1.4 Information Networks
1.4.1 LAN and WAN
1.4.1.1 Understand the terms, local area network (LAN), wide area
network (WAN). Understand the term client/server.
What is a LAN (local Area Network)?
• A LAN (Local Area Network) is a system whereby individual PCs are connected together
within a company or organisation. For instance if ten people are working together within
an office it makes sense for them all to be connected. In this way, the office can have a
single printer and all ten people can print to it. In a similar way, other devices such as
modems or scanners can be shared. Even more useful is the ability to share information
when connected to a network.
What is a WAN?
• A WAN (Wide Area Network) as the name implies allows you to connect to other
computers over a wider area (i.e. the whole world).
What does client/server mean?
• This term relates to the type of network where resources are kept centrally on the server
and used locally by the client. The server tends to be a very powerful PC (or group of
PCs), while each client workstation, which the users have, is less powerful.
1.4.1.2 List some of the advantages associated with group working such
as: sharing printers, applications, and files across a network.
What is workgroup computing?
• The idea of a workgroup is that groups of people working together can share their
resources with each other. People within the workgroup can share information on their
hard disks as well as sharing printers, modems and scanners. The workgroup is
connected via a computer network. This network can simply consist of a few computers
at a single location physically connected to each other via a network cable, or it may be a
workgroup of computers connected globally via the Internet. The networked nature of
computers means that the physical distance between workgroups members is fast
becoming irrelevant.
• Many programs are designed to be used within a workgroup. For instance when using a
word-processor you may use what are called templates. Your organisation might want to
use a standard Fax header sheet. If a template for this header sheet is held on a single
computer but available to all the other computers then this has the advantage that when
you need to make a change to the Fax header you only have to change one file, rather
than change the files on each computer.
Advantages of workgroup computing
• As there is no reliance on a central computer, there is less chance of major disruption if
one computer goes down for a while.
• Provided members of the workgroup have the authority and access rights, they can
share data on a temporary basis with colleagues, as required, without the need for a
network administrator to get involved.
• In small offices there may be no need for a dedicated network administrator, and this can
result in considerable cost savings.
Disadvantages of workgroup computing
• If you share files on your PC with many other people, this can slow down the running of
your PC.
• The security of the computer network may not be as good as the traditional client/server
network arrangement.
• You may give total access to the files on your PC, which may then be damaged or even
deleted, by other members of the workgroup.
1.4.2 Intranet, Extranet
1.4.2.1 Understand what an Intranet is and understand the distinction
between the Internet and an Intranet.
What is the difference between the Internet and an Intranet?
• An Intranet is a smaller, closed version of the Internet, which can only be accessed by
authorised members of an organisation. Intranets are becoming an increasingly popular
way to share information within a company or other organisation. An Intranet uses
Internet technologies to allow users to access company documents, search databases,
schedule meetings and of course send emails. Once a company has installed a
comprehensive Intranet many users need only one piece of software on their PC, a web
browser.
1.4.2.2 Understand what an Extranet is and understand the distinction
between an Intranet and an Extranet.
What is the difference between an Intranet and an Extranet?
• An Extranet is an Intranet which is partially accessible to authorised outsiders. An
Intranet is normally only accessible by members of the same company or organisation;
an extranet also allows outsiders who have been issued with a password to gain limited
access to information held on a company network. Extranets are being used as a way for
business partners to share information.
1.4.3 The Internet
What is the Internet?
• A collection of networks started by and for the US military to enable them to 'survive' a
nuclear war. Later adopted by the educational system, and now exploited by the
commercial world.
1.4.3.1 Understand what the Internet is and know some of its main uses.
What is the Internet and how is it useful?
• The Internet is a global network of interconnected networks. The unique thing about the
Internet is the sheer amount of information which you can access from it. Whatever your
interest, you can search for and find information on the most obscure topics. For
research the Internet is an incredibly valuable tool. Whether you are gathering
information about a rival company on the other side of the world, or are looking for
information about your family tree, you will find there is plenty of information available. If
you publish material on the Web, it can be accessed by everyone on the Web (providing
they can find it.). As a marketing tool, this has interesting possibilities. It is possible for a
small company to sell products and services worldwide, without the need for a single
sales-person. These days the problem is often not finding information but rather dealing
with the sheer amount of information which is available. Also, you have no idea how
accurate or up to date a lot of the information you access really is.
More information about search engines: http://www.searchenginewatch.com
1.4.3.2 Understand what the World Wide Web (WWW) is and distinguish
it from the Internet.
What is the difference between the World Wide Web (WWW) and the Internet?
• The World Wide Web (WWW) is just a small part of the Internet as a whole. The Internet
relates to all the hardware and software involved, as well as the WWW, it also includes
FTP (File Transfer Protocol), email and newsgroups. The WWW is basically the text and
pictures which you can view using your web browser, such as Microsoft Internet
Explorer, or Netscape Navigator.
1.4.4 The Telephone Network in Computing
1.4.4.1 Understand the use of the telephone network in computing.
Understand the terms Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN),
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), Asymmetric Digital
Subscriber Line (ADSL).
How is the telephone line used in computing?
• If you use a modem to connect to the Internet, then this connection is made via the
telephone network.
Where to get help about technical terms
• Check out an excellent site, which you can find at:
http://www.webopedia.com
What is PSTN?
• PSTN (or Public Switched Telephone Network) is the technical name for the public
telephone system. It is based on traditional 'copper wire' technology and can transmit
analogue voice data.
