Lesson 1: Overview of ICT

What is ICT?

ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology. It refers to technologies that
provide access to information through telecommunications. ICT has many similarity to
Information Technology (IT). IT (information technology) encompasses the use of computers,
networks, computer software and other electronic or digital devices for the management and
communication of information. ICT (information communication technology) focuses more on
how digital technologies assist users in handling information. In essence, ICT is an extension of
IT that focuses more on communication

This technology includes:

 the Internet,
 wireless networks,
 cell phones, and
 other communication mediums

ICT is a broad subject and the concepts are evolving. It covers any product that stores, retrieves,
manipulates, transmits, or receives information electronically in a digital form (e.g., personal
computers, digital television, email, or robots).

Some Benefits of ICT

 Efficient communications for manufacturing, service and tourism sector.

 Fast response to natural disasters and effective rural health and family planning services.
 Effective governance and administrative effectiveness.
 Efficient education, research and communication of research results.
 Access to global market and research information.
 Employment opportunities for small and medium enterprises.
 Effective and enhanced data and information gathering and distribution for better
planning.
 Enhanced national cohesion and integration of heterogeneous social composition or
geographical dispersal.

Computer Hardware

– This refers to any physical device or equipment used in or with a computer system (anything
you can see and touch).

External hardware

 any hardware device that is located outside the computer.

  a piece of hardware device which is used to enter information to a computer for
processing. E.g keyboard, mouse, trackpad (or touchpad), touchscreen, joystick,
microphone, light pen, webcam, speech input, etc.

 a piece of hardware device that receives information from a computer.

 Examples: monitor, printer, scanner, speaker, display screen (tablet, smartphone etc),
projector, head phone, etc.

Internal hardware

 any piece of hardware device that is located inside the [Link] CPU, hard disk drive,
ROM, RAM, etc.
Computer software

 It is a set of instructions or programs that tells a computer what to do or how to perform a

specific task (computer software runs on hardware). There are two major types of
softwares:
- Systems software
- Application software.

Application software

 Computer program that provides users with tools to accomplish a specific [Link]
of application software: word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, database
management, Internet browsers, email programs, media players, accounting,
pronunciation, translation, desktop publishing, enterprise, etc.

System Software

– it is designed to run a computer’s hardware and application software, and make the computer
system available for use. It serves as the interface between hardware, application software, and
the user.
  Main functions of system software – allocating system resources, managing storage
space, storing and retrieval of files, providing security, etc.
 Main types of systems software – operating system, device driver, utility software,
programming software, etc.

System software controls and coordinates the computer hardware devices and runs other
software and applications on a computer. It is the main part of system software and a computer
will not function without it.

 Main functions of an operating system includes booting the computer, managing system
resources (CPU, memory, storage devices, printer, etc.), managing files, handling input
and output, executing and providing services for application software, etc.
 Examples of operating system: Microsoft Windows, Apple iOS, Android OS, macOS,
Linux, etc.

– a software program that is designed to control a particular hardware device that is attached to a
computer.

The main purpose of device driver – it acts as a translator between the hardware device and
operating systems or applications that use it. It instructs computer on how to communicate with
the device by translating the operating system’s instructions into a language that a device can
understand in order to perform the necessary task. Examples of device driver: printer driver,
display driver, USB driver, sound card driver, motherboard driver, ROM driver, etc.

It is a type of system software that helps set up, analyze, configure, strengthen, maintain a
computer and performs a very specific task (e.g. antivirus software, backup software, memory
tester, screen saver, etc.).

Components of a Computer

There are basically three important components of a computer:

1. Input Unit
2. Central Processing Unit(CPU)
3. Output Unit

1. Input Unit:

The input unit consists of input devices that are attached to the computer. These devices take
input and convert it into binary language that the computer understands. Some of the common
input devices are keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner etc.

 The Input Unit is formed by attaching one or more input devices to a computer.
 A user input data and instructions through input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, etc.
 The input unit is used to provide data to the processor for further processing.
2. Central Processing Unit:

Once the information is entered into the computer by the input device, the processor processes it.
The CPU is called the brain of the computer because it is the control centre of the computer. It
first fetches instructions from memory and then interprets them so as to know what is to be done.
If required, data is fetched from memory or input device. Thereafter CPU executes or performs
the required computation, and then either stores the output or displays it on the output device.
The CPU has three main components, which are responsible for different functions: Arithmetic
Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU) and Memory registers

A. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): The ALU, as its name suggests performs mathematical
calculations and takes logical decisions. Arithmetic calculations include addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division. Logical decisions involve the comparison of two data items to see
which one is larger or smaller or equal.

 Arithmetic Logical Unit is the main component of the CPU

 It is the fundamental building block of the CPU.
 Arithmetic and Logical Unit is a digital circuit that is used to perform arithmetic and
logical operations.

B. Control Unit: The Control unit coordinates and controls the data flow in and out of the CPU,
and also controls all the operations of ALU, memory registers and also input/output units. It is
also responsible for carrying out all the instructions stored in the program. It decodes the fetched
instruction, interprets it and sends control signals to input/output devices until the required
operation is done properly by ALU and memory.

