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Caie Igcse Ict Theory

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the CAIE IGCSE ICT syllabus, focusing on computer systems, software types, and the main components of computers. It details the differences between hardware and software, internal memory types, input/output devices, and various computer types including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Additionally, it discusses the impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and extended reality on society.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)

31 views56 pages

Caie Igcse Ict Theory

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aleksandra.babic

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ZNOTES.

ORG

UPDATED TO 2023-2025 SYLLABUS

CAIE IGCSE
ICT
SUMMARIZED NOTES ON THE THEORY SYLLABUS
Prepared for Aleksandra for personal use only.
CAIE IGCSE ICT

Application software:
1. Types and Components of Provides services that allow the user to do specific
tasks.
Computer Systems It can be general-purpose software or custom-made
software. (Specialist software)
E.g., Spreadsheets, databases, and word processors.
1.1. Hardware & Software System Software:
The software is designed to provide a platform all
Hardware other software to run on. For example:
1. Compilers: The software translates the High-
the electronic, physical components that make up a level language into Machine code (Language
typical computer system. These may include input and Processor).
output devices as well. 2. Linkers: A Software that creates the links
Internal Hardware Devices: between Language processors into workable
Central processing unit solutions (Data definition language).
Processor 3. Device drivers: A software that enables the
Motherboard device to work with another, externally
Internal memory consisting of RAM & ROM connected device.
Graphics & Sound Cards 4. Utilities: A system software that provides the
Internal Storage devices like Hard disk drives (HDD) necessary facilities (Antivirus, Scan Disk, Disk
and solid-state drives (SSD) Defragmentation, etc.)
Network interface card (NIC) 5. Operating systems: To enable computer
External Hardware Devices: systems to function and allow users to
Monitor communicate with computer systems, special
Keyboard software, known as operating systems (OS),
Mouse have been developed.
Printer
External Storage Devices Analogue and Digital Data
Software Computers can only understand data in the form of binary
digits (0,1); this is commonly known as digital data. However,
The techniques, methods, commands, and instructions data in the real world is analogue, not limited to two specific
tell the device what to do and how to do it. values.
They are the programs which control the computer
system and process data.
Relates to ideas & instructions for using physical objects.

Two types of software:

1. Random access memory (RAM): temporary memory

storage, lost after power is shut down, performs read
and write functions, is used to store data that are
currently in use, and can be increased in size to
improve operational speed.
2. Read-only memory (ROM): permanent memory
storage, non-volatile, can only be read from, used to
store computer’s configuration data, such as BIOS.

N.B: The BIOS (basic input/output system) stores the

date, time and system configuration on a non-volatile chip
called a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor)
– this is usually battery powered.
The figures show how data changes in analogue and Differentiating between Internal memories:
digital forms; analogue data forms smooth curves,
whereas digital data changes in discrete steps. 1. RAM is a temporary memory device, whereas ROM is
So, for a computer to process real-world data, it first a permanent one.
needs to convert the received data into digital form. This 2. RAM is volatile, ROM is non-volatile.
is done by hardware known as ADC (analogue to digital 3. RAM can be written to and from, but ROM can only
converter), and its output is given back in analogue form be read from.
using DAC (digital to analogue converter). 4. RAM is used to store data, files, programs, and parts
of OS that are currently in use. However, ROM is used
1.2. The Main Components of Computer in storing start-up data,

Systems Input & Output Devices

Central Processing Unit (CPU) Input devices Output devices
An input device is any An output shows the result or
The component of the computer that understands and hardware that enables data solution of the input after it
executes hardware and software operations. Nowadays, entry. has been processed.
it’s also known as a microprocessor. It is a single An input device can only send An output device can only
integrated circuit at the core of most PCs and is also data. receive data.
present in many household gadgets and equipment Input devices are necessary for Output devices are needed in
where some control or monitoring is required. a computer to receive order to display the outcome
commands from the user for of the processing that took
It consists of a control unit (CU) that manages the input
processing to be permitted. place to the user.
and output devices, an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU)
Input devices are complex as
that performs computations and makes logical they must ensure proper
Output devices are simpler as
judgments, and tiny memory regions known as registers. they only need to display the
communication between the
It processes the input and produces the outcome of the finale.
computer and the user.
processing in the form of output.
Input devices are pieces of hardware that allow users to
Internal Memory enter data into computers.
An output device displays the computer's output in a
human-readable format. For example, words on a printer
or moving graphics on a monitor.

Backing and Secondary Storage

Required to store significant amounts of data

permanently. 1.4. Types of Computers
Most commonly in the form of Hard disk drives and
Solid-state drives. Desktop Computers
Differentiating between internal memory and backing Desktop usually refers to a general-purpose computer
storage: that is made up of a separate monitor, keyboard, mouse,
and processor unit. It is distinguished from, for example,
1. RAM contents are lost when power is lost, ROM is a laptop computer by the fact that it is made up of
read-only, and backing storage is permanent even several separate components, which makes it not very
without power. portable.
2. RAM and ROM are much smaller than backing Uses:
storage. 1. office and business work
3. RAM and ROM are significantly faster in accessing 2. educational use
data than backing storage. 3. general entertainment
4. Backing storage is much cheaper than internal 4. gaming device
memory. Advantages:
5. Internal memories are fixed, and backing storage can 1. They are easier and less costly to upgrade and
be fixed or portable. expand.
6. Internal memories can be directly read by the CPU, 2. Spare parts are standardized, which makes them
while backing storage needs to be moved into the cheaper.
RAM before being read by the CPU. 3. They tend to have better specifications for a given
price.
1.3. Operating Systems 4. No critical power consumption because they plug
into a wall socket.
Controls operation of input, output & backing storage 5. Due to fixed positions, they are less likely to be
Supervises loading, running & storage of application damaged or stolen.
programs. 6. As they usually have wired connections, they have
Deals with errors in application programs. more stable internet access.
Maintains security of the whole computer system Disadvantages:
Maintains a computer log. 1. They are not particularly portable because they
are made up of separate components.
Operating systems offer various types of user interfaces, for 2. More complicated because all the components
example: need to be hooked up by wiring, which also
clutters up the desk space.
3. Because they aren’t portable, files must be copied
to another portable storage device to take work
elsewhere.

Mobile Computers
1. Laptop computer:

(Or notebook) refers to a type of computer where the Allow normal phone calls to be made, but also have an
monitor, keyboard, pointing device and processor are all operating system (such as iOS, Android, or Windows),
together in one unit. This makes them extremely allowing them to run a number of computer applications
portable. lightweight (to aid portability). Low power (known as apps or applets). Smartphones communicate
consumption (and also long battery life). Low heat output with the internet either by using Wi-Fi hot spots or by
(cooling is very important). using 3G/4G/5G mobile phone networks.
Uses: Uses:
1. office and business work 1. They allow users to send/receive emails.
2. educational use 2. They allow users to use a number of apps.
3. used as a gaming device. 3. They allow users to use a camera feature (to take
4. general entertainment photos or videos).
Advantages: 4. They allow users to use an MP3/4 player (for
1. Portability: all components are in a single unit, so music and videos).
they can be taken anywhere. Advantages:
2. Because of one single unit, there are no trailing 1. very small in size and lightweight, makes them
wires and desk clutter. portable.
3. take up much less room on a desk, so they can be 2. connecting to the internet while on the move.
easily used in public spaces. 3. because they use Wi-Fi and mobile phone
4. portability allows them to take full advantage of networks, they can be used almost anywhere.
Wi-Fi features. 4. they have apps which can tell instant location,
Disadvantages: which is a feature that isn’t available in either
1. portability makes it easier for them to be stolen. desktops or laptops.
2. limited battery life means the user needs to carry 5. they have reasonable battery life.
a charger at all times. Disadvantages:
3. keyboards and pointing devices may be awkward 1. small screens and keyboards make pages difficult
to use. to read.
4. not easy to upgrade, like adding more RAM. 2. more difficult and slower when typing things in.
3. Web browsing and photography can quickly drain
2. Smartphones: the battery.
4. Memory size in most phones is not very large
when compared to laptops and desktops.
5. Not all website features are compatible with
smartphone operating systems.
6. Because of their small size, it is much easier to
lose a smartphone or for it to be stolen compared
to laptops or desktops.
7. The data transfer rate using mobile phone
networks can be slower than with Wi-Fi.

3. Tablets:

They work similarly to a smartphone. The only main

difference is that they are somewhat bigger in size as
compared to a smartphone.
Uses:
1. They allow users to send/receive emails.
2. They allow users to use a number of apps.
3. They allow users to use a camera feature (to take
photos or videos).
4. They allow users to use an MP3/4 player (for
music and videos).
Advantages of tablets compared to laptops:
1. very fast to switch on (no time delay waiting for
the operating system to load up). Uses:
2. fully portable – they are so lightweight that they Entertainment (streaming of music, videos, and
can be carried anywhere. television programs).
3. touch screen technology means they are simple Gaming (including group games).
to use and don’t need any other input devices. As a camera or video camera.
4. not much heat, they use solid-state technology. Internet use (online sales, social networks, using QR
5. The battery life of a tablet is a lot longer. codes, and so on).
6. when the power button is pressed, it goes into Sending/receiving emails.
standby but remains connected to the internet so Global positioning system (use of maps to navigate to
the user still hears alerts when emails or other a location).
‘events’ are received. Calendar functions.
Disadvantages of tablets compared to laptops: Telephone banking (sending and receiving money
1. tend to be rather expensive when compared to using banking apps).
laptops. Voice over Internet Protocol: telephone network
2. they often have limited memory/storage when using the internet, which also allows video calling.
compared to a laptop. Instant access to social networks (social contact with
3. typing on a touch screen can be slow and error- friends no matter where you are in the world).
prone compared to a standard keyboard. Instant messaging.
4. laptops tend to support more file formats than Office and business management (allows rapid voice
tablets. and video communication).
Education use (using interactive software to teach or
4. Phablets: learn from).
Remotely control devices.
Some of the latest smartphones have been designed as a
hybrid between a tablet and a smartphone, referred to Laptops are the most expandable of these devices, while
as a phablet. They have much larger screens than a smartphones are the most portable. Tablets and
smartphone but are smaller than a tablet. phablets fall somewhere in between, offering a balance
of portability and expandability. The choice of device
will depend on your specific needs and use case.

1.5. Impact of Emerging Technologies

Artificial Intelligence (AI): There are many definitions of Unemployment, robots are capable of doing tedious
artificial intelligence (AI). Essentially, AI is a machine or human tasks with much more efficiency and excellence
application which carries out a task that requires some than humans.
degree of intelligence. Dependency on technology could lead to problems in the
The use of language future.
recognizing a person’s face, the ability to operate De-skilling: Tasks that used to be considered a talent are
machinery, such as a car, aeroplane, train, and so on, now part of general, tedious processes that are done on
and analyzing data to predict the outcome of a future a regular basis by machines.
event, such as weather forecasting. Impact: Extended Reality refers to combined real and virtual
Whenever AI is mentioned, people usually think of environments. The two most common examples at the
science fiction fantasies and think of robots. The moment are:
science fiction writer Isaac Asimov even went as far Augmented reality (AR) is a merger between the
as producing his three laws of robotics: » Robots may virtual and physical (real) world; it lays objects onto
not injure a human through action or inaction. » pre-existing objects. e.g., Pokémon GO! Impact: safety
Robots must obey orders given by humans without and rescue operations’ training, shopping and retail
question. » A robot must protect itself unless it (getting a better look at a car before the purchase),
conflicts with the two laws above. Everyday uses: healthcare (better understanding of a patient’s body)
An autonomous (driverless) vehicle – we already have Virtual reality (VR) enables an entirely new world to
driverless trains and autopilots on aeroplanes, but be created, unlike AR, which has no link to the actual
future developments include driverless cars. surroundings of the user. It requires the user to be
Robotic research is leading to improvements in specially equipped with a VR headset, joystick, and
technology to help amputees and people with headphones.
disabilities. Impact: Military applications, educational
Robots are used to help people carry out dangerous purposes (looking at ancient buildings),
or unpleasant tasks – for example, bomb disposal. healthcare, media (interactive special effects in a
movie), scientific visualization (part of molecular
Negative impacts of AI structures/cells).

2. Input & Output Devices

2.1. Input Devices and Their Uses
An input device is any hardware device that allows a user
to enter data or instructions into a computer directly.
An input device can send data to another device, but it
cannot receive data from another device.
Input devices are necessary for a computer to receive
commands from its users and data to process; they are
under the user's control or can be direct data entry.

Input devices can be complicated because they must ensure

the user can interact with the computer correctly.

1. Keyboards:
Uses:

Input of data into applications software Sometimes, they have small keys, which can make input
Typing in commands to the computer more difficult.
Sometimes, the order of the numbers on the keypad is
Advantages: not intuitive.
Fast entry of new text into a document.
Well-known method.
Easy to use for most people.
Easier to do verification checks as data is entered (can
immediately compare the source document with typed
data on the screen).

