Revision List
Chapter 5 The Effects of Using IT
5.1 Microprocessor-controlled devices
The effects of using microprocessor-controlled
devices
Microprocessors are the small programmable processors
found inside computers. They accept digital data as input
and process the instructions stored in memory to produce
the output required. They need input and output devices to
be connected to them to make them useful as computer
systems
Microprocessors/smart devices in the home:
• automatic washing machines
• microwave ovens
• cookers
• automatic dishwashers
• robotic vacuum cleaners
• bread-making machines
• smart fridges and freezers
The positive and negative effects of smart device at home:
• Positive effects
• The use of smart devices creates more leisure time
as less time is spent working on everyday tasks
• More time to socialize
• Becoming very sophisticated and can make use of
embedded web technology
• Save energy - switch off automatically
• Easier to program device rather than set timings &
dates manually
• The devices have encouraged social interactions at a
distance, people are able to communicate and
interact with friends who don’t live close by using
social networking sites, emails, web-conferencing,
etc.
•
Negative effects
• All of the devices are connected to the internet and
therefore can be targeted by hackers
• Privacy and security are of concern as all of these
devices collect a lot of personal data.
• People become lazy and rely on devices
• Dependency on technology increases
• Smart devices are expensive to purchase and repair
• Lack of exercise can have a detrimental effect on
people’s physical fitness
• Smartphones are usually blamed for the loss of social
interaction because more people are inclined to
communicate using them rather than face-to-face
encounters
Microprocessors/smart devices in transport:
Microprocessor-controlled systems are used in many
aspects of transport, such as autonomous vehicles,
transport safety, traffic systems.
Autonomous vehicles are capable of sensing the
environment and operating without human involvement.
Intelligent transport systems collects data from sensors
such as cameras to monitor the amount of traffic, travel
speed and traffic jams in various locations. After the data
has been analysed, optimum traffic flow can be maintained
by:
• Control of traffic light systems
• Informing travelers about travel times, travel speeds,
accidents, delays through variable message signs, the
internet and navigation systems
• Inform users of public transport when the buses will be
arriving and the number of seats on each one
The positive and negative effects of smart devices in transport:
• Positive effects
• Improved Transport safety: many cars now have
collision avoidance systems which will warn of any
objects in front of the car
• An intelligent transport system improves traffic
efficiency by minimizing traffic problems.
• Reduces travel time of commuters as well as
enhances their safety, comfort and mental health
• Autonomous vehicles eliminate human driving error
as they observe their surroundings and respond to
situations with maximum efficiency, 24 hours a day
• Negative effects
• Control systems in vehicles improve safety but may
malfunction. They are complicated devices and may
need technological expert to fix
• Intelligent transport systems are expensive to
implement and may malfunction or break down,
leading to traffic chaos
• Data on all user’s journeys could be stored and used
for other purposes than helping to control traffic
flow. Some people argue that this data could be
stolen by hackers and sold to organisations who
could benefit from it
• The control systems used for intelligent transport
and in the vehicles are vulnerable to hackers who
could take over traffic light systems and vehicles
5.2 Potential health problems related to the
prolonged use of IT equipment
Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
•
•
A general term used to describe the pain felt in the
shoulder, wrist or fingers by repetitive movement and
overuse.
It mostly occurs by using a keyboard and mouse for long
periods or poor posture due to not adjusting a chair or
monitor correctly
Revision List
•
Strategies for preventing RSI:
• Adopt a good posture
• Use an ergonomically designed keyboard
• Take regular breaks
• Use the mouse as little as possible, for example, by
using keyboard shortcuts
• Use a wrist support or ergonomic mouse or
keyboard
Back problems
•
•
•
•
Back pain: caused by working for too long without
taking a break and sitting in front of a computer with a
bad posture
Strategies for preventing back pain:
• Adjust the chair to suit body type and height
• Adjust the height and angle of the screen
• Use a chair with a lumbar support and adjust it to
suit body type
• Adjust the desk by bringing it closer or further away
Back injuries caused by moving equipment: many
injuries are caused by moving heavier items of computer
hardware, for example, desktop computers, monitors
and printers.
Strategies for preventing back injuries:
• Use correct lifting techniques such as:
• Reducing the amount of twisting, stooping and
reaching
• Planning the lift to reduce the distance as much as
possible
• Avoid lifting from floor level or above shoulder
height, especially for heavy items
• Asking others to help
Eye problems
•
•
Eye strain: headaches, watery eyes, dry eyes and double
vision can be caused by staring at a computer screen for
too long
Strategies for preventing eye problems:
• Taking regular breaks
• Adjusting the brightness and contrast of the monitor
• Using suitable font and icon sizes
• Using suitable lighting in the room, for example,
prevent sunlight hitting the screen
Headaches
•
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Headaches: if you spend extended periods of time on
your computer you might get a headache due to glare
on the screen, poor lighting in your workspace, improper
computer brightness and color, or a combination of
these factors
Strategies for preventing headaches:
• Take frequent breaks from the computer
• Work in a properly lit area
• Reduce computer screen glare
• Clean the computer display