The examined Unit

The examined Unit

Intro to R001Understanding

Computer Systems

Contents

LO1

1. Overview2. Introduction to computer s

ystems3. System Input and Output

Devices4. System Software5. Application Software6. Storage and Connectivity7. Assistive Technologies

LO2• Data Capture Methods

UnderstandingComputer Systems

Overview

• This Unit is broken down into 4 learning Objectives (LO1)– Understanding how ICT can be used to meet business

needs– Knowing how to work with information and data to

meet specific business needs– Knowing how ICT can be used to support business

working practices– Understanding how legal, ethical, safety and security

issues affect how computers should be used

LO1: UNDERSTANDING HOW ICT CAN BE USED TO MEET BUSINESS NEEDS


Activity 1- Independent Learning Task

• Use the worksheet provided to recap what we have covered so far– Answer the questions on the sheet– You may use the internet to help you


Topics covered in LO1

1. Introduction to computer systems2. System Input and Output Devices3. System Software4. Application Software5. Storage and Connectivity6. Assistive Technologies

Intr

oduc

tion

to c

ompu

ter

syst

ems

• Aims : – To understand the difference

between portable and desktop devices

– To identify and explain scenarios where these would be best used


Desktop devices

• What is a desktop device?– These are electronic devices that

remain in one place• Examples:– Desktop computers– Printers– Scanners


Portable devices

• What are portable devices?– These are electronic devices that can be

carried easily• Examples

– Laptops – Netbooks – Mobile phones – Tablets (Ipad, Android Tablet) – handheld consoles (PSPs)– Media players (eg iPods, mp3 or video players)


Activity

• Use presentation software to answer the following questions; discuss advantages and disadvantages. Include images– Explain why a sales person at Top shop may prefer to

use a laptop rather than a desktop PC at work– Explain why doctors at a hospital may prefer to use

a tablet rather than a paper based chart– Explain why a games developer would prefer to use

a desktop PC rather than a laptop or tablet to design games


Exit Task

• Write an exam question that you will give to another student about what we have learnt today– The question must be worth 3 marks or more

example on next

slide


Example exam questions

6. Jane has the following activities that she needs to perform: – 21st March: 10am: visit Hallam’s Builders Ltd – 21st March: 11.30am: visit John Kelvin at home

– 21st March: write report on investigation into noise pollution (need two hours) – 22nd March: email report to my manager.

(a) What type of software is most suitable to help Jane organise these activities? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..[1]

(b) Explain two reasons why the software you have chosen is suitable for this purpose. 1………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………….. [4]

Syst

em I

nput

and

O

utpu

t Dev

ices

• Aims:– Understand the different

categories of devices– Identify specific devices for each

category– Know the different types of

printers, their advantages and disadvantages

Syst

em I

nput

and

O

utpu

t Dev

ices

• On a new page in your books write the headings

• Date: Wednesday October 2nd • Topic: System Input and

Output Devices• Class work/Notes


System Input Output and Storage Devices

• Hardware are the physical components of a computer

• The fall under four categories– Input– Output– Storage– Processing


Computer System

A computer system has Input, Output & storage devices


Input / Output: How it works

Input

Output


Input/output/StorageINPUT OUTPUT STORAGE

Open the EGA ICT Wiki

Under R001 – Theory – Open the Device Sort PowerPoint


Answers

INPUT OUTPUT STORAGE


Input Devices

• An input device is used to put data into a computer system

• Some examples include– Keyboard– Mouse– Joystick– Microphone


Input Devices

• Which Input Device would be most suitable for the following tasks?– Surfing - clicking on links, icons – Recording a song – Writing a letter – 'Face to face' communication – Capturing photos for editing


Output Devices

• An output device is used to receive data from a computer system that has been processed- information

• Some examples include– Monitor/screen– Speakers– Headphones– printer


Storage Devices

• A storage device is used to store files such as photos, movies, music, documents, etc

• Some examples include– CD ROM– DVD ROM– USB– External Hard Drive– Desktop Hard Drive– Floppy Disks– Magnetic Tape


Storage Capacities

• Some storage devices have a lot more capacity than others.

