# Understanding ICT: Hardware, Software and Devices

- Link: https://thecuriosi.com/lessons/aptet-ict-hardware-software-devices/
- Published: 2026-11-03T07:20:23+05:30
- Author: MAHENDRA MANCHIKALAPATI

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Smart TVs, interactive panels, tablets and DIKSHA on a phone are now part of many
Andhra Pradesh classrooms. To use them well, a teacher needs a clear grasp of the
basics. The APTET syllabus begins with **understanding ICT**, **computer hardware**,**
software**, and **input and output devices**. Questions in this area are short and
factual, so this lesson focuses on clear definitions and comparison tables.

## What is ICT?

**ICT (Information and Communication Technology)** means all technologies used to
create, store, process, share and communicate information: computers, mobile phones,
the internet, radio, television, projectors, interactive boards and software.

In education, ICT helps to:

 * present ideas through pictures, sound, animation and video;
 * give access to vast resources (e-books, videos, simulations);
 * allow practice at the child’s own pace with instant feedback;
 * support children with disabilities through assistive technology;
 * connect teachers for professional development.

ICT **supports** good teaching; it does not replace the teacher.

## Computer hardware and devices

**Hardware** is the physical parts of a computer that you can touch. A computer 
works in four steps: **input, processing, storage and output**.

  |  Part |  Function |  Examples |  
   |  Input devices |  send data and commands into the computer |  keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, webcam, joystick, barcode reader, OMR (optical mark reader) |  
 |  Processing unit (CPU) |  the “brain”; carries out instructions |  **ALU** (Arithmetic Logic Unit) does calculations and comparisons; **CU** (Control Unit) directs all operations |  
 |  Output devices |  show or give results |  monitor, printer, speakers, projector, headphones |  
 |  Storage devices |  keep data for later use |  hard disk (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), pen drive, memory card, CD/DVD |  
 |  Both input and output |  accept input and also show output |  touch screen, interactive board, headset with microphone |

### Memory

  |  Memory |  Feature |  
   |  RAM (Random Access Memory) |  primary, temporary working memory; **volatile**: data is lost when power is switched off |  
 |  ROM (Read Only Memory) |  primary, permanent; **non-volatile**; stores start-up instructions |  
 |  Secondary storage |  permanent, large; hard disk, SSD, pen drive |  
 |  Cache memory |  very fast memory between CPU and RAM |

### Units of memory

**Bit** (0 or 1) is the smallest unit. 8 bits = 1 **byte**; 1024 bytes = 1 **kilobyte(
KB)**; 1024 KB = 1 **megabyte (MB)**; 1024 MB = 1 **gigabyte (GB)**; 1024 GB = 1**
terabyte (TB)**.

## Software and its types

**Software** is a set of programs (instructions) that tells the hardware what to
do. You cannot touch software.

  |  Type |  Purpose |  Examples |  
   |  System software |  runs the computer and manages hardware |  operating systems such as Windows, Linux, Android, macOS |  
 |  Application software |  helps users do specific tasks |  word processor, presentation software, spreadsheet, web browser, educational apps |  
 |  Utility software |  maintains and protects the computer |  antivirus, file compression, backup, disk cleanup |

### Software by licence

  |  Category |  Meaning |  Examples |  
   |  Proprietary |  owned by a company; source code closed; usually paid |  Microsoft Office |  
 |  Open source |  source code is freely available to use, study, change and share |  Linux, LibreOffice, Moodle, GeoGebra |  
 |  Freeware |  free to use, but source code usually not available |  many free apps and readers |  
 |  Shareware |  free to try for a limited period or with limited features, then paid |  trial versions |

Schools prefer **open-source** and **free** software where possible because it reduces
cost and can be shared and adapted.

### Example

Mrs Kavitha uses a laptop (hardware), Linux and LibreOffice Impress (software) and
a projector (output device) to show pictures of animals in a Class 3 EVS lesson.
Children use a microphone (input device) to record their own animal sounds, which
are saved on a pen drive (storage).

### Exam focus

 * ALU = calculations; CU = control. RAM is **volatile**; ROM is **non-volatile**.
 * Touch screen and interactive board are **both input and output** devices.
 * Open source = source code available; freeware = free to use but not necessarily
   open.

## Key takeaways

 * ICT includes all technologies for handling and communicating information.
 * A computer works through input, processing, storage and output.
 * The CPU has an ALU and a Control Unit.
 * RAM is temporary and volatile; ROM is permanent.
 * Software can be system, application or utility software.
 * Open-source and free software help schools save money and share resources.

## Practice

 1.  Which of the following is an input device?
 2.   * (A) monitor
      * (B) scanner
      * (C) printer
      * (D) speaker
 3.  The part of the CPU that performs calculations and comparisons is the:
 4.   * (A) Control Unit
      * (B) RAM
      * (C) ROM
      * (D) Arithmetic Logic Unit
 5.  Memory that loses its data when the power is switched off is:
 6.   * (A) RAM
      * (B) ROM
      * (C) hard disk
      * (D) pen drive
 7.  1 byte is equal to:
 8.   * (A) 4 bits
      * (B) 1024 bits
      * (C) 8 bits
      * (D) 16 bits
 9.  Windows, Linux and Android are examples of:
 10.  * (A) application software
      * (B) utility software
      * (C) operating systems
      * (D) hardware
 11. A device that works as both an input and an output device is:
 12.  * (A) a touch screen
      * (B) a keyboard
      * (C) a projector
      * (D) a mouse
 13. Software whose source code is freely available to use, study, modify and share
     is called:
 14.  * (A) shareware
      * (B) proprietary software
      * (C) a virus
      * (D) open-source software
 15. Antivirus software is an example of:
 16.  * (A) system hardware
      * (B) utility software
      * (C) input software
      * (D) an output device

Answers and explanations (tap to show)

 1. (B) A scanner sends images into the computer; the others are output devices.
 2. (D) The ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations; the Control Unit directs
    operations.
 3. (A) RAM is volatile, temporary working memory.
 4. (C) One byte is 8 bits.
 5. (C) These are operating systems, a type of system software.
 6. (A) A touch screen displays output and accepts touch input.
 7. (D) Open-source software makes its source code freely available.
 8. (B) Antivirus is utility software that protects the computer.

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