Section 4: Applications and implications of information and communications

technology

Internet and communications technology

3
Data communications home, school computer laboratory, office
building, or closely positioned group of buildings.
and networks
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
What is data communications? MAN is a high-speed network that connects local
area networks in a metropolitan area such as a city
Data communication is the transmission of data or town and handles the bulk of communications
from one point to another via transmission activity across that region. A MAN typically
channels. includes one or more LANs.

What is transmission channel? Wide Area Network (WAN)

Transmission channel refers to the different media WANs are networks that covers a large
that can be used to move data. Transmission geographic area (such as a city, country, or the
media are cables and airwaves used to carry data world) using a communications channel that
from one point to another. combines many types of media such as telephone
lines, cables, and radio waves. A WAN can be one
large network or can consist of two or more LANs
What is a network? connected together. The Internet is the world’s
largest WAN.
A network is a collection of computers and
devices connected together, often wirelessly, via
communications devices and transmission media, What is a transmission
allowing computers to share resources, such as medium?
hardware, software, communication facilities, data
and information. Transmission media are materials or substances
capable of carrying one or more signals in a
Each computer or device on the network, called a communications channel.
node.
Types of transmission media
Types of networks 1. Wired/cable
1. Local Area Network 2. Wireless.
2. Metropolitan Area Network
3. Wide Area Network.

Local Area Network (LAN)

LAN is a network that connects computers and
devices in a limited geographical area such as a Wired/cable transmission media

4
 What is a transmission
twisted pair Bandwidth?
A bandwidth is the amount of data, instructions,
and information that can travel over a
communications channel. The higher the
bandwidth, the more the channel transmits.
Coaxial

Types of transmission media

1. Narrowband: Narrowband is a term used to
fibre-optics describe an Internet connection speed that is
most commonly associated with a dial-up
connection. Using phone lines and
transmitting over voice-grade frequencies,
the highest effective speed a connection can
Wireless media
provide is approximately 56k, which is
infra-red 56,000 bits per second.

2. Broadband: Broadband is a high-speed

microwave Internet connection provided through cable,
DSL, fiber optics, radio signals, or satellite.
Broadband media transmit multiple signals
simultaneously.

satellite 3. Voiceband: Voiceband is a term applied to

the "group" or band of frequencies that cover
the range of human hearing. That range is
Wireless network technology generally 20 Hertz (Hz or 20 cycles per
1. Bluetooth second – 20 cps) to 20 kiloHertz. That's 20
Hz to 20 kHz in the shorthand of the trade.
2. Wi-Fi

Types of communication modes

The communication modes are:

1. Simplex: Simplex communication is

permanent unidirectional communication.
Some of the very first serial connections
between computers were simplex
connections.

5
2. Half duplex: A half duplex link can
communicate in only one direction, at a
time. Two-way communication is possible,
but not simultaneously. Walkie-talkies and
CB radios sort of mimic this behavior in that
you cannot hear the other person if you are
talking

3. full duplex: Full duplex communication is

two-way communication achieved over a
physical link that has the ability to
communicate in both directions
simultaneously

