Introduction to ICT
Lecture 2
ICT Devices in Schools & Businesses
Types of Computers:
1. Desktop Computer – Used in offices, schools, and homes.
Components: System case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
2. Laptop – Portable and battery-powered, used anywhere.
3. Tablet – More portable than laptops, uses a touchscreen instead of a
keyboard.
4. Server – A powerful computer that stores and shares files or websites.
Example: Google Drive stores your files on a server.
School/Business Network Infrastructure
This is the combination of hardware and software components that enable network
connectivity and communication within a school or business, allowing students/employees to
access the internet, share data, and use applications across different devices within the
organization.
Common Network Devices:
• IP Phones (VoIP) – Connects to the network via the internet and not by a
phone line. (e.g., WhatsApp calls).
• Wireless Access Point (WAP) – Creates Wi-Fi networks. Example: The Wi-Fi
router in your home.
• LAN Switch – Connects multiple computers in a local network.
• Network Router – Connects different networks and provides internet access.
• Firewall – A security device that blocks unauthorized access to a network.
Using Email for Business Communication
Email is a communication tool that businesses use to promote their goods and services,
improve customer experience and work more efficiently.
Why Businesses Use Email:
1. Internal Communication – Messages between employees.
2. External Communication – Emails to customers, suppliers, or business
partners.
3. Customer Support – Responding to customer inquiries.
4. Marketing – Sending promotional emails.
Email Domain System
An email domain is the web address that comes after the @ symbol in an email
address.
• Personal emails use @[Link], @[Link] (e.g.,
yourname@[Link]).
• Businesses use custom email domains like yourname@[Link].
How to Create Your Own Email Domain:
. Choose a hosting/domain provider like Bluehost, Hostgator, along with a custom domain
name.
. Check for domain availability.
. Register an available email domain.
. Build your email list
Mail Accout Types
Types of Email Accounts:
• Email Clients – Software applications installed on your computer (e.g.,
Microsoft Outlook).
• Webmail – Accessed from a browser (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo Mail).
Common Free Email Service Providers
Email Provider Best for… Unique Feature
Gmail Offline accessibility 15GB free storage, AI
text suggestions,
“Undo Send” feature,
accessible from any
internet-connected
device and on any
browser, 99.9%
protection from
suspicious/spam
emails.
AOL Mail Interface organization Unlimited storage,
spam protection,
ability to import
contacts in any
format, offers a spell
checker to reduce
errors, accessible
from any internet-
connected device and
on any browser.
Outlook Multiple app Easy access to other
integrations Microsoft apps like
Skype, 15GB free
storage, excellent
email organization
Yahoo! Mail Lots of storage 1TB storage,
integrates with Yahoo
Calendar, accessible
from any internet-
connected device and
on any browser,
excellent media and
document
organization, instant
notifications for new
emails.
iCloud Mail Data encryption Best for Apple users,
VIP email filtering.
How to Create a Gmail Account:
1. Go to Gmail.
2. Click Create Account and enter details.
3. Choose an email address and password.
4. Follow the steps to complete registration.
How to Send an Email:
1. Open Gmail and click Compose.
2. Enter the recipient’s email in the “To” field. You can also add recipients
in the “Cc & Bcc” field.
3. Add a subject (a brief summary of what the email is about) and write
the body of your message (the full details of the email)
4. Click Send.
To, Cc & Bcc in Emails:
. To - the recipient of the email.
• Cc (Carbon Copy) – All recipients can see who received the email.
• Bcc (Blind Carbon Copy) – Recipients cannot see who else received the
email.
Email Etiquette (Proper Email Writing)
This is a collection of rules for writing or responding to emails in a way that is appropriate
for social or professional settings.
Why Email Etiquette is Important:
• Professionalism – Makes a good impression.
• Efficiency – Helps improve your communication skills.
• Clarity – Avoids misunderstandings.
• Legal Protection – Prevents mistakes that could cause problems.
Example of a Professional Email:
Subject: Meeting Request for Project Discussion
Dear Mr. Smith,
I hope this email finds you well. I would like to schedule a meeting to discuss our upcoming
project. Please let me know your availability.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Email vs. Social Media for Corporate Communication
• Email: Best for formal, internal, and confidential communication. It ensures
security, detailed documentation, and reliability, but engagement can be slower.
• Social Media: Best for external communication, brand engagement, and
marketing. It allows for real-time interaction, wider reach, and public
engagement, but lacks privacy and control.
Use Email for official reports, internal memos, and direct client communication.
Use Social Media for brand building, marketing, and public relations.
A strong corporate strategy should leverage both effectively based on the communication goal.