Basic ICT Skills

Class 9 Notes
Introduction to ICT
1. ICT- Information and Communications Technology.
2. Information and Communications Technology (ICT), is a general term that combines
communication technology (telephone lines and wireless signals) and information technology
(hardware, software, storage, audio-visual systems, Internet, etc).
3. ICT helps you to effectively utilise the knowledge and skills. The basic ICT skills that you
need are
 How to operate computers
 How to browse the Internet for collecting, storing the information.
4. ICT enables users to access, store, transmit, and manipulate information as fast as possible.

Role and Importance of ICT

1. ICT‟s Impact on Our Personal Lives

 Our daily chores

 Our entertainment options
 Our connectivity
 Our shopping styles
 Booking appointment with doctor
 Our communication methods

ICT skills needed at home are:

 Operating modern machines

 Using Internet
 Using connectivity software like video conferencing
 Using various types of social media etc.
 Making digital payments

2. ICT‟s Impact on Our Work Lives

 Decision-making capabilities
 Data availability
 Reach to any corner of the world is possible
 Better presentation tools
 Better connectivity of businesses to other businesses and clients etc.

ICT skills needed at workplace are:

 Creating various types of documents such as text documents, spread sheets,

presentations etc.
 Using Internet for searching
 Sending / Receiving emails
  Using connectivity software like video conferencing
 Using various specializes software

2. ICT‟s Impact in Our Daily Life

 Online shopping
 Media sharing
 Online game
 Online Video conference
 Online payment
 Enhanced Communication
 More Efficient Transportation

Places where ICT is used

 ICT at Workplace – In workplace computer software and applications is used to
making documents, tables, graphs and to do calculation.
 ICT at Home – In home people are use television for entertainment and phones for
calling up other people.
 ICT at Agriculture – Different agriculture related activities like research, development
and training is done using ICT.
 ICT at Banking and Finance – ICT helps banks to provide better services to customers,
online banking system, customers can access the accounts etc.

ICT Tools:
ICT tools are the devices used in information and communication technology, e.g. computer,
cell phones, Internet, email, software, radio, TV, etc.

1. Computers and Laptops: These are the electronic devices that have a specific processor and
that work as per programs and software loaded on them. While the term computer refers to a
desktop computer, laptop refers to a lighter version of computer that can fit on your lap.

2. Smartphones and Tablets: The Smartphone is a handheld device that has combined cellular
telephony with an integrated computer like tiny processor, operating system, etc. A Tablet is a
cousin of smartphone, which is capable of doing nearly all that a smartphone can do with
small difference.

3. Radio and TV: Radio is the oldest tool and provides entertainment via audio only to masses.
Television is the audio-visual medium that can play audio as well as video.

4. Internet and Email: The Internet refers to the worldwide network of interconnected servers
that are connected to many networks. The Email is a facility of Internet which allows one to
send mails electronically in a flash second.
Smartphone vs. Tablet vs. Laptop
1. Portability

 Smartphones are very light, very easy to carry.

 Tablets are thin and light but heavier than a smart phone but still easy to carry.
 Laptops are much heavier and it takes effort to carry them.

2. Functionality

 Smartphone have small screen size.

 Tablets have large displays than smartphones.
 Laptops have bigger displays than a tablet

3. Ease / Difficulty in Working

 Smartphones is a small computer in hands with cellular telephony, very easy to work
with in a stable.
 A Tablet offers better display with smartphone‟s productivity, easy to just turn on and
use in any environment.
 Laptop requires a specific place to work e.g. it is comparatively difficult to work with
laptop having a mouse in a fast moving car.

1. Portability

 Smartphones are very light, very easy to carry.

 Tablets are thin and light but heavier than a smart phone but still easy to carry.
 Laptops are much heavier and it takes effort to carry them.

2. Functionality

 Smartphone have small screen size.

 Tablets have large displays than smartphones.
 Laptops have bigger displays than a tablet

3. Ease / Difficulty in Working

 Smartphones is a small computer in hands with cellular telephony, very easy to work
with in a stable.
 A Tablet offers better display with smartphone‟s productivity, easy to just turn on and
use in any environment.
 Laptop requires a specific place to work e.g. it is comparatively difficult to work with
laptop having a mouse in a fast moving car.

4. Battery Life

 Smartphones have small battery life, rely only on mobile batteries.

  Most Tablets have battery life that is far better than laptops but work with only mobile
batteries.
 Laptops fare better on power availability as both battery and electricity power options
are available.

5. Flexibility

 A smartphone is maximum flexible.

 A tablet sits somewhere between the smart phone and laptop in most areas, and
flexibility is no exception.
 Laptop offers less flexibility as compared to a smartphone and a tablet.

6. Productivity

 Smartphone productivity is limited because of many issues like limited battery power,
smaller screen size, less resources etc.
 A tablet offers better productivity than smart phones because of larger displays but has
limited battery life and software support is also less compared to laptops.
 Laptops offer the best productivity among these as they have better power options,
larger screen size and all types of software available.

What is computer?
1. A computer is an electronic device used to input the data, process the data and finally
gives the output.
2. A computer is an electronic device that can perform a variety of operations according
to a set of instructions called Program.
3. A computer is a combination of Hardware and Software, which transforms Data into
Information.

Hardware: It refers to the physical parts of the computer, the ones that you can touch e.g.,
keyboard, mouse, etc.

Software: It refers to the instructions (programs) that tell the computer what to do.

Data: Unprocessed raw facts and figures are called data.

Information: Processed and meaningful form of data is called information.