– The floppy disk which is now obsolete could hold 1 .44 megabytes (MB) of data.

• Today the average USB drive can hold 4-8 Gigabytes (GB) of data. Top Tip: A 1GB flash drive can hold up to 476 photos or 238 mp3s or up to 2 movies.


Can you find?

• What is the maximum storage capacity for...

– CDs, – DVDs – Blu-Ray

AnswersCD - 700MB DVD - 4.7GB (4,812.8MB) Blu-Ray- 25GB (25,600MB


Optical, Magnetic and Solid State Storage

• Different storage devices use different methods to save data

• The Four main methods are– Optical– Magnetic– Solid State– Cloud Storage


Optical Devices

• More memory on a disk means more information of image sound can be added to a disk.

• Refers to using an optical device such as a CD or DVD to store data. Data is written using a laser

The difference in capacity between a CD, DVD & Blu ray is affected by the thickness of the laser. As technology has got better it has been possible to write onto a disc with a thinner laser

meaning more information can fit onto a disk.

This explains why the resolution of images on a BLU RAY disk is much

better than on a DVD


Magnetic Devices

• Magnetic media uses magnetic patterns to represent information.– E.g VHS– Magnetic Tape – Floppy Disks– Cassettes

• They are still used in some computer hard drives to store data but no one really uses them for films or music anymore


Solid State devices

• SSD drives are a new thing replacing the standard magnetic hard drives which had mechanical parts which often failed.

Hard Disk Drive with Moving

Parts

Solid State Drive with No Moving

Parts memory Chips only

check out this video for more info http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjCmLJtITK4&NR=1&feature=endscreen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjCmLJtITK4&NR=1&feature=endscreen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjCmLJtITK4&NR=1&feature=endscreen


Cloud Storage


R001- Pop Quiz

• Answer the sample exam questions


Printers• Research– What 3 types of Printers exist?– Fill in this table in your books

Printer Advantages Disadvantages

Laser

Inkjet

Dot Matrix


Fill in the table on your books

Printer Advantages Disadvantages

Laser

Inkjet

Dot Matrix

SYSTEMS SOFTWARE


Do Now: What is System Software?

• Open the egaict wiki (egaict.wikispaces.com)• Save this file:– R001 -> Theory -> System Software Worksheet

• Research and answer the question in your own words:– Find the definition of System Software.


System Software

• Aims:– To know the definition of system software– To understand different types of system software– To be able to identify different types and name

features of system software


Definition of System Software

• System software refers to the operating system and all utility programs that manage a computer.

www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/systems_software.html

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/systems_software.html


Types of System Software

• Operating System– (Windows, Mac OSX, Android etc)

• Utility Software– Anti-Virus Software– Disk Cleaners– File Managers– Screensavers– Disk defragmenters– File encryption software– Backup Software– Archiving Software

• Drivers and Firmware

Can you name any examples?


Main Task: System Software

• Operating System– (Windows, Mac OSX, Android etc)

• Utility Software– Anti-Virus Software– Disk Cleaners– File Managers– Screensavers– Disk defragmenters– File encryption software– Backup Software– Archiving Software

• Drivers and Firmware

• Research on the table on your worksheet different types of system software.• Some examples have been given

to you• State what type of system

software they are• Explain why it is used• Identify who creates the

software• Give 3 features

• Extension: Find more examples of system software


Independent Learning Task

• A small business has just ordered some new computers for their office.

• The manager, Ms Smith, has heard of ‘System Software’, but is unsure what it means.

• Write a letter to Ms Smith explaining what System Software is and what system software you recommend she should use on the new computers.– Include reasons why


Plenary

• Give an example of System Software that you use on your computer, phone or tablet

APPLICATIONS SOFTWARE


Do Now: Application Software

1. Copy the definition into your book.Application software is software that causes a computer to perform useful

tasks beyond the running of the computer itself. Software applications

are often called programs, applications or apps.

