LIVING IN IT ERA

LAURENTE, MARK LESTER

DALAN, RAPHY A.
MODULE 1 Introduction to Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Key Terms:
ACM – Association of Computing Machinery
ENIAC – Electronic Numeric Integrator and Calculator
ICT – Information and Communications Technology
IDI – ICT Development Index
IT – Information Technology
ITU – International Telecommunication Union
USB – Universal Serial Bus
Artificial Intelligence – is defined as the science of making computers or machines in general to do
things that require intelligence when done by humans.
Automation – is the technique of making an apparatus, a process, or a system to operate automatically.
Big data – is a term that describes large and complex volumes of data analyzed for insights to help in
making better decisions and more effective strategic plans.
Blog – is a combination of two words – web and log. It works the same way as pen and paper would, but
the privacy becomes irrelevant given that a blog can be seen by anyone online.
Blogger – is a person who writes blogs.
Communication – is a process in which information is exchanged between individuals through verbal
and non-verbal means.
Communication device – is a hardware component that aids a computer to send (transmit) and receive
data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers.
Compact disc – is a flat, round, portable metal disc.
Computer – is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory,
that can accept data, manipulate the data according to specified rules, procedure results, and store the
results for future use.
Desktop computer – is designed to be paced on a desk, and is typically made up of a few different parts,
including the computer case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
Exploitation – refers to an action of making use of and benefiting from digital resources such as changing
grades by hacking the system.
Hard disk – is a data storage hardware device that offers a greater storage capacity than a floppy disk,
Zip disk, or USB flash drive.
Information – refers to the knowledge obtained from reading, investigation, study, or research.
Information age – is a period in human history characterized by the shift from traditional industry to an
information technology-based economy brought by industrialization.
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) – refers to technology that supports activities
involving information such as gathering, processing, storing, and presenting data. Increasingly, these
activities also involve collaboration and communications.
Information Technology (IT) – pertains to the industry that involves computers, software, networking,
and other IT infrastructure that help relay or manage information deemed important in modern-day living.
Input device – is any hardware component that allows one to enter data or instructions into a computer.
Intelligent system – is a far more complex machine capable of learning.
Laptop computer – is a battery-powered computer that is more portable than a desktop, allowing one to
use it almost anywhere.
Libel – refers to publication of a false statement that damages one’s business or personal reputation.
Mainframe – is a powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting hundreds or thousands of users
simultaneously.
Media – refers to communications devices. Communication devices are used in interaction and/or
communication.
Minicomputer – is a multi-user computer capable of supporting from 10 to hundreds of users
simultaneously.
Modem – is a device or program that enables a computer to transmit data over, for example, telephone
or cable lines.
Motherboard – is a circuitry of the system unit which is commonly a part of, associated with, or linked to
a circuit board.
Output device – is any hardware component that transmits information to one or more people.
Personal computer – is a small, single-user computer based on a microprocessor.
Plagiarism – is the act of using someone’s intellectual property (e.g., ideas and written works) and
claiming it as one’s own.
Port – is an endpoint of communication in an operating system.
Smartphone – is a mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a computer, typically having a
touchscreen interface, internet access, and an operating system capable of running downloaded
applications.
Software piracy – refers to an act of installing a copy of software into one’s computer without permission,
and/or producing a copy disregarding the copyrights.
Storage – holds data, instructions and information for future use.
Supercomputer – is an extremely fast computer that can perform millions of instructions per second.
System unit – is a box-like case that contains the electronic components of the computer which are used
to process data.
Technology – has made communication much easier and faster through telephones, computers and
mobile devices.
Trend – refers to a particular style in fashion, devices, or entertainment. There could always be a new
trend coming along to replace the old.
USB flash drive - is a portable storage device that has more storage capacity than a floppy disk or Zip
disk. It is small and lightweight enough to be transported on a keychain or put in one’s pocket.
User – is anyone who communicates and interacts with a computer or makes use of the information it
generates.
Workstation – is similar to a personal computer but has a more powerful microprocessor and a higher-
quality monitor.

Information and Communications Technology: An Overview

The concept of technology has evolved throughout the years. As the rate of human progress
continues to increase, society has adapted in such a way that technology no longer appeals to mechanical
or electrical systems alone. The term technology presently includes advancements in communications
and how information is handled, thus enabling governments, organizations, industries, and ordinary
individuals to improve on their decision-making, business processes, and everyday living. The term
information and communication technology or ICT was defined in a study conducted by Zuppo (2012) as
“related to technologies that facilitate the transfer of information and various types of electronically
mediated communication.” However, this definition was considered too broad that Zuppo created an ICT
hierarchy to identify key aspects such as ICT in education, business, and the economic sector. These
classifications, however, contain some degree of commonality.
The need for devices, such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets, is identified in all instances.
This fact is perhaps due to the human need to “belong.” According to Baumister and Leary (1995), the
“belongingness hypothesis” states that people have a basic psychological need to feel closely connected
to others, and that caring, affectionate bonds from close relationships are a major part of a human
behavior. This need can be fulfilled through the different modes of communication, be it face-to-face,
online, through voice, or simply through a text message, manifested in the number of people with mobile
devices such as smartphones, tablets, and the latest technologies such as “wearable devices.”
Nowadays, it is no longer surprising to find a person owning several of these gadgets, which may not
necessarily be for different purposes. ICT is ubiquitous and access to it is relatively affordable and
somewhat effortless. This makes the demand much higher as different sectors, industries, and
organizations now also incorporate ICT in their daily business processes.