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7
Internet, Intranet and Extranet
What is Internet?
Internet is the worldwide collection of networks
that connects millions of businesses, government
agencies, educational institutions, and individuals.
What is Intranet?
An intranet (intra means within) is an internal
network that uses Internet technologies. Intranets
generally make company information accessible
to employees and facilitate working in groups.
Simple intranet applications include electronic
publishing of organizational materials such as
telephone directories, event calendars, procedure
manuals, employee benefits information, and job
postings.
What is Extranet?
Extranet refers to an intranet that is partially
accessible to authorized outsiders. Whereas an
intranet resides behind a firewall and is accessible
only to people who are members of the same
company or organization, an extranet provides
various levels of accessibility to outsiders.
Concepts associated with Internet
Electronic mail (E-mail)
Electronic mail is the transmission of messages
and files via a computer network.
Newsgroup
Newsgroups are online discussion groups where
users with common interest, anywhere in the
world, can share their views.
Internet Relay Chat (IRC)
Internet Relay Chat allows users to go online at
the same time and exchange text or audio
messages in real time.
Telnet
Telnet is a terminal emulation program for
TCP/IP networks such as the Internet. The Telnet
program runs on your computer and connects your
PC to a server on the network.
File Transfer protocol (FTP)
File Transfer Protocol is an Internet standard
that permits file uploading and downloading with
other computers on the Internet.
Uploading
Uploading is the process of transferring
documents, graphics, and other objects from a
computer to a server on the Internet.
Downloading
Downloading is the process of a computer
receiving information, such as a Web page, from a
server on the Internet.
World Wide Web (WWW)
The World Wide Web, or Web, consists of a
worldwide collection of electronic documents.
Each electronic document on the Web is called a
Web page, which can contain text, graphics,
animation, audio, and video. Additionally, Web
pages usually have built-in connections to other
documents.
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Web browser
 Errors that occur when data is transmitted
A Web browser, or browser, is application
from one computer to another.
software that allows users to access and view
Web pages or access Web programs.
 Software bugs or viruses.

Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP)  Hardware malfunctions, such as disk crashes
Hyper Text Transfer Protocol is a set of rules that
defines how pages transfer on the Internet.  Natural disasters, such as fires and floods.

Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) What are the measures to maintain data
integrity?
Hypertext Markup Language is a special
formatting language that programmers use to
format documents for display on the Web. Some of the measures to maintain data integrity
are categorized in:
Similarly, XHTML (extensible HTML) is a
markup language that enables Web sites to be
1. software restriction
displayed more easily on micro browsers in smart
2. physical access restriction
phones and other mobile devices, as well as on
3. archiving
desktop and notebook computers.
4. backup and recovery procedures
5. Propriety data and software.
Website
A Website is a collection of related Web pages. Software restrictions
Software restrictions include
Blog A password is a private combination
A blog is web site consisting of time-stamped of characters associated with the user
Password
articles, or posts, in a diary or journal format, name that allows access to certain
usually listed in reversed chronological order. computer resources, restricting access
to only authorized users.
Encryption is the process of encoding
Measures to secure data and encryptio
n
data and information to an
maintain data integrity unreadable form.
protection Antivirus software is a utility that
searches a hard disk for viruses and
What is data Integrity?
removes any that are found. Most
Data integrity refers to the validity of data that is
how accurate and complete data is. Data integrity antivirus programs include an auto-
can be compromised in a number of ways: update feature that enables the
program to download profiles of new
 Human errors when data is entered
viruses so that it can check for the

9
 new viruses as soon as they are
discovered.
Firewall is hardware and/or software
that protect a network’s resources
firewall
from intrusion by users on another
network such as the Internet.
Physical access restriction
Physical access restrictions include:
1. Biometric systems
2. guards
3. Locks
Biometric systems
In computer security, biometrics refers to
authentication techniques that rely on measurable
physical characteristics that can be automatically
checked. There are several types of biometric
identification schemes:
Guards
Security guards can also be used to prevent and
restrict access to building and rooms with
computers.
Locks
Various types of computer controlled locks are
available to protect rooms and buildings with
computer.
Fire/water proof cabinets
Storage media and company files can be stored in
fireproof cabinets to physically protect them.
Archiving
Archiving is preserving files that are no longer in
use on a regular basis. There are physical
archiving and software archiving. Files can be
placed in archive in specific storage space on the
hard disk or stored on secondary media such as
microfiche, CD-R and Magnetic tape.
Backup and recovery procedures
To copy files to a second medium (a disk or tape)
as a precaution in case the first medium fails. One
of the cardinal rules in using computers is back up
your files regularly. A Disaster Recovery Plan, a
plan for business continuity in the event of a
disaster that destroys part or all of a business's
resources, including IT equipment, data records
and the physical space of an organization. The
goal of a DRP is to resume normal computing
capabilities in as little time as possible.
Propriety data and software
The data and software developed and used
exclusively by the organization is known as
proprietary data and must often is used by
employees for day to day operations.
Organisations go to great lengths to protect the
integrity and security of this data
Storing data in separate building can also help to
protect total data loss.
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11
Applications and implications
This subsection describes how data are stored and manipulated within the computer system

