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UPDATED TO 2023-2025 SYLLABUS

CAIE IGCSE
ICT
SUMMARIZED NOTES ON THE THEORY SYLLABUS
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Uses a mixture of media to present information:

1. ICT Applications animations, video, sound, transitions, hyperlinks
Produced using software packages
Used with a projector so a large audience can view
1.1. Communication Advantages
Use of sound and animation/video effects
Newsletters and posters Interactive/hyperlinks built into presentations
More likely to hold the audience’s attention
Paper-based communication is used to inform people Disadvantages
about their interests Need for special equipment – expensive
Schools use these to inform parents about events/dates It may require internet access
Advantages Distracts the audience from the sole content of the
Released regularly presentation
The recipients have a permanent copy It is very easy to make a presentation with too many
Disadvantages features
Requires distribution
There are no special effects, sound/video/animation Media streaming
There are printing costs, paper/ink
The targeted audience may or may not receive the Real-time transition of audio and video files over the
information internet
allows users to access content without downloading it to
Websites their devices
popular services include Spotify, YouTube, and social
Collection of webpages, text, graphics, video, and sound media websites
Hosted on a web server on the internet uses buffering, which makes sure the video plays back
Need to write code or use a web authoring application smoothly without freezing. While the buffer receives data
Hyperlinks to other pages can be added packets, it sends previously received ones to the
Interactive websites require programming knowledge playback device so that there are no gaps in the played
Can use a camera, scanner, and microphone to input data
data Advantages
Usually, hire space from the web hosting company Users can access any information at any time and
Advantages from any location
Ability to add sound/video/animation Offers an extensive library of content
Links to other websites/hyperlinks Compared to traditional cable or satellite TV
The use of hot spots subscriptions, media streaming can be more cost-
Buttons to navigate/move around the website effective
Hit counters to see who has visited the websites Disadvantages
worldwide advertising capability Heavily relies on a stable and high-speed internet
Disadvantages connection.
Can be hacked and modified, or viruses introduced Not all content is available on every streaming
Need for a computer and internet connection platform due to licensing agreements and exclusivity
Lack of portability compared with the paper-based deals.
system You don’t own the media when streaming media, so if
Need to maintain the website once it is set up the streaming service removes a movie or a TV show
from its library, it may no longer be accessible to you.
Multimedia Presentations
ePublications

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digital versions of printed materials, such as eBooks, using models is less expensive than having to build the
eMagazines, and eNewspapers. real thing
It can be read on electronic devices. safer to use a computer model
Advantages allows you to try out various different scenarios in
aid portability advance
they are often more affordable than paperback nearly impossible to try out some tasks in advance in real
books. life due to high risk
Offer interactive elements that enhance the reading faster to use a computer model than to do the real thing
experience.
Disadvantages Disadvantages of using models:
reading from an electronic device for a prolonged a model can’t be completely reliant as the output is
time can cause eyestrain
entirely based on the input
ePublications lack the tactile experience and physical frequently, computer modelling can be a very costly
presence that some readers enjoy option
compatibility issues can arise if the ePublications is in human reluctance is a common problem in this
a format that is not supported by the reader's device technology
or software
Some of the applications of computer modelling include:
Mobile Communication 1. Personal finance: Computer modelling involves using
mathematical algorithms and data analysis to simulate
Mobile devices support many forms of communication, such various financial scenarios, such as investment strategies,
as: retirement planning, and risk assessment, aiding individuals
1. Short message service (SMS) messaging: permits in making informed decisions and optimizing their financial
extremely quick communication with another person via goals.
typing on a keyboard (a mobile phone or tablet's keyboard is 2. Bridge and building design: Computer modelling is
frequently virtual). Its benefit is that the recipient can get the crucial in bridge and building design. It allows engineers to
text whenever they choose without being available. simulate and analyze structural behaviour, assess load
2. Phone calls: Making calls while on the go is among the capacities, and predict the response to external forces. It
most fundamental applications of a mobile phone. Mobile aids in optimizing designs, ensuring structural integrity, and
phones are the perfect method to stay in correspondence minimizing potential risks before construction begins.
anywhere there is a network signal because they are 3. Flood water management: Computer modelling plays a
compact and have an independent battery. vital role in flood water management by simulating water
3. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): a communication flow behaviour, predicting flood extents, and assessing
technique for Internet users. VoIP transforms sound potential flood risks. It helps design and optimise flood
captured by the built-in mic of the cell phone into individual mitigation measures, such as levees and floodplain zoning,
data packets that may be transmitted via the internet to allowing authorities to make informed decisions, develop
their intended recipient. effective emergency response plans, and minimize the
4. Video calls: enables real-time video conversing between impact of flooding on communities.
multiple participants with a camera-enabled device. Uses an 4. Traffic management: Computer modelling simulates and
internet connection or cellular data. Software that may be analyses traffic flow, predicts congestion patterns, and
used for video calling includes FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom. optimises traffic control strategies. It aids in designing
5. Accessing the Internet: Another helpful feature is efficient road networks, optimizing signal timings, and
accessing the net from a mobile device. Any mobile device evaluating the impact of transportation infrastructure
with a wireless broadband connection or a mobile phone projects. This enables authorities to make informed
network can link to the internet. decisions, alleviate congestion, and improve overall traffic
efficiency for better urban mobility.
1.2. Modelling Applications
Advantages of using models:

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5. Weather forecasting: Computer modelling plays a pivotal
role in weather forecasting by simulating the Earth's 1.4. School Management Systems
atmosphere, oceanic conditions, and other environmental
factors. These models use complex algorithms to predict Computer-controlled School Management Systems:
weather patterns, including temperature, precipitation, wind Comprehensive software applications that automate
speed, and storm systems. By assimilating real-time data, administrative tasks, such as attendance tracking, grading,
computer models provide forecasts that aid meteorologists scheduling, and student information management,
in predicting weather conditions, issuing warnings, and improving educational institutions' efficiency, accuracy, and
helping society prepare for potential hazards. organization.
Advantages of using computer modelling rather than
humans:
It can provide more precise and accurate results than
human-based methods, minimizing errors and
increasing reliability.
Can analyze large amounts of data and perform
complex calculations faster than humans
It can be reused and updated easily, reducing the
need for repetitive manual analysis and potentially
lowering costs in the long run.
Disadvantages of using computer modelling rather
than humans:
It may overlook nuanced factors or intangible
elements that humans can consider, leading to
potential gaps or inaccuracies in the analysis.
Based on assumptions and simplifications,
introducing a level of uncertainty.
Their programmed algorithms and data inputs bind
models. They may struggle to adapt to unforeseen
circumstances or rapidly changing conditions that
humans can more readily navigate and respond to.

1.3. Computer-controlled Systems

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Automated teller machines (ATMs) are places where
1.5. Booking Systems customers can get cash (or carry out certain other banking
activities, such as ordering a statement) using their credit or
These web-based platforms and applications allow users to debit card.
Sequence at ATM What goes on behind the scenes
reserve and purchase tickets or services for various events Customer puts card into ATM Contact is made with bank’s computer
and industries. Some of the applications for online bookings PIN is checked to see if it is correct
Card is checked to see if it is valid
include: PIN is entered using the keypad The transaction is closed if the card is stolen or
the number of PIN attempts allowed is
1. Travel industry: Booking flights, hotels, and holiday exceeded.
Several options are given: change PIN, pay in
packages provides a convenient platform for travellers to cheques, pay a bill, see balance, get money
plan and book their trips. The customer selects the cash option & several
cash options are shown
2. Concerts: Reserving tickets for live music events allows The customer’s account is accessed to see if
they have sufficient funds, it is checked to see
music fans to secure their spot at popular concerts. The customer accepts one of the options or if they are withdrawing more than their daily
limit.
types in a different amount
3. Cinemas: Booking movie tickets in advance enables If the limit is not exceeded and all other checks
are OK, then the transaction is authorized, and
cinema-goers to reserve seats and avoid queues. the machine then counts out the cash
The customer is asked if they want a receipt
4. Sporting events: Purchasing tickets for sports matches The card is returned
and competitions offers sports enthusiasts an easy way to Money is dispensed Customer’s account is updated

attend their favourite events.

