1.

1: INTRODUCTION

ICT is a new subject. Unlike in the past, the world has so much evolved when it comes to ICT. Have you
realised that is so had to do the daily activities without the aid of ICT? When you wake in the morning
how do you tell the time? How do you communicate to your parents at home? Do you watch the
television, transfer money? All these activities have ICT involved. Therefore, we must appreciate the
importance and use of ICT to make our work easier.

In this chapter, you will learn about the meaning of ICT, understand and recognise the application of
various tools in our day-to-day life, as well understand the safety precautions while using different ICT
tools.

1.2: The Meaning of ICT.

ICT
ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology.

The Meaning of Information

As a country, the government has data about every citizen i.e. nationality, gender etc. your parents have
your birth certificates with name, gender, date of birth etc. all this is information about the country and
a family respectively.

Information can therefore be defined as knowledge or organised facts about someone or something. It
can be about a household, community or country.

Can you identify information that can be kept about a school, community and a country?

Activity 1.1. Information.

A local newspaper has published a job advertisement where a trained and qualified accountant is
required in one of the banks in Uganda. Applicants are required to submit their CVs via the company’s
email.

In groups;

a) Brain storm on the information that would be needed in the CV.

b) Suggest any information that the government would need about the company.
c) Why would the company need to keep information about its employees of would be employees.
d) Write down your suggestions and findings in a note book.
e) Present your findings to the rest of the class.
 The meaning of communication.

Communication takes place when information is moved from point to another. It may take place
between two or more points or devices. Did you know that sending a letter to your friend, picture on
your phone or a phone call to your parents is communication? When you listen to music or news on a
radio, then communication takes place between you and the radio station It therefore involves
transmitting, sharing or exchanging of information.

Activity 1.2: Understanding Communication.

In 2019, there was an outbreak of corona virus disease in the world. The government of Uganda
therefore ensured that there was public awareness about the disease.

In groups,

a) Discuss how the government created public awareness about the disease.
b) Give the information that the government communicated to the public about the disease.
c) Carry out a library research or internet search and find out other situations where
communication take place.
d) Write-down your findings in a note book.
e) Present your findings to the rest of the class.

The meaning of Technology

Over the years, technology has evolved right from the generation of your great grand parents to your
generation. Can you imagine life without technology? How would communication, transport and
entertainment and leisure be? Generally, technology is a systematic way of doing things or solving
problems for the good of mankind. It involves knowledge, skills, tools and methods used to perform a
task.

Activity 1.3: Understanding technology.

In your groups;

a) Discuss how the generation of your great grandparents shared and stored information.
b) Explain the technology that is being used in your generation. (Present generation).
c) Brainstorm about the technologies that you think will be used in the future generation.
d) Identify areas/ fields in your society where technology is used.
e) Present your findings to the rest of the class.
Now that you have knowledge about Information, communication and technology, there combination
make up ICT.

information
Communication
ICT

Technology

From the figure above, can you discuss the relationship between

a) information and technology?

b) communication and technology?
c) Information and communication?

NOTE: Generally, ICT can be used to mean IT however ICT is broader that IT. ICT is a diverse set if
technological tools and resources used to communicate, create, store and manage information.
Whereas IT relates to all means which facilitate information or data capture, processing, storage and
communication.

COMMON ICT TOOLS.

For information to be transferred and exchanged, ICT tools must be involved. While communicating,
what ICT tools have you used? Have you spotted any ICT tools like radios in your family or school?
Everywhere you go, you are likely to find an ICT tool.

Take a look at Some of the examples of the basic ICT tools that we use are shown in figure 1.2.

Insert pictures of a desktop computer, radio, phone, projector,

Digital camera, laptop.
Activity 1.4: identifying ICT Tools.

In groups,

a) Identify the ICT tools in figure 1.2.

b) Describe how any of the available ICT tolls are used
c) Write down the procedures you have followed to operate the above ICT tools.
d) Make a presentation of your findings to the rest of the class.

1.3: USES OF ICT IN THE SOCIETY.

