ICT Skills Class 9 Notes – CBSE Employability Skills Revision Guide
These ICT Skills Class 9 Notes are based on the latest CBSE syllabus, offering clear explanations and structured content to build strong concepts and make exam preparation easier.
These Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Skills Class 9 Notes cover all important topics, including What is ICT, ICT Tools, Parts of a Computer and Peripherals, Basic Computer Operations, Basic File Operations, Communication and Internet, and Networking.
Session-1: Introduction to ICT
- ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology.
- ICT includes technological tools used to communicate, create, store, manage, and disseminate (share) information.
- Common ICT tools include computers, the Internet, radio, television, and telephony (telephone/mobile communication).
- ICT skills help us:
- Communicate effectively
- Run businesses
- Stay connected with family and friends
- Keep up-to-date with the latest software and applications
ICT at Workplace
- It is used for:
- Online banking and money transactions
- Preparing textbooks and research papers
- Creating documents, calculations, tables, and graphs
- Buying products online
- Booking train and bus tickets
- Internet banking and online payments
ICT at Home
- ICT is used at home for:
- Entertainment through television.
- Communication using mobile phones and smartphones.
- Connecting with family and friends through social media.
- Sending and receiving information.
- Watching videos and news.
- Listening to music.
- Playing games.
Session-2: ICT Tools: Smartphones and Tablets
Smartphones
- Smartphones are widely used for daily communication and information sharing.
- With a smartphone, you can:
- Make and receive calls
- Browse the Internet
- Send e-mails
- Make video calls
- Smartphones use wireless (mobile) networks and do not require a telephone line.
- Popular smartphone operating systems are:
- Android OS
- Apple iOS
- Windows Mobile
Tablets
- A tablet is a mini computer with a touchscreen.
- A tablet is larger than a smartphone.
- A tablet can perform almost all the functions of a computer or a smartphone.
TV and Radio
- Radio is used to broadcast audio to many people.
- Television (TV) is used to broadcast audio-visual information.
- TV and radio are used for:
- Entertainment
- Learning new things
Applications (Apps)
- Apps are software programs that perform specific functions on smartphones and tablets.
- Apps are represented by icons on the screen.
- Popular app stores include:
- Google Play Store (for Android)
- Apple App Store (for Apple devices)
Commonly Found Applications (Apps)
| App | Purpose |
| Phone | Used to make calls and store contacts. |
| Camera | Used to capture photos and record videos. |
| Calendar | Used to view dates, set appointments, and reminders. |
| Used to send and receive e-mails. | |
| Photos | Used to store and organize photos and videos. |
| Maps | Used to find locations and directions using GPS (Global Positioning System). |
Session-3: ICT Tools: Smartphones and Tablets – II
Basic Controls of a Mobile Device
- Power Button – Used to turn the mobile device on or off.
- Screen (Touchscreen) – Used to perform functions by touching the screen.
- Back Button – Takes you back to the previous screen in an application.
- Microphone – Used to speak during voice calls.
- Menu Button – Displays the options available in an application (may not be available on all devices).
- Home Button – Returns you to the Home Screen from any app or screen.
- Earpiece – Used to listen to voice calls.
- Volume Button – Used to increase or decrease the sound volume.
Basic Features of a Mobile Device
| Feature | Description |
| Bluetooth | Short-range wireless technology used to connect with nearby devices (up to about 30 feet).Allows sharing of files, music, and messages. |
| Chargeable Battery | Rechargeable power source that runs the mobile device.Makes the device portable and usable anywhere. |
| Wi-Fi | Wireless technology used to connect to the Internet through a local network.Enables web browsing, e-mails, social media, and online activities. |
| Touch Screen | Display screen that responds to finger touch.Used to operate apps, type, and perform various functions. |
| Camera | Includes front and rear cameras.Used for taking photos, recording videos, and video calling. |
| Clock | Built-in clock that displays date and time.Can be adjusted according to the country’s time zone. |
| Cellular Network Connectivity | Connects the device to a mobile network.Used for making calls, sending SMS, and accessing mobile data. |
| Global Positioning System (GPS) | Navigation system that provides location and directions.Helps in finding routes and locating places on maps. |
Home Screen of a Mobile Device
The Home Screen is the first (start) screen that appears when you unlock your mobile device.
Main Parts of the Home Screen
- Status Bar – Displays information like time, battery level, network signal, and notifications.
- App Icons – Shortcuts to applications such as Phone, Messages, Camera, and Settings.
- Navigation Bar – Contains navigation buttons (Back, Home, and Recent Apps) to move around the device.