Disadvantages: 3. Mouse:
It can be difficult to use if the user has limited arm/wrist Uses:
use.
Slow method when compared to direct data entry. Opening, closing and minimizing software
It is a fairly large device that uses up valuable desk space. Grouping, moving and deleting files.
Image editing, for example, controls the size and position
of a drawing pasted into a document.
Controlling the position of a pointer on the screen to
allow selection.

Advantages:

It is a faster method for choosing an option than a

keyboard.
It's a very quick way of navigating through applications
2. Numeric keypads: and the internet.
Does not need a large desk area when compared to a
Uses: keyboard.
Automatic teller machines (ATMs), where the customer Disadvantages:
can key in their PIN, amount of money, etc.
Mobile phones allow phone numbers, etc., to be keyed It can be more difficult for people with restricted
in. hand/wrist movement than using a keyboard for data
Point of sale terminals (POS) in case the barcode reader entry.
fails to read the barcode – the number has to be keyed in Easy to damage, the older type of mouse quickly
manually by the operator. becomes clogged up with dirt.
Chip and PIN devices when paying by credit/debit cards. Difficult to use if no flat surface is readily available.
Fast entry of numeric data into a spreadsheet.

Advantages:

Faster than standard keyboards when entering numeric

data.
Because many are small devices, they are very easy to
carry around.

Disadvantages: 4. Touchpad:
Uses:

Opening, closing and minimizing software Does not need the same fine control as a mouse.
Grouping, moving and deleting files. It is easier to use than a mouse if the operator has
Image editing, for example, controls the size and position problems with their wrist.
of a drawing pasted into a document. More accurately position the pointer on the screen.
Controlling the position of a pointer on the screen to They are more robust than a mouse.
allow selection. Needs less desk space than a mouse or keyboard.
Advantages: Disadvantages:

Faster than a keyboard for choosing options. It is not supplied with the computer as a standard;
Used to navigate applications and the internet. therefore, it is more costly.
Because the touchpad is integrated into the laptop Users may need training because it is not standard
computer, there is no need for a separate mouse; this equipment.
aids the portability and is a big advantage if no flat
surfaces are available.

Disadvantages:

People with limited hand/wrist movement find the device

difficult to use.
It can be more difficult to control the pointer when
compared to a normal mouse.
Drag and drop operations are more complicated using a
touchpad.

6. Remote Control:
Uses:

Televisions, satellite systems, DVD/Blu-ray players and

Hi-Fi systems, to alter controls such as volume, on/off,
etc.
Used to control multimedia systems.
Used in industrial applications to remotely control
5. Tracker ball: processes.

Advantages:
Uses:
It can be operated from any reasonable distance.
A good alternative to a mouse for people with conditions In some conditions, e.g., in chemically hazardous
such as RSI. environments, we can control and measure from safe
Used in an industrial control room environment. distances.
Used in some luxury cars to select functions such as
radio. Disadvantages:
Advantages:

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CAIE IGCSE ICT
Advantages:
Difficult to use for people with limited hand/wrist
movements. It's a more realistic experience than both mouse and
Physical obstacles can easily block the signal. joystick.
Easier than a keyboard or joystick to control steering
movements.

Disadvantages:
It is a rather expensive input device as compared to a
mouse or joystick.
Steering movements tend to be over-sensitive, which
gives an unrealistic feel.
Unless it is an expensive simulator, feedback to the
steering wheel is non-existent.

7. Joysticks:
Uses:

Used in video games.

Used in simulators to mimic the actual controls.

Advantages:
9. Touch screen (as an input device):
It is easier than keyboards for screen navigation.
In some applications, the control is more realistic than Uses:
using a mouse.
Automatic teller machines (ATMs) to choose from on-
Disadvantages: screen options.
Point of sale terminals such as in restaurants.
The on-screen pointer is more difficult to use. Interactive whiteboards in education.
Computer-based training (CBT) where answers are
selected during on-screen testing.

Advantages:
Faster entry of options than using a keyboard or mouse.
Very easy method for choosing options.
User-friendly method – no training necessary in its use.
Option to expand the size of the display if necessary.

Disadvantages:

8. Driving wheel:
Uses:
Used in video games, especially car racing games.
Used in simulators to mimic actual vehicle controls.

A limited number of input options are available. Limited quality, depending on how good the scanner’s
This can lead to problems if an operator uses the system resolution is.
frequently (straining of arm muscles, RSI, etc., are all Fairly slow input method, especially if color mode is
possible). selected.
The screen can get very dirty with constant touching.

11. Digital Cameras:

Uses:
Taking photographs is still better than using
10. Scanners: smartphones and tablets.
Data-capture device, e.g., as a reversing aid in cars.
Uses: Dentistry, to help capture pictures for better diagnosis.
Scanning documents and converting them into different The creation of virtual reality tours around houses,
formats buildings, etc.
Scanning in old documents to protect them in case the Advantages:
original is lost/damaged.
Scanning in photographs for storage Easier to produce better-quality photographs than with a
Scanning in barcodes at POS terminals. traditional camera.
Uploading photographs to a computer is faster than
Advantages: scanning hard copies.
Images can be stored for editing at a later date. Memory cards can store many thousands of
When used with OCR, they are much faster and more photographs.
accurate than typing the documents in. There is no need to develop film and printouts; it saves
It is possible to recover damaged documents by scanning money and is more environmentally friendly.
and producing an acceptable copy. Unwanted images can quickly be deleted from a memory
card.
Disadvantages:
Disadvantages:

Need to be computer literate to know proper use. Temperature sensors are used in automatic washing
Loss of artistry due to clever software doing all the work. machines, central heating systems, ovens, and
Images need to be compressed to reduce the amount of glasshouses.
memory used. Pressure sensors are used in intruder alarm systems and
washing machines.
Light sensors are used in automatic glasshouses, doors,
and street lighting control.
Sound/acoustic sensors are used in intruder alarm
systems, monitoring liquid and powder flow in pipes.
Humidity/moisture sensors are used in automatic
glasshouses, environmental monitoring, and in factories
where moisture levels are crucial.
pH sensors are used in automatic glasshouses, chemical
processes and environmental monitoring.

12. Microphones: Advantages:

Readings are more accurate as compared to human

Uses: operators.
To input speech to be used in various applications. Readers are continuous, with no breaks in the
Input in voice recognition software for authentication. monitoring.
As a sensor to pick up sound in an intruder alarm Because it is a continuous process, any action or
system. warnings needed will be initiated immediately.
Used in audio conferencing or VoIP applications. Automatic systems don’t need human intervention.

Advantages: Disadvantages:

It is faster to read text than it is to type it in. Faulty sensors can give spurious results.
It is possible to manipulate sound in real time rather Most sensors are analogue; therefore, they require
than working on a completed recording. conversion using Analogue to Digital Convertors.
It improves security if used as an authentication system.
14. Light pens:
Disadvantages:
Uses:
Sound files use up a lot of computer memory.
Reading data is more error-prone than typing in. Selecting objects on CRT screens
Drawing on screens
Advantages:

Greater accuracy than touch screens

Small makes them portable and capable of being used in
small spaces.
Easy-to-use technology.
Disadvantages:

13. Sensors:
Uses:

Lagging problems while drawing on the screen. It is more secure than contactless cards as the PIN acts
It only works with CRT monitors. as a second security layer.
Rather outdated technology. More robust system than Magnetic Stripe Cards

Disadvantages:

Be very careful so the PIN isn’t seen by anyone while

being typed in.

2.2. Direct Data Entry & Associated

Devices
1. Magnetic Stripe Readers:
Uses:

On credit/debit card for use at ATMs 3. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader:
Security device to allow entry to buildings, hotels, etc.
Uses:
Advantages:
Livestock tracking
Faster than keying in data manually. Retail, instead of barcodes, as they don’t need to be
Error-free, no human intervention needed. scanned in.
Secure information isn’t in human-readable form. Admission passes.
Robust, there are no moving parts. Library books, to acknowledge the books which have
been borrowed.
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
If the card is damaged, the data is lost.
Doesn’t work at a distance. No line-of-sight contact is needed.
As the information isn’t human-readable, this can be a Very robust and reliable technology.
disadvantage in some cases. Very fast read rate.
Bidirectional data transfer.
Bulk detection is possible.
Disadvantages:

Tag collision
As they use radio waves, they are easy to jam/interrupt.
Easy to hack into the signal.
RFID is more expensive than a comparable barcode
system.
2. Chip and PIN reader:
4. Optical Mark Reader/Recognition (OMR):
Uses:
Uses:
Where payments are made using cards

Advantages:

Used in MCQs checking. System has difficulty in reading different handwritings.

Used in reading voting papers. Still not a very accurate technique.

Advantages:

Very fast way of inputting survey results.

It is more accurate because there is no human
intervention.
More accurate than OCR methods.

Disadvantages:

Designing the forms can be complicated to ensure the

marks are correctly positioned. 6. Barcode readers:
If there are problems, they need to be manually checked,
which can be time-consuming. Uses:

Used in supermarkets for stock control.

In libraries, to keep track of books.
As a safety function to ensure checking of electrical
equipment on a daily basis.

Advantages:

Much faster than manually keying in data.

Allow automatic stock control.
They are a tried and trusted technology.
5. Optical Character Recognition/Reader (OCR):
Disadvantages:
Uses:
Relatively expensive system to administer.
Processing passports and identity cards. Not fool-proof, barcodes can be swapped between
Converting hard copy documents into electronic form. items.
Used in automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) Can be more easily damaged than RFID tags or magnetic
systems. stripes.
Digitizing historic hard copies for archiving.

Advantages:
It is a much faster data entry system than manual typing.
No human intervention, its error free.

Disadvantages:

7. Quick response (QR) code scanner:

Uses:

used in advertising to contain information about the They are very heavy and bulky.
advertising company. They run very hot and can cause fires if left unattended.
Wi-Fi authentication They use a lot more power than LCDs.
Used in restaurants, you can see the menu by scanning. Their flickering can lead to headaches.
Image burn-in is a common issue.
Advantages:

hold much more information than normal barcode.

fewer errors than with barcodes.
QR codes are easier to read because the cameras can
even read them on a smartphone.
It is possible to encrypt QR codes.

Disadvantages:
More than one QR format is available.
QR codes can be used to transmit malicious data.

2. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screens:

Uses:

Main output device for modern computers.

Mobile phones, laptops, video games use LCD screens.

Advantages:
Very efficient, low power consumption.
Lightweight devices.
Screens can be made in various sizes.
No flickering images.
Very sharp image resolution.
2.3. Output Devices and Their Uses
Disadvantages:
1. Cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors:
Uses:

Their large screens allow complex diagrams to be

created in Computer-aided design.
Used with light pens to allow designs to be created.

Advantages:

Can be seen at a wider range of angles, unlike LCDs.

Allow the use of light pens.

Disadvantages:

Colour and contrast from different angles are They tend to get dirty with frequent use.
inconsistent. Frequent use results in straining of arm muscles, RSI, etc.
Motion blur is a common issue. If large amounts of data are input/output, they aren’t
Lower contrast than CRT monitors. very accurate, and the interface isn’t very fast.

3. Touch screen (as an output devices): 4. Multimedia projectors:

Uses: Uses:
ATMs Training presentations to allow the whole audience to
POS terminals see images.
Information kiosks. Advertising presentations.
Home cinema systems.
Advantages:
Advantages:
Don’t need additional input devices.
They are very interactive, and many functions, such as More people can watch as they don’t have to crowd
swiping, can be done. around a laptop.
They add a high-tech feel to devices and interfaces. Avoids the need for several networked computers.

Disadvantages: Disadvantages:
Images can be fuzzy.
Expensive to buy.
Set-up can be complicated.

5. Laser printers:
Uses:

In uses where low noise is required. Slow output if many copies are needed.
If fast, high quality, high-volume printing is required. Can’t do large print jobs.
Printing can smudge if user isn’t careful.
Advantages: Can be expensive if used a lot.
Printing is fast.
They can handle very large print jobs.
Quality is consistently high.
Toner cartridges last for a long time.

Disadvantages:

They are only considerably fast if several copies are

being made.
Color laser printers are expensive to run.
They produce ozone and volatile organic compounds
because of their printing method and toner.
7. Dot matrix printers:
Uses:
Used in environments where noise isn’t a major issue.
Carbon copies or multi-part outputs can be produced.
Widely used in till receipts.

Advantages:
Can be used in varying environments unlike laser/inkjet
printers.
Carbon copies or multi-part outputs can be produced.
Very cheap to run and maintain.
6. Inkjet printers: Good for continuous printing.

Uses: Disadvantages:

Where low-output volumes are required.

Where high-quality printing is required for single pages.

Advantages:

High-quality output
Cheaper than laser printers.
Very lightweight
Don’t produce ozone and volatile organic compounds.

