Comprehensive Systems, Internet, and Network Technologies Study Guide

Computer System Hardware and Components

  • Motherboard:

    • A large piece of circuitry with slots and connectors for different components and peripherals to connect to.

    • Functions:

    • Used to connect peripherals.

    • Transfers and shares data between connected components.

  • RAM (Random Access Memory):

    • Volatile memory responsible for temporary storage.

  • UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply):

    • Provides power to the PC for a short term to allow a user to safely shut down the computer.

  • Input Devices:

    • Used to input data into the computer.

    • Examples include a mouse and keboard.

  • Display Features and Power Management:

    • Pixel: A picture element or the smallest part of a picture displayed on the screen.

    • Ways to reduce the power consumed by the display on a mobile device:

    • Do not set it to its brightest level or leave it on for a long period of time.

    • Set the device to automatically switch the screen off after a time when you are not using it.

  • Printers:

    • Laser Printer: Best suited to print high volumes and black and white.

    • Inkjet Printer: Best suited for high quality colour photos.

  • Cables:

    • HDMI: A cable used to transmit both video and audio.

Operating Systems and Accessibility Features

  • Operating System (OS) Definition and Core Functions:

    • System software that manages hardware and software resources.

    • Functions:

    • Provides an interface.

    • Memory management.

    • Process and task management.

  • Operating System Categories and Examples:

    • Desktop Operating Systems: Windows 10 (operating system for desktop computers), Windows 11.

    • Mobile Operating Systems: Android (operating system for mobile devices), iOS.

  • Built-in Operating System Accessibility Features:

    • Modern operating systems have built-in software features to make it easier for people with physical disabilities to use computers, including:

    • Screen magnification.

    • Text to speech (Narration).

    • Larger mouse cursor.

Software Concepts, Development, and Applications

  • Software Classifications:

    • System Software Examples: Windows 11, Norton antivirus, iOS.

    • Propriety Software: Software that may not be copied and may generally only be used on one computer.

    • App: Refers to software or programs designed to run on portable devices.

    • Online Software: Software that actually runs on servers on the internet.

    • Advantages: Does not take up space from your pc hard drive.

    • Disadvantages: No internet means no access to data; no control over security.

  • Software Development Concepts:

    • Algorithm: Step by step instructions in order to execute a task.

    • Source Code: The programming code used to develop a specific application.

    • HTML5: Software technology that has been developed which will probably replace Flash technology completely.

    • Bug vs. Software Patch:

    • Bug: An error or fault in a program caused by the way it was written or programmed (an error in a program).

    • Patch: Software or an update to software intended to fix an error or bug in existing software (such as the operating system) by updating a program or part of it.

  • Productivity Applications and Spreadsheet Functions:

    • File Extensions: .docx is the file extension for a word document.

    • Google Docs Applications: Applications included with Google Docs are a word processor and a spreadsheet.

    • Excel Functions:

    • MEDIAN: Returns the middle number.

    • MODE: Returns the number which occurs the most.

Computer Security, Threats, and Data Protection

  • Classes of Threats to Data:

    • Unauthorised access to data.

    • Malware.

    • Human error.

  • Malware and Cyber Security Threats:

    • Malware: A general term used to describe malicious software that is specifically designed to install itself without the user's knowledge to negatively affect or 'harm' a computer system.

    • Viruses: Programs with general aims to negatively impact a computer's performance and exploit security loopholes in software to allow other programs and users access to data on the computer.

    • Rootkit: A collection of programs that are designed to infiltrate a computer and gain the highest level of privileges (administrator rights) to take control of the infected computer. This computer can then be used for all sorts of dangerous purposes such as illegally accessing data files and creating backdoors for other malware.

    • Trojan: A program disguised with useful or 'desirable' features such as a free game or disk utility. It can be used to control the computer system remotely as a 'bot' or to create a 'backdoor' to allow unauthorised access to data on the computer.

    • Keylogger: Monitors your activities and collects personal information including passwords and account numbers, reporting them to other parties to either use this information directly or in order to gain access to your data.

    • Phishing: Refers to 'fishing for information' by fooling a user into giving out confidential data. Most often comes in the form of e-mails, but can be made via a phone call or by malware directing to fraudulent sites. Users are often encouraged to click on a link to log onto what they think is their bank's website, but are directed to a replica website with the same appearance, leading them to give confidential information 'in good faith'.

  • Security Controls and Safeguards:

    • Encryption: A way of scrambling text or data into a new format.

    • Strong Password: A password which is not easy to hack. A strong password would be longer thaqn 88 characters long, consisting of a combination of numbers, letters, and special characters.

Internet, Networking, and Communication Technologies

  • Network Types and Hardware:

    • LAN (Local Area Network): Computers linked in an office in order to share files and resources; always a wired connection.

    • NIC (Network Interface Controller): Used to connect a computer to a network.

    • Modem/Router: Networking hardware used to route and establish network connections.

  • Internet Access Technologies:

    • ADSL: A fixed cabled connection to the internet.

    • Advantages: Full speed, no interference.

    • Limitations: Lack of portability; can be expensive (depending on the package chosen).

    • Factors Influencing Cost of Internet Access Packages:

    • The amount of bandwidth ('speed') of the connections.

    • The size of the cap selected in the package.

  • Wireless and Mobile Technologies:

    • WIFI: A wireless networking technology using radio waves to provide internet and network access between computers and other devices such as smartphones and cell phones.

    • WiMAX: An upgrade on WIFI and a more secure wireless networking technology that allows wireless devices to communicate with one another over a wider area than WIFI.

    • 5G: Generations of mobile (cellular) phone technology.

    • Bluetooth: Short range of motion.

  • Network Protocols and Data Transfer:

    • POP3: The most common protocol used for downloading e-mail via Internet servers.

    • FTP (File Transfer Protocol): A communications protocol used to transfer large files between computers via networks such as the Internet.

    • VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol): Software/protocol used to make phone calls using data (Example: Skype).

    • Push Technology: When the server notifies the device that a new message has arrived and then downloads it to the device automatically.

Web Browsers, Digital Publishing, and Online Media

  • Web Browsers:

    • Software used to access the web.

    • Examples include Edge, Internet Explorer, and Google Chrome.

  • Multimedia:

    • Content that combines text, sound, images, drawings, animations, and movies to communicate ideas and concepts to a user.

  • Instant Messaging (IM):

    • Benefits of using Instant Messaging:

    • Allows sending multimedia content (text, video, images, and audio).

    • Much cheaper to use than SMS.

    • Can support group chats, something which SMS cannot.

  • Blogs and Online Publishing Tools:

    • Blog: Websites that are updated often with news and events in chronological or sequential order. Reads like a journal with the most recent entry at the top; functions as online publishing tools.

    • Monetization: Blogs can make money mainly through advertising, as well as through sponsorship and subscriptions.

    • Examples: Squarespace, Blogger, or WordPress.

  • Vodcast:

    • A podcast that includes video clips or photos and is downloaded and played as a movie.

  • Social Networking Sites:

    • Examples include Facebook and Twitter.

    • Advantages: An easy and cost-effective method to stay in touch and communicate with friends and family all over the world. Allows you to send and receive messages, update your 'status', and upload photos and videos.

    • Disadvantages: Increased risk of identity theft, fraud, cyber-stalking, and harassment. Many people have false information on their profiles and are not always who they say they are.

Health and Ergonomics

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

    • An RSI (repetitive strain injury).

    • Caused by repetitive actions (Example: using a keyboard).