Lesson 1: IT versus ICT

When do we use the term ICT and how does it differ from IT? ICT. Or information and
communications technology, is often used in a more general sense, and is described as using computers
and other digital technologies to assist individuals or institutions in handling or using information. ICT is
technology that supports activities involving information such as gathering, processing, storing, and
presenting data. Increasingly, these activities also involve collaboration and communication.
IT, or information technology, pertains to the industry that involves computers, software,
networking, and other IT infrastructure that help relay or manage information deemed important in
modern-day living as seen primarily in large companies or corporations. Simply put, IT is a subset of ICT
as the technology used in the field of IT aids in the use of ICT (Wang, 2016).
Breakdown of ICT
ICT is made up of three words, namely information, communications, and technology.
 Information
Information refers to the knowledge obtained from reading, study, or research. Some of
the tools that transmit information are the telephone, television, and radio. Not to be confused
with data, information is regarded as processed data. Computers normally process data that are
later understood as information. For example, while typing on your laptop, you usually punch in
random letters on your keyboard to make up words and sentences. The typing on the keyboard
is considered as input data while the words and sentences you see on your computer monitor is
considered as output information.
Information is needed to make decisions and to foresee the future. For example,
scientists can detect the formation of a tsunami using the latest technology and warn the public
to avoid disasters in the affected areas.
Processed information is called knowledge. Knowledge helps fulfill daily tasks. For
example, knowledge is used to predict tomorrow’s weather and decide if there is a need to bring
an umbrella. Knowledge is also used to analyze the stock market and check which company is
worth investing in.
 Communication
Communication is an act of transmitting messages. It is a process in which information
is exchanged between two individuals through verbal and non-verbal means.
In the prehistoric days, humans communicated through signs or symbols as evidenced
by cave paintings and drawings, rock art, stone carvings, and the like. Forms of communication
have evolved through time as communicating more and more complex ideas has become
necessary. With technology, communication is faster, more convenient, and more efficient. When
face-to face meeting is not possible, long distance communication or virtual communication is
now common and easy with the use of smartphones and computer with internet access.
 Technology
Technology has evolved in ways that improve people’s daily activities. As mentioned
above, technology has made communication much easier and faster through telephones, fax
machines, mobile devices, and the internet. It has also made broadcasting of 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 house work, or in simple day-to-day activities easily. The concept of
technology always starts within the basic tool. In order to build a house, one cannot simply use
his or her own two hands to cut wood and attach the wooden pieces together. A hacksaw,
hammer, and set of nails are needed to accomplish the task. The concept of a wheel has also
made transportation much easier, and enabled people to move several objects from one place
to another with ease.
 By combining a set of tools, people have come up with machines that can do the tasks
faster and more efficiently. A single-wheel transportation tool has inspired the creation of a
machine capable of transporting, not just objects, but also passengers. Thus, vehicles have
nowadays become more of a necessity rather than a form of luxury.
Another type of machine that is considered a necessity is the computer. A computer is
an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that
can accept data, manipulate the data according to specified rules, produce results, and store the
results, for future use. However, as technology evolves, so do machines. Computers today are
no longer the same computers your parents must have first used. Most machines, including
computers, have evolved through the process of automation.
Automation is defined as “the technique of making an apparatus, a process, or a system
operate automatically.” Automation includes a broad range of technologies normally connecting
computer systems, and systems integration, among others. The integration is made in such a
way that these interconnected systems are capable of self-acting or self-regulation. Automated
systems can reduce the instances of errors, which are usually caused by human-based decision
and comprehension. Production companies often use automated systems as part of their
business process as automation increases productivity and lessens the time to market.
However, an automated system is not the same as an intelligent system. Intelligent
systems are far more complex and are capable of learning. This is where the concept of artificial
intelligent comes in. One of the latest inventions in the automotive industry is the intelligent car
which is capable of driving and parking by itself.

Lesson 2: Components of a Computer

What makes a computer work? By definition, a computer is an electronic device that manipulates
information or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. It contains both hardware
components and software applications.
The hardware pertains to the computer’s physical devices. It is any part of the computer that can
be seen and touched. A computer’s hardware consists of interrelated electronic devices that are used to
manipulate the computer’s operation, input devices, and output devices.

Input Devices
Working with a computer would be ineffective if one does not intermingle with it because the
machine cannot accept and receive instructions and/or deliver an output on its own. Input devices enter
or send data and instructions from the user or from another computer system on the internet while output
devices send back the administered data to the user or to another computer system.
The following are some of the most common and important input devices of a computer:
 Keyboard – is the most common input device that accepts letters, numbers, and commands
from the user.
 Mouse – lets one select options from on-screen menus. A mouse is used by moving it on a flat
surface, pressing its two buttons (left and right), and scrolling the wheel that is located between
 the buttons. There are also alternatives to using a mouse. A trackball has a ball that can rotate
using a finger or the palm of a hand to move the pointer. A touchpad also called a trackpad is
a touch-sensitive pad that lets the user move the pointer by touching and dragging his or her
finger on the pad. Touchpads are commonly built-in on laptop computers.
 Microphone – allows a user to speak into the computer to input data and instructions. While
there are available stand-alone microphones for computers, most of the time, users buy a
headset – a combination of microphone and earphones – for the sake of practicality.
 Scanner – converts printed material (such as text and pictures) into a form the computer can
use. There are different types of scanners available; the most common is the flatbed scanner.
Scanners look like miniature printers with a flip-up cover protecting the glass platen. They are
often built into multi-function printers (MFPs). Another type becoming common nowadays is the
hand-held or portable scanners. Portable scanners can be small enough to fit inside one’s
pocket. Pen scanners are just a bit bigger than fountain pens and can scan the text of a document
line by line. They do not give high-resolution scans and are more expensive than flatbed
scanners.
 Digital camera – allows one to take pictures then transfer the photographed images to the
computer or printer instead of storing the images on a traditional film.
 PC video camera – is a digital video camera that enables users to create a movie or take still
photographs electronically. With the PC video camera attached to the computer, users can see
each other as they communicate via the computer.

Output Devices
An output device is any hardware component that transmits information to one or more people.
The three commonly used output devices are as follows:
 Printer – produces text and graphics on a physical medium such as paper. The two types of
printer are the impact printer and the non-impact printer. An impact printer makes contact with
the paper by pressing an inked ribbon against the paper using a hammer or pins. An example of
an impact printer is the dot-matrix printer. A non-impact printer does not use a striking device
to produce characters on the paper, and because it does not hammer against the paper, the
printer produces less noise. Examples of non-impact printers are inkjet printers and laser printers.
 Monitor – displays text, graphics, and videos on a screen. Many monitors look similar to a
television. The three types of monitor available in the market are the following:
a. Cathode ray tube (CRT) – is a vacuum tube containing an electron gun at one end and a
fluorescent screen at another end. From this electron gun, a process called thermionic
emission generates a strong beam of electrons. These electrons travel through a narrow
path within the tube with high speed suing various electromagnetic devices and finally strike
the phosphor points present on the fluorescent screen, thus creating an image. Monitors
employ the CRT technology used most commonly in the manufacturing of television screens.
A stream of intense high-energy electrons is used to form images on a fluorescent screen.
b. Liquid crystal display (LCD) – is a flat-panel display that consists of a layer of color or
monochrome pixels arranged schematically between a couple of transparent electrodes and
two polarizing filters. Optical effect is achieved by polarizing the light in varied amounts and
making it pass through the liquid crystal layer.
c. Light-emitting diode (LED) – is a flat-panel display that uses light-emitting diodes for
backlighting. The display is of LCD only but the backlighting is done by LEDs. LED monitors
 are said to use much lesser power than CRT and LCD. Thus, they are also considered
environment-friendly.
 Speaker – allows one to hear music, voice, and other sounds. The signal used to produce the
sound that comes from a computer speaker is created by the computer’s sound card.

System Unit
The system unit is the enclosure composed of the main elements of a computer that are used
to administer data. This can be referred to as a computer case or tower. The circuitry of the system unit
containing the primary components of a computer with connectors into which other circuit boards can be
positioned is recognized as motherboard.

Storage Devices
A computer can be utilized with only processing, memory, input and output devices. To make it
very valuable, however, a computer also needs a place to hold program files and all related files when
they are not in use. The goal of using a storage is to keep data permanently.
There are many types of storage devices which include the flash disk drive, a small portable
storage device often referred to as pen drives, thumb drives, or jump drives. It has a memory capacity of
2GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 1TB, and now up to 2TB. Another type of storage is the hard
disk drive. Most personal computers have at least one non-removable hard disk that is regarded as non-
volatile memory which permanently stores and retrieves data.
Another storage device is the compact disc. It is a flat, round, and portable metal disc. One type
of compact disc is a CD-ROM, which can be accessed using most CD and DVD drives. Another type of
compact disc is a DVD-ROM, which has enough storage capacity to store a full-length movie.

