Chapter 10 – Information Communication Technology : The new direction of progress
1. Fill in the blanks to complete the statements. Justify the statements.
a. While working with a computer we can read the information stored in its memory and perform other actions in ________ memory.
Ans: RAM (Random Access Memory)
b. While presenting pictures and videos about the works of scientists, we can use ________.
Ans: Microsoft Powerpoint
c. To draw graphs based on the quantitative information obtained in an experiment, one uses ________.
Ans: Microsoft Excel
d. The first generation computers used to shut down because of ________.
Ans: excessive heat generation
e. A computer will not work unless ________ is supplied to it.
Ans: operating system
2. Answer the following questions.
a. Explain the role and importance of information communication in science and technology.
Ans: ICT plays a key role in creating, displaying, collecting, processing, and communicating information in the fields of science and technology. Following is the importance of ICT in science and technology:
(i) Access to a wide range of information
(ii) Storing of Data
(iii) Processing of Data
(iv) Securing work files
(v) Proper representation of data
b. Which application software in the computer system did you find useful while studying science, and how?
Ans:
(i) Microsoft Word: To write down the information collected and make a document for further evaluation.
(ii) Microsoft Excel: To draw a graph based on the numerical information obtained from the experiment.
(iii) Internet Explorer: To search for information to find out the solution or solve the queries by reading the available information.
c. How does a computer work?
Ans: The computer consists of the processor, the input unit, the processing unit, and the output unit. Every piece of information or data is fed into the computer via the input unit with the help of a keyboard. Now, the processing unit of a computer includes the memory unit, the control unit, and the ALU unit. Finally, the result, which is the solution or answer, is sent to the output unit. The output unit is usually the screen, monitor, or printer. In the meantime, know the important components of a computer. Memory is where the data obtained from the input as well as the generated solution are stored by the computer. Memories are of two types: internal memory and external memory. Now, the internal memory is further divided into random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). Meanwhile, the program that provides a means of communication between the computer and the person operating it is the Disk Operating System, or DOS. A computer will not function without the operating system. A group of commands, known as programs, is also given to the computer. Data is raw information in its unprocessed form.
d. What precautions should be taken while using various types of software on the computer?
Ans:
(i) An antivirus must be installed.
(ii)Software should be legal and from a trusted source.
(iii) Applications should be scanned before use.
(iv) Pirated software should not be used.
(v) Provide all necessary data to obtain the best possible results.
e. Which are the various devices used in information communication? How are they used in the context of science?
Ans: Various devices used in information communication include computers, laptops, mobiles, radios, televisions, etc.
Computers, laptops, and mobile devices help in accessing, collecting, processing, communicating, sharing, and storing information. It helps in determining the appropriate conclusions in all fields, including the field of science. Television helps in getting information about new and innovative technology.
3. Using a spreadsheet, draw graphs between distance and time, using the information about the movements of Amar, Akbar and Anthony given in the table on page 4, in the lesson on Laws of Motion. What precautions will you take while drawing the graph?
Ans: Precautions to be taken while drawing a graph:
(i) The data should be kept in tabular form.
(ii) Whenever the ‘drag and fill’ option is used, the ‘smart tag’ option should be used after ‘drag data’ to fill data as required.
(iii) The entered data should be formatted in the manner required.
(iv) Various types of graphs can be created by using the same data, so an appropriate graph should be selected.
(v) Chart titles and axes titles should be updated as per the data.
4. Explain the differences between the different generations of computers. How did science contribute to these developments?
Ans:
Generation: 1st
Time Period: 1940–1956
Development: Vacuum Tubes
Characteristics:
(i) Huge in size
(ii) Expensive
(iii) A lot of electricity consumption
(iv) Heat generation
Generation: 2nd
Time Period: 1956–1963
Development: Transistors
Characteristics:
(i) Frequent shutdowns
(ii) Superior to the 1st Generation
(iii) Small in size and fast
(iv) Cheaper as compared to 1st Generation
(v) Less consumption of electricity
Generation: 3rd
Time Period: 1963–1971
Development: IC
Characteristics:
(i) Keyboards and Monitors
(ii) OS
(iii) Smaller and further Cheaper
Generation: 4th
Time Period: 1971–2010
Development: Microprocessor
Characteristics:
(i) Use of the Internet
(ii) GUI
(iii) Introduction of portable devices like mobiles, laptops, etc.
Generation: 5th
Time Period: 2010-To-Date
Development: Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Characteristics:
(i) Voice Recognition
(ii) Sensors
(iii) Nanotechnology
First-generation computers occupied the entire room, but due to advancements in science and technology, today’s computers fit into our pockets. Initially, computers needed a specific language to interact, but today we use voice recognition for the same. In these ways, science has contributed to making computers faster, smaller, cheaper, and much more useful.
5. What devices will you use to share with others the knowledge that you have?
Ans:
(1) Computers
(2) Laptops
(3) Mobiles
(4) Memory Cards
(5) Pen Drives
(6) Landlines
(7) Hard disks, etc.
6. Using information communication technology, prepare PowerPoint presentations on at least three topics in your textbook. Make a flowchart of the steps you used while making these presentations.
Ans: Steps for preparation of PowerPoint presentations:
7. Which technical difficulties did you face while using the computer? What did you do to overcome them?
Ans:
(i) Lagging: Due to a lot of applications running at the same time, the computer starts lagging and becomes slow. Closing a few applications helped solve the problem of lagging.
(ii) Viruses and bugs: Cybercrimes are rising daily; even from a single email, the computer can be attacked by viruses. Installing a valid antivirus program helps solve the problem of viruses and bugs.
(iii) Breach of Privacy: Confidential Information being accessed by anyone is a breach of privacy. Putting privacy settings in place helps solve the problem.
(iv) Physical Damage: Hardware over a period of time might get physically damaged. Taking precautions while using it helps solve the problem.