What is PSDN?
• PSDN (or Public Switched Data Network) is simply the technical name for the telephone
system in use today.
What is ISDN?
• Stands for "Integrated Services Digital Network." ISDN dates back to 1984, and allows
much faster transfer rates than when using modems. Using ISDN, you can transfer 64
Kbit or 128 Kbit of data per second.
What is ADSL?
• Short for 'Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line'. A more recent technology which allows
more data to be sent over existing copper telephone lines, but requires a special ADSL
modem.
• ADSL allows data transfer rates of ranging from 0.5 to 8 Mbps when receiving data
(called the downstream rate) and from 16 to 640 Kbps when sending data (called the
upstream rate).
What is DSL?
• Refers collectively to all types of 'Digital Subscriber Lines', the two main categories
being ADSL and SDSL. DSL technology allows faster data transfer while still using
copper wires (as opposed to optic fibre cables).
1.4.4.2 Understand the terms analogue, digital, modem, transfer rate,
(measured in bps – bits per second).
Digital vs. analogue
• A digital system uses 1 or 0 to transmit data or to represent data. Thus, a digital clock
will display whole seconds, whole minutes and whole hours. An analogue system, such
as a traditional clock, does not use multiples of 1 or 0, but rather uses the full range of
numbers, including fractions. In this way, an analogue clock can display fractions of a
second.
Modem
• Modem stands for “MODulate/DEModulate”. The modem sends information from your
computer across the telephone system. The modem at the other end of the phone line,
converts the signal back into a format which can be used by the receiving computer.
Baud rate
• The baud rate tells you how fast a modem can send/receive data. Most modern modems
have a maximum baud rate of 56 Kilobits per second (Kb/sec).
1.5 The Use of IT in Everyday Life
1.5.1 Computers at Work
1.5.1.1 Identify some situations where a computer might be more
appropriate than a person for carrying out a task and where not.
Where computers might be more appropriate than people
• Repetitive tasks: In the past, many repetitive jobs were performed by low skilled, poorly
paid workers. Now is it more common to use computers instead.
• Easily automated tasks: The phone system is now largely automatic, while in former
times all calls were made through an operator. Many other examples exist. How many
can you think of?
• Mathematical calculations: A computer is ideally suited to performing mathematical
calculations. Before computers were widely available accountants used to work on
manual, paper-based spreadsheets. Within a spreadsheet, a common task would be
adding up a column of figures, and then taking the total, which is added to other columns
of figures. If you change one number within a column which is being summed, there can
be a knock-on effect on many other calculations within the spreadsheet. Re-calculating a
spreadsheet could take hours (or days). On a computer, this re-calculation can take
seconds.
• Dangerous situations: Monitoring of polluted or radioactive environments is suited to
computer-based robots, where the use of a human would expose that person to
unacceptable risks. Unmanned, computer-controlled machines almost exclusively carry
out serious space exploration. A recent exploration of Mars involved a computerised
‘car’, which had to make decisions on its own. It could not be remotely controlled from
earth, as the time taken for the signal to reach Mars is just too long.
Where people might be more appropriate than computers
• Computers have their limits (how do Daleks from the TV series “Dr Who” cope with
stairs?)
• When you are unwell and visit your doctor, it is often a person to whom you want to talk,
as there might well be other factors affecting your health (maybe personal problems)
which you would not feel happy typing into a computer, but would feel comfortable
describing to your local doctor, whom you may well have known for years. In most of the
caring professions, the same is true, whether it be doctors, nurses or social workers. The
human touch is important.
• Despite the uptake of e-commerce, (selling on the Net, banking on the Net and so on),
there are many people (myself included) who still like to have the option of a real person
to whom you can talk, be it the local bank manager or a real person on the end of a
telephone sales line. Does anyone like ringing a large organisation and being greeted
with a range of buttons to press, in order to communicate with a computerised telephone
system? Even ordering cinema tickets can now involve a lengthy phone call, listening to
a synthetic voice describing many films you do not want to see, and pressing many
buttons.
• For many years, science fiction has portrayed images of a thinking, sentient android
(Lieutenant Data from Star Trek for instance). In reality this is a long way from present
capabilities and when it comes to anything requiring creative thought, a human wins
every time. Computers in their present form would gain little from studying philosophy for
instance. They can memorise the facts, but cannot make the creative leaps which
humans can. On a more mundane level, when it comes to even a simple task such as
cleaning your home, a human can deal with mess, clutter and items (such as chairs)
which have changed their position recently. Even this simple task is beyond a small
computer.
• Computers are very bad at recognising and interpreting shapes. They can take
photographs and record images on video, but they have no understanding of the
meaning of shapes, and will be easily confused when presented with two overlapping
shapes. The human process of pattern recognition, as recent research had
demonstrated, is vastly more complicated than we used to think. For these reasons it is
humans, not computers who will examine tissue smears for signs of abnormality within
hospitals.
• In time things may change, it was not very long ago that a computer was incapable of
beating a chess grand master.
1.5.1.2 Know some of the uses of large-scale computer applications in
business such as: business administration systems, airline booking
systems, insurance claims processing, online banking.
Examples of large scale computer applications in business
• Business administration systems: The classic use of a computer is to run business
administration systems, and all aspects of this have now been computerised.
• Airline booking systems: Airline booking systems have long been computerised. This
maximises profit for the airline companies and is often more convenience for the
customer. Many of these airline-booking systems have now also been integrated with
online airline ticket sales.