Lesson 3: Why Computers are Powerful

Computers are powerful for a variety of reasons. They work with remarkable speed, reliability,
consistency, and accuracy. Computers can store large amounts of data and information. Also, computers
allow users to communicate with other users or computers. A user is anyone who communicates and
interacts with a computer or makes use of the information it generates.
 Speed
In the system unit, operations get done through electronic circuits. When data, instructions, and
information drift along these circuits, they travel at incredibly fast speeds. Most computers bring
out billions of operations in a single second. The world’s fastest computer can perform trillions of
operations in one second.
 Reliability and Consistency
The electronic components in modern computers are dependable because they have a low
failure rate. The high reliability of components enables the computer to produce consistent
results.
 Accuracy
Computers process large amounts of data and generate error-free results, provided the data is
 imputed correctly and the instructions work properly. If data is inaccurate, the resulting output is
also incorrect. A computing phrase known as garbage in, garbage out points out that accuracy
of a computer’s output depends on the accuracy of the input.
 Communication
It is unbearable to go through a day without communication. Communication happens between
two or more people sending and receiving messages from one another. The one sending the
message is referred to as the sender while the one receiving the information is known as the
receiver. The message being transmitted can contain facts, thoughts, perceptions, judgements,
beliefs, attitudes, commands, and even reactions. For example, two computers connected by a
communications device, such as modem, can share stored data, instructions, and information.
These two computers can be located in the same room or thousands of miles away from each
other in two different countries.

Lesson 4: Classifying Computers

Computers can be classified based on size and computing power. However, as technology
advances, these classifications tend to overlap as modern computers have become smaller, yet more
powerful, and relatively cheaper.
The general classifications of computers are as follows:
 Personal computer – is a small, single-user computer based on a microprocessor. In addition,
to the microprocessor, a personal computer has a keyboard for entering data, a monitor for
displaying information, and a storage device for saving data.
 Workstation – is a powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is like a personal computer,
but it has a more powerful microprocessor and a higher-quality monitor.
 Minicomputer – is a multi-user computer capable of supporting from 10 to hundreds of users
simultaneously.
 Mainframe – is a powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting hundred or thousands of
users simultaneously.
 Supercomputer – is an extremely fast computer that can perform millions of instructions per
second. Below is a picture of NASA’s Pleiades supercomputer that has 245,536 CPU cores and
a total memory of 935 TB.
To compare, a computer with an Intel Core i3 processor, has only two cores for running its programs
and applications. Core i5 and i7 models usually have only four cores. Core i7 extreme processors can
have six to eight cores; however, most applications cannot use all the cores to full advantage. Thus, they
do not operate at full capacity. Imagine having more than 245,000 cores. How many applications and
programs can your computer run in a second?
Computers are also categorized into several types due to the introduction of mobile devices and the
proliferation of internet-capable devices. Specialized computers are now classified according to specific
users. These different types of computers are as follows:
 Desktop computers – are computers designed to be placed on a desk, and are normally
made up of a few different parts, including the computer case, central processing unit (CPU),
monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
 Laptop computers – are battery-powered computer devices whose portability makes them
possible to use almost anytime, anywhere.
  Tablet computers – are hand-held computers with touch-sensitive screen for typing and
navigating.
 Smartphones – are hand-held telephones which can do things that computers can do,
including browsing and searching the internet and even playing console games.
 Wearables – include fitness trackers and smartwatches that can be worn throughout the
day.
 Smart TVs – are the latest television sets that include applications present in computers.
For example, videos can be streamed from the internet directly onto the TV. The TV can also
be used as a computer monitor and gaming monitor.

Lesson 5: Digital Age, Information Age, and Computer Age

Digital age, information age, and computer age, used interchangeably, capture the ubiquitous
nature of computing and the prolific use of technology in almost all aspects of human activity such as
digital interaction is a defining characteristic of human activity.
It is a period in human history characterized by the shift from traditional industry to information
technology-based economy brought by industrialization during the Industrial Revolution. The definition of
what digital means (or what information means) continues to change over time as new technologies, user
devices, and methods of interaction with other people and devices enter the domain of research,
development and market launch.
This period is also characterized by the digital industry creating a knowledge-based society
surrounded by a high-tech global economy that exerts its influence on how the manufacturing process
and the service sector work in an efficient and convenient way.

Media in the Digital Age

Media normally refers to the means of communication that uses unique tools to interconnect
among people. The forms of media include television, radio, cellular phones, and internet (which involves
the access and use of various social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube,
among others). In the digital age, however, media can be considered as the message, the medium, and
the messenger.

The Message
Media is considered to be the message itself for those who create and own the rights of the
content. The forms of content can be user-generated or professionally-produced. User-generated content
(UGC) is a form of content created and owned by the users of a system. UGC has grown exponentially
especially with the wide internet coverage of easy WiFi access, increased social media participation, and
affordable smart devices.
Below is one of the many examples of media tools used especially by millennials to generate
content.
  Blog
Keeping a diary or a journal is a traditional method of recording one’s emotions through
writing. With the advent of the internet, expressing one’s feelings and thoughts was given a new
concept through online writing or blogging. A blog is a combination of two words – web and log.
It works the same way as pen and paper would but privacy becomes irrelevant given that a blog
post can be seen by anyone online. A person who writes blogs is called a blogger.
One of the TV personalities in the Philippines who also does blogging to further express
feelings, thoughts, and opinions is Maine Mendoza, also known as “Yaya Dub,” in the Kalye
Serye of the noontime show “Eat Bulaga.”
Most recently, blogs have evolved into microblogs and video blogs. Microblogs have
become popular due to the rise of Tumblr and Twitter in which users instantly share limited
content or short messages. Now, with the increasing number of YouTube viewers, people have
explored uploading their own videos ranging from their travels and products reviews to any other
random topics. Some vloggers, YouTubers, or social media influencers even make money based
on the number of views they get on the products they feature in their video blogs.

The Medium
The medium used refers to the tool or tools used in sending a message from the source to the
destination. Traditionally, for example, professionals send messages to the audience, such as a news
anchor delivering the news on TV and/or radio. However, with the latest technologies, the so-called social
media has become an avenue for information dissemination even taking over news sites in bringing the
latest or up-to-date content. One such example is Twitter. Users of this application can constantly update
other Twitter users about a certain topic. In this platform, Twitter users can also share other users’ content
(in the form of retweeting) and discuss any topic with one another. Thus, the media, instead of just being
an avenue for delivering messages, is becoming increasingly social – with the audience themselves
creating their own content and interacting with one another.

The Messenger
The messenger is the one who delivers the message. This is why broadcasters, for example,
being the messenger of the news are called “media.” In the digital space, however, does the “media” also
refer to social network users who create content themselves but are not professional journalists? Hence,
although the media can be the message, the medium, and the messenger, in the digital age, the
demarcation lines between them are somewhat blurry.