Disadvantages:

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Uses:
Very noisy
Initial cost is more than an inkjet printer. Custom-made prosthetic limbs.
Very slow, poor-quality printing. In aerospace, if parts of the aircraft are made using 3d
printers they can be very lightweight.
Making spare parts for items that aren’t now
manufactured, e.g., parts of a vintage car.
Advantages:

Manufacturing objects has become much easier.

Even though the initial cost is high, it is still cheaper than
the more conventional way.
Parts for machinery that aren’t available can be made.
Disadvantages:

Potential to make counterfeit items.

Could lead to manufacture of dangerous items by almost
8. (Graph) Plotters: anyone.
Job loss potential.
Uses:

Producing architectural drawings

Producing engineering drawings
Drawing animation characters.

Advantages:

Very high-quality output.

can produce large, monochrome and color drawings very
accurately.
Can print on a variety on materials.

Disadvantages:

Very slow printing. 10. Speaker:

Expensive equipment to purchase initially.
Have a very large physical footprint compared to a Uses:
printer.
Used in all phones and most computers.
Helps visually impaired people.
Plays downloaded sound files.

Advantages:

Amplified sounds can be much louder than the original

sound.
Amplified sounds can be enough to be heard by a huge
crowd.
Very simple technology.
They are especially useful for blind people, for instance,
9. 3D printers: reading e-books.

Disadvantages:

Speaker output can disturb irrelevant people in the same Holds data magnetically.
area, e.g., an office. The surface area of the media is magnetised so that it
Sound quality is high only expensive speakers. can hold bits of data.
They take up a lot of desk space. The device that reads media can also read the bits held
on the surface area

Magnetic tape drives

Uses:

used in applications where batch processing is used.

used as a backup media where vast amounts of data
need to be stored.
used in long-term archiving of data, they have huge data
storage capacities and are known to be very stable.

Advantages:

They are generally less expensive than hard disk drives.

11. Actuators:
It is a very robust technology.
Uses: They have a huge data storage capacity.
The data transfer rate is fast.
Used to turn on motors, buzzers, and switches.
Allow a computer to control physical devices, Disadvantages:

Advantages: Prolonged data access times (uses serial access).

When updating, another tape is needed to store the final
Allow remote operation of many devices. updated version.
Relatively inexpensive devices. They are affected by magnetic fields, a strong field can
corrupt data stored on the tape.
Disadvantages:
Fixed Hard Disks/Drives
They are an additional device in the system that could go
wrong. Uses:
As analogue devices, signals need to be converted using
a DAC. To store the OS, systems software and working
data/files.
3. Storage Devices and Media Storing applications files.
Used in real-time systems and in online systems.
Used in file servers for computer networks.
3.1. Backing-Up Data Advantages:
Backing up refers to copying files or data into a different They have a very fast data transfer rate and fast access
medium in case of damage or loss of original copy. times to data.
They have a very large memory capacity.
Why do we back up data?
Disadvantages:
To safeguard against loss of data.
To safeguard against damages caused by hackers. It can be fairly easily damaged.
In case files need to be sent elsewhere, to protect the They have many moving parts which affect overall
original format of files. reliability.
Their read/write operation can be quite noisy when
compared to solid-state drives.
3.2. Magnetic Backing Storage Media
Portable Hard Disk Drives
Uses:

Can be used as a backup system to prevent data loss. It can be written over many times.
It can be used to transfer data/files/software between You can use different file formats each time it is used.
computers. It is not as wasteful as the R format because the
files/data can be added later.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Data access time and data transfer rate are very fast.
It has a very large memory capacity. It can be relatively expensive media.
It can be used as a method of transferring information Possible to accidentally overwrite data.
between computers.
CD-ROM/DVD-ROM ~ Read Only Memory
Disadvantages:
Uses:
They can be easily damaged if user accidentally drops it
or doesn’t correctly shut down the drive after use. These are read-only memory (ROM), which means they
The data transfer rate is not as fast as for fixed hard disk can’t be written over and can only be read. Permanent
drives. storage method.
CD-ROM is used to store music files and to store
3.3. Optical Media and Optical Storage software, computer games and reference software.
DVD-ROM has much larger storage and is used to store
Devices films.
Used in applications where there is a real need to
Holds data by burning ‘dots’ onto the surface with a high- prevent deletion or overwriting of important data.
powered laser.
The data that reads the media can read the data by Advantages:
shining a lower-powered laser over the dots.
They are less expensive than hard disk drive systems.
CD-R/DVD-R ~ Write Once Only They are very portable as they are small and light.
Data stored on them is read-only, so it cannot be
Uses: accidentally overwritten.

Home recordings of music and (CD-R) and films (DVD-R). Disadvantages:

Used to store data to be kept for later use to be
transferred to another computer. Hold far less data than hard disk drives or memory
sticks.
Advantages: Very slow data transfer rate and data access times, as
compared to hard disk drives.
Cheaper medium than RW disks. You cannot add your files to the disks because they are
Once burned (and finalised), they behave like a ROM. both read-only.
Disadvantages: Blu-Ray Discs
It can only be recorded once; if an error occurs, then the
disk has to be thrown away. The main differences between DVD and Blu-ray are:
Not all CD/DVD players can read CD-R/DVD-R. 1. Blu-ray uses a blue laser rather than a red laser. (The
wavelength of blue light is 405nm, much smaller than
CD-RW/DVD-RW ~ Read and Write the 650nm red laser) This makes pits and lands much
smaller, so they store five times more data than
Uses:
DVDs.
Used to record television programs which can be 2. Blu-ray disks automatically come with a secure
recorded over, time and time again. encryption system, which helps to prevent piracy and
Used in CCTV systems. copyright infringement.
It can be used as a backup device for files and data. 3. The data transfer rate for a DVD is 10 Mbps, and for a
Blu-ray disc, it is 36 Mbps.
Advantages:

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Uses: Uses:
Home video consoles. Transporting files between computers or using them as a
Storing and playing back movies. backing store.
Computers can use this technology for data storage or Used as a security device to prevent software piracy
backing hard drives. (known as a dongle).
Camcorders can use this media to store movies.
Advantages:
Advantages:
Very compact and portable media.
Very large storage capacity. Very robust.
Very fast data transfer rate. Does not need additional software to work on most
The data access speed is also greater than with other computers.
optical media. They are not affected by magnetic fields.
Blu-ray discs automatically come with a secure
encryption system. Disadvantages:

Disadvantages: Cannot protect the data/files by making it ‘read-only’.

Easy to lose (due to the small physical size).
Relatively expensive discs. The user needs to be very careful when removing a
Encryption problems when used to store videos. memory stick from a computer - incorrect removal will
The introduction of HD (high definition) DVD players has corrupt the data on the memory stick and make it
reduced the advantages of using Blu-ray technology. useless.

3.4. Solid State Backing Storage Flash Memory cards

Holds data on devices that don’t have any moving parts. Different types of memory cards:
» SD cards (secure digital card)
Solid-state drives (SSD) » XD cards (extreme digital card)
» CFast card (compact, fast card).
Uses: Uses:

Storage device to store files, applications, OSs, and so on. Storing photos on digital cameras.
Used as mobile phone memory cards.
Advantages: Used in MP3 players to store music files.
Used as a backing store in hand-held computer devices.
They are more reliable as they have no moving parts.
They are considerably lighter and suitable for laptops. Advantages:
They do not have to ‘get up to speed’ before they work
correctly. Very compact.
They have lower power consumption. Because they have no moving parts, they are very
They run much cooler than HDDs. durable.
Because they have no moving parts, they are very thin. They can hold large amounts of data.
SSD data access time is only 0.1 milliseconds compared Compact cameras and smartphones can read and write
to 10 milliseconds for HDD. memory cards, allowing users to transport extensive
Data transfer speed for SSDs is also much faster than for collections of photographs, songs, etc.
HDDs. Disadvantages:
Disadvantages:
SSD endurance - SSDs are conservatively rated at only
20GB write operations per day over three years.
More expensive than magnetic hard disks.
Smaller storage capacity than magnetic hard disks.

Pen drives (Memory sticks)

Expensive per gigabyte of memory when compared to Each NIC is given a unique hardwired media access
HDDs. control (MAC) address.
Have a lower storage capacity than hard disks. Media access control (MAC) address: a number that
Have a finite life regarding the number of times they can uniquely identifies a device when connected to a
be read from or written to. network.
Memory cards, specifically the micro SD card, are the The first six hex digits identify the manufacturer’s code,
smallest sized devices available, making them more likely and the next 6 identify the device’s serial number.
to be lost, stolen or damaged. The storage should be
sized cause the amount of storage does not prevent the 2. Hubs: they are hardware devices that can have
drive from being stolen several other devices connected to them. They are
Users must often purchase a card reader or USB used to connect devices together to form a local area
converter to view the data. network (LAN). It takes a data packet received by one
of its ports and sends it to all relevant or irrelevant
devices that are connected to it.
4. Networks & the Effects of It is not very secure to broadcast data to all devices.
Using Them Unnecessary network traffic.

3. Switches: intelligent hubs. Used to connect devices

4.1. Networks to form a LAN. Unlike hubs, the switches store the
MAC addresses of all devices on a lookup table. So, it
Routers only sends data to the relevant device.
A device that enables data to be sent between different In summary:
types of networks. It can be connected through cables or
wirelessly to connect a LAN to the internet. Both are used to connect devices in LAN.
Both use data packets.
It can be used for:
Hubs send data to every device on the network.
connecting networks and devices to the internet, Switches send data to a relevant device only.
storing computer addresses, Switches have better security.
routing data packets. Switches use lookup tables to determine the destination
for a data packet.
When a data packet is received, the router checks if the Switches use MAC addresses for relevant device
packet is intended for it or another network. The data packet locations.
is routed to the local switch/hub if it's meant for its network.
If not, the data packet is sent to the relevant router, which 4. Bridges: Devices that connect one LAN to another
sends it to the relevant device. LAN that use the same protocol. Unlike routers, they
can’t communicate with external networks, such as
They consult routing cables to know where to send the the Internet.
data. Comparison:

Common Network Devices

1. Network Interface Cards (NIC): These are needed
to allow a device to connect to a network. Turns
binary data into an electrical signal that allows
network access. Usually integrated into the
motherboard.

Bridges connect LANs together; routers connect various 1. Public Cloud - The customer and the cloud storage
types of networks together. provider are different companies.
Bridges scan MAC addresses while routers scan the IP 2. Private Cloud - The customer and the cloud storage
addresses. provider are a single organization.
Both send out data in the form of data packets. 3. Hybrid Cloud - Combines public and private cloud
Bridges connect networks with the same protocol; options and allows sensitive data to remain private
routers can connect networks with different protocols. while providing public cloud services for less sensitive
The router uses routing tables to direct data packets, but information.
bridges don’t.
Bridges have only two ports; routers have multiple ports. Cloud data is duplicated and stored on other servers to
ensure availability during system failures, upgrades, and
Wi-Fi & Bluetooth maintenance.

Both are used for wireless communication between devices. Advantages:

They both use electromagnetic radiation as the carrier of Services can be scaled up or down according to changing
data transmission. requirements.
Bluetooth uses: Cloud storage eliminates the need for a business to
When transferring data between 2 or more devices that purchase expensive equipment for infrastructure and
are very close together. maintenance.
When the speed of data transmission isn’t crucial. Readily available globally, allowing both remote working
For low-bandwidth applications. and data sharing.
Providers offer high levels of ensuring that services are
Wi-Fi uses: always available.
It can offer an almost unlimited amount of storage.
Full-scale networks. A backup of the data from the cloud will allow full data
When the data transfer rate is crucial. recovery in case of incidents.
For uses where a higher range and better security are Files can be synced across multiple devices.
required. There is no need to carry storage devices around.
Differences and similarities: Disadvantages:
Bluetooth uses a transmission frequency of 2.4 GHz, A stable internet connection is always required.
whereas Wi-Fi uses a 2.4 – 5.0 GHz range. Data storage in clouds may be vulnerable to security
Wi-Fi has a much faster data transfer rate. breaches.
Wi-Fi has a higher geographical range in which it is The user depends on the storage provider for reliability
effective. and availability of services.
Bluetooth only allows up to 7 devices to be connected The services may become expensive as the amount of
simultaneously, whereas the number of devices storage or bandwidth required increases.
connected to a Wi-Fi network depends on the
router/routers used. Common Network Environments
Bluetooth uses key-matching encryption. However, Wi-Fi
uses WPA (Wi-Fi protected access) and WEP (wireless 1. Internet:
equivalent privacy).
The Internet is a very large global network that consists
Cloud Computing of many other interconnected networks
The World Wide Web is a vast collection of web pages
This method is where data is stored on remote servers that can be accessed using a web browser.
accessed online. The World Wide Web allows you to access information
The three types of cloud storage are: by using the internet

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Characteristics:
Private Intranet that also allows access by selected
It is an open network, meaning everyone can access the parties that reside outside of the organization. These
same resources and information as everybody else. parties, for example, maybe customers, key stakeholders
People from all over the world can communicate with or clients.
each other in real-time. Users will have an authorization level once they have
Available to anyone who has a suitable device and access successfully logged in, which will determine which
to any one of the interconnected networks. resources they may access.
Similarities between the Internet, Intranet and extranet
Uses: are as follows:
Education and training They are all web-based technologies
Social Networking They allow users to access information remotely
They all use client-server architecture
Online shopping
Entertainment They all use security measures such as
authentication and encryption
2. Intranet: They all promote and facilitate information and
resource sharing
Usually private and are used to send information Differences between the internet, intranet and extranet
securely and safely. are as follows:
Access to an organization’s Intranet is restricted and only The internet is a global network, whereas an
accessible to authorized users such as employees. intranet/extranet is a private network contained
Intranets have many advantages over the internet, such within an organization
as: The use of the internet covers a wide range of
better bandwidth than the internet, purposes, whereas an intranet/extranet is designed
data is kept within the organization, for specific users and purposes.
less chance of hacking and attacks, Much information is publicly available, whereas an
administrators can manage access to external sites intranet/extranet is not.
and links. The Internet is not owned solely by one person or
organization, whereas the organization usually owns
Characteristics: intranets/extranets.
A private network that is accessible to employees within Network Types
a company or organization.
Usually behind a firewall to ensure security. 1. Local Area Network (LAN): networks usually
Allows for document sharing and the use of contained within a single building or small
collaboration tools between users. geographical location. It is made up of hubs and/or
It can be customized to meet the specific requirements switches, which will connect several devices together.
of the business. One hub or switch commonly connects to a router,
Users will require a username and password to access allowing LAN connectivity to other outside networks
the Intranet. such as the Internet.

