Intro to R001
Understanding
Computer Systems
The examined Unit

LO1
1.
Overview
2.
Introduction to computer systems
3.
System Input and Output
Devices
4.
System Software
5.
Application Software
6.
Storage and Connectivity
7.
Assistive Technologies
LO2
• Data Capture Methods

• 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

• 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

1. Introduction to computer systems
2. System Input and Output Devices
3. System Software
4. Application Software
5. Storage and Connectivity
6. Assistive Technologies

• Aims :
– To understand the difference between portable and desktop devices
– To identify and explain scenarios where these would be best used

• What is a desktop device?
– These are electronic devices that remain in one place
• Examples:
– Desktop computers
– Printers
– Scanners

• 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)

• 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

• 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

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]

• Aims:
– Understand the different categories of devices
– Identify specific devices for each category
– Know the different types of printers, their advantages and disadvantages

• On a new page in your books write the headings
• Date: Wednesday October 2 nd
• Topic: System Input and Output
Devices
• Class work/Notes

• Hardware are the physical components of a computer
• The fall under four categories
– Input
– Output
– Storage
– Processing

A computer system has Input, Output & storage devices

INPUT
OUTPUT STORAGE
Open the EGA ICT Wiki
Under R001 – Theory – Open the Device Sort PowerPoint

INPUT
OUTPUT STORAGE

• An input device is used to put data into a computer system
• Some examples include
– Keyboard
– Mouse
– Joystick
– Microphone

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.

• What is the maximum storage capacity for...
– CDs,
– DVDs
– Blu-Ray
Answers
CD - 700MB
DVD - 4.7GB (4,812.8MB)
Blu-Ray- 25GB (25,600MB

• Different storage devices use different methods to save data
• The Four main methods are
– Optical
– Magnetic
– Solid State
– Cloud Storage

• 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 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

• 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

• Answer the sample exam questions

• Research
– What 3 types of Printers exist?
– Fill in this table in your books
Printer
Laser
Advantages Disadvantages
Inkjet
Dot Matrix

Printer
Laser
Inkjet
Advantages Disadvantages
Dot Matrix

• 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.

• 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

• System software refers to the operating system and all utility programs that manage a computer.
www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/systems_software.html

• 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?

• 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

• 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

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

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.
1. Write down some examples of
application software that you know.
Date: 16 th
October 2013
Topic: R001understanding computer
Systems
(theory)

• 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

• Open the egaict wiki
• Go to:
– R001 -> Theory -> Application Software
Worksheet
• Click on download and save this file

• 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

Application Software TYPE
Word processors
Desktop publishing software
Spreadsheets
Database management software
Multimedia software
Video-editing software
Graphics manipulation software
Communications software
Presentation software
Gaming software
Web browsers
Free VERSION Paid VERSION
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Photoshop iCab

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
– 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

• Digital computer storage comes in many forms.
• They all fall into 1 of 4 categories
– Optical
– Magnetic
– Solid State
– Cloud

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

• 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

• 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)

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

• 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

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

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

 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.

 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.

 A switch allows many computers or devices to be connected to a network
 Used in larger networks

• 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

• 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

• 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]

Date : Thursday 7 th November
Topic : 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

•Global Positioning System
A 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 Earth
Uses 4 GPS satellites to give an accurate position of a GPS device

• Company vehicles or laptops can be tracked by fixing a GPS tracking device to them
• Some smart phones have tracking builtin 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...)

• 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

• 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

• 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

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]

HW
• 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 2 nd December till the 13 th December

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

Device
Puff-Suck switch
Braille Keyboard
Foot Mouse
Use
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
The keys have Braille markings on them to allow people with visual impairment to feel the keys and choose one without seeing it
Feet, instead of hands and fingers, are used to press down on a foot mouse and to move the pointer on screen

Speech to Text software e.g. Siri, Windows Speech recognition
Zoom
Software or Setting
Text to speech software e.g. Balaboka, Natural reader, Read Clip
Use
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
Spoken commands are translated to actions that the computer carries out; spoken words appear as text in a document
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

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]

HW
• 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 2 nd December till the 13 th December

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

• 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

• 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 highresolution monitor or high-speed processors

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

Free Software
Advantages
Saves money as you do not pay for licenses
Disadvantages
Have to provide and pay for your own technical support which can be expensive
Paid for Software
Advantages
You know what you are getting will be of a certain quality
Often comes with support available to answer and fix any problems
Disadvantages
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

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.

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]