the banking domain, telephone, airline, railways, software industries, etc
comes under application software.
Advantages of Computer Software
The main advantage of computer software is that it reduces the cost of manual effort.
Every software is designed for a specific use. Information can be saved and retrieved quickly
using the software.
There are various types of software available in the market these days.
Computer software is immensely used in education, work, offices, entertainment, medicine, law,
airlines, railways, and many other fields.
Not to forget computers and software have also introduced several harmful inventions like theft,
hacking, and computer viruses.
Statistically looking at all the uses of software in the modern era, there are a lot of benefits in the
way we communicate and transact business.

Why do we need software?

In this era of software technology, software is very useful and important in day-to-day life. Software
is everywhere starting with TV, Mobile, Computers, Electrical appliances, Alarm clocks, etc.

Software applications are developed to enhance our life. We make use of it on websites,
simulators, and electronic devices which helps us save time and money.
Who invented Software and Hardware?
Alan Turing is the first person who came up with the software theory. Charles Babbage is
considered as ‘Father of the computer. In the 19th century, he introduced the concept of
programmable computers to the world.

Some of the software characteristics are as follows: –

Maintainability
Portability
Functionality
Efficient
Usability
Reliability

Hardware and software interact with each other. The software “tells” the hardware which tasks to
perform, and hardware makes it possible to actually perform them.
Computer hardware devices are physical in nature, whereas software is digital.

Proficiency in Common Software Applications

An application program (software application, or application, or app for short) is a computer

program designed to carry out a specific task other than one relating to the operation of the
computer itself,[1] typically to be used by end-users.[2] Word processors, media players, and
accounting software are examples. The collective noun "application software" refers to all
applications collectively.[3] The other principal classifications of software are system software,
relating to the operation of the computer, and utility software ("utilities").
Applications may be bundled with the computer and its system software or published separately
and may be coded as proprietary, open-source, or projects.[4] The term "app" usually refers to
applications for mobile devices such as phones.
In information technology, an application (app), an application program, or application software is a
computer program designed to help people perform an activity. Depending on the activity for which
it was designed, an application can manipulate text, numbers, audio, graphics, and a combination
of these elements. Some application packages focus on a single task, such as word processing;
others called integrated software include several applications.

What is a software application example?

Web browsers like Firefox, and Google Chrome, as well as Microsoft Word and Excel, are
examples of application software that is used on a personal computer or laptop. It also includes
smartphone apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram, as well as games such as Candy Crush Saga
and Ludo.

Examples of Application Software

A variety of explicit application software programs are available to help you manage your tasks, jot
down notes, do online research, set alarms, keep an account log, and even play games.
Application software packages are designed to do certain tasks, ease workflows, and improve
team communication.
The most frequent applications used by millions of people on a daily basis are listed below.
A collection of Microsoft software including MS Office, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Common Internet browsers like Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.
Graphics and designing software such as Canva, Adobe Photoshop, CorelDraw, and AutoCAD.
Real-time online communication tools like Skype, Hangouts, Google Meet, Zoom, and Whatsapp
for video, and audio calls and messages.
Multimedia and music streaming software such as Wynk, Gaana, MX Player, VLC Media Player,
Spotify, Pandora, etc. are used for entertainment purposes.
Application program, software designed to handle specific tasks for users. Such software directs
the computer to execute commands given by the user and may be said to include any program
that processes data for a user. Application software thus includes word processors, spreadsheets,
database management, inventory and payroll programs, and many other “applications.”
Application software is distinguished from system software, which controls a computer’s internal
functioning, chiefly through an operating system, and also controls such peripherals as monitors,
printers, and storage devices.

Why is application software important?

Application software is a computer program that responds to user input and helps them perform
personal, professional and educational tasks. This software often is important because it allows
you to perform activities that express creativity, fulfil productivity and improve communication.
What is the difference between software and application software?
Software is a set of instructions or data that operates the hardware. Application is a package to
perform a specific task. Software is an all-encompassing term for computer data.

What is software application types?

 General Applications
 Word Processing Software.
 Graphics Software.
 Spreadsheet Software.
 Presentation Software.
 Web Browsers.
 Multimedia Software.
 Education and Reference Software.
 Simulation Software

Why is application software important in education?

Importance of Application Software in Education
These benefits include: Providing smart, clear, and consistent content: educational software
revolutionizes how ideas and content are visually presented to students. This allows them to
understand complex concepts at a quicker rate.

Why is application software important for students?

It makes the studying process much quicker and much easier for them, and helps them to find
what they need easily. Teachers can also use modern applications such as assessment software
to help see how well their students are doing, and in what areas they might need to improve

Proficiency in these software applications is essential in the field of ICT, enabling professionals to
perform a wide range of tasks, from data analysis and programming to design and network
management. Mastery of these tools empowers individuals to contribute effectively to the dynamic
and evolving landscape of technology, making them valuable assets in various IT roles.
Knowing how to use common software in ICT helps you work better, team up well with others, and
switch between different jobs in the field. It's not just about knowing the software; it's about using
these tools to solve problems, share ideas, and make new things happen in technology

Integrating ICT Across the Curriculum

Introduction
ICT or Information and Communications Technology has progressed through time along the
evolution of technology. The school systems in the Philippines have long used technology to make
transactions and teaching easier and more effective. In this topic we will discuss how we can
integrate ICT across the curriculum.
Importance
Integrating ICT in the classroom will be able to help students retain knowledge more effectively
and efficiently.

Steps to integrating ICT across the curriculum

Step 1. Develop an appreciation of where the students are
Observe students' capability with technology and the internet as a guide of which level of
knowledge they are in.
Step 2. Plan and seek to develop all components of ICT capability
You need to develop all ICT components in meaningful, subject-related activities.
Step 3. Embed ICT in the meaningful and purpose-driven context
Make sound instructional decisions by creating ICT activities in your curriculum.
Step 4. Select the appropriate ICT tools
Most of these tools you already know and have in your learning environment. They involve the
capability to allow students to develop higher order thinking skills (through a high volume of
decision-making on behalf of the students), challenge them intellectually and just so happen to be
content-free or generic.
Step 5. Practice formative assessment strategies throughout the year
If you want to effectively integrate ICT in education, it is important that you have a good
understanding of the ICT concepts and their relation to other areas of the curriculum. There are
close relationships between ICT capability and knowledge, skills and understanding in other
subjects and it is not helpful to see their development in isolation.
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