CBSE Textbook: Information and Communication Technology Skills - Class 10 PDF Download

 Page 1


SeSSion 1: BaSic c omputer o perationS
ICT stands for Information and Communication 
Technology. ICT refers to all the methods, tools, 
concepts related to storing, recording and sending 
digital information. 
Information can be recorded or stored in many 
ways, handwritten on paper, written using a typewriter 
and so on. When information is stored and recorded 
on electronic devices, it takes on a ‘digital’ form. ICT 
devices are tablets, smartphones and laptops as shown 
in Figure 3.1. 
ICT skills help us to communicate, run our 
business and stay connected with our family and 
friends. Hence, every person needs to acquire 
ICT skills and build them to stay updated with 
the latest software and applications (apps).
Computer Hardware and Software
A computer system consists of two main parts— 
the hardware and the software. The physical 
parts that we can see and touch are called 
Unit
Unit
Information and 
Communication 
Technology Skills
3
Figure 3.1: ICT Devices
Unit 3.indd   63 31-Jan-20   10:04:56 AM
Page 2


SeSSion 1: BaSic c omputer o perationS
ICT stands for Information and Communication 
Technology. ICT refers to all the methods, tools, 
concepts related to storing, recording and sending 
digital information. 
Information can be recorded or stored in many 
ways, handwritten on paper, written using a typewriter 
and so on. When information is stored and recorded 
on electronic devices, it takes on a ‘digital’ form. ICT 
devices are tablets, smartphones and laptops as shown 
in Figure 3.1. 
ICT skills help us to communicate, run our 
business and stay connected with our family and 
friends. Hence, every person needs to acquire 
ICT skills and build them to stay updated with 
the latest software and applications (apps).
Computer Hardware and Software
A computer system consists of two main parts— 
the hardware and the software. The physical 
parts that we can see and touch are called 
Unit
Unit
Information and 
Communication 
Technology Skills
3
Figure 3.1: ICT Devices
Unit 3.indd   63 31-Jan-20   10:04:56 AM
Employability SkillS – ClaSS X
64
hardware. It is the machinery of a computer. 
These are the keyboard, monitor, CPU, etc. 
There is another important part i.e., the 
software. Though we cannot see it, it makes the 
hardware work the way we want. 
The monitor is a physical device or the 
hardware. When we start a program, for 
example, a game, it is displayed on the monitor. 
This is done by the software which displays text, 
images and videos on the monitor as shown 
in Figure 3.2. Hardware would not be able to 
function without software.
Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets 
are also computer systems with hardware and software. 
They are simply smaller in size and can be easily  
carried around.
The most important software in any computer is the 
Operating System (OS). This is the software that starts 
working as soon as we switch on a computer. It displays 
the desktop on the monitor. Some of the most commonly 
used operating systems for laptops and desktop are 
Ubuntu, Microsoft Windows and Mac OS.
Mobile devices also have an operating system that 
helps them perform their functions. Some of the mobile 
operating systems are Apple iOS and Google Android 
(as shown in Figure 3.3). 
All the computer applications, such as browsers, 
games, Office tools, etc., are also software programs 
that perform particular functions.
Starting a Computer
What is the first thing you do after you wake up in 
the morning? What if your father tells you to do your 
homework immediately? Can you do it? Normally you 
would do some daily activities and get ready before you 
start working? Similarly, when a computer is switched 
on, it performs some basic processes/functions before 
it is ready to take instructions from the user.
To start a computer, press the Power button on the 
CPU. This will start the operating system and display 
the Ubuntu desktop as shown in Figure 3.4 or the main 
screen on the monitor. 
Figure 3.3: Mobile Android OS
Figure 3.4: Power Button
Figure 3.2: Hardware and Software
Software
Hardware
Unit 3.indd   64 31-Jan-20   10:05:01 AM
Page 3


SeSSion 1: BaSic c omputer o perationS
ICT stands for Information and Communication 
Technology. ICT refers to all the methods, tools, 
concepts related to storing, recording and sending 
digital information. 
