Digital Devices: Types, Uses, and Benefits, Exams of Nursing

Download Digital Devices: Types, Uses, and Benefits and more Exams Nursing in PDF only on Docsity! BTEC ICT Level 3 - Unit 1 What is a digital device? - ✔A digital device is a piece of physical equipment that uses digital data What is a personal computer (PC)? - ✔Personal computers are general purpose computing devices like desktops and laptops. They're relatively small and inexpensive and are commonly used in the workplace for tasks like word processing, desktop publishing, etc. They're used at home for the web, e-mail and gaming. What is a server? - ✔Servers are used to manage access to web pages, email, files and printers. They're similar to personal computers but usually contain more storage, faster processing, greater memory and an active network connection. What is a mobile device? - ✔Mobile device are digital devices that are designed to be portable;e by being compact, light-weight and running on battery power. They're most commonly used for internet access. What is an entertainment system? - ✔Entertainment systems are devices that are used purely for the purpose of entertainment, such as watching tv, listening to music and playing games. They usually have good storage and internet connectivity as well as a number of features specific to each device. What is a navigation system? - ✔Navigation systems are devices that use GPS to locate you on a map and plan routes to a chosen destination. It is commonly used as an in-car satnav to plan your route while driving. What is a multifunctional device? - ✔Multifunctional devices are capable of more than one function, such as input and output. They're used for many different reasons, such as touch screens that allow you to input data without a separate keyboards, and force feedback controllers that let you control the game while receiving vibration as output. What is a digital camera? - ✔Digital cameras are used to take photo and video and store it as digital data. This can then be used to share the photos and videos online or to edit them using photo or video editing software. What are data capture and collection systems? - ✔Data capture and collection systems input and store data through methods other than direct data entry. They're commonly used in shops at the EPOS till, such as barcode scanners for inputting products. What are communication devices? - ✔Communication devices and systems move data between two other devices, such as two computers. We use them for networking, including to send and receive data over the internet. What are the education uses of digital devices? - ✔Education and Training uses of digital devices include interactive whiteboards, virtual learning environments and online learning websites. This has made education more easily accessible, even from home. What are the personal uses of digital devices? - ✔Personal uses of digital devices include entertainment, online shopping and banking and home appliances. This has helped save us a lot of time in our personal lives by automating tasks and saving us from having to travel as much. What are the social uses of digital devices? - ✔Social uses of digital devices include social networking sites, instant messaging and VoIP. This has made it much cheaper and easier to keep in touch with our friends and family. What are the retail uses of digital devices? - ✔Retail uses of digital devices include EPOS, stock management and online retail websites. This has made being and selling products much more efficient for both businesses and customers. What are the organisational uses of digital devices? - ✔Organisational uses of digital devices include administration, video conferencing and design and manufacturing. This has helped to sabe businesses money by reducing staffing numbers and travel requirements. What are the creative task uses of digital devices? - ✔Creative task uses of digital devices include 3d graphics, photo/video editing and graphic design. This has made it much quicker and easier to perform common creative tasks. What do input devices do? - ✔Input devices are used to allow us to enter information into a computer system. List some input devices. - ✔Keyboard - Made up of a panel of keys, this device is used to input alphanumeric characters, symbols and simple commands into a computer. Mouse - A pointing device that allows a user to control a cursor on the screen in order to select objects that are displayed. Microphone - An audio input device that allows a user to enter sounds into the computer system. Webcam - A device used to input digital video or still pictures into a computer system. Game controller - Used to control video games, this can come in a gamepad form or in the form of a joystick. Sensor - An input device that takes readings from the environment such as temperate or light. What is a real-time operating system? - ✔Real time operating systems process data as soon as it enters the computer system allowing it to respond immediately to input. We see it used in traffic lights, manufacturing robots and air traffic control systems. What is a single-user, single-task operating system? - ✔Single-user, single-task operating systems can only be used by one person at a time, using a single application. they were used in old mobile phones and PDA devices. What is a single-user, multi-task operating system? - ✔Single-user, multi-task operating systems are designed for only a single user at a time, however it can run multiple applications simultaneously. This is commonly seen used in general purpose computing devices Luke smartphones, tablets, and PCs. What is a multi-user operating system? - ✔Multi-user operating systems allow many different users to make use of a computer system and its