AI and Contemporary Technologies

E-commerce

E-commerce (electronic commerce) is the buying and selling of goods and services over the Internet.

Antivirus software is a type of utility program designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software (viruses, worms, trojans, etc.) from a computer system. It scans files and memory, quarantines or deletes infected files, and protects the system from future attacks.

Two examples: Norton Antivirus and Kaspersky Antivirus.

Digital footprint

A digital footprint is the trail of data you leave behind whenever you interact with the digital world — websites visited, posts made, emails sent and so on.

Password

A password is a secret word or string of characters that a user must enter to gain access to a program or system, protecting it from unauthorized users.

Cyber crime

It is any illegal activity carried out using computers, electronic devices or the Internet, such as hacking, online fraud and identity theft.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the branch of computer science that deals with designing machines and computer systems that can perform tasks which normally require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, decision-making, and understanding language.

Examples:

• Chatbots and virtual assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and ChatGPT, which understand questions and reply in natural language.
• Self-driving cars, which sense their surroundings and take driving decisions on their own.
• Recommendation systems used by YouTube, Netflix, and e-commerce sites to suggest videos or products based on user behaviour.

Websites and applications that let users create, share and interact with content online.

Social media is a web-based platform (such as Facebook, Instagram, X or YouTube) where users create profiles, post their own content, and interact with others through likes, comments, shares and messages.

Wireless Application Protocol

WAP is a standard protocol that allows mobile phones and other wireless devices to access the internet and web-based information and services. (In networking, WAP may also stand for Wireless Access Point, a device that connects wireless devices to a wired network.)

M-commerce (mobile commerce)

Business done through a mobile phone — such as buying goods, paying bills, banking or transferring money using a smartphone — is called m-commerce (mobile commerce).

Virtual Reality (VR) — it is a computer-generated three-dimensional artificial environment that simulates a real place and can be experienced through special devices such as a headset.

Computer ethics

Computer ethics are the moral values and rules of conduct that guide users to behave properly while using computers and the Internet.

Encryption

Encryption is the process of converting readable plain text into unreadable cipher text using a key so that unauthorized persons cannot understand it. The reverse process is called decryption.

E-learning

It is learning that takes place through electronic media such as computers, the Internet, mobile phones, videos and online classes, instead of only in a physical classroom.

Cyber law is the branch of law that deals with the use of computers, the internet, and digital information. It defines what is legal and illegal in cyberspace, and sets rules for online behaviour, electronic transactions, privacy, and data protection. In Nepal, the main cyber law is the Electronic Transactions Act, 2063 B.S. (2006 A.D.).

Cyber-crime is any illegal act committed using a computer or the internet, where the computer is either the tool or the target. Examples include hacking, phishing, spreading computer viruses, cyber-bullying, online fraud, and unauthorized access to data. Cyber law exists to control and punish such crimes.

E-commerce (electronic commerce) is the buying and selling of goods and services, or the transmitting of funds and data, over an electronic network, primarily the internet. It allows businesses and customers to carry out commercial transactions online without needing to visit a physical shop.

Two e-commerce companies in Nepal:

1. Daraz Nepal
2. SastoDeal

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the branch of computer science that deals with designing machines and computer programs that can perform tasks which normally require human intelligence — such as learning, reasoning, problem solving, understanding language, and making decisions.

Two areas where AI is used:

1. Healthcare — for diagnosing diseases from X-rays, CT scans and medical reports, and for developing new medicines.
2. Transportation — for self-driving (autonomous) vehicles, traffic signal control, and route/navigation planning.

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services such as storage, software, servers and databases over the Internet (the "cloud") on a pay-as-you-use basis, instead of using a local computer or server. Examples: Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive.

Two advantages:

1. Low cost – users do not need to buy and maintain expensive hardware and software.
2. Accessibility – data and applications can be accessed from anywhere and at any time using any device connected to the Internet.

