Learning aim A Flashcards
What is a digital device?
An electronic device that uses digital data such as 1s and 0s, instead of analogue data which uses sound waves.
Define analogue data.
Sound waves.
What are multifunctional devices?
Devices that perform multiple functions like inputting and outputting data.
Give an example of a multifunctional device.
Force feedback game controllers.
What are personal computers?
Small and inexpensive computers for individual use, such as desktops and laptops.
What are mobile devices?
Smartphones/tablets made for portability to provide computer/internet access on the go.
What is a mail server?
A server that provides access to email services for all users on the network.
What are entertainment systems?
Devices for watching TV/Films, listening to music, and playing video games.
What is a digital camera?
Captures images and videos digitally using an image sensor; stored as digital data.
What does GPS stand for?
Global Positioning Satellite.
What is the function of a GPS receiver?
To locate the user’s position on a digital map and provide directions.
What are communication devices?
Devices that send and receive analogue or digital data to and from another device.
What is a barcode scanner?
A device that inputs a barcode and converts the information into data.
Fill in the blank: Digital devices make everyday tasks easier, quicker, _______ and efficient.
[cost effective]
List some personal uses of digital devices.
- Playing video games
- Watching digital TV
- Internet banking
- Operating home systems
What are input devices?
Hardware devices that allow users to input data into a computer system.
Name an example of an input device.
Keyboard.
What is the purpose of a scanner?
Converts hard copy text/images into a digital format.
What does a microphone do?
Inputs analogue signals into electrical signals for conversion to digital.
What are output devices?
Hardware devices that output data from a computer system.
What is a projector used for?
Outputs an image onto a wall/screen.
What is a Braille embosser?
A printer that outputs text as Braille cells.
What is a trackball?
An easier-to-use alternative to a mouse.
What are solid state drives (SSD)?
Flash memory devices that offer very fast data read/write speeds.
True or False: Hard Disk Drives (HDD) are slower than SSDs at loading data.
True.
What is the function of a device driver?
Allows the operating system to communicate with peripheral devices.
What are utility software?
Software used to manage system resources and optimize/maintain the computer system.
What is the role of the operating system?
Coordinates all operations of a computer, managing resources and controlling software and hardware.
Define real-time operating systems (RTOS).
Operating systems where inputs are processed and responded to instantaneously.
What is a single user multitasking operating system?
An operating system where one user can run multiple applications simultaneously.
What does TCP/IP stand for?
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.
What are disk utilities?
Utilities designed to maintain the performance of a computer’s disk drive.
What is the purpose of a firewall?
To prevent unauthorized access by monitoring and blocking suspicious traffic.
List some factors affecting operating system performance.
- Limited RAM Capacity
- Limited CPU Speed
- Malware
- Virtual Memory Factors
What is the purpose of antivirus software?
Prevents computers from receiving viruses and detects/removes existing viruses
Antivirus software is essential for maintaining computer security and integrity.
What does Traceroute do?
Displays the path data packets travel over an IP network to help diagnose problems
Useful for network troubleshooting.
What are registry cleaners used for?
To remove old, redundant registry entries in Windows systems, improving performance
Helps maintain system efficiency.
Define file type.
Denotes the form/structure of the data stored within a file
File extensions indicate the type of data and associated software.
What is the main characteristic of PNG file format?
Lossless compression allowing high-quality images with a low file size and transparency
Commonly used for web graphics.
What are the disadvantages of JPG files?
Good compression but lossy, meaning they cannot be decompressed
Often used for photographs but quality may degrade.
What distinguishes BMP files?
Uncompressed file format resulting in very high quality but large file sizes
Not commonly used for web due to size.
What does PDF stand for?
Portable Document Format
Represents data independently of the originating software/hardware.
What is a characteristic of AVI file format?
Uncompressed, very high quality but large file size, not suitable for streaming
Typically used for high-quality video storage.