Advantages:
Advantages: possible to withdraw at any time of the day
convenience and accessibility offer many banking services without having to go to
instant confirmation and ticketing the bank
ability to compare prices and options possible to access an account from anywhere in the
promotions and personalized offers world
faster to change/update usually provides quicker service than waiting in a
automated reminders via email/text queue at a bank
repeated bookings can be easily made Disadvantages:
cost-saving as there are fewer wages due to reduced often in places where theft can take place at night
staff requirements potential for shoulder surfing
Disadvantages: some banks charge customers for using ATMs
potential for technical issues cash withdrawal limits are often imposed on people
possible security and privacy concerns
transaction and booking fees Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT):
impersonal customer service
dependent on a stable internet connection It is possible to send money transfer instructions directly to
can lead to unemployment a bank's computer system via electronic funds transfer (EFT)
technology. The system depends on electronic money
transfers between accounts; no cash is moved. The
1.6. Banking Applications computer system automatically moves the requested
Online banking systems depend on the ability to update amount from one account to another when it receives an
EFT command.
files instantly to avoid double scheduling, which might
occur if the system reaction time is slow.
The use of computer technology has revolutionized how
we do our banking transactions, for example:
Internet banking
The use of automated teller machines (ATMs)
Chip and PIN technology

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)

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Individuals and organizations use cheques as a form of
Advantages: payment. When issuing a cheque, the payer writes the
very secure payment method recipient's name, the payment amount, and the date on the
very quick payment method cheque. The recipient then deposits or presents the cheque
less expensive than cheques to their bank for processing. The payer's bank verifies the
the customer has the right to dispute an EFT fund’s availability, and upon clearance, the specified amount
payment for up to 60 days is transferred from the payer's account to the recipient's
Disadvantages: account, completing the transaction.
the bank transaction can’t be reversed without full
dispute investigations Advantages:
customer needs to have funds available immediately more convenient and safer than cash
cannot guarantee the recipient’s identity can be post-dated
can be traced if they are lost
Credit/debit card transactions Disadvantages:
aren’t legal tender and can be refused
Several credit/debit cards come with a magnetic stripe and a slow method of payment
chip; the chip houses essential data like the PIN. This easier for fraudsters than other methods
technique is intended to increase security because it is relatively expensive payment method
superior to a signature. A chip and PIN card to make
purchases is an example of an electronic funds transfer Internet Banking
(EFT).
Enable online access to banking services via a secure
Advantages of credit cards: website or app, allowing for transfers, bill payments, account
customer protection if ordered goods don’t arrive management, and more.
internationally accepted payment method
interest-free loan if money is paid back within the Advantages:
agreed time period convenience and availability
can make purchases online easy account management
Disadvantages of credit cards: branch visiting won’t be a requirement
can be charged high interest rates interest rates may be better
annual fees often apply more accessible to shop around for the best account
easy to end up with credit damage Disadvantages:
security risks in online transactions security of transactions
Advantages of debit cards: requires a reliable internet connection
money comes from the user’s current account, there More risk of fraud
is no interest Easier to make errors
safer than carrying cash Physical cash can't be deposited/withdrawn
can make online purchases
Disadvantages of debit cards: 1.7. Computers in Medicine
less customer protection if goods don’t arrive
no credit allowed; funds are needed at the time of Information Systems in Medicine
purchase
security risks in online transactions

Cheques

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Patient records: Healthcare professionals maintain

