Unit 3: Understanding ICT Systems in Everyday Life Flashcards
Give examples of Input Devices? (9)
Keyboard, mouse, tracker pad, joystick, touch screen, microphone, scanner, digital camera + graphics digitiser.
Give examples of Output Devices? (6)
Visual Display Unit (VDU), Impact Printer, Laser Printer, Inkjet Printer, Plotter + Speaker.
Talk about:
Keyboards
Uses standard layout (QWERTY) Depends on human for input speed. Prone to human error. Used to enter text into computer. Some are designed for certain applications (EPOS + ATM) Fewer keys + emphasis on numeric keys.
What are concept keyboards?
Have keys with pictures/words that can be programmed to carry out certain instructions.
Talk about:
Tracker Pads
Known as touch sensitive pad.
Used as alternative to mouse on laptop.
Ideal for portable device as fine for confined space.
Movement on pad controls cursor, allowing user to select options from menus, select icons + position cursor.
Talk about:
Mouse
Referred to as ‘pointing device’, easy to use + inexpensive, designed to fit under hand, can contain 2 or 3 buttons for selection, slower than using ‘hot keys’, some use mouse ball + built-in movement, others use infared or wireless.
Talk about:
Joystick
Control object on screen by manoeuvring small lever in diff directions, senses movements converted to co-ordinates, has pre-programmed buttons to allow actions to be carried out + used to play computer games.
Talk about:
Touch Screen
Reacts to human touch, minimal user training, no add hardware, more expensive than LCD, used in banks, tourist offices, museums + supermarkets, used in hand-held consoles, PDAs + mobile telephones.
How does a touch screen work?
When user’s finger touches screen, vertical + horizontal light beams are sensed + converted into a co-ordinate. To perform ‘drag and drop’ operations, drag finger across the screen.
Talk about:
Microphones
Input sound/human voice into computer system, used in voice-recognition applications, natural communication form for humans, background noise can interfere, can record music + store in digital format.
Spoken word can be converted to text/computer can interpret spoken commands. Voice recognition useful for those with less mobility.
Talk about:
Scanner
Converts hard copy of pics/text into digital image. Beams of light passed over image which is recognised as series of dots on page.
Once scanned, can be saved + edited, if text scanned can be recognised by word processor using OCR then can be edited + saved, quality measured in dpi. Cheap scanners up to 2400 x 4800 dpi up to A4.
Talk about:
Digital Camera
Stores pics on memory card, small LCD screen attached to view pics, can be downloaded to computer by USB cable/wireless connection.
Can capture short vid clips that last couple mins.
How much does a typical memory card store?
4 GB, around 1000 pics in medium resolution.
Talk about:
Graphics Digitiser
Flat electronic sensitive surface that captures image drawn with stylus pen, allows user to record hand-drawn image in computer system + image drawn can be imported to graphics package for further editing.
Talk about:
Visual Display Unit (VDU)
Displays info/output from computer on screen. Made up of pixels, cost of monitor increases as size + resolution get bigger, LCD screen is lighter + smaller than typical desktop CRT screen, LCD require less power, some have inbuilt speakers + microphones + Modern VDUs have inbuilt filtering system to reduce eyestrain.
What is a pixel?
Smallest area on screen that can be edited. Pic is made up of pixels.
What is screen resolution?
Measure of the quality of an image on screen. More pixels, higher resolution.
Talk about:
Impact Printer
Print head made up of pins in rows + columns (matrix). Print head strikes ink ribbon leaving impression on page, characters formed as series of dots. More pins, better quality. Useful for carbon copies (invoices), prints in 1 colour, costs less than to print multiple copies (carbon copies), low quality, noisy.
Talk about:
Laser Printer
Non-impact printer, uses toner, some are 3in1 for scanner, photocopier + fax, usually have own memory here pages stored before printing, black+white/colour, suitable for high vol printing, good quality + high speed.
Talk about:
Inkjet Printers
Non-impact, black+coloured cartridges, ink heated + sprayed through nozzles/jets in print head, black+white/colour, print pics/low vol printing, high quality print, slower.
Talk about:
Plotters
Some use electronically controlled pens, others penless (raster) plotters, high quality, accurate + detailed diagrams, used by architects, surveyors, pattern makers + engineers, variety of paper size (A0), draws diff characters of diff sizes + fonts to add to drawings.
Talk about:
Speakers
Small internal speakers standard in computers, provides sound output through sound card, output music + spoken word, useful for visually impaired users + draws attention to input error.
How is memory measured on a computer?
What is the smallest unit of storage?
Bits + bytes 1 bit (binary digit) 1 or 0
1 byte = x bits 1 kilobyte (KB) = x bytes 1 megabyte (MB) = x kilobytes 1 gigabyte (GB) = x megabytes 1 terabyte (TB) = x gigabytes
8 bits 1024 bytes 1024 kilobytes 1024 megabytes 1024 gigabytes
What are the different types of data storage devices? (4)
Magnetic disks, magnetic tapes, optical devices + USB flash drives.
