Introduction to Information Communication Technology Flashcards

A set of flashcards covering introductory ICT concepts, computer history, hardware, software, and networking as presented in the TVET student course textbook.

What does the acronym GIGO stand for in ICT?

Garbage in, garbage out - referring to the principle that the quality of computer output depends on the quality of the input.

In ICT, how is 'Information' defined?

The knowledge obtained through study, experience, or instruction which enables us to fulfill our daily tasks.

Define a 'Computer' based on the transcript.

An electronic device that accepts data/input from the user, stores that data in its internal memory, and processes it under given instructions to produce a given output/information.

When was the Abacus invented and what was its original purpose?

It was invented in Babylonia in $3500\,BC$ and used to perform basic arithmetic calculations such as addition and subtraction.

What was the technological basis for First Generation computers ($1940$ to $1959$)?

They used vacuum tubes to control operations.

Which technology replaced vacuum tubes in Second Generation computers ($1959$ to $1965$)?

Transistors.

What characterizes Third Generation computers ($1965$ to $1970$)?

They used Integrated Circuit ($IC$) technology.

What is the difference between Analog and Digital computers?

Analog computers measure physical properties like voltage and temperature; digital computers accept data in discrete form based on two states, on or off ($1s$ or $0s$).

What are the three main electronic components of the Central Processing Unit ($CPU$)?

Control Unit ($CU$), Arithmetic and Logic Unit ($ALU$), and Main Memory.

Define 'RAM' and name its two types.

Random Access Memory is internal storage where data is stored as it is fed into the computer; the two types are Dynamic $RAM$ ($DRAM$) and Static $RAM$ ($SRAM$).

What is 'Cold Booting'?

The process of restarting a computer by long-pressing the system unit power button.

What is the difference between 'System Software' and 'Application Software'?

System software manages computer hardware and resources (e.g., $Operating\,Systems$); application software enables users to complete specific tasks like creating documents or spreadsheets.

What is 'Word Wrap' in word processing?

A feature where a word that does not fit within default margins automatically jumps to the next line.

In Microsoft Excel, what must every formula start with?

An equal sign ($=$, e.g., $=A2+A3$).

What is 'Absolute Referencing' in a spreadsheet?

A cell reference that does not change when a formula is copied, achieved by adding a dollar sign before the row or column (e.g., $=\$C\$1+\$D\$1$).

Define 'DBMS'.

Database Management System - a software that enables the user to create, organize, and maintain a database.

What is a 'Primary Key' in a database table?

A unique identifier of records in a table used to sort and uniquely recognize data.

What is a 'Local Area Network' ($LAN$)?

A network that covers a limited geographical area such as a building, residence, or campus.

Describe the 'Star Topology' in networking.

A setup where all devices are connected to a central hub or switch through which all data passes.

What is the function of a 'Slide Master' in presentation packages?

It is the top slide that stores information about the theme and slide layouts, including background styles, fonts, and effects.

What is 'Hacking'?

An attempt to invade the privacy of a system by tapping messages or breaking security codes and passwords to gain unauthorized entry.

What is 'Cloud Computing'?

The practice of using a network of servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than on a local server or personal computer.