WELSH JOINT EDUCATION COMMITTEE

GCSE Short Course

Information & Communication Technology

Examination Paper Content Guide

A guide to theoretical content required for WJEC ICT GCSE

Short Course Specification 2003

Written

by

Noreen Kay © 2003

Design & additional material

by

Alan Thomas © 2003

All rights reserved. No part of this form of this publication may be produced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,

without prior permission of the designer.

T

he examination syllabus covers ALL of the topics listed below. These notes are not exhaustive. Not everything is tackled here. Several questions simply call upon your general knowledge. One example of this is what happens when you use an ATM. Another is input & output devices. It is BETTER to remember a couple of bullet points in every category, rather than picking only some topics and learning the entire bullet points in those categories.

Two things hinder success; lack of knowledge and poor literacy skills. Use well chosen, clear phrases, rather than one word answers. Avoid ‘faster’ and ‘easier’ unless they are qualified; e.g. Advantage of an EPOS supermarket checkout = ‘Faster to pay bills’, or ‘Faster service when paying’.

Foundation Paper. This has C as a top grade. It consists mainly of short answers, including a few multi choice.

Higher Paper. This allows for A*-E. If you get below E, you drop straight to U! It requires more than a phrase in some questions. You will need to combine knowledge and good English. If you have learned the facts in the bullet point tables, you simply need to link them together sensibly. Avoid ‘waffle’. It is time consuming for the examiner to read and marks will not be given for it.

Both papers have up to about 12 questions, which are divided up into parts. There is often a more difficult part at the end of a question. (This separates the A’s and A*’s from the rest).

It is recommended that you refer to other revision guides such as ‘The Letts GCSE Success in ICT’. Revision websites such as BBC Bitesize are also useful. However, this guide is the best and only one especially written for the WJEC exam.

Using this guide. All of the topics listed are hyperlinked. If you wish to return to ‘contents’ at any time, simply select ’back’ at the top left of the page. Otherwise use the ‘return to contents buttons’ at the end of each major heading. Section 1 deals with the theory part of the paper. It challenges your general knowledge of ICT. Section 2 is about problem solving. It tests your ability to demonstrate your use of applications.

Good luck with your revision.

Mr T

Contents

Section 1 – Theory

Information Processing

· The Basics

· Data Coding

· Validation

Protection of Data

1. Physical

2. Software

3. Viruses

The Implications of the use of ICT

· Computers in shops

· Bar Codes

· Input devices

· Output devices

· EPOS systems

· Loyalty Cards

· Stock control in supermarkets

· Data entry, other methods

Banking

1. Cheque processing
2. EFTPOS
3. ATMs
4. Credit cards
5. Debit cards
6. Smart cards
7. Homebanking / telebanking

Communication and Information Systems

1. Teletext
2. The Internet
3. Electronic mail
4. E-Commerce
5. Development in telephone communications
1. Fax
2. Mobile Phone
3. Video Conferencing

Networks

The Intranet

· Code of Conduct

Interactive Television

Application Packages

· Word processing

· Desktop publishing software

· Multimedia

· Web publishing software

· Spreadsheet

· Simulation games

· Databases and file handling

· Control

· Art or CAD

· Educational software

· Key features you need to know

· Benefits of using ICT for learning

Human Computer Interface

· Windows

· Alternatives

Health Effects from using computers

The Impact of ICT

· Changes in working practises

· Employment issues

· Teleworking

Computer crimes

1. Hacking
2. Spreading a virus
3. Computer fraud
4. Software piracy
5. Equipment theft
6. Files theft

Section 2 - Problem Solving

DTP

Spreadsheets

Control (Sensors) Datalogging

Databases

Let’s make a start………

with………………………………

Contents

1. INFORMATION PROCESSING

The Basics
Data	is raw facts and figures e.g. readings from sensors or survey facts
Information	is processed data
Knowledge	is derived from information which has rules applied to it
Like the difference between raw meat, cooked meat and tasted meat, (or maybe not)!