3. Extranet: Advantages:

Allows centralized management of updates, backups and 3. Wide Area Networks (WAN): is formed by several
software installations. LANs connected through a router. It is expensive.
Can secure its devices with the use of firewalls, antivirus However, it comes with a more enhanced security.
software and other security features to prevent Additional hardware is needed for a WAN: Routers,
unauthorized access. modems, and proxy servers.
A LAN allows users on the network to share resources
such as printers and other peripherals. Advantages:

Disadvantages: Provide the ability to connect geographically dispersed

locations, such as offices in different cities or countries.
The network may not function correctly in case of Offer the flexibility to scale up or down based on the
hardware failure. organisation's needs.
They are more prone to attacks than standalone Administrators can monitor and manage the network
computers. infrastructure from a single location.
Data and peripheral accessing can be slow, based on
network traffic. Disadvantages:
LAN networks require maintenance to ensure the Setting up and maintaining a WAN can be expensive,
software is up-to-date. especially compared to LANs.
2. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): Local Area Cover larger distances and rely on public networks or
Networks allow devices to connect wirelessly rather leased lines, which can introduce latency and affect
than using physical cables. Wireless Access Points performance.
(WAPs) are connected to an existing wired network, WANs are subject to the reliability and availability of
which provides wireless connectivity. Support a vast external service providers.
range of devices, such as smartphones and laptops,
are very popular in public areas such as shopping 4.2. Network Issues and
malls.
Communication
Advantages:
Connection to a network exposes a user to:
Allows users to connect anywhere in the range of a Hacking: Unauthorized access given to the
Wireless Access Point (WAP). computer. This can lead to identity theft or the
They can be used in various indoor and outdoor misuse of personal information.
environments, making them highly flexible. Phishing: Phishing involves getting sensitive
As the requirements change, additional WAPs can be information, such as usernames, passwords, and
added relatively easily. credit card details, for malicious reasons by
Printer access can be given to wireless devices. mimicking a reliable webpage on the network
Pharming: This is malicious code installed on a user’s
Disadvantages: computer or a web server; the code will redirect the
The strength of their signals can be affected by obstacles user to a fake website without their knowledge (the
such as walls. user doesn’t have to take any action, unlike phishing).
Speeds can be affected by high-traffic areas. Viruses: Program code that replicates (copies itself)
It can sustain interference from other devices which can to delete or corrupt files and cause the computer to
affect performance and connectivity. malfunction
Can be vulnerable to security threats due to signal
interception. Passwords
It is a common form of security often accompanied by a
username or email address.

There are many ways to enhance the security of your 1. Zero login: A security concept that eliminates
password, such as the following: traditional login methods, such as usernames and
Ensure that the password is changed regularly in case passwords, using biometrics or other authentication
it has been obtained illegally or accidentally factors for seamless and password-less access.
Ensure that the password uses a combination of 2. Biometric Recognition: These authentication
uppercase, lowercase, numbers and special methods use unique physical or behavioural
characters to make the password more difficult to characteristics, such as fingerprints, iris scans, or
guess. voice recognition, to verify a person's identity.
iloveict is a weak password 3. Magnetic Stripes: These are authentication features
1lov3ICT# is a strong password on cards storing data magnetically. They enable
Anti-spyware software can be run regularly to ensure secure identification and authorization by containing
that your information, including your password, is not encoded information that magnetic stripe readers
passed to an unauthorized third-party user. can read.
4. Smart Cards: Smart cards are portable devices with
Other Authentication Methods integrated circuits to store and process data. They
are used for authentication, identification, and secure
transactions in various applications such as banking,
telecommunications, and access control.
5. Physical Tokens: It is a type of authentication that
takes the shape of a solid object. The user
demonstrates ownership of the token through
interaction with a login system. Physical tokens have
embedded clocks that create one-time passwords
(OTPs) when a PIN and other authentication
information are entered.
6. Electronic Tokens are applications that users install
on their hardware, such as smartphones. Say a
person wants to access a website on a tablet
computer. To access this website, users must first
authenticate themselves using electronic tokens. The
user has already set up the electronic token app with
their smartphone. The user launches the app on their
smartphone when the website asks them to verify
their identity. The program creates an OTP that is
only good for a short period of time.

Anti-malware Software
Anti-malware software is designed to protect devices
against viruses and malicious software. It has 3 primary
purposes: detect, prevent and remove malicious
software. It is installed onto a computer system and will
operate in the background.

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Standard features of Anti-Malware software include the Disadvantages:
following:
Potential time lag in responses/delays when talking.
Comparing the scanned files against an extensive Images can jerk.
database of known threats It is very expensive to set up in the first place.
Real-time scanning Problems if the delegates live in different countries with
Regular updates to gather an up-to-date list of known large time zone differences.
threats Requires IT knowledge to some extent.
Quarantine of infected files It's not the best for people who consider travelling a job
Quarantining files allows threats to be automatically perk.
deleted. Completely reliant on stable internet connections.
Allows the user to determine if the file is a legitimate
threat and not a false positive. 2. Audio Conferencing: Meetings held using audio
(sound) technology are called audio conferencing.
Heuristic Checking: Instead of relying solely on a database The normal telephone network can be used for audio
of known viruses, this method looks for behavioural patterns conferencing, frequently called a phone conference.
and other features in a file to identify possible risks.
The hardware required is:
Electronic Conferencing a computer (with built-in microphones and speakers)
1. Video Conferencing: It is a form of audio and video external microphone and/or speakers
communication. It serves as a stand-in for face-to- an internet phone
face meetings between several persons who may a standard phone.
reside abroad or in another region of the country. It Advantages:
utilizes a network in some way and is done in real-
time. Allows participants to join meetings from any location.
Eliminates the need for travel expenses, such as
The basic hardware includes: transportation, accommodation, and meals.
webcams, Saves time by eliminating travel time and allowing
large monitors/television screens, meetings to be scheduled and conducted quickly.
microphones, Disadvantages:
speakers.
Lacks the visual aspect of face-to-face meetings, which
The software used are: can hinder communication.
Webcam and microphone software drivers It can limit interaction and engagement compared to in-
CODEC (coder and de-coder) person or video conferencing.
Echo cancellation software Heavily relies on technology, and technical issues such as
poor audio quality, background noise, or connectivity
Advantages: problems are common.

It is much easier to access important documents or bring

in ‘experts’ at key parts of the conference.
It is possible to hold conferences at short notice.
Reduced travelling costs.
There is no need to pay for hotel accommodation or
venue hire.
Reduces the cost of taking people away from work for
two or three days to travel.
Using video conferencing is better than having delegates
travel to potentially unsafe places worldwide.

3. Web Conferencing: no need to do manual tasks at home

Web conferencing, often known as webinars or more time for leisure activities
webcasts, makes use of the Internet to enable no need to stay home while chores are being done
conference calls. This system makes use of numerous web-enabled devices allow devices to be switched on or
computers that are interconnected over the internet. off while the owner is out
It operates in real-time, just like video conferencing, automated burglar alarms give a higher sense of security
and enables the following meeting types: and well-being
» business meetings to discuss new ideas smart fridges and freezers prevent food waste by
» presentations keeping track of products’ expiry, availability, etc.
» online education or training.
Disadvantages of microprocessor-controlled labor-
Advantages: saving devices:
Allows participants to see each other through video, unhealthy lifestyle due to inactivity caused by devices
providing a more immersive and engaging experience doing all tasks
than audio conferencing. tend to make people lazy
Often offer screen sharing capabilities, enabling potential deskilling
participants to share presentations, documents, or other any device containing a microprocessor and can
visual content in real-time. communicate using the internet displays a threat of
Often provide features like chat, polling, hand raising, cybersecurity breaches
and Q&A sessions, fostering interactivity and
engagement among participants. General advantages of using a microprocessor-
controlled device:
Disadvantages:
save energy due to being efficient, as well as turning off
Heavily relies on internet connectivity and technical after inactivity
infrastructure. can be easier 'programming' these devices to perform
They can be susceptible to distractions and multitasking. tasks rather than turning knobs and pressing buttons
It often has various features and settings that manually
participants need to familiarize themselves with,
especially if they are new to the platform. General disadvantages of microprocessor-controlled
devices:

5. The Effects of Using IT lead to more wasteful devices

can be more complex to operate for technophobes
leaving devices on standby is wasteful
5.1. Microprocessor-Controlled Devices
Data Security Issues
A microprocessor-driven labour-saving machine enables
users to focus on other activities while the machine Any home appliance managed remotely could provide
completes its work. The second generation of devices hackers access to your personal information. These devices
containing microprocessors is more user-friendly and frequently have default (or no) password settings, which
has more functionality, such as "intelligent tuning" in makes it simple for attackers to get sensitive information.
television sets. For instance, it is easy to discover holiday dates by hacking
into a central heating controller (or the software used to
Advantages of microprocessor-controlled labor-saving interface with it), making a home an obvious target for
devices: 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

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The positive aspects include: Consider an autonomous vehicle approaching a set of
red-lighting traffic signals.
easier to make new friends using chat rooms
easier to find people who share similar interests/hobbies The vehicle's control system must first recognize the
less expensive to keep in touch using VoIP technology. road sign before consulting the database to determine
the appropriate action.
The negative aspects include: The CPU must instruct the actuators to apply the brakes
and put the gear in "park" since the traffic light is red.
people do not meet face-to-face as much (social
isolation) The light must be continuously watched until it turns
a lack of social interaction may make people more green.
anxious about meeting people in real life After that, the CPU will again tell the actuators to engage
When communicating online, people can act less politely first gear, let go of the brakes, and open the throttle
(accelerator).
or more harshly, and cybercrime is a serious issue,
especially for teenagers. Advantages of an autonomous car, bus, or van:
Monitoring and Controlling Transport safer due to the removal of human error
due to the more efficient operation of vehicles, it is
Uses: better for the environment
reduced traffic congestion
monitoring traffic on motorways increased lane capacity
congestion zone monitoring
reduced travel times
automatic number plate recognition (ANPR)
stress-free parking for motorists
automatic traffic light control
air traffic control systems Disadvantages:
railway signalling systems
very high installation prices
Advantages of transport monitoring and control driver and passenger reluctance of the new technology
systems: reduction in taxi requirements could lead to
unemployment
smart motorways keep updating according to changing
maintenance of the sensors and cameras is crucial
traffic conditions the ever-present fear of hacking into the vehicle’s control
more efficient system
traffic offences can be remotely penalized using ANPR
car thefts can be spotted using ANPR Advantages of an autonomous train:
minimizes human errors, reducing the rate of accidents
improved punctuality
Disadvantages: reduced running costs due to fewer staff
no human error
If a hacker breaches security, the vehicle could be minimized energy consumption
controlled by them.
possible to increase the frequency of trains as the
The system might come to a halt if it malfunctions.
possibility of delays is removed
Systems with a poor design could compromise safety. more straightforward to update changes in train
The easy tracking of harmless people's movements is schedules
made possible by ANPR equipment. Who can access such
data? Disadvantages:
Autonomous vehicles in transport
To properly execute their activities, autonomous cars
require sensors, cameras, actuators, microprocessors (along
with very complex algorithms). Automobile control systems
can accomplish essential tasks by sensing information from
cameras and ultrasonics.

