APPLICATIONS OF INFORMATION &

COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
(ICT)
 COURSE CONTENT

Hardware

Software

Introduction to ICT [Link] of ICT ICT platforms

Networks

local and cloud

data storage
 ICT (INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
TECHNOLOGY)

ICT refers to all technologies,

systems and tools that are used
to handle, process, store,
transmit, and share information.
Information Communication
Technology
It is a broad term that combines Technology
•Computers
ICT •Networks
Information technology (IT) •Hardwares
•Internet
•Softwares
(computers, software, databases, •Databases
•telecommunications

storage) with Communication

technology (networks, internet,
telecommunications) to enable
the digital exchange of
information.
 ICT
Information
Data that is processed and meaningful.
Communication
Sharing of that information between people, systems, or
devices.
Technology
Tools and platforms (hardware, software, networks, cloud
systems, etc.) that make this possible.
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTERS

1. Early Devices (Before 1900s)

o Abacus (ancient tool): Used for counting and simple math.
o Mechanical calculators (1600s): Built by Pascal and Leibniz for basic
calculations.
o Charles Babbage (1800s): Designed the Analytical Engine (early idea of a
computer).

Pascaline Babbage Analytical Abacus

Engine
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTERS

2. First Generation (1940s–

1950s)
o Used vacuum tubes (big
glass bulbs).
o Very large, slow, and
expensive.
o Example: ENIAC (1946), UN
IVAC (1951). UNIVAC
ENIAC
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTERS

3. Second Generation
(1950s–1960s)
o Transistors replaced
vacuum tubes (smaller and
faster).
o Computers became more
reliable and less costly.
2nd Generation Computer
o Programming with early
languages
like COBOL and FORTRA
N.
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTERS

4. Third Generation
(1960s–1970s)
o Integrated Circuits
(ICs) replaced
transistors.
o Computers
became smaller,
cheaper, and faster.
o Operating systems and I
better programming
IBM System/360
started.
o Example: IBM
System/360.
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTERS

5. Fourth Generation
(1970s–1980s)
• Microprocessors (CPU on
one chip) were invented.
• Start of personal
computers (PCs).
• Example: Apple II IBM PC Apple ll Microprocessor
(1977), IBM PC (1981).
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTERS

6. Fifth Generation (1980s–Today)

• Based on very advanced chips and networking.
• Includes laptops, tablets, smartphones, and the Internet.
• Cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and fast networks like 5G.
 TYPES OF COMPUTERS

1. Supercomputer
o The fastest and most powerful computers.
o Used for space research, weather forecasting, and scientific work.
2. Mainframe Computer
o Very large computers used by big companies and banks.
o Can process data for hundreds of users at the same time
3. Minicomputer
o Smaller than mainframes but bigger than personal computers.
o Used by medium-sized businesses.
 TYPES OF COMPUTERS(CONT)

4. Personal Computer (PC)

o The most common type.
o Used at home, schools, and offices.
o Examples: Desktop computers, Laptops.
5. Mobile Devices
o Smartphones and tablets.
o Small, portable, and powerful.
o Used for communication, apps, games, and browsing the Internet.
COMPONENTS OF ICT

[Link]

[Link] &
Cloud Data [Link]
Storage
Components
of ICT

[Link]
[Link]
platforms
 1. HARDWARE

 The physical components of ICT (Information and Communication Technology)

systems are the hardware devices that allow a computer or network to input, process,
store, output, and communicate information .
 These components work together to perform tasks such as typing documents, browsing
the internet, storing files, or running applications.
• Examples:
 Input devices: keyboard, mouse, scanner.
 Output devices: monitor, printer, speakers.
 Storage: hard drives, SSDs, USB.
 Processing: CPU, GPU, motherboard.
 Networking: routers, switches, servers.
 a. INPUT DEVICES
 Input devices are hardware used to enter data and instructions into a computer system.
 Input devices are the starting point of data processing.
1. Keyboard – Used to type text, numbers, and commands. It consists of keys like letters (A–Z),
numbers (0–9), function keys (F1–F12), and special keys (Ctrl, Alt, Enter).
2. Mouse – A pointing device that allows users to interact with graphical elements on the
screen (icons, menus, buttons). It detects motion and sends signals to the computer.
3. Scanner – Converts physical documents, photos, into digital format. Commonly used in
offices, libraries, and shops.
 B. OUTPUT DEVICES

 Output devices display, print, or play the results of computer processing

so that humans can understand them.
 Output devices provide the final results of processed data.
Examples:
a) Monitor (Screen/Display) – Shows visual output such as text, images, and
videos. Modern monitors use LED/LCD technology with high resolutions.
b) Printer – Produces a physical copy (hardcopy) of digital documents.
Types include inkjet printers (high-quality graphics), laser printers (fast,
bulk printing), and 3D printers (physical objects).
c) Speakers – Convert digital audio signals into sound waves. Useful for
music, calls, or system alerts.
 C. STORAGE DEVICES

• Storage devices save data permanently or temporarily for future use.