You need to know some acronyms. Here’s your first one. GIGO = garbage in garbage out

Data can be coded and validated
	Advantages of coding data;
		· it takes up less memory on disc
		· it is faster to type in
		· it is easier to do searches on standardised data.
E.g.
Houses coded as			TR = terraced	DT = detached	SD = semi detached
Gender			M = Male	F = Female	O = Other (just kiddin’)

So why do we use a computer to process data?

Advantages

· Improved speed of access to data

Faster processing/search/sorts

· A variety of output formats available e.g. printed reports, mail merged documents. Easy to transfer data

· Improved variety of services

· Increased security

· Saves on storage/office space

Disadvantages

· Initial cost of purchasing the computer

·

Never NEver NEVer NEVEr NEVER use Easier

Easy Faster OR Fast without qualifying it.

Over reliance e.g. if there is a power cut you cannot use it

Errors that can occur when we type data into the system
Transcription /typing errors	Typing in the wrong character by accident egg 2 instead of a 7
Transposition Errors	i.e. keying in, in wrong order egg 56789 instead of 57689
Data entered in wrong format	e.g. date is 2002/ 09.11 instead of 1 1/09/02
Validation (a computer check created by you or the programmer)
We use validation techniques to cut down errors
Validating data `Validation is the process of ensuring data is valid and legal

When creating fields in a file the user often puts controls over the way in which data is entered.

This ensures that;

* data is entered into the correct format

* data is sensible

* reduces the risk of mistakes on data entry

Here are a few of the many different types of validation rules available

Validation Type	Explanation	Example
Range checks	Dated is between stated ranges	Membership number must be between 1 and 100
Format checks	Dates	12/04/03 not 12^th Feb 03
Presence checks	There must be a character present in a particular place	Do not allow blank
Check digits	A number added to a code	Bar codes

So Validation:

What is it?

Why use it?

Can you recognise different types?

Contents

PROTECTION of DATA

1. Physical protection of the data from accidental or deliberate destruction

• keep BACKUP copies in a safe place
• use an online tape or disc streamer which automatically backs up data on a network
• put the write protect notch on your disc
• make hard discs read only
• keep copies in fireproof boxes or computer discs in f reproof rooms.
• use grandfather father son security system in batch processing systems e.g. payroll
• Lock computers to desks

2. Software protection of data

A. Unauthorised Access/ hacking

· Hierarchy (Importance and order) of Passwords

Identification	User Name
Authentification	Password
Authorisation	What files you can see and what your allowed to do: · read only · write only or · read and write

· Encryption

§ Coding data at one end

§ sending it and

§ decoding it at other end.

· Voice / hand prints

§ To access rooms

· Smart cards

§ To access rooms and computers

B Spreading of viruses

• Write protect media so it cannot be written onto. Don't copy illegal software
• Use a virus scanning software and virus eradication program. Make sure this is kept up to date with the latest virus definitions - available from the Internet.
• Don't download from the Internet straight onto hard disk
• Control access to portable media and do not let users use own disk etc on the organisations system.

Contents

2. THE IMPLICATlONS OF THE USE OF ICT

You will be asked questions about the use of computers in shops.

Products now contain barcodes

Items encoded in the barcode include;

Country of origin code

Manufacturers code

Product code

Check digit

A real-time stock control system in a supermarket:

Have you ever wondered how a bar code is created?

“No!”

“Well, I’m gonna show ya anyway.”

You don’t really need to know this, but if you were wondering how it’s done…….

Simple method of working out the check digit:-

e.g. 23176

2 x 5 = 10

3 x 4 = 12 10 + 12 + 3 + 14 + 6 = 45

1 x 3 = 3 45 / 11 = 4 remainder 1

7 x 2 = 14 The number becomes 2 3 1 7 6 1 Check digit.

6 x 1 = 6

The computer will do this calculation every time the number is scanned or entered and if there is a mismatch it will have to be rescanned or re-entered again. If the barcode is ripped the number will have to be entered by hand.

So how does the price show on the itemised bill?

The POS terminal only needs to pass the bar code on each item past a laser scanner.

It looks up the product's name and price in data files held on disc.

The name and price are sent back to the POS terminal.

In this way the POS terminal can print out an itemised receipt.