Talk about;
Hard Disks
Main storage device of computer system, number of rigid disks on top of each other with 2 surfaces consisting of tracks + sectors, read/write head for each surface, faster than CD drive, in sealed unit to protect from damage, internal hard disks used to permanently store operating system, app software + user data. External portable with high storage, attached using USB cable + suitable for little backup data.
Give examples of optical disks? (6)
CDs, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, DVDs, Blu-Ray disks.
What is the capacity of a CD?
What is the capacity of a DVD?
In terms of read/write, talk about DVDs?
What is the capacity of Blu-ray?
700 MB
5 - 17 GB
Can be read from + written to.
50 GB
Talk about:
CD-ROM
Data burned on disk surface using lasers making small indentations called pits, disks supplied info e.g. music + software already stored on them, user can read from but not write to, cost determined by what is stored on it.
Talk about:
CD-R
Supplied blank, can record data onto disk once, can be read from many times + used to store data/music/small-scale backup.
Talk about:
CD-RW
Supplied blank, can record + delete data many times, more expensive than CD-R.
Talk about:
Blu-ray disks
Larger storage than DVDs, used for recording high def tv without losing quality, can store digitally encoded video.
Talk about:
Magnetic Tape Streamers
Reads/writes data stored on magnetic tape (DAT), data stored in blocks + gap between each block, slow data transfer because it uses serial access, networks use tape streamer linked to server to make hard disk backups, inexpensive to store large data amounts.
Talk about:
USB flash drives
Pen drives, consists of inbuilt circuit board + USB connector, flash drive active when plugged into USB port, USB connection forms power supply, compact compared to CD, portable, low power, work on principle of plug + play + cost depends on capacity.
Where is the main memory?
What are the 3 types of memory?
Computer Processing Unit (CPU)
ROM, RAM + cache memory.
ROM Memory:
Read/Write?
Volatile/Non-Volatile?
What does it store?
Read from, not written to.
Non-Volatile, permanent.
Booting up program for Windows operating system.
RAM Memory: Read/Write? Volatile/Non-Volatile? What does it store? What depends on the size of RAM? What is held on the hard disk?
Read from or written to. Volatile, lost when switched off. Current programs being used. Speed of processor. All programs + data, those being used and not.
Cache Memory: Where is it located near to? Read/Write? Size + Speed? Purpose?
Close to the processor.
Read from or written to.
Smaller than RAM in capacity, faster access speeds.
Store frequently accessed program instructions.
What is the operating system referred to as?
System Software
What are the main functions of the operating system? (6)
Interface (Communication between user + computer)
Memory Management (Allocates internal memory (RAM) to programs being used, stores + retrieves data on external memory devices)
Resource Management (Controls peripheral devices)
Execution (Boots up computer when turned on)
Error Handling (Deals with errors + response to developer + user)
System Security (Checks + Controls user access to programs)
What are the 4 parts of a GUI?
- Extra features? (4)
Windows, Icons, Menus + Pointers.
Dialogue boxes, toolbars, buttons + tool tips.
Describe:
Windows in a GUI.
Each folder/program/doc open is displayed in separate window.
Can be minimised or maximised.
Maximised window = active window.
Describe:
Icons in a GUI.
Small graphics represent program/file/tool from toolbar.
On desktop as shortcut to folders/programs/docs.
Double-click to open folder/program/doc.
Can be customised + arranged by size/date.
Describe;
Menus in a GUI.
Can be pull down or pop up.
Provides list of options for user to select from.
Can be customised for full menu or short menu.
Describe:
Pointers in a GUI.
Shows position of cursor on screen.
Typical user controls pointer with mouse/tracker pad.
Can move pointer over icon + use mouse buttons to select + open.
What does processing data mean?
Taking raw values + manipulating them to produce information.
What is data?
Raw facts + figures that haven’t been given a meaning.
What is information?
Data which has been given a meaning.
What are forms used for? Paper-based forms? Screen-based forms? What does design quality affect? What does data quality affect?
To collect data. Collect data from people + keyed into computer after. Filled out online or on computer screen. Whether correct data is collected. Information produced.
What should a form include?
Suitable title + instructions which explain purpose, logo, prompt on what data to enter, suitable space for data entry, tick boxes/options buttons to reduce human error.
When designing a form, what should a user ensure?
Divided into sections, suitable font for target audience, font size varies for sections/headings + colour enhances form + layout.
What is OMR?
How does it work?
What are marks converted into?
What is it used for?
Optical Mark Recognition, scans form which have been filled in with marks/ticks.
Uses light to detect position of marks on paper.
Digital data.
National Lottery+ multiple choice tests.
Advantages of OMR? (4)
Fast (many docs can be processed), Accurate (reduce human error), Can be analysed to produce high quality info + staff need minimal training as docs just passed into scanner.
Disadvantages of OMR? (4)
Docs must be in good condition, not creased.
Paper based + specially designed forms expensive.
Not very environmentally friendly (lots of paper)
OMR equipment expensive.
What is OCR?
How does it work?
What is it used for?
Optical Character Recognition.
Transforms paper docs into editable computer docs.
Scanners -> converts doc to text + saved as RTF.
Libraries to digitise + preserve old docs + books.
Royal Mail to sort letters.
