Micro-Computers

Meaning

• A micro-computer is a small, relatively inexpensive computer with a microprocessor as its central processing unit (CPU).
• They are designed for individual use and are commonly known as personal computers (PCs).

Types of Micro-Computers

1. Desktop Computers → Fixed location, powerful, widely used in offices, labs, and universities.
2. Laptop / Notebook Computers → Portable, battery-operated, used by students, researchers, and extension workers.
3. Tablet Computers → Lightweight with touch screen interface.
4. Smartphones → Advanced micro-computers used for internet, apps, ICT in agriculture.

Facts about Micro-Computers

• The first micro-computer (Altair 8800) was released in 1975 by Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS).
• IBM introduced its first Personal Computer (IBM PC) in 1981, making micro-computers popular worldwide.
• Today’s smartphones are more powerful than the Apollo 11 computer that landed humans on the moon in 1969.

Web Technologies

Meaning

• Web technologies are the tools, languages, and protocols used for communication between computers over the World Wide Web (WWW).
• They allow creation, management, and sharing of information via websites, portals, apps, and online services.

Major Components of Web Technologies

1. Web Browsers

• Software to access and view web pages.
• Examples: Google Chrome (2008), Mozilla Firefox (2004), Microsoft Edge, Safari, Opera.

2. Web Servers

• Computers that store, process, and deliver websites to users.
• Examples: Apache HTTP Server, Microsoft IIS, Nginx.

3. Web Protocols

• HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol, 1991) – Foundation of data communication on the web.
• HTTPS (Secure HTTP) – Secure version using SSL/TLS encryption.
• FTP (File Transfer Protocol) – For uploading/downloading files.

4. Web Development Languages

• HTML (HyperText Markup Language, 1993) → Structure of webpages.
• CSS (Cascading Style Sheets, 1996) → Styling & design.
• JavaScript (1995) → Interactivity.
• PHP, Python, Java, .NET → Server-side programming.

5. Web Applications & Tools

• Content Management Systems (CMS) → WordPress, Joomla, Drupal.
• E-Learning Platforms → Moodle, Google Classroom.
• Video Conferencing Tools → Zoom, MS Teams, Google Meet.
• Social Media Platforms → Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter.

Uses in Education & Agriculture

Education

• E-learning (MOOCs, online courses like SWAYAM in India).
• Digital libraries & knowledge-sharing platforms.
• Online examinations & result portals.
• Interactive learning through videos, animations, and simulations.

Agriculture

• e-Choupal (2000, ITC initiative) – Farmers get market price & information.
• m-Kisan Portal (2013, Govt. of India) – SMS advisories to farmers.
• Kisan Call Centers (2004) – Web-enabled advisory services.
• Agri-Apps → IFFCO Kisan, Kisan Suvidha, AgriMarket.
• GIS & Remote Sensing data shared via web portals (for precision farming).

Information Kiosks

Definition: An information kiosk is a computer-based terminal or device placed in public or rural areas to provide easily accessible information and services to users, often without requiring assistance.

Examples in India

• Gyandoot (Madhya Pradesh) – first rural information kiosk network in India.
• e-Choupal (ITC Ltd.) – provides market information and agricultural inputs.
• Bhoomi Project (Karnataka) – kiosks for land record management.
• Common Service Centres (CSCs) under Digital India Mission – provide multiple rural services.

• India has over 4.5 lakh CSC kiosks operating across villages (as of 2024).
• Over 12 crore rural citizens access government and agriculture-related services through kiosks annually.
• Use of kiosks has reduced farmers’ dependency on middlemen for market information.