Each terminal has a keyboard to type in the number if the bar code cannot be read.

Input devices at the POS	Output devices ( NOT the till or cash draw)
Bar code scanner	Screen to display price
Weighing scales	Printer for receipt
Keyboard	Speaker to output error beep
Card reader

To present it another way….

Scan bar code	Search Main computer for product record	Details printed on itemised bill
The scanner reads the code number stored in the bar code and sends it directly to a computer. The computer checks the code using the check digit	1st Match product code on master file 2nd Price looked up from file and sent to POS 3rd Item code found on computer and price sent to POS 4th As each item is sold, the stock files are updated and orders are printed when they become necessary	Description of product Total Amount given Amount of change Card number VAT No Points Name of operator Date

Electronic Point Of Sale – The Benefits
Advantages to customers	Advantages to shop managers
customer service at the POS is much quicker, reducing queues	no staff needed for counting stock on shelves
few mistakes in charging customers	prices can be changed easily
fully itemised bill can be provided for the customer	increased security - less chance of staff stealing
Offer a wider variety of payment methods e.g. credit/debit/store card/cheque/ cash and bonus or loyalty cards	Full picture of trading what is being sold so better management decisions can be made
offer wider range of services including loyalty card /buy one get one free /Cash back	Reorder levels give early warning of low stock
Weighing scales/ don't have to weigh goods earlier	Automated reorder systems with the warehouse
Scan own shopping; portable data entry
Staff are less likely to make a mistake with the bill
Better stock control so more likely goods in stock

Why do shops give loyalty cards?

Retain existing customers

Allows them to get sales patterns

Gives them details of customers to target directly

Gives them a saleable list of people with particular spending habits

Disadvantages of using the EPOS system

Damaged codes could cause delays

Files not up to date could cause delays

Customers have to pay for printing in prices

Over reliance on a single pricing system could cause problems

Power cuts

Embarrassment when won't read card because of faulty scanners

The cost of the equipment is very high

Prices are usually marked on shelves and not on individual items may create customer confusion

Supermarket Stock Control

The task of recording and maintaining stock levels is called stock control.

A stock control system must keep an up-to-date record of all the stock held and place orders for fresh deliveries if stock runs low.

Importance of stock control

Adequate stocks must be maintained to supply a customer with goods with minimum delay. If customers find goods are regularly out of stock they will go elsewhere.

To keep business expenses to a minimum, goods must not be overstocked. By keeping stocks to a minimum, a business can limit the amount of money invested in stock and also reduce the risk of stock deteriorating before it can be sold. Minimum stock levels also reduce storage costs such as warehousing, heating, lighting and security.

These 3 tables are for the A*-A grades

Example of Master File

Stock code	Stock description	Price per item	No. in stock	No. sold to date	Reorder level	Special offer code	Supplier
DA2345	Kellogg’s Cornflakes 1Kg	£1.89	100	45	20	3876	HQ warehouse
DA2346	Kellogg’s Frosties 1Kg	£1.98	200	89	20		HQ warehouse

Example of a sorted transaction file

Stock Code	No. sold today
DA2345	30
DA2346	10

Example of updated master file

Stock code	Stock description	Price per item	No. in stock	No. sold to date	Reorder level	Special offer code	Supplier
DA2345	Kellogg’s Cornflakes 1Kg	£1.89	100	85	20	3876	HQ warehouse
DA2346	Kellogg’s Frosties 1Kg	£1.98	200	99	20		HQ warehouse

Contents

Other ways of entering data in shops

(You need to know at least a couple)

1. Optical Mark Reader (OMR) sheets for ordering stock
2. Portable Data Entry (PDET)

Portable Data-Entry Terminal: a calculator-sized device with a built in bar code reader attached The PDET can be connected to a computer and data downloaded at the POS. It also makes it easier for shop assistants to perform a manual stock-check, which takes place from time to time so that the computer's view of stock levels is compared with real-life (if they differ, it is probably down to shop-lifting); speeding up data-entry and reducing mistakes means that fewer staff are needed, with less disruption to customers. e.g., Sainsbury's

3. Kimball tags e.g. Clothes shops

Pre-punched tags affixed to goods, containing the size and style data that speed up inventory control. Small, rectangular cardboard tags which are removed from garments at the POS and placed temporarily on a spike near the till; at the end of the day all the Kimball Tags are collected, and placed in a card-reader to input the data (e.g. Product-Code) into a computer to update the stock database for purposes of stock-control.

