ICT flash OCR

Standards allow hardware and software to achive its highest performance. 

For software it is important that the software follows the rules so that it will work accordingly on the hardware.

As well as hardware it standards apply due to law for example wiring and some which are accepted practise. 

Set of rules must be followed such as:

software will work on the hardware no matter what manufacturer,

third party techinical help,

peripherals fit one another

communication between devices become possible

The internet operates on the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP)

A data network uses a Open System Interconnection (OSI)

Downloads and Uploads operate on File Transport Protocol (FTP).

All ICT systems rely on internal resources, These can be defined as human resources, technological resources and accommodation.

Human resourses are people employed to operate the system, these are valuable as they make the system efficient and maintain it.

However these need:

ongoing training sessions, good pay, safe working conditions, and to be valued.

Technical resourses are the mains and software that make it work, such as:

computers, application packages, input and output devices

They need

Regular updates, proper maintenance and reviews should take place

As well as this accomodation should be took into consideration.

Information is important to companies, this includes:

Details of customers, products, suppliers, plans, balance sheets, projections for the future, reports and analysis.

When information is excanged it must be accurate and in a timely manner, if a company keep to this they will likely be more more successful.

To achive reliable information the following must be used.

Input checks such as validation and verification checks.

Security

Regular updates

Appropriate measures

encoding of information

the correct level of detail

Telephone systems offer a range of services, such as:

Answering Services, automated messages- voice mail, fowarding messages

Call-back, 1471, traces calls

Ring-back, phone engaged therefore automatic rings when free

Call waiting, alerted if a caller is waiting while on a call

Automated control of a system using phone keypad, checking bank statements

Ex-directory, directory classification, block your number

Call barring, dialling preminium rate numbers

Personalised ringtones, allows personalisation

Conference Calls, links mutiple callers

Banking has used computers for a number of years,

Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) such as cheques,

Automated teller machines (ATMs) allow customers to access there money when banks are closed

Electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS)

Electronic funds transfer (EFT)

Smart Cards

Such as:

ICT Stock systems: checking storage and restocks

Robotic devices: Allow production to continue with out the need for humans

ICT Models: Mathmatical and Object

Process control

This is the administration and management of the people who work for a company.

Supports

Recruitment, hiring, job placement, performance appraisals, employee benefits, training developments, health, safety and security

Use of ICT to assist

Tracking employees and there personal information

Payroll processes

Time and Labour management

Benefits administration with employee participation

The main features of CAD and CAM packages are:

design processes

calculating stresses and strains

working out costs

linking directly to the process in factorys

helping with the supply of manufacture

scheduling jobs 

Is a database of knowledge known as a knowledge base, there is a set of rules which are based on asking questions via an interactive interface, the expert and non-expert work together to reach a solution. 

There are a number of areas, these can be found:

oil and mineral exploration

medicine

help-desk applications

 grammer checkers

creating other expert systems

The user should use common-sence judgement when considering a solution as it is not always right. 

It was first broadcast in analogue format and this restriced the services abd screen however digital television is now widely used and fixes this problem. Although this means people need to buy new television sets in the long run they get better picture and more services such as:

email and internet

remote control shopping

camera action

game applications

changing the ending

programmes on demand

pausing, recording 

CAL is when instrucional information is provided to a students/employees, to pose questions and evaluate reesponses. 

Advantages

Cheaper, any time any place, study at your own pace, sections can be repeated, fast track

Disadvantages

Trainee needs access, knowledge learned may be incorrect, cannot check with teacher straight away, may not be up to date or accurate, no human contact 

A distributed database is one in which files are shared across the network, because the database is distributed. The data must be synchronised regulary to ensure data consistency. 

Each remote processor has data with which it is primarly concerned, such as its own customers or stock. Security is improved as everything is on the computer and there is no physical copies.

Horizontal partitioning

This occurs when there are one or more tables which are split in such a way that certain rows or records are delt with by one location, such as the postcode relating to the office. In large databases, attributes of the entities and often collected and stored but not used resulting in wasted speeds and slower searching. 

