TOPIC: BREAKDOWN OF ICT

I. I - INFORMATION
● Information is the core of ICT that encompasses data, facts, and knowledge
that we collect, organize, and store.
○ Data are facts and statistics collected together for reference or
analysis while information is the organization and interpretation of the
data making it meaningful and useful for understanding and
decision-making.
○ Knowledge is the useful stuff we get from information and data that
helps us make decisions and even guess what might happen in the
future.
● Information can be in various forms, such as text, images, videos, or
numbers. Without information, there would be nothing to process or
communicate.
II. C - COMMUNICATION
● Communication is a process in which information is exchanged between
individuals through verbal and non-verbal means.
● Communication is a crucial aspect of ICT that involves the exchange of
information between individuals, groups, or systems.
● ICT enables communication through various channels like emails, instant
messaging, video conferencing, social media platforms, and more.
● Communication technologies facilitate real-time interaction and collaboration
over vast distances.
III. T - TECHNOLOGY
● Technology forms the infrastructure of ICT.
● It includes the tools and systems that allow us to process, store, transmit, and
retrieve information.
● Technology has made communication much easier and faster through
telephones, fax machines, mobile devices, and the Internet.
● Technology also made broadcasting information, such as news or weather
reports, more effective.
○ Radio, television, satellites, and the World Wide Web are powerful
tools that can be used by individuals to gather needed information to
aid them in their office, school, or housework, or in simple day-to-day
activities

EVOLUTION OF ICT

I. The evolution of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been a

remarkable journey, shaped by human innovation and the demand for improved ways
to gather, process, and share information. Here's a concise overview:
● Early Tools and Communication:
○ ICT traces its origins to the development of basic tools for recording
and transmitting information. From cave paintings to the invention of
writing systems, humans found ways to communicate over distances
and across time.
● Print and Mass Communication:
 ○ The invention of the printing press in the 15th century marked a
significant leap forward in information dissemination. Mass production
of books and newspapers enabled the sharing of knowledge on a
larger scale.
● Telecommunication and Telegraphy:
○ The 19th century saw the rise of telecommunication and the telegraph,
which allowed people to send messages across long distances using
electrical signals. This laid the foundation for future advancements in
electronic communication.
● Telephone and Radio Waves:
○ The invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell and the
development of radio technology expanded real-time communication
capabilities, connecting people around the world.
● Computing Era:
○ The mid-20th century witnessed the birth of modern computing. The
invention of electronic computers, like ENIAC, initiated the era of
automated data processing. Mainframes and early computers paved
the way for data storage and manipulation.
● Internet Revolution:
○ The late 20th century brought about the revolutionary creation of the
Internet. Initially developed for military and academic purposes, the
Internet rapidly evolved into a global platform for information
exchange, communication, and collaboration.
● Digital Transformation:
○ The 21st century is characterized by the rapid advancement of digital
technologies. The proliferation of personal computers, mobile devices,
and high-speed internet access transformed the way people interact
with information and each other.
● Mobile and Wireless Communication:
○ Mobile phones and wireless networks became integral to daily life,
enabling instant communication and access to information from
virtually anywhere.
● Cloud Computing and Big Data:
○ The advent of cloud computing provided scalable and accessible
storage and processing capabilities. This, coupled with the rise of big
data analytics, allowed for more effective data-driven decision-making.
● Internet of Things (IoT) and Connectivity:
○ The IoT emerged as devices and objects become interconnected,
allowing them to share data and communicate autonomously. This
interconnectedness extended to smart homes, cities, and industries.
● Artificial Intelligence and Automation:
○ The integration of AI technologies, such as machine learning and
robotics, enhanced ICT capabilities by enabling automated processes,
predictive analysis, and personalized experiences.
● Blockchain and Cybersecurity:
○ The rise of blockchain technology brought secure and transparent
ways of managing digital transactions. With increased digital
 interactions, cybersecurity has become paramount to protecting
sensitive information.

COMPUTERS
I. Definition of Computers
● A computer is an electronic device that is programmable and capable of
processing and manipulating data according to a set of instructions. It has the
ability to perform various tasks, from mathematical calculations and data
analysis to storing and retrieving information. Computers can process vast
amounts of data at high speeds, execute complex algorithms, and generate
output in the form of text, images, sounds, or other media. It is capable of
performing the following basic computing functions:
○ Accept data (input)
○ Process data
○ Generate output (information)
○ Store data/information
○ Retrieve/send data/information
II. GENERATION OF COMPUTERS
● First Generation (1940s-1950s): Vacuum Tubes
○ Used vacuum tubes for processing and memory like ENIAC and
UNIVAC I.
○ Large, expensive, generated a lot of heat, and were not very reliable.
○ Machine language was the primary means of programming.

● Second Generation (1950s-1960s): Transistors

○ Transistors replaced vacuum tubes, leading to smaller, faster, and
more reliable computers.
○ Assembly language programming emerged, making programming
more manageable.
○ Mainframes and minicomputers were developed, enabling business
and scientific applications.

● Third Generation (1960s-1970s): Integrated Circuits (ICs)

○ Integrated circuits (chips) integrated multiple transistors on a single
piece of silicon.
○ Computers became smaller, more powerful, and more energy-efficient.
○ The concept of operating systems and high-level programming
languages (e.g., COBOL, FORTRAN) gained popularity.