Functioning of a Computer
Input: Things to work upon

Process: The actual work taking place

Output: The result

A computer takes an input, carries out a process upon it and produces an output.
Functional Components of a Computer
A computer mainly has 4 functions:

1. Accepts Data- Input

2. Process Data – Processing
3. Produces Result – Output
4. Stores Results – Storage

Basic Structure of a computer

Input Function: It is responsible for providing the information in the computer and is
performed by Input Unit. Ex: Mouse, keyboard, etc.

Output Function: It is responsible for displaying the data input to computer or the processed
data in human readable form and is performed by output unit. Ex: Monitor, Speaker, etc.

Processing Function: This is responsible for carrying out the given instructions on given data.
It is performed by Central Processing Unit (CPU).

CPU uses following components:

 Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): It is responsible for carrying out arithmetic
instructions (e.g. +, -, x, /) or logical instructions (>, <, = etc)
 Control Unit (CU): This unit is responsible for controlling the execution of instructions
– one instruction at a time and hence it supervises and controls required components to
carry out the instruction.
 Primary Memory: This memory made available to CPU to store data and instructions
being processed.

Storage Function: It is responsible for storing any kind of information permanently and is
performed by Storage Unit (also called as secondary unit). Ex: USB drives, Flash drive, etc.

Memory: Memory is the storage brain of computer, which holds the data during processing.
Characteristics of Computer
Strengths of computer:

1. Speed: A modern computer can execute millions of instructions in one second.

2. High Storage capacity: Computers can store a large amount of information in very
small space.
3. Accuracy: Computers can perform all the calculations and comparisons accurately,
provided the hardware does not malfunction.
4. Reliability: Computers never gets tired and boredom.
5. Versatility: Computers can perform variety of functions with precise accuracy.

Weaknesses of computer:

1. Lack of Decision-Making Power: Non – AI computers cannot decide on their own.

2. Requires Substantial Investment: Computers are the machines with sophisticated parts
that require good amount of investment.

Basic Features of Mobile Device

Basic features of a mobile device include the ability to make and receive calls, send and receive
text messages, access the internet (through Wi-Fi or cellular data), and have a user interface
(typically a touchscreen) for interacting with the device.

Common Functionality available in Smart mobile Devices are:

1. Voice and Text Communication: The core functionality of a mobile device is to enable
communication through voice calls and text messaging (SMS).

2. Wireless Connectivity: Mobile devices connect to networks wirelessly using cellular data,
Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.

3. User Interface: A user interface, often a touchscreen, allows users to interact with the
device and its applications.

4. Basic Apps: Many mobile devices come with pre-installed apps for common tasks like web
browsing, calendar management, and basic utilities.

5. Digital Media Playback: Most mobile devices can play music, videos, and display images.

6. Camera: Cameras are standard on most modern mobile devices, allowing users to capture
photos and videos.

7. GPS: Global Positioning System (GPS) allows for location tracking and navigation.

8. Storage: Mobile devices have internal storage for apps, media, and user data.

9. Sensors: Many mobile devices include sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes for
motion and orientation detection, as well as proximity sensors.
10. Operating System: Mobile devices run on operating systems (like Android or iOS) that
manage the hardware and software.

Computer System – An Overview

Hardware of a computer system broadly comprises of the following:
1. CPU
2. Memory:
 Primary Memory (Internal Memory): Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access
Memory (RAM)
 Secondary Memory (External memory): All storage devices like hard- disk, CD, DVD,
pen drive etc.
3. Input Devices
4. Output Devices

Memory in a Computer System

 Main Memory or Primary Memory or Internal Memory: The memory that holds data
and instructions during processing. It is temporary memory.
 Secondary Memory or External Memory: The memory that can store data / files for
later use i.e., permanently.

Units of Memory:
1. Computers stores and process data / information in the form of binary numbers. A
binary number is either a 0 or a 1 and is known as bit, which is short form for Binary
Digit.
2. A bit is the smallest unit of memory. A bigger unit is a byte, which is a group of 8 bits.
But byte is also a very small memory unit.

Understanding RAM and ROM

RAM stands for Random Access Memory; it is also known as volatile memory. RAM is used
to store the data that is currently open in the computer. ROM stands for read-only memory,
which stores the data and instruction permanently.
Limitations of RAM:
1. Limited storage capacity
2. Volatile in nature.

Motherboard
The motherboard, is also known as the system board, is a main circuit board inside the
computer, it connects input, processing, and output devices.

Storage devices (Secondary Memory Devices)

Storage device is used to store the files and folders or digital information which you can carry
easily from one place to another place using USB flash drive, hard disk, CD, DVD drives etc.

1. Hard Disk Drive (HDD): A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is a traditional storage device that
stores data on spinning magnetic disks. It's commonly used because it offers large storage
space at a low cost. However, it‟s slower than newer storage technologies.

2. CD (Compact Disc): Holds up to 700 MB of data, often used for music, software, or small
files.

3. DVD (Digital Versatile Disc): Can store more data than a CD, typically 4.7 GB or more, and
is commonly used for videos or larger data files.

4. Blu-ray Disc: Designed for high-definition video, Blu-ray discs can hold from 25 GB (single
layer) to 50 GB (dual layer), making those great for movies and large files.

5. USB Flash Drives: USB Flash Drives are small, portable devices that use flash memory to
store data. They‟re commonly used to transfer files between computers or as backup storage.
They are durable, easy to carry, and come in various sizes, ranging from a few gigabytes to
several terabytes.

6. Flash Memory Cards (SD Cards, MicroSD Cards): Flash Memory Cards like SD cards and
MicroSD cards are tiny, portable storage devices used in cameras, smartphones, and other
gadgets. They are ideal for storing photos, videos, and other media files.