Advantages of OCR? (2)
Large quantities of text input quickly, done without retyping.
Disadvantages of OCR? (3)
If dirty/marked, won’t be accurate, expensive, not accurate when scanning forms, small text, shaded photocopies, mathematical formulae + handwritten text.
What are 2 methods of data verification?
Data keyed in twice (entered, compares 2 sets of data, rejected if doesn’t match)
Proofreading
Why is data verification carried out?
To ensure data keyed into computer has been accurately entered.
What is data validation?
What does it ensure?
Checking data to ensure it is acceptable + sensible.
Data is present, correct type, correct range + length.
What are 5 types of data validation?
Presence Check, length check, type check, format check + range check.
What is a presence check?
Data validation, ensures data has been entered into space, common in databases, error message is displayed.
What is a length check?
Data validation, ensures entered data is correct length.
What is a type check?
Data validation, entered data is correct format.
e.g. Numeric, text, date, boolean + currency.
What is a format check?
Data validation, ensures data is correct format. e.g. input mask - AA000
What is a range check?
Data validation, ensures data is within given range.
e.g. 1 - 500
What is a check digit?
How does it work?
Where might they be found?
Digit added to a code to ensure it is valid.
Code is used in calculation + digit is recalculated, if results don’t match error message appears.
ISBN on book or UPC/barcode on products.
What is a UPC?
Universal Product Code, Barcode.
What is data portability?
What determines whether data is portable?
Ability to transfer data from one system/software application to another without having to re-enter it.
Format of data.
What is data compression used for?
Why is it useful?
Reduce the size of a digital file.
Takes less time to download/upload + takes up less storage space.
What software can be used to compress data?
Compressed graphic format? (2)
Compressed music format? (1)
Compressed video format? (1)
WinZip Software
JPEG or GIF
MP3
MPEG
What are 10 common file types?
CSV, RTF, JPEG, MP3, MP4, GIF, TXT, PDF, MIDI, HTML.
What is CSV?
What are the features of CSV?
Comma-separated Variable
Data fields separated by commas, field names entered first, portable files, each record on new line, can be produced by data-logging equipment.
What is RTF?
What are the features of RTF?
Rich Text Format.
OCR scanned docs saved as RTF, portable, can transfer between differing applications e.g. Word to pages.
What is JPEG?
What are the features of JPEG?
Joint Photographic Experts Group.
Common on webpages, compressed, portable.
What is MP3?
What are the features of MP3?
Moving Pictures Experts Group - 3.
Compressed audio, filters out undetectable noise, smaller than CD WAV/AIFF, used by iTunes.
What is MP4?
What are the features of MP4?
Moving Pictures Experts Group - 4.
Compressed video files, high quality.
What is GIF?
What are the features of GIF?
Graphic Interchange Format
Compressed, used on webpages, not great colour
quality.
What is TXT?
What are the features of TXT?
Text/American Standard Code for Information Interchange Text.
Simple, holds letters + numbers but not add info e.g. bold/italic, can be imported from word processor but not always in og format, portable.
What is MIDI?
What are the features of MIDI?
Musical Instrument Digital Interface.
Sound file when dig instruments connected to computer.
What is PDF?
What are the features of PDF?
Portable Document Format.
Portable, smaller than original file, Adobe Reader needed to view/print + mainly read only.
What is HTML?
What are the features of HTML?
HyperText Markup Language.
Used in webpages, browsers programmed to interpret HTML.
What does a network consist of?
A set of computers linked together.
What is a LAN
Example?
Local Area Network, number of computers linked together on a single site, can use copper cabling.
School Network.
What is a WAN?
What do most WANs use?
Example?
Wide Area Network, collection of networks connected using a telecommunications link, using fibre optic cable or satellite.
PSTN.
Internet.
What are the advantages of using a LAN?
Peripherals can be shared, only need 1 copy of software to store on file server + share with computers, users can communicate on network (email/broadcast messages/electronic conferencing), share files/projects + flexible access (log onto any computer to access files).
What is a file server?
What does it do?
Main computer on the network, more powerful, more RAM, more hard disk space.
Manages file + network security + ensures only authorised users can log on.
What does a typical file server hold?
Network operating system software (Windows), application software (Microsoft Office), user files, system software (manages resources + security) + utility software (virus checker).
What does every computer on the network have?
What does it do?
How does it work?
What is a WNIC?
What can be added to computer to enable wireless access to network?
Network Interface Card.
Allows computer to communicate with devices on network.
Network cable inserted into port on NIC connects PC to file server.
Wireless Network Interface Card, means computer can connect to wireless router providing mobile access to network.
USB wireless adapter.
What does a network cable do?
Links computers to network + each other, plugs directly into network card in computer + carries data along cables to + from file server.
What does a switch to?
Connects to group of computers + file server, organises communication between file server + components + can send data to particular computer.
What does a router do?
Shares network connection between devices, enables LAN to connect to internet/WAN + allows 2 networks to communicate, may have integrated security features (firewall), translates info from internet so LAN computers can understand.
What does a wireless router/wireless access point allow?
What does a computer that connects to a wireless router need to contain?
Computer can connect to LAN + enables home users to connect to internet without inconvenience of cables.