databases to communicate information between them
and pharmacists (for instance, to guarantee no
medications are administered that interact dangerously
with one another).
Pharmacy records: Pharmacy records maintain a
comprehensive record of patient prescriptions. This
includes details like the prescribed medication, dosage,
quantity dispensed, prescribing physician's information,
and the date of dispensing. These records help track
medication usage and can be used to verify prescription
accuracy and detect potential drug interactions or
allergies. Components of an Expert System
1. User Interface
3D Printers
This is the only thing that the end user sees
Using 3D printers in medicine: Allows the user to interact with the system
Prosthetics: 3D printers print out artificial body parts Often requires training to operate effectively
such as false teeth, artificial limbs, hearing aids, etc.
This is a less expensive method of replacing body 2. Explanation system
parts.
Tissue engineering: it is the field of combining cells, Informs the user of the reasoning behind the expert
biomaterials, and engineering principles to create system’s conclusions
functional tissues or organs, aiming to repair or It will supply a conclusion and any suggested actions to
replace damaged or diseased tissue in the human take
body. It will also give the percentage probability of the accuracy
Artificial blood vessels are synthetic structures of its conclusions
designed to mimic the function of natural blood 3. Inference engine
vessels, facilitating the flow of blood and nutrients
throughout the body to support tissue repair and The main processing element of the system
regeneration. It acts like a search engine examining the knowledge
Customized medicines are personalized drug base
formulations tailored to individual patients' specific Responsible for gathering information
needs. They utilize advanced technology and precise This is the problem-solving part of the system
measurements to create medications with accurate Attempts to use information gathered from the user to
dosages and unique compositions, optimizing find a matching object
treatment outcomes.
4. Knowledge base
1.8. Expert Systems It is a repository of facts
stores all the knowledge about an area of expertise
It is an AI-based computer program that emulates the a collection of objects and their attributes
decision-making capabilities of human experts. It uses
knowledge and rules to provide accurate advice or solutions 5. Rules base
in a specific domain.
Examples include: The rules base is a set of inference rules.
Used by the inference engine to draw conclusions
Diagnostics They follow logical thinking
Mineral prospecting
Tax and financial calculations How an expert system is used to produce possible
Strategy games solutions
Identification of plants, animals and chemical
compounds
Route scheduling for delivery vehicles

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Below is an example of how an expert system works to
diagnose a medical issue: Use of chip and PIN cards:
Enhance security with two-factor authentication
The interactive screen asks questions for the doctor to Require customers to enter a personal identification
answer using a keyboard or a touch screen. number (PIN)
The inference engine compares the symptoms with the Use of contactless cards:
knowledge base, using the rule base to find matches. Allow for faster transactions
The system suggests the possible illness with a Enable customers to tap their card on the terminal
probability of each, cures, and recommendations on the Use of Near Field Communication (NFC):
next step. Facilitate payments through smartphones and other
The explanation system will explain how that particular devices
diagnosis was suggested. Increase convenience for customers
Communication between supermarket computers and
1.9. Computers in the Retail Industry bank computers:
Share transaction details securely
Point of sale (POS) terminals: Computerized systems used Enable instant payment processing and verification
at checkout counters to handle purchases and oversee
stock. It is extensively used in retail stores to process sales Internet Shopping
transactions. They enable quick and secure payment
Characteristics of Internet Shopping:
processing through various methods, including cash,
credit/debit cards, mobile payments, and digital wallets. POS Online stores accessible through web browsers
terminals calculate totals, generate itemized receipts, A wide variety of products and services are available
update inventory, and provide real-time sales data for Convenient and often open 24/7
effective business management.
Advantages (To customer):
Some features include:
update stock files immediately access to the global market
track inventory levels in real-time comparison between different products effortlessly
prevent stock discrepancies and ensure accurate can shop from anywhere in the world
records able to avoid queues and busy stores
monitor inventory levels and reorder when stock is
lower than a predefined value Advantages (To business):
streamline supply chain management and minimize can target prices and services based on buying data
stockouts can update stock availability and prices more quickly
Electronic funds transfer at Point of sale (EFTPOS) than a physical store
terminals: Devices for processing electronic payments; they cheaper to publicize special offers
allow customers to make payments using debit or credit international customer base
cards by securely transferring funds from their bank increased profits due to lower staff
accounts. EFTPOS terminals authenticate and authorize Disadvantages (To customer):
transactions in real-time, providing convenience and security
for customers and businesses during retail purchases. security concerns
The process of checking credit and debit cards at a can’t correctly examine products before purchase
supermarket EFTPOS is much the same as was described for occasionally, products may take weeks before being
paying a restaurant bill in Section 6.6. delivered
Some functions of EFTPOS include: additional shipping and handling costs
lack of face-to-face interaction with staff

Disadvantages (To business):

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3. RFID in tracking stock:
increased competition
digital fraud and security concerns
technical issues and downtime
costs of delivery and return
fake negative reviews can lead to a lousy company
reputation