The ways by which information Software piracy

can be misused Software piracy is the unauthorized copying of
software. Most retail programs are licensed for
1. Violation of privacy use at just one computer site or for use by only
one user at any time. By buying the software, you
2. Propaganda become a licensed user rather than an owner (see
3. Software piracy EULA). You are allowed to make copies of the
program for backup purposes, but it is against the
4. computer fraud law to give copies to someone.
5. Electronic eavesdropping
6. Industrial espionage
Computer fraud
7. Surveillance Computer Fraud is the use of computer and
electronic devices and software to carryout illegal
8. Storage of inaccurate information activities.
9. Identity theft
10. Credit card fraud Electronic eavesdropping
Electronic eavesdropping is the use of electronic
Violation devices to monitor electronic communications
A computer user's privacy can be violated in one between two or more persons/group without their
or more of the following ways, miss use of their permission.
personal information, unauthorized access to their
personal information, electronic eavesdropping, Industrial espionage
industrial espionage, and surveillance Industrial espionage describes activities such as
theft of trade secrets, bribery, blackmail, and
Propaganda technological surveillance. As well as spying on
commercial organizations, governments can also
Propaganda is a form of communication aimed at
be targets of commercial espionage.
influencing the attitude of a community toward
some cause or position. As opposed to impartially
providing information, propaganda in its most Surveillance
basic sense, presents information primarily to Surveillance is the monitoring of the behavior,
influence an audience away from some other activities, or other changing information, usually
information. The internet is an important tool in of people and often in a surreptitious manner.
the spreading of this type of information. Computer surveillance is the act of performing
surveillance of computer activity, and of data

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stored on a hard drive or being transferred over
the Internet.
Storage of inaccurate information
Identity theft
Identity theft is a term used to refer to fraud that
involves someone pretending to be someone else
in order to steal money or get other benefits.
Credit card fraud
Credit Card fraud is a wide-ranging term for theft
and fraud committed using a credit card or any
similar payment mechanism as a fraudulent source
of funds in a transaction.
Appropriate hardware and
software
Open source verses proprietary
Open source software is a software product in
which the code used to write it is available to all,
and may be improved and distributed freely.
Though most may be familiar with open source
applications that are available for Windows®
based systems, software is available over a wide
variety of platforms including Mactintosh® and
Linux® systems.
Proprietary software is specifically licensed and
exclusively owned by a company or person. There
are specific rights associated with proprietary
ownership that protect the owner from the creation
of imitation products that possess the same
features and functions.
Appropriate hardware and
software
Business
Hardware – POS, barcode readers, personal
computers, printers, magnetic card
readers
Software – Inventory software, accounting,
word processing, spreadsheet
Banks
Hardware – Mainframe computers, personal
computers, printers, MICR, Magnetic
Card Readers (ATM and hand held),
Currency counters, Camera system
Software – Accounting, Database, Word
processing, Data security, Network,
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 Video conferencing,
Internet/intranet/extranet and e-mail Software – Database software, Biometric
software identification Software, Composite
profiling software, Statistical
analysis software.
Industry
Hardware – Robots, Sensors, Mainframe, Medicine
Printers, Plotters, Light Pen and
Hardware – mainframe, Sensors, printer,
Digitizing Tablets.
Magnetic Resonance imaging,
computer axial tomography,
Software – CAD, CADD, Specialized software to
scanning (X-ray tubes)
control machines.
Software – Database management software,
Patient monitoring system software,
Science and technology
Expert systems imaging software.
Hardware – Robots, Sensors, Voice recognition
systems, voice synthesis systems,
Recreation and Gaming
Virtual Reality systems (devices such
as special clothing, head gear, data Hardware – Microcomputer, Speakers, gaming
gloves, joysticks and handheld consoles, gaming wheel, joystick,
wands) game-pad