2. Write down some examples of application software that you know.

Date: 16th October 2013

Topic: R001-understanding computer Systems (theory)


Application Software

• Aims:– To know the definition of application software– To understand different types of application

software– To be able to select the best software for different

use case scenarios


What is Application Software?

• Open the egaict wiki –egaict.wikispaces.com

• Go to:– R001 -> Theory -> Application Software Worksheet

• Click on download and save this file


Types of Application Software

• Word processors• Desktop publishing

software• Spreadsheets• Database management

software• Multimedia software• Gaming software• Web browsers• Apps for portable devices

• Presentation software• Photo-editing software• Video-editing software• Graphics manipulation

software• Communications software

• Social networking• Chat rooms• Instant messaging• Email• File transfer/file

sharing


Task: Application SoftwareApplication Software TYPE Free VERSION Paid VERSION

Word processors Microsoft Word

Desktop publishing softwareSpreadsheets Microsoft Excel

Database management softwareMultimedia softwareVideo-editing softwareGraphics manipulation software Photoshop

Communications software Presentation softwareGaming softwareWeb browsers iCab


Plenary: Application or System Software?

1. In your book explain the difference between Systems (WHICH WE COVERED LAST WEEK) and Application software.

2. Swap books and read the other person’s description

3. Do you agree with what they have said? Is there anything that they could have added?

STORAGE AND CONNECTIVITY


Storage and Connectivity

•Storage– You need to know the

different types of storage mediums

– Their advantages and disadvantages

• Connectivity• How you can connect

to a wireless network• How to keep your

network save• how peripherals can

be connected a computer

• How GPS tracking can be used


Types of Computer Storage

• Digital computer storage comes in many forms.

• They all fall into 1 of 4 categories– Optical– Magnetic– Solid State– Cloud


Optical Storage


Magnetic Storage


Solid State Storage


Cloud Storage


This leads us into connectivity

In order for cloud storage to work we need to be able to connect up to the Internet

For this we need specific network devices called routers and modems


How are network devices connected

• You need to know how to connect a computing device to an existing

• wireless network using the following– network name, i.e. Service Set Identifier (SSID)– the use of security keys– appropriate firewall settings for public and private

networks


How are peripheral devices connected?

• You need to know how peripherals can be connected to a computer device– wired methods (e.g. USB, firewire)– wireless methods (e.g. wifi, Bluetooth, infrared)


Task

• To get your familiar with networks and connectivity you are going to complete the networks sheet provided

CONNECTING DEVICES TO A WIRELESS NETWORK




CONNECTING PERIPHERAL DEVICES TO A COMPUTER SYSTEM






CONNECTIVITY DEVICES


Connectivity Devices

• These are devices that are used to connect computer systems together

• Some devices are built into the computers• Others are external and are used to connect

networks together or to access the Internet


Some examples

• Routers• Modems• Switches• Network Cards (NIC)• Wireless NIC• Wireless Access Point (WAP)


ILT – Research (5 min)

• Answer the following Question– What is the difference between a Router and a

Modem?


Router

This device is used to share an internet connection. It directs data traffic to the correct computer or device

It allows more than one person to use an Internet connection within a home or business.

It tends to allow people to share your connection wirelessly.

To let people connect they need to connect to a unique name for your connection and enter a password.

CLICK HERE

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/ELCPzcOTkYg

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/ELCPzcOTkYg


Modem- Modulator Demodulator

This device allows a computer to connect to the Internet.

It converts analogue signals to and from digital signals

It connects one computer to a server at your internet provider.

It allows the two computers to talk to each other. Without a modem, a computer is not able to

connect to the internet. Most routers have in-built modems to allow you

to share your connection with multiple people.