• Insurance claims processing: All insurance companies use very large mainframe
computers, combined with specialist software to manage their business. The software
involved can handle all aspects of claims procedures. As with many large-scale systems,
some insurance companies have invested in over ambitious computerisation and there
are numerous examples where many millions have been wasted over the years.
• Online banking: Most banks now offer some form of online banking. This has the
advantage to the bank that costs can be reduced. Some banks are completely online,
with no physical branches at all. The customers benefit from 24-hour access to banking
services. The downside is that this leads too many job losses in the banking industry and
when things go wrong there is no physical person you can go and see and make your
complaints to. Some leading banks have demonstrated a degree of incompetence when
it comes to the security of their online systems and many people are very reluctant to
trust online banking systems yet.
1.5.1.3 Know some of the uses of large-scale computer applications in
government such as: public records systems (census, vehicle
registration), revenue collection, electronic voting.
Uses of large scale computers applications within government
• Census: Every few years census details are taken and entered into large computer
databases. This data can then be used to extract useful information and predict trends.
In some cases this data is also being made available online, so that it becomes even
more accessible and useful.
• Vehicle registration: All car and lorry details are kept centrally; this makes it easy to find
the owners of cars, which can be useful for police, customs and security services.
• Revenue collection: Increasingly aspects of government revenue collection are being
computerised, which in many cases involves online systems as well.
• Electronic voting: Governments are experimenting with online voting systems, often in
response to appallingly low voter turnout. Security remains the main obstacle to the
extension of this idea.
www.ukonline.gov.uk
1.5.1.4 Know some of the uses of large-scale computer applications in
hospitals/healthcare such as: patient records systems, ambulance
control systems, diagnostic tools and instruments, specialist surgical
equipment.
Uses of computer applications within hospitals and the health care system
• Patient record systems: Appointment and record systems are computerised and
centralised. This means that doctors at one location can access medical records from
another location. The results of tests can be emailed rather than being posted, which
speeds up treatment.
• Ambulance control systems: Ambulances are often centrally controlled and the
computer systems can now integrate satellite positioning to pinpoint the location of each
ambulance. In times of large scale disasters, ambulances from different regions can be
coordinated.
• Diagnostic tools and specialist surgical equipment: The modern intensive care
facility is filled with computerised diagnostic equipment. Even the doctor’s surgery is
increasing being taken over by computers, which will monitor heart rate, blood pressure
etc.
1.5.1.5 Know some of the uses of computer applications in education
such as: student registration and timetabling systems, computer-based
training (CBT), distance learning, homework using the Internet.
Uses of computer applications in education
• Student registration and timetabling: There are many specialist programs designed to
computerise these otherwise time consuming tasks.
• Computer Based Training (CBT): Computer Based Training (CBT) offers a low cost
solution to training needs where you need to train a large amount of people on a single
subject. These programs are normally supplied on CD-ROM / DVD and combine text,
graphics and sound. Packages range from general encyclopaedias right through to
learning a foreign language. As an alternative to training via CD-ROM / DVD, CBT can
also be delivered via the Internet.
• Using the Internet as a homework resource: The Internet is the ultimate resource for
getting the information necessary to complete a student’s homework. The Internet can
also be used to set and collect homework (via email).
• Distance learning systems: E-learning is a term used to describe studying via the
Internet. It can take many forms ranging from a simple web version of printed books,
through to advanced use of video images with sound. In many cases there can be realtime
two-way communication between the teacher and the student.
Advantages include:
- One trainer can train many people at many different locations.
- If the training is solely computer based, then the students can work at their own pace,
and repeat parts of a course which they do not understand. Also the teaching can be at
any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Often e-learning solutions are cheaper to provide than other more traditional teaching
methods.
Disadvantages include:
- There may be no opportunity to ask a question of a real person.
- The Internet connection may temporarily fail for some reason.
- You may have to pay for the connection time, by the minute.
- The download speed may be too slow for some forms of e-learning
- Because of the increased time required to produce some types of e-learning packages,
the e-learning tutorials may not be available for some time following the release of a new
version of software, or a new certification syllabus.
1.5.1.6 Understand the term tele-working. List some of the advantages of
tele-working such as: reduced or no commuting time, greater ability to
focus on one task, flexible schedules, reduced company space
requirements. List some disadvantages of tele-working such as: lack of
human contact, less emphasis on teamwork.
What is tele-working?
• Tele-working is a broad term which refers to people working at home connected to the
rest of the organisation via a computer network. Communication is via email or the
telephone. This arrangement has advantages and disadvantages to both the employer
and the employee.
Some of the advantages of tele-working
• Advantages include:
Reduced or zero commuting time.
This saves time (and money) for the employee and reduces environmental overheads,
as less commuting means less car pollution. It means that the employee does not arrive
at work already stressed from car jams or late train connections.
Greater ability to focus on one task:
As there are fewer interruptions from low priority phone calls, there is a greater ability to
concentrate and focus.
Flexible schedules:
In many cases, as long as the job gets done, it does not matter when the job gets done.
This means there is time for other activities, such as picking up the kids from school. It
also means that work can be finished in the evening if required. If it is a beautiful day,
why not take advantage of the weather, and finish your work later.