Input Devices
Input devices are hardware components that send data and control signals to an information
processing system, like a computer, enabling users to interact with and control the device.

1. Keyboard: A primary input device with keys for letters, numbers, and functions.
2. Mouse: Controls a cursor on the screen, allowing users to select items and navigate.
3. Touchscreen: Enables direct interaction with a device by touching the screen.
4. Graphics Tablet: Used by artists and designers to input drawings and artwork.
5. Scanner: Creates a digital copy of a paper document or image.
6. Barcode Reader: Scans barcodes to input product information, often found in retail.
7. OMR (Optical Mark Reader): Reads marked bubbles or checkmarks on forms, such as
in test grading.
8. Microphone: Converts sound waves into electrical signals for the computer.
9. Webcam: Captures live video and images from the user's perspective.
10. Digital Camera: Captures still images and video.
11. Joystick: Used for controlling movement in video games.
12. Game Controller: Provides a versatile input method for various game actions.

Output Devices
Output devices are computer hardware components that translate digital information from a
computer into a human-perceivable form, such as visual, audio, or tactile output.
 1. Monitors: Display visual information like text, graphics, and video on a screen.
2. Projectors: Display images or video onto a large screen or surface, used for
presentations and large-scale viewing.
3. Printers: Produce hard copies of digital documents on paper.
4. Plotters: A type of printer that creates high-quality graphics on large sheets of paper.
5. Speakers: Produce sound, from music to system alerts, from a computer.
6. Headphones: Deliver audio directly to the user's ears.
7. Sound Cards: Process audio data and send it to speakers or headphones.

Peripheral Devices
Peripheral devices are external hardware components, like mice, keyboards, and printers that
connect to a computer to provide additional functionality, such as input, output, or storage,
without being a core part of the computer's basic system.

Peripheral Devices‟ Ports

Peripheral device ports are physical connections on a computer that allow external devices
(peripherals) to connect and communicate with the computer. These ports enable the transfer
of data, power, and other signals between the computer and devices like keyboards, mice,
printers, and monitors.

1. USB (Universal Serial Bus): The most common type, used for a wide range of devices
including keyboards, mice, printers, and external storage.
2. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface): Primarily used for transmitting high-
quality video and audio signals, commonly connecting monitors and TVs.
3. VGA (Video Graphics Array): An older analog video interface, still found on some
devices.
4. Ethernet: Used for wired network connections, allowing computers to connect to local
networks and the internet.
5. Serial Ports (RS-232): Older ports used for connecting devices like modems and older
peripherals. They transmit data one bit at a time.
6. Parallel Ports: Another older type, used for connecting printers and other devices. They
transmit multiple bits simultaneously.
7. PS/2 Ports: Used for connecting older keyboards and mice.
8. DisplayPort: A digital display interface, often used for connecting monitors.
9. FireWire: A high-speed interface, primarily used for video cameras and other
peripherals.
10. Audio Jacks: Used for connecting speakers, headphones, and microphones.
11. Wireless Connections: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are used for connecting peripherals
wirelessly.

Ports and connections

Ports are the slots or channels where we insert the cables for the external hard drive, mouse,
and keyboard. Ports helps us to connect input, output, and storage devices within a computer
system. There are several types of ports that you can use to connect an external device.

 USB Port – USB stands for Universal serial bus, USB helps to connects peripheral
devices, such as a mouse or a keyboard or a printer to a computer.
  Display port – It helps to connect monitor, or any display unit to the computer. There
are two types of display port Video Graphics Array (VGA) and High-Definition
Multimedia Interface (HDMI) depending on the requirement.
 Audio ports – It help to connect microphone, speakers, and headphones to a computer
system.
 Ethernet port – Ethernet port is used for connecting the system to high-speed Internet
cable.
 Power port – Power port is used for connecting the computer system to the power
supply.

Basic Computer Operations

Introducing OS Windows 10:
Microsoft Windows 10 is a GUI based operating system that adheres to the features of a good
GUI. Multiple applications can be simultaneously run in different windows.

Basic functions performed when a computer starts

When we switch on a computer, computer automatically runs a basic program called BIOS
(Basic Input/Output System). The BIOS first run a self-test. If the self-test shows that the
system is fine, the BIOS will load the Operating System.

Using the keyboard

A keyboard helps to insert text, number and command into the computer. There are various
types of keys are available on keyboard –

 Function keys – Function keys start from F1 to F12 to perform specific work. for
example, F1 key is used to open help program in computer.
 Control keys – Control keys perform special functions depend on the purpose. for
example, Control (CTRL), Shift, Spacebar and ALT.
 Enter key – Enter and Return keys helps to move the cursor to the beginning of a line.
 Punctuation keys – Colon (:), semicolon (;), single quotation marks („ „), double
quotation marks (” “) and question marks (?) are known as punctuation keys.
 Navigation keys – The arrow keys, END, HOME, Page Up and Page Down are known
as navigation keys.
 Command keys – Insert (INS), Delete (DEL) and Backspace are known as command
keys.
 Windows key – Pressing this key opens the Start menu.

Using a mouse
A mouse is a small device that you can use to move, select, and open items on your computer
screen.
  Roll over/hover – Moving a mouse over a file or folder in file explorer, it will show the
details of file and folder.
 Point and click – The mouse allows you to select an item on the screen.
 Drag and drop – move the item to a new location.
 Double-click – When we double-click the file icon, it will open the file.

The Start button:

 The Start button, a key feature in Windows operating systems, is a graphical element,
typically a button displaying the Windows logo that provides access to the Start menu.
 To use the Windows Start menu, either click the Start button (the Windows logo icon)
in the bottom-left corner of your taskbar or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
 This will open the Start menu, providing access to your installed programs, files, system
settings, and options to search for items, run commands, or shut down your computer.

