ICT History Overview

Study Notes

ICT History

Origins of Computing:
- 1940s: Development of early computers (ENIAC, UNIVAC).
- 1950s: Introduction of transistors; emergence of programming languages (FORTRAN, COBOL).
Growth of Personal Computers:
- 1970s: Microprocessors developed (Intel 4004); first personal computers (Apple I, Altair 8800).
- 1980s: IBM PC launched; rise of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) with Apple Macintosh.
Internet Development:
- 1960s: ARPANET created, the precursor to the internet.
- 1990s: World Wide Web introduced by Tim Berners-Lee; rapid expansion of the internet.
Mobile Computing:
- 2000s: Proliferation of smartphones and tablets; mobile internet access becomes widespread.
Cloud Computing and Social Media:
- 2010s: Growth of cloud services (AWS, Google Cloud) and social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter).

Basic Computer Knowledge

Computer Components:
- Hardware: Physical parts (CPU, RAM, hard drive, motherboard, peripherals).
- Software: Programs and applications (operating systems, productivity software).
Operating Systems:
- Common OS: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.
- Functions: Manage hardware, software resources, provide user interface.
Internet Basics:
- Web Browsers: Software to access the internet (Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
- Email: Electronic mail services (Gmail, Outlook).
Data Management:
- File Types: Common formats (DOC, PDF, JPG, MP3).
- Storage: Local (hard drives, SSDs) vs. cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox).
Basic Troubleshooting:
- Common issues: Slow performance, software updates, system crashes.
- Solutions: Restarting, checking for updates, running antivirus scans.
Cybersecurity:
- Importance of strong passwords, two-factor authentication.
- Awareness of phishing, malware, and safe browsing practices.
Basic Software Applications:
- Word Processing: Microsoft Word, Google Docs.
- Spreadsheets: Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets.
- Presentations: Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides.

ICT History

1940s saw the creation of early computers like ENIAC and UNIVAC, marking the origins of computing technology.
The 1950s introduced transistors, significantly advancing computer hardware and leading to the development of programming languages such as FORTRAN and COBOL.
In the 1970s, the microprocessor was invented (Intel 4004), resulting in the first personal computers like the Apple I and Altair 8800.
The 1980s experienced the launch of the IBM PC and the introduction of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) with devices like the Apple Macintosh.
ARPANET, developed in the 1960s, served as the foundational network that evolved into the modern internet.
The 1990s witnessed the introduction of the World Wide Web by Tim Berners-Lee, leading to an exponential growth of internet usage.
The 2000s marked the rise of smartphones and tablets, making mobile internet access ubiquitous.
In the 2010s, cloud computing services like AWS and Google Cloud grew, alongside the popularity of social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

Basic Computer Knowledge

Hardware encompasses physical components of a computer system, including the CPU, RAM, hard drives, motherboards, and peripherals.
Software consists of programs and applications, which include operating systems and productivity software necessary for computer operations.
Common Operating Systems include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, all of which manage hardware and software resources while providing user interfaces.
Web Browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari serve as software tools for accessing the internet.
Email services such as Gmail and Outlook facilitate electronic communication.
File Types encompass formats like DOC, PDF, JPG, and MP3, common for various types of data.
Storage options include local storage (hard drives, SSDs) and cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox) for data management.
Basic troubleshooting techniques address common issues like slow performance, software updates, and system crashes, with solutions including restarting the computer, checking for updates, and running antivirus scans.
Cybersecurity is essential, highlighting the use of strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and awareness of phishing attempts and malware.
Common Software Applications involve word processing (Microsoft Word, Google Docs), spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets), and presentation software (Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides).

Description

Explore the evolution of computing from the 1940s to the present. This quiz covers the origins of computers, the rise of personal computing, the development of the internet, and the growth of mobile and cloud computing. Test your knowledge on significant milestones in ICT history.