Evolution of Media
The media has transformed itself based on two things – (1) how information is presented; and
(2) how the connection is established. Woodcut printing on cloth or on paper was used in the early 15 th
century. It was in 1436 when Johannes Gutenberg started working on a printing press which used relief
printing and a molding system. Now, the modern printing press delivers messages in print, such as
newspapers, textbooks, and magazines.
In the 1800s, the telegraph was developed followed by the telephone which made the two-way
communication possible. Message sending and receiving can now be done both ways simultaneously.
 At the beginning of the 1900s, broadcasting and recorded media were introduced. Radio and
television were used to send sound and video to homes and offices through electromagnetic spectrum
or radio waves. Audio (lower frequency band) or video (higher frequency band) content can be received
depending on the frequency used. Later on, a combination of both audio and video information made the
audience’s viewing experience more exciting. Films and movies become popular as they catered to larger
audiences.
As communication devices also evolved and became pervasive, so did information distribution.
A photo taken using a smartphone can immediately be uploaded and shared on Facebook, Twitter, or
Instagram. Community websites such as OLX.ph, a Philippine counterpart of ebay.com, let its users buy
and sell items online. This eliminates the need for going to physical stores.
In line with this development, the audience regardless of their professions can now interact with
one another and are no longer disconnected. News sites can even get news stories for example from
Twitter or other social media sites. According to Claudine Beaumont, author from The Telegraph, one
good example of this happened in January 15, 2009, when dozens of New Yorkers sent ‘tweets’ about a
plane crash in the city. News about the US Airways Flight 1549 which was forced to land in the Hudson
River in Manhattan, USA immediately spread all over the country. All the plane’s engine shut down when
it struck a flock of geese, minutes after takeoff from New York’s LaGuardia Airport.

Lesson 6: Overview of Current Trends

A trend refers to something hip or popular at a certain point in time. It can be a particular style in
fashion, devices, or entertainment. A new trend may always come along to replace the old one.
Technology trends tend to change as time goes by. Following Moore’s Law, technology is bound
to upgrade itself every two years. In 1965, Gordon Moore predicted that the computing power would
dramatically increase over time. But as it increases, cost is expected to proportionally go down.
Nowadays, the two-year prediction has even decreased, with releases happening less than two years, if
not, yearly. Aside from cost, sizes of hardware have also decreased in making devices, such as
smartphones, more useful and dependable.
A few years ago, people would have a cellular phone, a digital camera, a portable music player,
and a laptop with them. They would use their phones to text and make calls, the digital camera to take
pictures, and the music player to listen to music while doing their work on their laptop. Now, smartphones
are capable of doing the aforementioned activities and a lot more through applications or “apps” made
available online. The term smartphone was coined as the cellular or mobile phone has now become
smarter – it can run apps which help people perform their day-to-day activities. Apps turn mobile devices
into miniature PCs capable of browsing the web, taking down notes, and playing games, among others.
By default, smartphones come installed with basic apps such as making calls, sending text messages,
playing music, and managing schedules. As of 2017, Google Play has approximately 2.8 million apps
available for Android users, whereas Apple’s App Store is estimated to have 2.2 million. These apps are
not just limited to smartphones. They can be used in other mobile devices, including tablets, and, another
recent trend, wearable devices.
In an article from Forbes.com, DeMers (2016) identified seven major trends in 2017.
1. IoT and smart home technology
 The so-called Internet of Things (IoT) has been trending since 2016. The vision of IoT has
evolved due to the convergence of multiple technologies, including pervasive wireless
communication, data analytics, machine learning, and use of hardware technology such as
sensors, microprocessors, and microcontrollers. Controlling home appliances through a mobile
phone – such as switching the lights on and off, setting the timer for washing machine, and
controlling the television to record shows that might be missed due to traffic – is now possible.
2. Augmented reality and virtual reality
In 2016, the release of games such as Pokemon Go and the anticipated VR headset, Oculus
Rift, served as a turning point for AR and VR technology.
3. Machine learning
Also called artificial intelligence, having machines decide for you seems to be a daunting task
and would probably make you think of robots and talking computers similar to Iron Man’s Jarvis.
However, with the recent release of Apple’s iPhone X, it was not just the design that improved.
The iOs’ intelligent personal assistant, Siri, has also been upgraded with enhanced learning
making the use if iPhone more efficient. Its latest features include the following:
o Face ID
The owner’s face is the new password. It is a more secure way to unlock the phone and
keep the data safe.
o A11 Bionic
A11 Bionic is claimed to be the “most powerful and smartest chip ever in a smartphone,”
with a neural engine capable of up to 600 billion operations per second. A neural engine,
a type of artificial intelligence, enables computers to learn from observation.
o Wireless Charging
A cable is not needed to charge the device.
o Augmented Reality
AR is not just designed for fun. It is also meant for productivity and efficiency. It allows
one to navigate without looking at a map, visualize industrial equipment, and many
others.
o iOS 11
In its latest operating system, one can scan documents in the notes app, edit live photos,
and in the U.S., even pay friends in Messages. Siri can also translate languages.
4. Automation
Through advanced technology, it is now possible to automate previously human-exclusive tasks.
This is very much evident through wearable devices such as step computers and heart rate
monitors used by health-conscious individuals. Information collected is automatically saved and
stored in mobile devices for analysis later on.
5. Big data
Big data is a term that describes large and complex volumes of data. But it is not how much data
an organization has it is what they do with it that matters. Big data can be analyzed for insights
which can help management make better decisions and come up with more effective strategic
plans. Waze is an example of an app which uses big data. The app helps users determine traffic,
direction and route estimations, and notifies users with accident alerts and road hazards, among
others.
6. Physical-digital integrations
Majority of organizations nowadays are moving towards system automation. As such, they
identify their physical elements and create digital data for more efficient operation and back-up.
The concept of having a “paperless company” in which transactions, reports, and services are
 done using automated systems is one such example. Not only is it deemed reliable but also
environment-friendly.
7. Everything on demand
Due to the prevalence of network connectivity, it is possible to have information on demand.
Music, movies, and even drivers (e.g., Grab) are made available through the apps in a
smartphone.

Lesson 7: Impact of ICT on Individuals, Organizations, and Society

ICT brings both positive and negative effects to individuals, organizations, and society. It
improves education, access to information, and security. However, it limits personal interaction and
physical activity and poses problems in employment and security.

Positive Effects
- Improved access to education
There are new ways of learning such as the use of learning management system (LMS) which
implements educational enhancements such as distance learning and online tutorials, virtual
reality, and interactive multimedia.

- Access to information and communication

The internet is widely used in communication. Access to it is getting better as it has become
available in almost all places such as commercial establishments and public spaces. New tools
have been promoted such as VoIP phone, Insta Messaging (IM), chat (e.g., FB Messenger,
Google Hangouts, Yahoo! Messenger, etc.), video chat (e.g., Skype, FB video chat, etc.), and
email. In addition, ICT has been maximized by most individuals nowadays for leisure and
entertainment such as watching movies, playing games, or even reading news and articles, and
for creating new relationships with people around the world.

- Security
With the advancement that ICT brings, individuals and organizations can solve any security
problems. Examples of security measure on applications are: (1) the use of encryption methods
to keep and protect data from any software; (2) the use of password/s for personal information
protection; and (3) the development of physical security systems such as biometrics in a form of
fingerprint, facial recognition, iris (eye) recognition, and voice recognition.

Negative Effects
- Reduced personal interaction and physical activity
Because of virtual communication, ironically, people are less likely to talk or meet each other in
person. And because of the comfort of working from home and the entertainment that the internet
offers (i.e., streaming movies, playing online games, etc.), physical activity is reduced leading to
health issues such as obesity and heart disease.

- Job loss or increase in unemployment

 This can be considered as one of the worst effects of ICT.
o Multiple workers being replaced and reduced by a smaller number of employees capable
of doing the same volume of tasks
o Shipping of freight services in which a certain amount is added to the operating costs for
the physical process of transporting commodities or goods.
o Automation through robots or machines replacing people in the assembly line.