Now that you have been introduced to ICTs in the previous discussions, have you realised can’t be
separated from our day-to-day activities? ICT is used in various field to collect, process, share and store
information. In your community, do people have radios and televisions? If yes, what are they used for?
Have you seen traffic lights and CCTV cameras along roads? What do you think is their use?

ICT is being used in various fields like education, security, transport and communication, agriculture
among others. In the security sector, CCTV cameras have been installed to produce images or recordings
for surveillance purposes.

INSERT A PICTURE OF A CCTV CAMERA HERE

Figure 1.3. a surveillance camera (CCTV).

Activity 1.5: using ICTs in society.

In your groups,

a) Discuss the uses of ICTs in the following fields in our society.

I. Home.
II. School
III. Entertainment and leisure
IV. Health and medicine
V. Agriculture
VI. Manufacturing and industries
VII. Business and commerce
VIII. Communication
IX. Engineering.
b) Give ethe devices used in each field.
 c) Brainstorm about the advantages and disadvantages of using ICT in our society.
d) Present your findings to the rest of the class.

1.4: A COMPUTER SYSTEM.

Just like a human body and its different body parts, when a number of computer components are put
together to communicate and generate useful information, they form a computer system. Therefore, a
computer system is a collection of computer components that are designed to receive, process, manage
and present information in a meaningful format. If you compare a computer to a human being, the body
is similar to the hardware while the soul is similar to the software. Other peripherals attached to the
computer are similar to the different parts of a human body e.g., arms, legs etc.

Components of a Computer System.

From the above explanation, you can see that a computer has different components which make up a
computer system. Figure 1.4 shows the basic parts of a computer system.

Insert a picture of a person using a

computer and indicate hardware,
software and human ware/user.
Hardware. These are physical or tangible parts of a computer system. In otherwards it comprises of all
computer devises that we can see or touch physically e.g., output devices, storage devises and
processing devices. (Mouse, monitor, keyboard etc)

Software. This consists of programmed instructions that tell the computer what to do and how to do it.
These are instructions that are needed for the computer to function. Software is intangible i.e. Cannot
be seen or touched by the users. Examples of software include application n software, programming
languages, translators and library routines.

Users(liveware). this is a person that gives instructions to the computer to [perform specific activities.
These are categorised into ordinary users and professional users like web designers and computer
programmers.

Information/data. Data refers to the raw facts and figures that have no meaning to the end user while
information refers to processed data that is meaningful to the end user. The data on a student’s report
card are the marks scored in each subject while the information on it is the position of the student after
all the calculations have been performed.

Activity 1.6. understanding computer systems.

 a) In pairs, state whether each of the following is hardware, software, information or user.
I. Microsoft excels.
II. Printer
III. Accountant
IV. Creating and printing a report card.
V. manual
b) visit your computer laboratory or the secretary’s office and identify the hardware components
available.
c) Mention any other situations apart from the human body, that can be compared to a computer
system.
d) Present your findings to the rest of the class.

A Computer and Its Parts.

A computer is a major component of ICT. This is an electronic device which inputs, processes and stores
data or information and out puts I t when instructed by the user. It is comprised of hardware and
software.

INSERT A PICTURE OF A COMPUTER.

Figure 1. 4.. a computer.

When a computer is used together with other ICT devices, it forms a computer system as seen in figure
1.5

INSERT A PICTURE OF A COMPUTER AND ITS PARTS LIKE

MOUSE, MONITOR, PRINTER, SPEAKERS SYSTEM UNIT,
KEYBOARD ETC.

The information seen on a computer screen is known as softcopy and when the soft copy is printed
using a computer together with a printer, it output is referred to as a hard copy.

Activity 1.7; understanding a computer and its parts.

Do this activity in a pair.

1. Differentiate between;
I. a computer and a computer system.
II. Soft copy and a hard copy.
2. Your dad intends to buy a computer, advise him on which computer he should buy and the
different computer parts that should be bought to enhance the functionality of his computer.
State the importance of each computer part.
3. Compare your responses to the rest of the class.
NOTE. As you have learned in the previous lessons, some devices contain computers much as it maybe
not easy to see it. All electronic devices like radios, phones, laptops are computers with parts
designed differently but perform similar functions.

