Chapter 5 : The effect of using IT Flashcards

1
Q

what aspect of live does microprocessor-controlled devices affect ?

A
  • lifestyle
  • lesiure time
  • physical activities
  • data security
  • social interactions
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

in what two groups are microprocessor-controlled devices divided into ?

A
  • Labour saving devices

- other devices

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

what are some examples of labour-saving devices ?

A
  • automatic washing machine
  • microwave ovens
  • cookers
  • automatic dishwashing machines
  • smart fridges and freezers
  • bread-making machines
  • robotic vacuum cleaner
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

what are examples of other devices (group 2) ?

A
  • alarm clocks
  • home entertainment systems
  • heating and air-conditioning systems
  • mobile phones and tablets
  • televisions sets
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

what are the advantages of microprocessor-controlled devices on leisure time , lifestyle and physical fitness ?

A

Advantages :

  • people no longer have to do manual tasks at home
  • no need to wait for food to cook or for clothes to wash .
  • can be controlled using web-enabled phones to control ovens or automatic washing machines while being out
  • they give people more time for leisure time or hobbies or socialising
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

what are the disadvantages of microprocessor-controlled devices on leisure time , lifestyle and physical fitness ?

A
  • labour-saving devices can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle as people will just lay around while these devices do the manual tasks , it also makes people less fit as they do less manual tasks
  • they make people rather lazy as the are independent on those devices
  • there is a risk of household skills being lost
  • as with every device which contains a microprocessor and can communicate over the internet so there is cybersecurity risks
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

what are the general advantages of microprocessor-controlled devices ?

A
  • microprocessor-controlled devices save energy as they are more energy-efficient and for example they can be programmed to turn off when inactive.
  • it can be easier to programming these device rather than turning knobs and setting timers for example QR codes on the side of packed food can be scanned and it tells the computer the cooking program needed
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

what are the general disadvantages of microprocessor-controlled devices ?

A
  • they lead to a much more wasteful society as it is not very cost-effective to repair a circuit board when it fails so most of the times people will just throw the device away and buy a new one , so more waste.
  • it will be hard to operate if the user is someone who is technophobes or not confident around electrical devices
  • leaving some devices on standby ( televisions or satellite receivers) is very wasteful of electricity
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

why is it a little easy for a hacker to hack remotely-controlled household devices ?

A

because , often these device don’t have a password

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

what procedures can be taken to protect yourself from hackers ?

A
  • to manage passwords and to give each device a different password
  • to install software updates as they often contain new security features
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

what does devices such as smartphones allow people to do ?

A

to communicate with people without leaving the comfort of the house and they can communicate through VOIP.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

what are the disadvantages of microprocessor-controlled devices on social interactions ?

A
  • people do not meet face-to-face ( social interactions)
  • as a result of people not meeting people face to face they may start to being anxious of meeting people in real life
  • people may start to behave when interacting online , they may start being more aggressive , cyberbullying is real problem , especially for young people.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

what are the advantages of microprocessor-controlled devices on social interactions ?

A
  • easier to make new friends using chat rooms
  • it is also easier to find people who shares your interest or hobbies
  • it less expensive to keep in touch using VOIP
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

what are some examples of the uses of microprocessors-controlled devices in monitoring and controlling transport ?

A
  • monitoring of traffic on motorways
  • congestion zone monitoring
  • automatic number plate recognition
  • air traffic control
  • railways signalling systems
  • automatic control of traffic lights
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

why are modern motorways called smart motorway ?

A
  • this is because the monitoring and control of the traffic and or / the information displayed on the signs are controlled by a central computer
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

why are tail and aeroplane journey safer when monitored and controlled by a computer ?

A
  • as most accidents are made by human mistakes , when a computer is in control these errors are removed
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

advantages of transport monitoring and control systems ?

A
  • smart motorways can adapt to the rate of traffic which minimizes everybody’s journey
  • transport systems are more efficient , so now more cars , aeroplanes , buses etc. can use the roads which makes for a more consistent services.
  • road offences ( such as driving in the wrong lane) can instantly be penalised using ANPR.
  • stolen cars or criminals can be identified using ANPR
  • as it is computerised this reduces human error which reduces the rate of accidents
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Disadvantages of transport monitoring and control systems ?

A
  • a hacker can access the system and cause disruption
  • if an error in the computer system the whole system and roads may be brought to a standstill
  • Using ANPR is tracking innocent people as well , who has access to that kind of data ?
  • if the system is poorly designed it compromise safety of the people
19
Q

what does autonomous cars use to carry their actions safely ?

A

sensors , actuators , cameras and microprocessors ( alongside very complex algorithms )

20
Q

what does the sensors and cameras allow the control system to do ?

A
  • sensors ( radar and ultrasonics ) alongside cameras enable the control system to perform critical functions by seeing the dynamic conditions on the road , they act as the eyes and ears of the car
21
Q

what physical activities does actuators do ?

A
  • change gear
  • hit the brake
  • turn the steering wheel
22
Q

what is the function of cameras and sensors in an autonomous car ?

A
  • cameras catch visual data , while sensors ( ultrasonics and radar ) build up a 3rd image of the surroundings of the car (critically important when there is poor visibility such as in rain or fog situations .
23
Q

what would a hacker do to use the vaulnarability of an autonomous car ?

A
  • he can block the information required by the sensor , send back false information to the sensors of the car, , and the hacker probably doesnot want to gain control of the vehicle but to steal information about the owner where is he etc,
24
Q

what are the advantages of autonomous cars ?