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Minimizing health risks: use LCDs instead of CRTs, take
fear of the system being hacked into regular breaks, use anti-glare screens, and do regular eye
initial instalment costs are very high testing.
ensuring passenger behaviour is vital, especially during 4. Headaches: pain or discomfort in the head or face area.
rush hours. Cause: incorrect lighting, screen reflections, flickering
human reluctance to new technology screens, etc.
without drivers, CCTV monitoring will be continuously Minimizing health risks: use anti-glare screens, take regular
required breaks, regular eye-testing.
Advantages of autonomous aeroplanes: 5. Ozone irritation: inflammation and irritation of the
tissues lining human airways
improvement in passenger comfort Cause: inhalation of ozone released by laser printers in an
reduced running costs, fewer staff office.
as most accidents are due to pilot-induced errors, safety Minimizing health risks: proper ventilation, laser printers
is improved should be housed in a separate room, replace laser printers
improved aerodynamics as an outcome of the removal of with inkjet printers, if possible.
the cockpit

Disadvantages: 6. ICT Applications

security aspects due to the absence of pilots
emergencies may be challenging to deal with 6.1. Communication
hacking into the system
passenger reluctance Newsletters and posters
software glitches can be catastrophic
Paper-based communication is used to inform people
about their interests
5.2. Potential Health Problems related Schools use these to inform parents about events/dates
to the Prolonged use of IT Equipment Advantages
Released regularly
Long-term exposure to computing devices may affect user The recipients have a permanent copy
well-being. Disadvantages
Mentioned below are some of the health issues, Requires distribution
accompanied by their causes and prevention tactics: There are no special effects, sound/video/animation
1. Repetitive strain injury (RSI): A condition affecting the There are printing costs, paper/ink
muscles and nerves The targeted audience may or may not receive the
Cause: repetitive movements and overuse of muscles, such information
as wrists
Minimizing health risks: regular breaks, ergonomic Websites
equipment, correct typing techniques.
2. Back and neck strain: Back 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.

Collection of webpages, text, graphics, video, and sound Real-time transition of audio and video files over the
Hosted on a web server on the internet internet
Need to write code or use a web authoring application allows users to access content without downloading it to
Hyperlinks to other pages can be added their devices
Interactive websites require programming knowledge popular services include Spotify, YouTube, and social
Can use a camera, scanner, and microphone to input media websites
data uses buffering, which makes sure the video plays back
Usually, hire space from the web hosting company smoothly without freezing. While the buffer receives data
Advantages packets, it sends previously received ones to the
Ability to add sound/video/animation playback device so that there are no gaps in the played
Links to other websites/hyperlinks data
The use of hot spots Advantages
Buttons to navigate/move around the website Users can access any information at any time and
Hit counters to see who has visited the websites from any location
worldwide advertising capability Offers an extensive library of content
Disadvantages Compared to traditional cable or satellite TV
Can be hacked and modified, or viruses introduced subscriptions, media streaming can be more cost-
Need for a computer and internet connection effective
Lack of portability compared with the paper-based Disadvantages
system Heavily relies on a stable and high-speed internet
Need to maintain the website once it is set up connection.
Not all content is available on every streaming
Multimedia Presentations platform due to licensing agreements and exclusivity
deals.
Uses a mixture of media to present information: You don’t own the media when streaming media, so if
animations, video, sound, transitions, hyperlinks the streaming service removes a movie or a TV show
Produced using software packages from its library, it may no longer be accessible to you.
Used with a projector so a large audience can view
Advantages ePublications
Use of sound and animation/video effects
Interactive/hyperlinks built into presentations
More likely to hold the audience’s attention
Disadvantages
Need for special equipment – expensive
It may require internet access
Distracts the audience from the sole content of the
presentation
It is very easy to make a presentation with too many
features

Media streaming

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5. Accessing the Internet: Another helpful feature is
digital versions of printed materials, such as eBooks, accessing the net from a mobile device. Any mobile device
eMagazines, and eNewspapers. with a wireless broadband connection or a mobile phone
It can be read on electronic devices. network can link to the internet.
Advantages
aid portability
they are often more affordable than paperback 6.2. Modelling Applications
books.
Offer interactive elements that enhance the reading Advantages of using models:
experience. using models is less expensive than having to build the
Disadvantages real thing
reading from an electronic device for a prolonged safer to use a computer model
time can cause eyestrain allows you to try out various different scenarios in
ePublications lack the tactile experience and physical advance
presence that some readers enjoy nearly impossible to try out some tasks in advance in real
compatibility issues can arise if the ePublications is in life due to high risk
a format that is not supported by the reader's device faster to use a computer model than to do the real thing
or software
Disadvantages of using models:
Mobile Communication
a model can’t be completely reliant as the output is
Mobile devices support many forms of communication, such entirely based on the input
as: frequently, computer modelling can be a very costly
1. Short message service (SMS) messaging: permits option
extremely quick communication with another person via human reluctance is a common problem in this
typing on a keyboard (a mobile phone or tablet's keyboard is technology
frequently virtual). Its benefit is that the recipient can get the
text whenever they choose without being available. Some of the applications of computer modelling include:
2. Phone calls: Making calls while on the go is among the 1. Personal finance: Computer modelling involves using
most fundamental applications of a mobile phone. Mobile mathematical algorithms and data analysis to simulate
phones are the perfect method to stay in correspondence various financial scenarios, such as investment strategies,
anywhere there is a network signal because they are retirement planning, and risk assessment, aiding individuals
compact and have an independent battery. in making informed decisions and optimizing their financial
3. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): a communication goals.
technique for Internet users. VoIP transforms sound 2. Bridge and building design: Computer modelling is
captured by the built-in mic of the cell phone into individual crucial in bridge and building design. It allows engineers to
data packets that may be transmitted via the internet to simulate and analyze structural behaviour, assess load
their intended recipient. capacities, and predict the response to external forces. It
4. Video calls: enables real-time video conversing between aids in optimizing designs, ensuring structural integrity, and
multiple participants with a camera-enabled device. Uses an minimizing potential risks before construction begins.
internet connection or cellular data. Software that may be 3. Flood water management: Computer modelling plays a
used for video calling includes FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom. vital role in flood water management by simulating water
flow behaviour, predicting flood extents, and assessing
potential flood risks. It helps design and optimise flood
mitigation measures, such as levees and floodplain zoning,
allowing authorities to make informed decisions, develop
effective emergency response plans, and minimize the
impact of flooding on communities.

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4. Traffic management: Computer modelling simulates and
analyses traffic flow, predicts congestion patterns, and 6.4. School Management Systems
optimises traffic control strategies. It aids in designing
efficient road networks, optimizing signal timings, and Computer-controlled School Management Systems:
evaluating the impact of transportation infrastructure Comprehensive software applications that automate
projects. This enables authorities to make informed administrative tasks, such as attendance tracking, grading,
decisions, alleviate congestion, and improve overall traffic scheduling, and student information management,
efficiency for better urban mobility. improving educational institutions' efficiency, accuracy, and
5. Weather forecasting: Computer modelling plays a pivotal organization.
role in weather forecasting by simulating the Earth's
atmosphere, oceanic conditions, and other environmental
factors. These models use complex algorithms to predict
weather patterns, including temperature, precipitation, wind
speed, and storm systems. By assimilating real-time data,
computer models provide forecasts that aid meteorologists
in predicting weather conditions, issuing warnings, and
helping society prepare for potential hazards.

Advantages of using computer modelling rather than

humans:
It can provide more precise and accurate results than
human-based methods, minimizing errors and
increasing reliability.
Can analyze large amounts of data and perform
complex calculations faster than humans
It can be reused and updated easily, reducing the
need for repetitive manual analysis and potentially
lowering costs in the long run.
Disadvantages of using computer modelling rather
than humans:
It may overlook nuanced factors or intangible
elements that humans can consider, leading to
potential gaps or inaccuracies in the analysis.
Based on assumptions and simplifications,
introducing a level of uncertainty.
Their programmed algorithms and data inputs bind
models. They may struggle to adapt to unforeseen
circumstances or rapidly changing conditions that
humans can more readily navigate and respond to.

6.3. Computer-controlled Systems

6.5. Booking Systems Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)

Automated teller machines (ATMs) are places where
These web-based platforms and applications allow users to
reserve and purchase tickets or services for various events customers can get cash (or carry out certain other banking
and industries. Some of the applications for online bookings activities, such as ordering a statement) using their credit or
include: debit card.
1. Travel industry: Booking flights, hotels, and holiday What goes on behind the
Sequence at ATM
scenes
packages provides a convenient platform for travellers to
Contact is made with bank’s
plan and book their trips. Customer puts card into ATM
computer
2. Concerts: Reserving tickets for live music events allows
PIN is checked to see if it is
music fans to secure their spot at popular concerts. correct
3. Cinemas: Booking movie tickets in advance enables Card is checked to see if it is
cinema-goers to reserve seats and avoid queues. PIN is entered using the valid
4. Sporting events: Purchasing tickets for sports matches keypad The transaction is closed if the
and competitions offers sports enthusiasts an easy way to card is stolen or the number of
attend their favourite events. PIN attempts allowed is
exceeded.
Advantages: Several options are given:
convenience and accessibility change PIN, pay in cheques,
instant confirmation and ticketing pay a bill, see balance, get
ability to compare prices and options money
promotions and personalized offers The customer selects the cash
option & several cash options
faster to change/update are shown
automated reminders via email/text The customer’s account is
repeated bookings can be easily made accessed to see if they have
cost-saving as there are fewer wages due to reduced sufficient funds, it is checked to
staff requirements see if they are withdrawing
The customer accepts one of
Disadvantages: more than their daily limit.
the options or types in a
potential for technical issues If the limit is not exceeded and
different amount
possible security and privacy concerns all other checks are OK, then the
transaction and booking fees transaction is authorized, and
the machine then counts out
impersonal customer service the cash
dependent on a stable internet connection The customer is asked if they
can lead to unemployment want a receipt
The card is returned
6.6. Banking Applications Money is dispensed Customer’s account is updated

Online banking systems depend on the ability to update

files instantly to avoid double scheduling, which might
occur if the system reaction time is slow.
The use of computer technology has revolutionized how
we do our banking transactions, for example:
Internet banking
The use of automated teller machines (ATMs)
Chip and PIN technology

Advantages: Advantages of credit cards:

possible to withdraw at any time of the day customer protection if ordered goods don’t arrive
offer many banking services without having to go to internationally accepted payment method
the bank interest-free loan if money is paid back within the
possible to access an account from anywhere in the agreed time period
world can make purchases online
usually provides quicker service than waiting in a Disadvantages of credit cards:
queue at a bank can be charged high interest rates
Disadvantages: annual fees often apply
often in places where theft can take place at night easy to end up with credit damage
potential for shoulder surfing security risks in online transactions
some banks charge customers for using ATMs Advantages of debit cards:
cash withdrawal limits are often imposed on people money comes from the user’s current account, there
is no interest
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT): safer than carrying cash
can make online purchases
It is possible to send money transfer instructions directly to Disadvantages of debit cards:
a bank's computer system via electronic funds transfer (EFT) less customer protection if goods don’t arrive
technology. The system depends on electronic money no credit allowed; funds are needed at the time of
transfers between accounts; no cash is moved. The purchase
computer system automatically moves the requested security risks in online transactions
amount from one account to another when it receives an
EFT command. Cheques
Advantages: Individuals and organizations use cheques as a form of
very secure payment method payment. When issuing a cheque, the payer writes the
very quick payment method recipient's name, the payment amount, and the date on the
less expensive than cheques cheque. The recipient then deposits or presents the cheque
the customer has the right to dispute an EFT to their bank for processing. The payer's bank verifies the
payment for up to 60 days fund’s availability, and upon clearance, the specified amount
Disadvantages: is transferred from the payer's account to the recipient's
the bank transaction can’t be reversed without full account, completing the transaction.
dispute investigations
customer needs to have funds available immediately Advantages:
cannot guarantee the recipient’s identity more convenient and safer than cash
can be post-dated
Credit/debit card transactions can be traced if they are lost
Disadvantages:
Several credit/debit cards come with a magnetic stripe and a aren’t legal tender and can be refused
chip; the chip houses essential data like the PIN. This slow method of payment
technique is intended to increase security because it is easier for fraudsters than other methods
superior to a signature. A chip and PIN card to make relatively expensive payment method
purchases is an example of an electronic funds transfer
(EFT). Internet Banking

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Enable online access to banking services via a secure
website or app, allowing for transfers, bill payments, account Using 3D printers in medicine:
management, and more. Prosthetics: 3D printers print out artificial body parts
such as false teeth, artificial limbs, hearing aids, etc.
Advantages: This is a less expensive method of replacing body
convenience and availability parts.
easy account management Tissue engineering: it is the field of combining cells,
branch visiting won’t be a requirement biomaterials, and engineering principles to create
interest rates may be better functional tissues or organs, aiming to repair or
more accessible to shop around for the best account replace damaged or diseased tissue in the human
Disadvantages: body.
security of transactions Artificial blood vessels are synthetic structures
requires a reliable internet connection designed to mimic the function of natural blood
More risk of fraud vessels, facilitating the flow of blood and nutrients
Easier to make errors throughout the body to support tissue repair and
Physical cash can't be deposited/withdrawn regeneration.
Customized medicines are personalized drug
6.7. Computers in Medicine formulations tailored to individual patients' specific
needs. They utilize advanced technology and precise
Information Systems in Medicine measurements to create medications with accurate
dosages and unique compositions, optimizing
Patient records: Healthcare professionals maintain treatment outcomes.
databases to communicate information between them
and pharmacists (for instance, to guarantee no 6.8. Expert Systems
medications are administered that interact dangerously
with one another). It is an AI-based computer program that emulates the
Pharmacy records: Pharmacy records maintain a decision-making capabilities of human experts. It uses
comprehensive record of patient prescriptions. This knowledge and rules to provide accurate advice or solutions
includes details like the prescribed medication, dosage, in a specific domain.
quantity dispensed, prescribing physician's information, Examples include:
and the date of dispensing. These records help track
medication usage and can be used to verify prescription Diagnostics
accuracy and detect potential drug interactions or Mineral prospecting
allergies. Tax and financial calculations
Strategy games
3D Printers Identification of plants, animals and chemical
compounds
Route scheduling for delivery vehicles

The interactive screen asks questions for the doctor to

answer using a keyboard or a touch screen.
The inference engine compares the symptoms with the
knowledge base, using the rule base to find matches.
The system suggests the possible illness with a
probability of each, cures, and recommendations on the
next step.
The explanation system will explain how that particular
diagnosis was suggested.

