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 • • 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