Information can be recorded or stored in many 
ways, handwritten on paper, written using a typewriter 
and so on. When information is stored and recorded 
on electronic devices, it takes on a ‘digital’ form. ICT 
devices are tablets, smartphones and laptops as shown 
in Figure 3.1. 
ICT skills help us to communicate, run our 
business and stay connected with our family and 
friends. Hence, every person needs to acquire 
ICT skills and build them to stay updated with 
the latest software and applications (apps).
Computer Hardware and Software
A computer system consists of two main parts— 
the hardware and the software. The physical 
parts that we can see and touch are called 
Unit
Unit
Information and 
Communication 
Technology Skills
3
Figure 3.1: ICT Devices
Unit 3.indd   63 31-Jan-20   10:04:56 AM
Employability SkillS – ClaSS X
64
hardware. It is the machinery of a computer. 
These are the keyboard, monitor, CPU, etc. 
There is another important part i.e., the 
software. Though we cannot see it, it makes the 
hardware work the way we want. 
The monitor is a physical device or the 
hardware. When we start a program, for 
example, a game, it is displayed on the monitor. 
This is done by the software which displays text, 
images and videos on the monitor as shown 
in Figure 3.2. Hardware would not be able to 
function without software.
Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets 
are also computer systems with hardware and software. 
They are simply smaller in size and can be easily  
carried around.
The most important software in any computer is the 
Operating System (OS). This is the software that starts 
working as soon as we switch on a computer. It displays 
the desktop on the monitor. Some of the most commonly 
used operating systems for laptops and desktop are 
Ubuntu, Microsoft Windows and Mac OS.
Mobile devices also have an operating system that 
helps them perform their functions. Some of the mobile 
operating systems are Apple iOS and Google Android 
(as shown in Figure 3.3). 
All the computer applications, such as browsers, 
games, Office tools, etc., are also software programs 
that perform particular functions.
Starting a Computer
What is the first thing you do after you wake up in 
the morning? What if your father tells you to do your 
homework immediately? Can you do it? Normally you 
would do some daily activities and get ready before you 
start working? Similarly, when a computer is switched 
on, it performs some basic processes/functions before 
it is ready to take instructions from the user.
To start a computer, press the Power button on the 
CPU. This will start the operating system and display 
the Ubuntu desktop as shown in Figure 3.4 or the main 
screen on the monitor. 
Figure 3.3: Mobile Android OS
Figure 3.4: Power Button
Figure 3.2: Hardware and Software
Software
Hardware
Unit 3.indd   64 31-Jan-20   10:05:01 AM
InformatIon and CommunICatIon t eChnology SkIllS
65
Basic Functions performed when a computer 
starts
Just as we go about our morning routine without 
anyone telling us what to do, a computer automatically 
runs a basic program called BIOS (Basic Input/Output 
System) as soon as it is switched on or the power button 
is pushed on. 
The BIOS first does a self-test. If the self-test  
shows that the system is fine, the BIOS will load the 
Operating System. This means that the computer’s 
operating system, for example, Ubuntu, is now ready to 
take user inputs. 
Login and Logout
Just like we keep our cupboards locked at home we need 
to keep our computer locked when we are not working 
on it. This will ensure that no unauthorised person 
can see or make changes to our information without 
taking our permission. To make sure your computer is 
locked, you have login-IDs and passwords. A login and 
password is like a key to the lock which allows you to 
use the computer. 
When you login to the computer with your login-ID 
and password (as shown in Figure 3.5), the computer 
knows that you are an authorised person and allows 
you to work on the applications in the computer. Once 
you finish working, you must log out or sign out so that 
no one else can see your work.
Figure 3.5:  Login Screen Figure 3.6: Log Out 
Unit 3.indd   65 31-Jan-20   10:05:01 AM
Page 4


SeSSion 1: BaSic c omputer o perationS
ICT stands for Information and Communication 
Technology. ICT refers to all the methods, tools, 
concepts related to storing, recording and sending 
digital information. 