1.5 Data, Data processing and Information.

as seen in the previous chapter, one of the major functions of a computer is to input data, process data
into information, produce the output as information and store the data/communication when instructed
by the user. Information is always more organised than data and carries more meaning than data.

Data refers to unorganised facts that need to be processed while information is processed data that is
meaningful to the end user.

Take an example where you are told to arrange the following words in alphabetical order. “Table, cup,
zebra, orange, boy, window” which is organised to form “boy, cup, orange, table, window, zebra” . can
you identify which set is data and which one is information?

Differences between Data and Information

DATA INFORMATION

Meaning Are raw, unorganised facts Is processed data that is

that need to be processed. organised and meaningful to the
user.

Examples 6,7,4,2,1,3,5. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7(numbers arranged

in ascending order)

School Tom going is Tom is going to school (organised

into a sentence)

10+6+20 36 (added using a calculator).

Activity 1.8: identifying Data and information.

In pairs;

1. With examples, explain in your own understanding the differences between data and
information.
2. Give an example of data and the information that can be derived from it.
3. Present your work to the rest of the class.
 Data Processing Cycle.
For data to be information, it has to undergo a cycle of processing. The sequence of events that are
taken to change data into information is the data processing cycle. These stages of data processing
include input, processing, storage, and output. See figure 1.6.

Input processing
output

storage

Figure 1.6. data processing cycle.

Data is first collected by the user and entered inti a computer as INPUT using input devices like
keyboard, mouse, microphone etc. data is then sent to the central processing unit (CPU) for
PROCESSING and then processed into information. The information is the output as OUTPUT.

The data/information can be output or stored on any STORAGE device like memory card. The
output(information) can be used as an input in another process or at a different time and the cycle
continues.

Activity 1.9. understanding the data processing cycle.

In pairs,

1. Summarise in a table the different stages of the data processing cycle and the activities that
take place in each stage.
2. Give the ICT tools that can be used on each stage of data processing.
3. “Output from one cycle can be used as input in another cycle”. Brainstorm about the
situations where is cycle applies.
4. Present your findings to the rest of the class.

1.6. CARE AND SAFETY FOR ICT TOOLS.

For ICT tools to last longer, proper care and maintenance should be done. I.e., regular servicing of the
ICT tools to ensure proper functioning and efficiency of these tools. Have you ever owned a phone,
laptop, radio or television? How did you protect it from damage? In your community, what are the care
and safety precautions being taken to safeguard the available ICT tools?

A Computer Laboratory Care and Maintenance.

A computer laboratory is a room where computers and other ICT equipments are kept for use. OR it as a
cluster of computers that are usually networked and available for use.

Most ICTs are delicate and therefore must be very well taken care of. As an ICT user, it is very important
to take safety precautions while using ICTs to avoid getting injured or damaging the ICT tools.

Activity 1.10: identifying computer laboratory safety tools and precautions.

1. Visit your computer laboratory and identify the safety precautions being taken and the tools
available to safeguard ICTs.
2. The following are some of the tools that can be used to safeguard computers in a computer
laboratory. Study figure 1.7 and answer the questions follow.

Insert pictures of fire

extinguisher, air conditioner,
carpet, dust blower.

In groups,

a) Identify the tools above stating the use(s) for each.

b) Take a walk around your computer laboratory ang I dentify a computer that requires cleaning.
Clean the monitor, keyboard and mouse. Identify the tools you have used in the cleaning
process,
c) Make a report on the procedures you have followed in the cleaning process.
d) Present your findings to the rest of the class.

Computer laboratory rules and regulations

Computer laboratories have rules and regulations that every user must follow while using it. These rules
are put in place not to spoil anyone’s fun but to safe guard computers and you the users. Some of these
rules and regulations include;

 Don’t play any computer games I n a computer lab.

 Don’t install any software on your own. Software maybe installed by computer laboratory staff
only.
 Displaying offensive graphic images e.g., pornography is prohibited.
 Students are not allowed to enter a computer laboratory with sharp objects.

Activity 1. 11: understanding computer laboratory rules and regulations.

In groups,

a) Generate other computer rules and regulations that should be followed while in the lab.
b) Why are the laboratory rules and regulations important?
c) Discuss any physical measures/techniques that can be used to secure a computer laboratory.
d) Make a presentation of your work to t5he rest of the class.

