1.1.2 Digital Technology Systems

• What are the three main types of speech input methods?

  Dictation system, voice commands, and voice print
• How does a dictation system work?


  A microphone captures spoken words, which are then converted to text by software
• What is the purpose of voice commands in digital devices?


  To complete tasks by recognizing spoken words
• How does voice print technology enhance security?


  It compares a user's unique voice tone to previously recorded tones for identification
• What are the advantages of using speech input?


  • Faster than keyboard input
  • No typing skills required
  • Reduces risk of repetitive strain injury
  • Fewer typing mistakes
  • Space-saving on desks
  • Accessible for users with disabilities
  • Allows multitasking
  • More natural for users
• What are the disadvantages of using speech input?


  • Background noise can interfere
  • Speech impediments may hinder use
  • Privacy concerns with audible input
  • Similar-sounding words may not be recognized
  • Users with speech disabilities need alternatives
• What is the primary function of a keyboard?


  To input characters into a computer
• How does a mouse interact with a computer?


  It moves a cursor on the screen for navigation
• What are the advantages of using a traditional keyboard and mouse?


  • Usable in noisy environments
  • Commonly included with computers
  • Familiarity requires little training
  • Skilled typists can input quickly
• What are the disadvantages of using a traditional keyboard and mouse?


  • Prone to typing mistakes
  • Not suitable for diagrams
  • Difficult for some disabled users
  • Risk of repetitive strain injury
• What is gesture input?


  A non-contact communication method using body movement
• How does gesture input work?


  A camera analyzes body movements to interpret commands
• What are the advantages of gesture input?


  • Feels natural to users
  • No additional devices needed
  • Allows interaction without touching surfaces
• What are the disadvantages of gesture input?


  • Requires learning specific gestures
  • Accidental gestures can cause errors
  • Complex processing needed for analysis
• What is touch input commonly used with?


  Smartphones and tablets
• How does touch input function?


  A user touches the screen to select items from a menu
• What are the advantages of touch input?


  • Intuitive and easy to use
  • No keyboard or mouse required
  • Direct interaction with visual displays
• What are the disadvantages of touch input?


  • Screens can be damaged or scratched
  • Dirty screens hinder visibility
  • Users must be close to the display
• What is Virtual Reality (VR)?


  A technology that immerses users in a computer-generated environment
• How does VR input work?


  Users wear a headdress and gloves to interact with virtual images
• What are the advantages of VR?


  • Provides an immersive experience
  • Useful for training without risk
• What are the disadvantages of VR?


  • Equipment can be expensive
  • Some users may experience motion sickness
• What is Augmented Reality (AR)?

  A technology that overlays digital information onto the real world
• How does AR input work?

  Users wear glasses or a headdress to interact with digital overlays
• What are the advantages of AR?

  • Blurs lines between real and virtual worlds
  • Enhances medical procedures and diagnoses
  • Saves money by testing scenarios virtually
• What are the disadvantages of AR?


  • Lack of privacy
  • Requires training to use effectively
  • Expensive to produce and maintain
• What are biometrics?


  Data measured from unique characteristics to identify individuals
• What are some examples of biometric identifiers?


  Fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris recognition
• What are the advantages of biometrics?


  • Better security
  • No need to remember passwords
  • Difficult to transfer biometric details
• What are the disadvantages of biometrics?


  • Some systems can be uncomfortable
  • Equipment tends to be expensive
  • Biometric characteristics can be recreated
• When did the Internet reach the public domain?


  In the early 1990s
• What is the Internet?


  A world-wide network of computers linked together
• What is a network?


  Two or more computers linked together
• What is the function of a hub in a network?


  To copy all data packets to all devices on the network
• How does a switch differ from a hub?


  A switch sends data packets only to the addressed computer
• What is the role of a router in a network?


  To transfer data between devices and connect different networks
• What is an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?


  A company that provides internet connections
• What does a web server do?


  Transfers files between computers using a web browser
• What is a URL?


  A string providing the full address of a web page
• What are the four pieces of a URL?


  Protocol, sub-domain, top-level domain, and path