Introduction to ICT
By
Sultan Ahmad
(Gold Medalist)
Introduction to ICT
• ICT stands for Information and
Communication Technology
• Information is derived from Latin word
"informare" mean "to give an knowledge".
• Communication is derived from Latin word
""Communicare" mean "To share or make
common".
Introduction to ICT
• Greek word “techne” meaning “art, skill, or
craft” + “logia” meaning “study or science.”
• It deals with use of technology for handling
information
• Includes computers, networks,
communication devices
Introduction to Computer
• A computer is machine (electronic)
• It takes input, processes data, and gives
output
• Used in education, business, health, and daily
life
Computer Generations
Computers are classified into Five generations
based on technology used, processing speed, size,
and efficiency.
• 1st Generation (1940–1956) – Vacuum Tube
Computers
• Technology: Vacuum tubes for circuitry and
magnetic drums for memory.
• Characteristics: Large, expensive, consumed lots
of electricity, generated heat.
• Examples: ENIAC, UNIVAC.
Computer Generations
2nd Generation (1956–1963) – Transistor
Computers
Technology: Transistors replaced vacuum tubes.
Characteristics: Smaller, faster, more reliable, and
less power consumption.
Examples: IBM 1401, IBM 7094.
Computer Generations
3rd Generation (1964–1971) – Integrated Circuit (IC)
Computers
Technology: Integrated circuits (ICs) replaced individual
transistors.
Characteristics: Smaller size, faster processing, more
reliable, less heat generation.
Examples: IBM 360 series.
Computer Generations
4th Generation (1971–1980s) –Microprocessor
Computers
Technology: Microprocessors integrated CPU on a
single chip.
Characteristics: Personal computers became
possible, high speed, reduced cost and size.
Examples: Intel 4004, IBM PC.
Computer Generations
5th Generation (1980s–Present) – Artificial Intelligence
(AI) Computers
Technology: Based on VLSI (Very Large Scale
Integration), AI, and parallel processing.
Characteristics: High processing speed, capable of AI
applications, natural language processing.
Examples: IBM Watson, modern supercomputers.
Types of Computers
Computer has three types:
1. Digital Computers
• Definition: Computers that process discrete
(numerical) data using 0s and 1s.
• Example: Laptops, desktops, smartphones.
• Key feature: High accuracy and speed
Types of Computers
Computer has three types:
2. Analog Computers
• Definition: Computers that process continuous
data like temperature, pressure, or voltage.
• Example: Speedometers, old scientific
calculators, some industrial machines.
• Key feature: Good for measuring physical
quantities but less accurate than digital.
Types of Computers
Computer has three types:
3. Hybrid Computers
• Definition: Computers that combine digital
and analog features to process both discrete
and continuous data.
• Example: Medical equipment like ECG
machines, modern flight simulators.
• Key feature: Versatile and more powerful for
specialized tasks.
Types of Computers
Digital Computer types:
• Supercomputers
• Mainframe computers
• Minicomputers
• Personal computers (Desktop, Laptop)
• Tablets and Smartphones
Parts of Computer
• Hardware: The tangible, physical components
of a computer that you can touch. Such as
keyboard, mouse etc.
• Software: Intangible programs and
instructions that tell the computer what to do.
Suh Window, MS word etc.
Hardware Devices
• Input devices
• Output devices
• Processing devices
• Memory devices
• Storage devices
• Network devices
Input Devices
• Keyboard: A device used to enter text,
numbers, and commands into the computer. It
includes letters, numbers, and special function
keys. Keyboards are essential for data entry
and interacting with software.
Input Devices
• Mouse: A pointing device that moves the
cursor on the screen and allows users to
select, drag, or click objects. It simplifies
navigation and control.
• Scanner: Converts physical documents,
images, or photos into digital form for storage
or editing on a computer. It uses light sensors
to read and digitize data.
