CONCEPTS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

What is an ICT system?

Is a set up consisting of hardware, software, data and the people who use them; includes communication technology such as internet.

ICT and computers is not the same.

Areas of ICT systems:

• Offices
• Shops
• Medicines
• Aircraft
• Factories
• Communication

Types if ICT systems

1. Information systems – managing data and information
2. Control systems – control machines, robots
3. Communication systems –transporting data

Impact of ICT in society

• Faster communication speed
• Lower communication costs
• Paperless environment
• Borderless communication
• Reliable mode of communication
• Effective sharing of information

Negative effects of ICT

• Fraud
• Hacking
• Pornography
• Identity theft

Health problems

A computer may harm users if they use it for long hours frequently. Users are also exposed to bad posture, eyestrain, physical and mental stress.

In order to solve health problems, an ergonomic environment can be introduced. For example an ergonomic chair can reduce back strain and a screen filter is used to minimize eyestrain.

Ergonomics is the science of work (ergonomists) – study work, how work is done and how to work better.

Health and safety precautions

• Ensure power cables are properly secured
• Power points should not be overloaded

Injuries common in a bad working environment include;

• Repetitive strain injury (RSI) – constant use
• Eyestrain caused by screen glare
• Problems associated with bad posture

Good Computer working practices

• Chair – fully adjustable – up, down and back
• Screen – eyes same height as top of screen (filters)
• Keyboard – wrist pad to relieve pressure on wrists
• Feet – foot pad to rest your feet when working
• Mouse – mouse pad to make it easier to use
• Breaks – frequent breaks are necessary to see natural light
• Other factors – well lit and ventilated computer room

WHAT IS A BLOG?

A blog is also referred as weblog. This is just a website organized by time. A blog is a personal published on the World Wide Web consisting of discrete entries (posts) typically displayed in reverse chronological order – most recent posts appear first.

Blogs are usually the work of a single individual or a small group themed on single subject. A blog can also mean to maintain or add content to a blog.

Features of a weblog

• A personal website
• You do not need to be a programmer WYSIWYG
• Organized over time
• A weblog connects you to other people
• Weblogs can go beyond office applications
• Weblogs go beyond  email i.e. one-to-many

LAW: COPYRIGHT AND DATA PROTECTION

Data Protection Act (DPA) is a law designed to protect personal data stored on computers or in an organized paper filing system.

Concerns on data

• Who could access this information
• How accurate was the information
• Could it be easily copied
• Was it possible to store information about a person without his/her permission or knowledge
• Was a record kept on any changes made to information

How the Data Protection works

The Data Protection Act was developed to give protection and lay down rules about how data about people can be used.

The basic way it works is by:

• Setting up rules that people have o follow
• Having an information commissioner to enforce rules

People involved and their roles:

• Information commissioner:- Person or office to enforce the rules
• Data Controller:- Person/Company that collects and keeps data about people
• Data Subject:- Someone who has data about them stored somewhere, outside of their direct control

Principles of Data protection

1. Data must be collected and used fairly and inside the law
2. Held and used for reasons given the information commissioner
3. Only used for those registered purposes
4. Adequate, relevant and not excessive
5. Accurate and be kept up to date
6. Not be kept longer than necessary
7. Kept safe and secure
8. Should not be transferred

Rights of Data Subjects

1. Right of subject access
2. Right of correction
3. Right to prevent distress
4. Right to prevent direct marketing
5. Right to prevent Automatic Decisions
6. Right to complains
7. Right to compensation