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Computer and Application Technology > Internet Services and Connections > Flashcards

Internet Services and Connections Flashcards

1
Q

Define ‘Internet’

A

A worldwide computer network that consists of computers and networks that are linked using telephone lines, undersea cables, satellite and microwave connections for the purpose of communicating and sharing resources

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2
Q

What does ‘WAN’ stand for?

A

Wide Area Network

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3
Q

Define ‘WAN’

A

A network that is spread over a wide geographical area

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4
Q

Why do we use ‘WAN’?

A

To facilitate communication and the transfer of files over a large geographical location

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5
Q

Give an example of ‘WANs’ .

A

1) Business networks - all shops throughout a country linked together (ex. Pick ‘n Pay)
2) Bank Networks (ex. FNB, Nedbank)
3) The Internet

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6
Q

What is the equipment (hardware) needed to create a wired network?

A

1) Network adapter
2) Network cables
3) Hubs, switches, or routers

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7
Q

What is a network adapter?

A

Hardware that allows a computer to connect to a network. Newer computer models typically have network adapters built into their motherboards

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8
Q

What is network cables?

A

Connects computers to a LAN (Local Area Network) as well as connects one network to another

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9
Q

What are hubs, switches, and routers?

A

Hardware that allows multiple computers to connect to the same network

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10
Q

What do you need to connect to the internet?

A

1) A computing device (Hardware) ex. Laptop, Phone, Tablet
2) Internet Service Provider/ISP (Communication) ex. Vodacom, Telkom
3) Type of internet connection ex. Cellular (3G, 4G) or Wired (ADSL, Fibre)

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11
Q

What is an ISP (Internet Service Provider)?

A

A company that has a permanent, fast internet connection which they then sell internet access and services to individuals or companies for a monthly fee
ex. Telkom SA, MTN, Vodacom

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12
Q

List the services provided by an ISP (Internet Service Provider).

A

1) Email
2) Webpage hosting
3) Wireless and wired internet access
4) Fax-to-email
5) Spam filtering

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13
Q

Define bandwidth

A

The total amount of data that can be transferred from one point to another in a given period of time

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14
Q

Define broadband connection

A

A high speed, high bandwidth connection to the internet

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15
Q

List the criteria to consider when choosing a type of internet connection.

A

1) Mobility
2) Speed of the line or connection
3) Cap
4) Fair usage policy (FUP)
5) Shaped and unshaped connection
6) Wired connections
7) Wireless connections

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16
Q

Define mobility

A

Whether a fixed connection or mobile connection is being considered

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17
Q

What is the speed of a line or connection measured in?

A

Most ADSL connections are measured in Megabits per second (Mbps). The typical size of a connection is a 4 Mbps line.

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18
Q

How does the speed of the line or connection affect the internet service?

A

1) The faster the connection, the more you pay.
2) The speed you receive heavily depends on the type of connection package you pay for
3) The more people using the internet service at a given time, the slower the connection speed

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19
Q

Define cap

A

The data bundles available for purchase that has been provided by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) who set limitations on the amount of data that can be downloaded and uploaded in that month. This limited amount is known as “cap”. “Uncap” internet packages are available but more expensive.

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20
Q

Define the fair usage policy (FUP)

A

A data limit placed on “uncapped” internet accounts. According to the policy, the customer’s internet account will not be capped or limited unless they use too much data. In that scenario, their internet access would be significantly slowed (throttled) so much so that it becomes unusable. Many uncapped internet accounts have very strict fair-usage policies that catch unsuspecting users off guard.

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21
Q

Define shaped connection

A

A preference for certain services on the internet so that they run and work faster. In comparison, services without that preference work much slower.

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22
Q

Define unshaped connection

A

All services are given the same priority - no preference, therefore no difference in speed prioritisation

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23
Q

Name the two types of wired connections

A

ADSL and Fibre

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24
Q

What does ASDL stand for?