4. Touch sensitive menus or screens e.g. McDonalds
5. Online Booking Systems

Theatre and, concert tickets, holidays, flights etc, can be booked using the Internet. Agencies and the home user can now access remote online databases for their computer enquiry and booking system. People can search for holidays etc. to suit their requirements and make provisional or firm bookings

Advantages to the online booker

Services are available 24 hours a day

Alternatives can be proposed if first choice not available

Access to data on a wide range of holidays including special offers.

Bookings are instantaneous so little possibility of overbooking because once a seat or holiday is provisionally booked this

Contents

Banking

1. Cheque processing
2. EFTPOS
3. ATMs
4. Credit cards
5. Debit cards
6. Smart cards
7. Homebanking / telebanking

1. Cheque Processing

A cheque is a paper form that is issued by a bank that an account holder can use to authorise payment to another person or organisation. An account holder must write these details on the cheque for the payment to be authorised:
	the name of the person or organisation that it is payable to
	the date
	the amount t6at it is for in figures and in writing
	a signature

Example of a cheque

Bank of Monee Date……………….....

Pay……………………………………………

Amount…………………………………….

………………………………………………… A N Other

46-45-90 37465327 102201

Branch number Account number Cheque number

The numbers at the bottom of the cheque are written in special magnetic ink. These are :

The amount the cheque is for, is keyed in manually by a data input operator and printed on each individual cheque in magnetic ink. The amount in words acts as a check if the figures are hard to read. The magnetic ink enables the cheques to be read very quickly, in batches, by a special reader. This process is of reading characters written in magnetic ink is called MICR or Magnetic Ink Character Recognition.

A cheque guarantee card usually accompanies cheque payment. The card number is written by a retailer on the back of a cheque and guarantees that the bank will honour cheques up to a certain limit irrespective of the account holder's balance.

When the cheque is paid in at a bank it undergoes a chain of processing events and only then is money transferred from one bank account to another. The method of processing the cheque is called cheque clearing. This normally takes several days.

2. EFTPOS

Banks can move money between one bank account and another electronically over computer networks. This is called Electronic Funds Transfer or EFT for short.

BACS is one example of the application of EFT.

Most of us encounter EFT in our daily lives without thinking about it. When a customer pays for goods in a shop or supermarket using a debit card, the customer and retailer accounts are updated electronically. If they pay at an electronic terminal, called an Electronic Point Of Sale terminal (EPOS) then this is called EFTPOS, or Electronic Funds Transfer at Point Of Sale.

Although the processing could be completed in real-time, the transactions in the UK are usually uploaded and processed as a batch overnight and then the customer and retailer accounts are updated.

3. ATMs

Services available at an ATM

· Cash

· Change PIN No

· Check balance

·

Contents

Transfer money between accounts

· Printed mini statement

· Order cheque books and statements

· Select language.

· Order theatre tickets

· Deposit cash

Advantages of ATM’s

For the customers	For the bank
Provide 24-hour services	Save on staff costs
Access ATM's in many locations	Allows staff to concentrate on other work e.g. selling mortgages or other
Cuts down on queues in banks / faster service for customers (Not shorter queues at the ATM)	Services/increase sales
	Increased security

Problems which could occur when customers use ATMs

Could be attacked/security

Could forget PIN

Wrong amount of money issued

Card could be retained

Card might get damaged

Card crimes	Prevention
Stealing cards at ATMs	Do not write down PIN numbers Do not let anyone see you typing in your Pin number
Stealing debit and credit cards	Photos on cards Lower the amount that can be spent using cards before seeking authorisation Details of stolen cards put on POS terminals
Credit card fraud on the Internet and their misuse	Use agreed words on some sites Use a secure service
Card copying	Programmable smart cards to make data difficult to copy Use of holograms to make cards difficult to copy