- Security
ICT brings not only improvement but also threat to security. Data or files must always be kept
secure and safe. The internet connection must always be safeguarded from different tasks such
as data modification, identity/IP address spoofing, password-based attacks, denial-of-service,
etc. computers should also be protected from various forms of viruses and malware which are
released almost every day.

Ethical Issues in ICT

While some people apply ethical principle to the use of ICT, others simply do not, hence the
proliferation of cyber malpractices.
The following are some of the ethical issues in ICT:
1. Plagiarism
It is an act of theft in which a person copies another person’s ideas, words, or writings,
etc. and pass them off as his or her own. Those who committed such action may lead to
serious legal and ethical defilements.
2. Exploitation
It is an action in which one deals with a person dishonestly, unethically, and
dishonorably, in order to take advantage of the latter’s works and/or resources. This leads to
unlawful actions.
3. Libel
It can either be an insult, slur, or slander. Either written or spoken or even through
actions, it may lead to libel if the accusation is not true and without any piece of evidence.
 Software Piracy: It refers to an act of installing or copying a software into the
computer in the absence of an end-user licensing agreements (EULA), and/or
producing a copy disregarding the copyrights.

ACTIVITY NO. 1
CHECKPOINT

Multiple Choice: Circle the letter that corresponds to your answer.

1. It refers to a technology that support activities involving information, such as gathering,
processing, storing, and presenting data.
a. Communication
b. Information
c. Information Technology
MODULE 1 COMPUTERS IN OUR DAILY LIFE

KEY TERMS
AI – Artificial Intelligence
ASCII – American Standard Code for Information Interchange
ATM – Asynchronous transfer mode
CAN – Campus Area Network
CPU – Central Processing Unit
GAN – Global Area Network
HDMI – High-definition Multimedia Interface
IoT – Internet of Things
LAN – Local Area Network
MAN – Metropolitan Area Network
OS – Operating System
PAN – Personal Area Network
RPA – Robotic Process Automation
WAN – Wide Area Network
Address Bus – is used by the CPU to specify a physical address for instructions, files, and other devices
within the computer system.
Application Software – consists of programs that are designed to perform specific tasks for users.
ASCII code – is standard that assigns letters, numbers, and other characters within the 256 slots
available in the 8-bit code.
Binary number system -is a method of representing numbers with 2 as its base and uses only the digits
of 0 and 1; each successive digits represents a power of 2.
Bluetooth – uses radio waves to connect to other devices; the connection via Bluetooth is called pairing.
Central processing unit (CPU) – is the brains of the computer in which most calculations take place.
Computer software – is a combination of instructions, data, and programs that a computer needs in
order to do a specific task.
Control bus – is used by CPUs to communicate with other devices within the computer system.
Data bus – can transfer data to and from the memory of computer, or into or out of the central processing
unit (CPU).
Decimal number system – consists of ten digits from 0 to 9. These digits can be used to represent any
numeric value. The base of the decimal number system is 10. It is the most widely used number system.
E-learning – involves the use of a computer or electronic devices in delivering instruction to students.
Students and teachers can communicate with each other through online lessons, activities and exams.
E-commerce – helps in boosting the economy. It makes buying and selling activities easier, faster and
more efficient.
Ethernet cable – transmits signals between a computer and a network device such as router, a switch,
or other computers.
FireWire – is a type of connector that can transmit data to and from devices which have typical high data
rates, such as external hard drives.
Hexadecimal number system – includes a subscript of 16 or in most cases, appended with the
lowercase letter ‘h’ to denote hexadecimal notation.
High-definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) – is a connector for transmitting audio/video data
compatible with computers, projectors, and digital televisions.
Internet of Things (IoT) – is the network of physical objects or “things” embedded in electronics,
software, sensors, and network connectivity, enabling these objects to collect and exchange data.
Local Area Network (LAN) – refers to a group of computers and associated devices that share common
communications line or wireless link to a server.
Machine language – is the only language a computer is capable of understanding.
Number system – refers to the way of counting things.
Octal number system – consists of eight digits from 0 to 7 and each digit position in this system
represents a power of 8.
Personal Area Network (PAN) – is the interconnection of information technology devices within the
range of an individual person, normally within the range of 10 meters.
Platform – hosts the application software installed in the system.
System bus – is a pathway composed of cables and connectors used to carry data between the
computer’s peripheral devices.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) – is a geographically distributed private telecommunications network that
interconnects multiple local area networks (LANs).
WiFi – uses radio waves to transmit wirelessly information across a network.
Wired Communication – refers to the transmission of data over a wire-based communication
technology.
Wireless Communication – is a type of data communication that is performed and delivered wirelessly.
This is a broad term that incorporates all procedures and forms of connecting and communicating
between two or more devices using a wireless signal through wireless communication technologies and
devices.
Lesson 1: How Computers Work
The basic parts of a computer are the central processing unit (CPU), memory, a keyboard or
other input device, and a screen or other output device. How does a computer add or subtract, and how
can its memory remember the answers it computes? A computer does not have a human brain inside but
acts in many ways as though it does to have a real one.
However, while we understand human language, the computer can understand machine
language. When a person types on the computer’s keyboard, the human brain identifies the letters,
numbers, and characters combined to create words and sentences. But the computer does not recognize
letters as letters of the alphabet; it sees the letters as a series of 0’s and 1’s called the binary language.

Computer Number Systems

Humans use the decimal number system – to count, measure, and compute. The decimal
number system has ten digits, such as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. A computer, on the other hand, can
only understand two digits – a 0 and a 1. These two numbers play an important role in the way of
computers communicate with one another. This type of number system is called the binary number
system, with the prefix bi, which means 2.
There are other types of number systems, such as the octal number system (from the prefix
octa, meaning it uses 8 digits) and the hexadecimal number system (hexa means 6; deci means 10;
meaning it uses 16 digits to represent its values). However, these special number systems are merely a
way to bridge the computer’s binary language to a somewhat understandable human (decimal) language
since computer data can be complicated.

Table 2.1 Equivalent Number System Values

Decimal Binary Octal Hexadecimal
0 0000 000 0
1 0001 001 1
2 0010 002 2
3 0011 003 3
4 0100 004 4
5 0101 005 5
6 0110 006 6
7 0111 007 7
8 1000 010 8
9 1001 011 9
10 1010 012 A
11 1011 013 B
12 1100 014 C
13 1101 015 D
14 1110 016 E
15 111 017 F
How Computers Interpret Data
With the different types of number systems, it is important to understand how computers interpret
the letters on the keyboard through a series of 0’s and 1’s. This is normally done through the number
system conversion. Depending on the standard used, computer systems convert characters from the
keyboard and later display them on the monitor. Refer to the following steps:
1. From the keyboard, pressure pads are typically found underneath each key. Upon typing a letter,
the pressure pad sends information to the CPU for processing.
2. The information is then transmitted in the form of 0’s and 1’s using the ASCII code.
3. The CPU determines what character has been typed and sends the information to the computer
monitor, again in 0’s and 1’s.
4. The monitor displays the information in its equivalent character, this time readable and
understandable by humans.

