Lesson 1: Learning outcome A

Revision Topics covered:

Types of networks: WAN/LAN/PAN (3G)
Starter (5)

Find a definition for hardware and
software and explain the difference
between the two

Give at least one example of hardware
and one example of software

Note: Create a new folder on your
computer, call it unit 2 and save your
research in there
Technology Systems
UNIT 2: EXAM UNIT (Core Unit)
Introduction

In this unit we are going to be learning
about:

The main building blocks of technology
systems and how they work

The different devices in technology systems

The purpose of different types of networks

The different methods for transferring data
around a network

The different software that makes a system
work and a bit of programming
Lesson Aim

To be able to:

Explain different types of networks

Understand the benefits of networks


Explain the uses of different networks
>> Learning outcome A
T1: Types of networks (20)

1) Research the following networks and
give a detailed description for each one.
LAN
 WAN
 PAN
 Mobile broadband- mention of dongle


2) For each network, write down 1 or 2
examples of users that the network would
be suitable for.
Types of networks (Answers: revision)

LAN: Local area network. It is a network
that is used in homes and offices and small
buildings. It is used to connect computers,
printers and other devices together in a
local environment. It is used in a single
location i.e. a single building.
Don’t forget that LAN can be can be wired,
which will use Ethernet (802.3) or it can be
wireless and that will use Wi-FI: 802.11
standard.
 Users: home users, office users.

Types of networks (Answers: revision)

WAN: Wide Area Network. It is a type of
network used in a large geographical
location. It is essentially a collection of
LANs connected together over a large
distance.
The reason why we have LANs together is
imagine two companies who have a
network in Manchester and one in London,
they are in separate locations so a WAN
connects to the networks into one.
 Users: Home users, shopping online. Office
workers or workers accessing resources.

Types of networks (Answers: revision)

PAN: Personal Area Network. It is used to
connect your devices together, for example
to synchronise your computer, including
your email, with your mobile phone.

You also have WPAN, which uses Bluetooth
technology.

Users: Traditionally, used by people to put
music, pictures or games onto their phone.
Now used to play games with each other,
connect to headsets etc.
Types of networks (Answers: revision)

Mobile broadband: Uses 3G Mobile phone
technology to connect your laptop (using a
dongle), netbook or phone to the Internet.
3G: third generation, and refers to
technology which supports fast datatransmission and increased network
capacity through a smart phone.
 Dongle: A small hardware device that plugs
into the USB to provide functionality such
as connecting to Wi-Fi or 3G network.


Users: Mobile users.
Lesson 2: Learning outcome A

Revision Topics covered:

Uses of network systems: sharing,
entertainment and communication

Synchronising data and benefits of computer
networks
Starter: (10)

Compare wireless networks with wired
networks

Which is better i.e. faster

Which one is more reliable? I.E. it won’t be
prone to interference

Which one is more secure?

Think about what you might be using at
home
Types of networks (Answers: revision)
Which of the following is used to
synchronise your mobile phone and
computer~?
 WAN
 LAN
 VAN
 PAN

Types of networks (Answers: revision)

Which networks is used to connect a
computer and printer together?
WAN
 LAN
 VAN
 PAN

Types of networks (Answers: revision)

Which network is also known as the
Internet?
WAN
 LAN
 VAN
 PAN

T2: Uses of network systems
Why do we need a network? What are some
of the things it offers?
 Sharing: think about resources


Entertainment: think about online

Communication: think about interacting
with friends

Summarise the benefits of networking
computers
T2: Uses of network systems: answers

A network is 2 or more devices connected
together

Sharing: networks are used to share
resources such as printers, applications,
data, Internet etc… Collaborate on
documents.

Entertainment: Allows people to connect
online. Stream movies: Netflix, listen to
music, radio stations and join gaming
communities and play together. Social
networking, like Twitter and Facebook.
T2: Uses of network systems: answers

Communication: Networks allow us to
communicate with each other via E-mail,
instant messaging, video conferencing so
reducing the need for travel
Examples:
 Skype, Whatsapp, Blackberry

Synchronising data

When you have similar information in two
different devices, you need to synchronise
this data using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared or
cable. This device can be connected in the
form of a PAN so that both devices have up
to date information.

Synchronising can bring calendars up to
date on two different devices, messages,
emails, music, videos, podcast etc…

Think about the Itunes Sync
Recap

When you have similar information in two
different devices, you need to synchronise
this data using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared or
cable. This device can be connected in the
form of a PAN so that both devices have up
to date information.

Synchronising can bring calendars up to
date on two different devices, messages,
emails, music, videos, podcast etc…

Think about the Itunes Sync
Lesson 3: Learning outcome A

Physical methods of transferring data:

Optical fibre, unshielded twisted pair, coaxial
cables

Homework: Difference between Wi-Fi and
Bluetooth
Physical methods of transferring data

Physical will use cables, such as UTP, fibre
optics or coaxial

Think about where the following cables are
used and the difference between the 3
cables.
Physical methods of transferring data

Fibre optics or optical fibre: is used for very
fast connections between switches and to
bring fast broadband to buildings.

