UNIT 2 TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS

• What is a computer ? A computer is a machine that processes digital data.
• What is a Technology System ? the complete collection of components that make up a single computer installation.
• What industrys are Technology Systems Used ? Technology systems have become fundamental to the modern working world in every industry.
• Uses of Technology Systems in Construction Within the construction industry, technology systems are used both in the planning, design, and management of a development project and in the actual construction of the building or structure. Examples of how it can be used to support this include:Planning projectsCreating architectural drawingsTracking spending
• Uses of Technology systems in Construction Examples ? Planning Projects Project management software can be used to schedule the development of a construction project, assign time to individual tasks, work out the order of tasks and assign resources. This can help manage time effectively to avoid going over the deadlines in a construction project. Creating Architectural Drawings Technology systems can be used to develop architectural drawings and blueprints for the design of buildings/structures. CAD software produces the drawings, and plotters print out large-scale hard copies of the design. ...
• Uses of Technology Systems in Finance ? The finance sector uses technology systems to help with investment, banking, and completing transactions. It has been important to make these things more accessible and reduce errors. Examples of where it is used to support this include:Stock monitoringInterest rate calculation
• Uses of Technology Systems in Finance Examples ? Stock Monitoring Stock market software allows professionals and individuals to monitor the stock market and their investment portfolios to see how well or poorly their investments are doing and to make decisions on when and where to move their finances. Interest Rate Calculation Personal and business loans and savings are affected by interest rates which can increase what you owe on your loan repayments or increase the savings in your account. Technology systems can calculate how these interest rates will affect you.
• Uses of Technology Systems in Health ? Your hospital, your GP & your pharmacy all use technology systems to support how they work and ensure the best medical care is given. Examples of where it can be used to support healthcare include:ScanningMonitoring
• Uses of technology systems in Health Examples ? Scanning X-ray, MRI, and CAT scanners are all examples of technology systems used in healthcare. These devices allow for the fast diagnosis of injuries and diseases without the need for surgery. Monitoring Temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate sensors monitor a patient’s health to ensure that their recovery progresses as expected and doesn’t deteriorate. These sensors allow for 24/7 monitoring and free staff to perform other duties.
• Uses of Technology Systems In Manufacturing The manufacturing industry has seen huge changes as a result of the development of technology systems. The way we design parts for production and develop the final parts is heavily computerised. Examples of where it can be used within manufacturing include:Computer-Aided DesignComputer-Aided Manufacturing
• Uses of Technology systems in Mnafacturing Examples ? Computer-Aided Design CAD systems are used to create technical drawings. This is used in the manufacturing industry to produce plans and other design drawings for parts and products that can be created using CAM. This CAD software allows for the designs to be viewed in detail and rotated in 3D to view the part or product from all angles. Computer-Aided Manufacturing CAM systems control machinery, such as robots, to manufacture the objects we have designed using CAD. This gives greater consistency to the quality of the manufacturing work as ...
• Uses of Technology Systems in Retail The retail sector is perhaps the most obvious industry where technology systems have had an impact. It has not only made shopping on the high street quicker and easier but also given us different ways of shopping, such as online. Examples of uses of technology systems within retail include:Electronic Point of SaleOnline Shopping
• Uses of Technology Systems in Retail Examples Electronic Point of Sale EPOS systems allow for quick and accurate checkout within shops through the use of barcode scanners, electronic payment methods (e.g. credit card), and automatic calculation of total bills. This allows for faster transactions and less queuing time. Online Shopping Shopping is now commonly performed online. Companies such as Amazon don’t even have high-street stores and run solely online, Online shopping allows customers to shop 24/7 and easily find the best prices by comparing different online stores. It is also an importan...
• Uses Of Technology Systems Recap A computer is a machine that processes digital data. A technology system is a complete collection of components making up a single computer installation. In construction, technology systems are used for planning projects, creating architectural drawings & tracking spending. In finance, technology systems are used for stock market monitoring & interest rate calculations. In healthcare, technology systems are used for body scanning & monitoring of heart rate, temperature, etc. In manufacturing, technology systems are used for computer-aided design & computer-aide...