Basic Gestures Used on a Mobile Device
You can make each gesture into a single concise pointer:
- Tap: Touch the screen once to open apps or select items.
- Tap and Hold: Touch and hold an item for a few seconds to access more options (similar to right-clicking with a mouse).
- Drag: Tap, hold, and move your finger to move objects or icons.
- Swipe: Slide your finger in any direction to scroll pages, switch screens, or view notifications.
- Double Tap: Tap the screen twice quickly to zoom in on text or images.
- Pinch: Bring your thumb and finger together on the screen to zoom out of text or images.
Session-4: Parts of a Computer and Peripherals
Parts of a Computer System
- Input Devices
- Accepts data and instructions from the user.
- Converts the input into a form the computer can process.
- Examples: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Microphone.
- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Known as the brain of the computer.
- Processes data and controls all computer operations.
- Executes instructions received from the input unit.
- Output Devices
- Produces meaningful results in the desired format.
- Displays the processed information to the user.
- Examples: Monitor, Printer, Speakers, Projector.
Common Peripheral Devices
Peripheral devices are input and output devices connected to a computer to perform different tasks.
- Keyboard: Input device used to enter letters, numbers, symbols, and commands into the computer.
- Mouse: Input device used to move the pointer, select items, open files, and navigate the screen.
- Monitor: Output device that displays text, images, videos, and other visual output from the computer.
- Microphone: Input device used to record voice and communicate through the computer.
- Projector: Output device used to display a computer’s images or videos on a large screen.
- Speakers: Output device used to play sound, including music, voice, and videos.
- Scanner: Input device used to scan documents and images into digital files.
Components of the CPU
- Control Unit (CU): Manages the computer by receiving instructions, controlling all operations, and coordinating different components.
- Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): Performs all arithmetic calculations and logical operations such as comparisons and decision-making.
- Memory Unit (MU): Temporarily stores data and instructions while they are being processed.
Understanding RAM and ROM
RAM (Random Access Memory)
- Temporary memory used while the computer is running.
- Stores data and programs currently in use.
- Data is lost when the computer is switched off.
ROM (Read Only Memory)
- Permanent memory that stores essential system instructions.
- Data remains even when the computer is switched off.
Flash Memory
- An external storage device that combines features of both RAM and ROM.
- Used to store and transfer data.
- Examples: USB Pen Drive, Memory Card.
Motherboard
- The Motherboard (also called the System Board) is the main circuit board of a computer.
- It connects all the major components of the computer.
- It enables communication between the input devices, CPU, output devices, and storage devices.
Storage Devices
Storage devices are used to store and transfer digital data from one computer to another.
- USB Flash Drive (Pen Drive) – Portable storage device for storing and transferring files.
- Hard Disk (HDD/External Hard Disk) – Stores a large amount of data permanently.
- Compact Disc (CD) – Optical storage device for storing data, music, and videos.
- Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) – Optical storage device with higher storage capacity than a CD.
Units of Data Storage
- Bit (Binary Digit) – Smallest unit of data (0 or 1).
- 8 Bits = 1 Byte
- 1024 Bytes = 1 Kilobyte (KB)
- 1024 KB = 1 Megabyte (MB)
- 1024 MB = 1 Gigabyte (GB)
- 1024 GB = 1 Terabyte (TB)
Ports and Connections
Ports are slots used to connect input, output, storage, and networking devices to a computer.
Types of Ports
| Port | Description |
| USB (Universal Serial Bus) Port | Connects peripheral devices such as keyboard, mouse, printer, and USB flash drive. |
| Display Port | Connects the monitor or display device to the computer. Common types: VGA (Video Graphics Array) and HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface). |
| Audio Port | Connects microphone, speakers, and headphones. The Line-Out Port is used for sound output. |
| Ethernet Port | Connects the computer to a high-speed wired Internet network. |
| Power Port | Connects the computer to the power supply. |
Session-5: Basic Computer Operations
A computer system consists of two main parts:
- Hardware: The physical components (machinery) of a computer that can be seen and touched, such as the keyboard, mouse, monitor, CPU, printer, speakers, and scanner, and they work only with the help of software.
- Software: A set of programs and instructions that tells the computer hardware what to do; it cannot be seen or touched, controls and manages the hardware, and includes software such as operating systems, web browsers, games, Microsoft Office, and media players.
Operating System (OS)
The most important system software that starts when the computer is switched on, manages hardware and software resources, displays the desktop, allows users to run applications, and includes desktop OSs such as Ubuntu, Microsoft Windows, and macOS, and mobile OSs such as Android and Apple iOS.
