Unit 3: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Skills – Class 10 Notes

Unit 3: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Skills

Unit Overview

Session	Topic	Key Concepts
Session 1	Basic Computer Operations	Hardware, Software, Operating System, BIOS, Login/Logout, Shutdown, Keyboard and Mouse
Session 2	Basic File Operations	Files, Folders, File Extensions and Shortcut Keys
Session 3	Computer Care and Maintenance	Cleaning, Cooling, Battery Care, Performance and Backup
Session 4	Computer Security and Privacy	Threats, Viruses, SPAM, Passwords, Antivirus, Firewall, Encryption and Safe Browsing

Session 1: Basic Computer Operations

A computer system consists of two primary parts: Hardware and Software.

1. Hardware

Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer that can be seen and touched.

2. Software

Software consists of the internal programs that make computer hardware function as desired.

3. Operating System (OS)

An Operating System (OS) is the most critical software that starts automatically when a computer is switched on and provides the environment in which other programs can operate.

Device Type	Examples of Operating Systems
Desktop Computers	Ubuntu, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
Mobile Devices	Android, iOS

4. Starting a Computer

When the power button is pressed, the computer automatically performs a series of operations before the operating system becomes available.

BIOS – Basic Input/Output System

BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System.

• It runs automatically when the computer is switched on.
• It performs a self-test of the system.
• If the system is functioning correctly, BIOS loads the Operating System.

5. Login and Logout

A unique login-ID and password acts as a key to protect a user's data from unauthorized access.

• Login credentials help protect personal information.
• They prevent unauthorized persons from accessing or changing data.
• Users should always log out after completing their work.

6. Shutting Down a Computer

A computer should be shut down properly so that the operating system can safely close applications and complete necessary operations before the machine is turned off.

In Ubuntu, use the System button and select Shut Down.

7. Using Input Devices

Input devices allow users to provide data and commands to a computer.

Keyboard

A keyboard is used to type text, numbers, and commands.

Key Type	Examples	Purpose
Function Keys	F1–F12	Perform specific tasks. F1 often provides help.
Control Keys	CTRL, SHIFT, ALT	Perform special functions and shortcuts.
Navigation Keys	Arrow Keys, HOME, END, PAGE UP, PAGE DOWN	Move through documents and screens.
Command Keys	BACKSPACE, DELETE, INSERT	Delete, remove or modify text.

Mouse Actions

Mouse Action	Meaning
Hover / Roll Over	Move the pointer over an item to display information without clicking.
Point and Click	Select an item.
Drag and Drop	Move an item to another location.
Double-click	Quickly click twice to open a file or application.

Session 2: Performing Basic File Operations

1. Files

All information stored on a computer is organised into files.

Each file has a file name and usually a file extension. The extension helps identify the type of file.

File Extension	Type of File
.txt	Text file
.jpg	Image file
.mp3	Sound/Audio file

2. Folders

Folders are used to group related files together so that files can be organised and managed easily.

3. Common Shortcut Keys

Shortcut	Function
Ctrl + C	Copy
Ctrl + V	Paste
Ctrl + X	Cut / Move
Ctrl + S	Save
Ctrl + Z	Undo / Reverse the last action

Session 3: Computer Care and Maintenance

Computers are delicate machines. Regular care and maintenance help them work efficiently and increase their useful life.

Important Computer Maintenance Practices

No.	Maintenance Practice	What to Do
1	Keep it Clean	Use a soft brush for the keyboard and a soft cloth for the screen.
2	Avoid Food and Drinks	Never eat or drink near a computer because spills can damage the device.
3	Handle Carefully	Avoid dropping or banging devices. Use padded cases for laptops.
4	Ensure Proper Cooling	Make sure internal fans work properly and do not cover ventilation openings.
5	Battery Care	Unplug the device once it reaches 100% to help avoid overheating and support battery life.
6	Maintain Performance	Delete unnecessary temporary files using disk-cleaner software and close unused programs.
7	Backup	Regularly save copies of important data on external storage devices.

Why Should We Avoid Using a Laptop on a Bed?

A laptop requires proper ventilation for cooling. Using it on a bed can cover ventilation openings and restrict airflow, which may cause overheating.

Backup of Data

A backup means keeping additional copies of important information so that data can be recovered if the computer fails.

Session 4: Computer Security and Privacy

Protecting data is extremely important because leaked information such as financial or medical records can cause significant harm.

Common Computer Security Threats

Threat	Meaning / Description
Theft	Includes physical theft of hardware, identity theft and software piracy.
Identity Theft	Hackers steal personal information and use it to assume another person's identity.
Software Piracy	Using software without the required licence or authorisation.
Virus	A malicious program that can cause damage to computer systems and data.
Worm	A malicious program that can replicate and spread to other files or systems.
Trojan Horse	A malicious program that disguises itself as a useful program but can damage or destroy data.
Online Predators	People who may attempt to trap or manipulate users into inappropriate relationships.
Internet Scams	Fraudulent activities designed to trick users into providing money or account details.
SPAM	Unwanted advertising or bulk emails. Such messages should be deleted without responding.

1. Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when hackers steal personal information and use it to assume another person's identity.

2. Software Piracy

Software piracy refers to the use of software without a valid licence or proper authorisation.

3. Worms

Worms are malicious programs that can replicate themselves and spread to other files or systems.

4. Trojan Horses

A Trojan Horse disguises itself as a useful program but can cause damage to data or the computer system.

5. Online Predators

Online predators may attempt to trap users in inappropriate relationships. Users should be cautious when communicating with unknown people online.

6. Internet Scams

Internet scams are attempts to trick users into sharing money, personal information or account details.

7. SPAM

SPAM refers to unwanted advertising or bulk emails.

How to Stay Safe Online

Security Measure	Purpose
Strong Passwords	Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.
Antivirus	Helps monitor and protect the computer from malicious software.
Firewall	Helps monitor data and block unauthorised or harmful network activity.
Data Encryption	Converts data into a coded form that requires a key to read.
Safe Browsing	Enter sensitive information only on secure websites.

1. Strong Passwords

A strong password should contain a mixture of:

• Uppercase letters
• Lowercase letters
• Numbers
• Special characters

2. Antivirus and Firewall

Antivirus software and firewalls are important security tools used to monitor data and help protect systems from threats.

3. Data Encryption

Data encryption converts information into a coded form so that it cannot be easily understood by unauthorised users.

A key is required to read the encrypted information.

4. Safe Browsing

Users should enter sensitive information only on secure websites.

Quick Revision: Unit 3

Concept	Key Point
Hardware	Physical parts of a computer that can be seen and touched.
Software	Programs that make computer hardware function.
Operating System	Critical software that starts when the computer is switched on.
BIOS	Performs a self-test and loads the Operating System.
File	Stores information on a computer and has a name and extension.
Folder	Used to organise related files.
Backup	Additional copy of important data for recovery.
Identity Theft	Stealing personal information to assume another person's identity.
Worm	Malicious program capable of replicating and spreading.
Trojan Horse	Malicious program disguised as a useful program.
SPAM	Unwanted advertising or bulk emails.
Encryption	Converts data into coded form that requires a key to read.
Safe Browsing	Check for https:// and the lock symbol before entering sensitive information.

Remember