INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS
TECHNOLOGY
“Collect, Process, Store, and Present Information using ICTs”
Compiled by Mooba H.B. – ICT Lecturer – Mukuba College of Education
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What is ICT?
ICT stands for Information and Communications Technology.ICT mainly deals with technological
tools and resources used in the creating, keeping, managing and sharing of information. These
technological tools and resources include electronic communication devices and applications
such as radios, televisions, phones, computers, networking hardware and software, satellite
systems and various services and applications.
ICT is the study of developing and using technology to process information and aid
communications.
THREE MAJOR ACTIONS OF ICT
Compiled by Mooba H.B. – ICT Lecturer – Mukuba College of Education
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ICT TERMINOLOGIES
COMPUTER
Is an electronic device that;
 accepts data as INPUT,
 PROCESSES the data/information into information/knowledge,
 STORES the data/information/knowledge in its MEMORY/STORAGE
 and produces an OUTPUT.
HARDWARE
These are the physical components that make up a computer system.
SOFTWARE
These
are
sets
of
programs/instructions/code
that
make
a
computer
run/operational/functional.
DATA
These are raw facts and figures, i.e. numbers, words, sounds and images which have no
particular meaning attached to them. EG. 8, 08 00, BCST.
INFORMATION
This is data that has been given meaning/context/processed. E.g. Kabwe is 8 years old. Lectures
at MUCE start at 08 00. BCST is a Bachelor of Consumer Science and Technology program at
MUCE.
KNOWLEDGE
This is a combination of information, experience and insight so that inferences may be made for
the benefit of the individual, society or the organization. E.G. "When crude oil prices go up by
K10 per litre, it's likely that transport fares will rise by K5" is knowledge.
NETWORK
The connecting of two or more computers so that they can communicate and share data,
information and resources
INTERNET
This is a network that connects computers and smaller networks world-wide.
WWW
This stands for World Wide Web, it’s that part of the Internet which is made up of Web sites
and each Web site is made up of one or more Web pages
WEB BROWSER
The software that is used on a computer to access the websites and web pages on the WWW.
SEARCH ENGINE
This is a part of a computer system/browser that returns a list of websites (or documents) that
meet the search criteria entered into the search box.
DOWNLOAD
This is the process getting data/information/programs from a computer/server/WWW.
UPLOAD
This is the process of putting up data/information/programs onto a computer/server/WWW.
Compiled by Mooba H.B. – ICT Lecturer – Mukuba College of Education
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HARDCOPY
This is the output printed out on paper.
SOFTCOPY
This is the output seen on the monitor or sound heard through speakers.
DIGITAL
This means having only discrete values. The most common form of 'Digital' data is binary, which
has two values namely 0 and 1.
ANALOGUE
This is used to describe something that changes value continuously. For example: The dial of
the speedometer of a car, clock, scale … is analogous. Data from the environment is analogous.
VIRUS
This is a piece of program code that attaches itself to another program, like a biological virus, it
makes copies of itself. The virus can waste the host's resources, and sometimes destroy or
change files.
WORM
This is a piece of program code that makes copies of itself, just like a virus, but it does not need
a host.
TROJAN HORSES
The Trojan Horse, at first glance will appear to be useful software but will actually do damage
once installed or run on the computer. Users are usually tricked into opening them because
they appear to be legitimate software or files.
When activated on a computer, the results can vary. Some are designed to be more annoying
than malicious (like changing your desktop, adding silly active desktop icons) or they can cause
serious damage by deleting files and destroying information on your system.
Unlike viruses and worms, Trojans do not reproduce by infecting other files nor do they selfreplicate.
BOOTING
This is to load the first piece of software that starts a computer. Because the operating system
is essential for running all other programs, it is usually the first piece of software loaded during
the boot process.
BACKING UP
This means to make a copy of the data held on the system in case the original data is lost or
damaged.
Backups can be made onto removable media such as CDs, magnetic tape, removable hard disks
and then stored away from the PC.