The Taskbar:
The taskbar is a strip on the computer screen, usually at the bottom, that provides quick
access to open applications, the Start menu, system settings, and notifications.

Computer or This PC
 Computer or This PC in a Windows operating system is a desktop icon that provides
access to your computer's storage drives, connected devices, and other resources,
functioning like the "My Computer" icon from older Windows versions.
 To display this icon on your desktop, right-click on the desktop, select Personalize >
Themes > Desktop icon settings, then check the box next to Computer and click Apply.

Windows Accessories Application

 Windows Accessories are pre-installed applications within the Microsoft Windows
operating system that provide users with various utilities for tasks like drawing, note-
taking, and basic calculations.
 Common examples include Calculator, Notepad, Paint, WordPad, Character Map, and
Snipping Tool.
 To find them, you typically open the Start Menu, go to "All apps" or "Windows Tools,"
and scroll down to the "W" section.

Shutting Down a Computer

 To shut down a Windows computer, click the Start button (Windows icon) or the Power
icon, then select "Shut down" from the menu. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard
shortcuts Alt + F4 (from the desktop) or Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select the power icon,
then choose "Shut down".
 Always save your work and close all applications before shutting down the computer to
prevent data loss.
Steps to Shut Down via the Start Menu:

1. Open the Start Menu: Click the Windows icon or Start button on your taskbar.
2. Click the Power Icon: Select the Power button from the Start menu.
3. Choose Shut Down: From the options that appear, select "Shut down".
4. Wait for Completion: Allow the computer to turn off completely, then switch off the
monitor.

Performing Basic File Operations

What is files and folders in computer system?
All the information in computer stored in files, every file name has a file name and extension
that identifies the file type. The file name and file extension are separated by a period or a
„dot‟. for example, notepad file has an extension „.txt‟, image file has an extension „.jpg‟, sound
file has an extension „.mp3‟. Folder is a collection of files and sub folder.

Working with Linux OS (Ubuntu)

 Linux is a family of open-source, Unix-like operating systems built around the Linux
kernel, created by Linus Torvalds in 1991.
 It is a free and community-developed OS that functions as an alternative to proprietary
systems like Windows and macOS, and is used across a wide range of devices, from
smartphones (like Android) to the world's most powerful supercomputers.
 Popular versions, called distributions or "distros," bundle the Linux kernel with
various tools and a user-friendly interface, such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Fedora.

Starting Ubuntu
 When you boot your computer / laptop with Ubuntu, you first taken to login screen,
where you need to log in.

1. On this log in screen, select the user you want to login as, enter the password and press
Enter.
2. In a few seconds the user‟s desktop will appear.

 Ubuntu interface‟s Favourites panel on the left side of the desktop containing icons of
most used applications.
 You can access network settings, system language, audio volume, date and time and
power menu from the top right bar.
 Through Ubuntu launcher, you can search for an application on your computer.
 Every user on the Linux has a special home directory for it, namely /home/<username>.
 The Linux directory structure is a hierarchical organization of files and directories,
starting from the root directory, represented by a forward slash (/).
 This structure is defined by the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard (FHS), ensuring
consistency across different Linux distributions.
Key directories and their purposes:

1. / (Root Directory): The top-most directory in the Linux file system hierarchy. All other
directories and files are located under this root.
2. /bin (User Binaries): Contains essential user command binaries (executable programs)
available to all users.
3. /sbin (System Binaries): Contains essential system administration binaries, typically
used by the root user for system maintenance.
4. /etc (Configuration Files): Stores system-wide configuration files and scripts for various
programs and services.
5. /home (User Home Directories): Contains individual home directories for each user,
where users store their personal files and configurations. For example,
/home/username.
6. /root (Root User's Home Directory): The dedicated home directory for the root user.
7. /var (Variable Data Files): Stores variable data files that change frequently, such as log
files (/var/log), mailboxes (/var/mail), and website data.
8. /tmp (Temporary Files): A directory for temporary files created by applications and
users. Its content is typically cleared on system reboot.
9. /usr (User Programs and Data): Contains read-only user programs, libraries,
documentation, and source code. This is a significant directory for installed software.
10. /boot (Boot Loader Files): Contains files necessary for the system boot process,
including the Linux kernel and boot loader configuration.
11. /dev (Device Files): Represents hardware devices as files, allowing programs to interact
with them.
12. /mnt and /media (Mount Points):
 /mnt: A conventional temporary mount point for manually mounting file systems
(e.g., network shares).
 /media: A mount point for automatically mounting removable media devices like
USB drives and CDs/DVDs.
13. /opt (Optional Software Packages): Used for installing optional or third-party software
packages that are not part of the standard system distribution.
14. /proc (Process Information): A virtual file system that provides information about
running processes and kernel parameters.
15. /sys (System Information): A virtual file system exposing kernel-related device
information and system configuration.

Basic Linux commands are fundamental for navigating and managing files and directories
within the Linux operating system. Key commands include:

1. ls: Lists the contents of a directory (files and subdirectories).

