Unit 1 - LO2 Understanding Computer Software

Question 1

SMS

Answer 1

+ Convenient
+ Time saving
+ Respond when convenient
- Messages must be short
- People respond negatively to unwanted texts
- Need permission to send texts to other people
- Must comply with data protection and privacy rules

Question 2

Email

Answer 2

+ Messages can be sent to multiple people
+ Attachments can be sent
+ Convenient, can be sent 24/7 365 days a year
- Must have internet access
- Risk of viruses from email attachments
- Emails can be sent to the wrong person, accidental leak of sensitive data

Question 3

Messaging software

Answer 3

\+ Cost effective
\+ Works in real time
\+ Mobile, can be used on many devices
- Distraction
- Security issues with malicious users
- Compatibility issues - not all users use the same system

Question 4

Social media

Answer 4

\+ Improves ranking on search engines
\+ Improves customer engagement
\+ Can be used to conduct market research
- Requires daily monitoring
- Risk of unwanted or inappropriate behaviour
- Additional resources may be required

Question 5

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)

Answer 5

+ Accessible at any location where there is internet
+ Flexible, not limited to a number of phone lines
+ With reliable internet, voice quality is good
- Reliable internet connection needed with sufficient bandwidth
- If there is a power outage emergency services can find it difficult to trace your call
- Calls may appear to lag or delay

Question 6

Personal assistant

Answer 6

+ Music can be stored and played
+ Can be used as a GPS device
+ Some devices can be voice activated
- Small screens can be difficult to navigate
- Can be a distraction
- Additional costs beside paying for the device

Question 7

Teleconferencing

Answer 7

+ Efficient way of meeting as a group
+ Encourages greater contact with other branches of the business
+ Increases productivity by eliminating time and location barriers
- Technical failures with equipment
- Unsatisfactory for complex negotiations and bargaining
- Informal

Question 8

Satellite

Answer 8

+ Broadband internet signals available from anywhere on earth
+ High bandwidth
+ Can be cheaper over long distances
- Slow connection
- Can be affected by weather
- Time-lapse between sending and receiving