This is useful if there were to be a fire/flood, if the PC were to be stolen or in the event of a
hard disk failure. The original data files could then be restored. Backups can also be made to a
different drive or file on the hard disk.
FOLDER
This is an object that can contain multiple documents/files/folders. Folders are used to organize
information.
FILE
A collection of data or information that has a name, called the filename. Almost all information
stored in a computer must be in a file.
Compiled by Mooba H.B. – ICT Lecturer – Mukuba College of Education
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There are many different types of files: data files, text files, program files, directory files, and so
on. Different types of files store different types of information. For example, program files store
programs, whereas text files store text.
ENCRYPTION
This is the translation of data into a secret code. It is the most effective way to achieve data
security. To read an encrypted file, you must have a secret key or password to enable you to
decrypt it. Unencrypted data is called plain text, while encrypted data is referred to cipher text.
MENU
This is a list of options of actions that can be done.
ICON
This is a computer graphic, usually a small picture which is used to represent a file or
application stored on your computer system.
CLOUD STORAGE
Cloud storage is defined as the storage of data/information online (on the cloud).
CLOUD
In telecommunications, a cloud refers to a public or semi-public space on transmission lines
that exists between the end points of a transmission.
BASIC ELEMENTS OF A COMPUTER
INPUT
PROCESS
OUTPUT
STORAGE
INPUT UNIT
The input part of a computer is concerned with entering data/content into a computer system.
 An input device is any piece of hardware which is used to enter data/content into a
computer system.
Following are some examples of input devices:
1. KEYBOARD: for typing/keying in characters.
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2. MOUSE: a hand held pointing/selecting device.
3. MICROPHONE: for capturing and inputting sound.
4. SCANNER: used to transfer images or text from paper into a digital format.
5. BARCODE READER: is an electronic device used to read and output printed barcodes to
a computer.
6. JOYSTICK: is a device consisting of a stick that pivots on a base and reports its angle or
direction to the device it is controlling. It is used to control video games, in aviation it is
used to control military and civilian aircraft.
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7. WEBCAM: is a video camera that feeds or streams its images in real time to a computer.
8. TOUCH PAD: is a pointing device featuring a tactile sensor, a specialized surface that can
translate the motion and position of a user’s finger to a relative position on the
operating system that is made output to the screen. Found on laptop computers and
some personal digital assistants.
9. JOYPAD: is a type of game controller held in the hand.
10. TOUCH SCREEN: is an input device layered on top of an electronic visual display of an
information processing system.
OUTPUT UNIT
The output part of a computer is concerned with retrieving/producing
data/information/content from a computer system.
 An output device is any piece of hardware which is used to retrieve
data/information/content from a computer system.
Compiled by Mooba H.B. – ICT Lecturer – Mukuba College of Education
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Following are some examples of output devices:
1. MONITOR: for visual display of output.
2. PRINTER: for producing hardcopy printouts.
3. PROJECTOR: is an optical device that projects an image onto a surface (projector screen)
using light.
4. SPEAKERS: used to produce or output sound.
Compiled by Mooba H.B. – ICT Lecturer – Mukuba College of Education
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5. PLOTTER: used for printing vector graphics.
6. EARPHONES: small speakers that produce or output sound and are worn over the head
and inserted into the ears.
7. TOUCH SCREEN: is a display device that allows the user to interact with a computer by
using their finger or stylus.
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PROCESSING
The processing part of a computer is concerned with transforming data into information.
Processing is done by the Central Processing Unit (CPU).
The CPU is the core of every Computer. Without it, a computer can’t function.
The CPU is a microchip that is installed on a motherboard and acts as the computer’s brain performing calculations and coordinating the hardware components.
The processing speed of the CPU is measured in Hertz (Hz), which is the number of clock cycles
per second.
Mother Board
THREE PARTS OF THE CPU
ARITHMETIC LOGIC UNIT (ALU)
Is the part of the CPU that performs all arithmetic computations and all logical operations.