Vertical partitioning

The parts are distributed by headquaters and this is where the overall data is stored, although on rate occasion where unusual data was needed, the information would take longer to build up, this would be offset by the increase of speed in the analysis of any section.

The database is uploaded each night and alterations made to include the local changes by merging the different versions. This means that mutiple versions exist, this means backing up is easy however data interception is easier as any can be duplicated, although this means searches can be made quickly it means it is not always up to date. 

Every database consists of tables and indexes, indexes help to speed up the searching efficiency of a database by indicating where to find records which might be needed when queries are run, using this method the central database does not hold the actual data is just a collection held on remote sites. 

This is when the purpose is to steal your identity, the find out your bank account details, addresses and name and then use this to apply it to your credit cards and have access to your money because this can be easy for criminals and allow them to take advantage of us and our data if we are not vigilant. we must be careful as our data can be copied and allow false personallisation and make running debts and open bank accounts pretending to be us.

Data is becoming more and more held on computers, we needs laws to govern this data and keep it safe. The difficulties are that with data held electronically it is easy to steal enormous quanitities of data in seconds and in case of stealing, leave no trace.

Commercial organisations want to know our habits: whether we are married, how much we earn and what we get up to. All this informations allows advertising to be targeted at us. Much of this is legitimate however we need to be constantly aware that our computers are now linked and potentially to any computer in the world. We need to keep our personal files secret and we need to have spyware, firewalls, off-line data, virus checkers etc. 

Garbage in and Garbage out, if incorrect data is put into the system incorrect data will come out of the system. This is a limitation which affects everyone who uses a compute, just becomes numbers are fast and reliable does not make them correct.

Computers are becoming more relied on by us, most of our data is now stored on ICT-based devices. The danger of becoming over dependent on ICT is something we shall all take into consideration, we should not become too trusting and we should reserve our judgement and take into consideration common-sense and a range of sources. We need to have alternatives and never hand over our lives to computer completely.

As a consumer society we are always upgrading our ICT systems and throwing away the old. This must be done responsibly as it may lead to the enviroment being spoiled. Many of these devices contain dangerous components such as printed circuit boards, cables, wires, plastics containing flame retardants, mecury switches, desplays, batteries, data storage media, capacitors resistors.

The goverment take threats seriosly and therefore place laws to protect themselves and us.

There is two types of software, Off-the-shelf when the software is readily available and custom-written software when a programmer is employed to write the software.

Advantages

The software has most bugs removed as it has been in the public domain for sometime, there is also existing users/groups and online for help. The staff may be familer to the software so they need less training. It can be purchased straight away and is relatively cheap.

Disadvantages

It may require significiant training changes, the software will need to be adapted adding to further costs, and the soft may habe a larger memory usage than custom-written softwares.

Advantages

Software will fit its purpose exsactly, small memory footprint, software copyright belongs to the firm.

Disadvantages

More expensive, more bugs than other software, require more training, limited help, no user groups, not immediatly available.

Expertise

How much knowledge do the staff have?

Costs

Do benefits out weigh cost?

Benefits

Will the system be more efficient than the old one?

Methods of installiation

How will the system be installed?

There a four main methods of installing a new computer-based system, these are

Direct

The new system replaces the old system without any overlap.

Pilot

The new system is only tested at one location before being fully installed.

Parallel

The systems operate together for a short period of time before it is fully installed.

Phased

Part of the new system replaces the old system while other tasks are still on the old system, completed over time.

Maintainance is necessary as a computer-based system grows old, bugs may be found in the syste, due to failed or not enough tests as well changes in technology and laws.

Adaptive Maintainance

If changes in work practise are indentified in a review - If there is an increase in customers - if new legalisations are introduced

Corrective Maintenance

If bugs and errors are found in the system need correcting or fixing

Perfective Maintenace

If new technology becomes avalible which might allow the performance of the system to be improved.

If a review indicates ways in which the system could be changed to enchance performance.

