ICT Definitions
● Hardware: these are the electronic, physical components of the computer system.
● Software: set of programs, data and instructions that control the operations, hardware,
and input processing of electronic data.
● Application software: a type of software chosen by the user that helps carry out specific
tasks.
● System software: essential software required for the operation of a computer system and
acts as a platform for other softwares to run on.
● Analogue data: continuous range of values created from non-digital values.
● Digital data: data represented in binary format (1s and 0s), created from digital devices.
● Artificial intelligence: a computer system that can mimic human intelligence, as well as
decision making and behavior. It can also learn from previous decisions.
● Extended reality: combines real and virtual world to provide an immersive experience. It
merges the physical and digital world.
● Augmented reality: combines both the real and virtual world, by creating a new layer on
top of the existing world. It can be accessed by a smartphone.
● Virtual reality: a computer generated world which enhances only a fictional reality. It
needs a VR headset, joystick, headphones, etc.
● Hyperlink: a method of accessing or linking other web pages from the current webpage
by clicking on a word/phrase/image/area on a page to navigate to another webpage.
● Bookmark: this is a saved shortcut - method of saving a web page’s address for easy
retrieval of the website by storing a link to a website.
● Achor: specific location within the webpage; when clicked it can take the pointer to the
start or end of the web page. Used with very long pages that need long scrolling. The
browser will automatically jump to the corresponding heading within the destination
anchor.
(i) Spreadsheet A spreadsheet is application software used to organise, analyse, and store data in
tabular form. It consists of cells arranged in rows and columns, allowing users to perform
calculations using formulas and functions. Common uses include financial modeling, budgeting,
and data analysis. Popular examples are Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.
(ii) Database A database is a structured collection of data that can be easily accessed, managed,
and updated. Database management systems (DBMS) allow users to create, retrieve, update, and
delete data efficiently. It is commonly used for storing customer information, product
inventories, and transaction records. Examples include MySQL, Microsoft Access, and Oracle.
(iii) Applet An applet is a small application designed to perform a specific task within a larger
program or webpage. Typically written in Java, applets run within a web browser and are used
for interactive features like animations, games, or calculators on websites. However, applets are
now less common due to security concerns.
Other Similar Past and Possible Questions
1. Word Processor A word processor is an application that allows users to create, edit, format,
and print text documents. It offers features like spell check, grammar correction, text styling, and
inserting images or tables. Common examples are Microsoft Word and Google Docs. It is widely
used for writing reports, essays, and letters.
2. Presentation Software Presentation software enables users to create visual aids for speeches,
lectures, or reports. It usually consists of a sequence of slides that can include text, images,
charts, and multimedia. Examples include Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides. It helps
present information clearly to an audience.
3. Web Browser A web browser is system software that enables users to access and navigate the
Internet. It translates web pages written in HTML into a viewable format and supports
multimedia, hyperlinks, and plugins. Examples include Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Browsers
also manage cookies and bookmarks.
4. Email Client An email client is software used to send, receive, and organize emails. It allows
management of multiple accounts, calendar integration, contact management, and offline access
to messages. Examples include Microsoft Outlook and Mozilla Thunderbird.
5. Graphics Software Graphics software is used to create, edit, and manipulate visual images.
This includes bitmap editing, vector drawing, and 3D modeling. Popular software includes
Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW, and Blender. It is used in industries like advertising, animation,
and digital art.
6. Video Editing Software Video editing software allows users to modify video files by cutting,
rearranging clips, adding effects, transitions, soundtracks, or subtitles. It is widely used in film
production, YouTube content creation, and social media marketing. Examples are Adobe
Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro.
7. Compiler A compiler is system software that translates high-level programming code into
machine code that a computer's processor can execute. It also checks for syntax errors and
optimises the program for better performance. Examples include GCC (GNU Compiler
Collection) and Microsoft Visual C++.
8. Operating System (OS) An operating system manages hardware and software resources on a
computer. It provides services like file management, memory management, multitasking, and
user interface handling. Examples include Windows, macOS, and Linux. It acts as a bridge
between users and the computer hardware.
9. Utility Software Utility software performs specific tasks to maintain, optimise, or protect the
computer system. Examples include antivirus programs, disk cleaners, file compressors, and
backup software. It ensures the system runs efficiently and securely.
10. Browser Plugin A browser plugin is a small software module that adds extra features to a
web browser. Examples include Adobe Flash Player (now obsolete), AdBlock, and Grammarly.
Plugins enhance browsing experience but can also introduce security risks.
11. Mobile Application (App) A mobile app is software designed to run on smartphones or
tablets. Apps serve various purposes like communication, entertainment, productivity, health
tracking, and navigation. Examples include WhatsApp, Instagram, Spotify, and Google Maps.
Likely New Questions for MJ 2025 Paper 11 (Answered)
12. Cloud Storage Service Cloud storage services allow users to store data on remote servers
accessed via the internet instead of local hard drives. They provide backup, file sharing, and
remote access to files. Examples include Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.
13. Firewall A firewall is security software or hardware that controls incoming and outgoing
network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It helps protect computers and networks
from unauthorized access, viruses, and cyberattacks. Examples include Windows Firewall and
Norton Firewall.
14. Integrated Development Environment (IDE) An IDE is software that provides
comprehensive tools for software development. It includes a code editor, compiler, debugger, and
often version control tools. Examples include Visual Studio, PyCharm, and Eclipse. IDEs
improve programmer productivity and code management.
15. Augmented Reality (AR) App An AR app overlays digital content like images, sounds, or
animations onto the real world through devices like smartphones or AR glasses. Examples
include Pokémon GO and IKEA Place. AR apps are used in gaming, education, healthcare, and
retail.
16. Content Management System (CMS) A CMS is software that allows users to create,
manage, and modify digital content on websites without needing technical knowledge. Examples
include WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal. It simplifies web development and content updating.