chapter 1.1

What is a module in IT systems?

A single part of a system (hardware or software) that can be changed or upgraded easily.

Give an example of a module.

Adding a new printer or installing an app without changing the full system.

What is an interface?

The point of connection between modules that allows them to communicate.

What are the two types of interfaces?

Physical (e.g. USB cable) and Software (e.g. OS to app communication).

What is compatibility in IT?

The ability of modules to work together without problems.

Give one hardware and one software example of compatibility.

Hardware – CPU fits motherboard; Software – copy/paste from Word to PowerPoint.

What happens without compatibility?

Errors, crashes, or failure to function smoothly.

What is a standard?

A common rule or format that helps compatibility between systems or modules.

What’s the difference between an official and quasi-standard?

Official: internationally agreed (e.g. USB, PDF); Quasi: widely used but not formal (e.g. MS Office).

What happens when there are no standards?

Chaos, high costs, and complex systems.

What is Moore’s Law?

Processor performance doubles every ~18 months.

What is Kryder’s Law?

Storage capacity doubles every ~18 months (e.g. USB from 2GB to 2TB in 10 years).

What is the Rebound Effect?

Efficiency leads to higher use (e.g. LED lights left on longer because they use less power).

Give two examples of the rebound effect.

Faster search engines = more research; Blockchain = more users = more energy use.

What is a peripheral device?

A device that connects to a system to input or output data but is not part of the core.

Give examples of input and output peripheral devices.

Input – keyboard, mouse, scanner; Output – screen, printer, projector.

What is a sensor?

An input device that collects physical data and turns it into digital data.

Give 3 examples of sensor usage.

Temperature (vaccine cooling), Speed (cars/logistics), Smoke (fire safety).

Why is using one sensor risky?

It can send wrong data.

What’s the solution to risky sensors?

Use more than one sensor – they’re cheap and increase accuracy.

What is 3D printing?

A method that creates physical objects layer-by-layer from a digital model.

Why is 3D printing disruptive?

It breaks traditional manufacturing rules and allows fast, local, customized production.

Give two uses of 3D printing.

Medical implants, on-site machine parts.

Name two limitations of 3D printing.

Slower for mass production, material limitations, high cost.

What is Augmented Reality (AR)?

Technology that adds digital elements (images/data) to the real world.

How is AR different from VR?

AR enhances reality; VR replaces it.

Name 2 business uses of AR.

Repair instructions via glasses; warehouse item picking assistance.

Give 2 benefits of AR.

Faster training, fewer mistakes, hands-free real-time help.

Give 2 problems of AR.

Expensive tech, discomfort, distraction, overreliance.

What is a walled garden?

A closed digital environment controlled by the provider (e.g. Apple App Store).

Give 1 advantage and 1 disadvantage of a walled garden.

Advantage – better quality/security; Disadvantage – limits freedom, hard to switch.

What is TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)?

All costs of owning and operating an IT system over time.

What’s included in TCO?

Purchase, setup, training, maintenance, energy, lost productivity, user confusion.

What is the “Hey Joe effect”?

Time wasted asking others how to use or fix systems.

Why is TCO important?

It helps with long-term planning and budgeting.

Module

A single part of a system (hardware or software) that can be changed or upgraded easily.

Interface

The point of connection between modules that allows them to communicate.

Compatibility

The ability of modules to work together without problems.

Standard

A common rule or format that helps compatibility between systems or modules.

Moore
R

’s Law

Processor performance doubles every $~18$ months.

Kryder
R

’s Law

Storage capacity doubles every $~18$ months (e.g. USB from 2GB to 2TB in 10 years).

Rebound Effect

Efficiency leads to higher use (e.g. LED lights left on longer because they use less power).

Peripheral Device

A device that connects to a system to input or output data but is not part of the core.

Sensor

An input device that collects physical data and turns it into digital data.

3D Printing

A method that creates physical objects layer-by-layer from a digital model.

Augmented Reality (AR)

Technology that adds digital elements (images/data) to the real world.

Walled Garden

A closed digital environment controlled by the provider (e.g. Apple App Store).

TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)

All costs of owning and operating an IT system over time.

“Hey Joe effect”

Time wasted asking others how to use or fix systems.