Ethical hacking

It is the authorized practice of testing a computer system or network for weaknesses, with the owner's permission, so that the security problems can be fixed. The person doing it is called an ethical hacker (white-hat hacker).

Malware (malicious software)

It is any software designed to harm a computer system or steal data without the user's knowledge. Viruses, worms, trojan horses and spyware are types of malware.

Global Positioning System

GPS is a satellite-based navigation system that determines the exact location (latitude, longitude and altitude) of a receiver anywhere on Earth.

Virtual Reality

VR stands for Virtual Reality — a computer-generated, three-dimensional environment that a user can interact with through special devices such as a headset, creating the feeling of being physically present in that environment.

Cyber law is the branch of law that deals with the use of computers, the internet, and other digital technologies. It defines the legal rights and duties of people in cyberspace and provides punishment for cybercrimes such as hacking, cyberbullying, identity theft, and software piracy.

Do's of cyber ethics:

1. Use the internet and computers only for lawful and constructive purposes.
2. Respect others' privacy and never share their personal information without permission.

Don'ts of cyber ethics:

1. Do not hack into others' computers or accounts, or spread viruses.
2. Do not download, copy, or distribute pirated software, music, or movies.

E-commerce is more popular than traditional commerce nowadays because:

1. Convenience and 24/7 access – Goods and services can be bought from home or anywhere at any time; there is no need to travel to a physical shop during fixed opening hours.

2. Wider choice and lower cost – Buyers can compare products, prices and reviews from sellers all over the world, and sellers save on rent, staff and showroom costs, so prices are often cheaper.

E-governance (electronic governance) is the use of information and communication technology (ICT), especially the internet, by the government to deliver information and services to citizens, businesses, and other government bodies. It makes government work faster, more transparent, and more accessible, reducing the need for people to visit government offices in person.

Two examples of e-governance services in Nepal:

1. Nepal Government's Official Portal (nepal.gov.np) – a single online gateway that provides information about ministries, departments, policies, and public services of the Government of Nepal.

2. Online Passport Application / Appointment System (Department of Passports) – allows citizens to fill in the passport application form and book an appointment online through the department's website, instead of standing in long queues.

Other valid examples: IRD's online tax filing (ird.gov.np), Nepal Telecom's online bill payment, and the Nagarik App.

E-commerce (electronic commerce) is the buying and selling of goods and services, or the transmitting of funds and data, over an electronic network, primarily the internet. It allows businesses and customers to carry out commercial transactions online without needing to visit a physical store.

Two E-commerce companies in Nepal:

1. Daraz Nepal (daraz.com.np)
2. SastoDeal (sastodeal.com)

Cyber law

Cyber law is the law that deals with the legal issues of cyberspace, such as computer crime, privacy and electronic transactions. In Nepal it is the Electronic Transactions Act, 2063.

Qubit (quantum bit)

A qubit is the smallest unit of information in a quantum computer; unlike a classical bit, it can be 0, 1, or a superposition of both at the same time.

Computer ethics is the set of moral rules and principles that guide people on the proper and responsible use of computers and the Internet.

Two examples:

• Do not use a computer to steal, harm or spy on other people's data.
• Do not copy or use pirated software, and do not spread false information or viruses.

Software security means protecting programs and data from unauthorised access, viruses, hacking and misuse, for example by using antivirus software, passwords and regular updates.

Two measures of hardware security:

• Keep computers in a locked room and use CCTV or guards to prevent theft or damage.
• Use a UPS or voltage stabiliser to protect devices from power fluctuations (or use cable locks and proper ventilation).

Mobile commerce (m-Commerce) is the buying and selling of goods and services using mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets over a wireless network.

Two important services:

• Mobile banking: checking balance, transferring funds and paying bills from a phone.
• Mobile ticketing: booking and paying for air, bus or movie tickets through a mobile app.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical objects (devices, appliances, vehicles, sensors) fitted with sensors and software that can connect to the Internet, collect data and exchange it with each other without human intervention.

