a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Define a computer system
Describe the importance of
computer systems in the modern
world
Explain the need for reliability in computer
systems
Explain the need for adherence to professional
standards in the development, use and
maintenance of computer systems
Explain the importance of ethical,
environmental and legal considerations when
creating computer systems.

We’re surrounded by a multitude of
computer systems in every day life that:
› Keep us safe
› Enable us to do our jobs
› Entertain us
› Run our homes
› Enable us to communicate with other
people

Apart from obvious (laptops\PCs)
Embedded computer system to control
functions.
 Handles complex wash cycle
 Ensures correct amount of water is used
 Water heated to correct temp.
Embedded computer systems – invisible
 Developed by engineers – Easy life

Set top satellite box
 Contains a computer system that:

› Checks subscriber account is valid – reads
inserted smart card
› Handles channel decryption
› Electronic Program Guide
› Handle recording & playback
Blue Ray\DVD player
 TV – stream content from internet
 Smart Phone

Heavily reliant on CS’s to do job
effectively
 Help to create professional work
 Hopefully mistake free
 Collaboration – work with people on
other side of the world, from home & on
the move. Share documents
 Teleworking

ATM – cash & other services
 Keeping accounts secure (1995- 20
million credit card details stolen – poor
security)
 Keep track of customer accounts
 Online banking

X-Rays, CAT\MRI scanners, blood analysis
 IV & radiotherapy machines
 Monitoring: blood pressure & heart rate
 Admin systems: patient booking stock
control
 NHS wasted £12 billion on computer
system that was never used

School network – hot desking
 Library system
 Attendance system (SIMS)
 Biometric systems

Online ticket booking system
 Touch screens – ticket printing
 Projector & audio system
 Air conditioning system

Very complex supply chain – where
correct item needs to be in right place
at right time. (from bread rolls to a tank)
 Logistics handled by systems that track
items using barcodes & RFID

Weapon systems with sophisticated onboard CS – pin point accuracy
 Connects to GPS satellites to work out its
current path in real time

Command & control – chain of
command (Iraq – 120,000 US troops)
 General issues orders to officers – officers
to troops etc
 Requires reliable, tough comms. System
 Military systems include:

› Digital radio backpack
› Sophisticated satellites
21st century soldier
 “situational awareness” is key term
 Imagine platoon where all soldiers know
where their comrades are in real-time –
through helmet mounted graphical
display.
 Connect to RT video feeds from hovering
cameras. Becoming reality – computer
systems are at the heart


Almost 100% reliant on CS’s we need to
be able to trust that they will be reliable.
When they go wrong it can range from
being an inconvenience to life
threatening.
Tesco Bank – customers still unable to
access online accounts – several days –
computer glitch.
 Vodaphone mobile network disrupted
after break-in at its exchange
 Facebook says its suffering its worst
shutdown in 4 years

Many computer systems have thousands
\ millions of lines of code
 Limitless pathways through them
 Testing is vital to ensure systems are
reliable
 Testing very expensive & time consuming
– many bugs are missed

They’re everywhere
 Take for granted their impact on our lives