A

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line

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25
How does an ASDL connection work?
It forms a permanent digital connection to the internet using a landline or telephone line. The connection is split into two channels: one for making normal phone calls, and the other for connecting to the internet. Big companies are currently phasing this type of wired connection out as fibre is more affordable and a lot faster.
26
How does a Fibre connection work?
Fibre is noted to be a fast internet connection for both homes and businesses. Data is transmitted along thin glass tubes. This allows fibre to carry a larger quantity of data at a time resulting in a higher bandwidth (and faster speed). This type of wired connection is popular for its affordability in comparison to ASDL connections, and its variety of both capped and uncapped packages available.
27
What are the advantages of a wired connection?
1) ADSL is cheaper than purchasing cellular data 2) ADSL and Fibre are more stable than a cellular connection 3) Most ADSL routers have WiFi connectivity, allowing users to connect devices from anywhere in a house (somewhat close proximity)
28
What is the disadvantage of a wired connection?
An ADSL connection is only mobile (wireless connection) within the it's physical location thus it does not cover a huge area
29
Define WiFi
A way of connecting to an existing ADSL or Fibre connection wirelessly
30
How does WiFi work at a public hotspot as opposed to at home
At a public hotspot: Provides cheaper or even free internet access as the user is connecting via 3rd party's internet connection At home: The ADSL or Fibre router has a built-in WiFi adapter that allows the user to create their own WiFi connection. This fixed line provides a faster and cheaper internet access for mobile devices
31
What sort of wireless connection is used to access the internet?
Cellular technology ex. 3G, 4G, 5G
32
Define cellular technology
A wireless connection implemented by a cellular communications company using their existing infrastructure
33
State the advantages of a wireless connection
1) 24/7 internet access from any place 2) Any mobile device can be used to access the internet, not only a computer 3) No cables are needed in order to connect to the internet
34
What are the disadvantages of a wireless connection?
1) If an area has poor (signal) coverage, the connection will be slow or limited 2) Information overload since communication can be accessed at all times 3) A user's online privacy or security is at risk
35
List the type of internet services that can be provided
1) Real-Time messaging 2) VoIP 3) Video Conferencing 4) Cloud Computing 5) File Sharing 6) Grid Computing 7) e-Government
36
Define real-time messaging
Live, text-based communication facilities that use computer devices to allow two or more people to communicate with each other in real-time. ex. WhatsApp, iMessager, SnapChat
37
What are the advantages of real-time messaging?
1) Cost-effective 2) Able to chat in real-time with more than one person simultaneously 3) Can indicate your level of availability for chatting to your contacts 4) Some real-time applications are able to be used on a variety of operating systems (platforms)
38
What are the disadvantages of real-time messaging
1) It can lead to anti-social behavior 2) Creates opportunities for cyberbullying, cyber-stalking or identify theft 3) As the messaging takes place via chat, with no compulsory video aspect there is no way to ensure that people are who they claim to be
39
What does VoIP stand for?
Voice over Internet Protocol
40
What is VoIP?
A protocol that allows telephone calls to be made over LANs (Local Area Network), WANs (Wide Area Network), and the internet as long as the recipient has a VoIP system as well ex. Skype, Google Hangouts, WhatsApp, Discord
41
Name the advantages of VoIP?
1) Cheaper than normal phone calls 2) Generally free software 3) Able to transfer files and make video conference calls
42
What are the disadvantages of VoIP?
1) An internet connection is required 2) Both users have to use the same software 3) A slow internet connection will result in a poor quality call 4) Cap can be used up quickly if the user uses the video chat feature
43
Define video conferencing
An application that allows two or more people to hold online conferences at different locations using a computer network to transmit audio and video as if all participants were in the same room.
44
How does video conferencing work?
Each participant must have a video camera, a microphone, and speakers linked to their computer. As a person speaks, their voice and image is transferred via the network to all other participants' speakers and monitors
45
Name the advantages of video conferencing.
1) Users are able to view the people they are communicating with 2) Cheaper than normal phone calls, or travelling to a meeting
46
Name the disadvantages of video conferencing.
1) A fast internet connection is needed | 2) Users need a large amount of data during a call, especially when using video chat
47
What is cloud computing?
A general term that refers to the sharing of resources offered as services over the internet.
48
Give examples of cloud computing services
1) Storage of files 2) Web-based emails 3) Use of servers that run on the internet
49
Name the advantages of cloud computing
1) Software is always up-to-date 2) Users don't need to download any software or applications to access the resources 3) Userscan use the software and access your data from any computer or mobile device in the world 4) It doesn't take up space on your computer 5) Users are able to share documents with other users
50
State the disadvantages of cloud computing
1) It can only be used effectively if there is a have fast, reliable internet connection 2) Users no longer have full control over the secuirty of their data or backup policy 3) Users have to pay a monthly fee to make use of the services / get access to full resources 4) The software might not have all the features or capabilities of desktop software 5) It may run slower depending on the speed of the internet connection
51
Define 'file sharing'
People often need to share files with others in different geographical locations from themselves and are always looking for efficient file shares
52
List the ways in which files can be shared
1) Email attachments 2) FTP 3) Online Storage
53
Define email attachments
Files such as word processing documents, spreadsheets, image files, videos, etc can be attached directly to an email message
54
Discuss the advantages of email attachments
1) Email is an inexpensive way to transfer files | 2) It's a relatively fast method of transferring small to medium sized files
55
Discuss the disadvantages of email attachments
1) Email is not suitable for large files as most email systems place a limit of the maximum file size 2) Some email systems block potentially dangerous file extensions 3) Email is not always secure because other users may have access to the mail on the recipient's computer 4) Many email systems place a limit on the number of recipients you may simultaneously email in the same message to try to discourage spam
56
What does FTP stand for?
File Transfer Protocol
57
Define FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
Used for the fast and easy transfer of files between remote computers that have an internet connection
57
Define FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
