Basic ICT Skills Class 10 Notes
Notes
1. Introduction to ICT Skills
ICT (Information and Communication Technology) skills help us to:
- Communicate effectively
- Run businesses
- Stay connected with family and friends
In today’s digital world, every individual must acquire ICT skills to:
- Stay updated with the latest software
- Use applications (apps)
- Work efficiently in education, business, and daily life
2. Computer Hardware and Software
A computer system consists of two main parts:
- (A) Hardware
- (B) Software
(A) Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer that we can see and touch.
Examples:
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Monitor
- CPU
- Printer
👉 Hardware is the machinery of a computer.
(B) Software
Software is the non-physical part of a computer.
- It cannot be seen
- It controls hardware
- It tells hardware what to do
Examples:
- Windows
- MS Word
- MS Excel
👉 Hardware without software is useless.
3. Operating System (OS)
An Operating System (OS) is an interface between the user and the computer.
Functions of an Operating System
- Controls all hardware devices
- Checks whether devices are working properly
- Manages software resources
- Manages memory usage
- Organizes files and folders
- Keeps track of disk space
- Allows creating, copying, moving, and deleting files
4. Types of Operating Systems
1. Single-user, Single-task Operating System
- One user
- One task at a time
2. Single-user, Multi-task Operating System
- One user
- Multiple programs at the same time
Examples:
- Windows
- macOS
3. Multi-user Operating System
- Multiple users
- Can work simultaneously or at different times
4. Real-Time Operating System
- Responds within a fixed time
- Used in critical systems
Examples:
- Lynx OS
- Windows CE
5. Distributed Operating System
- Works on multiple interconnected computers
- Appears as one system
Examples:
- Windows
- UNIX
- LINUX
6. Interactive (GUI-based) Operating System
- User-friendly
- Uses icons, mouse, and windows
Example:
- Windows
5. Desktop Components (Windows)
Taskbar
- Horizontal bar at the bottom of the screen
- Contains Start button
- Shows Date and Time
- Displays open programs
Start Button
- Opens the Start Menu
- Provides access to programs
- Allows access to system settings
Recycle Bin
- Stores deleted files temporarily
- Deleted files can be restored if needed
👉 Files are not permanently deleted until the Recycle Bin is emptied.
6. Files and Folders
Files
- Everything stored in a computer is called a file
- File system manages naming, storing, and retrieving files
Creating a File
- Right-click in a blank area
- Click New
- Select the file type
Renaming Files / Folders
- Right-click → Rename
- OR
- Select the file or folder → Press F2
Deleting Files / Folders
- Select the file or folder → Press Delete
- OR
- Right-click → Delete
Folder
- A folder stores files and subfolders
- Helps in organizing data
Creating a Folder
- Open Computer
- Select a drive
- Click New Folder
- Type the folder name
7. Basic Keyboard Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Z | Undo |
| Ctrl + Y | Redo |
| Ctrl + A | Select all |
| Ctrl + X | Cut |
| Ctrl + C | Copy |
| Ctrl + V | Paste |
| Ctrl + P | |
| Ctrl + S | Save |
8. Computer Care and Maintenance
Proper maintenance of a computer system:
- Increases the lifespan of the computer
- Prevents system failure
Basic Care Rules
- Keep the system dust-free
- Do not eat near the computer
- Keep the keyboard clean
- Handle CDs/DVDs carefully
- Cover the keyboard when not in use
👉 Proper care ensures smooth and long-lasting computer performance.
9. Cleaning Computer Components
General Precautions
- Power off the computer before cleaning
- Do not spray liquid directly on any component
- Avoid liquid near circuits and electronic parts
- Use an anti-static wrist band while cleaning
Cleaning Devices
Monitor
- Use a soft, clean cloth
- Never spray liquid directly on the screen
Keyboard
- Turn the keyboard upside down
- Shake gently to remove dust and debris
Mouse
- Clean the bottom surface
- Clean the lens carefully
Digital Camera
- Never touch the lens with fingers
- Use a special lens cloth for cleaning
CDs / DVDs
- Store discs in their protective case
- Clean using a soft cloth
👉 Proper cleaning ensures safety and extends the life of computer components.
10. Maintenance Schedule
Daily
- Clean email inbox
- Save attachments properly
Weekly
- Clean keyboard
- Clean monitor
- Dust CPU
- Backup important data
Monthly
- Organize photos
- Delete unused files
- Run disk cleanup
- Perform virus scan
Yearly
- Update operating system
- Renew antivirus software
- Clean contact lists
11. Protecting Computer from Viruses
What is a Virus?
A computer virus is an illegal program that:
- Attaches to other programs
- Modifies their behavior
- Can damage data
VIRUS = Vital Information Resource Under Seize
Sources of Virus
- Infected files
- Pen drives
- CDs / DVDs
- Email attachments
Signs of Virus Infection
- Slow computer performance
- Unexpected file size changes
- System crashes
- Unusual error messages
- Automatic system restart
12. Antivirus Protection
- Install antivirus software on the computer
- Keep the antivirus software updated
- Scan all downloaded files before opening
- Avoid opening emails from unknown senders
- Avoid clicking on pop-up windows
👉 Proper antivirus protection helps keep the computer safe from viruses and malware.
13. Removing Temporary Files
Using Disk Cleanup
- Open Computer
- Right-click on C Drive
- Click Properties → Disk Cleanup
- Select Temporary Files
- Click Delete
Using %temp%
- Press Windows + R
- Type %temp%
- Press Enter
- Select and delete unnecessary files
14. Firewall
A Firewall is a security system that:
- Monitors incoming and outgoing data
- Protects the system from unauthorized access
- Acts as a security wall between the computer and external threats
👉 Firewall helps keep your computer safe from hackers and malware.
15. Cookies
Cookies are:
- Small files stored by websites on your computer
- Used to store user information
- Readable only by the website that created them
👉 Cookies help websites remember user preferences and login details.
16. Device Care Tips
- Clean keyboard and screen regularly
- Handle devices carefully
- Avoid overheating of devices
- Do not overcharge the battery
- Plug devices gently into sockets
- Do not run too many programs at the same time
👉 Proper device care ensures better performance and longer lifespan.
17. Backup of Data
Backup means:
- Storing data on external devices such as pen drives, external hard disks, or cloud storage
- Protecting data against system crashes, hardware failure, or natural disasters
👉 Regular backups ensure that important data is safe and can be restored when needed.
18. Threats to Computer
Theft
- Physical theft of computer devices
- Identity theft
Software Piracy
- Illegal copying or distribution of software
Malware Threats
- Viruses
- Worms (self-replicating programs)
- Trojan Horse (disguised malicious software)
Online Predators
- Fake identities
- Cyber bullying
Internet Scams
- Fake lottery offers
- Financial fraud
👉 Awareness of these threats helps in protecting computers and personal information.
19. Protecting Your Data
- Use strong and secure passwords
- Install and regularly update antivirus and firewall
- Encrypt data using tools like BitLocker
- Use secure websites with https and a lock icon in the address bar
👉 Following these practices helps safeguard personal and sensitive information.