Application Software
A type of software designed to perform specific tasks for users, such as web browsers, games, Microsoft Office, media players, and photo editing software.
Starting a computer
- Press the Power Button on the CPU or laptop.
- The Operating System (OS) starts loading.
- The desktop screen appears, and the computer is ready to use.
Basic Functions Performed When a Computer Starts
- The computer automatically runs the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System).
- BIOS performs a self-test to check whether the hardware is working properly.
- If the test is successful, BIOS loads the Operating System (OS).
- The computer then becomes ready to receive user input.
Shutting Down a Computer
- Click the Start Menu (or System Menu in Ubuntu).
- Select Shut Down.
- The Operating System closes all running applications.
- The computer turns off safely.
Types of Keyboard Keys
A Keyboard is an input device used to enter text, numbers, symbols, and commands into the computer.
- Function Keys (F1–F12): Located at the top of the keyboard and used to perform special functions (e.g., F1 opens Help).
- Control Keys: Include Ctrl, Shift, Alt, Tab, Caps Lock, and Spacebar, and are used to perform special functions.
- Enter (Return) Key: Moves the cursor to a new line and confirms commands or executes tasks.
- Punctuation Keys: Used to type punctuation marks such as : ; ? ‘ ” , .
- Navigation Keys: Used to move the cursor within a document, including Arrow Keys, Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down.
- Command Keys: Used to edit text, including Insert (Ins), Delete (Del), and Backspace.
- Windows Key: Opens the Start Menu in Windows.
Session-6: Performing Basic File Operations
Files and Folders
- File: A collection of information stored on a computer. Every file has a file name (given by the user) and a file extension (which identifies its type).
- Folder: A location used to store and organize related files for easy access.
Common File Extensions
| Extension | File Type |
| .txt | Text File |
| .doc | Document File |
| .xls | Spreadsheet File |
| .jpg | Image File |
| .mp3 | Audio File |
Example: Neha.txt
Creating a File (Using a Text Editor in Ubuntu)
Open the Search box → Type Editor → Open the Text Editor → Type the required text → Click Save → Choose the save location, enter the file name, and click Save again.
Session 7: Communication and Networking – Basics of Internet
Uses of the Internet
| Use | Description |
| Search Information | Find news, exam results, weather, sports, and other information. |
| Entertainment | Listen to music, watch movies, play games, and share pictures. |
| E-mail and Chatting | Send messages and communicate quickly across the world. |
| Shopping | Buy and sell products and make digital payments online. |
| Online Booking | Book movie, hotel, bus, train, and flight tickets. |
| Social Networking | Connect and share information with family and friends through social media. |
| Online Learning | Attend online courses and learn new skills. |
| Online Banking | Check account details, transfer money, and perform banking transactions online. |
Requirements for Internet Connection
To connect to the Internet, you need:
- Device – Computer, laptop, or smartphone.
- Connection Device (Modem) – Connects the device to the Internet.
- Internet Service Provider (ISP) – Provides Internet connectivity.
Types of Internet Connections
- Wired Connection: Uses an Ethernet cable to connect the computer to the modem, which connects to the Internet through the ISP.
- Wireless Connection: Uses Wi-Fi or other wireless technology to connect devices to the Internet without cables.
Bandwidth
- Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transmitted over a network in a given time.
- Higher bandwidth means faster data transfer.
- It is measured in bits per second (bps).
Data Transfer Speed Units
| Unit | Value |
| 1 Kbps | 1000 bits per second |
| 1 Mbps | 1000 Kbps |
| 1 Gbps | 1000 Mbps |
Internet Browser
A software application used to access, search, and view websites on the World Wide Web (WWW), such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer.
Steps to Search for Information on the Internet
- Open an Internet Browser.
- Type the required topic or keyword in the search box and press the Enter key.
- A list of search results related to the topic will be displayed.
- Click the appropriate website to view the required information.
Session 8: Communication and Networking – Internet Browsing
World Wide Web (WWW)
- The World Wide Web (WWW) is a vast collection of interconnected web pages available on the Internet.
- It stores information on a wide variety of topics.
- It serves as a platform for users to access and share information.
- The WWW consists of:
- Web Page
- Web Browser
- System for transferring information between the browser and web pages
Web Page
- A Web Page is a document stored on a computer connected to the Internet.
- Every web page has a unique address (URL).
- A web browser is required to open and view a web page.
- Example: http://ncert.nic.in
Web Browser
- A Web Browser is a software application used to access, view, and share information on the World Wide Web.
