ITGS - Luxembourg

Encyclopedia : I : IT : ITG : ITGS - Luxembourg

The following is a review-guide provided for the International Baccalaureate Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS) course. The textbooks used in this course are:

Contents

Computer Confluence Notes

Chapters 1 & 2

Basic computer components

*Input

*Output

*Processing

*Storage

Generations of computers

*Vacuum tubes

*Transistors

*Silicon chips

*Microprocessors

Computer types

*Mainframes

*Supercomputers

*Workstations

*Personal computers

*Portable computers

*Embedded computers

*Special purpose computers

Software types

*Compilers

*Translators

*System software

*Software applications

Peripherals

*Input devices such as mouse/keyboard/joystick

*Headsets

*Microphones

Information

*Analog

*Digital

Computer languages

*Binary: 0 or 1

Chapters 3 & 4

Picture quality

*Resolution

*dpi (dots per inch)

*Colour depth

Video adapter

Memory storage

*Primary (Random Access Memory - volatile memory)

*Secondary (Hard Disk drive)

Monitor types

*CRT

*LCD

Drivers and peripherals

*Functionality

*Compatibility

Operating systems and user interface types

*Text

*Command-line

*Menu-driven

*Graphical User Interface

GUI properties

*WIMP

:*Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers

Chapters 5 & 6

WYSIWYG

*What You See Is What You Get

Word processing

*Techniques

:*Entering text

:*Proof-reading

:*Editing

*Types and formats

:*Fonts

:*Kerning

:*Letting

Spreadsheet components

*Row

*Column

*Cell

Spreadsheet contents

*Value

*Label

*Formula

Accounting and financial management software

*Spreadsheets

*Specialized software

Chapters 7 & 8

Graphics types

*Raster

*Bitmapped

*Vector

Resolution

Image processing

*Digital altering

*"Touching up"

*Creating collages

Digital video

*Manipulation

MIDI

*Musical Instrument Digital Interface

Database types

*Flat file

*Relational

*Client-server

*File manager

Data mining, directories, and "dossiers"

Chapters 9 & 10

Network components

*Software

*Hardware

*People

Network models

*Peer-to-peer (P2P)

*Client-server

*Grid

*Distributed

Network software

*Enables communication

Communication protocols

*TCP/IP

The Internet

*ARPANET

File compression

*Formats (MP3, JPG, MPG, ZIP)

Portable document format (PDF)

HTML and web design

Computer Confluence Essays

Chapter 1

1. Throughout history there have been many calculating machines. What is significant about Charles Babbages' Analytical Engine?

:Unlike other calculating machines, the Analytical Engine contained four of the components found in today's modern computers: input, output, processing, and storage. Furthermore, by using punch cards, it was programmable.

2. Identify three of the seven potential risks described in the text that are associated with computer technology.

:The risks identified in the text include:

:#The threat to personal privacy posed by large databases

:#The hazards of high-tech crime and the difficulty of keeping data secure

:#The difficulty of defining and protecting intellectual property in an all-digital age

:#The risks of computer system failure

:#The threat of automation and the dehumanization of work

:#The abuse of information as a tool of political and economic power

:#The dangers of dependence on complex technology

Chapter 2

1. Differentiate between RAM and ROM.

:RAM refers to a type of volatile memory: information stored in RAM is not held permanently. ROM is nonvolatile memory: information can only be read from ROM and new information cannot be written to it.

2. Explain the distinction between the negative (liberty) and positive (claim) irght to freedom of speech. Provide an example of each.

:Negative rights or liberties - such as "Freedom of Speech" - protect a person's right to express opinion without threat of jail. Positive rights or claims - "Freedom of Speech" - requires one to tolerate another person's expression of opinion.

Chapter 3

1. Explain why a touch screen is both an input and an output device. Where are touch screens typically found?

:Since the user interacts with the computer by touching specific regions of the screen, it is an input device. Sinec it is also a monitor, it is an output device. Touch screens are typically found in banks (ATMs), kiosks, self-serve checkout stands in stores, public libraries, and airports.

2. Give an example of a non-traditional (non-keyboard or mouse) input device, and describe how you would personally use it with a computer.

:Other input devices could be:

:#Pointing device (scanners/joysticks)

:#Scanner

:#Microphone

:Methods of use will vary.

Chapter 4

1. Briefly list and define the three major categories of software.

:The three major categories of software are:

:#Compilers and translator programs which allow programmers to create other software.

:#Software applications which serve as productivity tools to help computer users solve problems.

