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JAC • Class 9 • Information Technology • Ch 3

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ICT Skills - I

In Class 9 Information Technology (Employability Skills), "ICT Skills - I" covers hardware components, operating systems, file systems, folder structures, basic computer maintenance, and essential internet safety and security protocols.

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🖥️ How Does a Device Smaller Than a Biscuit Perform 3 Trillion Calculations Per Second?

From smartphones navigating Mars rovers to cloud servers processing billions of UPI payments every minute, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) forms the digital backbone of human civilization.

Understanding how computer hardware interacts with the operating system, how data is securely persisted in directories, and how to defend systems from cyber threats is fundamental digital literacy.

Why This Chapter Matters

Before You Begin (Prerequisites)

Basic familiarity with operating a computer mouse, keyboard, and touchscreen.
General understanding of internet browsing and downloading files.

What You Will Learn (Core Objectives)

Categorize computer architecture into Input, Processing (CPU), Output, and Storage units.
Understand Operating System roles: Process management, Memory allocation, File handling, GUI.
Perform efficient file organization, naming conventions, compression, and directory tree management.
Execute hardware care and preventative maintenance: disk cleanup, defragmentation, dust prevention.
Identify cyber threats: Malware, Phishing, Ransomware, Trojan horses, and implement password hygiene.

Chapter Roadmap & Progression

1 1. Computer Architecture & Hardware...

2 2. Operating Systems: Functions and...

3 3. File Systems, Hierarchical Paths...

4 4. Hardware Care, Preventative Main...

5 5. Cyber Security, Malware Defense...

Complete Concept Guide (100% Curriculum Coverage)

1. Computer Architecture & Hardware Hierarchy

A computer follows the classic von Neumann architecture: Input -> Processing -> Output with Auxiliary Storage.

Input Devices: Keyboard, optical mouse, barcode reader, biometric scanner, microphone.
CPU (Central Processing Unit): The brain, containing the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU), and high-speed Registers.
Primary Memory: RAM (volatile, high-speed working memory) and ROM (non-volatile firmware holding the bootstrap BIOS/UEFI loader).
Secondary Storage: Hard Disk Drives (HDD), Solid State Drives (NVMe SSD), USB Flash drives.
Output Devices: LED/OLED monitors, laser printers, speakers, projectors.

2. Operating Systems: Functions and GUI Navigation

The Operating System (OS) is system software that acts as an intermediary between computer hardware and application programs.

Core OS Functions: Processor Scheduling, Memory Management, File System Management, Device Driver Control, User Authentication.
Common OS Types: Desktop (Windows 11, macOS, Ubuntu Linux), Mobile (Android, iOS), Server (Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Windows Server).
GUI Elements: Desktop, Taskbar, Start Menu, System Tray, File Explorer, Notification Center.

3. File Systems, Hierarchical Paths & File Operations

Data on storage media is organized into files (data containers) and folders (directories).

File Extensions: Reveal file format to OS: .txt (plain text), .docx (Word document), .pdf (Portable Document), .jpg/.png (images), .mp4 (video), .exe (executable binary).
Absolute vs. Relative Paths: An absolute path starts from root (e.g., C:\Users\Student\Documents\report.docx); a relative path starts from current working directory.
File Operations: Create, Rename, Copy (Ctrl+C), Move/Cut (Ctrl+X), Paste (Ctrl+V), Delete, and Archive/Compress (ZIP/RAR).

4. Hardware Care, Preventative Maintenance & Storage Hygiene

Computers require regular physical and digital upkeep to preserve lifespan and high-performance processing speeds.

Physical Upkeep: Keep dust out of fans and cooling vents; use anti-static microfiber cloths for monitors; avoid eating and drinking near keyboards.
Disk Cleanup: Delete temporary cache files, empty Recycle Bin, clear browser cookies.
Software Updates: Apply security patches regularly to patch known OS zero-day exploits.
Backup Protocol (3-2-1 Rule): 3 copies of important data, on 2 different media types, with 1 copy stored off-site or in the cloud.

5. Cyber Security, Malware Defense & Safe Online Practices

Every internet-connected device is a potential target for malicious actors.

Threat	Nature	Defensive Countermeasure
Virus & Worm	Self-replicating malicious code that corrupts files or chokes networks.	Install reputable antivirus, keep virus definitions updated daily.
Trojan Horse	Disguises as legitimate software (e.g., cracked games, fake utilities) to open backdoors.	Only download software from official vendor websites or curated app stores.
Phishing	Fraudulent emails/links imitating banks or Google to steal credentials.	Verify sender email domains; never click unverified links; check for HTTPS SSL locks.
Ransomware	Encrypts user documents and demands cryptocurrency ransom.	Maintain immutable offline backups; never open unknown macro-enabled attachments.

Key Programming Syntax, Statements & Translator Rules

Storage Conversion Hierarchy

1 Byte = 8 bits; 1 KB = 1024 Bytes; 1 MB = 1024 KB; 1 GB = 1024 MB; 1 TB = 1024 GB.

3-2-1 Backup Rule

3 Copies of Data + 2 Different Media Formats + 1 Off-site Cloud Location.

Chapter Summary & 10 Key Takeaways

Takeaway 1

ICT encompasses the full convergence of computer hardware, software, telecommunications, and digital data.

Takeaway 2

The Operating System orchestrates processor cycles, RAM allocation, storage, and user peripherals.

Takeaway 3

The 3-2-1 backup strategy and cyber hygiene are mandatory safeguards in an interconnected world.

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All Class 9 Information Technology Chapters

Ch 1: Communication Skills - I Ch 2: Self-Management Skills - I Ch 3: ICT Skills - I Ch 4: Entrepreneurial Skills - I Ch 5: Green Skills - I Ch 6: Introduction to IT-ITeS Industry Ch 7: Data Entry and Keyboarding Skills Ch 8: Digital Documentation Ch 9: Electronic Spreadsheet Ch 10: Digital Presentation

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