L3 BTEC Unit 1 Revision Guide PDF

## Unit 1: Digital Devices and Systems **Content:** ### Digital Devices 1 * A digital device is an electronic device that uses digital data (such as 1s and 0s) as opposed to analogue data (such as a sound wave). * **Multifunctional devices** can perform multiple functions, such as inputting and o...

## Unit 1: Digital Devices and Systems **Content:** ### Digital Devices 1 * A digital device is an electronic device that uses digital data (such as 1s and 0s) as opposed to analogue data (such as a sound wave). * **Multifunctional devices** can perform multiple functions, such as inputting and outputting data. * Examples include touch screens and multifunctional printers. * **Personal computers** are small and inexpensive computers for use by individual users. * Examples include desktops and laptops. * **Web servers** store web pages and online content, and serve data to users over the internet. * **Mobile devices** are made with portability in mind to give people computer and internet access while on the go. * Examples include smartphones and tablets. * **Servers** are powerful computers that provide services to other computers connected to a network, such as email servers. * **Entertainment systems** are devices for watching TV/films, listening to music, and playing video games. * Examples include satellite and cable digiboxes and games consoles. ### Digital Devices 2 * Digital devices are often developed to make everyday tasks easier, quicker, or more cost-effective and to provide efficient, improved access to data. * **Digital cameras** capture images and videos digitally, using an image sensor. * Examples include still and video cameras. * **Navigation systems** use GPS receivers to locate the user's position on a digital map and provide directions to a given destination. * Examples include satellite navigation devices. * **Communication devices and systems** can send and receive analogue or digital data. * Examples include phones, faxes, routers, and WiFi dongles. * **Data capture and collection systems** collect and input data through automated systems, such as barcode scanners, optical mark readers, and EPOS systems. ### Uses of Digital Devices * Digital Devices are used in *Education and Training*, *Personal*, *Social*, *Organisational*, *Retail*, and *Creative* domains. Examples include: * *Interactive Whiteboards* in Education * *Internet banking* in Personal * *VOIP calls* in Social * *Stock checking* in Organisational * *Online shopping* in Retail * *Photo Editing* in Creative ### Input and Output Devices * Peripheral devices are hardware devices that are not essential to the running of a computer system, but that connect to the system and provide additional functions. * **Input devices** receive information from the user. * Examples include keyboards, mice, scanners, graphics tablets, microphones, webcams, and sensors. * **Output devices** display information to the user. * Examples include monitors, projectors, printers, plotters, speakers, and headphones. ### Devices for Accessibility * **Accessibility devices** are specifically created to allow accessibility for people with disabilities, such as trackballs, touch screens, and Braille embossers. * **Adaptive technologies** are technologies designed specifically to aid people with disabilities, including both hardware and software. * **Manual and Automatic data processing** can help automate the input and processing of data and avoid human errors. ### Storage Devices * **Storage devices** are used to store, back up, and share data. * Examples include *Hard Disk Drives* (HDDs), *Solid State Drives* (SSDs), *SD cards*, *USB memory sticks*, *Optical disks*, and *Magnetic tape*. ### The Role of the Operating System * The operating system is the link between the hardware and the software, passing messages back and forth and carrying out instructions from the software to the hardware. * **Networking** is simplified by the operating system. Key networking technologies include the **TCP/IP stack**, **network utility programs**, and **device drives**. * **Security** is important in operating systems, and key security protocols include: * **user authentication** * **antivirus and firewall software** * **backup facilities**. * **Memory management** is the process of allocating memory to different processes. * **Multitasking** is the ability to run multiple applications simultaneously. The operating system must allocate resources (CPU, memory, and disk space) to each application. * **Device drivers** allow the operating system to communicate with a wide variety of different devices. ### User Interfaces * The user interface is the part of the software that has a huge impact on a user in terms of usability. * **Command line interfaces** (CLIs) require the user to type in commands in response to prompts displayed on the screen. * **Graphical user interfaces** (GUIs) require the user to control a pointer or touch screen to select icons and menus. * **Menu-based interfaces** present options to choose from in a menu. ### Utility Software * **Utility software** is used to manage system resources. * Examples include disk utilities, network utilities, and other utilities. * **Disk utilities** are designed to maintain the performance of a computer's disk drive. * Examples include file compressors, backup utilities, and disk defragmenters. * **Network utilities** are designed to maintain good network traffic and keep networks secure. * Examples include firewalls and antivirus software. ### File Types * **File types** are used to denote the form, or structure, of the data stored within the file. * The **file extension** tells the user what