Fill in the blank: The choice of file type has implications for _______.
individuals/organisations
Considerations include file size, quality, and compatibility.
What is the purpose of application software?
Allows end users to complete tasks such as creating reports or presentations
Includes productivity, graphics, and communications software.
Define proprietary software.
Software whose source code is privately owned by the software company
Users typically pay to buy or subscribe to it.
What is a key advantage of open-source software?
Source code is available to read and modify, often free to use
Community support may be available via forums.
True or False: Proprietary software is generally more customizable than open-source software.
False
Proprietary software often has limited customization due to copyright issues.
What are emerging technologies?
Technologies currently in development that are beginning to impact businesses and society
Examples include AI, biometrics, and robotics.
How does artificial intelligence impact personal lives?
Automated devices like vacuum cleaners and self-driving cars improve leisure time and safety
AI is revolutionizing everyday tasks.
What is the role of biometric security?
Increases security by using unique biological characteristics for authentication
Examples include fingerprint and facial recognition.
What are Local Area Networks (LAN)?
Computer networks covering a single building or site
Allows resource sharing among connected devices.
Fill in the blank: VPN stands for _______.
Virtual Private Network
Creates a secure network connection over a public network.
What is the function of TCP/IP?
Basic communication language of the internet, enabling data packet transmission
TCP handles packet creation, and IP manages routing.
What is the purpose of firewalls in network security?
Monitors traffic to prevent unauthorized access and harmful data packets
Essential for protecting system integrity.
What does bandwidth refer to?
Rate of data transfer of a network, measured in bits per second
Affects the speed and efficiency of data transmission.
What is latency in data transmission?
Time delay for a data packet to transfer to its destination, measured in milliseconds
Affects responsiveness in network communications.
What is encryption?
Encryption ensures intercepted data cannot be read.
What is a VPN?
Creates a secure connection between remote sites and users over the internet.
Define bandwidth.
Rate of data transfer of a network – bits per second.
Define latency.
Time delay for data packet to transfer to its destination – milliseconds.
What is the implication of bandwidth for internet browsing?
Bandwidth affects how long files take to download.
What is the implication of latency for online gaming?
Very low latency is needed for fast response and real-time updates.
What are the two types of compression?
- Lossy
- Lossless
What is the purpose of codecs?
Used to compress/decompress video and audio files.
What is cloud storage?
Data stored in remote servers rather than user’s local computer.
What is cloud computing?
Software stored on remote servers and accessed via a browser.
List advantages of cloud storage for personal use.
- Files stored online
- Synced across all devices
List disadvantages of cloud storage for businesses.
- No control over security
- Privacy concerns
What is a VPN used for in remote working?
Secure connection to an organisation’s network over the internet.
What is an online community?
Group of people who communicate over the internet over common interests.
True or False: Blogs can create dialogue between an online community.
True
What are the security implications of online communities for individuals?
Danger of accounts being hacked and data stolen.
What is malware?
Harm to IT system: deleting/altering/stealing data.
What is phishing?
Email from a reputable company attempting to gain personal information.
What are some techniques for protecting data?
- Backup and recovery procedures
- Passwords
- Physical access control
- Digital certificates
- Protocols
- File permissions
What does anti-virus software do?
Detects and removes viruses/other malware from devices.
What is the Data Protection Act 2018?
Main UK legislation for protection of personal data.
What are individuals’ rights under the Data Protection Act?
Rights to know what data is collected and how it is used.
What is the Computer Misuse Act 1990?
Protects against attacks on IT systems through unauthorized access.
What are online services?
Information/services made available over the internet via web browser.
List some advantages of online banking.
- Manage finances from home
- Reduced travel times and costs
What is collaborative working online?
Different location users can collaborate on the same project.
What is transactional data?
Data collected from transactions made by customers.
What are the implications of IT systems for organisations?
- Reputation loss
- Loss of income
What impact can IT systems have on user experience?
Will the technology enhance what users currently do?
What is version control?
