A451: Topic 1 - Fundamentals Flashcards
What is a computer system?
-A combination of hardware and software components that allow input, processing and the output of data.
Why do we need reliability in a Airline computer system?
Airline
- Flight control systems
Accurate control of aircraft, health and safety.
• On board computers
Health and safety of staff and passengers, flight navigation.
• Airline booking systems
Ability to book tickets, avoid double booking
Why do company’s need to adhere to standards in the development, use and maintenance of computer system?
-Without standards to adhere to we risk developing systems that are not compatible with each other. Would you be happy if your Nokia mobile could only call other Nokia mobiles? Standards also improve the quality of the computer system and its maintenance by ensuring that best practice is followed and people don’t cut corners.
Describe the importance of a computer system in the modern world?
-Since we rely so much on technology there are huge problems when it goes wrong! If a supermarket checkout system goes down this could result in lost sales of thousands of pounds. However, if an automated system, like those on board aircraft fails then it could end in disaster!
Explain the importance of legal considerations when creating a computer system?
-The Data Protection Act 1998 provides protection for all information stored on a computer system. It requires the person who owns the system to store the information securely and only use it for the purpose it was originally gathered for, e.g. the school holds data on you for the purpose of your education; it cannot sell this data to
companies who may wish to sell you things.
Explain the importance of environmental considerations when creating a computer system?
- Does a computer system mean that people can work from home and therefore drive less?
- Does a computer system mean more manufacturing?
- Is working at home more environmentally than everyone working in a big office, in terms of heating and lighting?
- Do computer-managed engines work more efficiently so produce less pollution and use less fuel?
Explain the importance of ethical considerations when creating a computer system?
- Is it fair that some people cannot afford computers?
- Are countries like India being exploited as a source of cheap labor for call centers and programming?
- Should companies use local programmers and call centers?
- Does the system design disadvantage some part of the community?
- Does the system design promote accessibility for all?
What are the key components of a computer system?
- The processor
- Main memorya lot.
- Secondary memory
- Input devises
- Output devises
What is the Data protection act of 1998?
- Data must be processed fairly.
- It can only be used for the purpose the host have said it will.
- The host should only hold data they actually need.
- Data must be accurate and up to date.
- Data must not be held longer than it is needed for.
- Data will be used in accordance with your rights.
- Data will be kept safe.
- Data will not be transferred to any country where they don’t have similar laws.
The importance of computer systems today?
This is because we are relying on technology a lot and for example if tills go down in a supermarket, it will result in a loss of revenue. However if an automated system goes down in an aircraft it could be disastrous. Computers make up a large part of our day to day lives in communication and healthcare. There are many machines that are designed to help people in these emergency, also defense such as weaponry. This is the importance of technologies.
‘De Facto’ standards in programming include the use of:
- Indents to clearly show where sections of code are inside a construct such as a loop
- Comments in code to outline the algorithm and define the purpose of each part of the program,
- Meaningful identifiers so anyone can read the code and understand it, for example ‘total’ instead of ‘x’.
Professional standards for programmers to adhere to allow system developers can:
- Work in teams to develop a system because they all have a common understanding of the design tools and diagrams
- Move between companies because the standards apply across the whole industry
- Pick up someone else design and code the program to achieve it
- Maintain somebody else’s program when customer’s requirements change.
Professional standards for Health and Safety?
- There are laws to protect people and how the computer system is used. The Health & safety at Work Act includes Display Screen regulations. When developing a computer to be used on a day to day basis things should be considered. Developers must design systems to meet health and safety regulations.
What is the Health and safety at Work act?
- Makes employers responsible for there staff. Design considerations should provide suitable working conditions. Systems should be easy to use and also safe to those that use them and those around than. This may be based on there choices of software, screen layout, input methods, hardware usages and output methods.
What is the copyright Designs and Patients Act?
- This makes it illegal to use software without buying the correct licence. When a computer system is designed, the choice of software must be considered. Is Open source software the correct way to go or is the cost proprietary software worth it in the long run?