Two importance:

• It automates daily tasks, such as smart homes where lights and appliances are controlled remotely, saving time and effort.
• It saves energy and improves monitoring, for example in smart agriculture, health tracking and traffic management.

Two application areas of Virtual Reality:

1. Education and training – for example, simulators that train pilots, surgeons and drivers safely.
2. Gaming and entertainment – for example, immersive 3D games and virtual tours.

One-Time Password

An OTP is a password that is valid for only one login or transaction and is usually sent to the user's mobile phone or e-mail.

Subscriber Identity Module

A SIM is a small card inserted in a mobile phone that stores the subscriber's identity and network details so that the phone can connect to the mobile network.

Digital citizenship is the responsible, safe, ethical and respectful use of technology, the Internet and digital devices by a person who takes part in the online community.

Two elements of digital citizenship:

1. Digital etiquette – behaving politely and respectfully online, for example not using offensive language or spreading rumours.
2. Digital security – protecting one's personal information and devices by using strong passwords, antivirus software and safe browsing habits.

Security threats are the possible dangers or harmful actions that can damage, steal or give unauthorized access to a computer system, its data or its network.

Two possible security threats:

1. Computer viruses/malware – harmful programs that damage files or slow down the system.
2. Hacking – unauthorized access to a computer or network to steal or alter data.

E-governance (Electronic governance)

It is the use of ICT by the government to deliver its services and information to citizens quickly, openly and efficiently.

E-commerce (electronic commerce) is the buying and selling of goods and services, and the transfer of money and data, through the Internet or other electronic networks.

Two models of e-commerce:

1. B2C (Business to Consumer) – a business sells directly to individual customers. Example: Daraz selling to customers.
2. B2B (Business to Business) – a business sells goods or services to another business. Example: a manufacturer selling raw materials to a retailer.

Online payment is the method of paying for goods or services electronically over the Internet, without using physical cash.

Two online payment systems in Nepal:

• eSewa
• Khalti (IME Pay and connectIPS are also used)

Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated, three-dimensional artificial environment that a user can see and interact with, usually using a headset and sensors, so that it feels real.

Two areas of use:

• Education and training: for example flight simulators for pilots and virtual surgery practice for doctors.
• Entertainment: games, virtual tours and 3D movies.

AI: Artificial Intelligence

Mobile computing is necessary at present because people need to access information, communicate and work anywhere and at any time using portable devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops connected wirelessly.

Two importance:

• It lets people work, study or do business while travelling, since they are not tied to a fixed place.
• It gives fast communication and access to information, for example e-mail, video calls, online banking and navigation.

IoT: Internet of Things

E-banking (electronic banking) is the use of the Internet and electronic devices to do banking transactions, without having to visit the bank in person.

Two uses:

• Transferring money and paying bills (electricity, water, mobile top-up) at any time from home.
• Checking account balance and viewing statements online or through a mobile app.

Two main aims of formulating cyber law in Nepal (Electronic Transactions Act, 2063):

1. To give legal recognition to electronic records, digital signatures and electronic transactions, so that e-commerce and e-governance can be carried out securely.
2. To prevent and control cyber crimes such as hacking, piracy and online fraud, and to provide punishment to the offenders.

Advantages of e-commerce

1. Customers can shop 24 hours a day from anywhere, saving time and travel cost.
2. Businesses can reach a wide market, including customers abroad, at a lower running cost.

Disadvantages of e-commerce

1. Customers cannot touch or try the product before buying, so the product received may differ from what was expected.
2. There is a risk of online fraud, credit card theft and loss of privacy, and it needs an Internet connection.

Cyber security

It is the practice of protecting computers, networks, programs and data from unauthorized access, theft, attack or damage.

Phishing

It is a cyber crime in which an attacker sends fake e-mails or messages, or creates fake websites that appear genuine, to trick users into revealing passwords, bank or card details.

Authentication

It is the process of verifying the identity of a user, usually with a username and password, before allowing access to a system. Other methods are OTP, fingerprint and face recognition.