Example: ls -l (long format listing with details)
2. cd: Changes the current working directory.
Example: cd /home/user/documents
3. pwd: Prints the full path of the current working directory.
4. mkdir: Creates a new directory.
Example: mkdir new_folder
5. rmdir: Removes an empty directory.
Example: rmdir empty_folder
6. rm: Removes files or directories (with -r for recursive removal of directories and their
contents).
Example: rm myfile.txt, rm -r my_directory
7. cp: Copies files or directories.
Example: cp source.txt destination.txt, cp -r source_dir destination_dir
8. mv: Moves or renames files or directories.
Example: mv oldname.txt newname.txt, mv file.txt /new/location/
9. touch: Creates a new empty file or updates the timestamp of an existing file.
Example: touch newfile.txt
10. cat: Displays the content of a file.
Example: cat mydocument.txt
11. man: Displays the manual page for a command, providing detailed information and usage
instructions.
Example: man ls

Communication and Networking – Basics of Internet

What is Internet?
The Internet is a global network of interlinked computers and electronics devices. It is a vast
network system that links computers worldwide. Every piece of information on the internet is
kept in a webpage on the internet.

 Hardware Components: These are the physical parts that form the internet's backbone.
1. Routers and Switches: These devices direct data packets through the network, ensuring
they reach their correct destination.
2. Servers: Powerful computers that store and deliver information and services, such as
websites and emails.
3. End-User Devices (Hosts): The devices you use, including smartphones, laptops, and
smart appliances, which are the entry points to the internet.
4. Transmission Media: This includes physical connections like fiber optic cables and
wireless technologies like radio waves and cellular networks, which carry data.
5. Modems: Devices that convert data signals to and from the format used by transmission
lines, enabling connection to the network.
 Software & Logical Components: These are the rules and identifiers that allow devices
to communicate effectively.
1. Protocols: Sets of rules (e.g., TCP/IP for data transmission, HTTP for web pages) that
govern how data is formatted, transmitted, and received.
2. IP Addresses: Unique numerical identifiers assigned to every device on the network,
allowing them to be located and reached.
3. Domain Name System (DNS): A system that translates human-friendly domain names
(like google.com) into the numerical IP addresses that computers understand.
4. Data Packets: Data is broken into small packets for efficient routing and reassembly at
the destination.
 Services & Infrastructure: These are the entities and services that provide access and
structure to the internet.
1. Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Companies that provide users and organizations
with access to the internet's infrastructure and content.
2. Networks of Networks: The internet is not a single entity but a vast network of
interconnected smaller networks, including regional networks and the global backbone.
3. Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): Distributed networks of servers that deliver web
content to users more quickly by storing copies closer to their location.
Uses of the Internet

There is no limit to what you can do online, but some of the most common uses of internet are
–

 Searching Information
 Online Shopping
 Online Banking
 Online learning
 Entertainment
 E-mail and chatting
 Social networking

Connecting to the Internet

To connect to the Internet, you need:

 A device, such as a computer, laptop or mobile.

 A connection device, i.e., a modem.
 An Internet Service Provider (ISP) – the telephone company which provides the
Internet connectivity.

Types of connections

There are two ways for connecting your computer to the internet:

 Wired connections – When computer is connected to the intenet using wire (Fibre
optical, Ethernet cable or Co-axial cable) is called wired connection.
 Wireless connection – When the computer is connected without wire (Wi-Fi, Cellular,
Satellite communication etc.) is called wireless connection.
World Wide Web (WWW)
The World Wide Web (WWW), or Web, is an information system of interconnected webpages
containing text, images, and other multimedia content, accessible via the Internet. Invented
by Tim Berners-Lee at CERN in 1989, the Web uses hypertext and web browsers to allow
users to navigate and share information across the globe.

How It Works

1. World Wide Web Consortium (W3C): An international organization that develops common
standards and protocols, such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and HTML (Hypertext
Markup Language), to ensure the Web's interoperability.

2. Web Browsers: Software like Google Chrome, Safari, and Firefox are used to access and
display Web pages on devices like computers and smartphones.

3. Web Servers: These computers store the webpages and serve them to browsers when
requested, enabling access to the vast information available online.

General Internet Concepts:

1. Internet: The global network connecting billions of devices.
2. World Wide Web (WWW or Web): A system of interlinked documents accessed via the
internet.
3. URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The address of a resource on the web, like a
webpage or file.
4. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): The foundation for transferring data on the web.
5. Web Browser: Software used to access and display web pages (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).
6. Search Engine: Tool for finding information on the internet (e.g., Google, Bing).
7. Website: A collection of related web pages under a common domain name.
 8. Homepage: The main page of a website, often the first one displayed.
9. Web Page: A single document within a website, typically viewed in a browser.
10. Hyperlink: A link within a web page that connects to another location.
11. ISP (Internet Service Provider): Company providing internet access to users.
12. Network: A group of interconnected devices (computers, servers, etc.).
13. Server: A computer that provides resources or services to other computers.
14. Domain Name: A human-readable address for a website (e.g., google.com).
15. IP Address: A unique numerical identifier for devices on a network.

Web-related Terms:
1. HTML (HyperText Markup Language): The language used to create web pages.
2. FTP (File Transfer Protocol): A standard for transferring files between computers.
3. Download: Receiving a file from the internet to your computer.
4. Upload: Sending a file from your computer to the internet.
5. Cookie: A small text file stored on your computer by websites.
6. Web Hosting: Service that makes websites accessible online.
7. Banner Advertising: A form of online advertising, often found on websites.
8. Blog: A website or online journal, often with regularly updated content.

Security and Other Terms:

1. Firewall: Security system that protects a network from unauthorized access.
2. Phishing: Cybercrime where users are tricked into revealing sensitive information.
3. Spam: Unsolicited and unwanted emails.
4. Password: A secret combination of characters used to protect access.
5. Login: The process of providing credentials (username, password) to access a system.
6. Cybersecurity: Protecting computer systems and networks from theft or damage.
7. Internet of Things (IoT): Interconnected devices communicating over the internet
(smart home devices, etc.).

Web Server
What it is: A web server can be a physical computer or the software that runs on it.