Majority of computer systems use the American Standard Code for

A Information Interchange (ASCII) for converting characters into 0’s and 1’s. the
ASCII code is a 7-bit code used to represent letters, numbers, and basic special
characters.
The uppercase character ‘A’ as seen on the left is represented in ASCII as
0100 0001 in binary, 101 in octal, or 41 in hexadecimal system.

Below is a table showing the ASCII printable characters (as seen in your keyboard) represented
in decimal (Dec), hexadecimal (Hx), and octal (Oct) formats.

Table 2.2 ASCII Table

Dec Hx Oct Chr
32 20 040 Space
33 21 041 !
34 22 042 “
35 23 043 #
36 24 044 $
37 25 045 %
38 26 046 &
39 27 047 ‘
40 28 050 (
41 29 051 )
42 2A 052 *
43 2B 053 +
44 2C 054 ‘
45 2D 055 -
46 2E 056 .
47 2F 057 /
48 30 060 0
49 31 061 1
50 32 062 2
51 33 063 3
52 34 064 4
53 35 065 5
54 36 066 6
55 37 067 7
56 38 070 8
57 39 071 9
58 3A 072 :
59 3B 073 ;
60 3C 074 <
61 3D 075 =
62 3E 076 >
63 3F 077 ?
64 40 100 @
65 41 101 A
66 42 102 B
67 43 103 C
68 44 104 D
69 45 105 E
70 46 106 F
71 47 107 G
72 48 110 H
73 49 111 I
74 4A 112 J
75 4B 113 K
76 4C 114 L
77 4D 115 M
78 4E 116 N
79 4F 117 O
80 50 120 P
81 51 121 Q
82 52 122 R
83 53 123 S
84 54 124 T
85 55 125 U
86 56 126 V
87 57 127 W
88 58 130 X
89 59 131 Y
90 5A 132 Z
91 5B 133 [
92 5C 134 \
93 5D 135 ]
94 5E 136 ^
95 5F 137 _
96 60 140 `
 97 61 141 a
98 62 142 b
99 63 143 c
100 64 144 d
101 65 145 e
102 66 146 F
103 67 147 g
104 68 150 h
105 69 151 i
106 6A 152 j
107 6B 153 k
108 6C 154 l
109 6D 155 m
110 6E 156 n
111 6F 157 o
112 70 160 p
113 71 161 q
114 72 162 r
115 73 163 s
116 74 164 t
117 75 165 u
118 76 166 v
119 77 167 w
120 78 170 x
121 79 171 y
122 7A 172 z
123 7B 173 {
124 7C 174 |
125 7D 175 }
126 7E 176 ~
127 7F 177 DEL

Notice how the characters are represented in decimal, octal, and hexadecimal formats. Computer
programmers create programs so that computers can do specific tasks. People who write programs are
programmers. Depending on the skills set of the programmer, a program can be developed based on
the programming language the programmer is familiar with. Another term used for a program is codes.
Writing programs is called programming or coding.
However, looking at a long string of 0’s and 1’s (binary format) might be considered too confusing
for the programmer, causing errors during coding. Take a look at the word “computer” in binary code as
seen by a computer.

01100011 01101111 01101101 01110000 01110101

01110100 01100101 01110010
 A bit hard to read, right? The programmer might miss out on a few digits while creating a program.
Thus, to make it easier, machine codes are made “more human” by making them readable and similar to
the human language. This is identified with the different levels of programming languages which will be
discussed later on this chapter.
So how does the computer know that 01100011 01101111 01101101 01110000 01110101
01110100 01100101 01110010 is the same as the word “computer”? each character is converted from
the ASCII table’s hexadecimal, octal, or decimal presentation into binary language. For example, the
letter ‘c’ is equivalent to 63 in hexadecimal which when converted into binary is equal to 0110 0011.

Lesson 2: How Computers Communicate with One Another

Notice how the computer uses different ways to connect to certain devices. The computer
monitor uses a wire to connect to the computer unit while the mouse wirelessly connects to the laptop,
etc. Depending on the situation, computers use different connection methods to do their tasks.

System Bus
A computer system, on its own, communicates through what is called a system bus. A system
bus is a pathway composed of cables and connectors used to carry data from a computer’s peripheral
devices – monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.- to the CPU and the main memory. There are three types of
buses: the data bus, address bus, and control bus.
For example, how does the computer know that the printer needs more ink? How does the mouse
cursor move along with the actual mouse? And how does the speaker produce sound in time with the
video displayed on the monitor?

Data Bus
A data bus can transfer data to and from the memory of a computer, or into or out of the CPU.
Examples of pieces of information that traverse the data bus includes files transferred from a flash drive
to the computer’s hard drive and a document sent to the printer for printing.

Address Bus
The address bus is used by the CPU to specify a physical address for instructions, files, and
other devices within the computer system. For example, in a given computer unit, there are typically 6 to
8 USB ports. The address bus is responsible for checking which of the USB ports has a printer connected
to it, along with the mouse, keyboard, speakers, and sometimes, even external drives.

Control Bus
A control bus is used by CPUs to communicate with other devices within the computer system.
As the address bus carries the location of the data being sent and the data bus carries the actual data
being processed, the control bus carries the commands or instructions from the CPU. It also sends status
signals from the devices, identifying if it is ready or not. The typical read/write commands are identified
through the control bus. For example, if one tries to save a file to a flash drive that is already removed
from the computer, the computer will notify the user with an error message saying that the folder or drive
where the file is intended to be saved is no longer existing.
This is because the original destination or location can no longer be sent through the address
bus because of the disconnection. Therefore, the CPU sends a halt instruction via the control bus,
stopping the data to be sent through the data bus, often seen as an error message prompt.
The amount of data sent throughout the system bus depends on the size of the bus. Latest
computer systems use a 64-bit bus; however, the majority still use a 32-bit computing size for their
computer systems. Take note, however, that the mentioned computing size is on a hardware level. Having
an operating system or software application that is 32-bit or 64-bit is different. Again, the hardware is
different from the software. It is advised that if your computer hardware uses a 32-bit bus (hardware), use
only software programs running 32-bits. This is to avoid the hardware from overheating. Imagine a 32-bit
bus computer working double time to make up for the excess 32-bits from a 64-bit application software.
A 64-bit bus, on the other hand, can process either a 32-bit or a 64-bit software application.

How Computers Connect to Other Computers

The next step in knowing how a computer is able to connect to other devices is to understand
how a computer connects to another computer. Earlier, a computer peripherals using wired or wireless
connections are mentioned. It is also similar when a computer wants to connect to another computer –
with or without wires.

Computer Network Systems

Computers are able to communicate with one another over networks. A computer network is an
interconnection of two or more computers. This interconnection gives these computer the capability to
share information and resources. There are several types of networks, mostly depending on the number
of computers in it, how they are used, and what type of technology is used in its connectivity. Below are
some of the computer network systems:
 Personal Area Network (PAN) – is a type of connection which is often limited to an individual
person and his or her personal devices. Normally, these devices must be within the range of 10
meters with each other. For example, a person traveling with a laptop, a smartphone, and a
portable printer could interconnect the devices without having to plug anything in, using some
form of wireless technology.
 Local Area Network (LAN) – is a connection in which a group of computers and other devices,
such as network printers, share a common communications line within a certain area such as a
building or a small campus. LANs are often found in schools and offices to secure the
organization’s information. This is done through a computer server in which user’s access may
be restricted to avoid unwanted users. For example, some schools use LANs within their
campuses so that students can connect to the internet to do online research. Students are
required to login their information (such as their student ID) to connect to the internet. However,
through the school’s campus server, restriction to sites such as online games, pornographic
 materials, and the like are implemented. This means that students will not be able to access
those websites inside the campus.
 Wide Area Network (WAN) – may be less restrictive than LAN as rules and policies may differ
within its coverage. A WAN may be made of several LANs and PANs. A WAN can also be made
up of several more WANs. This is why WAN is considered synonymous to the internet.