They are very expensive and hence they
are not good for connecting devices over
short distance like a computer to a switch
or router.

Internet: BT Infinity, Virgin Media: faster
internet and longer distance
Fibre Optics
Physical methods of transferring data

UTP: Unshielded Twister Pair. Used to
connect telephones, computers and printers
to switches.

The are used in LAN networks and there
are different categories of this cable.

CAT 5, 5E and 6 which is known as a
gigabit

Great all-round cable for LAN but no the
fastest cable out there
Physical methods of transferring data

Coaxial (Coax) is used to connect home to
optical broadband systems. Older networks
use coaxial. Virgin media use coaxial. They
use copper, which is not replaces by faster
UTP cables.

Good for short distance but poor for long
distance
Wireless methods for transferring data

Wi-Fi

Find out how Wi-Fi works
Cantor Fitzgerald

Common technology

Bluetooth
Lesson 4: Learning outcome B

Physical methods of transferring data:

Optical fibre, unshielded twisted pair, coaxial
cables

Homework: Difference between Wi-Fi and
Bluetooth
Task

Imagine there is a computer in front of you.
You see external and components you can
see, internal.

Create a table, have a heading called internal
and external. List all of the components you
can think of and go through each one and
explain what each component is for. You can
use images to make it easier to remember.

Which devices affect the performance of a
computer
My list
Internal
External
RAM
Mouse
CPU
Keyboard
Hard Drive
Monitor
Graphics card
Motherboard
Optical drive
Heat sink
Main components: CPU

The CPU stands for Central Processing Unit

Every computer has at least one CPU or
microprocessor. These devices run the
programs (code) and they undertake
input/output operations to other parts of the
computer.

The CPU has many parts: Arithmetic logic unit,
control unit and registers.

The speed of the CPU is measured in Gigahertz
meaning a billion cycles per second

The higher the GHZ, the more instructions a
CPU can perform
Main components: CPU

There are two main manufacturers of CPU,
Intel and AMD

Example of a CPU, this will on your
motherboard and on top of it will be a heat
sink to keep it cool.
Main components: CPU (ALU)

This is part of the CPU and it perform
Arithmetic Logic Unit

Arithmetic is going to be calculations and logic
is going to be things like comparison
Control Unit

The control unit has 3 roles:

It controls and monitors hardware attached to
the computer to make sure that commands
given to it by software is used. Think about
when you send something to the printer, the
control unit checks to see the instructions sent
are correct.

It controls the input and output, so your
mouse and keyboard instructions

It controls the flow of data within the CPU
Registers

These are used to store small amounts of data
in the form of a byte. Which is 8 bits.

Registers are used to hold the address in RAM
so the CPU knows where the next machine
code instruction will come from and where to
send the results of a calculation .
Registers

These are used to store small amounts of data
in the form of a byte. Which is 8 bits.

Registers are used to hold the address in RAM
so the CPU knows where the next machine
code instruction will come from and where to
send the results of a calculation .
RAM

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is a
type of memory that is used to temporarily
store programs (code on)

The more RAM a computer has the more
programs can run at any time

IF you play games, then RAM is important
because your game can potentially run better

RAM is measure in Gigabyte which is 1024
megabytes

The more RAM a computer has the
RAM

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is a
type of memory that is used to temporarily
store programs (code on)

The more RAM a computer has the more
programs can run at any time

IF you play games, then RAM is important
because your game can potentially run better

RAM is measure in Gigabyte which is 1024
megabytes

The more RAM a computer has the
Lesson aim

To be able to:

Explain the difference between Analogue and
Digital signals

Understand the importance of binary

Workout binary conversions
Task 1 (10 minutes)

Q1) Explain what analogue data is

Give 2 examples of where analogue data is
used

Q2) Explain what digital data is

Give 2 examples of where digital data is used
Task 1 Answers

Analogue data occurs all the time and around
us. For example, the human voice,
temperature and instruments are some
examples.

Key thing to remember: Analogue data
changes constantly with time

Digital data is a sequence of discrete values
or numbers, such as digital clocks and Morse
code. Computers use digital data and this is
in the form of binary, which is a numbering
system.
Why do we convert analogue data?

The reason why we convert data is because
if we have analogue data i.e. human voice,
that needs to be converted into analogue
before it can be recorded

This is because the computer needs to
interact and be able to process that data

Don’t forget that computers can protect
digital data by encrypting them. If the data
is encrypted then it means that it is kept
secure so if anyone tries to access it, it will
not be able to understand the data.
Task 2: Binary (15)

1. Why do computers use binary?

Why don’t they use decimal

What base is binary?

What two digits does binary use?

