~/ICT Skills – I

1.1 Introduction to ICT

🔹 Full Form Breakdown

• Information: Useful data or facts (news, photos, videos, lessons).
• Communication: Sending and receiving messages or information.
• Technology: Tools, machines, or devices (computer, mobile, internet) that help us to do a task easily.

So, ICT means using technology to share, receive, and manage information faster and more easily.

1.2 Role and Importance of ICT in Personal Life

ICT has made our personal life very easy and interesting. The main roles are:

1. Quick Communication: Talk to family and friends through mobile calls, WhatsApp, SMS, emails, and video calls.
2. Online Learning: Read e-books, watch educational videos on YouTube, join online classes (Zoom, Google Meet), and take online tests.
3. Entertainment: Watch movies, play games, listen to songs on mobile, TV, tablet, or laptop.
4. Online Shopping: Buy clothes, food, books, gadgets from apps like Amazon and Flipkart.
5. Banking and Payments: Transfer money through Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay, or net banking.
6. Booking Services: Book train, bus, air tickets, movie tickets, hotels online.
7. Social Media: Stay connected with people and share photos / videos / thoughts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.
8. Healthcare: Take online doctor appointments, access health apps, track fitness.
9. Getting Information: Read latest news, check weather, search anything on Google.
10. Navigation: Use Google Maps to find routes and locations.

1.3 Role and Importance of ICT at Workplace

ICT has changed the way people work. It makes work faster, more accurate, and easier.

1. Automation of Tasks: Repetitive tasks are done automatically by computers, saving time and effort.
2. Easy Communication: Email, video conferencing, and chat tools help staff stay connected.
3. Data Storage: Large amounts of data can be stored safely in computers and on cloud instead of paper files.
4. Better Decision Making: Data analysis tools help managers take correct decisions.
5. Work From Home (Remote Work): Employees can work from anywhere using laptops and internet.
6. Global Reach: Businesses can sell products and services across the world through the internet.
7. Increased Productivity: More work done in less time.
8. Reduced Cost: Less paper, less postage, less travel – cheaper operations.
9. Training: Employees can learn new skills through online training and webinars.
10. Better Customer Service: Customers get quick replies through chatbots, emails, and phone support.

1.4 ICT in Our Daily Life – Examples

1.5 ICT Tools

ICT tools are the devices, software, and services used to carry out ICT activities.

2.1 What is a Computer?

🔹 Features of a Computer

• Speed: Works very fast – lakhs of calculations per second.
• Accuracy: Gives correct results always (if input is correct).
• Storage: Can store huge amounts of data.
• Automatic: Works on its own once instructions are given.
• Versatility: Can do many different tasks – type, play, calculate, draw.
• Diligence: Never gets tired – can work continuously for hours.

2.2 Components of a Computer System

A computer system is made up of the following main components:

🧠 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

🔹 Parts of CPU

1. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs all arithmetic (+, –, ×, ÷) and logical (true / false, greater / smaller) operations.
2. Control Unit (CU): Controls and directs the operations of all parts of the computer. It acts like a traffic police of the computer.
3. Memory Unit (MU) / Registers: Temporarily stores data and instructions during processing.

🔹 Functions of CPU

• Fetch: Picks up instructions from the memory.
• Decode: Understands what the instructions mean.
• Execute: Carries out the instructions.
• Store: Saves the result back in memory.
• Controls all input and output operations.
• Performs arithmetic and logical calculations.

🔌 Motherboard

The motherboard is the main circuit board inside the computer. It holds the CPU, memory, and connects all other components like hard disk, CD drive, keyboard, mouse, and monitor. It acts like a highway that carries data between all parts of the computer.

2.3 Computer Memory

🔹 Types of Memory

Computer memory is mainly of two types:

🔷 RAM (Random Access Memory)

🔹 Role and Functions of RAM

• Temporary storage: Stores data only while the computer is ON.
• Volatile memory: Data is lost when power is switched OFF.
• Fast access: CPU reads and writes data in RAM very quickly.
• Read + Write: Both reading and writing of data is possible.
• Helps in running multiple programs at the same time.
• More RAM = faster computer.

🔶 ROM (Read Only Memory)

🔹 Role and Functions of ROM

• Permanent storage: Data stays even when power is OFF.
• Non-volatile memory: Does not lose data.
• Read only: Data can be read but cannot be changed easily.
• Stores the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) needed to start the computer.
• Contains important instructions programmed by the manufacturer.

🔹 Difference between RAM and ROM

2.4 Storage Devices

Storage devices are used to keep data permanently so that we can use it later.

2.5 Hardware and Software

🖥️ Hardware

Examples: Monitor, keyboard, mouse, CPU box, printer, scanner, speakers, hard disk, pen drive.

