Computers and ICT Flashcards
What is ICT (or IT)?
(Information Technology). A very broad term which covers the use of all forms of technology, whatever the application
Benefits of ICT
Increased speed of information transfer and communication, intelligent products/systems (such as GPS, proximity sensing, voice recognition)
Limitations of ICT
Cost of purchase, environmental cost of manufacture and power consumption, infrastructure required for power/wireless comms
What is Word Processing?
Using computers to produce written work as digital documents (instead of using typewriters or pen and paper)
Benefits of word processing
Documents are more secure and never deteriorate, can be easily copied/shared/sent to others
Limitations of word processing
Need for a device and access to power, need for training/skills.
What is DTP?
(Desktop publishing software) Used to produce documents such as magazines, brochures, marketing materials, presentations, PDF’s etc.
Benefits of DTP
more professional results can be achieved
Limitations of DTP
Need for hardware, cost of software, need for training/skills
What are spreadsheets?
Software applications which are used for analysing statistics or numerical data
Benefits of spreadsheets
Calculations/formulas can be automated, graphs/charts can be produced
Limitations of spreadsheets
Need for hardware, cost of software, need for training/skills
What are databases?
Software applications which are used for storing and accessing large amounts of data (information), both numerical and otherwise, in relation to customers, suppliers and/or products
Benefits of databases
Data can be shared across multiple (global) sites, access can be configured depending on roles, users can work concurrently and changes can be managed/synchronised across sites and time zones.
Limitations of databases
Need for hardware, cost of software, need for training/skills, secure high capacity data connection needed across sites to manage access and changes.
What are control programs?
Programs/code written in order to determine the functions of microprocessors in control systems, or CNC machines (see below)
Benefits of control programs
Enables automation and intelligent products/systems which are labour-saving and time-saving
Limitations of control programs
Skill needed to learn programming languages, cost of microprocessors, specialist software needed to update/modify programs
What are CD-ROMs?
(Compact Disc Read-Only Memory) Pre-pressed optical compact discs that contains data. Computers can read it but cannot write to or erase it. A type of read-only memory (ROM). Largely superseded by solid state drives (SSDs), increased internet coverage/bandwidth and the move to online platforms/data storage.
Benefits of CD-ROMs
Discs are more durable than magnetic tape, lightweight, portable, no moving parts, universal compatibility, cheap to produce.
Limitations of CD-ROMs
Every time there is a new product or update, new CDs need to be produced and shipped. It’s more expensive and slower than downloading software and data from online platforms/cloud-based services.
What is CAD?
(Computer aided design) The use computers in the design of products. Could be 2D or 3D. Could also involve virtual testing/analysis, simulations, renderings, animations…
Benefits of CAD
Designers/clients/users are better able to visualise/communicate products. Products can be more fully and accurately defined. Problems are spotted earlier in the design process.
Limitations of CAD
Cost of hardware and software, need for skilled operators and training
What is CADD?
(Computer aided design and drafting )The use computers in the design of products. Could be 2D or 3D. Could also involve virtual testing/analysis, simulations, renderings, animations, specifically including the challenge of creating technical drawings
Benefits of CADD
The use computers in the design of products. Could be 2D or 3D. Could also involve virtual testing/analysis, simulations, renderings, animations…
Limitations of CADD
Cost of hardware and software, need for skilled operators and training
What is CAM?
Computer Aided Manufacturing. The use computers in the manufacture of products.
Benefits of CAM
24/7 365 operation, reduced labour costs, increased accuracy, increased throughput, safer for humans
Limitations of CAM
Large capital investment needed, skilled programmer/operators required, machines can be less versatile than humans
Benefits of CNC
24/7 365 operation, reduced labour costs, increased accuracy, increased throughput, safer for humans
Limitations of CNC
Large capital investment needed, skilled programmer/operators required, machines can be less versatile than humans
What is CNC?
(Computer Numerical control) The automated control of machine tools and 3D printers by means of a computer and coded/programmed instruction (see the machines below)
What is CIM?
The integration of computers across the entire manufacturing process, from conception/design to production of the finished product
Benefits of CIM
24/7 365 operation, reduced labour costs, increased accuracy, increased throughput, safer for humans, combined together
Limitations of CIM
Huge challenges are posed in relation to the exchange of data, the technology infrastructure, the integration of equipment from different manufactures, the involvement of suppliers and clients and their own systems and needs.
What is a 3D printer?
A machine which can make 3D solid objects from a digital file, usually by additive manufacturing (FDM), but also by stereolithography or Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). Also known as rapid prototyping. The movement of the head is controlled in X and Y by the CNC data. The bed moves incrementally in Z
What us a laser cutter?
A CNC device in which a focussed high-powered source of light is used to cut materials by vaporisation. The movement of the head is controlled in X and Y by the CNC data
What is a CNC router?
A machine which uses a rapidly rotating cutter to machine profiles in solid materials using data generated by a computer. The movement of the head is controlled in X, Y and Z by the CNC data
What is a micro router?
As above but smaller and more portable as a result. Usually within a sealed cabinet for safety. Often using for drilling small holes in PCBs
What is a CNC lathe?
An engineering (or wood) lathe which can be driven by CNC data, also with automatic tool changing and sometimes automatic loading/unloading of parts
What is a CNC milling machine?
A milling machine which can be driven by CNC data, also with automatic tool changing and sometimes automatic loading/unloading of parts