Components of an Expert System 6.9. Computers in the Retail Industry

1. User Interface
Point of sale (POS) terminals: Computerized systems used
This is the only thing that the end user sees at checkout counters to handle purchases and oversee
Allows the user to interact with the system stock. It is extensively used in retail stores to process sales
Often requires training to operate effectively transactions. They enable quick and secure payment
processing through various methods, including cash,
2. Explanation system credit/debit cards, mobile payments, and digital wallets. POS
Informs the user of the reasoning behind the expert terminals calculate totals, generate itemized receipts,
system’s conclusions update inventory, and provide real-time sales data for
It will supply a conclusion and any suggested actions to effective business management.
take
Some features include:
It will also give the percentage probability of the accuracy update stock files immediately
of its conclusions
track inventory levels in real-time
3. Inference engine prevent stock discrepancies and ensure accurate
records
The main processing element of the system monitor inventory levels and reorder when stock is
It acts like a search engine examining the knowledge lower than a predefined value
base streamline supply chain management and minimize
Responsible for gathering information stockouts
This is the problem-solving part of the system
Attempts to use information gathered from the user to Electronic funds transfer at Point of sale (EFTPOS)
find a matching object terminals: Devices for processing electronic payments; they
allow customers to make payments using debit or credit
4. Knowledge base cards by securely transferring funds from their bank
accounts. EFTPOS terminals authenticate and authorize
It is a repository of facts transactions in real-time, providing convenience and security
stores all the knowledge about an area of expertise for customers and businesses during retail purchases.
a collection of objects and their attributes The process of checking credit and debit cards at a
5. Rules base supermarket EFTPOS is much the same as was described for
paying a restaurant bill in Section 6.6.
The rules base is a set of inference rules. Some functions of EFTPOS include:
Used by the inference engine to draw conclusions
They follow logical thinking

How an expert system is used to produce possible

solutions

Use of chip and PIN cards: increased competition

Enhance security with two-factor authentication digital fraud and security concerns
Require customers to enter a personal identification technical issues and downtime
number (PIN) costs of delivery and return
Use of contactless cards: fake negative reviews can lead to a lousy company
Allow for faster transactions reputation
Enable customers to tap their card on the terminal
Use of Near Field Communication (NFC): 6.10. Recognition Systems
Facilitate payments through smartphones and other
devices 1. Optical Mark recognition (OMR) media in schools:
Increase convenience for customers
Communication between supermarket computers and School registers: Paper-based registers are fed into
bank computers: OMR to be scanned and stored in a database.
Share transaction details securely Multiple-choice examination papers: The position of a
Enable instant payment processing and verification mark is stored in a computer’s memory after being read
by the OMR, a device using a template that maps out the
Internet Shopping X-Y coordinates of each tablet (pen/pencil mark).
Used at POS terminals for scanning and reading the
Characteristics of Internet Shopping: information stored in barcodes.
Many digital devices have OMR scanners, which may be
Online stores accessible through web browsers used to scan QR codes.
A wide variety of products and services are available Advantages:
Convenient and often open 24/7 very fast way of inputting the results of a survey
Advantages (To customer): more accurate than keying in data
more accurate than OCR methods
access to the global market Disadvantages:
comparison between different products effortlessly designing the forms is a very complex job
can shop from anywhere in the world there can be problems if they haven’t been filled
able to avoid queues and busy stores correctly
often only work with black pens or pencils
Advantages (To business):
2. Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
can target prices and services based on buying data
can update stock availability and prices more quickly
than a physical store
cheaper to publicize special offers
international customer base
increased profits due to lower staff

Disadvantages (To customer):

security concerns
can’t correctly examine products before purchase
occasionally, products may take weeks before being
delivered
additional shipping and handling costs
lack of face-to-face interaction with staff

Disadvantages (To business):

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3. RFID in tracking stock: 4. Near Field Communication (NFC):
Enables short-range wireless communication between
devices.
Allows payment using a smartphone.
Advantages:
Convenient and secure method of payment
allows for contactless transactions
Disadvantages:
Limited range
compatibility issues with some devices

5. Biometric recognition:
Usually refers to automated technologies for
authenticating and verifying human body characteristics
such as face, iris, retina, finger, thumb, hand and voice.
Advantages:
very high accuracy
very easy to use
very fast verification time
non-intrusive method
relatively inexpensive technology
Disadvantages:
it can make mistakes if the skin is dirty or damaged
very expensive to install and set up
uses a lot of memory for the data to be stored
a person’s voice can be quickly recorded and used for
unauthorized access
an illness, such as a cold, can change a person’s
voice, making absolute identification difficult or
impossible

6.11. Satellite Systems

Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

Used to determine the exact location of several modes of Used to capture, manage, analyze, and display
transport geographically referenced information.
Cars usually refer to GPS as satellite navigation systems Use to determine the distance between two places.
Satellites surrounding the Earth transmit signals to the Used to find the nearest petrol station or restaurant, etc.
surface To protect animal and plant life in certain vulnerable
Computers installed in the mode of transport receive places.
and interpret these signals It can be used in geography, science, or engineering
Knowing their position on the Earth depends on very lessons.
accurate timing – atomic clocks are used in the satellites,
which are accurate to within a fraction of a second per Advantages:
day Allows geographical and thematic data of any kind to be
Each satellite transmits data indicating its position & time
combined to show how they are connected to each
The computer on board the mode of transport calculates other.
its exact position based on the information from at least It allows the handling and exploration of vast amounts of
three satellites data.
Satellite Navigation (satnav): It allows data to be integrated from a wide range of very
different sources.
Used to determine the exact location of a car.
The computers onboard can be used to show directions Disadvantages:
to a destination. The learning curve on GIS software can be very long.
Advantages: GIS software is very expensive.
GIS requires enormous amounts of data to be input.
Better focus as there isn’t a need to constantly check It isn't easy to make GIS programs that are both fast and
paper maps. user-friendly.
Reduces fines by warning drivers about upcoming speed
changes. Media Communication Systems
The system shows an Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA).
It is possible to program in the fastest route to avoid Using satellite signals for communication.
towns. Used by media companies when sending
The system can also give helpful information such as the stories/videos/pictures from remote locations.
location of petrol stations.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
They have good global coverage.
If the maps are not updated, they can give incorrect They are cheaper, faster, and safer than laying cables in
instructions. difficult or treacherous terrain.
Road closures due to accidents or roadworks can cause They have very high bandwidth.
problems. It is relatively easy to expand the network.
The loss of satellite signals can cause problems. Security in satellite transmission is very good because
The system will give incorrect information if an incorrect data is coded, and the receiver requires decoding
start-point or end-point is keyed in. equipment.
During emergency situations, it is relatively easy to move
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) stations on the ground from one place to another.
They are well-suited for broadcasting.
Enable mobile communication in very remote locations.

Disadvantages:

There is a time delay in receipt of the signals. Observation:

The signals received can be affected by bad weather. involves watching users interact with the system to
Sunspot activity can affect the performance of a satellite. figure out its workings
They must be monitored and controlled regularly to it is used for understanding how users interact with
remain in the correct orbit. the current system
Advantages: provides first-hand, unbiased

7. System’s Life Cycle information

Disadvantages: can be time-consuming, may not
reveal all issues
7.1. Stages of Sytem's Life Cycle: Interviews:
direct one-to-one conversations with users on their
1. Analysis experience with the current system
2. Design used to gather comprehensive information about
3. Development & Testing individual users
4. Implementation Advantages: allows for in-depth exploration of issues
5. Documentation Disadvantages: relatively expensive, time-consuming,
6. Evaluation no user-anonymity, which may affect the response
Questionnaires:
Analysis of the Current System set of predetermined questions is given to the users
to complete and give their opinion on the current
The current system is studied using four different system
methodologies. These are the four techniques: it is majorly used in collecting data from a larger
group of people
Advantages: allows for quantitative analysis, efficient
data collection, questions can be answered quickly
Disadvantages: limited by predetermined questions,
may suffer from low response rates, users may
exaggerate answers due to anonymity
Examination of existing documents:
reviewing system documentation, user guides, or
reports
understanding the current system's design and any
known issues
Advantages: provides insights into the system's
history, can reveal previously unknown issues
Disadvantages: it may be outdated, incomplete, time-
consuming, and rather expensive.

Record and Analyse Information about the Current

System
Identifying key aspects of the current system

Data inputted, processed, and outputted into the system It is vital to identify the suitable hardware needed for the
are identified. new system
Problems with the current system are identified. What contemplating system requirements, compatibility,
could be improved? costs
The requirements of the user and the potential new justifying choices based on user needs and system
system are identified. What is the new system meant to performance
do? Hardware that needs to be considered:
Problems: issues that users face with the current system barcode readers,
User requirements: what needs to be added to the new scanners,
system touch screens,
Information requirements: data or information the new 3D printers,
system must process monitors,
speakers.
New System Requirements Specification: Identifying suitable software needed for the new system
• Once the systems analysts have completed the systems life considering functionality, compatibility, and ease of
cycle analysis stage, they should be fully aware of the use
current system's limitations. justifying choices based on user requirements and
• The next step will be to design a new system (normally system efficiency
computer-based) to resolve the problems identified by the Software that needs to be considered:
users and the systems analyst. operating system,
• The Requirements Specification will be created, outlining applications software,
the required improvements and expectations for the new size of storage,
system. type of storage.
System Specification
7.2. Design
Hardware and Software Selection
Once the analysis has taken place and the systems analyst
has some idea of the scale of the problem and what needs
to be done, the next stage is to design the critical parts of
the recommended system.

File/Data Structures
Field length: number of characters allowed in a field
Field name: an identifier for the field in the data
structure
Data type: specifies the kind of data that can be stored in
a field, e.g., text, numbers, dates
Coding of data: using codes to represent data, e.g. M for
male, F for female

Input Formats

Data capture forms: These are designed to collect data Test data structures, file structures, input formats,
from users in a structured format. They come in two output formats, and validation routines
types: paper-based and electronic-based. Paper-based Ensure all components function correctly and interact
data-capturing forms must be carefully designed with seamlessly
headings, concise instructions, character and
information fields, checkboxes, and enough writing Test Strategies
space. Text boxes, on-screen help, drop-down menus,
radio buttons, automatic validation, and control buttons Test each module: verify individual components function
for data entry are all features of computer-based forms. as intended
Consider a user-friendly layout, clear instructions, and Test each function: ensure all features work correctly
appropriate data fields. Test the whole system: confirm overall system
performance and integration
Output Formats
Test Plan
Screen layouts: how information is presented to users
on a screen Test data: specific data used for testing purposes
Report layouts: how information is organized in a Expected outcomes: predicted results based on test data
printed or digital report Actual outcomes: results obtained from testing
Consider readability, visual appeal, and efficient use of Remedial action: steps taken to fix identified issues
space
Test Data Types
Validation Routines
The following data types will be explained using the example
It is a method of examining data submitted to a computer to of months in a year.
determine if it meets specific requirements. It is a routine
check that the computer does as part of its programming. Normal data: valid and expected data values within the
1. Range check: ensures data is within a specified range of range of acceptability have an expected outcome. E.g.,
any whole number between 1 and 12.
values
Abnormal data: invalid or unexpected data values. This
2. Character check: ensures data contains only allowed
characters can either be:
3. Length check: ensures data is of a specified length Data outside the range of acceptability or
Data that is the wrong data type
4. Type check: ensures data is of the correct data type
In this case, examples could be…
5. Format check: ensures data conforms to a specific
any value less than 1 (i.e. 0, -6, etc.)
format
6. Presence check: ensures data is present and not left any value greater than 12 (i.e. 13, 15, etc.)
blank letters or nun-numeric data (i.e. July, etc.)
non-integral values (i.e. 3.5, 4.2, etc.)
7. Check digit: a digit added to a number to verify its
Extreme data: values at the limits of acceptability (E.g. 1
accuracy
or 12)

7.3. Development and Testing What is live data?

Guarantees the system's functionality before it is put into Data that has been used with the current system
use. Hence, the results are already known
Identification and removal of errors, thus improving
system reliability and performance. 7.4. Implementation
Test Designs The system must then be fully implemented after it has been
thoroughly tested.
We will now think more carefully about switching to the new
system. Four popular techniques are utilized to transition
from the old system to the new one.

