Communication and Entertainment

LAN:  local area network - this is a collection of computers and peripherals* connected together by a cable and generally confined to one building or site - allows the sharing of resources

WAN: wide area network - a collection of computers spread over a wide geographical area - might use microwaves, satellites or telephone lines

Advantages of a network: 

-easy to share software/data between users

-centrally controlled security // both access and backup

Disadvantages of a network:

-central file server fail means no users can have access to the files on it

-easy spreading of viruses

*printers, scanners, etc.

Internet: largest global network

This is a worlwide network composed of LANs and WANs, with no cnetre governing body and no control of the content

Advantages:

-vast amount of information available to everyone with access

-access to a variety of organisations that aren't otherwise as easily accessible, such as diasbility support groups

Disadvantages:

-no censorship or control

-no guarantee of validity of a website

Data Encryption:

Data transmitted --> scrambled into a code --> destination reached --> decoded

This means that if data is intercepted, it can't be used. However, computers have to have the same encryption method in place (Cipher text: e.g. Caesar Cipher)

Authentication:

This is when a user/computer beleives a message/access to a computer is from a genuine source.

Usually done with a username and password or a digital signature.

Phishing: sending emails that pretend to be a bank/organisation that handles financial transactions, asking user to click on a website link and enter banking information such as banking passwords

This is done so people can obtain your details and log ino your bank accound to steal money from you

Information overload is when you are given too much information about something

Therefore, there's a need for discrimination to consider the reliability and desireability of information:

• Relevance: is the information useful, and is the amount of information appropriate
• Accuracy: are there any references, and can the information be verified, for example are there quotes or statictics that can be checked against other sources
• Bias: is the author biased and if so does this affect the reliability of the content - are there opposing viewpoints to create a balanced argument?
• Currency: when was the publishing date or the last update - especially key for fast-changing topics
• Intention of the provider: what is their reason for publishing
• Authority of the provider: what is their power/influence - usually government bodies and education resources are reliable

Spam: junk mail coming in via email - whenever you provide information other companies are collecting it. The information is stored in databases which can form a picture ofwhat products you like so companies can advertise to an appropriate audience. Information you provide to one company is often shared/sold to their partners

• Facsimile (fax): an exact copy of a document made by electronic scanning and transmitted as data

-the recipient does not have to be there to receive the document

-not confidential

• Telephone
• Internet Telephones: VoIP

-Voice over internet protocol

• SMS:

-shor message service

• Instant messaging
• Chat rooms
• Forums/bulleting boards:

-post any typed question or comment

• SatNav/GPS
• Email

• Terrestial TV: viewing of analogue programme through a roof aerial
• Digital TV: viewing of programme through digital aerial allowing recording and pasuing in real time
• Cable TV:viewing of analogue and digital TV through ground cable allowing recording and pausing in real time
• Broadband TV: viewing of analogue and digital through ground cable allowing recording and pausing in real time up to speeds of 50MB, often accompanied with telephone services
• Digital Radio:high quality digital audio broadcasts
• Game Consoles: advancing into virtual systems where user is part of the game and controls game
• Integrated Entertainment Systems:combined telephone, TV, DVD player, music player and iPod controlled from one unit, with speakers placed round the house

Downloading: film/music downloads: convenient to access, not limited to geographical location // files might take up lots of storage, might need to pay

Streaming: view anything: often free, instant playback - don't need to wait for files to download // advertising, need good connection

• Wi-Fi: Wireless Fidelity
• Wired Networks: uses Ethernet cables to connect devices
• Bluetooth: wireless connectivity

Confidentiality of Data

-no certainty of privacy

-producers try to instil security and privacy devices

Affects of communication on conversation and contact:

-not talking face-to-face, sitting at computer

-not playing real games, playing in a virtual world

-not using telephones, sending texts