Allows users to find the most up-to-date version of a document.
What are cookies used for?
Track browsing habits and used for targeted marketing.
What is the impact of cloud computing on businesses?
Organisations save money from needing IT staff to manage software installations.
What is the general impact of security breaches on organisations?
Legal issues and reputation damage.
Fill in the blank: Encryption of data during _______ ensures it cannot be read.
[transmission]
What are the key considerations regarding employee/customer needs in IT systems?
Productivity, personal touch vs efficiency, feelings of being monitored
Employee and customer needs are critical in evaluating the effectiveness and acceptance of IT systems.
What factors should be analyzed in a cost-benefit analysis for IT systems?
Ongoing costs, people costs, implementation costs
This includes maintenance, training, and technical personnel expenses.
What are the important aspects of implementation in IT systems?
Changeover duration, timescales, contingency plans, minimizing downtime, testing procedures
Effective planning is necessary to ensure smooth transitions to new systems.
What considerations are there for replacement/integration with current systems?
Compatibility, existing data considerations, productivity enhancement, automation, working practices impact
Ensuring new systems fit well with current operations is critical for success.
What are the user support and training needs for staff?
Cost of upskilling, staff culture acceptance, technical skillset changes
Training is essential for effective use and acceptance of new IT systems.
What security concerns must be addressed in IT systems?
Sensitive data protection, compliance with legislation, public relations risks from breaches
Maintaining data security is crucial for organizational integrity.
What are the two types of data sources?
- Primary: gathered directly from the source
- Secondary: already exists, bought or researched
Understanding data sources is vital for effective data collection.
What are the characteristics of reliable data?
- Complete
- Accurate
Reliable data is essential for making informed business decisions.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of surveys as a data collection method?
P: Gather large audience quickly, same questions for consistency; N: Limited explanations, low response rate
Surveys are efficient but may lack depth in responses.
What are the pros and cons of interviews for data collection?
P: Detailed responses, greater honesty; N: Time-consuming, less quantitative
Interviews provide depth but can be impractical for large samples.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of focus groups?
P: Easier group information gathering, detailed responses; N: Hard to assemble, qualitative data analysis challenges
Focus groups foster discussion but can be logistically challenging.
What is data validation?
Ensuring data entered is sensible and reasonable
Validation checks help maintain data integrity.
What checks are used to ensure data accuracy?
- Type Check
- Range Check
- Length Check
- Format Check
Various checks are essential for maintaining data quality.
What is the process for extracting and sorting data?
Extract from unstructured sources, enter into system, store in database, sort and search with SQL
Proper data processing is crucial for effective analysis.
What are the benefits of effective data presentation?
Easily interpreted data, trend identification, informed decision-making
Well-presented data enhances the ability to draw conclusions.
What are the pros and cons of presenting data as text?
P: Straightforward detail access; N: Harder to digest
Text can provide clarity but may overwhelm users.
What are the advantages of presenting data as charts?
- Identify trends easily
- Variety of chart types available
Charts facilitate quick visual analysis of data.
What is the importance of data accuracy for businesses?
Inaccurate data can lead to incorrect decisions, affecting operations
Data accuracy is foundational for effective business management.
What are the moral and ethical issues related to IT systems?
- Environmental impact
- Unequal access
- Online behavior
- Globalization effects
- Freedom of speech
Ethical considerations are key in the development and use of IT systems.
What does the Consumer Rights Act (2015) cover?
Consumer rights on goods/services and digital content
This act ensures consumers are protected in digital transactions.
What is the purpose of the Data Protection Act (2018)?
Protects individual privacy regarding personal data
This act ensures data is not misused and individuals are informed.
What is the significance of the Equality Act 2010 in relation to IT systems?
Prohibits discrimination based on disability, ensuring accessibility
This act mandates that IT systems be designed for all users.
What is the purpose of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines?
Ensure web content is accessible to all, regardless of disability
These guidelines set standards for web accessibility.