Information can be recorded or stored in many 
ways, handwritten on paper, written using a typewriter 
and so on. When information is stored and recorded 
on electronic devices, it takes on a ‘digital’ form. ICT 
devices are tablets, smartphones and laptops as shown 
in Figure 3.1. 
ICT skills help us to communicate, run our 
business and stay connected with our family and 
friends. Hence, every person needs to acquire 
ICT skills and build them to stay updated with 
the latest software and applications (apps).
Computer Hardware and Software
A computer system consists of two main parts— 
the hardware and the software. The physical 
parts that we can see and touch are called 
Unit
Unit
Information and 
Communication 
Technology Skills
3
Figure 3.1: ICT Devices
Unit 3.indd   63 31-Jan-20   10:04:56 AM
Employability SkillS – ClaSS X
64
hardware. It is the machinery of a computer. 
These are the keyboard, monitor, CPU, etc. 
There is another important part i.e., the 
software. Though we cannot see it, it makes the 
hardware work the way we want. 
The monitor is a physical device or the 
hardware. When we start a program, for 
example, a game, it is displayed on the monitor. 
This is done by the software which displays text, 
images and videos on the monitor as shown 
in Figure 3.2. Hardware would not be able to 
function without software.
Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets 
are also computer systems with hardware and software. 
They are simply smaller in size and can be easily  
carried around.
The most important software in any computer is the 
Operating System (OS). This is the software that starts 
working as soon as we switch on a computer. It displays 
the desktop on the monitor. Some of the most commonly 
used operating systems for laptops and desktop are 
Ubuntu, Microsoft Windows and Mac OS.
Mobile devices also have an operating system that 
helps them perform their functions. Some of the mobile 
operating systems are Apple iOS and Google Android 
(as shown in Figure 3.3). 
All the computer applications, such as browsers, 
games, Office tools, etc., are also software programs 
that perform particular functions.
Starting a Computer
What is the first thing you do after you wake up in 
the morning? What if your father tells you to do your 
homework immediately? Can you do it? Normally you 
would do some daily activities and get ready before you 
start working? Similarly, when a computer is switched 
on, it performs some basic processes/functions before 
it is ready to take instructions from the user.
To start a computer, press the Power button on the 
CPU. This will start the operating system and display 
the Ubuntu desktop as shown in Figure 3.4 or the main 
screen on the monitor. 
Figure 3.3: Mobile Android OS
Figure 3.4: Power Button
Figure 3.2: Hardware and Software
Software
Hardware
Unit 3.indd   64 31-Jan-20   10:05:01 AM
InformatIon and CommunICatIon t eChnology SkIllS
65
Basic Functions performed when a computer 
starts
Just as we go about our morning routine without 
anyone telling us what to do, a computer automatically 
runs a basic program called BIOS (Basic Input/Output 
System) as soon as it is switched on or the power button 
is pushed on. 
The BIOS first does a self-test. If the self-test  
shows that the system is fine, the BIOS will load the 
Operating System. This means that the computer’s 
operating system, for example, Ubuntu, is now ready to 
take user inputs. 
Login and Logout
Just like we keep our cupboards locked at home we need 
to keep our computer locked when we are not working 
on it. This will ensure that no unauthorised person 
can see or make changes to our information without 
taking our permission. To make sure your computer is 
locked, you have login-IDs and passwords. A login and 
password is like a key to the lock which allows you to 
use the computer. 
When you login to the computer with your login-ID 
and password (as shown in Figure 3.5), the computer 
knows that you are an authorised person and allows 
you to work on the applications in the computer. Once 
you finish working, you must log out or sign out so that 
no one else can see your work.
Figure 3.5:  Login Screen Figure 3.6: Log Out 
Unit 3.indd   65 31-Jan-20   10:05:01 AM
Employability SkillS – ClaSS X
66
Shutting Down a Computer
You can shut down the computer in Ubuntu by clicking 
Systems button at the top right and then click Shut 
Down as shown in Figure 3.6. When you click Shut down, 
the Operating System will close all the applications and 
turn off the computer.