Input Devices
• Microphone: Captures sound waves and
converts them into digital signals for recording
or communication. It is essential for audio
input in multimedia applications.
• Webcam: Captures live video and images for
video conferencing, online streaming, or
recording. It converts optical input into digital
data.
Input Devices
• Joystick/Gamepad: Specialized input devices
used to control games or simulations. They
provide interactive and precise control for
gaming or simulations.
• Touchpad: It is used instead of mouse in
laptop computer.
Output Devices
• Monitor/Display: Displays visual output from
the computer in the form of text, graphics, or
videos. Modern monitors use LCD or LED
technology.
• Printer: Produces physical copies of digital
documents, images, or graphics on paper.
Printers include inkjet, laser, and dot-matrix
types.
Output Devices
• Speakers/Headphones: Convert digital audio
signals into sound waves. They allow users to
hear music, alerts, or any audio output from
the computer.
• Projector: Projects computer output onto a
large screen or surface for presentations or
group viewing. It enlarges the display for
better visibility.
Procesing Devices
• CPU (Central Processing Unit): The main brain
of the computer that performs calculations,
executes instructions, and manages data flow.
It determines the overall speed of the system.
• GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): Handles
rendering of images, graphics, and videos. It is
crucial for gaming, multimedia, and scientific
computing.
Procesing Devices
• Motherboard: Main circuit board that
connects all hardware components. It allows
communication between CPU, memory,
storage, and peripherals.
Memory Devices
• RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary
memory used to store data and instructions
while programs are running. It is fast but
volatile, losing data when power is off.
• Cache Memory: High-speed memory inside or
near the CPU that stores frequently used data.
It speeds up processing and reduces CPU wait
time.
Memory Devices
• ROM (Read-Only Memory):
• A type of non-volatile memory that stores
data and instructions permanently.
• Data in ROM cannot be modified (or can be
modified very slowly) by the user.
• Used to store firmware or system startup
instructions like BIOS.
Storge Devices
• Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Magnetic storage
device used to store large amounts of data
permanently. It provides high capacity but is
slower than SSDs.
• Solid State Drive (SSD): Faster electronic
storage device that uses flash memory instead
of moving parts. It improves system speed and
reliability.
Storge Devices
• USB Flash Drive: Portable storage device used
to transfer and store data easily. It is compact,
rewritable, and widely used for file sharing.
• CD/DVD/Blu-ray: Optical storage media used
to store music, videos, software, and backups.
Data is read and written using lasers.
Storge Devices
• Memory Card: Small, portable storage used in
cameras, smartphones, and other devices. It
allows easy data transfer and expansion of
device storage.
Network Devices
• Modem: Device that converts digital signals
from a computer into analog signals for
internet transmission over phone lines or
cable. It enables internet connectivity.
• Router: Directs data traffic between devices in
a network and manages internet sharing. It
connects multiple devices to the internet
securely.
Network Devices
• Network Interface Card (NIC): Hardware
component that connects a computer to a
network. It allows wired or wireless
communication with other systems.
Software Types
Computer Software has two types:
• System software: Software that manages
computer hardware and provides a platform
for running applications. Such as Windows,
Linux, MacOS
• Application software: Software designed to
perform specific tasks for the user. Such as MS
Office, Browsers
Software Types
Types of System Software:
a) Operating System (OS): Manages hardware,
software, and resources; examples: Windows,
Linux, macOS.
b) Device Drivers: Allow OS to communicate
with hardware devices like printers, graphics
cards, or scanners.
Software Types
Utility Software: Maintains and optimizes the
system; examples: antivirus, disk cleanup,
backup tools.
d) Translators: Convert programming code into
machine language.
• Compiler: Translates entire code at once.
• Interpreter: Translates code line by line.
• Assembler: Converts assembly language into
machine code.
Software Types
Types of Application Software:
1) General-Purpose Software: Used by many
users for common tasks.
