Capabilities And Limitations Of ICT

Question 1

Describe 3 advantages of ICT over manual methods of processing data.

Answer 1

Repetitive Progress
- computers can carry out the same or similar tasks (e.g. Mail Merge, Payroll) over and over very quickly with a high level of accuracy

Speed of Processing
- a computer can process raw data very quickly to produce information

Data Storage Capacity
- paper based systems like filing cabinets would take up much more space than a computer

Speed of searching
- Searches are virtually instantaneous

Speed of Data Communications
- email allows us to send data millions of miles within seconds, traditional post cannot

The Ability to Produce different output formats
- information can be outputted from a computer system in many formats, e.g. On screen, printed, graphs, charts

Question 2

Describe 3 factors affecting the efficiency of data processing systems.

Answer 2

Input (GIGO)
- Processing systems will output inaccurate information if the data input isn’t valid

Hardware
- The system must incorporate suitable hardware for the system to work effectively e.g. A powerful processor and graphics card in a CAD/CAM system

Suitability of the Operating System
- the right choice of operating system is vital for a system to work effectively e.g. A real time control system for Air Traffic Control

Software
- there are a number of problems which may arise when selecting appropriate software. E.g.
~ time taken to implement software
~ financial costs
~ compatibility of software with hardware
~ insufficient testing ‘bugs’