resources at the same time. This is commonly see used in powerful servers, supercomputers and mainframes. What is the role of the operating system? - ✔The role of the operating system includes networking (TCP/IP, Network Utilities), Security (anti-virus, firewalls, user authentication), memory management (assigning memory to different applications), multi-tasking (allowing multiple applications to run at once) & device drivers (software programs that allow peripherals to communicate with a computer). What is a user interface? - ✔The user interface is the way in which users interact with a computer system. What is a graphical user interface? - ✔A graphical user interface is designed around graphical icons and images. It is commonly used on personal computers and smartphones. What are the benefits and drawbacks of a GUI? - ✔- It is easy to use - It is easy to move data between applications - It uses a lot of processing power, memory and storage - It can be slow to complete tasks for experienced users What is a command line interface? - ✔command line interface involves a plain background with a simple text prompt that would allow you to enter in commands to perform actions. It was commonly used in older systems where processing power and memory was limited. It is still sometimes used by experienced users, especially for networking tasks. What are the benefits and drawbacks of a CLI? - ✔- It is quicker to complete many tasks for experienced users that know the commands - It requires very little processing power, memory and storage - It is very difficult to use for beginners What is a menu driven interface? - ✔A menu driven interface presents the user with a menu with a list of options. This is used in self-service kiosks such as ATMs. What are the benefits and drawbacks of a menu driven interface? - ✔- It is vert easy to use - It is easily adapted for different users - It can be frustrating to complete tasks if there are many levels of submenus What is an adapted interface? - ✔An adapted interface is one that will alter its presentation, layout and even options in order to Bette support the user or the technology it is running on. This is often used to adapt a GUI to suit the needs of those with disabilities. What are the benefits and drawbacks of an adapted interface? - ✔- It fits the needs of users very effectively - It can be time-consuming to adapt the interface to individuals What factors affect operating system performance? - ✔- Hardware available - Malware - Virtual memory What issue does hardware present? - ✔Hardware is an issue where you don't have enough memory for the operating system and applications running. What issue does malware present? - ✔Malware, such as viruses, will corrupt data and take over O/S functions to hinder performance. What issue is caused by the use of virtual memory? - ✔Virtual memory being used excessively can lead to thrashing. You also might not have a large enough pageful. What is utility software? - ✔Utility software are small programs designed to help manage and maintain your computer system. What are some examples of utility software? - ✔- Disk defragmenter - Backup - Disk cleaner - Registry cleaner - Software update - Anti-virus - Firewalls What can affect performance of utility software? - ✔The utility software performance can be negatively affected by things like a large or fragmented hard disk, applications running in the background, slow network connections and malware. What's application software? - ✔Application software is what allows the end use of an IT system to perform tasks. What is productivity software? - ✔Productivity software is used to allow users to perform their work-based tasks more efficiently. Give some examples of productivity software: - ✔- CAD - Graphics editing - Desktop publishing - Video editing What is personal software? - ✔Personal software is used in the home to help our general lives. Examples include home finance, educational and entertainment software. What is communication software? - ✔Communication software is used to allow users to share information by passing it from one device to another. List some examples of communication software: - ✔- Email - Web browsing - VoIP - Instant messaging How do you choose application software? - ✔Choosing application software usually comes down to: - Compatibility - Use - User experience What is compatibility? - ✔Compatibility is whether is works with your current hardware and software What is use? - ✔Use its whether it has the required functionality What is user experience? - ✔User experience is whether users are able to use the software comfortably. What is a file type? - ✔File types define the kind of data that is being stored in a file. - Ussr needs - Specification - Compatibility - Connectivity - Cost - Efficiency - Implementation - Productivity - Security What are user needs? - ✔User needs are about what actual tasks the user wants to perform using the IT system. What is the specification? - ✔The specification is the list of components required of a computer system in order to allow users to run the software they need and perform their tasks. What is compatibility when considering a digital technology? - ✔Compatibility is about whether the IT system can communicate with other devices you are using with it. What is connectivity? - ✔Connectivity is about how a device can connect to a network, such as a LAN or the internet. What is the cost when choosing digital technology? - ✔Cost is how much purchasing and running a device will cost you or your business. What is efficiency? - ✔Efficiency is about how effectively tasks can be completed by the digital technology with as little wastage of resources. What is implementation? - ✔Implementation is about the time involved