4. Credit Cards - Borrow money so cash does not have to be in account at time of purchase

People using credit cards do not need to pay for their goods or services until the end of the month Credit cards can be used to instead of cash or cheques for payment. Each card has a unique number, a date it is valid from, an expiry date, a name and a hologram. The hologram is the small shiny picture to the right of a card. It is there for security reasons to deter potential forgers. A dove is the hologram on VISA cards, a map of the world is on MasterCard's. On the back of the credit card is a magnetic stripe. This stripe stores a small amount of information about the account holder; their account number, bank sort code, encoded PIN, and withdrawal limit.

5. Debit Cards - cash does have to be in account at time of purchase

A debit card has a unique number, a date it is valid from, an expiry date, issue No.,a holder's name, a hologram and a magnetic stripe on the back containing account number, bank sort code, encoded PIN, and withdrawal limit. The transaction amount is transferred electronically from the card holder's bank account to the retailer's bank account a few days later.

An important difference between debit and credit cards - the card holder must pay almost immediately and does not have any credit / borrowing facilities with the card.

6. Smart Cards – programmable cards

Smart cards are plastic card that contains a microprocessor with a memory Smart cards are also being used for various payment systems as an alternative to cash. e.g. MONDEX. The memory can store much more information than a magnetic stripe on the back of a credit or debit card.

The owner of a cash card like Mondex can download additional cash onto the card at any time using a special reader connected to a telephone line, at an ATM at the bank or via a reader attached to their own PC over the Internet

The money on a cash card can be spent at any retailers with the equipment to read the card. Money can also be transferred directly from one card to another using a special electronic wallet that resembles a pocket calculator.

Unlike a credit or debit card that creates a computer record of who made the transaction, a cash card does not and is therefore anonymous.

One advantage of a plastic cash card is that it eliminates the need of going through expensive banking networks to move money although there may be initial hardware and so8ware purchase costs if you want the facility at home.

Access to the cash on plastic smart cards can be protected by locking it with a 4 digit PIN.

Retailers like smart cash cards because they offer the following advantages:

· Accuracy - mistakes can't be made with change

· Efficiency - don't have to waste time counting and handing out change

· Security - this would be vastly increased if there was no need for cash. Robbers would have to become IT experts.

7. Homebanking Customers can access their bank account details from home across the Internet

Advantages

Customers don't have to leave home/ saves time.

Savings on postal or travel costs

Transfer money or pay bills from home

Pay bills anytime

Instant balances

Problems

Hacking of credit card / debit card details by unauthorised people who might misuse the data.

Have to pay telephone charges whilst online.

Lack of personal contact; - may not understand the system and you have no one to help.

Contents

Communications and Information systems

1. Teletext
2. The Internet
3. Electronic mail
4. E-Commerce
5. Development in telephone communications

1. Teletext

Teletext systems provide an information service using adapted television sets. The information is broadcast along with the normal television signal. The BBC teletext service is called CEEFAX. The information is divided into numbered pages, each of which fills a TV screen egg the latest news, the weather forecast, travel news, share prices, TV schedules, etc.

A Teletext service generates about 200 pages of information.

The system is non-interactive. i.e. the user may call up a page of information using a hand-held keypad, but may not send information back.

The system is free once it has been installed.

Interactive services such as those you get on the Internet allow you to send back information.

2. The Internet

The Internet is a Wide Area Network - actually it is a huge collection of networks connected together by what are called gateways - these make the system act as if it was one huge network.

Many networks in industry, business, higher education and government institutions are all connected to the Internet although anybody can now get connected to the system with the appropriate hardware and software and access to an ISP (Internet Service Provider )

e.g. Freeserve, AOL, Demon and hundreds of others.

Hardware and software needed to access the Internet

· Computer system

· Modem or ISDN card or broadband link

· Communication software provided by the ISP

A Modem is needed for analogue to digital conversion. (These used to be bought as a peripheral piece of hardware. Now they are integrated into the base unit).

SPEED - ISDN line is faster than a normal tel. Line. Broadband is faster than both

NB A telephone line is NOT hardware, so be careful on questions about this.

