Evolution of ICT Quiz

Study Notes

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

ICT encompasses all technologies for telecommunication and information access, including both hardware and software.

Evolution of ICT

Pre-mechanical Period (3000 B.C.E - 1450 C.E): Focused on information storage. Key inventions include stone tablets, papyrus, books, libraries, and the abacus.
Mechanical Period (1450 CE - 1840 CE): Emphasized automation and faster calculations. Noteworthy inventions include:
- Pascaline: First mechanical calculator by Blaise Pascal.
- Analytical Engine: Designed by Charles Babbage, recognized as the first general-purpose computer.
Electromechanical Period (1840 CE - 1940 CE): Emphasized using electricity for information transmission. Important inventions include telephones, phonographs, radios, and telegraph machines.
Electronic Period (1940 CE - Present): Marked by advancements in solid-state technology. Key inventions are vacuum tubes, transistors, integrated circuits, and computer processors.

Emerging Technologies

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Focuses on mimicking human cognitive functions through algorithms.
Robotics: Involves creating autonomous devices responsive to sensory inputs, a subset of AI.
Biometrics: Analyzes human physical characteristics (e.g., DNA, fingerprints, facial patterns).
Quantum Cryptography: Encoding messages based on physical principles, not mathematical algorithms.
Computer-Assisted Translation: Utilizes computers for translating between languages.
3D Imaging and Holography: Holography uses light to create three-dimensional representations.
Virtual Reality: Environments generated by computers allowing user interaction and exploration.

Mobile Technologies

Defined as devices with internet capabilities accessible from any location (e.g., smartphones, tablets, laptops).
Communication methods include:
- WiFi: Wireless local area network technology.
- Bluetooth: Short-range radio signal transmission.
- Mobile networks: 3G, 4G, GSM, GPRS.
- Data services: Networking services for mobile devices.
- Dial-Up services: Networking via modems and telephone lines.
- VPN: Secure private network access.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI emulates humans using complex algorithms across various domains, including vehicles and surveillance.
Learning process involves generalization, reasoning, and problem-solving capabilities.
Types of AI:
- Weak AI: Focused on a single task (e.g., AlphaGo).
- Strong AI: Self-aware and unpredictable (e.g., fictional Ultron).
Machine Learning: Data-driven learning processes.
Point of Singularity: Moment when AI becomes as intelligent as humans.
AI enhances storytelling and science fiction, demonstrating human-like reasoning.
Narrow AI: Designed for specific tasks; knowledge is not easily transferable (e.g., ChatGPT).
Strong AI: Theoretical intelligence that mimics human cognitive ability, encompassing AGI (General) and ASI (Super).

Online Safety, Security, Ethics, and Netiquette

Common internet issues include cyberbullying, hacking, identity theft, plagiarism, and copyright concerns.
Security Tips:
- Avoid using one password across multiple accounts.
- Create unique, lengthy passwords (preferably over 15 characters).
- Mix character types; avoid predictable patterns.
- Use password managers and enable two-factor authentication.

Online Ethics

Netiquette: Guidelines for proper online interaction and behavior.
Created by network manners expert Virginia Shen, including 10 core rules:
- Be sensitive and humane in online behavior.
- Maintain the same standards as in face-to-face interactions.
- Recognize your location in the cyber realm.
- Respect others' bandwidth; be mindful of their time and resources.

Description

Test your knowledge on the evolution of Information and Communications Technology. This quiz covers the significant periods in ICT history, from the pre-mechanical era to the mechanical period, highlighting various inventions and advancements. Understand how technology has transformed the way we access and store information.