Software – Software to control machinery,
Virtual reality software, Voice
recognition and voice synthesis
software, Expert systems.
Education
Hardware – Computers, Printers, scanners,
Devices for learning for the disabled
Software – Word processing, web and video
conferencing, CAI and CAL and
CAA, Database software,
spreadsheets
Law enforcement
Hardware – Camera (surveillance equipment),
biometric identification systems,
scanners, mainframe, Printers.
Software – Music recording and editing software,
animation software, special effects
software, actual games.
Music Industry
Hardware – Microcomputer, Speakers, Music
(MIDI) consoles.
Software – Music recording and editing software
with special effects, database software.
Weather forecasting
Hardware – Supercomputers, Satellites, Radar,
Weather balloons, sensors, (pressure,
humidity, temperature), plotters,
printers.

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Software – Database software, Statistical
software, Weather model forecasting
software.
Current and emerging
technological trends
Professional workers, such as engineers, require
specialized software and systems to perform their
tasks.
Expert systems
An expert system is an information system that
captures and stores the knowledge of human
experts and then imitates human reasoning and
decision making.
Expert systems consist of two main components: a
knowledge base and inference rules. A knowledge
base is the combined subject knowledge and
experiences of the human experts. The inference
rules are a set of logical judgments that are
applied to the knowledge base each time a user
describes a situation to the expert system.
Expert systems help all levels of users make
decisions.
Robots
A robot is a device that responds to sensory input, Engineers sometimes use 3-D visualization, which
usually under the control of programs that runs
automatically without human intervention.
Typically, a robot is endowed with some artificial
intelligence so that it can react to different
situations it may encounter. Robotics is one
branch of artificial intelligence. Robots are now
widely used in factories to perform high-precision computers to control production equipment.
jobs such as welding and riveting. They are also
used in special situations that would be dangerous controlled drilling, lathe, welding, and milling
for humans, for example, in cleaning toxic wastes machines.
or defusing bombs.
Computer Aided Drafting and Design
(CADD)
Computer-aided design and drafting uses a
computer and special software to aid in
engineering, drafting, and design CADD offers
several advantages over traditional manual
drafting methods. CADD software, for example,
allows engineers to view single or multiple layers
of an airplane’s design. The layers might include
electrical systems, flight control systems, and
passenger seating. Using CADD, the engineer can
detect areas where the systems may interact
improperly.
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)
Computer-aided engineering (CAE) uses
computers to test product designs. Using CAE,
engineers can test the design of a car or bridge
before it is built. These sophisticated programs
simulate the effects of wind, weight, temperature,
and stress on product shapes and materials. CAE
also allows engineers to create a computer
prototype for use in testing under a variety of
conditions, such as hurricanes and earthquakes.
allows them to interact with a product without the
need to build a prototype.
Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
Computer aided manufacturing is the use of
CAM production equipment includes software-
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Computer integrated manufacturing
(CIM)
Computer integrated manufacturing uses
computers to integrate the many different
operations of the manufacturing process, using
technologies such as CADD, CAE, and CAM.
Using CIM for example, a factory can link
individual processes so that production is
balanced, efficient, driven by customer demand,
and results in high-quality products.
Telemarketing
Telemarketing is the use of the telephone as an
interactive medium for promotion and sales.
Teleconferencing
Teleconferencing is to hold a conference via a
telephone or network connection. Computers have
given new meaning to the term because they allow
groups to do much more than just talk. Once a
teleconference is established, the group can share I.T. has created a cashless society-Electronic
applications and mark up a common whiteboard.
There are many teleconferencing applications that
work over private networks. One of the first to
operate over the Internet is Microsoft's
NetMeeting.
Impact of information
technology on jobs
The effect of information technology on
the work place
Social impact
Less social contact, large increase in the use of
computer games promotes time wasting although
some are educational. It may be easier to keep in
touch with people.
Work pattern
Telecommuting is on the increase,
