Unit 3
Information & Communication Technology Skills-II
Exam-Oriented Revision Notes
Computer Operations • Files & Folders • Maintenance • Security
ICT skills help us use digital devices effectively, manage files, maintain computers and protect information.
Basic Computer Operations
EXAM IMPORTANTWhat is ICT?
ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology.
ICT refers to the methods, tools and concepts used for storing, recording and sending digital information.
Smartphones • Tablets • Laptops • Desktop Computers
Hardware and Software
| Hardware | Software |
|---|---|
|
Physical parts of a computer that can be
seen and touched.
Examples: Keyboard, monitor, CPU. |
Programs that make the hardware work
and perform particular functions.
Examples: Operating system, browser, games and office applications. |
Hardware = physical parts
Software = programs/instructions
Operating System (OS)
An Operating System is the most important software in a computer. It starts working when the computer is switched on and provides the environment through which the user can operate the computer.
Examples mentioned in the textbook include Ubuntu, Microsoft Windows and Mac OS for computers and Apple iOS and Google Android for mobile devices.
Starting a Computer
When a computer is switched on, it performs basic processes before it is ready to accept instructions from the user.
Power ON → POST/BIOS check → Operating System starts → Login/Welcome screen → Desktop
BIOS
BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System.
BIOS runs automatically when the computer is switched on. It performs a self-test and, if the system is fine, loads the Operating System.
Login and Logout
A login ID and password help identify an authorised user and restrict unauthorised access.
After finishing work, the user should log out/sign out so that another person cannot access the user's work.
Shutting Down
A computer should be shut down using the operating system's Shut Down option. The operating system closes applications before turning the computer off.
Keyboard
A keyboard is an input device used to enter text, numbers and commands into a computer.
| Key / Group | Function |
|---|---|
| Function Keys F1–F12 | Perform specific functions depending on the program. |
| Enter | Confirms an instruction or moves to a new line while typing. |
| Spacebar | Inserts a space between words. |
| Backspace | Deletes the character to the left of the cursor. |
| Arrow Keys | Move the cursor in different directions. |
Mouse Functions
| Function | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Click | Press and release the mouse button. |
| Double-click | Click twice quickly. |
| Right-click | Opens a context menu. |
| Drag and Drop | Press and hold the mouse button, move the item and release it. |
| Hover | Move the pointer over an item without clicking. |
Quick Recall
ICT → Hardware + Software → OS → BIOS → Login → Work → Logout
Performing Basic File Operations
VERY IMPORTANTWhat is a File?
A file is a collection of information stored electronically on a computer.
Different types of files store different types of information.
What is a Folder?
A folder is a location where a group of files can be stored.
School cupboard → Folder
Student file → Computer file
File Name and Extension
A file has a name and a file-name extension. The extension identifies the type of file and is separated from the file name by a dot.
| Extension | Common File Type |
|---|---|
| .txt | Text file |
| .doc | Document file |
| .xls | Spreadsheet file |
| .jpg | Image file |
| .mp3 | Sound/audio file |
Basic File Operations
- Create — make a new file or folder.
- Save — store the file.
- Copy — make another copy of the file.
- Move — change the location of a file.
- Rename — change the name of a file or folder.
- Delete — remove a file or folder.
Important Keyboard Shortcuts
Ctrl + Z → Undo
Ctrl + Y → Redo
Ctrl + A → Select All
Ctrl + X → Cut
Ctrl + C → Copy
Ctrl + V → Paste
Ctrl + P → Print
Ctrl + S → Save
Ctrl + C = Copy
Ctrl + X = Cut
Ctrl + V = Paste
Ctrl + S = Save
Ctrl + Z = Undo
Ctrl + Y = Redo
Creating a Text File
- Open a text editor.
- Type the required information.
- Choose the Save option.
- Select the location where the file should be stored.
- Enter the file name.
- Save the file.
Creating a Folder
- Open the file explorer.
- Choose the location where the folder is required.
- Right-click and choose New Folder.
- Enter the folder name.
Quick Recall
File = Information
Folder = Collection of files
Extension = Identifies file type
Computer Care and Maintenance
EXAM IMPORTANTImportance of Computer Care
Regular care and maintenance helps computers and mobile devices work properly for a longer time and helps prevent unnecessary damage and expenses.
Keeping a Device Clean
| Part | Care |
|---|---|
| Keyboard | Avoid eating over it. Remove dust and crumbs carefully. |
| Screen | Wipe fingerprints and dust using a soft cloth. |
| Food & Drinks | Keep liquids away from electronic devices. |
| Laptop/Mobile | Handle carefully and protect from falls and hard impacts. |
Keep the Computer Cool
- Make sure the CPU fan is working properly.
- Do not cover laptop ventilation areas.
- Avoid using devices in direct sunlight for long periods.
- Do not leave a device inside a closed hot car.
- Do not block the laptop fan while using it.
Overheating can damage the internal parts of a computer.