 The Control Unit is a component of the central processing unit of a computer that directs
the operation of the processor.
 It instructs the computer’s memory, arithmetic and logic unit, and input and output
devices on how to respond to the processor’s instructions.
 In order to execute the instructions, the components of a computer receive signals from
the control unit.
 It is also called the central nervous system or brain of the computer.

C. Memory Registers: A register is a temporary unit of memory in the CPU. These are used to
store the data, which is directly used by the processor. Registers can be of different sizes(16 bit,
32 bit, 64 bit and so on) and each register inside the CPU has a specific function, like storing
data, storing an instruction, storing address of a location in memory etc. The user registers can be
used by an assembly language programmer for storing operands, intermediate results etc.
Accumulator (ACC) is the main register in the ALU and contains one of the operands of an
operation to be performed in the ALU.

Memory attached to the CPU is used for the storage of data and instructions, and is called
internal memory The internal memory is divided into many storage locations, each of which can
store data or instructions. Each memory location is of the same size and has an address. With
the help of the address, the computer can read any memory location easily without having to
search the entire memory. When a program is executed, its data is copied to the internal memory
and stored in the memory till the end of the execution. The internal memory is also called the
Primary memory or Main memory. This memory is also called RAM, i.e., Random Access
Memory. The time of access of data is independent of its location in memory, therefore, this
memory is also called Random Access memory (RAM).

 Memory Unit is the primary storage of the computer.

 It stores both data and instructions.
 Data and instructions are stored permanently in this unit so that they are available
whenever required.

3. Output Unit :

The output unit consists of output devices that are attached to the computer. It converts the
binary data coming from the CPU to human understandable form. The common output devices
are monitor, printer, plotter, etc.

 The output unit displays or prints the processed data in a user-friendly format.
 The output unit is formed by attaching the output devices of a computer.
 The output unit accepts the information from the CPU and displays it in a user-readable
form.

Characteristics of a Computer

1. Speed: Computers can perform millions of calculations per second. The computation speed is
extremely fast.

2. Accuracy: Because computers operate on pre-programmed software, there is no space for

human error.

3. Diligence: They can perform complex and long calculations at the same time and with the
same accuracy.

4. Versatile: Computers are designed to be versatile. They can carry out multiple operations at
the same time.

5. Storage: Computers can store a large amount of data/ instructions in its memory, which can
be retrieved at any point of time.

Operating System

An Operating System(OS) is software that manages and handles the hardware and software
resources of a computer system. It provides interaction between users of computers and
computer hardware. An operating system is responsible for managing and controlling all the
activities and sharing of computer resources. An operating system is a low-level Software that
includes all the basic functions like processor management, memory management, Error
detection, etc.

This Operating System tutorial will cover all the basic to advance operating system concepts like
System Structure, CPU Scheduling, Deadlock, file and disk management, and many more.

The Operating System(OS) Tutorial is divided into various parts based on its functions such as
Process Management, Process Synchronization, Deadlocks and File Management.

What is an Operating System(OS)?

In the Computer System (comprises Hardware and software), Hardware can only understand
machine code (in the form of 0 and 1) which doesn't make any sense to a naive user.

We need a system that can act as an intermediary and manage all the processes and resources
present in the system.

An Operating System can be defined as an interface between user and hardware. It is responsible
for the execution of all the processes, Resource Allocation, CPU management, File Management
and many other tasks.

History of Operating System

The operating system is a system program that serves as an interface between the computing
system and the end-user. Operating systems create an environment where the user can run any
programs or communicate with software or applications in a comfortable and well-organized
way.

Furthermore, an operating system is a software program that manages and controls the execution
of application programs, software resources and computer hardware.

It also helps manage the software/hardware resources, such as file management, memory
management, input/ output and many peripheral devices like a disk drive, printers, etc.

Examples of Operating System

 Laptops, tablets, and desktop computers all run operating systems that you've probably
heard of. Some examples include versions of Microsoft Windows (like Windows 11,
Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7), Apple's macOS (formerly OS X), Chrome OS,
and various Unix and Linux distribution lists.
 Your smartphone runs mobile operating systems, probably either Apple's iOS or Google's
Android.
 Servers, like those that host the websites you visit or serve the videos you watch,
typically run specialized operating systems. Some examples include Windows Server,
Linux, and FreeBSD.
Functions of Operating system

Important functions of an operating Systems:

 Security – The operating system uses password protection to protect user data and
similar other techniques. it also prevents unauthorized access to programs and user data.
 Control over system performance – Monitors overall system health to help improve
performance. records the response time between service requests and system response to
have a complete view of the system health.
 Job accounting – Operating system Keeps track of time and resources used by various
tasks and users, this information can be used to track resource usage for a particular user
or group of users.