Wireless network interface card or be wireless enabled.
What does network software allow?
Computer can communicate with file server and other computers.
What is a communications protocol?
An agreed standard or set of rules for sending or receiving data on a network.
What is the protocol used on the internet called?
What does it ensure?
What does a router connected to 2 networks perform so computers can understand differing protocols?
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
Makes sure data isn’t lost as it travels from 1 computer to another.
Translation function, allows the computers with differing protocols to communicate.
What must a network be secured from?
Viruses (Trojan horses + worms), unauthorised access (hackers + users), authorised users who may damage important files, unexpected breakdown resulting in lost data + physical damage.
What are 3 measures of basic network security?
Usernames + passwords, levels of access + encryption.
What should a secure password contain?
Combo of letters + numbers, min num characters, regularly changed, confidential, not username, pets name or family name, a word or written down anywhere.
What are levels of access used for?
Limit the things users can do on the network.
In a school network, what can a pupil do?
Access software, use internet, change content + location of user files, change password, use printer + connect + use portable storage devices.
In a school network, what can a teacher do, in addition to what a pupil can do?
Give pupils printer credits, reset pupils passwords, monitor pupil activity + set up shared folders for pupils to use.
In a school network, what can a system manager do, in addition to what a pupil + teacher can do?
Set up new users, remove users, allocate disk storage space to users, copy files between users, allocate network resources (printers) + install software (printers).
Why is data encrypted?
How is data encrypted?
How can data be decrypted?
Who can read encrypted data?
Prevent unauthorised access + keep secure when being transmitted across a network.
Encryption key software, when it reaches it destination, using encryption software.
A user with an encryption key.
What does an information system include?
All components used for the input, output, storage + processing of data.
What are 2 measures for protecting information systems from misuse?
Virus protection + firewalls.
What is a virus?
A computer program designed to damage some aspect of an information system.
What can be installed to protect against viruses and what should it do?
Virus Protection Software, prevent virus attacks and updated regularly so new viruses can be identified, regular scans of computer system. Scans system for threats + notifies user + administration system of attack.
How can viruses enter a network?
Portable storage devices (USBs), the internet + email attachments.
What can virus protection software protect against?
Worms that spread by replication + don’t have to be attached to a doc/program, Trojan horses that gain entry in disguise (useful program, provides hackers with entry point to computer), spam + spyware.
What does a worm do?
Slows down processing on the network while it is reproducing.
What is spam?
Bulk sending of electronic messages to people who haven’t requested information.
What is spyware?
Malicious software (malware) which is secretly installed on a user’s computer, collects info about user + can change computer settings and monitor keystrokes so passwords can be captured.
What does a firewall do?
What can it prevent?
Filters info coming from internet or to computer network.
Hackers, viruses + spam entering network via internet + users/computers within network uploading data to internet.
What is a backup?
Copy of the original data.
Where can LAN data be backed up to + how?
External hard disk/magnetic tape.
External Hard Disk: Connected to network point (NAS) or directly to main computer (DAS)
Magnetic Tape: Stored in tape drive on file server, backup taken at reg intervals which slows network, backup scheduled when computer system not busy + tapes kept for agreed period before being reused.
What is an NAS device?
What is a DAS device?
What can an NAS device do that a DAS device cannot?
Network Attached Storage
Direct Attached Storage
Share data with other servers + devices on the network.
How might you backup data on a PC?
Wizard may guide through process as there is usually a special backup facility installed.
An external hard drive may also be connected using a USB cable. Backup can be made to existing hard disk or removable storage device (CD-R, CD-RW, DVD)
What are the advantages of using a CD or DVD for backing up a PC?
High capacity, low cost and portable.
How can you use online storage for backup from a LAN or PC?
Data uploaded to locations such as secure online server.
Backup can be scheduled to be done automatically.
Files can be accessed from any computer connected to the network.
May not be acceptable to store sensitive data on the internet.
What do wireless technologies use to transmit data?
Radio waves.
Talk about mobile phones in terms of communication?
Use radio frequency to transmit data, small + portable, can be used anywhere there is network coverage, can roam (send data from anywhere in the world), can take pics + vids, can send instant txt message, can receive text whilst call in progress, can send emails + can take voicemail.
Talk about smartphones + PDAs in terms of communication?
Hand-held devices that combine internet services + mobile phone functions, use Wi-Fi + 3G, can access internet + receive email attachment + function as mobile.
Talk about laptops in terms of communication?
Wireless-enabled, can be connected to wireless network using Wi-Fi, use Bluetooth to pair with devices (Printers)
What tech (3G, Bluetooth, WAP, Wi-Fi) is available + what is it used for in:
Mobile Phone
PDA
Laptop
Bluetooth (transfer data to other phones), 3G + WAP (Connect to internet).
Bluetooth (Hands-free, transfer pics/music), Wi-Fi (internet) + 3G (Internet).
Wi-Fi (Wireless LAN + Internet) + Bluetooth (Connect to printers, other laptops + cameras)
What speed is Wi-Fi? What do you need to connect to it? Where are Wi-Fi hotspots? What do you need to connect to 3G? Where can you connect to it? Price? Speed?