Preventive maintenance of ICT tools.

The use of ICTs has a number of challenges e.g., computer malfunction, laptops breakdown, printers go
offline, networks become unavailable and computers slow down with time etc. all these can be
minimised by keeping up with regularly scheduled preventive maintenance activities.

Computer maintenance is the practice of keeping computers in a good state of repair. Preventive
maintenance activities include;

 Update anti-virus software and regularly scan for viruses and other malware.
 Regular hard disc defragmentation: reorganisation of data stored on hard discs.
 Uninstall unwanted/ unused programs.
 Deleting temporary and unnecessary files.
 The registry scans and startup environment clean-up.
 Regular cooling system inspections and clean-up; verify functionality of cooling fans, vents and
heat sinks.

Trouble shooting
This is the process of solving a problem or determining a problem to an issue. Trouble shooting often
involves the process of elimination where a technician will follow a set of steps to determine the
problem or solve the problem.

Activity 1. 12. Understanding the importance of ICT maintenance.

In groups,
 a) Discuss the importance of servicing and maintenance of computers.
b) Advise your school about the tools that should be used in preventive maintenance of computers
and other ICT tools in the computer laboratory.
c) Brainstorm about the computer problems/ issues that require trouble shooting.
d) Present your work to the rest of the class.

Care and Safety for ICT Users.

The use of ICTs may expose users to health hazards especially when used for a long period of time
without precautions and safety measures. Many of these problems a avoidable therefore users need to
know and be aware of how they can be avoided. These health hazards result as a result of poor sitting
posture of the users, poor lighting of the computers, carrying out repetitive tasks etc.

Some of them include;

 Repetitive strain injury (RSI). This occurs when users have positioned the keyboard at an
awkward and uncomfortable angle, carrying out repetitive tasks or squeezing the mouse so
tightly causing wrist or arm pains. This can be reduced by;
o Using a wrist guard while typing.
o Ensuring users vary their sitting positions so that they are not in one position.
o Spreading fingers apart for several seconds while keeping wrists straight.
 Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Looking at a computer screen for so long can lead to eye
strain. Symptoms e.g., headache and sore eyes. It occurs when lighting in the room is at a wrong
level, the text is too small. This can be reduced by;
o Taking a break from the computer after every 15 minutes.
o Blink your eyes every 5 seconds.
o Place your display device about an arm’s length away.

Insert a picture here of a

person using a computer and
show the correct sitting
posture and distance from
the computer.
Activity 1.13. Discussing the safety for ICT users
In groups,
a) Discuss any other health hazards that may result from prolonged use of computer their cause
and the body parts that can be affected
b) suggest the measures that can be taken to reduce/control the hazards you have given in (a)
above.
c) Carry out library research and identify any other ICTs and explain the health-related problems
that may arise as a result of their prolonged use and how these effects can be minimised.
d) Present your work to the rest of the class.

Threats to ICTs and Computers.

A threat is an act or object that poses danger to a computer assets and information resources of
the organisation. Threats can cause damage to computer systems i.e. software, hardware
data/information, liveware and infrastructure.

Some of the software threats include;

Viruses. A computer virus is a computer program that runs and reproduces itself while damaging
and modifying other programs. Viruses are spread through downloads from the internet, removable
discs, e-mail attachments, fake anti-virus software or instant messaging.

Worms. This is a malware that duplicates itself in order to spread to other computers.

Logic bombs. It embeds its code into a legitimate program and then like a bomb explodes when
its opened and certain conditions are met.

Trojan horse. This is a malware which is written to appear legitimate yet it may contain a code
that damages the contents of the hard drive when certain actions are activated.

Software threats can also be referred to as malware.

An anti-virus software is a program used to detect, prevent and remove malware.

Activity 1.14. understanding threats to ICTs and computers.