• Storage ensures data availability and backup
Examples:
a) Hard Drives (HDDs) – Magnetic storage with large capacity, used in
desktops and servers. Slower but cheaper than SSDs.
b) Solid-State Drives (SSDs) – Faster storage using flash memory. No
moving parts, more reliable, commonly used in laptops and modern PCs.
c) USB Drives (Flash Drives) – Portable, plug-and-play devices for quick data
transfer between systems.
C. STORAGE DEVICES
 D. PROCESSING DEVICES

Processing devices are the brain of the ICT system , responsible for
calculations and logic operations.
Processing devices transform raw input data into meaningful output
Examples:
1. CPU (Central Processing Unit) – Known as the "brain" of the computer. It
executes instructions, performs arithmetic, and manages operations.
2. GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) – Special processor designed for handling
complex graphics, images, and videos. Essential for gaming, AI, and data
science.
3. Motherboard – The main circuit board that connects all components (CPU,
RAM, storage, GPU, input/output ports) so they can communicate.
D. PROCESSING DEVICES
 E. NETWORKING DEVICES

 Networking devices allow computers and ICT systems to connect, share resources,
and communicate locally or over the internet.
 Networking devices enable communication and data exchange
Examples:
a) Routers – Connects multiple networks together, often linking a local home/office
network to the internet.
b) Switches – Connects multiple computers or devices within a local network (LAN),
ensuring efficient data transfer.

c) Servers – Powerful computers that store, process, and manage data for multiple
users. Examples: web servers (host websites), email servers and database servers.
 2. SOFTWARE

Software is the set of programs, instructions and data that tells a

computer or ICT system what to do.
Unlike hardware (which is physical), software is intangible — you
can’t touch it, but you can see and use it through screens and
interfaces.
Think of hardware as the body of a computer and software as the
brain/mind that gives it purpose.
Examples:
Operating Software, Application Software, Programming Software
 EXAMPLES OF SOFTWARE

1. Operating systems
a) Windows (popular for personal computers; user-friendly, supports many applications).
b) Linux (open-source, widely used for servers, programming, and networking).
c) macOS (Apple’s OS, known for design, stability, and multimedia use).
d) Android / iOS (mobile operating systems for smartphones and tablets).

2. Application software
Programs used by people to do tasks.
Examples:
a) Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) → writing, calculations, presentations.
b) Google Docs, Sheets, Slides → online collaboration tools.
c) Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Gmail → communication.
d) Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD → creative design.
 EXAMPLES OF SOFTWARE(CONT)

3. Programming Software
• Tools used by programmers to make other software.
Examples:
• Python, Java, C++ → programming languages.
• Visual Studio Code, PyCharm → code editors.

System Application Programming

software software software

helps
runs the helps users
create
computer do tasks
programs
 3. ICT PLATFORMS

An ICT platform is a framework or environment where hardware and software

work together to provide a specific service.
In other words, it’s like a stage where different ICT tools (computers, networks,
apps, servers) combine to let people communicate, collaborate, shop, or store
data..
Examples:
 Social media platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn.
 Collaboration platforms: Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace.
 E-commerce platforms: Amazon, Daraz.
 Cloud platforms: Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure.
 EXAMPLES OF ICT PLATFORMS

1. Social Media Platforms

These let people connect, share, and communicate online.
a) Facebook – Used for social networking, posting photos,
chatting, joining groups and advertising businesses.
b) LinkedIn – Professional networking platform, mainly for
jobs, career development, and connecting with colleagues.
2. Collaboration Platforms:
These help teams work together, even if they are far
apart.
a) Microsoft Teams – Used for chat, video meetings, file
sharing, and project teamwork.
b) Google Workspace – Includes tools like Docs, Sheets, and
Slides that allow many people to edit the same file at the
same time.
 EXAMPLES OF ICT PLATFORMS(CONT)

3. E-commerce Platforms
• These allow people to buy and sell products or
services online.
a) Amazon – Global online marketplace where you can buy
almost anything.
b) Daraz – Popular in South Asia (including Pakistan), for
shopping clothes, electronics, groceries, etc.
4. Cloud Platforms
• These provide storage, computing power, and
services over the internet.
a) Google Cloud – Provides data storage and collaboration
tools.
b) Microsoft Azure – Cloud services for hosting apps,
storing data, and managing networks.
 4. NETWORKS

• Definition:

• A group of interconnected devices that share resources and information.