54mbps, wireless adapter, city centres, hotels + airports.
Subscription to service provider (mobile phone company), any location with network coverage, expensive as charge by amount of data downloaded + international very expensive, slower than Wi-Fi.
What range is Bluetooth? Power? Price?
What is WAP? What does a WAP enable phone use to display info?
What is Wi-Fi?
Short range, less than other wireless technologies + cheaper.
Wireless Application Protocol, micro-browser.
Wireless Fidelity
Advantages of Wi-Fi?
Can log onto in any location, wide range of devices, prices decreasing, can be set up wireless + can roam from one network to another.
Disadvantages of Wi-Fi?
Signal strength varies, connection less secure than if wired, interference from other wireless signals may distort data signals + weather conditions affect connection.
Advantages of 3G?
Coverage available where normal broadband isn’t, video calling possible, can be used for voice calls + other data services + map services available.
Disadvantages of 3G?
Affected by signal strength + network coverage, higher power consumption needs bigger battery, can be expensive, high bandwidth not possible (watching TV) + download times affected by num users in network cell and amount of data.
Advantages of Bluetooth?
Can penetrate solid objects, line of sight unnecessary, cheaper, less power, easily connected to other devices.
Disadvantages of Bluetooth?
Short range, low security + slower.
Advantages of WAP?
Coverage available where normal broadband isn’t + network services can be accessed from mobile device.
Disadvantages of WAP?
Slow, limited availability, graphics unavailable + less popular nowadays.
Describe:
The Internet
Network of networks, doesn’t contain information + provides transport links for information to pass between computers.
Describe:
The World Wide Web
Application that runs on the internet, largest + most used service on the internet + can be described as a multimedia service on the internet.
What are the features of pages written on the world wide web?
Written using HTML, URL usually begins with http://, HTTP sends webpages across the internet, viewed using a web browser, can contain sound, graphics, video, animation, hypertext + text, hypertext provides user with clickable links to other pages.
Describe:
An intranet
A private network website used within an organisation, uses TCP/IP, not accessible to public, only authorised users, use web browser to view pages + uses firewall as security.
What are the advantages of an intranet?
Can communicate using email, bulletin boards + messaging facilities, share resources, find out general info about organisation, once info uploaded can be viewed by any user, can improve communication.
What is an ISP?
What does it do?
Internet Service Provider
Sells internet access to companies/individuals. Provides users with range of services.
Allows PC to communicate with modem/router + correct internet file server.
What services does an ISP provide? (8)
Variety of bandwidth options, email service, web servers that connect to search engines on internet, website filtering, web-hosting to allow users to upload own web pages, security package, software to block junk mail + pop-up ads + online + phone assistance.
What hardware + software does an internet user need?
ISP, browser software, telecommunications line, (dialup, ISDN, ADSL), device to connect computer to internet (modem, wireless router etc)
Describe:
An ADSL modem
Splits signal into 2 channels (voice + data transfer), expands bandwidth available for data transfer, downloads + uploads. Downloading is faster than uploading.
Give examples of web browsers? (5)
Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Apple Safari + Opera.
What does a web browser provide? (9)
Navigation bar, home page, favourite/bookmarks, search facility, history, settings + internet options, tabs, private browsing + customisation options.
What features do some web browsers provide? (3)
Email button, messenger button + print page button.
How do you use a search facility?
Enter text into search field, browser submits query into search engine + scans internet for webpages containing key words.
How does a history list work?
Browser keeps list of webpages visited, when user clicks history button they can see this list and edit it (set how many days to keep list)
What settings and internet options does a web browser provide? (2)
Content filtering + website blocking based on content + language settings.
What does private browsing do?
Ensures websites aren’t stored in history list + internet files + cookies not stored on computer. Useful when using public computer.
What customisation options might a web browser provide?
Toolbars, setting browser appearance + managing security settings.
What is a URL?
What is it made up of?
(Reference e.g. http://www.ccea.org.uk)
Uniform Resource Locator
Protocol (http://), Domain Name (host server - www) (top level domain name (ccea.org) + country code (.uk)
What other protocols may be present in a URL?
mailto:
ftp: (upload web pages to web servers)
What does bandwidth affect? Measured in?
Speed of data transfer, bits per second.
What are the advantages of a high bandwidth?
Quicker website loading, larger files downloaded more quickly + connection to internet faster.
What is a PSTN?
What does it use? What does it do?
Bandwidth? Type of connection?
Public Switched Telephone Network
Telephone system, Access to WANs + internet.
Low (28kbps - 56kbps) Dial-up.
What is fibre optic cable made of? Used for?
Bandwidth? Price? Security?
Fibres of glass/perspex that carry signals as light pulses. Connect telephone substations.
High, almost speed of light, expensive, immune to radio signals so more secure.
Describe:
Cable for an internet connection
Must be in an area where cable network is available.
Subscribers to cable TV company can use that for internet access.
Digital TV + phone services also provided over cable.
Describe:
Satellite for internet connection
Need satellite dish, computer connects to internet + transfers info via dish.
Expensive + useful in rural areas.
What is ADSL? Bandwidth? Speed? How does it work?