In groups,

a) Discuss any threats that affect;

i. Software.
ii. Hardware
iii. Human ware/liveware.

b) Suggest measures that can be taken to reduce on the occurrence of the above threats.
Copy the table below in your notebooks and summarise the threats you have identified in (a)
and their measures in (b) above.
 threats Effects Measures
 Hardware  Electrical  burning of  Insulating all
sparks computers electrical
 fire wire
 Using fire
extinguishers
 software

 liveware

c) Explain the concept of computer security.

d) Differentiate between a computer virus and an anti-virus. Give examples of each.
e) In online banking, data can be misused by hackers and crackers.
i. Give the differences between hackers and crackers.
ii. Name the types of security measures which can be used to prevent this.
f) Present your findings to the rest of the class.

Did you know?

Updating refers to adding of some files to the existing software so as to enhance its performance e.g.,
updating an anti-virus software on a computer while upgrading is a replacement of hardware of
software or firmware with a newer/ better version in order to improve the systems functionality

User Manual
If you have carefully observed, every new ICT tool comes with a document explaining how it is to be set
up, used and how to solve problems with it. Have you ever bought a calculator? Did you find a
document inside the package? What information did you read from it? A user manual is basically a
user’s guide which provides information the ICT tool to enable the user understand how it fully
operates. Information on user manuals may include; the safety precautions, cautions, instructions for
use/set up or installation.

INSERT A PICTURE OF A
USER MANUAL OF ANY
Activity 1.15. understanding user manuals.
a) Study the user manual provided to you. summarise its contents and present the safety
precautions that it gives.
b) Explain the importance of user manuals to an ICT user in your community.
c) Share your work with the rest of the class.

Activity of integration.

The electoral commission is organising the 2026 elections. As an ICT student, you have picked interest in
the exercise and wish to advise the Electoral commission and the contestants on how best to use ICT
and various ICT tools to have a smooth electoral process.

In note than 500 words, write an article that will be published in a local newspaper, giving is on how
best the Electoral commission and other stakeholders like the contestants and political parties can make
use of ICT and various ICT tools to achieve a smooth electoral process.

Chapter Summary.

In this chapter, you have learnt:

1. The meaning of ICT.
2. Common ICT tools at workplaces and their uses.
3. The application of ICTs in our daily lives.
4. Handling and maintenance of ICT tools.
5. ICT safety precautions and security threats.

2.COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SYSTEM

STARTUP.
2.1 Introduction.
A close look at a computer will enable you to realise that it made up of different parts that are
connected to one another internally or externally (peripherals). A computer can be compared to a
human body! The human body is made up of different parts that work together to support the entire
system. The many parts of a computer are also connected together to enable the computer to do tasks.
Imagine a human body with some missing parts! Imagine a computer with some missing parts. Would
there be any communication or any task done at all? The physical devices of a computer are often
referred to as computer hardware.

As an ICT student and a computer user, you should know and understand a computer hardware, how to
assemble the hardware parts and then safely shut down the computer.

In this chapter, you will understand the importance of the physical devices of a computer system and
use them in everyday life.

2.2: Meaning of Computer hardware.

Think about the parts of a computer that you can tough, see and feel. These parts are physical. A
computer hardware therefore refers to all physical/tangible components/ parts of a computer. Figure
2.1 shows the different computer hardware, study it carefully.

Insert picture of a computer with a mouse, keyboard, printer, flash disk,

motherboard, and a cable.

Activity 2.1: identifying computer hardware.

In groups,

a) Identify the hardware components in figure 2.1.

b) Discuss the function(s) of the computer hardware components named above.
c) Carryout library research and find out other hardware components other than those named
above.
d) Present your findings to the rest of the class.

Classification of computer hardware

You have been introduced to the information processing cycle in the previous chapter. Do you
remember how it works? Computer hardware is therefore categorised according to their functions in
the information processing cycle at different stages. These include data input using input devices,
processing using processing devices, storage using storage devices, output using output devices or
communication of either data or information using communication devises which make up the major
classifications of computer hardware.

Computer Hardware

communication
output devices processing devices storage devices devices
input devices

e.gs keyboard,
printewrs,data hard discs, flashy
mouse, scanner, network switch,
projector, plotter, CPU, discs, compact
microphone, cable
facsmile machine Discs
touchpad

 Just like your body, some parts are external and can easily be identified and seen like arms, legs
while others can be easily seen unless some operations are done e.g., kidneys, heart etc, some
hardware parts are also hard to identify because they are inside other hardware devices for
example a system unit houses the hard disk, motherboard, memory chips, hard disc etc.