CONTROL UNIT
is responsible for executing or storing the results coming out of the ALU. The control unit
performs the functions of fetch, decode, execute, and store.
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REGISTERS
are the temporary storage areas for instructions or data within the processor memory/storage.
Often the terms 'storage ‘and' memory’ are used interchangeably but they are not the same
thing.
Memory stores the files that you are working on right there and then and also modules from
the applications that you are using or are open. These are kept in RAM (Random Access
Memory). This data is usually lost if the computer crashes or is switched off, hence this type of
memory is volatile.
Storage is where your files and computer programs are kept permanently so that you can get
hold of them at any time. They won't be lost when the computer is switched off. It is nonvolatile.
The other type of memory is ROM (Read Only Memory). It holds the instructions needed to
start the computer up -it doesn't get wiped out when the computer is turned off. Generally, you
can’t change anything on this type of memory. It is also non volatile
INTERNAL MEMORY/STORAGE
HARD DISK DRIVE: is the main storage device of a computer. It is like a filing cabinet: all of your
data files and applications software are stored on it.
RAM: is the memory in a computer that is used to store computer programs while they are
running
any
information
the
programs
need
to
do
their
job.
Compiled by Mooba H.B. – ICT Lecturer – Mukuba College of Education
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ROM: on a computer, the ROM holds the instructions needed to start the computer up.
EXTERNAL STORAGE
This is also known as auxiliary/backing storage.
Following are some examples:
1. EXTERNAL HARD DISK: is a portable storage device that can be attached to a computer
through a USB or FireWire connection, or wirelessly. Used for storing or backup of
data/information.
2. FLASH DISK: is a data storage device that includes flash memory with an integrated USB
interface.
3. MAGNETIC TAPE: is a medium for magnetic recording made of a thin, magnetizable
coating on a long, narrow strip of plastic film. Used for data storage.
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4. MEMORY CARD: is an electronic flash memory data storage device used for storing
digital information.
5. ZIP DISK: is a small, portable disk drive used primarily for backing up and archiving
personal computer files.
6. FLOPPY DISK: is a type of disk storage composed of thin and flexible magnetic storage
medium, sealed in a rectangular plastic enclosure lined with fabric that removes dust
particles.
OPTICAL STORAGE MEDIA
Following are examples of optical storage media.
 'Optical' means light.
 So an 'optical device' makes use of light in order to work.
1. BLU-RAY DISK: is a digital optical disc storage format. Designed to supersede the
DVD format, and is capable of storing several hours of video in high-definition and ultrahigh-definition resolution.
Compiled by Mooba H.B. – ICT Lecturer – Mukuba College of Education
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2. DIGITAL VERSATILE DISK (DVD):is an optical storage medium similar to a
compact disk but with enhanced storage capacities as well as high quality of video and
audio formats.
3. COMPACT DISK (CD):is an optical storage device that stores and retrieves computer
data or music. Was basically meant for storage of audio files.
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STORAGE CAPACITY AND SIZE
BIT – a binary digit, that is, either 0 or 1.
BYTE –a collection of 8 bits, that is;
 1 Byte = 8 bits
KILOBYTE –abbreviated as KB, is 1024 Bytes;
MEGABYTE –abbreviated as MB, is 1024 KB, that is;
 1 MB = 1024 KB
= 1024 x 1024 Bytes.
GIGABYTE –abbreviated as GB, is 1024 MB, i.e.,
 1 GB = 1024 MB
= 1024 x 1024 KB
= 1024 x 1024 x 1024 Bytes
TERABYTE –abbreviated as TB, is 1024 GB, i.e.,
 1TB = 1024 GB
= 1024 x 1024 MB
= 1024 x 1024 x 1024 KB
= 1024 x 1024 x 1024 x 1024 Bytes
INDIDUAL TASK
1. List and explain at least five characteristics of
computer.
2. Mention five advantages of a computer.
3. Mention the various categories of computers.
4. List 5 benefits of computers to students.
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