Reduced office desk space requirements:
The cost of Office space can be very high and tele-working can help to reduce these
costs if a proportion of the staff work at home. "Hot Desking" is a term used to indicate
that people do not have a desk dedicated to their exclusive use. People simply sit at any
desk and log on to the networked computers using their own ID, which will allow them to
uniquely access their own work stored within the computer system. Hot Desking is
popular where staff spend a proportion of their time working at home, or at sites outside
the main office complex.
Some of the disadvantages of tele-working
• As well as advantages, there are many disadvantages for tele-workers, which include:
Lack of human contact:
Many people cite this as the single biggest factor when switching from a regular office
job, to tele-working. In fact many companies now arrange company gossip networks, just
so that people can keep in touch.
Negative impact on teamwork:
If you never see the rest of the team it is hard to feel part of the team. To some extent
this is offset by video links and by occasional get-together meetings.
Self-discipline:
It can take a lot to work from home and remain focused on work. It is all very well saying
'I will take the afternoon off and work this evening', but come the evening you may not
feel like working.
Possible Employee Exploitation:
If workers are isolated from each other there is the possibility for companies to take
1.5.2 Electronic World
1.5.2.1 Understand the term electronic mail (e-mail) and know its main
uses.
What is email?
• Email allows you to send a message to another person almost instantly, anywhere in the
world. It requires both computers to be connected to the Internet. As well as sending a
text message, files can be sent as email attachments.
1.5.2.2 Understand the term e-Commerce. Understand the concept of
purchasing goods and services online, including giving personal details
before a transaction can be carried out, payment methods, consumer’s
basic right to return unsatisfactory goods.
What is E-commerce?
• The phrase e-commerce is a buzzword which relates to buying or selling via the Internet.
Increasingly you can purchase directly via a Web site by selecting the goods or services
which you require and entering your credit card details. When you send your credit card
details these SHOULD be encrypted by the site operators so that no one can intercept
your details. Most sites which accept credit card payment are on secure services and
your Internet browser program (i.e. Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape
Communicator) will normally inform you (via a popup) when you are entering or leaving a
secure server.
What is E-banking?
• The phrase e-banking relates to managing your money online. Instead of having to go to
the local branch, or telephoning them, you can pay your bills online and move money
from one place to another. Some online banks have no physical branches at all, making
it a very profitable operation for the bank. There are security considerations relating to
online banking, with numerous examples of poor security coupled with sloppy
operations.
The process of shopping online
• There are numerous web sites from where you can purchase online, the most famous of
all being amazon.com as illustrated. Most Internet based shopping sites use a virtual
“shopping cart” system. As you browse the site you can add any products you want to
purchase to your cart. Once you have placed items in the cart you can then move to the
checkout stage. At the checkout you enter your name & address, select the type of
delivery you want and enter your payment details.
1.5.2.3 List some of the advantages of purchasing goods and services
online, such as: services available 24 hours a day, opportunity to view a
wide range of products. List some of the disadvantages of purchasing
goods and services online such as: choosing from a virtual store, no
human contact, risk of insecure payment methods.
The advantages of e-commerce
• There are many advantages using e-commerce:
Services available 24 / 7:
Unlike a normal shop which closes in the evening, you can shop via the Internet 24
hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
Large stock range:
A larger range of stock can be carried than a conventional store. The stock does not
have to be distributed and duplicated over many physical stores, but rather it can be held
in one central distribution warehouse.
Detailed product information:
A detailed product description for each product, along with a picture can be given. There
can even be links to the product manufactures own web site.
Ability to compare prices:
Many sites claim to offer you the very best prices. You can use the information on these
sites to compare prices.
Equal delivery to town and country:
The fact that you may live in the countryside, far from the nearest town makes no
difference at all when shopping via the Net.
Right to return defective goods:
Most e-commerce web sites will have a 'Returns Policy' and it is advisable to read this
prior to purchase. In many cases you will find that the law gives you a right to return
defective goods or even goods which are not quite as you expected.
The disadvantages of e-commerce
• Includes the following:
Possible Credit card Fraud:
Some web sites have been set up solely to trick you into providing your credit card
details, which can later be sold to criminals so that they can make purchases with your
money. When it comes to credit card fraud there is basically one rule 'wherever humanly
possible the bank never pays: - someone else does', make sure that someone is not you.
Check the small print on your credit card agreement.
Is the web site genuine?:
When you purchase from a company such as amazon.com, you know that the company
is well respected, is unlikely to go bust tomorrow, and above all will not attempt to 'run off
with your money'. But what about when you purchase online from a company you have
never heard of? Look for clues. Is there a client list on the site? How long has the
company been trading. Are full contact details provided? If in doubt ring the phone
numbers provided on the site and try to decide whether the company sounds genuine.
Ask for references from other customers. Just because you see trade association logos
on a site, do not assume that the use of these logos is genuine. There are organisations
now whose sole purpose is to verify that other web sites belong to honest companies.
What about returning faulty goods?:
If the goods arrive and are substandard, who pays to return them. Where do you return
them to? Be sure you know about a company’s returns policy, BEFORE you make an
online purchase.
How are you covered when you purchase goods from another country?
This is a minefield. Each country may have its own laws relating to consumer protection.
Be warned!
Can you talk to a real person?
I recently heard a radio presenter who purchased a computer online, through a very well
known PC manufacturer. He purchased the computer for his daughter, in good time for
Christmas. As Christmas due near he tried to find out what was happening, but was
unable to talk to a real person and was forced to rely solely on email contact with the
company. The computer eventually turned up in February. Never buy from a company
which does not provide you with full contact details including a telephone number.