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. High bandwidth, up to 20mbps. Transmits digital info down copper telephone cable, permanently switched on, telephone/fax messages can be received while online, upload slower than download.
What are some of the new communication technologies? (5)
Email, facsimile (fax), VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), video conferencing + instant messaging.
What does email allow?
Users to send messages from computer across internet.
What are the advantages of email?
Flexible, easily managed, fast, cheap, filtering, attachements + secure/private.
What are the disadvantages of email?
Technology (both need access to internet), user error (could be sent to wrong person), spam + alerts (not notified unless logged on)
What is a fax machine made up of?
Printer + optical scanner.
What are the advantages of fax machines?
Can transmit drawings + handwritten docs accurately, most computers allow users to send digital files + faxes + PC users with fax/modem can send electronic docs to fax machines.
What are the disadvantages of fax machines?
Dedicated fax line required so incoming faxes not interrupted by phone calls, expensive, running costs (toner, electricity, sending fax), if receiving fax machine doesn’t receive it, has to be resent.
What is VoIP? What does it allow? Example?
Voice Over Internet Protocol, allows users to make phone calls over internet, users can download VoIP software, calls can be made PC to phone or PC to PC, cheaper than phone call. Skype.
What is video conferencing? What does it require?
Uses internet to transmit pics + sound between computers. Video camera/webcam, microphone + speakers, screen, high bandwidth + video-conferencing software.
What are the advantages of video conferencing?
Collaborate with other people without having to leave desk, meetings more realistic, multimedia presentations with application sharing tool, meetings set up on demand, no travel costs + no travel time for employee.
What are the disadvantages of video conferencing?
Expensive set up, specialist training, network performance poor when video conferencing + high bandwidth required.
What does instant messaging allow?
Users to use text to instantly communicate with each other. When user types message, other logged in users can see message instantly.
What do bulletin boards provide?
Text-based messaging, not instant or interactive. Users log onto board + post message, may be hours/days before reply is posted.
What is EFT?
What is EFTPOS? What does it use?
What is a PIN?
Electronic Funds Transfer
Electronic Funds Transfer Point of Sale
Computer with barcode scanner + chip and PIN terminal.
Personal Identification Number
What does a barcode consist of?
What can it be read with?
Digits encoded as a series of light and dark vertical bars of varying width.
Hand-held scanner or laser scanner, uses laser beam to read + enter code details automatically.
What information is encoded into a typical barcode?
e.g. 50 01935 01432 3
Country of origin code (50) Manufacturer Code (01935) Product Code (01432) Check Digit (3)
What happens a barcode is scanned at an EFTPOS terminal?
Scanner reads barcode, sent to computer, searches stock file for product, price + description on screen + receipt, updates stock level. If doesn’t match, error message displayed.
What is a smart card? How is it authenticated?
When are they used?
A credit/debit card that contains tiny embedded microchip. Automatically authenticated with a PIN.
Paying for goods + services, SIM cards + satellite TV receivers.
How do you use a smart card when paying for goods + services?
Card placed into chip + PIN terminal, terminal accesses contents + customer enters PIN, checked against PIN on card + transaction completed if match.
What are the advantages of EFTPOS for the customer?
Less chance of theft, can get cash at checkout (debit), better security if not carrying cash + exchanging money in other currencies not an issue.
What are the disadvantages of EFTPOS for the customer?
Some don’t have bank accounts/prefer cash, may have to pay fee for transaction, not practical for small items, too convenient (impulse buys) + card fraud.
What are the advantages of EFTPOS for the vendor?
Payment guaranteed, money immediately deposited, less chance of human error (counting cash), less paperwork + less worry of forged money.
What are the disadvantages of EFTPOS for the vendor?
Shops charged fee by card companies for transactions, setup expensive, system failures cause issues + if wrong price programmed into computer, everyone pays wrong price.
What is an ATM? What does it allow?
Automatic Teller Machine, 24/7 access to account using chip + PIN.
Withdraw cash, receipt, order bank statement, order new cheque book obtain account balance, print mini-statement + lodge bank cheques.
What are the advantages of ATMs?
Fewer employees, 24/7 account access, only withdraw cash if sufficient funds, don’t need to carry lots of cash, PIN means less fraud, can use any ATM (not just own bank) + don’t have to be near a bank.
What can you do when using online banking?
View recent transactions, search particular transactions, pay bills online, transfer money from one account to another, set up direct debit payments, email bank + view bank statements online.
What do you need to access online banking?
Username + password + bank verification code or security questions.
What are the advantages of online banking for the customer?
Transactions can be done at any time, 24/7, faster than face-to-face transactions.
What are the advantages of online banking for the bank?
Fewer branches + staff required, can produce electronic statements so less paper + post used + can attract larger customer base (don’t need to be near bank)
What applications make use of utility billing?
What does it require?
Electricity, telephone + gas billing systems.
Large computer system + batch processing.
What does batch processing involve?
Collecting groups of similar data over period of time, no processing of data at collection time, input data into computer system + process data collectively without human intervention.
What files are used in the batch process?
Master file + transaction files.
What is the master file in a batch process?