How it works: It receives requests from web browsers (clients) using protocols like HTTP
(Hypertext Transfer Protocol), retrieves the requested web pages and other files, and then
sends them back to the browser.

Examples: Popular web server software includes Apache HTTP Server, Nginx, and Microsoft
IIS.

Website
What it is: A website is a collection of related web pages, documents, and other digital assets
like images and videos, all linked together and accessible over the internet.

How it works: To be viewable online, a website must be stored or "hosted" on a web server
that is constantly connected to the internet.
Purpose: Websites serve as digital platforms for communication, sharing information, and
conducting transactions.

Components of Website

Here's a breakdown of each component:

1. Webhost

What it is: A web server where the website's files (webpages, images, etc.) are stored
physically.

Function: When a user requests a website, the webhost transmits the files to their browser.

2. Domain Name (Address)

What it is: The unique, human-readable address of the website, like example.com.

Function: Users type the domain name (or URL) into a web browser to access the website.

3. Homepage

What it is: The first page a user sees when they visit a website.

Function: It sets the tone and visual appeal for the site and often provides links to other
sections and pages.

4. Design

What it is: The overall look and feel of the website.

Function: Encompasses the visual elements like layout, colors, typography, and graphical
elements that define the site's user experience.

5. Content

What it is: All the text, images, videos, and other media that make up the website's pages.

Function: Provides information and engages visitors, serving the purpose of the website.

6. Navigation Structure

What it is: The system of links and menus that organize the website's pages.

Function: Guides users, helping them move between pages and find the information they need
quickly and easily.
What is Bandwidth?
Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a network in a
certain amount of time. The bandwidth commonly measured in bits per second or bytes per
second. for example, If bandwidth having a capicity of 100 MBPS, it means that network
cannot transfer the data more than 100 MBPS.

The data transfer speed can be calculated in terms of bits per second, for example,

 1 Kbps (kilo bits per second) = 1000 bits per second

 1 Mbps (mega bits per second) = 1000 kilo bits per second
 1 Gbps (giga bits per second) = 1,000 mega bits per second

Internet Browsing
What is World Wide Web?
World wide web is a hypertext based information, files, images and videos stored in a web
pages and accessible through the internet. This hypertext helps you to navigate between the
web pages.
World Wide Web is made up of –

 A web page
 A web browser
 A system to transfer information between the web browser and the web pages

What is Web page?

A web page is a document that is shared online and stored on a web server. Every web page
has a unique address which is known as domain name. For example, the address of CBSE
official website is https://cbse.nic.in, to open web page you required web browser on your
computer.

What is hyperlinks?
Websites contain multiple hyperlinks; these hyperlinks are highlighted and underlined words
with a blue color. This hyperlink helps you to navigate from one page to another page or
another section of the same page.

What is Internet browser?

An Internet Browser is an application or a software program on your computer or laptop
which helps you visit the various websites. Some examples of browsers are Google Chrome,
Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge.

Important parts of a web browser –

 Address bar (Alt+d)

 Tabbed browsing (Ctrl+T)
 Back and forward buttons (Alt+Left or right arrow keys)
 Refresh button (F5)

What is the definition of a web browser?

A web browser takes you anywhere on the internet. It retrieves information from other
parts of the web and displays it on your desktop or mobile device. The information is
transferred using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol, which defines how text, images and
video are transmitted on the web.

Examples of common web browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple
Safari, and Microsoft Edge, which allow you to access and view websites and web
applications on the internet. Other popular examples are Opera, Brave, and Tor,
among many others.
Blogs and Types of Blogs
A blog is a type of website, often updated frequently, where individuals or groups share
written content, images, videos, and other media on specific topics. It's a platform for
expressing opinions, sharing experiences, and showcasing interests. Blogs can be
personal, professional, or used for marketing and community building.

Types of Blogs:

Blogs can be categorized based on their content and purpose. Some popular types
include:

1. Personal Blogs: These blogs focus on the blogger's individual experiences,

thoughts, and perspectives. They often serve as a digital diary or journal.
2. Business/Company Blogs: These blogs are used by businesses to share company
news, industry insights, product information, and engage with their audience.
3. Affiliate Blogs: These blogs focus on promoting products or services from other
companies and earning commissions on sales generated through the blog.
4. News Blogs: These blogs cover current events, news stories, and provide analysis
and commentary on various topics.
5. Educational Blogs: These blogs aim to teach and inform readers about specific
subjects, often offering tutorials, guides, or in-depth explanations.
6. Food Blogs: These blogs share recipes, cooking tips, restaurant reviews, and
other food-related content.
7. Travel Blogs: These blogs document travel experiences, offer travel advice, and
showcase destinations.
8. Health and Fitness Blogs: These blogs focus on wellness, exercise, nutrition, and
mental health.

Internet Services
Web services are standardized internet-based software that enables different applications and
systems to communicate and exchange data, regardless of their programming language or
platform. They use open protocols like HTTP to transport data, typically in XML or JSON
format, allowing for seamless machine-to-machine interaction over a network.

Introduction to E-Mail
What is e-mail?
Electronic mail, or e-mail, is a quick way of sending messages to people using the Internet. An
e-mail address is made up of two parts separated by the @ symbol. The general format of an
e-mail address is local_part@domain. for example, “anuraganand2017@gmail.com”, the part
before the @ is created by the user, and the part after the @ is the domain name of the e-mail
service provider.
Difference between postal mail and e-mail

Postal Mail e-Mail

Postal mail address is a geographical location. e-mail address is a digital location

An e-mail is written on a computer or

Postal mail is written with paper and pen.
mobile device.

e-mail travels in a digital format over an

Postal mail is sent by bus, air, train.
Internet connection.