Using the Keyboard
A keyboard is an input device used to type text, numbers 
and commands into the computer. It is shown in  
Figure 3.7.
Figure 3.7: Parts of a Keyboard
Function Keys
Keys labeled from F1 to F12 are function keys. You 
use them to perform specific functions. Their functions 
differ from program to program. The function of the F1 
key in most programs is to get help on that program. 
Some keyboards may have fewer function keys.
(a) Control keys: Keys, such as Control (CTRL), 
SHIFT, SPACEBAR, ALT, CAPS LOCK and TAB, 
are special control keys that perform special 
functions depending on when and where they  
are used. 
(b) Enter key: The label on this key can be either 
ENTER or RETURN, depending on the brand of 
computer that you are using. You use the ENTER 
or the RETURN key to move the cursor to the 
beginning of a new line. In some programs, it is 
used to send commands and to confirm a task on 
a computer.
n oteS
Unit 3.indd   66 31-Jan-20   10:05:01 AM
Page 5


SeSSion 1: BaSic c omputer o perationS
ICT stands for Information and Communication 
Technology. ICT refers to all the methods, tools, 
concepts related to storing, recording and sending 
digital information. 
Information can be recorded or stored in many 
ways, handwritten on paper, written using a typewriter 
and so on. When information is stored and recorded 
on electronic devices, it takes on a ‘digital’ form. ICT 
devices are tablets, smartphones and laptops as shown 
in Figure 3.1. 
ICT skills help us to communicate, run our 
business and stay connected with our family and 
friends. Hence, every person needs to acquire 
ICT skills and build them to stay updated with 
the latest software and applications (apps).
Computer Hardware and Software
A computer system consists of two main parts— 
the hardware and the software. The physical 
parts that we can see and touch are called 
Unit
Unit
Information and 
Communication 
Technology Skills
3
Figure 3.1: ICT Devices
Unit 3.indd   63 31-Jan-20   10:04:56 AM
Employability SkillS – ClaSS X
64
hardware. It is the machinery of a computer. 
These are the keyboard, monitor, CPU, etc. 
There is another important part i.e., the 
software. Though we cannot see it, it makes the 
hardware work the way we want. 
The monitor is a physical device or the 
hardware. When we start a program, for 
example, a game, it is displayed on the monitor. 
This is done by the software which displays text, 
images and videos on the monitor as shown 
in Figure 3.2. Hardware would not be able to 
function without software.
Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets 
are also computer systems with hardware and software. 
They are simply smaller in size and can be easily  
carried around.
The most important software in any computer is the 
Operating System (OS). This is the software that starts 
working as soon as we switch on a computer. It displays 
the desktop on the monitor. Some of the most commonly 
used operating systems for laptops and desktop are 
Ubuntu, Microsoft Windows and Mac OS.
Mobile devices also have an operating system that 
helps them perform their functions. Some of the mobile 
operating systems are Apple iOS and Google Android 
(as shown in Figure 3.3). 
All the computer applications, such as browsers, 
games, Office tools, etc., are also software programs 
that perform particular functions.
Starting a Computer
What is the first thing you do after you wake up in 
the morning? What if your father tells you to do your 
homework immediately? Can you do it? Normally you 
would do some daily activities and get ready before you 
start working? Similarly, when a computer is switched 
on, it performs some basic processes/functions before 
it is ready to take instructions from the user.
To start a computer, press the Power button on the 
CPU. This will start the operating system and display 
the Ubuntu desktop as shown in Figure 3.4 or the main 
screen on the monitor. 
Figure 3.3: Mobile Android OS
Figure 3.4: Power Button
Figure 3.2: Hardware and Software
Software
Hardware
Unit 3.indd   64 31-Jan-20   10:05:01 AM
InformatIon and CommunICatIon t eChnology SkIllS
65
Basic Functions performed when a computer 
starts
Just as we go about our morning routine without 
anyone telling us what to do, a computer automatically 
runs a basic program called BIOS (Basic Input/Output 
System) as soon as it is switched on or the power button 
is pushed on. 