:#System software which coordinates hardware operations and does behind-the-scenes work the computer user seldom sees.

2. Identify four of the six technical operations performed by the operating system.

:#Communicating with peripherals

:#Coordinating concurrent processing of jobs

:#Memory management

:#Resource monitoring, accounting and security

:#Program and data management

:#Coordinating network communications

Chapter 5

1. What is groupware? Identify several features that might be provided by this software.

:Groupware is software designed to be used by work groups. Groupware enables several writers to work simultaneously on a document. This software enables editors to make "blue pencil" corrections and attach notes directly to the electronic manuscripts. Participants can monitor and make suggestions about work in progress. Graphic artists and designers can work together on the visual aspects of the publication.

2. Scenario: A chain of movie cinemas for a particular city currently produce a weekly newsletter to inform people about the new movies coming to the cinemas as well as movies currently playing. Currently the newsletter is typed on a simple word processor (in English), printed in black and white, photocopied and delivered to restaurants and businesses to make available to customers.

:a) The company is debating whether or not to have the newsletter professionally produced or purchase a new software to do the job themselves. As the new IT person on staff, what type of software would you reommend of the second option and why? What hardware might also be suggested in this case?

::* Desktop Publishing programs such as Publisher, Pagemaker or QuarkExpress.

::* Hardware solutions include scanners, digital cameras or high-quality color printers.

:b) The company is interested in a new layout for their paper. Make three suggestions and provide a justification for each.

::* Color

::* Formatting (columns, font, etc.)

::* Graphics

:c) Discuss two alternative distribution methods for this paper that are paperless. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

::* Web-page

::* E-mail

::* PDF

Chapter 6

1. Identify three of the five types of charts and describe when these charts should be used. Draw an example of each.

:# Bar charts are appropriate when data falls into a few categories.

:# Line charts are used to show trends or relationships over time or to show relative distribution of one variable through another.

:# Pie charts show the relative proportions of the parts to a whole.

:# Stack charts show how proportions of a whole change over time. The effect is similar to a series of pie charts.

:# Scatter charts are used to discover a relationship between two variables.

:* Refer to pages 163-166 of Computer Confluence for diagrams.

2. List and explain three of the five reasons described in the text for the present use of computer simulations.

:# Safety

:# Economy

:# Projection

:# Visualization

:# Replication

Chapter 7

1. Briefly describe CAD, CAM, and CIM.

:* CAD or Computer-Aided Design refers to the use of computers to design products.

:* CAM or computer-Aided Manufacturing refers to the use of computer to control the manufacture of parts.

:* CIM or Computer-Integrated Manufacturing refers to the combination of CAD and CAM.

2. What is MP3? with which media is it associated? Why is it significant?

:* MP3 is a method of audio compression and means MPEG Audio Layer 3.

:* It can compress music files into a fraction of their original size and with only slights losses of audio quality.

:* This makes it possible to transmit songs and other recordings through the Internet, store them on hard disks, and play them on pocket-sized devices without the use of disks or tapes.

Chapter 8

1. Why do people use databases for information-handling tasks that can be done with index cards, three-ring binders, or file folders?

* Databases make it easier to:

:# Store large quantities of information.

:# Retrieve information quickly and flexibly.

:# Organize and reorganize information.

:# Print and distribute information in a variety of ways.

2. What is specialized database software? Provide two examples discussed in the textbook.

: Specialized database software is preprogrammed for specific data storage and retrieval purposes.

* Examples discussed in the textbook are:

:# Electronic phone directories

:# Electronic street atlases

:# Geographical information systems (GIS)

:# Personal information managers (PIM)

Chapter 9

1. List and explain three reasons why people use networks.

* Networks allow people to:

:# Share computer hardware, reducing costs and making it possible for more people to take advantage of powerful computer equipment.

:# Share data and software programs, increasing efficiency and productivity.

:# Work together in ways that are difficult or impossible without network technology.

2. Many people can telecommute for part of the working week, accessing their work place through their home computer system.

:a) Describe one task that can be done effectively by telecommuting.

::* Data entry into a database

::* Research using company database

::* Research using on-line database/Internet

::* Writing reports

:b) Describe one advantage to the telecommuter of this method of working.

::* No need for child care

::* Reduced travel

::* More flexible hours

:c) Desribe one advantage to the employer of this method of working.

::* Increased satisfaction of employees leads to increased productivity

::* Easier to recruit and retain office staff

:d) Describe two issues raised by telecommuting which affect people other than the telecommuter and/or the employer. Do not repeat answers from parts (b) or (c).