Postal mail is brought by the postman and dropped into E-mail comes into the Inbox of the
the letterbox receiver‟s e-mail account.

Advantages of e-mail

 e-mails can be sent to multiple users along with the attachments.

 e-Mail are fast as they reach anyone around the world immediately
 e-Mail most services are free
 e-Mail are environment friendly, as no paper is used.

Creating an e-Mail account

To set up an e-mail account, there are a number of popular providers to consider –

 Gmail (run by Google)

 Outlook mail (run by Microsoft)
 Yahoo mail (run by Yahoo)
Steps to open an e-mail account on Gmail
 Step 1: Open https://gmail.com
 Step 2: Click on “Create an account”
 Step 3: Fill the basic information, including username and password
 Step 4: Click on Next button
 Step 5: Google “Welcome page will appear”
 Step 6: Click on “Continue to Gmail”

Writing an e-Mail
Writing an e-Mail
Gmail is a free e-mail application follow the following steps to writing an e-Mail.
  Step 1: Connect to the Internet
 Step 2: Open Gmail “https://gmail.com” in google chrome
 Step 3: Type e-Mail ID and password
 Step 4: Click on “Sign in” button
 Step 5: Click on “COMPOSE” button on the gmail home page.
 Step 6: Write the information including Subject
 Step 7: Write e-Mail address
 Step 8: Click on “Send” button

Managing Folders in e-Mail Home page

There are different folders that could help you manage and organise your e-Mails.

 Inbox – The Inbox holds e-mails.

 Sent – The Sent folder holds e-mails that you have sent to people
 Drafts – The Drafts folder holds all the e-mail you have started writing, but not yet sent
 Junk/Spam – The Junk/Spam folder holds e-mails that may not be useful
 Trash – The Trash can or folder holds e-mails that you no longer need and have
deleted.

E-mail Account and Address

An email address is a unique digital identifier (e.g., example@gmail.com) used to send and
receive electronic mail, while an email account is the user profile with a service provider that
holds those messages and uses the address. To get an email address and account, you sign up
with an email service like Gmail, Outlook.com, or Yahoo, providing details to create a
username (the local part) and link it to the provider's domain (the domain part).

How Email Addresses and Accounts Work

1. Account: You create an account with a service like Google, Microsoft, or Yahoo.
2. Address: This account provides you with a unique email address, such as
john.doe@gmail.com.
3. Local Part: The part before the @ symbol (e.g., john.doe) is the local part, often your name
or a username.
4. Domain Part: The part after the @ symbol (e.g., gmail.com) is the domain name of the
service provider.
5. Sending & Receiving: When you send a message, it goes to the server of the domain you're
sending to, which then routes it to the recipient's account.

How to Create an Email Account & Address

1. Choose a Provider: Decide on a provider, like Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo.

2. Sign Up: Go to the provider's website and find the "Create Account" or "Sign Up" option.
3. Follow Steps: Complete the required information, which usually includes personal details
and choosing a username for your email address.
4. Activate Account: Follow any on-screen instructions, such as verifying your email or phone
number, to activate your account and gain access to your inbox.
Structure of E-mail message

A professional email in Gmail follows a clear structure: a concise Subject line, a professional
Greeting (salutation), the Body of the message with the main purpose and details, a polite
Closing phrase, a clear Sign-off (e.g., "Sincerely"), and a professional Signature with your
name and contact information. Always start with a professional email address, use a clear and
informative subject line, keep the message concise, and proofread for any errors before
sending.

1. Subject Line
Purpose: To briefly inform the recipient about the email's content, helping them prioritize
and find it later.
Tips: Keep it short (ideally 7 words or less) and clear.
Example: "Meeting Request: Project Alpha Discussion".
2. Greeting (Salutation)
Purpose: To start the email on a positive and respectful note.
Tips: Use a formal salutation and the recipient's name or title.
Example: "Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx.] [Last Name]," or "Hi [First Name]," (for less formal
situations).
3. Body
Purpose: To deliver your main message, provide necessary details, and state any required
action.
Tips:
 Opening: State the email's purpose in the first few sentences.
 Details: Present information clearly and concisely, using paragraphs or bullet points for
readability.
 Call to Action (CTA): Clearly state what you need the recipient to do next.
4. Closing Phrase
Purpose: To end the email on a professional and courteous note.
Tips:
 Examples: "Thank you," "Best regards," "Sincerely,".
5. Sign-off
Purpose: To formally end your communication.
Tips: A simple professional closing is sufficient.
Example: "Regards" or "Thank you for your time".
6. Signature
Purpose: To provide your contact information.
Tips: Include your full name, job title, company, and contact details. Make sure any preset
signature is professional.
Before Sending:
 Proofread: Check for any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors.
 Check Recipients: Ensure you've added the correct recipients in the "To," "CC," and
"BCC" fields.

What are Search Engines?

Search engines are the software program that provides information according to the user
query.

Search engines are programs that allow users to search and retrieve information from the vast
amount of content available on the internet.

How do Search Engines Work?

The Core Process

1. Crawling: Search engines use automated programs called "crawlers," "bots," or "spiders"
to explore the internet. These bots follow hyperlinks from page to page, discovering new and
updated content.
2. Indexing: The information gathered by the crawlers is then analysed and organized into a
massive database, or index. This index acts like a library catalog, allowing the search engine to
quickly locate relevant information.

3. Ranking: When a user enters a search query, the search engine searches its index for
matching content. It then uses complex algorithms to rank the results, determining which
pages are the most relevant and useful to display first.