• Issues with Technology Systems with Health and Safety The use of technology systems has raised a number of health and safety concerns that users of ICT systems must be aware of to ensure they are not affected. A number of laws have been passed to ensure businesses take the health and safety of ICT users seriously. Some of the issues include:Back ProblemsEye StrainRSITrip Hazards
• Issues with technology systems on Back Problems Users of technology systems can often suffer from back problems due to the heavy use of the systems. Users can often lean forward over their keyboard rather than sit in a good posture, and this causes strain on the back. Methods for preventing this from impacting you include:Adjustable chairsMonitors that tiltFootrests
• Issues with technology systems on Eye Strain Working in front of a computer for long periods of time can lead to eye strain, which can cause blurred vision, nausea & headaches. Methods for preventing this from impacting you include:Taking frequent breaksSitting in a well-lit roomReducing screen glareEnsuring a good distance is kept between the user and the monitor
• Issues with Technology Systems on RSI This stands for Repetitive Strain Injury, a general term for pain felt in the hands, arms, shoulders, and neck from heavily repetitive movements performed when using a technology system. This could be caused by typing at a keyboard or using the mouse for long periods of time, for example. Methods for preventing this from impacting you include:Frequent breaksErgonomic keyboards and miceWrist restsMaintaining good posture
• Issues with Technology systems on Trip Hazards Technology systems usually involve a lot of cables, such as power cables, network cables, and peripheral device cables, such as for a mouse, keyboard, or monitor. These can lead to major hazards, such as injury to an employee if they trip over any trailing cables. Methods for preventing this from impacting you include:Concealing cables behind tables, under carpets or through cable ducts.
• Issues with technology systems on security Technology systems, especially those connected to the internet, are potentially at risk from security threats. These security threats are normally caused by malicious users who want to gain information from a computer to profit from it financially. Laws have been passed to help reduce these threats, but they still exist and are a major cause for concern. Example security issues include:MalwareHacking
• Issues with Technology Systems on Malware Short for malicious software, malware are small programs that are designed to attack computer systems. Examples include viruses, spyware, worms & trojans. These attacks might be to prevent a system from working or possibly to steal data for identity theft and bank fraud. Methods for preventing this from impacting you include:Using anti-virus and firewall softwareEnsuring we don’t download any files we are not sure are safe
• Issues with Technology Systems on Hacking This is the gaining of unauthorised access to a technology system. Malicious users, known as hackers, will use a variety of techniques to force their way into a system so that they can read, alter, delete, or steal information. Any data stolen can then be used for blackmail, identity theft, and bank fraud. Methods for preventing this from impacting you include:Use firewall softwareUsing sufficiently complicated passwords.
• Issues with technology systems on the Environment In many ways, technology systems have had a positive impact on the environment. The internet has reduced the need for travelling, which can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases being released due to fewer cars on the road and planes in the air. It has also led to less need for paper as documents can be stored on a computer and sent to other people via the Internet. However, there are environmental issues relating to the use of technology systems, such as:PollutionTechnotrash
• Issues with technology Systems on pollution The manufacturing and running of technology systems can produce air, water, heat, and noise pollution. For example, you need electricity to run a computer, and this electricity will likely be supplied through fossil fuels, which affects environmental sustainability. Methods for preventing this from impacting you include:Purchasing energy-efficient ICT equipmentSetting guidelines for turning off machines when not in useEnsure power management features are implemented on devices
• Issues with Technology Systems on Technotrash Huge quantities of electronic devices as discarded each year. These technology systems that we throw away are known as e-waste or technotrash. Such waste is becoming an increasing problem with handling their disposal, not just because of the quantity but also because they often contain hazardous materials that affect the environment. Methods for preventing this from impacting you include:Recycle all outdated technology
• Issues with Technology systems on Privacy and copyright There has been a lot of concern over how much data is being shared by technology systems, such as over the Internet. In particular, the amount of private information we share online and the illegal distribution of copyrighted TV, film, and music. These issues are a huge concern with the use of technology systems. For example:PrivacyCopyright
• Issues with Technology Systems on Privacy We share our bank information with online shops, our personal information & photos on social media, and we send private conversations using email and instant messaging. Malicious ICT users might try to steal our personal information for identity fraud, bank fraud, or blackmail purposes. Methods for preventing this from impacting you include:Set appropriate privacy settings on social media accountsLimit the amount of private information published onlineSet secure passwords and regularly change them so your account cannot be hacked
• Issues with technology systems on Copyright Many copyrighted materials are being illegally distributed online. Films, software, and music are often shared using online streaming services and BitTorrents. This is illegal due to the Copyright, Designs & Patents Act, but it still happens a lot. Businesses must ensure they don’t use copyrighted material without permission. Methods for preventing this from impacting you include:Set clear policies on the installation of software within your business to prevent pirated software from being installed.
