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Information Communication Technology (ICT): The New Direction of Progress

August 17, 2023

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What is ICT?

Information and communications technology (ICT) is a perceptive and lengthening term for Information Technology (IT) that focuses on the role of unified communications and the integration of telecommunications. Definitely, ICT is the new direction and indication of human progress. It is used in all spheres of life.

ICT is the use of computing and telecommunication technologies.
It is the use of systems and tools to facilitate the way information is created, collected, processed, transmitted and stored.
It includes communication devices as well as the services provided with the help of them.
It also includes software, audio-visual networks and storage that helps users to utilize them according to their requirements.
It covers all communication devices, cell phones, radio, television, and computer along with satellite systems.
Various services and appliances such as video conferencing and distance learning programmes are also included in ICT with analogue technology.

Major Components of ICT

Software
Hardware
Internet
Data
User
Communication Technologies
Operating System
Cloud Computing
Digital Resources etc.

Benefits of ICT

• Easy Communication: ICT helps us talk to people far away using emails, chats, or video calls. It’s like sending a letter, but way quicker!

• Quick Information: With ICT, we can find information super-fast by searching on the internet. No more searching through big books!

• Learning and Education: Students can learn online, watch educational videos, and even take classes from experts who are far away.

• Entertainment: ICT brings us fun stuff like movies, games, and music. We can watch videos and play games on our devices.

• Work and Business: Many jobs and businesses use ICT to manage information, keep records, and talk to clients. It makes everything more organized.

• Shopping: We can shop online without going to a physical store. It’s like having a mall on our computer!

• Healthcare: Doctors can use ICT to see and diagnose patients from far away, which is really helpful, especially in emergencies.

• Global Connections: ICT helps people from different parts of the world connect, share ideas, and understand each other’s cultures.

• Saving Time and Money: ICT can automate tasks, like checking out at a store or booking flights. This saves time and sometimes even money.

• Creativity: We can make art, music, and videos using ICT tools, making it easier to express ourselves.

Devices used in Information Communication Technology (ICT)

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) surrounds a wide range of devices that facilitate the collection, storage, processing, and transmission of information. Here’s a more extensive list of devices used in ICT:

Computers:
- Personal Computers (PCs)
- Laptops
- Workstations
- Servers
- Mainframes
- Supercomputers
Mobile Devices:
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- E-readers
- Wearable Devices (smartwatches, fitness trackers)
Networking Devices:
- Routers
- Switches
- Hubs
- Access Points
- Modems
- Gateways
Input and Output Devices:
- Keyboards
- Mice and Pointing Devices
- Scanners
- Printers
- Monitors
- Projectors
Storage Devices:
- Hard Drives
- Solid-State Drives (SSDs)
- USB Flash Drives
- Optical Disc Drives (CD/DVD/Blu-ray)
Communication Devices:
- VoIP Phones
- Traditional Landline Phones
- Fax Machines
Multimedia Devices:
- Cameras (Digital Cameras, Webcams)
- Microphones
- Speakers
- Headphones
IoT Devices:
- Smart Home Devices (smart thermostats, smart lights, etc.)
- Industrial IoT Sensors
- Wearable Health Monitoring Devices
Storage Area Network (SAN) Devices:
- Fibre Channel Switches
- SAN Arrays
Security Devices:
- Firewalls
- Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)
- Biometric Devices (fingerprint scanners, facial recognition)
Backup Devices:
- Tape Drives
- Network Attached Storage (NAS)
Virtualization Devices:
- Hypervisors
- Virtual Machines
Embedded Systems:
- Microcontrollers
- Embedded Computers (used in appliances, vehicles, etc.)
Gaming Devices:
- Game Consoles
- Gaming PCs
- Handheld Gaming Devices
Navigation Devices:
- GPS Devices
- In-Car Navigation Systems
Robotics Devices:
- Industrial Robots
- Consumer Robots (vacuum robots, educational robots)
A/V Equipment:
- Video Conferencing Systems
- Audio Mixers
Cloud Infrastructure:
- Virtual Servers
- Cloud Storage
Collaboration Tools:
- Video Conferencing Cameras
- Interactive Whiteboards
Energy Management Devices:
- Smart Energy Meters

How does a Computer work?

A computer works like a very smart and super-fast problem solver.
It uses tiny electronic parts called transistors to understand and follow instructions.
These instructions are given in a special language called code.
The computer’s brain, called the central processing unit (CPU), reads these instructions and does math, remembers things, and makes decisions based on them.
It does all of this by switching the transistors on and off really quickly.
The more transistors a computer has, the smarter and faster it can be.
Computers use memory to store information while they’re working and save it for later.
When you play games, watch videos, or do homework on a computer, you’re actually telling it what to do by giving it instructions in its special code language.

Important Components of Computer

Central Processing Unit (CPU): Think of the CPU as the brain of the computer. It does all the thinking and calculations. When you click or type something, the CPU figures out what to do and makes it happen.

Memory (RAM): Memory is like the computer’s short-term memory. It helps the computer do tasks quickly. When you open a program, it goes into memory so the CPU can work on it fast.

Storage (Hard Drive or SSD): Storage is like the computer’s long-term memory. It’s where everything is saved even when the computer is turned off. Your files, pictures, and programs are all stored here.

Motherboard: The motherboard is like the computer’s main body. It holds all the parts together and lets them talk to each other. Think of it as a big electronic puzzle board.

Input and Output Devices: Input devices are like how you tell the computer what to do. A keyboard and a mouse are examples. Output devices are like how the computer talks back to you, like the monitor or speakers.

Operating System: This is a program that provides a means of communication between the computer and the person working on it. We cannot use a computer without its operating system.

Graphics Card (GPU): The graphics card helps the computer show you pictures and videos on the screen. It’s especially important for gaming and watching movies.

Network Card: The network card helps the computer connect to the internet or other devices. It’s like the computer’s way of talking to other computers.

Various Computer Hardware and Software items

Hardware: It consists of all the electronic and mechanical parts used in computers.

Screen: The computer’s TV where you see everything.
Keyboard: The thing you type on, like a typewriter.
Mouse: The pointy thing you move to click on stuff.
CPU (Brain): The computer’s thinker that makes everything work.
Memory (RAM): The computer’s quick memory for doing stuff right now.
Storage (Hard Drive or SSD): The computer’s storage for keeping things long-term.
Speakers: The computer’s voice for making sound.
Printer: The computer’s artist that can print pictures and words.
USB Ports: The computer’s plugs for connecting things like cameras and flash drives.
Network Card: The computer’s friend that helps it talk to other computers.
Power Cord: The computer’s lifeline for getting electricity.

Software: It refers to the commands given to the computer, information supplied to it (input) and the results obtained from the computer after analysis (output).

Operating System: The computer’s boss that tells it what to do.
Web Browser: The computer’s explorer for searching the internet.
Word Processor: The computer’s writer for making documents.
Photo Editor: The computer’s artist for editing pictures.
Antivirus Software: The computer’s protector for keeping away the bad stuff.
Games: The computer’s playtime for having fun.
Music Player: The computer’s DJ for playing your favorite tunes.
Video Player: The computer’s movie projector for watching videos.
Chat Apps: The computer’s messenger for talking to friends online.
Calculator: The computer’s math whiz for solving problems.
Maps and Navigation: The computer’s guide for finding places.