Social Media / Social Networking

Social Media:

Definition: A broad term for online platforms that enable users to create, share, and interact
with content, including text, images, videos, and more.

Examples: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter (now X), TikTok.

Focus: Content creation and sharing, broadcasting information to a wide audience.

Examples of use: Sharing personal updates, promoting a business, consuming news, watching
videos.

Social Networking:

Definition: The process of building and maintaining relationships with others online, often
through the use of social media platforms.

Examples: Connecting with friends and family, joining online communities, finding like-
minded individuals.

Focus: Fostering connections, building communities, and interacting with others.

Examples of use:Staying in touch with friends, finding professional contacts, joining groups
based on shared interests.

Key Differences:

Scope: Social media is a broader term encompassing all online platforms for content sharing,
while social networking is more specific to the relationships and connections formed on those
platforms.

Nature of Interaction: Social media can be a one-way broadcast, while social networking
involves two-way communication and relationship building.

Purpose: Social media is used for sharing information and content, while social networking is
used for building and maintaining relationships.
Digital India
The Indian government started the Digital India program to develop online infrastructure
and internet connectivity in order to make government services available to citizens
electronically. It also intends to give the nation digital technology empowerment. On July 1st,
2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially began the campaign.

Vision of Digital India

The vision of Digital India is to transform India into a digitally empowered society and
knowledge economy. It aims to utilize the power of technology to provide better governance
and enhance the quality of services. It aims to promote digital literacy and bridge the digital
divide between urban and rural areas. The key focus areas of the vision include digital
infrastructure, digital empowerment of citizens, and digital delivery of services.

Objectives of Digital India

The key objectives of the Digital India initiative are as follows:

1. To provide universal access to high-speed internet connectivity in all parts of the

country.
2. To transform government services into digital platforms for efficient and transparent
delivery.
3. To empower citizens through digital literacy programs and access to digital resources.
4. To ensure easy availability of government information and services to citizens
electronically.
5. To promote domestic manufacturing of electronic goods and create job opportunities in
the electronics industry.
6. To provide skill development programs and promote the growth of the IT and IT-
enabled services sector.

Pillars of Digital India

The nine pillars of the digital Bharat mission making up the social impact of Digital India
includes

1. e-Kranti: The goal of e-Kranti is to deliver all government services electronically to the
public using integrated and interoperable systems in a variety of ways, all while
guaranteeing the effectiveness, affordability, and dependability of such services. The
delivery of e-governance, simple governance and good governance in the nation
depends on the successful implementation of e-Kranti.
2. Electronic Delivery of Services: To enhance the provision of public services and
streamline the application procedure. In order to usher in the era of e-Government,
numerous e-governance initiatives have been launched by various State Governments
and Central Ministries. India‟s e-Governance has steadily advanced beyond the
computerization of government agencies to projects that capture the finer nuances of
governance, like citizen centricity, service orientation, and transparency.
 3. Information for All: This pillar intends to provide openness and accessibility of
trustworthy data produced by line ministries for usage, reuse, and redistribution for
the Indian people.
4. Electronics Manufacturing: The goal of this pillar is to encourage domestic electronics
production.
5. IT for Jobs: This is a pillar that focuses on teaching young people the skills they need to
be able to get employment in the IT/ITES sector.
6. Early Harvest Programs: This pillar is made up of a variety of short-term initiatives
that have an immediate impact on the Indian digital ecosystem. Examples include an IT
platform for mass messaging, crowdsourcing of eGreetings, biometric attendance in
public buildings, WiFi in all universities, and more.
7. Broadband Highways: National Information Infrastructure, Broadband for All –
Urban, and Broadband Highways are the three subcomponents that make up the term
“Broadband Highways” (NII).
8. Universal Access to Mobile Connection: This program aims to close the country‟s
connectivity gaps and penetrate more networks.
9. Public Internet Access Programme: Common Services Centers (CSCs) and Post Offices
as multi-service centers are the two sub-components of the Public Internet Access
Program.
10. e-Governance: Technology-Enabled Reform of the Government Process All
Ministries/Departments must implement re-engineering utilizing IT to streamline and
increase the effectiveness of government operations in order to transform the delivery
of government services across multiple government domains.

Digital Identity & Documents

Aadhaar: A unique 12-digit identification number used for various government services,
enabling digital identity verification.

Digital Locker: A secure cloud-based platform for storing, accessing, and sharing digital
copies of important documents, such as educational certificates and driving licenses.

e-Sign: A framework that allows citizens to digitally sign documents using their Aadhaar
authentication.

Digital Connectivity & Infrastructure

BharatNet: A high-speed optical fiber network initiative to connect villages across India with
broadband internet.

UMANG: A unified mobile application providing access to over 1,200 central and state
government services in multiple Indian languages, available on various platforms.

Digital Payments & Financial Inclusion

BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money): A user-friendly digital payment app based on the
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for secure and easy transactions.

Aadhaar-Enabled Payment System (AEPS): Allows citizens to access basic banking services
like cash withdrawals and deposits using their Aadhaar number at CSCs.
Government Services & Governance

Common Service Centres (CSCs): Public access points in rural areas providing government
and non-government services, including utility payments, banking, and digital access for the
less digitally literate.

MyGov: A platform for citizens to participate in governance by sharing ideas and providing
feedback on policy matters.

Government e-Marketplace (GeM): An online portal for the procurement of goods and
services by government departments.

e-Hospital: Digital transformation of hospital services, offering online registration,

appointments, and other medical-related services.

What are the three core components of Digital India?

The motto of the Digital India Mission is 'Power to Empower'. There are three core
components to the Digital India initiative. They are: digital infrastructure creation, digital
delivery of services, and digital literacy.