ICT -0417 SYLLABUS

After analyzing the last five years of question papers (2020–2024), we can identify patterns in the topics that are frequently tested. The following trends emerge:

• Input & Output Devices (Sensors, RFID, Barcode Readers, Monitors, Speakers)
• Networking & Security (LAN, WAN, Extranet, Intranet, Cyber Threats, Encryption)
• Software & Applications (Databases vs Spreadsheets, Functions & Formulas, System Implementation)
• Health & Safety (RSI, Eye Strain, Ergonomics)
• Emerging Technologies (AI, Expert Systems, Cloud Computing, AR/VR)
• Data Protection & Legislation (Confidentiality, Digital Certificates, Cyber Laws)
• ICT in Daily Life (Smart Homes, E-commerce, Web Conferencing, Automation)

• Definitions & Explanations (e.g., What is two-factor authentication?)
• Comparisons (e.g., Compare SSD vs HDD, CLI vs GUI, Cloud vs Local Storage)
• Advantages & Disadvantages (e.g., Benefits & drawbacks of AR, RFID vs Barcodes)
• Case Study-Based (e.g., How ICT is used in a school/hospital/business)
• Descriptive Questions (e.g., How does a microprocessor control a device?)

Based on past trends, here is a list of high-probability questions that may appear:

• Define internal memory and give two examples.
• Compare Solid-State Drives (SSD) and Hard Disk Drives (HDD).
• Explain the role of microprocessors in home appliances.
• Describe the use of sensors in cars for automatic parking.

• Define Extranet and compare it with the Internet.
• What is a digital certificate, and why is it important in secure communication?
• Discuss two methods used in two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Explain shoulder surfing and how to prevent it.
• Differentiate between phishing and smishing.

• How is ICT used in online education?
• Compare the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing.
• Explain the impact of augmented reality (AR) on daily life.
• Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using ePublishing software.

• Compare Command Line Interface (CLI) and Graphical User Interface (GUI).
• Explain pilot changeover and parallel running in system implementation.
• Discuss the features of an expert system.
• What are the main components of a technical documentation?

• Describe three strategies to reduce eye strain when using a computer.
• What are the causes of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), and how can it be prevented?

• Explain the importance of data protection legislation.
• What is encryption, and why is it important in online transactions?
• Discuss two risks of storing data on the cloud.

• Define validation and verification, and explain their differences.
• Compare Databases vs Spreadsheets for managing student records.
• Explain how a VLOOKUP function works in spreadsheets.
• Describe the purpose of a barcode reader vs an RFID reader.

• Highly Likely Topics: Input/output devices, cybersecurity, cloud computing, system implementation, and AI in ICT.
• Likely Question Formats: Definitions, Comparisons, Advantages/Disadvantages, and Case Study-Based Scenarios.