(Telecommuting, e-commuting, e-work, tele
work, working from home (WFH), or working
at home (WAH) is a work arrangement in which
employees enjoy flexibility in working location
and hours. In other words, the daily commute to a
central place of work is replaced by
telecommunication links.
Funds Transfer, credit and debit cards
Employment
Practical skilled jobs on the decline, more
efficient I.T. base system may cause redundancy.
New jobs are being created in I.T. related field
worker may need to be re-trained.
Health and Safety
Computer related illnesses - repetitive strain
injury, computer vision syndrome, Lower back
Pain, Carpel tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. I.T.
devices such as monitor also present radiation
hazards.
16
Computer skills
The computer industry has created thousands of
high-tech jobs, even in companies whose primary
business is not computer related. Job opportunities
in the computer industry generally are available in
one or more of these areas:
 General business and government
organizations and their IT departments
 Computer equipment field
 Computer software field
 Computer service and repair field
 Computer sales
 Computer education and training field
 IT consulting
Office employment
Skills needed are electronic document preparation
the use of word processors, Spreadsheet
PowerPoint etc, handling switchboards,
budgeting, communication, and basic trouble
shooting of hardware and software.
Teachers
Teacher use multimedia equipment, Presentation
software and equipment (whiteboards, projectors
etc), electronic document preparation, using the
internet, use of CAI and CAL software, Network
use, and installation and basic troubleshooting of
hardware and software.
Engineers
Software programming, installing hardware and
software, manipulating peripherals, using
communication systems and Problem Solving.
Medical personnel
Skills needed are expert system consultation,
budgeting, manipulating various health devices,
good communication, computer skills, document
processing and conducting teleconferencing.
Musicians
Skills needed are sound editing etc, use of MIDI,
computer skills, music notation software to
compose music and preparing lyrics, retrieving
sound (music) from storage media.
Mass media personnel
Word processing, Database searching,
communication (email, fax new groups and
forums, devices for filming and sound capture and
editing.
Law enforcement personnel
Word processing, internet, and database are used
by law enforcers to prepare, search for, store and
retrieve, etc, criminal records.
Movie industry
Skills needed are video editing software, sound
effect and animation software and budgeting.
Loss of jobs
Computers are often installed as part of a program
to automate systems which were originally
manually done, in order to improve on
productivity, e.g. CAM systems. This very often
results in loss of jobs. The introduction of
computers into organizations has also had the
opposite effect of creating job opportunities of
new as well as existing workers.
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Retraining
New workers may be required to administer the
computer system, to do repair and maintenance, to
train users, etc. Existing workers are often
retrained to perform the same functions on the
computer or to perform new functions created by
the computer system. E.g. sales persons may no
longer need a secretary to prepare their quotations
since the computer system may now allow them to
do these from their desk. If the secretary shows
the ability and interest she/he may be retrained as
a salesperson.
Telecommuting
This technology allows to remain at home or other
location and connect by telecommunications
channels to other workers at other locations.
1. increased productivity for people who
don't need supervision;
2. Saving time and expense for travel; saving
on expenses for office space and furniture.
Examples
1. executives who normally spend many late
hours working can do so in the comfort of
home;
2. Many computer programmers tend to
perform better outside of an office
environment.
Personnel in computer-related
professions
This section describes the roles of various personnel in
computer-related professions.
Functions of information technology
personnel
Programmers
A computer programmer, often called a
developer, creates and modifies computer
programs. To create a program, programmers
sometimes write, or code, a program’s instructions
using a programming language.
System analysts and engineers
A systems analyst works closely with users to
analyze their requirements, designs and develops
new information systems, and incorporates new
technologies
IT managers
I.T. Managers direct the planning, research,
development, evaluation, and integration of
technology.
Systems programmer
A System Programmer installs and maintains
operating system software and provides technical
support to the programming staff.
Database administrators
A database administrator (DBA) requires a
more technical inside view of the data. The DBA