Methods of Communication
There are many different types of connection media that are used in contemporary society to
connect computer networks to one another. Connections are often categorized generally into two – wired
communication and wireless communication.
 Wired communication
Different types of cables are used to connect to a given network. There are coaxial
cables, fiber-optic cables, Ethernet cables, and traditional telephone lines. These will be
discussed at length in later chapters. This chapter focuses on a stand-alone computer
system and the types of wired connections that are available.

Computer systems have different connections which usually depend on the motherboard’s form
factor. Popular wired connections nowadays include the following:
USB Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a connection or interface that
allows the computer to communicate with system peripherals
such as keyboard, mouse, printer, etc. as well as other devices
like digital cameras and portable fans.
FireWire It is a type of connector that can transmit data to and from
devices which have typical high data rates, such as external
hard drives. The transfer speed of a FireWire is faster than that
of a USB.
Ethernet An Ethernet cable transmits signals between a computer and a
Cable network device such as router, a switch, or other computers.
HDMI High-definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a connector for
transmitting audio/video data compatible with computers,
projectors, and digital televisions.

Older computer units have connections that include the following:

VGA The 15-pin Video Graphics Array (VGA) connector has been
provided on many video cards, computer monitors, laptop
computers, and projectors. It is now slowly being phased out in
favor of the faster and more compact HDMI connector.
Serial An RS-232 serial connection was once a standard feature of a
personal computer used for connections to modem, printer,
mouse, and other peripheral devices. Now, it has been
replaced by a USB connections.
 Parallel Similar to the serial connection, parallel connections were used
before to connect other computer peripherals such as printers.
It has also been replaced since then by USB connections.
PS/2 The PS/2 is a 6-pin connector used to connect the mouse and
keyboard to a computer. It is color-coded to identify which
peripheral will be connected to which port. Purple is for
keyboard and green is for the mouse.
Audio Jacks The audio jacks are the 3.5mm jacks used for microphones (as
input), and speakers (as output). It uses color codes as well to
indicate the type of input and output lines.

Pink: Mic In
Blue: Line In
Green: Front speakers out
Black (or dark blue in some older boards): Rear speakers out
Orange: Center/subwoofer out
Gray: Middle speakers out

These connections are now being replaced by USB and HDMI

connections.

 Wireless communication
Wireless communications include microwave transmission, satellite communication,
cellular transmission, and radio transmissions such as WiFi connectivity. Wireless
technologies differ hugely from one another, but the most popular types are Bluetooth
and Wi-Fi. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), a professional
technical association with members all across the globe, identified standard 802.11 for
Wi-Fi and 802.15 for Bluetooth in the wireless standards.
 Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi uses radio waves to wirelessly transmit information across a network. Wi-Fi’s
signals are transmitted in frequencies of between 2.5 and 6 gigahertz (GHz), which are
higher than radio and TV signals to avoid interference. Wi-Fi is often used in schools,
companies, and business establishments, among others. This is to provide network
connections to multiple users without the need for cables. Majority of Wi-Fi users use
mobile devices, such as tablets, laptops, and smartphones to connect via an access
point or Wi-Fi hotspot.
 Bluetooth
Bluetooth uses radio waves to connect to other devices. The connection via Bluetooth
is called pairing. Once paired, devices are able to send and receive information provided
they are within a given range which is typically 10 meters.

Lesson 3: How Humans Communicate with Computers

Reading a long string of 0’s and 1’s can be very confusing and taxing. As such, people who
invented the computer identified two areas in computer systems – computer hardware and computer
software. Through computer software humans are able to “communicate” with the computer.
Computer Software
The computer software is a combination of instructions, data, and programs that the computer
needs in order to do specific task. Another term used for computer software is computer program.
Everything the computer does can basically be controlled through these programs. Programs are a set
of codes or instructions which are usually designed or written by computer programmers using a specific
programming language. The most common type of programming language used by programmers is
called object-oriented programming. This programming language includes Microsoft’s C# (pronounced
as ‘see-sharp’), Sun Microsystem’s Java, and an open-source programming language, PHP (Hypertext
Preprocessor).
Programmers have developed two types of computer software – the system software and
application software.
People might be more familiar with the application software as most of the day-to-day tasks
done in front of a computer involve the use of application programs (e.g., typing a school assignments
using Microsoft Word, editing a photo using Adobe Photoshop, browsing through Facebook using Google
Chrome, or listening to music using Apple’s iTunes). The system software also called an operating
system (OS) is the most important software running on a computer since it manages the computer’s
memory and instructions and has the ability to control all the connected hardware and installed software
applications.
The OS allows a person to interact with the computer – from the hardware components and
peripherals to all the installed software applications and files one has stored on the computer. The
interaction can occur in two ways:
1. By using a command-line operating system (e.g., DOS) in which the computer responds
according to the text command that is typed;
2. With a graphical user interface (GUI) operating system (e.g., Windows) such as pictures and
buttons through mouse clicks and keyboard entries.

System Platforms
Desktop systems differ from mobile systems in terms of how each platform treats the application
software installed in the system. A desktop or a laptop computer usually needs an application program
to run a certain application on it, or possibly, multiple ones at the same time. A typical example is that of
a web browser capable of running multiple web sites with different “applications” all at the same time. In
this scenario, Google Chrome is open as the user waits for an email from a friend via Gmail, while another
browser tab has YouTube open as he or she watches video tutorials. Another browser tab with Wikipedia
open is possible as the user is also researching on different computer peripherals. All of these websites
are accessed using a single web browser. A web browser is considered to be an application software.
However, this scenario is typically played within a desktop platform.
With today’s trend leaning towards mobility, more and more mobile devices are now capable of
doing things which typical desktop computers can do. This is why companies that develop smartphones,
for example, have identified specific system software and application software for these mobile devices
(Hope, 2017).
 Using a smartphone in accessing the same websites is a different experience. Instead of using
a web browser to access all three web sites, mobile applications are used. Mobile applications have
the capacity to run directly on top of the operating system without using web browsers. Facebook,
YouTube, and Gmail are typical examples of desktop applications that have mobile counterparts.