Input devices. An input device is a hardware component that enables a user to enter data and
instructions into a computer. They accept data and instructions from the user. They include;

 Mouse.
 Joystick.
 Light pen.
 Microphone.
 Keyboard.
 track ball.
 Scanner.
 touch pad.
 Magnetic ink character recognition reader.
 Magnetic strip card reader.
 Mouse. This is a handheld device that controls the movement of a pointer on the screen. Its
functions include;

 Positioning the cursor to the required position.

 Selecting items/icons.
 Drag and drop

A mouse usually has two buttons. The primary button(left) and secondary button (right). Many mice
today have a wheel between the buttons which allows you to scroll smoothly through the document.

Insert a picture of
a well labelled
mouse
From your school laboratory, you may have realised that the mice’s appearances are different. They are
categorised into;

Touch pad mouse. It is a rectangular pad with two buttons and the movement of the finger on the
pointer pad causes the mouse pointer to change position. Touch pads are common in modern
computers.

Track ball mouse. This is the common old version. It has a rolling ball and button embedded within a
keyboard. It is common in laptops.

Activity: 2.2; understanding how to use a mouse.

In groups,

a) Move around your school computer laboratory and identify the types of mice available.
b) Discuss the forms of data/information that can be input by the mouse.
c) Go to the desk top of your computer and identify 3 basis icons/files available.
d) Double left click on any of the icons of the identified icons and write down what you have
observed. Share your observations with the rest of the class.
e) In your own words, explain what you understand by clicking and double clicking of buttons on a
mouse.
f) Practice the following dragging and dropping actions of the mouse on your computer using
procedures below.
i. Move the pointer/cursor and position it over the item you intend to drag and drop.
ii. Press and hold down the left mouse button.
iii. While holding down, move the cursor to the desired position.
iv. Release the button.
g) Present your findings to the rest of the class.
Keyboard. Is an input device that contains keys/buttons that allow a user to enter text and instructs
into the computer. It has the following major parts.

 Functional keys.
 Numerical keys
 Navigation keys
 Alpha numeric keys
 Modifier keys

Insert a picture of a
keyboard with well
labelled keys

Note. There are two keyboard layouts i.e., qwerty layout and Dvorak layout

Functions of some keyboard buttons.

1. Delete. Erases data on the right of the cursor and any highlighted area.
2. Backspace. Erases data on the left of the cursor.
3. Caps lock. Changes upper case to lower case and vice versa.
4. Space bar. Used to create space between words and/or characters.
5. Escape (Esc). Terminates a process and cancels commands in most situations.
6. Shift. It is held down to turn on capital letter and some symbols like *, @, (,), < > etc.
7. Enter/return key. It takes you to a new line or it can be used to select items on the menu.
8. Tab. It is used to move around a group of icons, short cuts, menus, items etc.

Activity;2.3: understanding keyboard features and their functions.

In groups,

a) Visit your school computer library or any office and identify the different types of keyboards
available.
b) Type the text below with the help of your teacher on a computer.

“The use of ICTs may expose users to health hazards especially when used for a long period of time
without precautions and safety measures. Many of these problems are avoidable therefore users need to
know and be aware of how they can be avoided. These health hazards result as a result of poor sitting
posture of the users, poor lighting of the computers, carrying out repetitive tasks etc.”

i. Identify the different keyboard keys you have used while typing the above text and their
functions.
 c) The bantali dinner is a local restaurant. Staff currently uses a keyboard to input a customers
food order into a computer. The food order is then sent to the kitchen. State the advantages
and possible disadvantages of using a keyboard to input a customer’s food order.
d) Present your findings to the rest of the class.

Biometric devices.
A biometric device is a security identification and authentication. Such devices use automatic methods
of verifying the identity of a living person based on physiological or behavioural characteristics. These
characteristics include fingerprints, facial images, iris and voice recognition. The types of biometric
devices include; finger print scanner, mobile ID terminator, facial recognition etc.

Insert pictures
of biometric
devices
Activity 2.4 Understanding output devices.