The problem myst be understoody by the client and the systems analysts who solve this problem, making the nature of the problem apparent and agreed between them both. This will form an inital contract and undertake an investigation followed by a feasbilty study  to inform the client whether it is possible to solve the problem. A few reasons for why not are:

Solving the problem is too expensive

The hardware or software does not exsist and cannot be produced

There is no realistic solution to the problem.

Would take too long to produce.

In order to understand the exsisting system the analysts should undertake a detailed study of the company and how it operates at the moment, with paticular attention to how the defined could be solved. There are several metods, such as interviewing and observing people, however people often exageratte and or lie about tasks.

Analysists will examine the exsisting documents and records and note how the system inputs, outputs and records the data.

The findings from the investigation need to be analysed and a set of proposals made as to how the problem is to be solved and what is to be included in the new system. This is then summarised in the requirements specification.

The requirements specification is a written document that clarifies for both the client and the analyst what will be proposed for the new system including:

Customer requirements

Functional requirements

Details of proposed performance

Details of proposed security

Time scale of completion

any major constraits

The system should meet these requirements

Once the analysts have understood what is neeed and the present system, they design the new system. To aid them they need,

the previous requirement specification

The design specification which includes the purpose of the system, validation rules. inputs/outputs and processes, the links between the system, data flow diagrams, assumptions limitations and constraits, data structures and the house style.

The system specification which includes the hardware to be used, the software to be written with, the people involved in the design of the system, the software it is written with and how the system will be organised.

And finally the test plan which is a series of tests devised to make sure it is working correct and fulfils its purpose. It normally includes what is to be tested and what the outcome is as well as any test data used.

Once the design is finalised it is to be built and installed, this involves:

obtaining the hardware

writing the software

writing the documentation

training personnel use of the new system

discussing changes of working practise

testing the system with and without users

Installiation and transfer of data

writing documentation for the user and any technicians

This is the more formal approach to make sure the client agrees that the analysts have made a good job of the system and so that the new system can begin to be used.

At this point however the analysts remain on call in case of any glitches. bugs and general help until the system is put fully into action.

RAD techniques enable the traditonal systems cycle to be speeded up although there are compromises. This is done by:

The use of prototyping when the designer creates part of the system and has it tested by a user or group of user who then make comments on the users judgement. the designer then refines this and the design-refine-design cycle is repeated until the system meets the designers wants.

Working in small teams allows the individuals to carry out the tasks and be more motiviated and flexible bypassing the values of a large team.

Time boxing allows the life cycle to begin without the need to wait for one stage to finish, and allows refinements to come later.

Automated Code Generators allow part of the systems code to be produced by computers used mainly on the program code and then other developments which come later.

The project manager oversees the running of the project and worries about the deadlines, finances and makes sure that all technical documentation is completed as well preparing reports on what needs to be done.

The Systems Analyst examines the system and prepares the ground for the designer, as well as deciding whether an upgrade is necessary or it is more feasible to go ahead with a completely new system.

A systems analyst must have:

Good technical knowledge

Good understanding of problems

Good intepretation skills

Administrative skills

Analytical skills

Draw the diagram below.

This is used to establish the shortest and most pratical route through the construction of the system, bearing in mind that someparts take more time and some need to be completed before the next can be. CPA answer the following questions:

What are the tasks to be carried out?

Where can parallel activity take place?

What is the shortest time in which it can be completed?

What resources are needed?

What is the sequence of activities scheduling and timing?

What are main priorities? 

Draw diagram below!:)

A PERT chart allows the analyst to plan the task using milestones represented through circles, the mile stones are numbered in steps of ten so they can be added up easily if necessary.

Draw meee:)

Gantt charts make it possible to plot the progress of the project through time, each activity is shown as a block of time.

STDs are used to describe every possible state of an object and everything that can or will affect the state of this object, these changes are known as transistions and are used to describe every possible situation.

Draw it nao

These are useful representations of data input and the processes the data goes  through and when it outputs from the system, the following symbols are used to create data flow diagrams:

Flow Charts are visual representations of processes involved in a system, symbols have been developed to represent the processes and are connected by flow lines to indicate data flow through the system, the systems look like below.  