Used for the fast and easy transfer of files between remote computers that have an internet connection
57
Define FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
Used for the fast and easy transfer of files between remote computers that have an internet connection
57
Define FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
Used for the fast and easy transfer of files between remote computers that have an internet connection
57
Define FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
Used for the fast and easy transfer of files between remote computers that have an internet connection
57
Define FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
Used for the fast and easy transfer of files between remote computers that have an internet connection
57
Define FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
Used for the fast and easy transfer of files between remote computers that have an internet connection. The files can be uploaded to an FTP server and the people who want the files can then download the files from the FTP server.
58
Discuss the advantages of FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
1) Large files can be transferred easier 2) Security is maintained by using username and password 3) Transfer of files can be scheduled when the network is not too busy
59
Discuss the disadvantages of FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
1) Many end users don't know how to use FTP 2) FTP connections can often get interrupted, and then the transfer has to be started again 3) Not all companies have FTP servers 4) It can be quite complex, and many users prefer to use cloud computing
60
Define online storage
Data stored on a server on the internet. To use online storage software, the user installs the free software on their computer and registers with the site. Data is uploaded to the site and the recipient is sent a link and password for the relevant folder. This link can be used to download the file by the recipient.
61
Name examples of online storage
Dropbox, Microsoft Onedrive, Google Drive
62
Discuss the advantages of online storage
1) It's a simple, cost effective method to share and transfer files 2) File extensions are not blocked 3) The system backs up the files 4) You can save space on your local hard drive 5) You can use these systems to synchronize your files
63
Discuss the disadvantages of online storage
1) The amount of space allocated for saving files is quite small for free usage 2) People that you share files with might remove files by mistake
64
Define 'streaming'
A more diverse service (than broadcast, cable, and satellite television) that allows the user to view live events, series, movies and sporting events over the internet. This includes streaming to your smartphone, smart television or computer.
65
Discuss the advantages of streaming
1) The user is in control of what they watch and when they watch it 2) Streams can be paused, rewound and resumed as you please 3) It does not require you to have the shows on the user's computer and, therefore, saves storage space
66
Discuss the disadvantages of streaming
1) An active (fast) internet connection is needed in order to stream 2) Streaming may use a lot of data 3) The luxury of streaming may result in health problems as it is easy to spend many uninterrupted hours watching series and shows
67
Define grid computing
A system whereby the resources of different computers are shared and used at the same time to solve a single problem. The computers can all belong to the same network or to different networks, and can even include an individual's home computer.
68
Name examples of grid computing
1) Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing 2) Advanced Resource Connector 3) g-Eclipse Technology Project
69
What is the purpose of grid computing?
Grid computing is normally used for scientific or technical applications that require large amounts of data to be processed or high processing power
70
What is the global impact of grid computing?
The power of grid (distributed) computing is being used to allow people from all over the world to participate in projects on a global scale
71
What equipment is required in a grid computing system?
1) At least one computer, usually a server, which handles all the administrative duties of the system (hardware) 2) a network of computers running special 'grid computing hardware' software (software) 3) A collection of computer software called middleware (software)
72
Discuss the advantages of grid computing
1) Offers a cost-effective solution and the ability to use many resources 2) Provides a method to solve problems that need an enormous amount of processing power 3) Saves both money and resources by utilizing the power of idle (inactive) computers
73
Discuss the disadvantages of grid computing
1) A fast (active) network connection between computers and networks is needed 2) The computers being used may not be fast enough 3) The computers may be infected by malware
74
Define government internet services
Streamlining government services and delivery of these services to the public via the internet. People can now download forms of publications on the internet instead of waiting in long queues.
75
List examples of government internet services
1) Renewal of a TV license 2) UIF and Tax Details can be added and updated. Payments can also be captured online 3) E-Filling from SARS (South African Revenue Services) allows citizens to submit their tax submissions online 4) Online applications for tertiary institutions 5) Smart ID and Passport Applications
76
Identify the obstacles that come with making more extensive use of e-government services
1) Digital Divide: large sections of the population have limited access to technology, and limited technology of it 2) The initial cost to set it up e-govt services quite expensive 3) Citizens are nervous about online threats
77
Define 'digital divide'
The gulf between those who have ready access to computers and the internet and those who do not. With the majority of communication being conducted through online channels, this can severely impact one's ability to succeed.
78
List the factors that explain the importance of closing the digital divide
1) Economic equality 2) Social mobility 3) Democracy 4) Economic growth
79
Discuss why economic equality is important when considering closing the digital divide
Some think that access to the internet is a basic component of civil life that some developed countries aim to guarantee for their citizens. Even social welfare services are sometimes administered and offered electronically
80
Discuss why social mobility is important when considering closing the digital divide
Some believe that computers and computer networks play an increasingly important role in their learning and career, so education should include of computing and the use of the internet
81
Discuss why democracy is important when considering closing the digital divide
Some think that the use of the internet would lead to a healthier democracy in one way to another
82
Discuss why economic growth is important when considering closing the digital divide
Some think that development of information infrastructure and active use of it would be a shortcut to economic growth for less developed nations. The exploitation of the latest technologies may give industries of certain countries a competitive advantage

Computer and Application Technology (3 decks)

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