.
1.4.1 LAN and WAN
1.4.1.1 Understand the terms, local area network (LAN), wide area
network (WAN). Understand the term client/server.
What is a LAN (local Area Network)?
• A LAN (Local Area Network) is a system whereby individual PCs are connected together
within a company or organisation. For instance if ten people are working together within
an office it makes sense for them all to be connected. In this way, the office can have a
single printer and all ten people can print to it. In a similar way, other devices such as
modems or scanners can be shared. Even more useful is the ability to share information
when connected to a network.
What is a WAN?
• A WAN (Wide Area Network) as the name implies allows you to connect to other
computers over a wider area (i.e. the whole world).
What does client/server mean?
• This term relates to the type of network where resources are kept centrally on the server
and used locally by the client. The server tends to be a very powerful PC (or group of
PCs), while each client workstation, which the users have, is less powerful.
1.4.1.2 List some of the advantages associated with group working such
as: sharing printers, applications, and files across a network.
What is workgroup computing?
• The idea of a workgroup is that groups of people working together can share their
resources with each other. People within the workgroup can share information on their
hard disks as well as sharing printers, modems and scanners. The workgroup is
connected via a computer network. This network can simply consist of a few computers
at a single location physically connected to each other via a network cable, or it may be a
workgroup of computers connected globally via the Internet. The networked nature of
computers means that the physical distance between workgroups members is fast
becoming irrelevant.
• Many programs are designed to be used within a workgroup. For instance when using a
word-processor you may use what are called templates. Your organisation might want to
use a standard Fax header sheet. If a template for this header sheet is held on a single
computer but available to all the other computers then this has the advantage that when
you need to make a change to the Fax header you only have to change one file, rather
than change the files on each computer.
Advantages of workgroup computing
• As there is no reliance on a central computer, there is less chance of major disruption if
one computer goes down for a while.
• Provided members of the workgroup have the authority and access rights, they can
share data on a temporary basis with colleagues, as required, without the need for a
network administrator to get involved.
• In small offices there may be no need for a dedicated network administrator, and this can
result in considerable cost savings.
Disadvantages of workgroup computing
• If you share files on your PC with many other people, this can slow down the running of
your PC.
• The security of the computer network may not be as good as the traditional client/server
network arrangement.
• You may give total access to the files on your PC, which may then be damaged or even
deleted, by other members of the workgroup.
1.4.2 Intranet, Extranet
1.4.2.1 Understand what an Intranet is and understand the distinction
between the Internet and an Intranet.
What is the difference between the Internet and an Intranet?
• An Intranet is a smaller, closed version of the Internet, which can only be accessed by
authorised members of an organisation. Intranets are becoming an increasingly popular
way to share information within a company or other organisation. An Intranet uses
Internet technologies to allow users to access company documents, search databases,
schedule meetings and of course send emails. Once a company has installed a
comprehensive Intranet many users need only one piece of software on their PC, a web
browser.
1.4.2.2 Understand what an Extranet is and understand the distinction
between an Intranet and an Extranet.
What is the difference between an Intranet and an Extranet?
• An Extranet is an Intranet which is partially accessible to authorised outsiders. An
Intranet is normally only accessible by members of the same company or organisation;
an extranet also allows outsiders who have been issued with a password to gain limited
access to information held on a company network. Extranets are being used as a way for
business partners to share information.
1.4.3 The Internet
What is the Internet?
• A collection of networks started by and for the US military to enable them to 'survive' a
nuclear war. Later adopted by the educational system, and now exploited by the
commercial world.
1.4.3.1 Understand what the Internet is and know some of its main uses.
What is the Internet and how is it useful?
• The Internet is a global network of interconnected networks. The unique thing about the
Internet is the sheer amount of information which you can access from it. Whatever your
interest, you can search for and find information on the most obscure topics. For
research the Internet is an incredibly valuable tool. Whether you are gathering
information about a rival company on the other side of the world, or are looking for
information about your family tree, you will find there is plenty of information available. If
you publish material on the Web, it can be accessed by everyone on the Web (providing
they can find it.). As a marketing tool, this has interesting possibilities. It is possible for a
small company to sell products and services worldwide, without the need for a single
sales-person. These days the problem is often not finding information but rather dealing
with the sheer amount of information which is available. Also, you have no idea how
accurate or up to date a lot of the information you access really is.
More information about search engines: http://www.searchenginewatch.com
1.4.3.2 Understand what the World Wide Web (WWW) is and distinguish
it from the Internet.
What is the difference between the World Wide Web (WWW) and the Internet?
• The World Wide Web (WWW) is just a small part of the Internet as a whole. The Internet
relates to all the hardware and software involved, as well as the WWW, it also includes
FTP (File Transfer Protocol), email and newsgroups. The WWW is basically the text and
pictures which you can view using your web browser, such as Microsoft Internet
Explorer, or Netscape Navigator.
1.4.4 The Telephone Network in Computing
1.4.4.1 Understand the use of the telephone network in computing.
Understand the terms Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN),
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), Asymmetric Digital
Subscriber Line (ADSL).
How is the telephone line used in computing?
• If you use a modem to connect to the Internet, then this connection is made via the
telephone network.
Where to get help about technical terms
• Check out an excellent site, which you can find at:
http://www.webopedia.com
What is PSTN?
• PSTN (or Public Switched Telephone Network) is the technical name for the public
telephone system. It is based on traditional 'copper wire' technology and can transmit
analogue voice data.