In a structure diagram the system is described as a number of levels, each level describes the whole design. As the levels increase so does the detail, the diagram is sometimes known as a top-down design. They look like below.

A single-user system is a system such as a home computer which is not connected to any other computers or networks however with recent techlogical developments it its possible to run several programmes at once.

These are when a single computer is connected to a number of terminals but each user is made to believe that they have control and complete access of their own system. It allows a number of users to use the same computer at once and this is achieved by giving each user a brief time to process data so that they do not notice a time delay and sometimes at the end of the day a batch process will be run.

Multi-tasking systems allow several applications to be run at once, this is useful if the user wants to cut and paste between the applications as well as allowing more important software applications to be run in the background such as the operating system and anti-virus software to be constantly running without the users knowledge. Peripheral devices can also be used on the system without the users knowledge.

Data is collected before the processing begins which is usually when the system is in least demand such as after work hours this allows little user interaction and an example of its use it a payroll at the end of the month.

This implies direct user interacting during the process, the system responds immediatley with this interaction and inputs from the user performimg the output very quickly and is useful where dialogue is needed and an example of its usage is in ATM machines.

This is where each individual term of processing is processed before the next can be started and is a first come first serve order such as when a bank transaction is put into place.

The input is immeditly affected by the output and the communications happens in less than four seconds such as when you press a brake pedal in a car the car will automatcally brake.

The is sharing out tasks between mutiple processors that are attached to the same network, this speeds up complex tasks with repetitive numbers such as number-crunching.

A HCI defines the communication between human and machine. The way in which this is enabled and the care with which the method is designed leads to the success or failure of the system. Many factors have to be taken into account. 

The use of colour must be used correctly it can be used to highlight important features however too much is distracting and confusing, it should also contrast the background making it stand out aswell as this colour can have traditional meanings so choose carefully.

The western eye reads left to right so put the most information in the top left, it should also be kept in a logical order and any important actions or buttons on screen should be clearly labelled.

The following should be took into consideration:

Dont present too much information-short term memory will store little from a casual read.

Instructions should not be unneccasarly repeated.

Use hyperlinks effectively so that key points and words can be expanded.

Dont highlight too much information, or it will not be special.

Should be appropriate to the text such as children requiring larger fonts.

Visually impaired people may need to adjust the size of the font for the prefered taste.

The font should be proffesinol and not fancy.

Bear in mind the user when writing the information, technitions may require more complex text compare to unexperinced users.

These should be appropriate to the task such as:

buttons to run a specific task

hyperlinks to jump to another document or elsewhere

Drop-down boxes which limit choice

check boxes which allow a number of choices

randio buttons which limit choice

A dialogue is a two-way flow of information and instructions between two systems, these may be human or computer. Dialogue between human and human involes the use of such things as speech, body language, and touch these have became protocols for the way in which our dialogue takes place. Within the ICT communication there are also protocols.

It is important to take the user into account when designing the interface, there are many differences which may affect this such as who the user is, what enviroment will the interface be in place in, and is it being capable of being used.

The mental mode is a way of approaching an interface and having an idea of how it will work, such as how people will operate a system by intution or trial and error, it is important to take into account the user when producing the HCI. 

This is the analogy between the processing and the storage based on both human and computers.

Perceptual - we recieve information through our senses - our input devices

Cognitive - We think about things and work them out - our processing unit

Motor - we act on this knowledge - our output devices

Memory - we retain the information for future knowledge - our internal memory

A local area network usually covers a defined area such as a building or site, it allows direct connections between computers through cables or wireless and the communication media is owned by the owners of the network.

This network usually covers a much greater geographical area and is usually linked through public communications such as telephone lines however the communication methods are owned by third partys.

This is the logical part of a local area netork its creation is due to the software as the links already exsist, this allows the user to be part of groups which allow and restrict access areas, numerous VLANs can exsist within one configuration. 

This network allows the use of a wide area network aswell as remote stations using the a server on the internet. Security is ensured by encrypting the data.

The Client-server network is organised around one or more servers to provide shared resources, the server also provides security. 