● Fourth Generation (1970s-1980s): Microprocessors

○ Microprocessors brought the entire central processing unit (CPU) onto
a single chip.
○ Personal computers (PCs) were introduced, revolutionizing computing
accessibility.
○ Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and programming languages like C
emerged.

● Fifth Generation (1980s-Present): VLSI, AI, and Beyond

 ○ Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) technology enabled the creation
of microchips with millions of transistors.
○ Focus on artificial intelligence (AI), natural language processing, and
expert systems.
○ Advancements in networking, parallel processing, and cloud
computing.
○ Evolution of mobile computing, wearable technology, and IoT devices.

III. Types of Computers

Computers come in various types, each designed to cater to specific needs and
applications. Here are some common types of computers:
● Supercomputers:
○ These are extremely powerful and high-performance machines used
for complex scientific calculations, simulations, and tasks that require
immense computational power. They are often found in research
institutions and industries like aerospace and weather prediction.
● Mainframe Computers:
○ Mainframes are large and robust computers designed for handling
massive amounts of data and supporting numerous users
simultaneously. They are used by large organizations for critical
applications like transaction processing, data storage, and enterprise
resource planning (ERP).
● Minicomputers:
○ Smaller than mainframes but more powerful than personal computers,
minicomputers are suitable for mid-sized businesses. They offer
moderate processing power and can handle multiple users and tasks.
● Personal Computers (PCs):
○ These are the computers most people are familiar with, used for
general purposes like word processing, internet browsing, and
entertainment. They come in desktop and laptop forms.
● Servers:
○ Servers are computers designed to provide services or resources to
other computers (clients) over a network. They can be web servers,
file servers, database servers, and more.
● Embedded Computers:
○ Embedded computers are integrated into other devices and systems
to control specific functions. They're found in appliances, vehicles,
medical equipment, industrial machines, and more.
● Tablets and Smartphones:
○ These portable devices have their own computing capabilities and are
used for a variety of tasks, including communication, entertainment,
and productivity.
● Wearable Computers:
○ These are devices worn on the body, like smartwatches and fitness
trackers. They often connect to smartphones and provide quick
access to information and notifications.

Elements / Parts of Computers

● HARDWARE
○ Hardware refers to the physical components and tangible parts of a computer
system or electronic device. It encompasses all the physical elements that
you can touch and interact with when using a computer or other technological
device. Hardware plays a crucial role in determining a device's capabilities
and performance.
● SOFTWARE
○ Software refers to the collection of programs, data, and instructions that
instruct a computer or electronic device on how to perform various tasks and
operations. Unlike hardware, which consists of physical components,
software is intangible and exists as a set of digital codes and data that control
the behavior of hardware components. Software enables computers to
perform specific functions, run applications, manage data, and interact with
users.
○ System Software
■ System software is responsible for managing and controlling the
hardware resources of a computer, providing a platform for other
software to run on.
○ Application Software
■ Application software consists of programs designed to perform
specific tasks or functions for users. This type of software is what
users typically interact with and use to accomplish their goals.
Examples of application software include:
● DATA AND INFORMATION
○ Data and Information are used to produce the desired result.
■ Data refers to raw, unprocessed facts, figures, symbols, or
observations. It consists of individual pieces of information that lack
context or meaning on their own. Data can be in various forms,
including numbers, text, images, audio, and more.
■ Information is a data that has been processed, organized, and given
context to make it meaningful and useful. Information provides insight,
knowledge, or understanding based on the relationships and patterns
identified within the data. It has a purpose and can be used to support
decision-making or communication.
● PEOPLE
○ In the context of computers and technology, "people" refer to the individuals
who interact with and use computers and related devices. People are a
critical element of the computing ecosystem because they create, operate,
manage, and benefit from the technology.
○ They are generally categorized as either end-users of developers
● PROCESSES / PROCEDURES
○ Processes and procedures are critical elements in the operation of computers
and information systems. They refer to structured sequences of actions,
tasks, or steps that are performed to achieve a specific goal, manage
resources, or execute functions within a computer system. Processes and
procedures help ensure that tasks are carried out efficiently, consistently, and
accurately.
Information Processing System
● An Information Processing System (IPS) is a structured framework that takes in raw
data, applies predefined procedures and algorithms, and generates meaningful and
useful information as output. This systematic approach is designed to efficiently
manage, manipulate, and convert data into valuable insights, knowledge, or
outcomes.
● Computers are a prime example of information processing systems. They receive
data as input and use sets of instructions to carry out specific tasks through
processes. These instructions outline the steps the computer should follow to
achieve a particular goal. Collectively, these sets of instructions are referred to as
software.
● While executing these instructions, computers process data to generate informative
output. This output, which can include reports, visualizations, or any form of
presented data, is the transformed information that was derived from the initial data
input.
● To perform these tasks effectively, a computer stores data, information, and
instructions in its storage for future reference and use. This storage ensures that
relevant data and instructions are readily accessible when needed.
● This entire process—taking in input, carrying out processes, producing output, and
storing relevant components—is often described as the information processing cycle.
It's a cyclical sequence that highlights how computers and information systems
continually transform raw data into meaningful information.
● Moreover, modern information processing systems are now greatly influenced by the
communication element. Communication has become an integral part of the cycle,
allowing data and information to flow between various devices, networks, and users.
Communication technologies enable real-time interactions, collaboration, and
sharing, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the information processing cycle.
● In essence, an Information Processing System involves the orchestrated interplay of
input, processes, output, storage, and communication to convert raw data into
valuable, actionable information—a process at the core of modern computing and
technology.
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