Custom or Special-Purpose Software:
Developed for specific user needs or
organizations. Such asCollege management
system.
Software Types
General-Purtion Application Sofftwares:
a) Productivity Software
Definition: Software designed to help users
create, edit, and manage documents,
spreadsheets, and presentations efficiently.
• Examples: Microsoft Word (documents), Excel
(spreadsheets), PowerPoint (presentations).
Software Types
General-Purtion Application Sofftwares:
b) Business Software
Definition: Software used to manage business
operations such as accounting, billing, inventory,
and customer relations.
• Examples: QuickBooks, Tally, SAP.
Software Types
General-Purtion Application Sofftwares:
c) Multimedia Software
Definition: Software used to create, edit, and
play audio and video content.
• Examples: VLC Media Player, Adobe Premiere,
Audacity.
Software Types
General-Purtion Application Sofftwares:
d) Graphics Software
Definition: Software for creating, editing, and
manipulating images, designs, and illustrations.
• Examples: Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW,
AutoCAD.
Software Types
General-Purtion Application Sofftwares:
e) Educational Software
Definition: Software designed for learning,
teaching, and educational simulations.
• Examples: Khan Academy, Duolingo, MATLAB
for learning purposes.
Software Types
General-Purtion Application Sofftwares:
f) Entertainment Software
Definition: Software used for recreation and
amusement, including games, music, and video
applications.
• Examples: Video games, Spotify, media
streaming apps.
Number System
A number system is a way of representing numbers using
symbols or digits. Computers use number systems to
process and store data.
1. Decimal Number System (Base 10)
Definition: Uses 10 digits (0–9) to represent numbers.
Characteristics: Most commonly used by humans; each
digit’s value depends on its position (place value).
Example: 245, 3.14
Number System
2. Binary Number System (Base 2)
Definition: Uses 2 digits (0 and 1).
Characteristics: Used by computers
internally; each digit is called a bit.
Example: 1011₂ (binary for decimal 11)
Number System
3. Octal Number System (Base 8)
Definition: Uses 8 digits (0–7).
Characteristics: Often used as a shorthand for
binary numbers in programming.
Example: 17₈ (octal for decimal 15)
Number System
4. Hexadecimal Number System (Base 16)
Definition: Uses 16 symbols (0–9 and A–F).
Characteristics: Commonly used in programming
and computer memory addressing.
Example: 1A₁₆ (hexadecimal for decimal 26)
Number System
4. Hexadecimal Number System (Base 16)
Definition: Uses 16 symbols (0–9 and A–F).
Characteristics: Commonly used in programming
and computer memory addressing.
Example: 1A₁₆ (hexadecimal for decimal 26)
Number System Conversion
Number system conversion is the process of
changing a number from one base to another.
Common conversions include Decimal ↔ Binary
↔ Octal ↔ Hexadecimal.
1. Decimal to Binary
Method: Divide the decimal number by 2
repeatedly and write remainders.
Number System Conversion
1. Decimal to Binary
(10)--->(1010)
Number System Conversion
2. Binary to Decimal
Method: Multiply each binary digit by 2
raised to its positional power (starting from 0
on the right).
Example: Binary 1011 → Decimal = 1×2³ +
0×2² + 1×2¹ + 1×2⁰ = 8 + 0 + 2 + 1 = 11
Number System Conversion
3 Decimal to Octal
Number System Conversion
4. Octal to Decimal
Method: Multiply each octal digit by 8 raised
to its positional power.
Example: Octal 17 → Decimal = 1×8¹ + 7×8⁰
= 8 + 7 = 15
Number System Conversion
5. Decimal to Hexadecimal
Number System Conversion
6. Hexadecimal to Decimal
Method: Multiply each hex digit by 16 raised
to its positional power.
Example: Hex 2F → Decimal = 2×16¹ +
15×16⁰ = 32 + 15 = 47
Number System Conversion
7. Binary to Octal, Hexadecimal