Advantages

All security is provided by one place

Allows the sharing of software and data

Easier to back up all data

Allows thesharing of hardware

Disadvantages

If the server fails, the network fails.

Requires a network administrator to operate successfully.

Cam ne an expensive option, such as hiring the adminstrator

A peer-to-peer network is a simple way of sharing resources by linking all computers allowing communication. 

Advantages

Simple to manage

Cheap to set up

Does not require management

Resources can be shared

Disadvantages

Security is poor

Data is not centrally controlled

Periphels are not shared as easily

each computer back up is seperate

This is the measure of capacity of communication channel such as wire. It is measured in bits per second - how many binary digits can be transmitted along the line in 1 second. A high bit transmission rate is known as broadband.

Cables are usually made of copper and are wires twisted together to give protection against electical interferance.

Advantages

High electrical conductivty

Ease of connection

Disadvantages

Prone to electrical surges 

Long cables lose the strength of signal

Can only carry limitedband width

These are made from fine glass fibres and transmit data in the form of light.

Advantages

No electrical interferance

Very safe and reliable

Cam be up to 5km before repeaters need to boost signal

Disadvantages

High cost to install as specialists knowledge is needed

Transmission equipment is more expensive

Fibres cannot carry power

This is used in remotes and control units such as keyboards and mice.

Advantages

Not subject to electrical interferance

Disadvantages

An uninterrupted line of sight between sending and receiving is needed

Sunlight can interfere

This is a highly focused beam with a narrow range of wave lengths, this means that it can travel long distances.

Advantages

Can link buildings far apart with fast speeds

Suitable for LANs on split sites

Direct so secure

Disadvatages

Prone to interference if anything interrupts the beam

Radio waves are electromagnetic waves with relatively long wavelengths e.g. waves from a few centimetres in length (FM radio) to hundreds of metres (AM radio).

Advantages

Useful for sights difficult to wire up

Useful for portable devices

Disadvantages

Needs a transmitter

prone to electrical interferance

not as secure as wired systems

Microwaves use transmitting and recieving dishes, often on towers to give further coverage, used as part of the public telephone system, signals are beamed from dish to dish across the country.

Advantages

More secure than some systems because the signals send a tight beam.

Useful for companys transporting data around the city

Disadvantages

Clear line of sight needed.

A narrow signal beam is sent to the satelite from a ground base and then is sent back down to a reciever. 

Advantages

Useful for long-distance communications, such as between countries

Disadvantages

Difficult to repair satelites

An individual specification for wireless personal area networks, allows devices such as computers, PDAs, mobile phones, printers, cameras etc to communicate without wires.

Advantages

Normally has a range of 10m but can be boosted

Eliminates the difficulty of transvering data to mutiple devices

Disadvantages

Not always secure

A connection point between cables in a netork, managed hubs have extra features such as being able to monitor traffic between them. It contains a number of ports and when a packet arrives at one port it is copied to every port allowing the LAN to see all segments.

A device that filters and fowards the packets to the segments of the LAN and is more intellegent than a hub, switches look at the data packets are recieved and forward the packet to an appropriate device. A switch offers better performance as it conserves network bandwidth. 

A piece of computer hardware that allows devices to connect to a wired network, generally installed into the computer or peripheral.

A piece of computer hardware that allows devices to connect to a wireless network.

A router fowards data packets along the network, they are generally located at gateways. They determine the best path for fowarding the packets, and they communicate with other routers to configure the best route between any two hosts.

A system to allow a local area network to connect with a wide area network such as the internet.

A device that recieves a signal and boosts it, a series of repeaters may be used if the cables are very long. They clean this up by removing noise.

A bridge connects a LAN to another LAN that uses the same protocols, they then develop a learning table which makes them remember the process to become more efficient.

The BCS is to promote the study and practise of computing it advances knowledge an the education of ICT for the benefit of the public. It 'enables individuals, organisations and society to realise the potential od and mazimise the benefits of IT'.

They BCS:

sets and maintains proffessinol standards for its members

produce a code of conduct which states what an IT professinol should do

produces a code of good practise

advises the government on ict-related legilsation 

initiates debates on ICT subjects