with putting a new system into effect. Notable factors include timescales, testing and migration. What is productivity? - ✔Productivity is about how quickly tasks can be completed when making use of an IT system. What is security? - ✔Security is about how safe a device is from security threats, such as hackers and viruses. What are the wired methods of connectivity? - ✔- USB - SATA - VGA - HDMI - Ethernet - Fibre optic What is USB? - ✔USB is a connector that is very commonly used with peripheral devices. It has fast transfer speeds, can connect multiple devices, provides power and is very compatible with computers. However, the range is relatively short. What is SATA? - ✔SATA is a connector that is most commonly used with internal storage devices but can work with external ones. It is very fast and very compatible with computer systems. However it has a short range and doesn't provide power. What is VGA? - ✔VGA is a connector that is used with display devices. It is compatible with older devices and has built-in locking mechanisms. However the signal can degrade easily, it cannot achieve a very high resolution and doesn't include an audio signal. What is HDMI? - ✔HDMI is another connector that is used with display devices. It is capable of excellent resolutions and transmits and audio signal too. However, it doesn't have a locking mechanism. What is an ethernet cable? - ✔Ethernet cable is used to transmit data between IT systems, often in a local area network. It is very reliable, has a good range and is very compatible with computers. It does offer limited mobility, is often not compatible with mobile devices and cannot transmit data over very long distances. What is fibre optic cable? - ✔Fibre optic cable is a method of transmitting data between IT system that is commonly seen used as a part of the telephone network. It has excellent transfer speeds and rang and also is very secure. However, it is very expensive. What are the wireless connection methods? - ✔- Infrared - Bluetooth - WiFi - Mobile broadband What is infrared? - ✔Infrared is a wireless connection that is commonly used with remote controls. It was also commonly used with peripheral devices like wireless mice and keyboard, but not as much any more. It has a low susceptibility to interference. However, it is short ranged, requires lines of sight and is slow. What is Bluetooth? - ✔Bluetooth is a wireless connection that is commonly used with peripheral devices like wireless mice and keyboards. It is also used to transfer data between two IT systems and to share a mobile broadband connection. It is easy to connect, has a low susceptibility to interference and has a low power consumption. However, it is also relatively slow and not very secure. What is Wi-Fi? - ✔Wi-Fi is a wireless connection that is used to access the internet, crease a wireless LAN and to connect some peripherals such as printers. It is relatively fast and long ranged and has a low installation cost. However, it can be complex to set up and insecure. What is mobile broadband? - ✔Mobile broadband is a mobile connection that is used with mobile devices to access the internet on the go. It is widely available wherever you are and is very easy to connect to. However, it is expensive and is quite a bit slower than Wi-Fi connections. What are the different types of network? - ✔- Personal Area Network (PAN) - Local Area Network (LAN) - Wide Area Network (WAN) - Virtual Private Network (VPN) What is a Personal Area Network (PAN)? - ✔A PAN is a network within the range of a single person. - It is commonly created wirelessly using Bluetooth or wired using USB - It is used to connect digital devices together, such as to sync files/emails/calendars between devices or transmit data with wearable devices. - It can reduce cabin, automatically sync data between devices & is secure for transferring data. What is a Local Area Network (LAN)? - ✔A LAN is a network that spans a relatively small geographical area, usually a single building or site. - It is commonly created using ethernet cables, or WiFi for a wireless LAN. - It is used to allow computers to share resources, such as an internet connection, a printer or access to files - It lets you share peripherals, access files flexibly and centrally manage computers. What is a Wide Area Network (WAN)? - ✔A WAN is a network that spans a large geographical area, such a an entire country of the whole world. - It is commonly created using dedicated network lines rented from a telecommunications provider, but can also run over the public internet using a VPN. - It is used to transmit data securely between different locations in a business, such as confidential documents or emails. - It is secure, files can can be access from across different business offices and is often very fast. What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)? - ✔A VPN is a private network that runs across a public network, namely, the internet. - It is commonly created using an encrypted tunnel through the internet. - It is used to transmit data securely between different locations without the cost of a dedicated private WAN - It allows you to access work file remotely, is cheaper than a WAN and is secure. What are Hardware CODECs used for? - ✔Hardware CODECs are used to encode analogue data into digital data. It will then decode the digital data into an analogue form. What are software CODECs used for? - ✔Software CODECs are used with audio and video to compress the data so that it can be transmitted over a network. What is the downside to CODECs? - ✔A downside to CODECs is that there can be compatibility issues due to the variety of CODECs available What is cloud storage? - ✔With cloud storage, you data is stored remotely on servers. - This