Employability Skills III: Unit 3: ICT Skills III (Basic Information and Communication Technology Skills)

Hello students, welcome to Kwickprep. Almost every job today uses a computer, a phone or the internet. Using them well, and safely, is a skill. Today we cover the whole ICT unit. We learn operating systems, files and folders, the internet and email, and computer care and security.

First, the term. ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology. It means all the tools we use to create, store, share and use information. Computers, smartphones, the internet, email and apps are all part of ICT.

An operating system, or OS, is the main software that runs a computer or phone. It manages the hardware, like the keyboard, memory and printer, and lets apps use them. It sits between the user, the apps and the hardware. Common examples are Windows, macOS and Linux on computers, and Android and iOS on phones.

An operating system does several jobs. Process management means it starts, runs and stops programs. Memory management means it shares RAM between the programs that are open. File management means it saves, finds and organises files. Device management means it controls devices like printers and speakers. And it gives security, through user accounts and passwords.

There are two ways to talk to an operating system. A GUI, or graphical user interface, lets you click icons, windows and menus with a mouse or touch. A CLI, or command line interface, makes you type text commands. Most people use a GUI, while many IT professionals also use the command line.

Everything you save is stored in files. A file is a set of saved data with a name and an extension. The extension, after the dot, shows the file type, like .docx for a document, .jpg for a photo, or .pdf. A folder is a container that groups related files, like a cupboard shelf. Always use clear names, so you can find the file months later.

Next, the internet. The internet is a huge worldwide network that connects millions of computers. The World Wide Web is the collection of web pages that we open through it. A browser is the app used to open web pages, like Chrome, Firefox, Edge or Safari. A URL is the address of a web page, which you type in the address bar.

Email is still the main way to communicate at work. The To field is the main receiver, and CC sends a copy to people who should stay informed. Write a short, clear subject line so the reader knows the topic. Attach files when needed, and read the mail once before you click send. Never open attachments or links from unknown senders, because they may carry viruses.

A computer lasts longer with regular care. Keep it clean and free of dust, and never eat or drink near the keyboard. Shut it down properly, and plug it in through a surge protector, which protects it from sudden power changes. Install system updates on time, because they fix problems. And back up important files, which means keeping an extra copy on a drive or the cloud.

Computers also face security threats. A virus is a harmful program that spreads and damages files, so use antivirus software. Phishing is a fake message that tricks you into giving passwords or OTPs, so check links carefully. Hacking means someone breaking into your account, so use strong passwords. Spyware secretly watches what you do, so install apps only from trusted sources.

Pause and predict. You get an email saying your bank account is blocked. It asks you to click a link and enter your OTP. What should you do? Do not click, and never share an OTP, because a real bank never asks for it. Delete the mail, or report it to the bank through its official app.

Let us revise this unit. The operating system manages hardware, programs, files and security. A GUI uses icons, while a CLI uses typed commands. Name your files clearly and keep folders organised. Write clear emails with a proper subject, and avoid unknown links and attachments. And keep your computer safe with updates, backups and strong passwords.