• Types of Networks:
LAN (Local Area Network): Small area (office, school).

WAN (Wide Area Network): Large geographical area (Internet).

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): Covers a city or campus.

PAN( Personal Area Network): Short range, wireless

 LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN)

Definition:
A network that connects computers and devices
within a small area, such as a home, office, school,
or building.

Features:
High speed, low cost, limited range (up to a few
kilometers).

Examples:
•A school computer lab network.
•Wi-Fi in your home.
•Office network connecting PCs, printers, and
servers.
 METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK (MAN)

• Definition:
• A network that covers a city or a
large campus, bigger than a LAN
but smaller than a WAN.
• Features:
• Medium speed, covers 10–50 km,
connects several LANs.
• Examples:
Cable TV network in a city.
Internet service provided across a whole
city.
University campus network spread
across multiple buildings.
 WIDE AREA NETWORK (WAN)

• WAN (Wide Area Network)

• Definition: A network that covers a large
geographical area (country, continent, or
world). It connects multiple LANs and
MANs.
• Features: Slower than LANs, expensive,
uses public or leased communication
lines (fiber optics, satellites, etc.).
• Examples:
• The Internet (largest WAN).
• Bank networks connecting ATMs across
cities.
 PERSONAL AREA NETWORK (PAN)

Definition:
A very small network for personal use, usually
within a few meters.
Features:
Short-range, wireless, connects personal devices.
Examples:
 Bluetooth connection between mobile and
headphones.
 USB connection between PC and smartphone.
 Hotspot from your mobile to laptop.
 NETWORK TOPOLOGIES

The arrangement of computers in a network is called network topology.

 STAR TOPOLOGY

 All devices are connected to a central hub or

switch.
 Data travels from one device → hub/switch →
destination device.
 The hub acts as a controller.
Advantages
1. Easy to set up and expand.
2. If one device fails, others continue working.
3. Easy to detect and troubleshoot faults.
4. High performance (with switches).
Disadvantages
1. Hub/switch is a single point of failure.
2. More expensive (extra cables + hub).
3. If hub is overloaded, the whole network slows
down.
 BUS TOPOLOGY

•All devices are connected to a single main cable

(backbone).
•Data travels along the cable and each device checks if the
data is meant for it.
Advantages
1. Simple and cost-effective (less cabling).
2. Easy to set up for small networks.
3. Its cost is very low as compared to other topologies.
4. At can easily be extended to include more computers in
network.
 BUS TOPOLOGY

Disadvantages
 Main cable failure = entire network down.
 Limited cable length → performance issues in large
networks.
 Troubleshooting is difficult.
 Heavy data traffic → collisions and slow speed.
 One workstation goes faulty, all workstations are affected.
 It can be used only for a few computers. As the number of
computers increases, the network gets slower is difficult to
troubleshoot a bus.
 If the bus cable is damage, whole network goes down.
 RING TOPOLOGY

• Devices are connected in a circular path.

• Data travels in one direction (unidirectional) or both
directions (bidirectional in dual-ring).
• Each device passes the data to the next until it reaches
the destination.
Advantages
• Equal access for all devices (no device can monopolize).
• Performs better than bus when network traffic is high.
Disadvantages
• If one device or cable fails, the whole network can stop
• Harder to troubleshoot.
• Adding/removing devices can disturb the network.
RING TOPOLOGY
 5. LOCAL & CLOUD DATA STORAGE

• Local Storage
• Definition: Data is stored on physical devices that are
directly accessible to you.
• Features:
• No internet needed.
• Fast access speed.
• Limited storage capacity (depends on device).
• Risk of data loss if device is damaged or lost.
• Examples:
• Hard drives (HDD/SSD) in your computer.
• USB flash drives.
• CDs, DVDs.
• External hard disks.
• Memory card in a phone/camera.
 5. LOCAL & CLOUD DATA STORAGE

Cloud Storage
• Definition: Data is stored on remote
servers provided by cloud companies
and accessed via the internet.
• Features:
• Requires internet connection.
• Access from anywhere, any device.
• Large storage capacity (depends on plan).
• Data backup and sharing are easy.
• Examples:
• Google Drive
• Dropbox
• OneDrive (Microsoft)
• iCloud (Apple)