The BIOS first does a self-test. If the self-test  
shows that the system is fine, the BIOS will load the 
Operating System. This means that the computer’s 
operating system, for example, Ubuntu, is now ready to 
take user inputs. 
Login and Logout
Just like we keep our cupboards locked at home we need 
to keep our computer locked when we are not working 
on it. This will ensure that no unauthorised person 
can see or make changes to our information without 
taking our permission. To make sure your computer is 
locked, you have login-IDs and passwords. A login and 
password is like a key to the lock which allows you to 
use the computer. 
When you login to the computer with your login-ID 
and password (as shown in Figure 3.5), the computer 
knows that you are an authorised person and allows 
you to work on the applications in the computer. Once 
you finish working, you must log out or sign out so that 
no one else can see your work.
Figure 3.5:  Login Screen Figure 3.6: Log Out 
Unit 3.indd   65 31-Jan-20   10:05:01 AM
Employability SkillS – ClaSS X
66
Shutting Down a Computer
You can shut down the computer in Ubuntu by clicking 
Systems button at the top right and then click Shut 
Down as shown in Figure 3.6. When you click Shut down, 
the Operating System will close all the applications and 
turn off the computer.
Using the Keyboard
A keyboard is an input device used to type text, numbers 
and commands into the computer. It is shown in  
Figure 3.7.
Figure 3.7: Parts of a Keyboard
Function Keys
Keys labeled from F1 to F12 are function keys. You 
use them to perform specific functions. Their functions 
differ from program to program. The function of the F1 
key in most programs is to get help on that program. 
Some keyboards may have fewer function keys.
(a) Control keys: Keys, such as Control (CTRL), 
SHIFT, SPACEBAR, ALT, CAPS LOCK and TAB, 
are special control keys that perform special 
functions depending on when and where they  
are used. 
(b) Enter key: The label on this key can be either 
ENTER or RETURN, depending on the brand of 
computer that you are using. You use the ENTER 
or the RETURN key to move the cursor to the 
beginning of a new line. In some programs, it is 
used to send commands and to confirm a task on 
a computer.
n oteS
Unit 3.indd   66 31-Jan-20   10:05:01 AM
InformatIon and CommunICatIon t eChnology SkIllS
67
(c) Punctuation keys: Punctuation keys include 
keys for punctuation marks, such as colon (:), 
semicolon (;), question mark (?), single quotation 
marks (‘ ’), and double quotation marks (“ ”).
(d) Navigation keys: Keys, such as the arrow keys, 
HOME, END, PAGE UP, and PAGE DOWN are 
navigation keys. These are used to move up and 
down, right and left in a document. The HOME 
and END keys move the cursor to the left/right 
end of a line of text, respectively. The PAGE UP 
and PAGE DOWN keys are used to move one page 
up and one page down, respectively.
(e) Command keys: Keys, such as INSERT (INS), 
DELETE (DEL), and BACKSPACE are command 
keys. When the INSERT key is turned ON, it 
helps you overwrite characters to the right of the 
cursor. The DELETE key and the BACKSPACE 
key are used to remove typed text, characters 
and other objects on the right and left side of the 
cursor, respectively.
(f) Windows key: Pressing this key opens the  
Start menu
Using a Mouse
A mouse as shown in Figure 3.8 is a small device that 
you can use to move, select and open items on your 
computer screen. Let us see some of the functions that 
can be performed using a mouse. Different application 
will behave differently to the mouse actions. Here we use 
the File Explorer to see the effect of the mouse action.
Roll Over or Hover
Some actions can be done by simply rolling over 
or hovering over an item. When you bring the 
mouse over a file in File Explorer, it will show 
the details of that file as shown in Figure 3.9.
Point and Click
As you move the mouse on your desk, a pointer 
moves correspondingly on your screen. The 
mouse allows you to select an item on the 
Figure 3.8: Mouse
Left-click
Scroll
Right-click
Figure 3.9 Roll Over
Unit 3.indd   67 31-Jan-20   10:05:02 AM