WWW.ZNOTES.ORG Copyright © 2025 ZNotes Education & Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This document is
authorised for personal use only by Aleksandra at British International School, Serbia on 26/01/25.
CAIE IGCSE ICT
Before selecting the approach best suited for a given 4. Phased Implementation
application, the pros and cons of each must be carefully
considered. The new system is implemented in stages, with each
stage replacing a part of the old system
4 Methods of Implementation Used when a gradual transition is preferred to minimize
disruption
1. Direct changeover: Advantages
reduced risk
The old system is replaced by the new system easier to manage
immediately Disadvantages
Used when quick implementation is necessary Takes longer
Advantages potential compatibility issues
fast implementation
cost-effective as only one system is in operation
Disadvantages
7.5. Documentation
High risk of failure In the life cycle of a system, documentation enables the
no fallback correct recording of design, implementation, testing, and
users can’t be trained on the new system maintenance data, facilitating effective communication,
2. Parallel Running troubleshooting, and potential future improvements.
Technical documentation: detailed information on the
Both current and new systems run simultaneously for a system's inner workings and programming for
period before the old system is phased out developers and IT staff
Used when a smooth transition with minimal risk is
required Used to maintain, repair, and update the system with
Advantages improvements
Lower risk
easy system comparison
Disadvantages
Time-consuming
resource-intensive

3. Pilot Running

The new system is implemented in a small, controlled

environment before full-scale implementation
Used when testing the new system in a real-world setting
Advantages
Low risk as only trialled in one
department/centre/branch
allows for fine-tuning
staff have time to train with the new system
few errors as it's fully tested
Disadvantages
Slower implementation
potential inconsistencies
confusion as there are two systems in use
There is no backup for the
department/center/branch using the new system

Purpose of the system/program: Explanation of the Purpose of the system: Explanation of the system's
system's intended function and goals intended function and goals
Limitations: Known constraints or issues with the Limitations: Known constraints or issues with the
system system
Program listing: The code or scripts used in the system Hardware & software requirements: Necessary
Program language: The programming language used to equipment and software to run the system
develop the system Loading/running/installing software: Instructions for
Program flowcharts/algorithms: Visual setting up the system on user devices
representations or descriptions of the system's logic and Saving files: Procedures for storing data within the
processes system
System flowcharts: Visual representations of the Printing data: Steps to produce hard copies of system
interactions between system components data
Hardware & software requirements: Necessary Adding records: Instructions for creating new entries in
equipment and software to run the system the system
File structures: Organization and layout of the system's Deleting/editing records: Guidelines for modifying or
files and data removing existing entries in the system
List of variables: Collection of variables used within the Input format: Structure and format for entering data
system, including their names and purposes into the system
Input format: Structure and format for entering data Output format: Structure and format for presenting
into the system data generated by the system
Output format: Structure and format for presenting Sample runs: Examples of system operation, including
data generated by the system input and expected output
Sample runs/test runs: Examples of system operation, Error messages: Explanations of system warnings and
including input and expected output error notifications
Validation routines: Techniques used to check and Error handling: Steps to resolve issues and errors within
confirm the accuracy of data entered into the system the system
Troubleshooting guide/helpline: Assistance for
User Documentation diagnosing and addressing common problems
Frequently Asked Questions: Answers to common user
Instruction and guidance for end-users on how to operate inquiries
the system. Used to help users effectively use the system Glossary of Terms: Definitions of key terms and
and overcome problems concepts related to the system

7.6. Evaluation
It measures a system's productivity, efficiency, and
compliance with its goals to identify its strengths,
shortcomings, and potential development areas. This
assessment informs decision-making and improves overall
performance over the course of a system's life cycle.

Assess the Efficiency of the Solution

Analyse the system's efficiency in time, money, and Collect and Examine User’s Feedback
resource use. Examine whether the system is performing
at its best or if its efficiency could be increased. Collect users' responses to the results of testing the
Provide examples of specific aspects that contribute system. Their feedback can provide insights into
to the system's efficiency potential issues and improvements and help determine
Identify areas that may be consuming excessive overall user satisfaction.
resources or time and suggest ways to optimize them Summarise the testing process, including test data
Questions to ask: expected and actual outcomes.
Does it operate quicker than the previous system? Discuss users' reactions to the system, addressing
Does it operate by reducing staff time in making any concerns or suggestions they may have
bookings?
Does it operate by reducing staff costs? Identify Limitations and Suggest Necessary
Improvements
Evaluate the Ease of Use
Based on the analysis of efficiency, ease of use,
Look at the solution's usability and accessibility for the appropriateness, and user feedback, identify any
target market. Check to see if the system is simple to limitations in the system and suggest necessary
understand and use and if users have no trouble improvements
completing their jobs. List the limitations and provide explanations for each
Describe the user interface and how it facilitates one
interaction with the system Recommend specific changes or enhancements for
Mention any feedback from users regarding their these issues
experience with the system and address any issues
they encountered
Questions to ask: 8. Safety & Security
Are all the users able to use the system and make
bookings easily?
Are all the users able to change and cancel bookings 8.1. Physical Safety
easily?
Can all staff understand how to use the system with 1. Electrocution: ICT devices require electrical power to
minimal training? charge or run; the electrical device can cause electrocution,
caused by the electric current moving through a body,
Determine the Suitability of the Solution causing fatal injuries and/or death.
There are multiple causes for electrocution, including:
Examine how well the implemented solution satisfies the
Contact between liquid substances and electronic
desired outcome by contrasting it with the original task
devices: Keep liquids away from electrical equipment.
criteria.
Open cables: Ensure that cables are entirely insulated
Outline the initial objectives of the system and
and packed, and use circuit breakers or fuses to prevent
discuss how the solution addresses each one electrical overload.
Highlight any requirements that may not have been
fully met and discuss possible reasons for this 2. Fire: ICT devices require electricity to charge or run; too
Questions to ask: many devices using a single socket can cause the plug socket
Is the system suitable for each of the departments? to overload, and heat is generated by too much electricity,
Does it meet the needs of the customers? causing the wiring to degrade and ignite a fire.
Does it meet the needs of the staff? The causes and reduction tactics for fire include:
Does the solution match the original requirements?

Socket overload: Ensure enough plug sockets in the Principles of the Data Protection Act
room, don’t plug too many devices into the same
socket, and don’t leave devices plugged in and Data must be processed lawfully, fairly, and
unattended. transparently, with clear consent from the individual.
Overheated equipment: Ensure that equipment is Data should only be collected for specific, explicit, and
properly ventilated and not obstructed, keep flammable legitimate purposes.
materials away from heat sources, regularly check Organizations should only collect and retain the
equipment for signs of wear or damage, use fire minimum personal data necessary for their stated
extinguishers in case of emergencies, turn off or unplug purpose.
devices when away from the location, do not cover any Data should be accurate and up-to-date, and reasonable
air vents on devices. steps must be taken to rectify or erase inaccurate
information.
3. Trailing cables: Devices can be plugged in using cables. Personal data should not be kept longer than necessary
Cables that are protruding can cause an accident; you can and should be securely deleted when no longer needed.
trip over a cable left out in a location, and body damage can Organizations must protect personal data against
occur during a fall, for example, breaking bones, ligament unauthorized or unlawful processing, accidental loss,
damage, bruising, sprains, etc. depending on the area fell on destruction, or damage.
Trailing cables causes and prevention strategies:

Unorganized/insecure cables: use cable ties to secure Why is data protection legislation required?
cables, keep cables packed correctly in, let’s say, a table,
Protecting Individual Rights: Data protection legislation
therefore not coming in the way of walking paths, use
safeguards individuals' right to privacy and control over
wireless devices where possible, and regularly inspect
cables for signs of wear or damage. their personal information.
Preventing Misuse of Personal Data: It helps prevent
4. Heavy falling equipment: Devices have varying levels of unauthorized access, identity theft, fraud, and other
weight, and if a device falls on you, it could cause injury; any forms of data misuse.
device should be placed in a secure location, like a PC on a Promoting Trust: Data protection laws build trust
solid desk and not near the edge. between individuals and organizations by ensuring their
Causes and reduction tactics for falling equipment: personal information is handled responsibly.
Encouraging Responsible Data Handling: Legislation
Improperly secured equipment: Ensure that promotes responsible data collection, storage, and
equipment is properly secured and stable. Regularly processing practices among organizations.
check the stability of locations containing devices. Enabling Data Subject Rights: Legislation grants
Equipment on unstable surfaces: Keep equipment individuals rights such as access to their data, right to
away from edges and other potential hazards, and rectification, erasure, and objection to processing.
regularly inspect equipment and locations containing
devices for signs of wear or damage. Personal Data

8.2. eSafety
Data Protection
The Data Protection Act (DPA) controls personal data
collection, storage and processing.

In the UK, the European Union’s General Data Protection

Regulation (GDPR)
Protects personal data, whether stored on paper or a
computer system

Refers to information that can be used to identify an Awareness that personal information should not be
individual shared freely
Examples Awareness of how to act online and avoid falling victim
Personal Name creates a safe and respectful environment.
Address Identify and avoid online scams, phishing attempts, and
Date of birth fraudulent websites that may try to trick them into
A photograph in school uniform sharing personal or financial information.
Medical history Mindful of online behaviour and interactions, protecting
Threats that can be avoided by protecting personal your digital reputation, which can have long-term
data: consequences in your personal and professional life.
Identity theft Control privacy settings on social media platforms,
Privacy breaches limiting who can access/view personal information and
Misuse of the information posts.
Data be sold to third-party companies Avoid encountering explicit or harmful content online,
Individuals could be held to ransom over personal reducing the risk of exposure to inappropriate material
data gathered or online predators.
could be used to commit a physical crime Engage in online gaming responsibly, avoid sharing
How to avoid inappropriate data disclosure: personal details, and behave respectfully towards other
Personal data must be kept confidential and players.
protected through privacy settings on websites such Protecting devices from malware, viruses, and other
as social media or strong passwords on websites online threats, preventing data loss, privacy breaches, or
where personal data is held or used device damage.
Access to personal data should be limited to Develop responsible online behaviours, promoting
authorized individuals respectful conduct while interacting with others online.
Think before you post - consider what information Maintain a healthy balance between online and offline
could be gathered from your image or content lives, reducing the risk of addiction, mental health issues,
Check website details about the collection, storage, or negative impacts on relationships and self-esteem.
and use of personal data
Only access websites where personal data is used or Safety Suggestions
viewed when on a secure, encrypted connection

eSafety
E-safety is knowing about and using the internet safely
and responsibly.
It refers to when an individual is using the internet,
email, social media, or online gaming.
E-safety refers to the individual knowing how to protect
themselves from potential dangers and threats.