In groups,

a) Carry out library research and identify the following output devices. Give function(s) of each.

Insert pictures of a track ball, joystick, scanner, light pen,

magnetic strip card reader, voice recognition device, optical
character recognition reader.

b) Explain why the use of biometric devices is considered secure over passwords.
c) A home for people who are differently disabled have approached you to make
recommendations on the type of input devices that people with different disabilities could
 use to help them to lead more productive lives. Conduct research and complete the table
for at least three disabilities.

Name of device Brand/ supplier Type of disability How it is used

Output devices.
These are devices used to display or remove information from a computer to a user. Computer
users frequently need to get data back from the computer whether in physical form/ on paper
or visual/video or audio form. What we get from the computer is output and what we use to get
it is the output device. The output devices include;
 Monitors/ visual display units.
 Printers.
 Data projector
 Speakers
 Facsimile machine
 Plotter etc.

1. Monitor.

Is an out put device that conveys text, graphics and video information to a user. Information on a display
device is called soft copy because it exists electronically and can’t be touched.

The main monitor types include;

Cathode ray tube (CRT)

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

Insert pictures of the

different types of
monitors
CRT and LCD are both display devices. CRT is an old technology whereas LCD is modern one. The major
difference between CRT and LCD is the technology used for image formation. The CRT display produces
an electron beam while the LCD produces an image on the screen using liquid crystal display.
The table below shows the differences between the LCD and CRT monitors.

BASIS FOR COMPARISON CRT LCD

Major components Vacuum glass tube, phosphor Glass plates, nematic liquid
screen, electron gun, deflection crystal, internal light source.
plates.
size CRT is weighted, bulky and large LCD is light, compact, and thin
in size in size.
weight heavier Lighter
Power consumption It consumes high power It consumes low power.
Image flickering There is image flickering in CRT No image flickering in LCD
cost It is less expensive It is more expensive
Image forming Electron gun is used to form Liquid crystals are used to form
images images
Where used Use in Televisions and used in LCD is used in flat screens
old computer monitors
Activity 2.5 Understanding monitors.

a) Differentiate between a soft copy and hard copy.

b) Explain the advantages of using an LCD over an CRT.
c) Move around the different offices in your school and identify the different types of monitors
available and their brands. Discuss all their specifications.
d) Assume your school wants to buyer monitors, give advice on the kind of monitors that should be
bought and why.
e) Make a presentation of your work to the rest of the class.

1) Data projector. This is an output device that takes the image displayed on a computer
screen and projects it onto a larger screen so that the people can see the images and texts
clearly.

Insert a picture of
a projector
 3). Plotter. this is a device that gives a hard copy of the output. It draws pictures on
paper using a pen. They are used to print designs of ships, machines and building plans.

Insert a picture of a plotter

3). Printer. Is an external output that takes data from a computer and generates output in
the form of graphics, text on paper. Hard copy is printed information on paper that is
tangible and exists permanently.
Categories of printers.

printer

non impact
impact printers
printers

make contact with

donot make
the paper by
contact with paper
striking while
while printing
printing

eg. daisy wheel

eg. ink jet printer,
printer, dot matrix
laser printer,
printer, ball point
thermal printer.
printer.

Activity 2.6: Using a printer

in groups,

a) copy the table below in your notebooks and state the differences between impact and non-
impact printers.
 Impact printers Non-impact printers

b) Visit any office in your school with a printer and,

I. Identify the type of printer available.
II. With the help of the person in charge of it, type the following and make a printout of the
softcopy.
“For information to be transferred and exchanged, ICT tools must be involved. While
communicating, what ICT tools have you used? Have you spotted any ICT tools like radios in your
family or school? Everywhere you go, you are likely to find an ICT tool.”

ii. Write down the procedures/steps you have followed to print the work.
c) Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a hard copy over soft copy.
d) Carry out a library search or online research and identify other output devices that can be used
in your school or community. State the function(s) of each.
e) Present your findings to the rest of the class.

Storage and memory.

Storage refers to an area where data/information and instructions permanently reside even if the
computer is on or off. It holds data and information for future use/reference.

Storage device is a computer hardware device that is used to store digital data/information and
applications for future use.