Module 1

• Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)


  Technologies that capture, transmit and display data and information electronically and includes all devices, applications and networking elements that allow people to connect in a digital world
• Information Technology (IT)


  A subset of ICT, referring to the development, maintenance and use of computer systems, software, and networks for processing and communicating data
• ICT system

  • Consists of: People, Hardware, Procedures, Software, Data
• Functions of an ICT system

  1. Receive

  2. Store

  3. Retrieve

  4. Manipulate

  5. Transmit data
• Computers


  • Programmable electronic devices designed to accept data, perform prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high speed, and display the results
• General model of a computer

  1. Input

  2. Process

  3. Output

  4. Storage
• Data


  Raw facts and figures that can be processed using arithmetic and logical operations to obtain information
• Information


  Output obtained after processing data
• Components of a computer system

  • Input devices
  • Storage devices
  • Memory (RAM)
  • Processing devices (CPU, GPU)
  • Output devices
  • Communication devices
• Hardware


  The physical components of a computer
• Software


  The programs used to direct the operation of a computer, including system software (operating system) and application software
• Hardware and software are interdependent - neither can function without the other
• Application software


  Software used for a specific purpose to carry out a task, such as word processing
• Types of software

  • Shareware
  • Freeware
  • Free open source software (FOSS)
  • Proprietary software
• Shareware


  Copyright software distributed free of charge, but after a trial period it notifies the user that they might need to pay for the program if they want to keep it
• Freeware


  Software available to you, free of charge, but the developers or company that distributes the software keeps the rights to the software
• Free open source software (FOSS)


  Software with source code available to the public or anyone that wants to use it, allowing the user to change or modify the code itself if need be
• Proprietary software


  Software where the source code is not given to the public or the user, and still belongs to the distributor or developer, even if you have bought the program
• Examples of shareware


  • DVD-Cloner
  • Total Privacy
  • Easy Movie Splitter
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Examples of free open source software


  • Linux kernel
  • Gimp
  • Firefox
  • Chromium
  • LibreOffice
• Examples of proprietary software


  • Microsoft Office
  • Windows
  • Antivirus software
  • Most computer games
• Advantages of shareware


  • Gives the distributor exposure while giving the user time to decide whether they want to spend money on the program or not
• Advantages of freeware


  • It is free, easily accessible, and generally comes with the files you need in order to use the program
• Advantages of free open source software


  • It is free and you do not need to pay for using it, which saves you money
  • The public can collaborate and fix bugs
  • Collaborators can improve the performance or even add features of good quality and well-designed software
• Advantages of proprietary software


  • More stable and technical support is easier to access
• Disadvantages of shareware


  • It cannot be modified and may be a cut-down or allow for a temporary version
• Disadvantages of freeware


  • It can contain viruses and Trojan horses that affect the way the computer functions
• Disadvantages of free open source software


  • Might not be as user-friendly especially to unskilled users
  • Difficult to find proper technical support or find drivers for some devices
  • Can expose your computer to viruses and other cyber-attacks
• Disadvantages of proprietary software


  • Costs money, and if there are any technical issues, you will have to wait for the developer to address the problem
• When a program is developed, the developers decide whether the code is proprietary or open source software (OSS)
• Desktop computers


  A desktop computer's uses are exactly the same as those of a laptop except that a desktop is not mobile
• Desktop computers

  • Medium to high processing power
  • Minimal mobility
• Laptop computers

  Easily moved around allowing you to work anywhere and anytime
• Laptop computers

  • Medium to high processing power
  • Fully mobile
• Smartphones


  Better than desktops at tasks that require a very mobile device, like taking photos, setting alarms, navigating the roads, making calls and sending and receiving short messages
• Smartphones

  • Medium to low processing power
  • Excellent mobility
• Tablets

  • Medium processing power
  • Excellent mobility
• Servers


  Designed for managing networks, providing access to specific files and hosting websites, as well as processing huge amounts of data
• Servers

  • High processing power
  • No mobility
• Embedded computers


  Devices designed for a fixed purpose, whether that purpose is to wake you up in the morning, control the temperature of the air conditioning or refrigerator, or any navigation system