ICT in Perspective Theory Notebook PDF

Module 1.5 ICT in perspective p49-55  Contents  Types of computers  What is ICT?  ICT systems  Ethical use of computers  Test and improve knowledge  Module Activities LESSON 1 Types of computers  Types of computers General purpose compu...

Module 1.5 ICT in perspective p49-55  Contents  Types of computers  What is ICT?  ICT systems  Ethical use of computers  Test and improve knowledge  Module Activities LESSON 1 Types of computers  Types of computers General purpose computers Desktop computers Portable computers (laptops, notebooks, tablets) Smartphones Servers Dedicated devices Media players (MP3) Dedicated GPS devices ATMs ABS braking system in a car Household appliances like microwaves & washing machines  Types of computers General purpose computers All have a operating system which can run applications which can perform a wide variety of tasks Desktop computers Laptops, tablets, notebooks and netbooks a screen - input a keyboard a mouse - output devices Portable PCs: work anywhere, a ‘box’(the system unit) containing at any time the CPU, memory, storage Also get ‘all in one’ PCs e.g. IMac PCs by Apple  Portable PCs Laptop: PC with full keyboard & flip-up monitor Notebook: Term interchangeable used with laptop, but usually smaller Netbook: Even smaller version of laptop, without optical drives Designed for low Tablet: Touch or pen- power consumption sensitive screen. and runs off E.g. iPad, Samsung batteries. Galaxy Tablet  Advantages of Portable PCs  Can work anywhere, at any time, and with your data always with you  Can run on battery power for a few hours Disadvantage of Portable PCs  Can be difficult & expensive to upgrade There is an increasing trend toward mobile computing, where users want to access their information & the Internet wherever they are. Convergence: describe the fact that devices are increasingly becoming more multi-functional. e.g. Printers that print, fax & scan Cell phones with OS that allows programs to be run such as Word & access to the Internet  Not in Convergence Textbook! When different technologies are merged into one device.  Types of computers General purpose computers Smartphone Server Multi-purpose computing device that This is a computer on a network can also be used as a phone. that provides resources and These devices can also be used as a services to connected computers camera, media player, an Internet and users, more powerful than browser, for email. You can install normal PCs on network. (More apps to make this device more useful. powerful processors, larger amounts of memory and plenty of storage.)  Also have processors & software but are Types of computers designed to perform only ONE task Dedicated devices Media players like MP3 players The ABS braking system in your car Traffic lights ATM machines Dedicated GPS devices Household appliances: PVR decoders, washing machines, Burglar alarms, microwaves LESSON 2 p51 All the hardware & software needed to gather & process data in order to What is ICT? exchange information quickly & accurately & the people that use it. Information Manipulated or processed data Communicatio Process of transferring data / information n from one place to another or from one person to another Technology System – Hardware and Software Communication – Networks and communication devices  Why do we need information?p59 Information is power and creates the potential for wealth. *We life in the ‘Information Age’ *The ability to collect, process and send information quickly has become even more valuable than physical resources such as gold. e.g. POS (point -of- sale) system, if you can gather information on what products people like best & when they prefer to buy them, you can maximise your profits Send SMS Draw money from ATM ICTs are both part of Set timer for microwave oven and affect our everyday Buy goods from a store Pressed pedestrian crossing lives. button at a traffic light  Technology on its own is useless. We need to combine technology with ICT systems people who manage and integrate it into a system that focuses on getting a particular task done efficiently. Storage (Permanent) Processing Communication Output (Working with (sending data and (Showing results) information) results) Input (Data collected) People (Users, clients, customers, operators, etc.)  ICT SYSTEMS An ICT system is a combination of hardware, software, data, processes and people with the goal of:  collecting  processing  storing  retrieving and  communicating data and information 14  Examples of ICT systems in everyday life Computer system (PC) Cellphone system Point of Sale system In this system: In this system: In this system: Customers Cellphones Staff Hardware SIM cards Scanners Software Cellphone software Servers You (the user) Cellphone towers Cables Data people Credit card Processes machines Software  Computer system (PC) In this system there is hardware, software, you the user, the data you work with and the process involved. The system takes input and processes it and produces a form of output which often needs to be stored to use at a later  Cellphone system Requires Contacts, Adequate feedback, Finance for expansion and maintenance, Tracking for billing purposes, Service repairs, Network status, Staff records, etc. These form part of the cell phone ICT system that is able to process data, manipulate information and communication with other people. Point of Sale system  At the supermarket there is a POS system at each checkout point which is connected to a server, where information regarding stock and prices are stored.  It consists of a scanner which scans in a barcode or reads a RFID tag on a product being purchased.  The checkout computer calculates the total amount to be paid and prints a receipt.  After the sale the checkout computer connects with the database to update inventory and financial records for the business.  Advantages of POS system Barcode scanning to calculate totals faster. Scanning is more accurate. Scanning allows for items to be automatically removed from the computerised stock database which helps with inventory. Sales figures are sent to head office easily After a time period data can be analysed to recognise buying trends  Ethical use of computers Moral principles that govern a person's behaviour or the conducting of an activity. Using computers in a i.e. responsible way so as not to harm people or the environment. 20  Ethical use of computers Ways in which ICT can be used to act unethically Theft: identity / data / computer time / piracy Spreading false information – greater speed and reach Creating Why thesemalicious things dosoftware: not SEEM soviruses, bad (but Trojans, they still are!): worms, etc. Cannot see or touch things you are stealing Don’t seem to hurt real people – faceless ‘numbers’ No one gets hurt physically – no potential for Piracy: illegal copying & distribution of software violence & DVDs 21  Authentication The process of verifying the identity of a person or device using methods like passwords, usernames, user ids, pin codes, etc. 22 Test and improve your knowledge Overview of module ICT in the ICT systems Information Age What is an ICT What is ICT? system? Uses of ICT Computer system Cellphone system Point of sale system Different types of Ethical use of computers computers General purpose Economic reasons computers for using computers Dedicated devices Test and improve your knowledge Important terms and concepts Data Ethics Information Information Information and and Information Communicatio Communicatio Age n Technology n Technology (ICT) (ICT) system Process POS  Written ICT in Homework Activity perspective Theory Notebook Study for a revision test on: Module 1.1 p1-5 Module 1.5