type of data the file should contain. It also tells the operating system which icon to display and which software to use to open the file when the user double-clicks the icon. * Common File types include (with examples): * **Image file types:** * GIF * JPG * PNG * BMP * **Video file types:** * MOV * MKV * **Application software file types:** * DOC * RTF * MDB * ACCDB * PPT * PDF * XLS * ODF * **Other file types:** * TXT ### Online Communities * An **online community** is a group of people who communicate over the internet about common interests. * Common online communities include: * **Social media** sites such as Facebook and Twitter * **Blogs** and **Vlogs** * **Wikis** * **Chatrooms** * **Instant messaging** services * **Podcasts** * **Forums** ### Implications of Online Communities * Online communities have both positive and negative implications for **individuals** and **organisations**. * **Individuals** face implications in the areas of *privacy*, *security*, and *ease of use*. * **Organisations** face implications in the areas of *customer needs*, *security*, *productivity*, *implementation*, and *working practices*. ### Choosing an IT System * Choosing the best IT system for an organisation or individual requires considering several key factors: * **User experience and needs** * **Specifications, compatibility, and connectivity** * **Implementation** * **Security** * **Cost** * **Efficiency and productivity** * Key **performance factors** to consider when choosing an IT system include: * **Available bandwidth and connection methods** * **Load** * **Infrastructure** ### Online Systems * **Cloud computing** refers to the use of remote servers to store data and run software, rather than physically on the user's computer. * **Cloud storage** stores data on remote servers, allowing users to access their data from various devices. * **Remote working** allows employees to access network resources remotely, using technologies such as **VPNs** and **remote desktop software**. * **Advantages** of online systems include: * *Security* * *Cost* * *Ease of use* * *Features* * *Connectivity* * *Remote working* * **Disadvantages** of online systems include: * *Security* * *Cost* * *Ease of use* * *Features* * *Connectivity* ### Network Choice and Performance * **Factors** that affect the choice of network include: * *Security* * *User experience* * *User needs* * *Specifications* * *Compatibility* * *Efficiency* * *Cost* * *Connectivity* * **Performance factors** to consider when choosing a network include: * *Available bandwidth and connection methods* * *Load* * *Infrastructure* ### Data Transmission Issues * **Security considerations:** * *User authentication*, *firewalls*, and *encryption* are key methods for ensuring secure data transmission. * **VPNs** are used to create a secure connection between remote sites and users over the internet, preventing data being intercepted and read. * **Bandwidth and latency** are key considerations: * *Bandwidth* refers to the rate of data transfer over a network; *latency* refers to the time delay for a data packet to transfer to its destination. * **Compression** is used to reduce file size, making data transmission faster and improving performance. * **Codecs** are programs used to compress and decompress video and audio files. ### Protecting Data: Tools and Techniques * Data security requires using a combination of tools, techniques, and processes to limit access and secure data. * **Techniques** include: * **Backup and recovery procedures** * **Passwords** * **Physical access control** * **Protocols** * **Digital certificates** * **Tools** include: * **Antivirus software** * **Firewalls** * **Encyption** * **Biometric authentication** identifies individuals through their fingerprints or iris scans. ### Legislation Protecting Users and Data * **Data Protection Act** 2018 is the main UK legislation for protection of personal data. * **GDPR** is the EU General Data Protection Regulation, which applies to data collected by organisations in the EU. * **Computer Misuse Act** 1990 is a UK law which covers offences related to hacking and distributing malware. * **Copyright, Designs and Patents Act** 1988 is a UK law that protects the rights of creators of original works of art, music, and literature. * **Consumer Rights Act** 2015 is a UK law that covers consumer rights regarding goods and services, including digital content. * **Police and Justice Act** 2006 (Computer Misuse) is a UK law which covers denial of service attacks (DoS). * **Health and Safety (Display Equipment) Regulations** 1992 are UK regulations requiring organizations to make sure that display equipment, such as computer monitors, meet health and safety standards. ### Legislation Ensuring Accessibility * **Equality Act** 2010 is a UK law that prohibits discrimination based on disability and other characteristics. * **British Standards Institute** (BSI) codes of practice provide guidance on accessibility for users with disabilities, including web products. * **Open Accessibility Framework** (OAF) is an international framework for making IT systems accessible. * **WCAG** 1.0 and 2.0 are guidelines for making Web Content accessible to all. ### Moral and Ethical Issues in IT * IT systems have brought about many benefits, but there are also associated moral and ethical issues. * **Environmental** issues include: * *Increased manufacturing output and energy use* * *Greenhouse gases from electronic device production* * **Unequal access** issues include: * *The digital divide between developed and underdeveloped nations* * *Limited access to resources for people with disabilities* * **Online behaviour** issues: * *Cyberbullying