System Software
Two of the most popular desktop system software or OS nowadays are Microsoft’s Windows and
Apple’s macOS. In mobile devices, Apple uses iOS for their devices’ system software. But while Microsoft
is also using Windows for their mobile devices’ operating system, it is not the leading mobile OS in the
world, compared to its desktop counterpart. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), the
most popular mobile operating system as of 2016 is Android OS, acquiring 85% of the global market
(IDC, 2017).
Table 2.3 Smartphone OS Market Share Cart
Period Android iOS Windows Phone Others
2016Q1 83.4% 15.4% 0.8% 0.4%
2016Q2 87.6% 11,7% 0.4% 0.3%
2016Q3 86.6% 12.5% 0.3% 0.4%
2016Q4 81.4% 18.2% 0.2% 0.2%
2017Q1 85.0% 14.7% 0.1% 0.1%

Applications Software
The table below identifies the different types of application programs and their corresponding
software that are available in the market.
Table 2.4 Different Types of Application Programs
Application Program Type Examples
Word Processing Software Microsoft Word, WordPad, and Notepad
Database Software Oracle, Microsoft Access, etc.
Spreadsheet Software Apple Numbers, Microsoft Excel
Multimedia Software Real Player, Media Player
Presentation Software Microsoft PowerPoint, Keynote
Enterprise Software Customer Relationship Management Systems
Information Worker Software Documentation tools, Resource Management
tools
Educational Software Dictionaries: Encarta, Britannica
Mathematics: MATLAB
Others: Google Earth
Simulation Software Flight and Scientific Simulators
Application Suites OpenOffice, Microsoft Office
Software for Engineering and Product Integrated Development Environments (IDE)
Development
Online Applications Software
As previously discussed, application software consists of programs that are designed to
perform specific tasks for users. Specific application software products, called software packages, are
available from different vendors. Usually, these software packages cost money although a lot of
application software is now being made available for free. Often called shareware, freeware, or public-
domain software, this software can be downloaded for free but usually with fewer capabilities compared
to the ones sold.
As such, online application software is now introduced with the improved internet speed being
made available to consumers. There are various products available including software tools that were
previously identified only as computer applications.
Office productivity tools such as Microsoft Office Suite were only available offline, but now,
Microsoft has developed Microsoft Office 365 Education which has been made available to students and
teachers for free via their Office 365 Education. Numerous web and mobile applications are also made
available to users which oftentimes feature the same functionalities as the offline version. Google
introduced its online applications capable of doing the same thing as Microsoft’s Office Suite. Google
Docs. Google Sheets, and Google Slides are the online counterparts of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint,
respectively.
Other online productivity tools are also available for organizations, such as data collection and
analysis, especially for those in the marketing industry. PCMag.com has listed down available online
survey engines for 2017 and analyzed the top contenders. Included in the list are Zoho Survey, Survey
Gizmo, Campaign Monitor GetFeedback, Checkbox Survey, Fluid Surveys, SurveyMonkey, WorldApp
KeySurvey, Outside Software eSurveysPro, SoGoSurvey, and SurveyPlanet. Survey Gizmo is the
Editors’ Choice getting a 4.5 rating and is said to be best for small to midsize businesses (Schindler,
2017). Not only can an organization easily disseminate its survey questions to its clients, but data trends
and analysis are also automatically done by the tool, providing faster results.
Tomsguide.com has also listed down several popular applications available in the App Store and
Google Play that can increase productivity, improve efficiency, and provide convenience. Below are just
some of the apps on their list:
1. Any.do – a scheduler and reminder notification app;
2. Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint – available for free download in both Android and
iOS;
3. WPS Office – another office productivity suite that does the same as Microsoft’s Word, Excel and
PowerPoint;
4. Adobe Acrobat Reader – a PDF reader and annotation app which lets you view and sign PDF
forms;
5. Microsoft Outlook – for reading emails, managing contacts, and calendar;
6. Newton Mail – for accessing all email accounts in one “unified inbox”;
7. Forge – a mobile drawing app that allows the user to create sketches and edit photos.
Lastly, people who have no IT background can now create their own blogs and websites through
online tools which provide web hosting and web content management. They do not need to learn
programming languages, although some knowledge in programming will be an advantage to further
customize the web layout.
 Wix.com and WordPress.com are two of the most popular website creation tools available
online. Both tools offer blogging and website content management system (CMS). Users do not need
to be programmers due to the simple and easy-to-use design of the CMS.

Table 2.5 Comparison between WordPress and Wix Application for Web Development
WordPress Wix
Programming Uses PHP, HTML, and CSS Uses HTML5
language used
Development Uses web templates and template Uses online drag and drop tools
Process processors

Lesson 4: How Computers Impact Everyday Life

The advent of technologies specifically the development of information and communications
technology has changed the lives of people. Computers, for example, permeate everyday life as they are
used in various fields – in schools, malls, and hospitals, among others. The following areas show how
computers have made such an impact.

Education
Today, most elementary and secondary schools (public and private) and higher education
institutions (HEIs) have computers in their classrooms. ICT in general has made things convenient and
efficient for teachers, students, researchers, and school administrators.
With the use of computers, teachers can do research and enhance their teaching materials. They
can join online forums and conferences and gain new ideas and learn from the latest research findings
and trends.
Students use computers with internet access as one of their reference tools. They can
communicate and collaborate with their peers while working in their own homes.
School administrators use computers for administrative work to ensure that the entire operation
of the school runs proficiently. An access to all school documents is made easy and always available with
the use of a so-called server.
Electronic learning (e-learning) is the newest teaching methodology in which students and
teachers can communicate and collaborate with each other through online discussion of their lessons,
activities, and examinations. Such examples are Blackboard, Edmodo, Moodle, etc.

Banking
The computer has made all banking transactions around the world easier and more secure. It
manipulates the entire banking system as it includes 24-hour electronic banking services. The services
include:
  Automated teller machine (ATM)
 Cheque deposit
 Electronic fund transfer
 Direct deposit
 Pay by phone system
 Personal computer banking/internet banking

Workforce Industry
Workers, researchers, and administrators benefit from ICT. Computers are used to expedite
production planning and control systems, to support chain management, and to facilitate product design
in the industrial sector. Machines that are fully computer-operated are now used. Researchers use
computers to gather and analyze data for hypothetical reference while administrators use computers to
manage the entire operations of the plant or factory to detect or anticipate explicit errors or deficiencies
that transpire in the process. Some of the large industrial companies that implement ICT include Toyota
Philippines, Honda Philippines, and San Miguel Corporation.
However, the use of ICT can be perceived as a threat to assembly-line and factory workers as
robots or machines take over their jobs.

Electronic Commerce
Electronic commerce or simply e-commerce helps boost the economy. With computers, internet,
and shared software as the main tools needed, buying and selling activities are made easier, more
efficient, and faster. Customers, sellers, and suppliers all benefit from the capabilities of ICT. Some of
the known e-commerce markets are Zalora, Lazada, Shoppee, Metrodeal, Takatack, Amazon, OLX.ph,
AirBnB, Booking.com, Agoda.com, and many others.
Customers or clients use computers to communicate with sellers. This method can save time
and cost as consumers do not have to go physically to any outlets or department stores. Suppliers, on
the other hand, use computers in keeping track of their transactions which include the monitoring of
inventory.

Hospitals
The use of computers in hospitals offers many benefits to both doctors and patients. Hospitals
are creating patients’ databases of health records, treatment records, and medical records. Also, with the
help of ICT, doctors use computers and various medical applications not only for research advancement
but also for faster diagnosis of patients’ illnesses. Through computing and monitoring technologies, test
administered in hospitals such as blood test, urine test, brain testing, ultrasound, echocardiography,
complete blood count (CBC), mammography, bone density study, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
X-rays, and body scanning, among others made possible. With the development of databases and other
applications, ICTs prevent medical errors in particular and improve the efficiency of the health system in
general.