ICT

Information Communications Technology

• An umbrella term that includes any communication device or application, encompassing:

• radio

• television

• cellular phones

• computer and network hardware and software

• satellite systems and so on

1

Computer Essentials

ECDL Syllabus 6

ICT Services

• Internet

• Mobile Technology

• Office Productivity Applications

3

Hardware

• Any physical component of the computer

4

5

How Computers Can Be Used

• Computers:

– Used in variety of industries

– Perform variety of tasks

• Companies have combination of large and small systems

• Power and speed main characteristics differentiate computer types

6

Computers All Around Us

• Supercomputer

• Mainframe

• Minicomputer

• Personal Computer

• Notebook or Laptop

• Personal Digital Assistant

• Cellular Phones

• Other Electronic Computing Devices

7

Personal Computers (Microcomputers)

• Microcomputers process data quickly, and designed for one user

• Two main types of microcomputers: PC or Apple (Mac)

• Most companies use PCs for variety of software programs

• Apples traditionally used in specialized industries, e.g., graphics design

• New software have few differences between computers

8

Notebooks or Laptop Computers

• Portable microcomputers similar to desktop models in speed, performance and usage

• Not always popular due to weight and design elements

• Newer models smaller and lighter and the size of paper notebook

• Accessories can enhance enjoyment and experience

• Cost now relatively low compared to when first introduced

9

Tablets

• Similar to notebook but screen can swivel or fold over • Can write or select items using special pen for tablet • Touch screen capability allows data entry using finger, pen or

stylus device, or built-in keyboard • Used in hospitals, home inspectors, engineers or sales people • Can also be used for electronic/interactive books

10

Personal Digital Assistants

• Small palm-sized computers

• Software installed with features for organizing information

• Pocket PC has microprocessor chip and software to create documents as well as organizer program for PDAs

• Can include digital camera, video/audio, or Internet options

11

Smartphones

• Newer cellular phones can include – access to Internet

– software to create documents

– listen to music

– take pictures or video

– send text messages or e-mail

• Cost varies with number of features and capabilities

12

Other Types of Computers

• Automobiles have computers in engine to help diagnose problems

• Automated Teller Machines use specialized software to interact with bank’s database network

• Manufacturing uses computerized robotic technology and systems to control or run production equipment

• Health industry use computerized equipment or customized software to help analyze information

• Games – X Box, Nintendo, Playstation

Processor

• Central Processing Unit – CPU

• Brains of the computer

• Speed is measured in Gigahertz

13

14

Looking at Memory • Computer needs memory installed to store

information

15

16

17

18

Random Access Memory (RAM)

• Located on motherboard

• Holds copy of current software program and data being used

• Volatile

– Only works when computer on and information “vanishes” when computer off

• May be used for system, video/sound cards, or cache

• Measured in nano seconds (ns) or one billionth of second

• Access time

– Speed from time request until completed

RAM Memory

• Temporary or volatile memory

• Measured in Gigabytes

19

Computer Performance

Major factors in computer performance:

• Amount of RAM &

• CPU Speed

• Other factors depend on how you use your computer

20

Peripheral Equipment

• Printers • Monitors • Scanners • Keyboards • Mouse/Trackpad • Webcam • Speakers • Microphone • Docking station

21

Output devices

22

• Monitors/Projectors

Output Devices

• Printers

• Speakers

- Play sounds saved as digital files

– Many different forms of sound files

23

24

Input Devices

• Keyboard – primary input device used to send information to computer

• Primary tool for inputting alphanumeric data or instruct computer via series of keystrokes

Windows Key

Escape Key Function Keys

Alt Key

Ctrl Key

Cursor Movement Keys

Numeric Keypad

25

Input Devices

• Mouse used to move pointer around screen

• Usually two buttons: left to select and right to activate features

• A trackball is used instead of a mouse. – When difficulties with dexterity or when there is

no space to move a mouse e.g.

Wheel Button Mouse

Track Ball

Thumb Button

26

Input Devices • Scanners

– “Takes picture” of original and then converts to digital format

– Can handle pictures as well as text

• Depends on software included with scanner

• Joysticks

– Designed to use with games

– Variety of joysticks

• Depends on type of game

• Bar Code Readers

– Reduces amount of data entry for routine transactions or verification of product

– Scans or reads product code

27

Input Devices

• Digital Cameras

– Takes pictures automatically as digital files and then transfers directly to computer • Can use with photo printer, or

compact flash reader device for storage

• Digital Video Cameras

– Variety of digital video cameras

– Can connect directly to computer, or may need require converter device

Docking Station

28

• A docking station or port replicator provides a simplified way of "plugging-in" an electronic device such as a laptop computer to common peripherals.

• Other devices like phones or tablets can be used with a docking station.

USB Port

• Universal Serial Bus – a standard cable connection interface on computers and consumer electronics.

• Electronic devices to be connected via cables to a computer (or to each other).

29

HDMI Port

• High-Definition Multimedia Interface

• HDMI provides an interface between audio/video devices, such as Blu-ray players, cable and satellite set-top boxes, DVD players, audio video receivers, and digital displays.

30

Software

• Software is a general term for the various kinds of programs used to operate computers and related devices.

31

Types of Software

• System software runs the computer and associated devices e.g. operating system

• Application software performs tasks for the user of the computer e.g. word processing.

32

System Software – Operating System

• An operating system (OS) is software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs.

• Application programs usually require an operating system to function.