is used in our personal lives for portable data storage using file syncing across multiple devices and files. - It is used in our professional lives for remote data backups and remote working. What is cloud computing? - ✔Cloud computing refers to accessing the resources (processing, storage, etc) of a server over the internet. - We use this in our personal lives for accessing software applications across multiple devices at a low cost. - We use this in our professional lives for accessing software with low maintenance needs and to support cloud computing. What is the benefit of using cloud storage and computing to individuals? - ✔- Software can be accessed flexibly - Data can be synced between multiple devices - Theft of equipment won't loose your data What are the drawbacks of using cloud storage and computing to individuals? - ✔- Security concerns - Stable, fast internet connection required What is the benefit of cloud storage and computing to businesses? - ✔- Reduce upfront costs - Access can be flexible to your business needs - Less IT staff required for maintenance What is the drawbacks of cloud storage and computing to businesses? - ✔- Security can be a concern - Productivity is damaged if the network/internet goes down How are VPNs used by businesses? - ✔Virtual Private Networks are used in business to allow a user to connect to their work LAN while working remotely. What is Remote Desktop? - ✔Remote Desktop technologies allow a user to access their work desktop from outside the business office. What factors should be considered when choosing an online system? - ✔- Security - Cost - Ease of use - Features - Connectivity Why is security important when choosing an online system? - ✔Security is important as data being transmitted over a network can be intercepted. Features such as using SSL help to protect data by encrypting it. Why is cost an important factor when choosing an online system? - ✔Cost is a factor as most online systems will charge a subscription fee for organisations to access their service. This can vary from different companies an dis often flexible to a businesses needs. Why is ease of use an important factor when choosing an online system? - ✔Ease of use is important as if employees find it difficult to use the online systems they will avoid them. Good accessibility for different devices and users with individual needs is important too. Why are the features an important factor when choosing an online system? - ✔The features offered by an online system provider is likely the most important factor. To perform our business functions we need the online system to have certain features. Why is connectivity an important factor when choosing an online system? - ✔Connectivity is a factor because online systems require fast, reliable broadband connections. What do social media websites allow us to do? - ✔Visit (or like) pages dedicated to topics of interest. What are blogs and microblogs? - ✔Blogs and microblogs are websites where you can write posts about news and opinion on a topic of interest. Vlogs are similar but are done in a video form, rather than written posts. What are Wikis? - ✔Wikis are a website where the content is created by a community of users who share a common interest. What are chatrooms? - ✔Chatrooms are websites that allow for online communities to communicate via short text messages on a shared topic of interest. What is instant messaging? - ✔Instant messaging allows you to have a text-based, real- time conversation between two people, or a small group. What are podcasts? - ✔Podcasts are audio or video files that are shared over the internet to share information on a particular topic. What are forums? - ✔Forums are websites where users can post messages which can then be responded to by other forum users to take part in a discussion. What is expected of a good user experience? - ✔A good user experience is required to keep users on. your site. They expect it to be easy to use to perform actions, it should have good performance, available to them to use and accessible to any individual disabilities. Why do people use online communities? - ✔People use online communities that meet their personal reasons for accessing it. This might be to access the latest news or keep in touch with friends. They also may have individual needs for accessibility for disabled people or for certain devices of connections. Without that, they will look at other online communities. What are the benefits and drawbacks of online communities? - ✔- Free to use for individuals - Advertising must be accepted, and could lead to impulse purchases - Must pay for an internet connection. What is the issue with personal information on online communities? - ✔Personal information could be public and misused. Personal information or photos could be used for identify fraud or cyberbullying for example. Employees may also see posts and this could affect employment. What is the issue with user profiles on online communities? - ✔User profiles can be hacked and personal data stolen and misused. Not all sites implement the best security procedures and this might lead to bank fraud, identity fraud, cyberbullying, etc. What is important about employee and customer experience? - ✔Sites should be easy to use, quick to load, available anywhere and accessible to employees and customers with disabilities What is important about customer needs? - ✔Online communities must respond to customer needs effectively and timely. What is important about cost? - ✔Organisations may need to hire and train staff and might want to pay to boost awareness of their online community. What is important about implementation? - ✔It will take time to implement an online community and will require extensive testing.