Services available on the Internet

1. Search engines which allow you to search the World Wide Web for any topic, and each page has links to another and so on....

2. Download software and files (e.g. weather pictures)

3. Bulletin boards (forums) or newsgroups are also set up where you can leave messages, or communicate directly with other users.

4. Chat lines Allow online realtime `chat' facilities with anyone who is on the Internet at that time.

Dangers

You don't know who you are really talking to.

Many paedophiles try to contact young children on chat lines

You may be asked about some simple ground rules when using the internet. This could apply to anyone, but especially children.

Code of conduct for using Chat line

Never arrange to meet anyone on a chat line

Never give them your personal details such as your name, email, home address, Tel. No. name of school or names of any of your friends.

Don't go into private rooms with people you don't know.

Contents

3. Electronic mail

Definition: A system which allows messages to be sent from one person to another using a computer. ie AN ELECTRONIC MESSAGE TRANSFER SYSTEM

Structure of an email address:-

username@Service provider.country or organisation

Examples:-

another@Yahoo.co.uk

Asmithl23@bt.com

What you need to access email.

· Email provider or ISP with a central mailbox facility.

· User account or mailbox with user a

· User password

Address books

List of email addresses

Attachments; (text files, videos and sound files)

Send a previously saved file with the email/ transfer a file

Carbon copy emails

Send a copy of the email to more than one person at the same time

Groups of people who can all receive an emailed message at the same time

Other services

Web cards

Advantages of electronic mail

1. Advantages over the telephone

· People don't have to be in. The receiving computer will store the message until the receiver wishes to read their mail.

· One letter can be sent to several user's mailboxes at the same time.

· Letters can be printed out so you have a hardcopy.

· Can store the message for future use or edit it and return to sender

· More confidential than fax systems

· Faster delivery speeds.

2. Over the post

· Security

· Messages are automatically dated when sent and when received and read

· Less likely to be lost and backup copies can be kept.

· Restricts unauthorised access with a good password system.

· Will not be delayed by postal strikes or transport breakdowns so important

· Contracts tenders can't be lost.

· Send bulletins and messages to many users which are delivered at the same time. (Can be cheaper than large mail shots)

· Faster delivery speeds (instantaneous). Delivers at weekends and evenings.

· Once the hardware is installed Email is cheaper than the post

· Savings in stationery and telephone costs if use is frequent.

3. Over sending discs through the post.

Disc will need an operator at the other end to load it.

Disc can get lost in the post or damaged.

Still have delays in receiving the disc.

Disadvantages of electronic mail

· Initial cost of buying hardware and software if only use it infrequently

· Possible way of spreading viruses

· Cannot send parcels.

Businesses set up websites on the Internet because’…

· they can advertise. It enables people to find out what they do and what they sell.

· people can email them with enquiries; orders; requests;

· they can reach an international audience.

Contents

4. E-Commerce

The Internet has opened the way for E-Commerce or Electronic Commerce. To most us this means selling goods and services over the Internet.

EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) is the means by which the transactions are authorised and completed online.

Selling over the Internet offers many advantages for customers and retailers.

· Can buy 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

· No need to handle cash since all transactions are made using cards

· the transactions are automatic, saving staff costs

· the process is almost paperless

· the customer can print off an on screen receipt

· the delivery process can often be tracked online

· goods are often discounted because of lower retail costs

To establish an E-commerce facility a firm would need the following;

· An ISP

· A database of stock

· A web page

· An electronic means of payment. e.g credit card or secure site.

EFTPOS systems consist of electronic cash registers (fills) that are connected to the retailer's main computer (usually over a local area network housed in the same building) and also to banks over wide area networks.

The retailer's main computer stores the stock control database that provides the electronic cash registers with data about each product. It also stores information about all completed transactions.

At the checkout, the operator scans the bar code of each item individually. The stock file is queried using the item's code which retrieves the record for that item. The price and description are displayed on the checkout monitors for the customer and operator to see. The price of the item is added to the total and also printed on the till receipt. The quantity of stock for that item is decremented by one.