🔹 Types of Hardware

💿 Software

🔹 Types of Software

1. System Software: Runs the basic functions of a computer.
   • Operating System (OS): Manages the computer. Examples – Windows, Linux, macOS, Ubuntu, Android, iOS.
   • Device Drivers: Help hardware (printer, scanner) to work with the computer.
   • Utility Software: Antivirus, disk cleaner, backup software.
2. Application Software: Used for specific user tasks.
   • MS Word – typing documents
   • MS Excel – calculations and tables
   • MS PowerPoint – presentations
   • Photoshop / Paint – editing images
   • Chrome / Firefox – web browsers
   • Games, calculators, media players

🔹 Difference between Hardware and Software

2.6 Procedure for Starting and Shutting Down a Computer

3.1 Peripheral Devices

🔹 Types of Peripheral Devices

1. Input Peripherals: Send data to the computer.
2. Output Peripherals: Receive information from the computer.
3. Storage Peripherals: Store data for future use.

3.2 Common Peripheral Devices and Their Uses

⌨️ 1. Keyboard

The keyboard is the most commonly used input device. It is used to type letters, numbers, and symbols into the computer.

• Has around 104 keys (in a standard keyboard).
• Types of keys:
  • Alphabet keys: A to Z
  • Numeric keys: 0 to 9
  • Function keys: F1 to F12 (for special commands)
  • Special keys: Enter, Spacebar, Shift, Ctrl, Alt, Caps Lock, Tab, Backspace, Delete, Esc
  • Arrow keys: ↑ ↓ ← → for moving cursor
  • Numeric keypad: Calculator-style number pad on the right

🖱️ 2. Mouse

The mouse is a pointing input device used to move the cursor on the screen and give commands by clicking.

🔹 Parts of a Mouse

• Left Button: For selecting, opening, and dragging.
• Right Button: For showing extra options (context menu).
• Scroll Wheel: For moving the page up and down.

🔹 Mouse Operations

🖨️ 3. Printer

A printer is an output device used to print data (text, images) from the computer onto paper. There are two main types:

• Inkjet Printer: Uses ink – good for colour printing at home.
• Laser Printer: Uses toner – fast, used in offices for bulk printing.
• Dot Matrix Printer: Older type using ink ribbon, used for bills.

📷 4. Scanner

A scanner is an input device used to convert paper documents (printed text / images) into digital format (soft copy) and store them in the computer.

Scanners are used in offices, libraries, shops for billing (barcode scanner), and at airports.

📹 5. Webcam

A webcam is an input device that takes videos or pictures and sends them to the computer. It is used for:

• Video calls (Zoom, Google Meet, Skype)
• Online classes
• Recording videos
• Live streaming

🎤 6. Microphone (Mic)

A microphone is an input device that records sound / voice and sends it to the computer. Used for:

• Recording songs / audio
• Voice chats, online meetings
• Voice commands

🖥️ 7. Monitor

The monitor is the main output device of the computer. It displays text, images, and videos. Also called VDU (Visual Display Unit) or screen.

Types: CRT (old), LCD, LED, Touch screen.

🔊 8. Speakers & Headphones

Speakers and headphones are output devices used to listen to sound / music / audio from the computer.

🎮 9. Other Peripheral Devices

• Joystick: For playing computer games.
• Light Pen: Pen-like input device used to draw on the screen.
• Touchpad: Built-in pointing device in laptops.
• Touch Screen: Screen that responds to finger touch.
• Projector: Output device that shows the screen on a wall.
• Barcode Reader: Reads barcodes on products in shops.
• Biometric Scanner: Reads fingerprints / face for identity.

4.1 Primary Operations on a Computer System

A computer performs five primary operations – also called the IPOS cycle (Input → Process → Output → Storage), along with communication / networking.

⬆️ 1. Input

The process of entering data and instructions into the computer through input devices.

• Input devices: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Mic, Webcam.
• Example: Typing a letter, clicking a link, scanning a document.

⚙️ 2. Process

The CPU processes the input data according to the instructions given. Processing includes calculations, comparisons, and logical operations.

• Done by the CPU (ALU + CU).
• Example: Adding numbers, sorting names, running a program.

⬇️ 3. Output

The result of the processing is shown to the user through output devices.

• Output devices: Monitor, Printer, Speakers, Projector.
• Example: Result on screen, printed document, sound from speakers.

💾 4. Storage

The process of saving data so that it can be used later.

• Primary Storage: RAM, ROM (temporary, fast).
• Secondary Storage: Hard disk, SSD, Pen drive, CD, Cloud (permanent).
• Example: Saving a document in D drive, uploading a photo to Google Drive.

🌐 5. Communication / Networking

The process of sharing data and information between two or more computers or devices.

• Done through the internet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LAN cables.
• Example: Sending an email, video call, sharing files, using Google Drive.