• Issues with Technology Systems Recap The use of technology systems has raised a number of health & safety concerns that affect users of ICT systems, such as back pain, eye strain, RSI, and trip hazards. Technology systems, especially those connected to the Internet, are potentially at risk from security threats. These include malware, viruses, and hackers. In many ways, technology systems have had a positive impact on the environment. However, there have also been negative impacts such as water, air, heat & noise pollution as well as technotrash. There has been much concern over how much data ...
• Developments in Technology systems on Competitive Advantage Businesses always want to gain an edge over their competitors. This might be to improve production speed and reduce costs, add new advanced features, or improve the performance of the actual product or service being offered to customers. One of the best ways to do this in the modern business world is by developing a new technology system.
• Developments in Technology Systems on Competitive Advantage Example Retail businesses often innovate with new payment methods to gain an advantage over their rivals. They might do this by adding self-service tills and implementing contactless payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Wallet. The goal behind these is to make it quicker for customers to shop in their stores, so they are more likely to return rather than go to a rival.
• Developments in Technology Systems on Reduced Costs Using new technology systems can reduce a business’s operating costs. This reduction could be achieved by requiring fewer staff members or by making it quicker to develop or deliver products and services. If a business can reduce its costs, this would obviously benefit it greatly, as it can increase the business’ profits or reduce the prices of its products and services to help it gain an advantage over its competitors. Businesses use technology to reduce costs everywhere.
• Developments in Technology Systems Reduced Costs Example Retail stores like supermarkets, for example, have implemented self-service tills and scan-as-you-shop systems, which means they need fewer staff to perform the checkout process. Because the business needs fewer staff working tills to check out customers, it has reduced its costs by paying lower staff wages. Other examples could include businesses installing satellite navigation systems in all of their delivery lorries to help reduce the time it takes to deliver their products. This can save on fuel and reduce the need for delivery staff...
• Developments in Technology Systems on Improved Performance A new technology system can make a business more efficient. By this, we mean that the business can perform its daily activities quicker and more easily. When a business becomes more efficient, we say they are improving its performance. Improving the business performance can support the other two key drivers by giving it an advantage over competitors and reducing costs. There are other benefits though, such as improved staff morale, as if it is easier for them to do their job they will be happier.
• Developments in Technology Systems Improved Performance Example Many businesses have implemented technology systems to make it quicker and easier for staff to communicate. This could be having an email system for staff to contact each other or using video conferencing software so that staff don’t need to travel long distances to take part in meetings. A retail example is the implementation of touchscreen tills. These are used heavily at fast food restaurants, which makes it far quicker and easier for staff to select the meal item the customer orders.
• Developments in Technology Systems Recap Gaining a competitive advantage is one of the reasons for changing technology systems. An example of this would be shops implementing mobile payment methods earlier than their rivals to make checkout more efficient. Reducing costs is another reason for implementing new technology systems. For example, retail stores implemented self-service tills, which required fewer checkout staff and saved money on staff wages. Improved performance is the final reason for implementing a new technology system. An example of this is the use of touch screen tills in fast...
• in Computing Devices what is Hardware ? The term hardware refers to the physical devices and components of a computer. This includes the devices themselves, their components and their peripherals.
• In Computing Devices What is a Personal Computer ? A Personal Computer, or PC, is a computing device that is relatively inexpensive and designed for individual users. When we talk about a PC, we most commonly think of our home or office desktop computer. We use these devices for a wide variety of reasons, including:Playing video gamesBrowsing the World Wide WebOffice tasks like word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.Editing graphics, video, animation, and audio.
• In computing Devices what are the features of personal computers? There are a number of common features you will find in a personal computer: It will have a processor, RAM, and hard disk storage. These are normally more powerful than those on tablets and laptops but not as powerful as those on a server. It will have an operating system such as Windows, Linux or OSX. It will commonly have several peripheral devices connected. Popular ones include a mouse, keyboard, speakers, and monitor. It will have network connectivity capability, both with wires and wirelessly, though wireless is less common...
• In computing devices what are servers ? A server is a powerful computer that provides services to other computers over a network, such as a local area network or the Internet. There are many different types of servers, and they each have their own uses. For example:A web server is used to provide access to web pagesAn email server provides access to emailA file server is used to manage access to files that it stores. Ultimately, whatever type of server you are talking about, they all have the role of providing and controlling access to different services over a network.