creates and maintains the data dictionary, manages
database security, monitors database performance,
and checks backup and recovery procedures.
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Network administrators
The network administrator oversees network
operations, uses the server operating system to
add and remove users, computers, and other
devices to and from the network. The network
administrator also uses the server operating
system to install software and administer network
security.
File librarians
A File librarian manages data files and programs
stored off-line on tapes, disk and microfilm and so determine feasibility of design within time and
on. They also manage program and system
documentation, manuals and journals. The
librarian is responsible for all lending and return Coordinate software system installation and
transaction by personnel using the resources of the monitor equipment functioning to ensure
library.
Computer technicians
A computer repair technician installs, maintains,
and repairs hardware; installs, upgrades, and
configures software; and troubleshoots hardware
problems. A computer technician’s job is
challenging, designed for people who like to
troubleshoot and solve problems, and possess a
strong background in electronics. Computer
technicians often replace a malfunctioning
component, such as a hard disk, at the site of the
computer equipment and then take the faulty part
back for repair at an office or special repair
facility.
Computer engineers
A computer engineer’s job description is different create new WebPages to be added to the content.
from that of a Software Engineer. A computer
engineer job description deals with hardware, with
some software integration. Research, design,
develop, and test computer or computer-related
equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or
scientific use. They may also supervise the
manufacturing and installation of computer or
computer-related equipment and components.
Software engineers
Software engineer confer with systems analysts,
engineers, programmers and others to design
system and to obtain information on project
limitations and capabilities, performance
requirements and interfaces. Modify existing
software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new
hardware, or to improve its performance. Analyze
user needs and software requirements to
cost constraints. Consult with customers about
software system design and maintenance.
specifications are met. Design, develop and
modify software systems, using scientific analysis
and mathematical models to predict and measure
outcome and consequences of design. Develop
and direct software system
Software testers
Software testers check to ensure that the
application developed works the way it was
intended to, and that it is up to standard and
quality expected.
Webmaster
Webmasters are responsible for maintaining an
existing website by editing or updating text,
graphics and links to update the content. Also they
oversee Web site performance. They can also
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Web developer Multi-media artists
A Web-developer is a software developer who is Multimedia Artists are contemporary artists who
specifically engaged in the development of World use a wide range of media to communicate their
Wide Web applications, or distributed network art. Such media range from installation art, to
rooms containing found objects or other material,
applications that are run over the HTTP protocol
to kinetic sculpture, to sound and visual effects.
from a web server to a web browser. Design web
interfaces; develop layout design and concept;
select and secure appropriate illustrative materials
to be used. Maintain and update web site, ensuring
consistency and accuracy. Work with other
departments to enhance and maintain functionality
of website. Design and develop computer-based,
web-based, and multimedia layout, graphics, and
content for use in presentations, web sites, emails,
and other electronic media maintain existing web
applications as well as develop new applications.
Enhance interactions between applications and
SQL Server 2000. Test and document new
applications and upgrades, and train staff
members. Analyze site and e-marketing
approaches; propose internet-based advertising
and promotion methods. They also research new
technologies and trends. Communicate with
vendors to research products and resolve technical
problems. Make recommendations to department
for software and hardware purchases

Software trainer
A software trainer teaches individuals how to use
computer programs. The trainer must present
materials efficiently and at an appropriate level for
those being trained. Conduct educational
programs in information technology and systems.
Develop training coursework including creation of
technical classes. Identify training needs that is
aligned to company's vision. Observe and report
employee progress and program effectiveness.

20