Click Here

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/T4oeyn9Pxsc

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/T4oeyn9Pxsc


Extra Info- Switches

A switch allows many computers or devices to be connected to a network

Used in larger networks


Network Cards

• Also known as Network Interface Cards (NIC)

• A traditional network card is used to allow a computer to be connected to a network using a cable

• Usually using and Ethernet cable


Wireless Network Card

• Connect a computer to a network using radio waves

• Can be used for a company network or for Wi-Fi connection to the Internet

• Tablets and smart phones have built in wireless Network cards that allow the to connect to the Internet using Wi-Fi


Wireless Access Points

• Used to connect devices to an existing network using Wi-Fi/wireless technologies

• Used in places like Starbucks, libraries, and Airports


1. State two advantages of using a laptop with a wireless rather than a wired connection to the Internet [2 marks]

2. Why would several wireless access points be needed in a cafe such as Starbucks? [2 marks]

Exam Questions

HOW ORGANISATIONS CAN MONITOR EMPLOYEES


Date: Thursday 7th NovemberTopic: How can employers use technology to monitor their

staff?

Starter activity:1. What does the term GPS

stand for

2. List 2 examples of where you have seen GPS technology used in the real world


GPS tracking

•Global Positioning SystemA satellite based system used by GPS receivers to find positions and times tracks anything that is on the surface or near the surface of the EarthUses 4 GPS satellites to give an accurate position of a GPS device

WATCH THIS CLIP

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/ky4RgRvVDoA

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/ky4RgRvVDoA


Uses of GPS tracking• Company vehicles or laptops can be tracked

by fixing a GPS tracking device to them• Some smart phones have tracking built-in

GPS – Apple – the Iphone and Ipad ‘find my device’

uses this technology• Most mobile phones will have not a GPS

receiver but not a tracking device– Most mobile phones can be traced by using the

nearest mobile phone access point (phone towers...)


Electronic Tracking

• This is usually used to track criminals• They do not usually use GPS• They are monitored by a base unit which

will alert the authorities if the tag goes out of range

• These are similar to RFID (radio-Frequency identification) tags– They have to be monitored by receivers and

do not actively send data about their location

RFID

Electronic Tag


Monitoring Internet Use and Communications

• Companies have a responsibility to make sure that the Internet is used by their employees for the purpose of doing their job

• They must make sure it is also used appropriately

• For this reason Internet and email usage in companies are usually monitored


Monitoring Internet Use and Communications

• Methods that are used to do this include– Blocking certain websites within the company– Scanning emails for viruses– Scanning emails for inappropriate words and/or

content– Automatically recording and backing up emails sent

and received using company based email accounts* Some companies also record both internal and

external telephone conversations


Exam Questions

1. Describe two uses of GPS tracking in a smartphone [4 marks]

2. Give two reasons why a leisure centre would want to monitor the use of the Internet by its Employees [2 marks]


• Use the ICT website– EGAICT.WIKISPACES.COM

• Read through the R001: LO1 and LO2 revision slides in preparation for next half term

• Mock exams : Week beginning 2nd December till the 13th December

HW

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES


Getting settled

• In your books write the following– Date: Friday October 25th 2013– Topic: R001- Theory and Notes– Assistive technologies


Assistive Technologies

• Another word for this topic is Accessibility

• This is when computer systems are adapted in a way that would allow users with a physical disability to use them

• Assistive Technologies come under two categories– Devices– Software and software settings

CLICK HERE

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/DB9pKkZoJDc

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/DB9pKkZoJDc


DevicesDevice UsePuff-Suck switch When the user blows or sucks , a switch is

activated and can be used to select an item on screen or to send a command to the computer

Braille Keyboard The keys have Braille markings on them to allow people with visual impairment to feel the keys and choose one without seeing it

Foot Mouse Feet, instead of hands and fingers, are used to press down on a foot mouse and to move the pointer on screen