A
  • better for the environment as they are more efficient
  • they will increase lane capacity by 100% and speed by 20%
  • less traffic congestions as autonomous vehicles are better at smoothing out traffic
  • less time spent on driving and going somewhere as it will be faster to reach your destination
  • safer as human error is removed leading to fewer accidents
25
Q

what are the disadvantages of autonomous cars ?

A
  • very expensive system to set up in the firs place
  • the fear of someone hacking into the system
  • the fear if anything happened in the security of the system or some glitches happened it would be catastrophic and any updates should be monitored to make sure nothing wrong happened
  • the passengers are reluctant to use the new technology
  • the need to keep the system well maintained and to make sure to clean the cameras , and make sure no false information is being sent back to the system , and to make sure sensors are working as they may to fail in working in extreme snow conditions
  • the no need for taxis could lead to an increase in unemployment
26
Q

What is LIDAR ( light detection and ranging )?

A

LIDAR uses lasers to build up a 3d image of the surroundings

27
Q

what does an autonomous train have to help maintain and control ?

A
  • Proximity sensors and cameras and LIDAR sensors , it also makes use of satellite positioning technology , which allows accurate changes in speed and direction to be calculated , actuators
28
Q

what are the advantages of autonomous trains ?

A
  • it reduces the cost of running the train as there is fewer staff
  • allows for more frequency in trains as the time between them is short
  • reduces energy consumption as there is better control of speed and minimal delays ( trains stuck in the stations use energy)
  • allows for easier change in scheduling for example during busier times
  • improves the punctuality of the trains
  • improved safety as human error is removed
29
Q

what are the disadvantages of autonomous trains ?

A
  • the ever-present fear of hacking into the control system
  • passengers reluctance to use technology
  • no drivers means we need CCTV cameras to monitor railway stations
  • needs high initial capital for buying trains equipment and control systems and for training workers
  • ensuring passengers behaviour is acceptable such as standing too close to the edge of the platform
  • system does not work properly with very busy services
30
Q

when does pilots take control of the plane ?

A
  • takeoff

- landing

31
Q

what are the features of a control system on a pilotless plane ?

A
  • sensors to detect turbulence to ensure a smooth flight
  • the use of GPS for navigation and speed calculations
  • sensors to automatically detect depressurisation in the cabin , therefore allowing quick stabilisation of the aeroplane
  • an increase in self-testing circuits and systems
  • the use of actuators for controlling the throttle , flaps , rudder
32
Q

what are the advantages of pilotless aeroplanes?

A
  • improvement in passenger comfort
  • improved safety ( as most aeroplane crashes have been attributed to pilots-errors )
  • less running cost as there are fewer needs for staff
  • improved aerodynamics of the plane as there is no need for the pilots cockpit
33
Q

what are the disadvantages of pilotless aeroplane ?

A
  • security aspects if no-pilot is on-board ( handling of terrorists attacks )
  • the reluctance from passengers to accept the new technology
  • system glitches ( recent software issues with modern aeroplane have shown that the glitches may surface a few years later
  • hacking into the system ( it is possible to gain control of the system through hacking the entertainment system)
  • ## hard to deal with emergency situations
34
Q

whare the health risks of using IT equipment ?

A
  • back and neck strain
  • repetitive strain injury ( RSI )
  • headaches
  • ozone irritations
  • eyestrain
35
Q

what are the causes of back and neck strain ?

A
  • sitting in front of a computer screen for long periods of time
36
Q

how can we eliminate back and neck strains ?

A
  • use fully adjustable chairs to ensure correct posture
  • use foot-rests to reduce posture problems
  • use tiltable screens , raised to the correct height to make sure the neck is at the correct angle.
37
Q

what are the causes of RSI ?

A
  • damage to fingers or wrists caused by the continuous use of keyboards or the repetitive clicking on mouse buttons
38
Q

how can we eliminate or reduce the risk of RSI ?

A
  • ensure that proper posture is maintained ( correct angle of arm to the keyboard or mouse )
  • make use of wrist rest when using keyboards and mouses
  • take breaks and exercise
  • use of ergonomic keyboards
  • make use of voice activated software if the user is prone to problems while using mouse and keyboards
39
Q

what are the causes of eyestrains ?

A

caused by staring at the screen for a long-time or having incorrect lighting in the room ( causing screen reflections)

40
Q

how can we reduce or eliminate risks or eyestrain ?

A
  • change to LCD screens if old CRT screens are still being used
  • take breaks and exercise
  • cut out screens reflections by using anti-glare screens or cutting out direct sunlight by using window blinds
  • users should have their eyes regularly ( middle vision glasses should be prescribed if the user is having constant eye strain , dry eyes , headaches etc.
41
Q

what are the causes of headaches ?

A
  • caused by incorrect lighting ,screens reflections , screen flickering and so on .
42
Q

what can we do to reduce the risks of headaches ?

A
  • make use of antiglare screens or window blinds to cut out direct sunlight to reduce or eliminate screen reflections
  • take breaks and exercise
  • users should get their eyes tested regularly ( and middle vision glasses should be prescribed to users which have constant eyestrain , dry eyed or headaches.
43
Q

what are the causes of ozone irritations ?

A

caused by laser printers in an office ( symptoms are dry skin and respiratory system problems)

44
Q

how to reduce the risks of ozone of ozone irritations ?

A
  • proper ventilation to lower the ozone gas levels to acceptable values
  • the printer should be housed in a designated printer room
  • switch to using ink-jet printers where possible.