Firewall

A firewall is a hardware or software security system that monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic according to set rules, blocking unauthorized access to a private network.

Computer virus

A computer virus is a malicious program that attaches itself to other programs or files, copies itself and spreads from one computer to another, damaging or destroying programs and data.

Online payment

It is the method of paying money for goods or services over the Internet using electronic means such as debit/credit cards, mobile wallets (eSewa, Khalti) or internet banking.

Digital currency

It is money that exists only in electronic form and is exchanged through computer networks without physical notes or coins. Example: Bitcoin.

Hybrid cloud

It is a cloud computing model that combines a private cloud and a public cloud, allowing data and applications to be shared between them.

(c) Use diverse and representative data.

Training an AI system on data that covers different groups, situations and viewpoints prevents it from learning one-sided patterns, so its outputs are fairer and more accurate for everyone.

Supervised learning: It is a type of machine learning in which a model is trained on a labelled dataset, i.e. the input data is already paired with the correct output. The model learns the mapping from input to output and can then predict the output for new, unseen data.
Example: classifying an email as "spam" or "not spam" using emails that were already labelled as spam or not spam.

Unsupervised learning: It is a type of machine learning in which a model is trained on an unlabelled dataset, i.e. the data has no correct output attached to it. The model itself finds hidden patterns, groups or relationships within the data.
Example: grouping customers of a shop into different segments based on their buying habits.

Two ethical problems from using an AI system to monitor workers and collect their personal information:

1. Violation of privacy — The AI continuously collects personal and behavioural data of workers without their proper consent. This invades their private life and the data may be misused or shared without permission.

2. Loss of freedom and unfair treatment — Constant AI monitoring makes workers feel watched all the time, which reduces their freedom and creates mental stress. The AI may also make biased or wrong decisions about workers, leading to unfair treatment.

Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical devices (sensors, vehicles, appliances) embedded with electronics and software that collect and exchange data over the internet without human intervention. In a smart city, this data is analysed to automate decisions and use resources efficiently.

Two applications that help reduce traffic congestion and energy wastage:

1. Smart traffic management system — Road-side IoT sensors and cameras continuously count vehicles and measure speed at intersections. This real-time data is sent to a central system that automatically adjusts traffic signal timings according to the actual traffic flow instead of fixed timers. Reason: it reduces unnecessary waiting at empty junctions, clears congested routes faster, cuts fuel wastage and idle emissions, and lowers travel time.

2. Smart street lighting and smart grid (smart energy management) — Street lights fitted with light and motion sensors dim or switch off when no vehicles or pedestrians are present, and smart meters in homes report consumption live to the utility. Reason: this avoids electricity being wasted on empty roads and during peak-load mismanagement, reducing overall energy consumption and cost.

Other valid examples: smart parking (drivers are guided to free slots, cutting the fuel burnt while circling), smart public transport tracking (better schedules, more people shift from private vehicles to buses).

Responsible-use guidelines for AI tools in homework support

1. Privacy — protect personal data. Students should never type their full name, address, phone number, passwords, or other personal details of themselves or others into an AI tool. Only the subject matter of the homework should be shared, so that private information is not stored or misused by the AI service.

2. Bias — check the output for fairness. AI tools learn from large amounts of data and may give one-sided, stereotyped, or outdated answers. Students must read the response critically, compare it with their textbook and other reliable sources, and not accept it as the only correct view.

3. Safety — use AI under supervision and report problems. AI tools should be used only on the school-approved platform and, for younger students, with a teacher's or parent's knowledge. If the tool gives harmful, violent, or inappropriate content, the student should stop at once and inform the teacher or guardian.

4. Academic honesty — use AI as a helper, not a ghost-writer. AI may be used to explain a difficult concept, give hints, or check work, but the final homework must be the student's own effort. Copying AI-generated answers and presenting them as one's own is cheating; the school should require students to cite or mention any AI help they took.