and trolling* * *Freedom of speech* * **Acceptable use** policies are used by many workplaces to define acceptable use of IT systems. * **Copyright** issues: * *Illegal download of movies and software* * *Copyright infringement regarding the use of images* * **Data protection** issues: * *Maintaining the privacy of others' personal data* * *Keeping data secure* * **Computer misuse** issues: * *Denial of service attacks* * *Hacking* * **Accessibility** issues: * *Ensuring that new IT systems are accessible to people with disabilities* * *Creating IT systems that do not cause undue stress or anxiety for people with disabilities* ### Data Presentation and Trend Analysis * **Data presentation** enables decision makers to use data to inform their decisions. * Effective **trend analysis** allows organizations to identify trends in the data and make better predictions about the future. * **Common methods for presenting data** include: * *Tabular data* * *Graphical data* * **Common methods for gathering data** include: * *Questionnaires* * *Interviews* * *Focus groups* ### Processing Data * Data is invaluable to organizations and individuals, and plays a key role in decision-making processes. * **Data accuracy** is essential for making sound decisions. * **Validation** methods ensure that data entered into a system is sensible and reasonable. Common validation methods include *type checks*, *range checks*, *length checks*, *format checks*, and *double-entry checks*. * **Verification** methods ensure that data entered into a system matches the original source. * **Numerical and data modelling** involves simulating systems to help analyze data and make predictions. ### Using Online Services * **Collaborative working** allows people to work on the same project, even if they are in different locations. * **Version control** allows users to work on the same document, ensuring that everyone is working on the most up-to-date version. * **Transactional data** is collected from purchases made by customers, and can be used to analyze trends and plan marketing strategies. * **Targeted marketing** allows businesses to target specific groups of customers. ### Protecting Data: Legislation and Codes of Practice * Data protection is supported through legislation and codes of practice. * The **Data Protection Act 2018** is the main UK law on data protection. * The **Computer Misuse Act** 1990 covers offenses related to hacking and distributing malware. * **Codes of practice** are guidelines that help organizations ensure they are handling data in a safe and legal manner. ### Impact of IT Systems on Organisations * IT systems can have a significant impact on organizations, but it is important to consider the potential impact before implementing new systems. * Key areas to consider before implementing new IT systems include: * *User experience* * *Employee/customer needs* * *Cost* * *Implementation* * *Replacement/integration with current systems* * *Productivity* * *Working practices* * *Staff culture* * *Security* * *Compliance with new legislation* ### Data Gathering * Organizations need to gather data for a wide variety of reasons, such as market research and customer feedback. * **Data reliability** is crucial. Data should be: * *Complete* * *Accurate* ### Presenting Data and Results * The user interface of a database system is important for presenting data and results to users. * Key considerations for designing a user interface include: * *Error reduction* * *Functionality* * *Ease of use and accessibility* * *Intuitiveness* * *Performance and compatibility* ### Case Studies * Case studies present scenarios that allow students to apply their knowledge to real-world situations. * Key aspects of case studies include: * *Highlighting relevant information* * *Relating answers to the case study* * *Providing a clear conclusion* ### Long-Answer Questions * These questions require students to provide a detailed analysis of a problem. * When answering a long-answer question, consider the following: * *Demonstrate thorough knowledge of the subject* * *Apply knowledge to the context of the question* * *Use technical language accurately* * *Provide a supported conclusion* ### Short-Answer Questions * These questions require students to provide factual information. * Key aspects of answering a short-answer question include: * *Reading the question carefully* * *Highlighting or underlining key words* * *Providing enough detail but keeping to the point* ### 'Draw' Questions * These questions require students to produce a diagram or flowchart. * Key considerations when answering a 'Draw' question include: * *Including all the necessary components* * *Using an appropriate layout and format* * *Providing clear annotations* ### 'Explain' Questions * These questions require students to show that they understand the subject and can provide reasons to support a view or argument. * Key considerations when answering an 'Explain' question include: * *Providing a clear and structured answer* * *Supporting your view with evidence* ### 'Analyse' Questions * These questions require a detailed analysis of a topic. * Key considerations when answering an 'Analyse' question include: * *Breaking the topic down into its parts* * *Discussing the relationships between the parts* * *Considering both advantages and disadvantages* * *Making clear explanations* ### Moral and Ethical Issues in IT * IT has raised a range of moral and ethical issues that must be carefully considered, including those related to: * *The environment* * *Unequal access* * *Online behaviour* * *Acceptable use policies* * *Copyright* * *Data protection* * *Computer misuse* * *Accessibility*