What is PSDN?
• PSDN (or Public Switched Data Network) is simply the technical name for the telephone
system in use today.
What is ISDN?
• Stands for "Integrated Services Digital Network." ISDN dates back to 1984, and allows
much faster transfer rates than when using modems. Using ISDN, you can transfer 64
Kbit or 128 Kbit of data per second.
What is ADSL?
• Short for 'Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line'. A more recent technology which allows
more data to be sent over existing copper telephone lines, but requires a special ADSL
modem.
• ADSL allows data transfer rates of ranging from 0.5 to 8 Mbps when receiving data
(called the downstream rate) and from 16 to 640 Kbps when sending data (called the
upstream rate).
What is DSL?
• Refers collectively to all types of 'Digital Subscriber Lines', the two main categories
being ADSL and SDSL. DSL technology allows faster data transfer while still using
copper wires (as opposed to optic fibre cables).
1.4.4.2 Understand the terms analogue, digital, modem, transfer rate,
(measured in bps – bits per second).
Digital vs. analogue
• A digital system uses 1 or 0 to transmit data or to represent data. Thus, a digital clock
will display whole seconds, whole minutes and whole hours. An analogue system, such
as a traditional clock, does not use multiples of 1 or 0, but rather uses the full range of
numbers, including fractions. In this way, an analogue clock can display fractions of a
second.
Modem
• Modem stands for “MODulate/DEModulate”. The modem sends information from your
computer across the telephone system. The modem at the other end of the phone line,
converts the signal back into a format which can be used by the receiving computer.
Baud rate
• The baud rate tells you how fast a modem can send/receive data. Most modern modems
have a maximum baud rate of 56 Kilobits per second (Kb/sec).
1.5 The Use of IT in Everyday Life
1.5.1 Computers at Work
1.5.1.1 Identify some situations where a computer might be more
appropriate than a person for carrying out a task and where not.
Where computers might be more appropriate than people
• Repetitive tasks: In the past, many repetitive jobs were performed by low skilled, poorly
paid workers. Now is it more common to use computers instead.
• Easily automated tasks: The phone system is now largely automatic, while in former
times all calls were made through an operator. Many other examples exist. How many
can you think of?
• Mathematical calculations: A computer is ideally suited to performing mathematical
calculations. Before computers were widely available accountants used to work on
manual, paper-based spreadsheets. Within a spreadsheet, a common task would be
adding up a column of figures, and then taking the total, which is added to other columns
of figures. If you change one number within a column which is being summed, there can
be a knock-on effect on many other calculations within the spreadsheet. Re-calculating a
spreadsheet could take hours (or days). On a computer, this re-calculation can take
seconds.
• Dangerous situations: Monitoring of polluted or radioactive environments is suited to
computer-based robots, where the use of a human would expose that person to
unacceptable risks. Unmanned, computer-controlled machines almost exclusively carry
out serious space exploration. A recent exploration of Mars involved a computerised
‘car’, which had to make decisions on its own. It could not be remotely controlled from
earth, as the time taken for the signal to reach Mars is just too long.
Where people might be more appropriate than computers
• Computers have their limits (how do Daleks from the TV series “Dr Who” cope with
stairs?)
• When you are unwell and visit your doctor, it is often a person to whom you want to talk,
as there might well be other factors affecting your health (maybe personal problems)
which you would not feel happy typing into a computer, but would feel comfortable
describing to your local doctor, whom you may well have known for years. In most of the
caring professions, the same is true, whether it be doctors, nurses or social workers. The
human touch is important.
• Despite the uptake of e-commerce, (selling on the Net, banking on the Net and so on),
there are many people (myself included) who still like to have the option of a real person
to whom you can talk, be it the local bank manager or a real person on the end of a
telephone sales line. Does anyone like ringing a large organisation and being greeted
with a range of buttons to press, in order to communicate with a computerised telephone
system? Even ordering cinema tickets can now involve a lengthy phone call, listening to
a synthetic voice describing many films you do not want to see, and pressing many
buttons.
• For many years, science fiction has portrayed images of a thinking, sentient android
(Lieutenant Data from Star Trek for instance). In reality this is a long way from present
capabilities and when it comes to anything requiring creative thought, a human wins
every time. Computers in their present form would gain little from studying philosophy for
instance. They can memorise the facts, but cannot make the creative leaps which
humans can. On a more mundane level, when it comes to even a simple task such as
cleaning your home, a human can deal with mess, clutter and items (such as chairs)
which have changed their position recently. Even this simple task is beyond a small
computer.
• Computers are very bad at recognising and interpreting shapes. They can take
photographs and record images on video, but they have no understanding of the
meaning of shapes, and will be easily confused when presented with two overlapping
shapes. The human process of pattern recognition, as recent research had
demonstrated, is vastly more complicated than we used to think. For these reasons it is
humans, not computers who will examine tissue smears for signs of abnormality within
hospitals.
• In time things may change, it was not very long ago that a computer was incapable of
beating a chess grand master.
1.5.1.2 Know some of the uses of large-scale computer applications in
business such as: business administration systems, airline booking
systems, insurance claims processing, online banking.
Examples of large scale computer applications in business
• Business administration systems: The classic use of a computer is to run business
administration systems, and all aspects of this have now been computerised.
• Airline booking systems: Airline booking systems have long been computerised. This
maximises profit for the airline companies and is often more convenience for the
customer. Many of these airline-booking systems have now also been integrated with
online airline ticket sales.