Features of Operating System

Here are some common features of modern operating systems:

 Process Management: The OS manages the execution of multiple processes and threads
on the system, including scheduling, synchronization, and communication between
processes.
 Memory Management: The OS manages the allocation and deallocation of memory
resources to running processes and manages virtual memory to enable efficient use of
physical memory.
 Device Management: The OS manages the input and output devices of the computer
system, including the keyboard, mouse, storage devices, and network devices.
 File System Management: The OS manages the organization, storage, and retrieval of
files and directories on the storage devices.
 Security Management: The OS provides security features to protect the system from
unauthorized access, including authentication, authorization, and encryption.

Components of Operating System

The main components of an operating system are:

 Kernel: The kernel is the core component of the operating system that manages system
resources, including CPU, memory, and input/output (I/O) devices. It provides low-level
services to other components of the operating system and manages system calls and
interrupts.
 Device Drivers: Device drivers are software components that enable the operating system
to communicate with hardware devices, such as printers, scanners, and network adapters.
They provide a standard interface between the hardware and the operating system and
handle device-specific commands and data.
 File System: The file system is a component of the operating system that manages files
and directories on the storage devices. It provides a hierarchical structure for organizing
files and directories and manages file access permissions and security.
  User Interface: The user interface is the component of the operating system that enables
users to interact with the computer system. It provides a graphical user interface (GUI),
command-line interface (CLI), and other user-friendly interfaces for users to interact with
the system.
 System Libraries: System libraries are collections of software components that provide
common functions and routines for applications to use. They include standard libraries
for programming languages, such as C and Java, and system-specific libraries for
accessing operating system features.

Types of Operating Systems

There are several types of operating systems, each with its own characteristics and purposes:

 Single-user, Single-task: This type of operating system is designed to run on a single

computer and can only perform one task at a time. Examples include MS-DOS and early
versions of Apple Macintosh.
 Single-user, Multi-tasking: This type of operating system allows multiple applications to
run at the same time on a single computer. Examples include Microsoft Windows,
macOS, and Linux.
 Multi-user: Multi-user operating systems allow multiple users to access the same
computer simultaneously. Each user has their own account and can run their own
applications. Examples include Unix, Linux, and Windows Server.
 Real-time: Real-time operating systems are designed for applications that require
immediate response times, such as industrial control systems and medical equipment.
Examples include VxWorks and QNX.
 Network: Network operating systems are designed to manage and control network
resources, such as servers, printers, and network storage devices. Examples include
Novell NetWare and Windows Server.
 Mobile: Mobile operating systems are designed for use on mobile devices, such as
smartphones and tablets. Examples include Android, iOS, and Windows Phone.
 Embedded: Embedded operating systems are designed for use in embedded systems, such
as automotive systems, consumer electronics, and industrial control systems. Examples
include Linux and VxWorks.

Operating Systems Market Share

The following points show the market share from March 2022 to March 2023:

 Windows is the most popular desktop/laptop operating system, with a global market
share of 74.15%.
 macOS is the second most popular desktop/laptop operating system, with a global market
share of 16.78%.
 Linux is a distant third in the desktop/laptop market, with a global market share of 1.98%.
 Android is the most popular mobile operating system, with a global market share of
72.92%.
  iOS is the second most popular mobile operating system, with a global market share of
26.44%.
 KaiOS, a mobile operating system designed for feature phones, has a global market share
of 0.48%.

The market share for operating systems can vary significantly by region and [Link] market
share figures are subject to change over time, as new operating systems are released and user
preferences evolve.

Error detecting aids

The operating system constantly monitors the system to detect errors and avoid the
malfunctioning of a computer system.

Memory Management

The operating system manages the Primary Memory or Main Memory. Main memory is made up
of a large array of bytes or words where each byte or word is assigned a certain address. Main
memory is fast storage and it can be accessed directly by the CPU.

Processor Management – In a multiprogramming environment, the OS decides the order in

which processes have access to the processor, and how much processing time each process has.

Device Management

An OS manages device communication via their respective drivers. It performs the following
activities for device management. Keeps track of all devices connected to the system.

File Management

A file system is organized into directories for efficient or easy navigation and usage. These
directories may contain other directories and other types of files. Features of Operating System

Protected and supervisor mode

 Allows disk access and file systems Device drivers Networking Security.
 Program Execution.
 Memory management Virtual Memory Multitasking.
 Handling I/O operations.
 Manipulation of the file system.
 Error Detection and handling.
 Resource allocation.

Advantages of Operating System

  User Friendly. The interface provided by the GUI is much more user friendly compared
to a command-line interface
 Security. It is a responsibility of an operating system to make sure each data present
inside them is secure
 Sharing Resources
 Hardware Accessibility
 Multitasking

Disadvantages of Operating System

 Cost - Unless it is an open-source operating system, generally all other platforms are
considered to be expensive.
 Reliability - An operating system is a vital software for any computer
 Complexity
 Fragmentation
 Virus Attacks

Career Opportunity of Learning Operating System

 Operating Systems Specialist

 Operating Systems Programmer
 IT Administrator