Battery Care
Avoid keeping a device plugged in for a long time after it is fully charged because excessive charging can cause the battery to overheat.
Backup Data
Backup means making a copy of important data on another storage location so that the data can be recovered if the original computer or storage fails.
Computers can crash, people can make mistakes and natural disasters can damage equipment. A backup helps recover important data.
Scanning and Cleaning Viruses
Anti-virus software can scan a computer for viruses, help prevent infections and clean viruses that have entered the system.
Improving Computer Performance
Unnecessary files such as temporary files and unused data can occupy hard-disk space. Removing unnecessary files can help maintain computer performance.
SPAM
SPAM refers to unwanted emails, often sent for advertising or attracting users to websites.
- Do not respond to suspicious spam.
- Delete unwanted spam.
- Use spam filters where available.
Quick Recall
Clean → Cool → Handle Carefully → Battery Care → Backup → Anti-virus → Remove Unnecessary Files → Control Spam
Computer Security and Privacy
HIGH PRIORITYWhy is Computer Security Important?
Computers and electronic devices store important information, including personal, educational, financial and other sensitive data.
Computer security and privacy involve measures used to protect computers and restrict unauthorised access to personal data.
Security Breach
A security breach is the leakage or unauthorised access of information stored on a computer.
Threats to Computer Security
| Threat | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Physical Theft | Stealing the physical computer or device. |
| Identity Theft | Stealing personal information and using it to assume another person's identity. |
| Software Piracy | Using or distributing unauthorised or unlicensed copies of software. |
| Virus | A harmful computer program that can damage data/software or steal information. |
| Online Predator | A person who may attempt to trap or manipulate others through inappropriate online interactions. |
| Internet Scam | A deceptive online scheme designed to obtain money or personal/account information. |
How Personal Information Can Be Lost or Leaked
- Sharing account details or passwords on unsafe websites.
- Allowing unauthorised people to access the computer.
- Leaving a computer without logging out.
Computer Viruses
A computer virus is a harmful program that may damage data or software and may steal information.
| Type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Worm | A type of malicious program that can replicate itself and spread to other files or systems. |
| Trojan Horse | A malicious program that disguises itself as useful or legitimate software. |
Protecting Your Data
| Protection Method | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Strong Password | Helps prevent unauthorised access. A strong password can combine letters, numbers and special characters. |
| Anti-virus | Detects, prevents and helps remove viruses. |
| Firewall | Monitors data entering and leaving a computer and helps block harmful or unauthorised access. |
| Encryption | Converts data into a protected form that requires a key/password for authorised access. |
| Secure Websites | Sensitive information such as banking details should only be entered on trustworthy secure sites. |
| Logout | Prevents another person from accessing an account or computer after you finish your work. |
Password → Prevent unauthorised access
Anti-virus → Detect/remove viruses
Firewall → Controls incoming/outgoing network data
Encryption → Protects data by converting it into a coded form
Safe Internet Habits
- Do not share passwords with others.
- Do not enter personal or banking information on suspicious sites.
- Log out after using a shared computer.
- Be careful with attractive online offers and unknown messages.
- Keep security software updated.
- Keep important data backed up.
Quick Recall
Security → Threats → Virus → Password → Anti-virus → Firewall → Encryption → Secure Sites
Unit 3 — One Page Recall
| Topic | Must Remember |
|---|---|
| ICT | Information and Communication Technology; methods/tools related to digital information. |
| Hardware | Physical parts of a computer. |
| Software | Programs that make hardware work. |
| OS | Main software that starts when the computer is switched on. |
| BIOS | Basic Input/Output System; performs initial self-test and loads the operating system. |
| File | Collection of information stored electronically. |
| Folder | Location used to store a group of files. |
| File Extension | Identifies the type of a file. |
| Backup | Copy of data kept for recovery. |
| SPAM | Unwanted email, often advertising or promotional. |
| Security Breach | Leakage or unauthorised access to stored information. |
| Virus | Harmful program that can damage data/software or steal information. |
| Worm | Malware that can replicate and spread. |
| Trojan Horse | Malicious software disguised as useful software. |
| Encryption | Protecting data by converting it into a coded form. |
Keyboard Shortcut Sheet
Ctrl + A — Select All
Ctrl + C — Copy
Ctrl + X — Cut
Ctrl + V — Paste
Ctrl + S — Save
Ctrl + P — Print
Ctrl + Z — Undo
Ctrl + Y — Redo
Questions You Should Know
1. What is ICT?
2. Differentiate between hardware and software.
3. What is an Operating System?
4. What is BIOS and what does it do?
5. Why are login and logout important?
6. What is a computer file?
7. What is a folder?
8. What is a file extension? Give examples.
9. Write any five keyboard shortcuts.
10. What is backup and why is it important?
11. What is SPAM?
12. What is a security breach?
13. Explain any three threats to computer security.
14. Differentiate between a Worm and a Trojan Horse.
15. Write measures to protect personal data.