• Insurance claims processing: All insurance companies use very large mainframe
computers, combined with specialist software to manage their business. The software
involved can handle all aspects of claims procedures. As with many large-scale systems,
some insurance companies have invested in over ambitious computerisation and there
are numerous examples where many millions have been wasted over the years.
• Online banking: Most banks now offer some form of online banking. This has the
advantage to the bank that costs can be reduced. Some banks are completely online,
with no physical branches at all. The customers benefit from 24-hour access to banking
services. The downside is that this leads too many job losses in the banking industry and
when things go wrong there is no physical person you can go and see and make your
complaints to. Some leading banks have demonstrated a degree of incompetence when
it comes to the security of their online systems and many people are very reluctant to
trust online banking systems yet.
1.5.1.3 Know some of the uses of large-scale computer applications in
government such as: public records systems (census, vehicle
registration), revenue collection, electronic voting.
Uses of large scale computers applications within government
• Census: Every few years census details are taken and entered into large computer
databases. This data can then be used to extract useful information and predict trends.
In some cases this data is also being made available online, so that it becomes even
more accessible and useful.
• Vehicle registration: All car and lorry details are kept centrally; this makes it easy to find
the owners of cars, which can be useful for police, customs and security services.
• Revenue collection: Increasingly aspects of government revenue collection are being
computerised, which in many cases involves online systems as well.
• Electronic voting: Governments are experimenting with online voting systems, often in
response to appallingly low voter turnout. Security remains the main obstacle to the
extension of this idea.
www.ukonline.gov.uk
1.5.1.4 Know some of the uses of large-scale computer applications in
hospitals/healthcare such as: patient records systems, ambulance
control systems, diagnostic tools and instruments, specialist surgical
equipment.
Uses of computer applications within hospitals and the health care system
• Patient record systems: Appointment and record systems are computerised and
centralised. This means that doctors at one location can access medical records from
another location. The results of tests can be emailed rather than being posted, which
speeds up treatment.
• Ambulance control systems: Ambulances are often centrally controlled and the
computer systems can now integrate satellite positioning to pinpoint the location of each
ambulance. In times of large scale disasters, ambulances from different regions can be
coordinated.
• Diagnostic tools and specialist surgical equipment: The modern intensive care
facility is filled with computerised diagnostic equipment. Even the doctor’s surgery is
increasing being taken over by computers, which will monitor heart rate, blood pressure
etc.
1.5.1.5 Know some of the uses of computer applications in education
such as: student registration and timetabling systems, computer-based
training (CBT), distance learning, homework using the Internet.
Uses of computer applications in education
• Student registration and timetabling: There are many specialist programs designed to
computerise these otherwise time consuming tasks.
• Computer Based Training (CBT): Computer Based Training (CBT) offers a low cost
solution to training needs where you need to train a large amount of people on a single
subject. These programs are normally supplied on CD-ROM / DVD and combine text,
graphics and sound. Packages range from general encyclopaedias right through to
learning a foreign language. As an alternative to training via CD-ROM / DVD, CBT can
also be delivered via the Internet.
• Using the Internet as a homework resource: The Internet is the ultimate resource for
getting the information necessary to complete a student’s homework. The Internet can
also be used to set and collect homework (via email).
• Distance learning systems: E-learning is a term used to describe studying via the
Internet. It can take many forms ranging from a simple web version of printed books,
through to advanced use of video images with sound. In many cases there can be realtime
two-way communication between the teacher and the student.
Advantages include:
- One trainer can train many people at many different locations.
- If the training is solely computer based, then the students can work at their own pace,
and repeat parts of a course which they do not understand. Also the teaching can be at
any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Often e-learning solutions are cheaper to provide than other more traditional teaching
methods.
Disadvantages include:
- There may be no opportunity to ask a question of a real person.
- The Internet connection may temporarily fail for some reason.
- You may have to pay for the connection time, by the minute.
- The download speed may be too slow for some forms of e-learning
- Because of the increased time required to produce some types of e-learning packages,
the e-learning tutorials may not be available for some time following the release of a new
version of software, or a new certification syllabus.
1.5.1.6 Understand the term tele-working. List some of the advantages of
tele-working such as: reduced or no commuting time, greater ability to
focus on one task, flexible schedules, reduced company space
requirements. List some disadvantages of tele-working such as: lack of
human contact, less emphasis on teamwork.
What is tele-working?
• Tele-working is a broad term which refers to people working at home connected to the
rest of the organisation via a computer network. Communication is via email or the
telephone. This arrangement has advantages and disadvantages to both the employer
and the employee.
Some of the advantages of tele-working
• Advantages include:
Reduced or zero commuting time.
This saves time (and money) for the employee and reduces environmental overheads,
as less commuting means less car pollution. It means that the employee does not arrive
at work already stressed from car jams or late train connections.
Greater ability to focus on one task:
As there are fewer interruptions from low priority phone calls, there is a greater ability to
concentrate and focus.
Flexible schedules:
In many cases, as long as the job gets done, it does not matter when the job gets done.
This means there is time for other activities, such as picking up the kids from school. It
also means that work can be finished in the evening if required. If it is a beautiful day,
why not take advantage of the weather, and finish your work later.