33

34

Windows Operating System • Windows 8 latest version

• Advanced graphics display

• Enhanced file and disk management tools

System Software – Utility

• A program that performs a specific task related to the management of computer functions, resources, or files, memory management, virus protection, and file compression e.g. anti-virus software.

35

Application Software

• An application is a type of software that allows you to perform specific tasks, e.g. word processing

• Applications for desktop or laptop computers are sometimes called desktop applications, and those for mobile devices are called mobile apps.

36

Installing Software

• Software can be downloaded from storage devices like CDs or USB drives.

• More commonly now, software is downloaded from the web.

37

Software Licences

• Allowing an individual or group to use a piece of software.

• Nearly all applications are licensed rather than sold.

38

EULA – End User Licence Agreement

• The agreement contract between the licensor and purchaser, establishing the purchaser's right to use the software.

39

Proprietary License

• Proprietary software - software whose rights are owned by an individual or business.

• There are almost always restrictions on its use, and its source code is usually not available.

40

Open Source Software

• software for which the original source code is made freely available and may be redistributed and modified.

• Open-source software is often developed in a public, collaborative manner.

• E.g. Firefox, Open Office.

41

Trial Version

• Software that can be used for a limited time.

• After that time, users have to purchase to continue to use.

42

Shareware Software

• Software that is distributed on a ‘try before you buy’ basis.

• Usually with limited functionality.

43

Freeware Software

• Copyrighted software that is available free of charge.

44

Storage Media

• Internal Hard Disk

– Storage device for digital media.

– Primary storage area on pc.

• External Hard Disk

– Removable storage device.

45

Network Drive

• Storage media shared and accessible by multiple users.

• E.g. workers in a company.

46

CD/DVD

• Optical discs used to storage music, video or other digital media

47

Blu-ray Disc

• High definition optical storage media.

• Up to five times greater capacity than DVD.

48

USB Flash Drive

• Small portable storage media.

49

Memory Card

• Digital storage device used in camera, phones and other devices.

50

Online File Storage

• A file storage service available on the internet.

• Files can be accessed from any where in the world.

51

52

What is a Network?

• System that allows two or more computers to communicate and share resources e.g. Files, printers, software.

• Connected via cables or wireless connection type.

The Internet

Global network connecting millions of computers worldwide.

• Main Uses:

– Information Superhighway – world wide web.

– Conversations over the web – VoIP

– Digital message exchange – email

– Real time messaging – instant messaging

53

Intranet

• An intranet is a computer network that uses Internet Protocol technology to share information, operational systems, or computing services within an organization.

54

Extranet

• An extranet is a private network that uses Internet technology to securely share part of a business's information or operations with suppliers, vendors, partners, customers, or other businesses.

55

Virtual Private Network

• Network technology that creates a secure network connection over a public network such as the Internet or a private network. provider.

• Large corporations, educational institutions, and government agencies use VPN technology to enable remote users to securely connect to a private network.

56

Transfer Rate

• The rate at which data if transferred to or from a disk.

• Measured in bits, kilobits, megabits, gigabits per second – bps, kbps, mbps, gbps

57

Downloading

• Copying, saving a file from a website.

• E.g. a photograph, document, movie etc.

58

Uploading

• To copy a file from a computer to a website.

– E.g. upload a photo to social media like Facebook.

59

Options for connecting to Internet

• Phone line Mobile technology

• Cable

• Wi-fi

• Wi-max

• Satellite

60

Internet Service Provider

• ISP – and organisation that provides access to the internet.

61

Considerations when choosing ISP

• Cost

• Upload/download speeds

• Download limits

62

Status of Wireless Network

• Protected/Secure Wireless Network

– Protected to prevent unauthorised access.

– Password required.

• Open

– The network can be accessed by all – no password required.

63

Security and Well-Being

Good password policies

• Adequate length

• Mix of characters

• Do not share

• Change regularly

• Easy to remember but difficult to guess

64

Firewall

• Security system to protect a network against external threats.

65

Backing Up • A copy of computer

data that is stored off site in case of software or hardware problems that might destroy or corrupt the original files.

66

Software Updates

• Important to update software to avoid security risks and fix known problems

– Anti-virus

– Application and system software

67

Malware

• Software which is specifically designed to disrupt or damage a computer system.

• Installed without the owner’s consent.

68

Malware

Virus

• Intrusive programs that infect computer files and cause damage.

Worm

• Self-replicating malware. Sends copies of itself to other computers on network.

69

Malware

Trojan

• Destructive program that masks itself as an application.

• typically causing loss or theft of data, and possible system harm.

70

Malware

Spyware

• Malware that collects information on users browsing habits without their consent.

• Remotely Record All User Activity on the PC/Mac/Android.

71

Infecting a Computer

• Via the installation of a program from an unsecure source

• CD-ROM

• Online bulletin board

• E-mail attachment

Use good anti-virus software!

72

73

Health & Well Being

• Correct positioning of chair, desk, and computer

• Correct posture

• Adjustable chair

• Appropriate lighting

• Take regular breaks

74

Green IT

• Turn off when not in use

• Adjust backlight

• Adjust sleep mode settings to suit the user

• Use recycled consumables where possible.(toner, paper, etc.)

• Dispose of computer hardware in a green way

75

Accessibility Options

• Voice recognition software

• Screen reader

• Screen Magnifier

• On-screen keyboard

• High contrast

See Ease of Access in the Control Panel

76