Stores info which doesn’t change between bills (name, number, address, last meter reading) Updated using transaction file at end of batch process for next billing period.
What is the transaction file in a batch process?
Stores current data (meter reading), customer account number (key field of master file), sorted into same order as master file + used to update it.
What are the stages in producing electricity bills?
Meters read by meter readers + added into customer data collection form, meter readings placed together into batches, entered into computer system, data checked, errors reported, transaction file created, sorted into same order as master file, merged to calc + print bills, updated master file saved, customers sent bills.
What does a virtual reality system enable?
What devices would it contain?
Person to move through + react within a simulated environment. Stereoscopic helmets (head-mounted devices, HMD to allow 3D visuals + hearing) gloves for touch sensations + tracking devices (joystick) for navigation
What is the simulation in a virtual reality system?
How is it designed?
Computer program that models a real life situation.
With computer-controlled graphics to generate realistic scenes using 3D modelling.
When training airline pilots:
What is an aircraft simulator like?
Full-size replica of typical cockpit, shows layout of runways + surrounding areas using high-quality graphics.
Gives pilots experience of real environments (turbulence, thunderstorms, snow, landing on icy runway, one engine working, emergencies, different airport landings, records pilot actions for feedback)
How are computer games designed?
Virtual reality. Designer programs set of rules for user to follow with high quality graphics and simulations.
What does a computer control system use as input devices? What do they measure? Examples?
Sensors. Physical quantity.
Light sensors, temperature sensors + sound sensors.
What is data logging? What does it involve?
Using sensors to collect data automatically.
Automatic capture + storage of data at regular time intervals without human supervision, stores data for period of time + analyses with special software.
What type of signals are physical quantities?
What is an ADC?
What is analogue data in terms of voltage?
What is digital data in terms of digital/binary?
What is an ADC connected between?
Analogue signals. Analogue-to-digital converter. Varying voltage Digital/binary pulse Sensor + computer.
What can computers do if they are said to have feedback?
Monitor their own activity through controlling outputs according to inputs.
What are some home computer-controlled devices?
What about in the public?
Washing machines, burglar alarms + TVs.
Traffic Control Systems.
How does an automatic washing machine work?
Microprocessor carries out stored sequence of instructions according to washing program user selects, turns on + off switches for water intake/outlet, controls water temp, controls motor/water pump/drum operations. Microprocessor reads sensors (water flow/temp/doors)
How do computer-controlled traffic light systems work? Also known as?
Vehicle Actuation Systems.
Each set programmed to vary in operation throughout day (longer green in morning), sensors placed on roads, detect cars over period of time to amend light timings, sensors detect cars starting before green light.
How do computer-controlled car park management systems work?
Log each car on entry/exit, detect number of empty spaces.
How do computer-controlled speeding systems work?
If speed over limit, digital camera captures reg, speed, location, time + date. Owner detected + copy of pic sent with fine.
How might ICT be used in education?
Multimedia software creates high quality projects, website links (maths help), CAL allows learning at own pace, science uses sensors, MIDI, DVD, data projector, special educational needs (braille, magnifier)
What is CAL?
Computer Assisted Learning
How might the internet be used in education?
Search engines for research, video conferencing, e-portfolios allow pupils to create projects, internet filtering.
What is a VLE?
Virtual Learning Environment
What are the advantages of using a VLE in education?
Central storage area for digital resources, incorporate multimedia into lessons, 24/7 beyond the classroom learning + access to lessons for absent pupils.
Give examples of ICT use in employment.
Car manufacturing (paint spraying by robots), warehouse work (stock moved by computer-controlled fork lifts) + office work.
What is teleworking?
Using ICT to work from home.
What are the advantages of teleworking?
Saves on travel costs + time, don’t need to live near work, flexible working hours, people with disabilities can work in a suitable environment, cheaper labour costs, reduced office costs + fewer cars so reduced pollution.
What are the disadvantages of teleworking?
Employees may feel isolated, additional expense with at-home office, employees need to be disciplined to distinguish between home + work life + harder to monitor employee activity.
What does social networking entail? Examples?
Allows people to connect with others to share information, such as photos, videos + personal messages. MySpace, Facebook + Twitter.
MP3 Players: Size + storage?
MP4: Sound/Video?
Small + large.
Both
What is a podcast?
Series of digital media files that are released over time + downloaded over the internet for playback on a mobile device or PC.
How does MIDI technology work?
Music composed can be recorded as digital signals + saved onto computer, sound effects + voice tracks can be added, music can be edited without re-recording piece again + sheet music can be automatically generated.
What is DV?
How does it work?
Digital Video.
Movies can be transferred directly onto PC, for editing + enhancing, can be transferred using USB cable connected to DV port of camera/fireware cable, video streaming can be used to download vid from internet. Vid plays as soon as compressed data is received rather than waiting for download to finish.
Talk about:
Digital TV
More channels bc of bandwidth used by digital TV, guide gives viewers extra info about programs, not prone to distortion through interference, viewers can record 1 channel whilst watching another + interactive TV allows user to play games, perform home shopping + vote in competitions.
What is E-commerce?
The buying and selling of goods on the World Wide Web.
