THEORY

The Effects of Using IT

on other activities while the machine completes its work. The second

generation of devices containing microprocessors is more user-friendly

and has more functionality, such as "intelligent tuning" in television

sets.

Advantages of microprocessor-controlled labor-saving devices:

 no need to do manual tasks at home

 more time for leisure activities

 no need to stay home while chores are being done

 web-enabled devices allow devices to be switched on or off while the

owner is out

 automated burglar alarms give a higher sense of security and well-

being

 smart fridges and freezers prevent food waste by keeping track of

products’ expiry, availability, etc.

Disadvantages of microprocessor-controlled labor-saving devices:

 unhealthy lifestyle due to inactivity caused by devices doing all tasks

 tend to make people lazy

 any device containing a microprocessor and can communicate using

the internet displays a threat of cybersecurity breaches

General advantages of using a microprocessor-controlled device:

 save energy due to being efficient, as well as turning off after

inactivity

 can be easier 'programming' these devices to perform tasks rather

than turning knobs and pressing buttons manually

General disadvantages of microprocessor-controlled devices:

 lead to more wasteful devices

 can be more complex to operate for technophobes

 leaving devices on standby is wasteful

Data Security Issues

personal information. These devices frequently have default (or no)

password settings, which makes it simple for attackers to get sensitive

information. For instance, it is easy to discover holiday dates by hacking into

a central heating controller (or the software used to interface with it),

making a home an obvious target for break-ins. It is likely for a hacker to

obtain important information, such as credit card numbers, if the refrigerator

or freezer automatically orders goods from a retailer.

Social Interactions
The positive aspects include:
  easier to make new friends using chat rooms

 easier to find people who share similar interests/hobbies

 less expensive to keep in touch using VoIP technology.

The negative aspects include:

 people do not meet face-to-face as much (social isolation)

 a lack of social interaction may make people more anxious about

meeting people in real life

 When communicating online, people can act less politely or more

harshly, and cybercrime is a serious issue, especially for teenagers.

Monitoring and controlling transport

 monitoring traffic on motorways

 congestion zone monitoring

 automatic number plate recognition (ANPR)

 automatic traffic light control

 air traffic control systems

 railway signalling systems

Advantages of transport monitoring and control systems:

 smart motorways keep updating according to changing traffic

conditions

 more efficient

 traffic offences can be remotely penalized using ANPR

 minimizes human errors, reducing the rate of accidents

Disadvantages:

 If a hacker breaches security, the vehicle could be controlled by them.

 The system might come to a halt if it malfunctions.

 Systems with a poor design could compromise safety.

 The easy tracking of harmless people's movements is made possible

by ANPR equipment. Who can access such data?

Autonomous vehicles in transport

To properly execute their activities, autonomous cars require sensors,

cameras, actuators, and microprocessors (along with very complex

algorithms). Automobile control systems can accomplish essential tasks by

sensing information from cameras and ultrasonics.

Consider an autonomous vehicle approaching a set of red-lighting

traffic signals.

 The vehicle's control system must first recognize the road sign before

consulting the database to determine the appropriate action.

 The CPU must instruct the actuators to apply the brakes and put the

gear in "park" since the traffic light is red.

 The light must be continuously watched until it turns green.

 After that, the CPU will again tell the actuators to engage first gear, let

go of the brakes, and open the throttle (accelerator).

 safer due to the removal of human error

 due to the more efficient operation of vehicles, it is better for the

environment

 reduced traffic congestion

 increased lane capacity due

 reduced travel times

 stress-free parking for motorists

Disadvantages:

 very high installation prices

 driver and passenger reluctance of the new technology

 reduction in taxi requirements could lead to unemployment

 maintenance of the sensors and cameras is crucial

 the ever-present fear of hacking into the vehicle’s control system

Advantages of an autonomous train:

 improved punctuality

 reduced running costs due to fewer staff

 no human error

 minimized energy consumption

 possible to increase the frequency of trains as the possibility of delays

is removed

 more straightforward to update changes in train schedules

 fear of the system being hacked into

 initial instalment costs are very high

 ensuring passenger behaviour is vital, especially during rush hours.

 human reluctance to new technology

 without drivers, CCTV monitoring will be continuously required

Advantages of autonomous aeroplanes:

 improvement in passenger comfort

 reduced running costs, fewer staff

 as most accidents are due to pilot-induced errors, safety is improved

 improved aerodynamics as an outcome of the removal of the cockpit

Disadvantages:

 security aspects due to the absence of pilots

 emergencies may be challenging to deal with

 hacking into the system

 passenger reluctance

 software glitches can be catastrophic

Potential Health Problems related to the Prolonged use of

being.

Mentioned below are some of the health issues, accompanied by their causes

and prevention tactics:

nerves

Cause: repetitive movements and overuse of muscles, such as wrists

Minimizing health risks: regular breaks, ergonomic equipment, correct typing

techniques.

2. Back and neck strain: pack pain and other related issues.

Cause: due to prolonged use of monitors

Minimizing health risks: use adjustable chairs, footrests, and tiltable screens.

3. Eyestrain: strain and fatigue, unwanted harm to vision.

Cause: due to bad lighting and prolonged screen usage.

Minimizing health risks: use LCDs instead of CRTs, take regular breaks, use

anti-glare screens, and do regular eye testing.

4. Headaches: pain or discomfort in the head or face area.

Cause: incorrect lighting, screen reflections, flickering screens, etc.

Minimizing health risks: use anti-glare screens, take regular breaks, regular

eye-testing.

5. Ozone irritation: inflammation and irritation of the tissues lining human

airways

Cause: inhalation of ozone released by laser printers in an office.

Minimizing health risks: proper ventilation, laser printers should be housed

in a separate room, replace laser printers with inkjet printers, if possible.