1.10. Recognition Systems

1. Optical Mark recognition (OMR) media in schools:

School registers: Paper-based registers are fed into

OMR to be scanned and stored in a database.
Multiple-choice examination papers: The position of a
mark is stored in a computer’s memory after being read
by the OMR, a device using a template that maps out the
X-Y coordinates of each tablet (pen/pencil mark).
Used at POS terminals for scanning and reading the
information stored in barcodes.
Many digital devices have OMR scanners, which may be
used to scan QR codes.
Advantages:
very fast way of inputting the results of a survey
more accurate than keying in data
more accurate than OCR methods
Disadvantages:
designing the forms is a very complex job
there can be problems if they haven’t been filled
correctly
often only work with black pens or pencils
2. Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

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4. Near Field Communication (NFC):
Used to determine the exact location of several modes of
Enables short-range wireless communication between transport
devices. Cars usually refer to GPS as satellite navigation systems
Allows payment using a smartphone. Satellites surrounding the Earth transmit signals to the
Advantages: surface
Convenient and secure method of payment Computers installed in the mode of transport receive
allows for contactless transactions and interpret these signals
Disadvantages: Knowing their position on the Earth depends on very
Limited range accurate timing – atomic clocks are used in the satellites,
compatibility issues with some devices which are accurate to within a fraction of a second per
day
5. Biometric recognition: Each satellite transmits data indicating its position & time
Usually refers to automated technologies for The computer on board the mode of transport calculates
authenticating and verifying human body characteristics its exact position based on the information from at least
such as face, iris, retina, finger, thumb, hand and voice. three satellites
Advantages: Satellite Navigation (satnav):
very high accuracy
very easy to use Used to determine the exact location of a car.
very fast verification time The computers onboard can be used to show directions
non-intrusive method to a destination.
relatively inexpensive technology
Disadvantages: Advantages:
it can make mistakes if the skin is dirty or damaged
Better focus as there isn’t a need to constantly check
very expensive to install and set up paper maps.
uses a lot of memory for the data to be stored Reduces fines by warning drivers about upcoming speed
a person’s voice can be quickly recorded and used for changes.
unauthorized access The system shows an Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA).
an illness, such as a cold, can change a person’s
It is possible to program in the fastest route to avoid
voice, making absolute identification difficult or towns.
impossible The system can also give helpful information such as the
location of petrol stations.
1.11. Satellite Systems
Disadvantages:
Global Positioning Systems (GPS) If the maps are not updated, they can give incorrect
instructions.
Road closures due to accidents or roadworks can cause
problems.
The loss of satellite signals can cause problems.
The system will give incorrect information if an incorrect
start-point or end-point is keyed in.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

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Used to capture, manage, analyze, and display

geographically referenced information.
Use to determine the distance between two places.
Used to find the nearest petrol station or restaurant, etc.
To protect animal and plant life in certain vulnerable
places.
It can be used in geography, science, or engineering
lessons.

Advantages:

Allows geographical and thematic data of any kind to be

combined to show how they are connected to each
other.
It allows the handling and exploration of vast amounts of
data.
It allows data to be integrated from a wide range of very
different sources.
Disadvantages:

The learning curve on GIS software can be very long.

GIS software is very expensive.
GIS requires enormous amounts of data to be input.
It isn't easy to make GIS programs that are both fast and
user-friendly.

Media Communication Systems

Using satellite signals for communication.
Used by media companies when sending
stories/videos/pictures from remote locations.

Advantages:

They have good global coverage.

They are cheaper, faster, and safer than laying cables in
difficult or treacherous terrain.
They have very high bandwidth.
It is relatively easy to expand the network.
Security in satellite transmission is very good because
data is coded, and the receiver requires decoding
equipment.
During emergency situations, it is relatively easy to move
stations on the ground from one place to another.
They are well-suited for broadcasting.
Enable mobile communication in very remote locations.

Disadvantages:
There is a time delay in receipt of the signals.
The signals received can be affected by bad weather.
Sunspot activity can affect the performance of a satellite.
They must be monitored and controlled regularly to
remain in the correct orbit.

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