This guide will help you focus on the most important concepts from the first chapter to prepare effectively for your O/L examination.

1. Short Notes: Core Concepts

a) Data vs. Information

• Data: Raw, unorganized facts, figures, symbols, or words that have no meaning on their own.

  • Example: A list of numbers: 78, 90, 79.

• Information: Data that has been processed, organized, and given context to make it meaningful and useful.

  • Example: A table showing that the numbers 78, 90, 79 are Ravi's marks for Language, Maths, and Science.

b) The Information System

• A system is a combination of components working together to complete a task.

• The three core parts of any information system are:

1. Input: Providing raw data to the system (e.g., inserting your ATM card).

2. Processing: Converting the data into information (e.g., the bank's computer checks your account).

3. Output: Presenting the final, useful information (e.g., the ATM screen showing your account balance).

c) Characteristics of Quality Information

• For information to be useful for making decisions, it must have these qualities:

  • Relevancy: It must be relevant to the task.

  • Completeness: It should be sufficient and not missing key details.

  • Accuracy: It must be correct and free of errors.

  • Timeliness: It must be up-to-date.

  • Cost-Effectiveness: The value of the information should be more than the cost of getting it.

d) What is ICT?

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is the use of technology (like computers and the internet) to process data into information and then exchange (communicate) that information.

e) Applications of ICT

• ICT is used in almost every field to make tasks easier and more efficient. Key examples include:

  • e-Government: Government services online (e.g., paying bills, renewing licenses on gov.lk).

  • Education: Learning from anywhere (e-thaksalawa), using presentations in class.

  • Health: Advanced medical equipment (CAT, MRI scans), and Telemedicine (treating patients remotely).

  • Agriculture: Using technology for weather forecasting, automated irrigation, and managing farms.

  • Business & Industry: Using robots for manufacturing, e-Banking, and Online Shopping.

2. Tips and Tricks for the Exam

• Trick for Data vs. Information: Think of it like cooking. The raw vegetables are Data. When you cook them (process), the final meal is Information.

• Tip for Information Systems: For any example (like a barcode scanner), be ready to identify the Input (the barcode), the Process (the computer looking up the price), and the Output (the price on the screen).

• Memorization Tip for Quality Information: Use the acronym "CARTA" - Completeness, Accuracy, Relevancy, Timeliness, Affordability (Cost-Effectiveness).

• Exam Tip for ICT Applications: Pick three fields you find interesting (e.g., Health, Business). For each, remember two specific examples of how ICT is used.

3. Important Points to Remember

• Data is raw, Information is meaningful.

• Every system follows the Input -> Process -> Output model.

• The evolution of the computer made them smaller, faster, and more powerful over time.