Explain how binary is used in one of the
devices:

Ram, DVD or Hard disk
Task 2 answers

Binary is easily represented and easy to
work with. 1 / 0 positive / negative

Too many values

Base 2

1/0

RAM: Represented in transistors as 1 (with
electric charge) , 0 (without electric charge)

In HDD, represented in the magnetised
surface, North (1), South (0)
Convert the following
Denary
8
4
2
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
0
1
1
1
0
Learning outcome A

Application of technology systems and
issues
Lesson aim

To be able to:

Explain the uses of technology systems in
different sectors

Explain environmental issues

Appreciate copyright issues and security
issues

Developing technology systems
Uses of technology systems and
issues

Retail sector: (12)

Find out how retail stores use technology
systems:

Think about:

Stock management

Pricing

Check-out
Retail sector
Technology is used to manage stocks, so
sales from previous year is used to predict
how much stock needs to be ordered, the
same data is used to predict how many staff
needs to be working
 Self-service: technology systems used to
reduce wait time and make the store run
more efficient. Reduce labour costs.
 Using point of sale (tills) to update stock
levels
 Using technology to track sales
 The use of internet to advertise and sell
products

Other sectors

Construction: uses technology systems to
plan, design and document. Use computers
to create architecture drawings.

CAD is used to design component parts on a
computer and send to robotic tools that
manufacture parts.

Very detailed and accurate, designs that are
not possible for humans to manufacture.

CAD, like sketch-up is also used to design
the plan for houses.
Other sectors

Finance sector: use technology to track stock
prices and shares, to calculate interest rates
on loans and savings

To apply discount rates, create graphs to
analyse rates and costs

Health: use technology to systems to scan
patients and to monitor their health,
breathing etc…
Issues involved in the use of technology
systems

Environmental issues:

Benefits of technology: how is technology
benefits the world, think about
communication and transport

Think about the bad things of technology and
the affects that they have on the
environment
Answers

Video conferencing, means less travel

Text and phone calls means less travel

Technology that controls devices and how
much power they use

Hardware waste, power consumption,
disposal of electronic equipment, toxic
waste,
Computer security

Video conferencing, means less travel

Text and phone calls means less travel

Technology that controls devices and how
much power they use

Hardware waste, power consumption,
disposal of electronic equipment, toxic
waste,
Recap

Why do we use POS

Why do we use CAD?
Home work

Uses of technology

CAD/CAM

Health sector
Lesson x

This lesson we will be looking at:

Computer Security

Copyright

Developing technology systems
Quick questions

What do you think about when you think
about computer security?

Pornography

Virus

Trojan horse

Spyware

Worm
Question

Why do we think about computer security?

All computers in technology are at risk

They all store some sensitive data

Individuals are always looking for new ways
of attacking systems

Bots, botnet, zombie and bit coin mining

Data that is transferred through using a
website is also a security issue, think about
forms
Security Measures

What are some of the things you can do to
protect our computer / organisation?
Copyright

Think about some of the things that are
cpyrighted
Research

Virus

Worm

Spyware

Trojan
Research

Virus: a computer virus is a malicious
program that attaches itself to files. The files
are called hosts. They are generally spread
through the use of emails i.e. in the form of
attachments. The host, i.e. file can be spread
across different devices i.e. each time you
copy the file, you are spreading the virus.
Think of it like a human virus.

Viruses cause damage to computers i.e.
data.
Research

Worm: A worm is a malicious program. It is
a program that replicate itself and spreads to
different networks. When it replicates, it uses
resources and slow down the computer.

It spreads across using computer networks.

A worm does not attach itself to anything
compared to a virus

Worms cause damage to networks and
viruses corrupt system files

Some worms just spread across different
networks and do not cause any damage
Research

Spyware: Spyware is not malicious and in
most cases it will not cause any damage to
the computer. Spyware is classed as privacy
in case software which means that they
generally track your browsing history, the
things you have purchased etc..

There are some spyware that can be a
nuisance and slow down your computer

The software will collect information without
the user’s knowledge and that is why it is a
security risk
Copyright

List some of the things that are covered by
the copyright:

Why do we need copyright laws?
Lesson x: Learning Outcome C

Different types of software

To be able to explain the difference between
off-the-shelf and custom-made software

To be able to explain the role of Operating
Systems

To be able to explain the uses for different
utility application
 Biteresources.com
Software

Software is a program that runs on a
computer that has a processor
(microprocessor).

The software will be coded by a programmer
and it will be coded using a particular
language.

The software may not work on all platforms
just like an app that is on IOS may not be
available for Android users.

The software allows you to control the
operations of the computer by controlling the
peripheral and processing
Task 1:

Find out what off-the-shelf software is

Give an example

Find out what custom-made software

Give an example if you can

Who would use each software and why would
a business use custom-made software
Task 1:

Off-the-shelf:

Software that has been published to the
public. This is available for download or
purchase from retail stores. These are
usually well tested and generally cheaper
than custom-made software.

Thorough testing means there will be less
bugs, i.e. errors and there will also be good
support and resources/tutorials to use to
learn about the software.
Task 1:

Custom-made:

Program that is written for the client
specifically. This will be tailored towards the
client’s requirements.

This is also known bespoke software

This type of program is expensive and takes
a long time to make, months if not weeks

Why do you think organisations would use
this?
Operating System

List the OS made by Windows in the Last 10
years

For each operating system put something
new that has been added

Find out the functions that the operating
system offers