Applications of ICT

Applications of ICT

1. Use of Telecommunications

   • Telephone Systems
     • Voice Recognition; Menu Options; Voicemail Systems and Ring Back Systems.
     • Can allow numbers to be blocked or shown, Last Caller to be found out and Allow Multiple calls at the same time.
   • Banking
     • Paying Money in; Taking Money Out; Paying Billsand Providing Statements
     • Banks provide these services throught Telephone; ATMs; Internet or a Terminal at the branch.
   • Production Control
     • Typical process will involve many different stages. The machinery used to manufacture the product is often controlled by a computer.
   • Global Positioning Systems and Navigation
     • GPS are used to locate a position on the surface of the Earth. it can come in the form of a Map and/or Written/Verbal Directions.
   • Weather Forcasting
     • This involves GPS, Satellite Imaging and Measuring Devices as well as specialist modelling software.
       • Satellite imageing can be used to show cloud formations. Measuring devices can record a wealth of weather information which is sent to a Central Collection Station.

2. Software-based Training Methods

   • End User
     • Advantages
       • The pace can be decided by the user; The user can redo sections that are unclear; Different methods of learning are used - Video/Sound/Images; Feedback can be given and new targets set; Automatic feedback - no need to wait; Can be completed at home resulting in less pressure.
     • Disadvantages
       • Invasion of privacy/pressure to go faster through the material; Health issues regarding computer use; Requires Motivation to sit and learn; Needs basic level of ICT skills; No personal intervention by a tutor; Completion of training does not necessarily mean anything has been learnt.
   • Trainer
     • Advantages
       • Progress reports on students; Can see weakness and strengths of students; Leaves free time to target students.
     • Disadvantages
       • Materials may not be appropriate; Needs to be available when the learner is using the system - may be out of hours; Needs to know and understand the delivery system.

3. Use of Networks

   • The basic functions of networks is the communication of information.
     • This can be through email; photographs or documents/presentations that are being worked on.
   • Home
     • A network is used to allow multiple computers to connect to the internet. A central data store can be established with all the data the users can share which includes printing.
   • Work
     • At work the key is management and collaboration. Work files can be shared and teams can work on them.
       • The network can also centralise printing and security measures.

4. Limitations of ICT

   • Battery Life: Battery life on devices is related to their use - the less you use the device, the longer the battery will last. Longer battery life and components that use less energy are evolving.
   • Processing Power: The more technology allows us to do, the more we want and the faster we want it. Users demand multi-tasking, with multiple applications running and no waiting. Processing is getting faster ad will continue to do so but will never catch up with software development.
   • Storage Capacity: Computers have vast storage capacity but you need double - half for you have and half for a backup. Solid state storage is increasing in capacity and reducing in price.
   • Size of Technology: Technology is getting smaller and can be harder to use depending on the situation. (Smaller screen size means web pages are harder to view etc.)
   • Bandwidth: Access to and the size of Bandwidth can both be limiting factors. As there is a need to be connected at all times, high speed of response requires a high amount of Bandwidth.
   • Security: With any system there are always those that will try to break into it. However this isn't anything to do with the technology itself but the user. The limitation is the ability of ICT to protect us and guarantee our privacy.

5. Distributed Databases

   • Duplication: This is where each location that requires data has an entire copy of the database at its own location.
   • Central Database with Local Indexes: An index is a data structure that works like an index in a book. it contains references to the data that allows it to be looked up and accessed quickly.
   • Partitioning
     • Vertical Partitioning
       • This is where the data is partitioned based on individual fields. This produces a new table that contains only the fields that are required and an additional table containing those fields that are not required.
     • Horizontal Partitioning
       • This is where the data is partitioned based on records. The data is split into different tables and each table contains exactly the same structure. However, each table will contain different rows.
   • Use of Distributed Databases
     • Comparison
       • Speed: How quick it is to run queries and obtain the data that is required.
       • Security: Keeping the data secure, backed up and maintaining the integrity/consistency of the data.
       • Flexibility: Changing the data stricture and quires to meet the needs of the organisation.
       • Storage space is required and communication links.

Images and files in the map