Chapter 7 Using ICT Services

Chapter 7 Using ICT Services

1. Key Words

   • Encryption - Data is scrambled with a key so anyone that looks at it cannot understand it - a decryption key is needed to make the data readable, or unscramble it
   • Network - A collection of computers and systems connected to share data
     • Peer-to-peer - A network of computers with no central server, they share resorurces such as processing power
   • Internet - A global network of computer systems that user similar protocols to communicate, it makes the world wide we, for example accessable bly millions
   • Print Server - A computer on a network that controls the printers and sends print jobs to the correct printer
     • File Server - A computer on a network that holds software, files and data so that they can be accessed by network users
   • LAN - A locan area network that is confined to a small geographical area - Using cables to connect computers
     • WAN A wide area network that covers a large geogaphical area and consists of a number of LANs connected together
   • Bios- The basic in out system which is a set of intructions for when the system starts up- Stored in ROM
   • World Wide Web - Is a collection of linked images and documents written in hypertext that holds infomation
     • HTML - A language that allows documents to be arranged and structured so that web browsers can display them
   • Login- The process of identifying yourself to a computer system with a username and password
     • Logout - The process of exiting a computer system

2. Detailed Notes

   • Info Notes
     • Storage of the operating system
       • Most personal computers store the operating system on a hard disk or flash memory. Hard disks are the most common because they have a huge storage capacity and fast access times. Flash memory is used in small computer systems like smart phones because it requires less power, takes up less physical space and is less likely to be damaged by movement.
     • Accessing a PC
       • A computer at home will often ask for the user to log in and enter a password but it can be set up so that is not necessary. Not using a username or password makes the PC less secure as anyone can use it but people don’t worry about this, at home preferring to have the PC up and running quickly.
     • Managing files and folders
       • All files and folders must have sensible and meaningful names if they are to be found, recognised and used again. Managing how and where the folders and files are put on a storage medium is the job of the operating system but the user is responsible for choosing filenames and putting the files into the correct folder. There is usually a home folder, although it is sometimes called by different names such as ‘My Documents’, assigned to a user into which all the files should be put.
     • Networks
       • Networks are a convenient way of connecting computers together so that they can communicate with other computers. To be able to connect to a network, extra hardware components and software are needed.
         • Network Interface Card (NIC) This hardware component provides the physical connection to the network and uses cables or wireless. Many laptops, netbooks and PDAs, as well as mobile phones have these cards built into them but it is usual to have to add this to a desktop computer.
         • Wireless networking is a convenient way to connect computers especially mobile computers, laptops, netbooks and smart phones. Wireless networks use radio waves to connect the computers and are common in homes. Wireless networking is also useful in buildings where cables are not allowed or possible or where connections may not be permanent. Hotels and cafes offer WiFi connections to their customers and many areas have free WiFi connections.
     • Internet
       • The internet is a collection of computers and servers that are connected together in a global network that is used by millions of people all over the world. It is a network made up of networks used by businesses, universities and government organisations all linked together by optical, copper cables, satellite and microwave links carrying a vast amount of information, resources and services. All computers using the internet use the same network protocol to access information and services on the internet.
     • Uses of the internet
       • World Wide Web (WWW)
         • There is a vast amount of information available on the World Wide Web (WWW) and this is accessed by using a web browser to display and view pages containing text, images and multimedia components.
       • FTP
         • The file transfer protocol is used to share and exchange files over the internet between a computer and a server. It is commonly used to upload web pages to a web server.
       • File sharing
         • Files can be shared or distributed over the internet using the World Wide Web, by FTP or by peer-to-peer sharing. File sharing itself is not illegal but many computer users share files that do not belong to them and that is illegal. Downloading music files from reputable sites after paying for them is legal and is now a very popular way of buying music. The sales of CDs has dropped because more people are downloading music from music stores. Buyers do not need to buy the whole CD but can pick individual music tracks to purchase.
       • Email
         • Electronic mail is a way of sending messages over the internet. The message is written and addressed and sent to a server that forwards the message to the recipient.
     • Cloud computing and networking
       • It is possible for organisations to use the internet to connect many computers instead of having their own large dedicated network. The organisation can make their files and information available to all their employees and workers all over the world without having to build their own private network.
     • Troubleshooting
       • Although major problems with computers should be left to trained and experienced people, all users of computers should be able to solve the simple problems that face any user when trying to carry out a task or produce some work on a computer. ICT systems do not always work as expected but many problems can be resolved by the user
     • How ICT helps with modern living
       • Modern life would not be so easy for us without ICT but it is worth remembering that not all the people in the world have access to ICT. Some countries do not have the ICT facilities that we take for granted in our country because the country or the people cannot afford it, there are limited resources or the technical knowledge is not available and some countries actively discourage and prevent their citizens for using the internet. In some countries, access to internet sites outside their own country is restricted or prevented altogether. In our country, ICT is part of our lives and affects our lives in many ways.
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