How is money transferred when buying goods over the Internet?
What code do customers need to enter?
EFT
Card verification code (CVC)
What are the advantages of e-commerce for the consumer?
24/7 from home, busy people may find it difficult to visit supermarket, elderly/disabled can have large goods delivered, wider variety, anywhere in the world.
What are the advantages of e-commerce for the company?
24/7, checkout operators not required, larger customer base + don’t need to rent premises.
How do websites ensure security when shopping online?
Internet protocol called SSL (secure socket layers) which encrypt data before its sent to the computer, SET (secure electronic transaction) is protocol used by VISA + MasterCard for security. Sends consumer digital signature which confirms identity + consumers send back own digital signature to confirm their identity.
What is SSL?
What is SET?
Secure socket layers
Secure electronic transaction
What is RSI? Describe?
Repetitive strain injury.
Conditions affecting muscle + joints in neck, shoulders, arms, wrists + hands. Occurs when same muscle groups perform same actions over + over again (typing)
How can the risk of RSI be minimised?
Take regular breaks, ergonomically designed keyboard + mouse, appropriate furniture (swivel chair) + wrist rest.
What is the issue with eyestrain?
Headaches, blurred vision + eyesight deteoration, caused by overexposure to screens.
How can the risk of eyestrain be minimised?
Anti-glare screen, swivel bases on screens to deflect, screens with adjustable brightness + contrast + regular eye tests (provided by employee)
What is the issue with back pain?
Discomfort leading to back pain/immobility, less work done + can be related to situation at computer.
How can the risk of back pain be minimised?
Take regular breaks, adjustable chair with height adjustment + backrest tilting + walk around to exercise muscles.
What is the issue with radiation?
Computer VDUs can give out extremely low frequency radiation (ELF) + illness can occur if user works for long periods of time in front of computer screen.
How can the risk of radiation be minimised?
Regular breaks, swivel screen to deflect glare, use anti-glare filter + use low-emission screen.
What are some measures employers can take to ensure the safety of their employees?
Electricity switches, plugs, sockets + computer equip should be regularly tested, computer cables + network leads should be safely organised using cable management, temp in room should be controllable, high temps could overheat computers or employees uncomfortable, causing a reduction in work rate. Anti static carpet to avoid build up of electrostatic charge, nearby fire extinguishers, not eat or drink near computers + employees made aware of company policy on health + safety.
What are hackers?
People involved in digital crimes who intentionally access computer systems without consent/authorisation.
What can viruses do?
Destroy user files, display annoying messages or store as hidden files on hard drive to be triggered on a certain date.
What is the copyright, designs + patents act?
Designed to protect the property rights of people and organisations that create and produce material based on original ideas -> intellectual property.
What areas of IT does the copyright, designs + patents cover?
Software piracy (illegal copying/downloading software), theft (by a company of ideas/methods of other companies), use of IT to copy/download music/vid/text files to avoid price of purchase + using unlicensed software.
What are the 3 IT laws?
Computer misuse act, copyright, designs + patents act + data protection act.
What does the computer misuse act incorporate?
What year was it?
1990
Unauthorised work, fraud, data theft, hacking, virus planting, software piracy + deliberate data destruction.
What is software licensing?
Organisations that use a computer network must purchase a license when buying new software package to cover num users. Then legally permitted to distribute software to user/computers in licence. Organisations that distribute software over network without licence break Copyright, designs + patents act.
What is personal data?
Data about an individual which they consider to be private.
Where might individuals accept their personal data may be stored?
Health services, education bodies, census organisations + financial organisations.
What are the 8 principles of the data protection act?
Personal data:
Processed fairly + lawfully with consent of data subject, only used for specified purpose, adequate + relevant for purpose, accurate + up to day, not kept longer than necessary, processed in accordance with rights of data subject, held securely + not transferred outside of EU.
What is a data subject?
The individual who is the subject of the personal data.
Can prevent processing of data if inaccurate, may receive compensation for loss of data/unauthorised disclosure.
Who is the information commissioner?
Responsible for enforcing Data Protection Act, promoting good practice from those responsible for processing data + making public aware of rights under act.
Who is the data controller?
Person in company responsible for controlling way personal data processed.
How might we reduce our carbon footprint:
Reliance on road transport + air travel.
Video conferencing, computer systems in cars to monitor fuel usage.
How might we reduce our carbon footprint:
Power management
Computer hibernate/sleep when not being used for period of time, screensavers to reduce power consumption + label devices with power saving instructions.
How might we reduce our carbon footprint:
Peripheral usage
Encourage users to buy energy saving devices (LCD monitors), ensure devices switched off when not in use + purchase multi-functional devices (print/scan/fax) which are more economical for power.
How might we reduce our carbon footprint:
Printer usage
Think before you print, optimise printer controls (sleep/double sided/grey-scale) + use print management software to control num copies user can print.
How might we reduce our carbon footprint:
Obsolete Equipment
Encourage companies to break down components + recycle.
What is WEEE?
How must you dispose of it?
Waste electrical + electronic equipment
Collect, treat, recycle + dispose separately, must keep proof it was given to waste management company + disposed of in correct way.