Software & Software SettingsSoftware or Setting Use

Text to speech softwaree.g. Balaboka, Natural reader, Read Clip

Text is read aloud to visually impaired users who cannot see the screen properly. Sounds are made, or words are spoken, when commands are entered or carried out

Speech to Text softwaree.g. Siri, Windows Speech recognition

Spoken commands are translated to actions that the computer carries out; spoken words appear as text in a document

Zoom Areas of the screen display are enlarged as a pointer is moved over the screen to enable text or images to be seen more easily


Exam Questions

1. Describe 1 hardware device that a visually impaired person would need to be able to type an email on her computer to send to an estate agent[2 marks]

2. Describe 1 special software that a visually impaired person might use to compose an email on her computer to send to an estate agent [2 marks]


• Use the ICT website– EGAICT.WIKISPACES.COM

• Read through the R001: LO1 and LO2 revision slides in preparation for next half term– Found under R001/Resources

• Mock exams : Week beginning 2nd December till the 13th December

HW

CONFIGURING AND CHOOSING SYSTEMS


Choosing a system & configuration

• You will need to know how the following factors can affect the choice of a computer system– cost– availability– user need– data security


Choosing a system

• Computer systems in a business setting have to– Be suitable for the tasks required of them– Meet the needs of the people using them– Be configured to keep data secure– Be ready for use when

required


Choosing a system

• When choosing a system for a business you need to consider the type of business it is and the types of tasks they will need to carry out

• For example, unless a company is involved in game or video editing it would not necessary to have a monitor with a very large high-resolution monitor or high-speed processors


Data security

• This is very important to businesses• Systems must allow for data security by

– Ensuring data is not lost accidentally– Ensuring data is not lost because of faulty

components such as hard disk failure• Must choose components for their durability.• Cheap does not always mean cost effective

– Ensuring data can not be accessed by unauthorised users


Configuring a typical office computer

• These types of computers will have– A suitable sized monitor that is

adjustable– Ergonomic keyboards suitable for long

periods of typing– A mouse– Large and fast Hard disk capacity– DVD.CD rewriter to load software and

make backups/archives– Ability to connect to the network and

Internet (network card)– Suitable desk space to hold all

components


Configuring Software

• Software in office scan be configured in the following ways– Changing the language– Adjusting time and date– Adjusting the screen resolution (useful for

some visual impairments, dyslexics and colour blindness

– The size and colour of text on screen– The arrangement of icons or window displays– Enlarging/zooming in on sections f the screen– Audible warnings- text to speech and speech

to text


Software for Business

• Most business would run some sort of – Operating System– A range of Application software

• They can choose to use one of two types of software– Paid for software e.g. windows, Microsoft Office

Suit– Free/open Source software e.g. Linux


Question

• Why would a company opt for Buying software rather than using a free version that is available


Free vs. Paid for softwareFree Software Paid for Software

Advantages Advantages

Saves money as you do not pay for licenses

You know what you are getting will be of a certain qualityOften comes with support available to answer and fix any problems

Disadvantages Disadvantages

Have to provide and pay for your own technical support which can be expensive

They can be expensive to buy when you have a large site as you have to pay for site license to cover every device that uses the software


Bespoke Vs Off the Shelf

Tailor made software • Tailor made software (Bespoke) is software that is made to the

specifications of a client. In other words it is custom made, bespoke, or 'tailored' to address a specific need. This kind of software can be expensive as it has to be designed by a team who are making software to specific needs for a specific organisation.

• Off the shelf software is more general and produced for the masses. Although it probably also costs a lot of money to make, it is cheaper to buy because it can be bought by anyone.


Exam Questions

1. A health and leisure centre has commissioned a company to write some bespoke software for them to help them create exercise programmes for their clients– State one advantage to the company of doing this– State one disadvantage to the company of doing this

1. [4 marks]2. What kind of specialised off the shelf software might an

estate agent need to help them show properties to their clients?

3. [2 marks]

Documents

The examined Unit