The Need for eSafety

A digital record that attests to a website's reliability and

8.3. Security of Data integrity. A digital certificate is used to provide safe
communication and to build confidence between parties.
Threats Identifier data, the entity's public key, and a third party's
digital signature are frequently found in digital
There are multiple methods by which data can be
certificates.
threatened, including:
3. Secure Socket Layer (SSL):
Hacking: Unauthorized access to computer systems or
networks to gain control, steal information, or cause A protocol that creates a secure connection between a
damage, thus leading to identity theft, privacy breaches, client computer and a server. SSL ensures that
and misuse of data information communicated between a server and client
Phishing: Deceptive emails or messages that are stays private and cannot be intercepted or changed by
received from trusted sources to trick individuals into unauthorized parties. A website's identification for it is
revealing personal data the S at the end of HTTP.
Pharming: Manipulation of DNS (Domain Name System)
to redirect users to fraudulent websites, often to steal 4. Encryption:
personal data
Smishing: Phishing attacks carried out through SMS or It is creating data in a format that cannot be read without
text messages a decryption key. Data on hard drives, emails, cloud
storage, and secure websites (HTTPS) are all protected by
Vishing: (aka voicemail phishing) Phishing attacks carried
out through voice messages to trick users into calling the encryption. Without a decryption key, it assures that
telephone number contained in the message even if unauthorized people obtain data, it cannot be
Viruses and malware: Viruses are program codes that decoded.
can replicate/copy themselves to cause data loss or 5. Firewall:
corruption. Malicious software designed to disrupt,
damage, or gain unauthorised access to computer A firewall is a network security device that monitors and
systems or networks manages incoming and outgoing network traffic. Its goal
Card fraud: Unauthorized use of credit or debit card is to separate an internal network from other networks
information for fraudulent purposes caused by shoulder by filtering data according to established criteria. It
surfing, card cloning, or keylogging. assists in preventing malware, unauthorized access, and
other network risks.
Protection of Data
6. Two-factor authentication:
Multiple techniques are implied for the protection of data,
inclusive: A security mechanism that requests two different kinds
1. Biometrics: of identification from users to confirm their identity. To
provide additional protection outside of just a username
Individuals' distinctive physical or behavioural traits, such and password, 2FA was created. Typically, it combines
as fingerprints, faces, or irises, can be used for access something that uniquely identifies a user, like biometric
control and verification. Since biometric data is hard to data, with something the user has, like a smartphone
fake or duplicate, it offers a more secure form of and a token or something they know, like a password.
identification.
7. User ID and password:
2. Digital certificate:

A typical authentication technique uses a password plus Designing an ICT solution requires an understanding of
a secret code (user ID) to identify. To strengthen data the target audience. The study should consider elements
security, user IDs and passwords restrict access to only affecting the audience's capacity to use the solution, like
authorized users. Using secure passwords and changing age, technical proficiency, and expertise.
them frequently is critical to ensure security. When The solution creator should know the audience's
creating passwords, it is advised to utilize a mix of requirements for information. This could serve as a
uppercase, lowercase, digits, and special characters. design cue for the data processing elements and the
information architecture.

9. Audience How the audience utilizes and consumes the content

also influences the design. For instance, the answer
should be mobile-friendly if the audience accesses it
9.1. Audience Appreciation mostly through mobile devices.
Finally, the designer should consider any unique
To express gratitude and value for the users by providing requirements of the audience, such as visual or auditory
helpful and relevant information, fostering positive impairments. These requirements should be taken into
experiences, and contributing to their understanding and account when designing the solution ensuring inclusivity.
learning.
9.2. Copyright
Planning ICT Solutions
What makes Copyright Necessary?
The first step to building effective ICT solutions is
identifying and understanding the intended audience's Copyright regulation is crucial to safeguard the rights of
needs. These needs can be functional, like processing developers and innovators.
information, or aesthetic, like a visually appealing It stops software piracy, which is unauthorised use,
interface. replication, or distribution.
After identifying the needs, select the appropriate It guarantees developers receive compensation for their
technology and tools to create a solution. This choice efforts, fostering additional innovation and development.
depends on factors like the complexity of the task, the
budget available, and the technical expertise of the Principles of Copyright in a Computer Software
users.
An essential aspect to remember while designing ICT Copyright law prohibits the unauthorized copying,
solutions is to ensure they are user-friendly. This means distribution, or modification of software.
they should be intuitive to use, require minimal training, It also includes the End-User License Agreement (EULA),
and have easy-to-understand instructions. which outlines what the software can and cannot be
Additionally, ICT solutions should be accessible to all used for
users, including those with disabilities. This could involve Violations of these principles, such as software piracy,
adding features like voice commands, larger text options, can lead to legal consequences.
or compatibility with assistive devices.
Once the solution is created, it is crucial to test it to Preventing Software Copyright Violation
ensure it functions as expected and fulfils the users'
needs effectively.

Analysing Audience Requirements

Software developers employ various copyright protection Email is a technique of sending and receiving messages
strategies, such as Digital Rights Management (DRM). and files via the Internet.
Due to DRM methods and systems, copyrighted works It is employed in personal communication, business
are subject to usage, modification, and distribution communications, and marketing.
restrictions. Acceptable language must be used based on the email's
Other techniques include software product activation, recipient, for example, professional when composing a
which needs a unique code to be fully functional. work-related email.
Given that pirated software frequently cannot receive Employers frequently establish requirements for
automatic upgrades, which renders it less effective and professional language, substance, and email frequency.
secure over time, automatic updates may also serve as a Email security is critical to preventing sensitive data from
kind of copyright protection. being accessed or manipulated.
Netiquette is the proper conduct and politeness when

10. Communication using email.

Don’t be abusive
Don’t send spam
10.1. Communication with Other ICT Be clear and concise with your message
Remember that posts are usually public and can be
users Using E-mail read by anyone.
Always check your spelling and grammar.
E-Mail Respect people's privacy and do not discuss or
publish information that might embarrass somebody.
Uses: Forgive people’s mistakes
Do not use CAPITAL LETTERS to highlight comments
Do not plagiarize
Do not use too many emoticons, as they might annoy
your readers.
Email groups enable mass communication to a specific
group of subscribers.

Guidelines set by employers:

It is up to companies to decide if personal emails should wasting time

be permitted on their systems annoying people
Companies may specify which company devices are using up valuable bandwidth on the internet, thus
allowed to be used slowing it down
There needs to be a company standard style when may have viruses or be a part of a phishing scam
sending emails can take up significant space in user inboxes
It must be made clear what email content is not
permitted To minimize the spam you receive:
Employees should be told only to use their accounts use spam filters
when sending emails avoid disclosing your email address publicly
There must be clear rules regarding the confidentiality of don’t click on links in spam emails or reply to them
information
Staff need to be aware of the method and duration of
storing emails 10.2. Effective Use of the Internet
Incoming emails should only be read by the recipient
Company policy on how to deal with and prevent viruses Characteristics of the Internet:
must be laid out Allows individuals from all around the world to connect
Monitoring of emails may be carried out, and staff must and chat with one another instantaneously
be aware that the company has the right to read all It runs on a distributed network design, which means a
emails single central authority does not control it.
Suitable ongoing training will take place to ensure staff It is mainly used for transmitting data in a variety of
follow company policy at all times formats, such as text, photos, audio, and video.
Carbon Copies (Cc) and Blind Carbon Copies (Bcc) Uses of the Internet:

Carbon copies are used to send the email to multiple A vital communication tool that allows people to
recipients. communicate via emails, instant messaging, and other
Blind carbon copies are made to send the email to means.
multiple recipients without them acknowledging that it It acts as a massive database of information on almost
has been sent to other recipients. any subject
Forward enables users to send an already existing email The Internet has transformed business by offering a
to a new recipient. platform for online purchasing, electronic payments, and
To attach files to be sent with an email, we make use of digital transactions, allowing enterprises to reach global
Attachments. consumers.

Spam Advantages of the Internet:

It is defined as any unwanted email delivered via the users have access to an incredible amount of
Internet. These can range from annoying to genuinely information, empowering them to learn
harmful, as they may contain viruses. enables individuals and businesses to connect and
The main disadvantages are: communicate with people from different parts of the
world in real-time
the Internet has made many things easier to complete,
thus providing simplicity and effectiveness

Disadvantages of the Internet:

Raises data security and personal privacy hazards Definition:

through the possibility of identity theft, data breaches, The Internet is a vast network of linked computer
and online monitoring. networks and gadgets that communicate with one
The spread of propaganda, fake news, and another using the Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP).
misinformation due to the simplicity with which content The intranet is a secure network that operates within
can be created and distributed online. an organization using internet technologies and
The digital divide resulting from unequal Internet access protocols, such as TCP/IP.
threatens to widen existing disparities. Extranets are managed private networks that can
give access to third-party users and give users, such
The differences between the internet, intranet, and as partners, suppliers, or clients, safe access to a
extranet: portion of the intranet.
Accessibility:
The Internet is open and accessible to the public,
allowing users to access a wide range of information,
services, and resources worldwide.
Intranets are restricted to internal users and typically
secured by firewalls and other security measures to
maintain the security of critical corporate data.
Extranet provides authorized external users only
limited access, in contrast to the internet, which is
public, or the intranet, which is entirely restricted. To
access the extranet, these users need a secure login.
Purpose:
The Internet acts as a hub for intercultural dialogue,
the sharing of knowledge, and access to a range of
Internet resources, including websites, email, social
media, online shopping, and more.
An intranet's main goal is to make it easier for
employees to communicate, work together, and
share information.
Extranets make it easier for external stakeholders to
collaborate and communicate with a company. It
enables the organization and its reliable clients or
partners to share information, documents, and
resources securely.
Many use the terms “Internet” and “World Wide Web”
interchangeably. However, they can’t be used in the same
context:
- The internet refers to the global network of computers
and other devices connected through routers and servers.
However, the World Wide Web is a collection of websites
and webpages accessed via the Internet.

The Functionality of the Internet Advantages of using the Internet to find information
information tends to be up to date because it is
Internet service providers (ISP): A company that quicker and easier to amend
provides internet access. Typically, a monthly fee is The Internet has vast amounts of information
charged for this service. Users' accounts are created searching for information using a search engine is
when registering with an ISP and acquiring login fast and easy
information such as user ID and password. people can look for information in the comfort of
Uniform Resource Locator (URL): The address of a web their own home
page on the WWW. It is a text-based address that information on the internet is essentially free of
uniquely identifies the location of any resource available charge
on the internet. The three main components are: webpages may have multimedia elements, making
Protocol: learning more interesting
It is the communication protocol used to transfer Disadvantages of using the Internet to find
data between the client and the server information
E.g. HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and others it isn’t regulated; anything can be posted
Domain: always the risk of accessing inappropriate websites
it is the name of the server where the resource is too easy to be distracted by the many distractions
located available on the internet
it can be a name or an IP address Some research skills are lost when using the internet,
Webpage/file name: as search engines do all the work for you.
it is the location of the file or resource on the server
it can contain the name of the file or directory where Speed of Searching
the resource is located
A URL looks like this: Search engines may scan billions of online pages to
protocol://domain/path/filename locate matches to your search query in a fraction of a
E.g. https://www.hoddereducation.co.uk/IGCSE/ICT is second.
a URL that consists of the HTTPS protocol, the Your internet connection and the effectiveness of the
domain name "www.hoddereducation.co.uk", the search engine's algorithms influence the speed.
path is “IGCSE” and the filename is “ICT”
A hyperlink is a word/phrase/image which references Amount of Information
data that the reader can follow by clicking or tapping,
usually taking you to another web page Because search engines can deliver a deluge of
A web browser is a software application used to locate, information, utilising particular and relevant search
retrieve, and display content on the WWW, including web phrases is critical.
Adding quotation marks for specific phrases, "+" signs for
pages, images, video, and other files
required terms, and "-" signs for omitting terms can help
Use of Search Engines narrow the search.

There are two fundamental methods for obtaining Finding Relevant and Reliable Information
information via the Internet. The first method is to enter the
The search engine algorithm determines the relevancy of
URL if you know the website's address. If you don't know
information by considering parameters such as keyword
where to look, the second option is to employ a search
frequency & page quality.
engine to locate the information you seek.
Reliable information is often obtained from recognized
sources such as educational, government, or well-known
industry websites.

Evaluating Information Found on the Internet

Although the internet provides much information, not all

are genuine or dependable.
Consider the source's reputation and trustworthiness
when determining the information's dependability.
Check the accuracy of information by comparing it to
other reliable sources.
Assess whether the information is skewed, keeping an
eye out for views pushing a particular point of view.
Check if the material is current, as obsolete information
might be deceptive.

Internet Protocols
Protocols are rules on which the sender and recipient agree
when data is exchanged between devices.
1. Hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP): when a web page is
being accessed, entering http:// at the front of an address
tells the web browser that ‘HTTP rules’ for communication
are to be obeyed.
2. Hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS): A secure
version of HTTP that encrypts data for security.
3. File transfer protocol (FTP): network protocol used when
transferring files from one computer to another over the
internet. It is similar to HTTP, but the protocol specifically
transfers files.
4. Secure sockets layer (SSL): a protocol that allows data to
be sent and received securely over the internet.

Risks of Using the Internet

Inappropriate and unlawful content: The internet may
attract people to potentially dangerous or illegal
materials.
Data restriction: Parental, educational, and ISP
restrictions can all be used to restrict access to specific
information or websites.

© ZNotes Education Ltd. & ZNotes Foundation 2024. All rights reserved.
This version was created by Aleksandra on Sun Jan 26 2025 for strictly personal use only.
These notes have been created by Bisma Hammad for the 2023-2025 syllabus.
The document contains images and excerpts of text from educational resources available on the internet and printed books.
If you are the owner of such media, test or visual, utilized in this document and do not accept its usage then we urge you to contact us
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