- Examples of Web Browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Apple Safari, and Opera.
Hyperlinks
- Hyperlinks are highlighted or underlined words or images on a web page.
- Clicking a hyperlink opens:
- Another section of the same page, or
- A different web page.
Important Parts of a Web Browser
- Address Bar (Alt + D): Used to enter a website’s URL and open it by pressing Enter.
- Tabbed Browsing (Ctrl + T): Allows multiple web pages to be opened in separate tabs within the same browser window.
- Back and Forward Buttons (Alt + Left/Right Arrow): Used to move to the previously viewed page or the next viewed page.
- Refresh Button (F5): Reloads the current webpage, especially if it does not load properly.
Session 9: Communication and Networking – Introduction to E-mail
E-mail (Electronic Mail)
- E-mail (Electronic Mail) is a fast and easy way of sending messages over the Internet.
- It allows users to send text, images, and files electronically.
- Files such as documents, spreadsheets, videos, and images can be sent as attachments.
- An e-mail can be sent to multiple recipients at the same time.
E-mail Address (E-mail ID)
- An E-mail Address is a unique digital address used to send and receive e-mails.
- General Format: local_part@domain
- Example: cbsesolutions.help@gmail.com
Parts of an E-mail Address
- Local Part: The part of an email address before @, created by the user, usually containing the user’s name, and unique to each account.
- Domain Name: The part of an email address after @, representing the email service provider (e.g., gmail.com, outlook.com, yahoo.co.in).
Advantages of E-mail
- Fast communication.
- Supports file attachments.
- Mostly free of cost.
Session 10: Communication and Networking – Creating an E-mail Account
Popular E-mail Service Providers
- Gmail (Google)
- Outlook Mail (Microsoft)
- Yahoo Mail (Yahoo)
Steps to Create a Gmail Account
- Step 1: Open gmail.com and click Create an account.
- Step 2: Fill in the sign-up form with your name, username, password, and other required details.
- Step 3: Enter additional information, accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, and click Next Step.
- Step 4: Click Continue to Gmail to create and start using your Gmail account.
Session 11: Communication and Networking – Writing an E-mail
Writing an E-mail in Gmail
- Step 1: Connect to the Internet, open gmail.com, and sign in with your email ID and password.
- Step 2: Click the Compose button.
- Step 3: Enter the recipient’s email address in the To field.
- Step 4: Enter email addresses in the Cc field if you want to send a copy to others.
- Step 5: Enter the email topic in the Subject field.
- Step 6: Type the email message, including the greeting, main message, and closing with signature.
- Step 7: Click the Send button to send the email.
Parts of an E-mail
- To: Primary recipient’s e-mail address.
- Cc (Carbon Copy): Sends a copy of the e-mail to additional recipients.
- Subject: Short title or topic of the e-mail.
- Body: Main content of the message.
- Signature: Sender’s name or closing remarks.
Attaching a File to an E-mail
- Step 1: Click the Attach (paperclip) button.
- Step 2: Browse and select the required file.
- Step 3: Click Open or OK to attach the file.
- Step 4: Verify that the file appears as an attachment and click Send.
E-mail Folders
| Folder | Purpose |
| Inbox | Stores received e-mails. |
| Sent | Stores e-mails that have been sent. |
| Drafts | Stores unfinished e-mails saved for later. |
| Junk/Spam | Stores unwanted or suspicious e-mails. |
| Trash | Stores deleted e-mails. |
Session 12: Communication and Networking – Receiving and Replying to E-mails
Receiving an E-mail
- Inbox: Stores all received emails, displaying the sender’s name, subject, and a preview of the message, while unread emails appear in bold.
Steps to Open an E-mail
- Step 1: Open the Inbox.
- Step 2: Click the required email to read it.
- Step 3: Choose an action such as Reply, Reply All, Forward, or Delete.
Replying to an E-mail
- Step 1: Open the email and click Reply.
- Step 2: Type your reply (the sender’s email address is filled automatically).
- Step 3: Click Send.
- Reply All: Sends your reply to the sender and all recipients of the original email.
Forwarding an E-mail
Forward is used to send a received e-mail to another person.
- Step 1: Open the email and click Forward.
- Step 2: Enter the recipient’s email address.
- Step 3: Add a message if required.
- Step 4: Click Send.
Deleting an E-mail
- Step 1: Select the email you want to delete.
- Step 2: Click the Delete icon.
- Step 3: The email is moved to the Trash folder, where it remains for a few days before being permanently deleted.