Using ICT systems The computer Using ICT systems

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Using ICT systems The computer

Using ICT systems The computer

Using ICT systems Computers in an ICT System • Multiple computers, usually with username

Using ICT systems Computers in an ICT System • Multiple computers, usually with username and password entry • Looking after them – – Shutting down properly to prevent data corruption. – Looking at system settings and user preferences.

Using ICT systems Computers in an ICT System • Interfaces – Command line •

Using ICT systems Computers in an ICT System • Interfaces – Command line • Type precise instructions • Hard to use – Menu driven interface • Choice through number or letter – GUI • Graphical user interface – windows.

Using ICT systems Computers in an ICT System • Graphical User Interface. – Can

Using ICT systems Computers in an ICT System • Graphical User Interface. – Can be customised • • • Adjusting window size Mouse settings Icon size Screen resolution Desktop fonts Colour Position Graphics Contrast Volume Toolbars Date and Time

Using ICT systems Computers in an ICT System • Folder structures – Important to

Using ICT systems Computers in an ICT System • Folder structures – Important to have a proper sensible folder structure for your files with sensible file names.

Using ICT systems Networking

Using ICT systems Networking

Using ICT systems What is a network? • Two or more computers that are

Using ICT systems What is a network? • Two or more computers that are linked together • So that they are able to share resources (data, programs, services (e. g. , the Internet) and hardware)

Using ICT systems Peer-to-peer networks • Each computer on the network is of equal

Using ICT systems Peer-to-peer networks • Each computer on the network is of equal status • All computers share each other’s resources • Simple to set up • Only suitable for small networks

Using ICT systems Client-server network • A more powerful computer, called the server, is

Using ICT systems Client-server network • A more powerful computer, called the server, is in charge of the network • Software and data is stored on this server • They are complex to set up • They are ideal for larger networks

Using ICT systems LANs and WANs Local area networks: • Confined to a small

Using ICT systems LANs and WANs Local area networks: • Confined to a small area • Usually located in a single building • Use cable, wireless, infrared and microwave links that are usually owned by the organization • Cheap to build • Cheap to run Wide area networks: • Cover a wide geographical area (e. g. , between cities, countries and even continents) • In lots of different buildings and cities, countries, etc. • Use more expensive telecommunication links that are supplied by telecommunication companies • Expensive to build • Expensive to run

Using ICT systems The components of networks • Data transfer medium • Network card

Using ICT systems The components of networks • Data transfer medium • Network card (also called network interface card) • Hubs, switches and routers • Network software

Using ICT systems Data transfer medium The medium/method by which the data is transmitted

Using ICT systems Data transfer medium The medium/method by which the data is transmitted in a network can be: • metal wire • fibre optic cable • wireless

Using ICT systems Communication devices 1 A network card: • prepares data for sending

Using ICT systems Communication devices 1 A network card: • prepares data for sending over the network • sends the data • controls the flow of data

Using ICT systems Communication devices 2 A hub: • is used to join computers

Using ICT systems Communication devices 2 A hub: • is used to join computers in a network • allows the connection of cables • allows sharing files and Internet access

Using ICT systems Communication devices 3 A switch: • similar device to a hub

Using ICT systems Communication devices 3 A switch: • similar device to a hub but more intelligent • can look at a packet of data to decide where it should go • reduces the number of packets of data on a network which speeds the network up

Using ICT systems Communication devices 4 A router: • can be wired or wireless

Using ICT systems Communication devices 4 A router: • can be wired or wireless • is used to join several networks together • is often used to connect several computers in the home to the Internet

Using ICT systems Networking software Consists of: • Network operating systems – specialist operating

Using ICT systems Networking software Consists of: • Network operating systems – specialist operating systems designed specifically for networks • Network management software – used to help a network manager run a network by keeping track of software, keeping software up-to-date, installing software security patches, helping to manage the help-desk, etc.

Using ICT systems Advantages of Networks • Share hardware • Software installed in one

Using ICT systems Advantages of Networks • Share hardware • Software installed in one place on client-server networks • Improved security • Speed • Costs reduced with network versions of software • Email facilities • Central stores of data

Using ICT systems Disadvantages of Networks • • Needs network manager Security problems such

Using ICT systems Disadvantages of Networks • • Needs network manager Security problems such as viruses spread quickly. Breakdowns Infrastructure can be expensive