Reduced office desk space requirements:
The cost of Office space can be very high and tele-working can help to reduce these
costs if a proportion of the staff work at home. "Hot Desking" is a term used to indicate
that people do not have a desk dedicated to their exclusive use. People simply sit at any
desk and log on to the networked computers using their own ID, which will allow them to
uniquely access their own work stored within the computer system. Hot Desking is
popular where staff spend a proportion of their time working at home, or at sites outside
the main office complex.
Some of the disadvantages of tele-working
• As well as advantages, there are many disadvantages for tele-workers, which include:
Lack of human contact:
Many people cite this as the single biggest factor when switching from a regular office
job, to tele-working. In fact many companies now arrange company gossip networks, just
so that people can keep in touch.
Negative impact on teamwork:
If you never see the rest of the team it is hard to feel part of the team. To some extent
this is offset by video links and by occasional get-together meetings.
Self-discipline:
It can take a lot to work from home and remain focused on work. It is all very well saying
'I will take the afternoon off and work this evening', but come the evening you may not
feel like working.
Possible Employee Exploitation:
If workers are isolated from each other there is the possibility for companies to take
1.5.2 Electronic World
1.5.2.1 Understand the term electronic mail (e-mail) and know its main
uses.
What is email?
• Email allows you to send a message to another person almost instantly, anywhere in the
world. It requires both computers to be connected to the Internet. As well as sending a
text message, files can be sent as email attachments.
1.5.2.2 Understand the term e-Commerce. Understand the concept of
purchasing goods and services online, including giving personal details
before a transaction can be carried out, payment methods, consumer’s
basic right to return unsatisfactory goods.
What is E-commerce?
• The phrase e-commerce is a buzzword which relates to buying or selling via the Internet.
Increasingly you can purchase directly via a Web site by selecting the goods or services
which you require and entering your credit card details. When you send your credit card
details these SHOULD be encrypted by the site operators so that no one can intercept
your details. Most sites which accept credit card payment are on secure services and
your Internet browser program (i.e. Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape
Communicator) will normally inform you (via a popup) when you are entering or leaving a
secure server.
What is E-banking?
• The phrase e-banking relates to managing your money online. Instead of having to go to
the local branch, or telephoning them, you can pay your bills online and move money
from one place to another. Some online banks have no physical branches at all, making
it a very profitable operation for the bank. There are security considerations relating to
online banking, with numerous examples of poor security coupled with sloppy
operations.
The process of shopping online
• There are numerous web sites from where you can purchase online, the most famous of
all being amazon.com as illustrated. Most Internet based shopping sites use a virtual
“shopping cart” system. As you browse the site you can add any products you want to
purchase to your cart. Once you have placed items in the cart you can then move to the
checkout stage. At the checkout you enter your name & address, select the type of
delivery you want and enter your payment details.
1.5.2.3 List some of the advantages of purchasing goods and services
online, such as: services available 24 hours a day, opportunity to view a
wide range of products. List some of the disadvantages of purchasing
goods and services online such as: choosing from a virtual store, no
human contact, risk of insecure payment methods.
The advantages of e-commerce
• There are many advantages using e-commerce:
Services available 24 / 7:
Unlike a normal shop which closes in the evening, you can shop via the Internet 24
hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
Large stock range:
A larger range of stock can be carried than a conventional store. The stock does not
have to be distributed and duplicated over many physical stores, but rather it can be held
in one central distribution warehouse.
Detailed product information:
A detailed product description for each product, along with a picture can be given. There
can even be links to the product manufactures own web site.
Ability to compare prices:
Many sites claim to offer you the very best prices. You can use the information on these
sites to compare prices.
Equal delivery to town and country:
The fact that you may live in the countryside, far from the nearest town makes no
difference at all when shopping via the Net.
Right to return defective goods:
Most e-commerce web sites will have a 'Returns Policy' and it is advisable to read this
prior to purchase. In many cases you will find that the law gives you a right to return
defective goods or even goods which are not quite as you expected.
The disadvantages of e-commerce
• Includes the following:
Possible Credit card Fraud:
Some web sites have been set up solely to trick you into providing your credit card
details, which can later be sold to criminals so that they can make purchases with your
money. When it comes to credit card fraud there is basically one rule 'wherever humanly
possible the bank never pays: - someone else does', make sure that someone is not you.
Check the small print on your credit card agreement.
Is the web site genuine?:
When you purchase from a company such as amazon.com, you know that the company
is well respected, is unlikely to go bust tomorrow, and above all will not attempt to 'run off
with your money'. But what about when you purchase online from a company you have
never heard of? Look for clues. Is there a client list on the site? How long has the
company been trading. Are full contact details provided? If in doubt ring the phone
numbers provided on the site and try to decide whether the company sounds genuine.
Ask for references from other customers. Just because you see trade association logos
on a site, do not assume that the use of these logos is genuine. There are organisations
now whose sole purpose is to verify that other web sites belong to honest companies.
What about returning faulty goods?:
If the goods arrive and are substandard, who pays to return them. Where do you return
them to? Be sure you know about a company’s returns policy, BEFORE you make an
online purchase.
How are you covered when you purchase goods from another country?
This is a minefield. Each country may have its own laws relating to consumer protection.
Be warned!
Can you talk to a real person?
I recently heard a radio presenter who purchased a computer online, through a very well
known PC manufacturer. He purchased the computer for his daughter, in good time for
Christmas. As Christmas due near he tried to find out what was happening, but was
unable to talk to a real person and was forced to rely solely on email contact with the
company. The computer eventually turned up in February. Never buy from a company
which does not provide you with full contact details including a telephone number.
.
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