Stock control in this situation is automatic. The retailer can use the computer system to generate stock reports at any time to view stock levels. A minimum re-order level may be set so that the retailer may be alerted to items that fall below this level and a new order can be sent to their supplier. This may help prevent the shop from running out of popular items and maintain customer satisfaction. Conversely, items that are not selling well can be easily identified by querying the stock on the database.

• An authorisation and authorisation code are generated if there is enough money in the shopper's account to pay for the goods. A record is created to settle up between the shopper and retailer's banks 2 or 3 days later. Alternatively, the authorisation may be rejected because of insufficient funds in the account. The central switch system sends a message with the result to the till at the checkout.
• If authorisation is granted a debit payment slip with an authorisation code is printed for the customer to sign.
• The transaction is then completed and a card voucher (shown below) with details of the transaction is given to the customer as a record to keep. The transaction will also appear on the shopper's monthly bank statement.

The retailer's card voucher (above) has the following details printed on it on completion of the transaction:

· Date and time of transaction

· Merchant Id

· Transaction code

· The amount to be paid

· The card number, expiry date and issuing bank (payment by Switch)

5.

Contents

Development in telephone communications

A. Fax - Data electronically transmitted over the telephone line

You don't need the Internet or a computer to do this. Do not confuse this with email. It uses paper rather than electronic storage.

B. Mobile phones

1. WAP (wireless applications protocol) Phones Mobile phones that receive the Internet

2. Other Services available on most phones

· Real Time talk

· Alarm clock/time

· Reminders/ to do list

· Change ring tone

· Record greeting message

· Alarm clock/time

· Reminders/ to do list

· Display photos/ pictures on screen

· Radio

Advantages of using mobile phone

· Don't have to be attached to a land line

· Use out in remote areas

Disadvantages of using mobile phones

· No service/signal

· No battery/ run out of credits

· Fined if used when driving

· Run up large phone bills

· Get mugged/target for theft

C. Video Conferencing (Tele-conferencing)
With a small video camera fixed to your microcomputer your image can be sent down the network to another user (and vice versa). Audio signals can also be sent. This means you can see and talk to another user if you have a microphone. Companies can set up meetings with eyeball-to-eyeball communication between people who are not in the same room, building or even country!
Advantages	Disadvantages
· Saving in time · Savings travel costs . · Encourages `teleworking'	The pictures are of poor quality but with fast broadband connection the quality will improve
Contents

Networks

Definition = `Computers linked together'.

A number of terminals (computers) are all

linked together (as in a classroom). One server serves them.

Peripherals such as a printer and scanner are linked via the server.

Advantages of a network	Disadvantages of a network
· Share printers and other peripherals	· Open to hacking
· Email	· Spreading of viruses
· Share programs	· If file server crashes no one can use the network
· Share data files	· Needs extra staff to maintain the network

Contents

Intranets

An intranet is set up entirely within a local network. Web pages can be stored and accessed from anywhere on the network and email can be sent internally within the local network. A company can set up an intranet and allow its workers to send messages to each other and use a browser to access company information saved as web pages. It can also be used for staff training. (This is how this information is available to you, if you are revising at a terminal).

Code of conduct for using a network and the Internet

In a network all the hardware and software is shared. It is, therefore, essential to have some basic rules when using it. Think how you have misused your time when using computers here in school. This same problem is costing companies billions of pounds a year. Here are some ideas.

· Do not bring in discs from outside

· Do not misuse email

· Do not use the printer for personal work

· Do not tell anyone else you password

· Change you password regularly

· Don't try to access other people's files/No Hacking

· Don't knowingly or by accident spreading a virus - Virus scan all discs

· Do not copy programs/files

· Do not steal hardware

· Do not visit pornographic site on the Internet

· Do not access criminal or terrorist material

· Do not Chat to dubious people

· Do not use the Internet for any other purpose other than that allowed

· Do not run up large phone bills

· Always use print preview and print only the pages required

Services available through digital interactive television

(These may be extended in future years)

· TV channels

· Pay to view movies / sports channels

· Choice of camera view

· Email

· Book holidays

· Play games

· Teleshopping

· Telebanking

Contents

Application Packages