::* People from other companies or offices may find it difficult to contact

::* Extra contact time at home can affect family life both positively and negatively

Chapter 10

1. The first Web pages were straight hypertext. Today's web pages can contain more advanced items. List and briefly explain at least four items.

:# Frames that divide a web browser's viewing area into smaller areas.

:# Forms that can be filled in by page visitors.

:# Tables whose rows and columns contain neatly laid out text and graphical elements.

:# Downloadable audio in the form of sound and music clips.

:# Downloadable video clips available for viewing on your computer.

:# Streaming audio and streaming video are sound and moving pictures that happen automatically while the page is viewed.

2. The use of the Internet by office workers for non-work related activities during business hours is of great concern to employers.

:a) Identify several non-work related activities office workers could perform using the Internet during business hours.

:# Checking sports results

:# Online gambling

:# Online trading of stocks and shares

:# Reading online newspapers

:# Looking for a job

:b) Describe several types of communication access a business could use to connect its local area network (LAN9 to the Internet.

::* ISDN using telephone line to digitally transfer data.

::* DSL using telephone line and modem to digitally transfer data.

::* Microwave transmission between antennas.

:c) Describe several information technologies employers could use to monitor office workers' non-work related Internet use.

::* Capturing e-mail and searching for keywords.

::* Keystrokes are monitored and sent to a manager to control.

::* Proxy logs are kept of all Internet sites accessed by employees and containing information regarding the sites accessed.

::* Screen capture or screen viewing software are used by the network manager to randomly check employees' work on their monitors.

:d) Discuss several social/ethical issues resulting from non-work related Internet use by office workers. Evaluate your arguments.

::* Office workers waste time which wastes the company's money.

::* Policies and regulations to govern Internet use have to be developed and implemented to control office works' use.

::* Cocckies from undesirable sites may allow the collection of information from business computers which invade the privacy of the company.

Gift of Fire Essays

Chapter 1

1. Describe two applications of speech recognition.

::* Help disabled to use computers

::* Help deaf to communicate

::* Help disabled interact with their environment

2. List and explain four benefits of having library materials in electronic format.

:# Availability of materials

:# Full-text searches

:# Actual copy archives

:# No travel necessary

:# Reduce need for paper

:# Multiple access

:# Reduce numbers of stolen or lost texts

3. One of the advantages of personal computers, information systems, and the Web is personal empowerment. List and explain three applications mentioned in this chapter that help ordinary people to do things for which we used to rely on experts.

* Expert information enabling better:

:# Decisions

:# Information

:# Thoughts

:# Opinions

Chapter 2

1. Explain the term invisible information gathering and describe an example.

: Describes the collection of personal information about someone without the person's knowledge.

* Examples include:

:# Satellite surveillance

:# Caller ID for 911

:# Web tools

2. Explain the term secondary use and describe an example.

: Refers to the use of information collected about a person for a purpose other than the one for which it was supplised.

* Examples include:

:# Sale of consumer information

:# Use of information in database to deny a job

3. Describe two tools people can use to protect their privacy on the web.

:# Cookie disabler

:# Anonymizer.com

:# Privacy options in the system software

4. Explain the difference between opt in and opt out policies for distribution of customers' names and addresses (and other personal information) to other businesses.

: Two forms of providing a choice to people whether they wish to receive information. Opt-in is only shared when a user agrees. Opt-out is shared unless the user expressly asks NOT to receive it.

Chapter 3

1. Describe three different kinds of uses of encryption that have social value.

:# Protection of:

::# Communication

::# Data in transit

::# Stored data

::# Intellectual property

:# Authentication (digital signatures

:# Digital cash

2. What is the important difference between public-key cryptography and secret-key cryptography?

: Exliminates the need for a secure transmission of keys and makes possible a variety of applications such as digital signatures, cash and protection of intellectual property.

3. Explain two reasons why the US government eventually dropped most encryption-export controls.

:# Pressure from companies, civil libertarians, privacy advocates and Internet advocates

:# Bernstein case 2000: violates Freedom of Speech

4. Explain two reasons why a business might choose to use a private system to escrow encryption keys.

:# Allows access when employee is absent

:# Keys are protected from loss

Chapter 4

1. List and explain two cases desribed in this chapter where insufficient testing was a factor in a program error or failure.

:# AT&T

:# Denver Airport

:# Therac-25

:# Warehouse Manager software

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