ICT: Key Terms

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1.

The 5
Characteristics
of Users

1. Physical, ie. sight loss;

2. Experience, ie. novice;
3. Task to be undertaken, ie. a busy
restaurant would benefit more from a
concept keyboard;
4. Age, ie. speed of actions;
5. Environment, ie. noisy warehouse = can't
hear instructions.

2.

6 Components
of an ICT
System

1. People - ICT systems cannot work without

people ie: they input data;
2. Data - raw facts and figures without
context have no meaning;
3. Information - data that has been
processed;
4. Software - packages are the programs that
make the computer a useful tool.
5. Hardware - the physical components that
make up the ICT system.
6. Procedures - security procedures such as
using passwords to secure systems.

3.

Application
Software

The software with which users process text,

numbers, still and moving images and sound,
ie. word processor/spreadsheet.

4.

Audience

Normally the person who views the content

of a solution and does not enter data or
change the content in any way, eg. person
browsing a website.

5.

Bespoke
Software

A software that is specially developed for

some specific organisation or other user eg.
CristalWeb for Farnborough 6th Form
College.

6.

Client

Someone who has identified a problem and

has asked for it to be solved using ICT.

7.

Data

Data are raw facts and figures which are

meaningless without context.

8.

Functions of
an Operating
System

- Booting up
- Loads and runs
- Managing memory
- Allocating processor time
- Controlling where data is stored
- Communicating with input and output
devices
- Handling errors/interrupts
- System security
- Manages user communication.

9.

Functions of
File
Management
Software

- File/folder organisation
- Backup copy creation
- File compressions
- File recovery
- Uninstallers
- Defragmentation.

10.

Functions
of
Peripheral
Software

Devices:
- Printer/scanner
- Digital camera
- External speakers
- Bluetooth Keyboard etc.
Functions:
- Communication
- Converts/translates
- Enables work with other applications
- Error messages etc.

11.

Functions
of Utility
Software

- File converters
- Virus scanners
- Firewalls
- Security and accounting.

12.

Generic
Software

Class of software that can be used for a number

of different purposes without requiring
modification eg. spreadsheet application.

13.

Health &
Safety:
Back Pain

Caused by a range of things including:

- Slouching in a chair/sitting awkwardly
- Remaining seated in same position for long
periods of time
- Poor location of hardware in relative to chair
etc.
Symptoms:
- Back pain/ache
Prevention:
- Correct placement of hardware (ergonomic)
- Take frequent breaks
- Sit upright in the correct position etc.

14.

Health &
Safety: Eye
Strain

Caused by a range of things including:

- Looking at PC too long
- Not taking breaks
- Screen glare/too bright
- Monitor at wrong height etc.
Symptoms:
- Blurred vision
- Red/bloodshot eyes
- Headaches
- Double vision etc.
Prevention:
- Take frequent breaks
- Turn brightness down
- Blink more often (exercise eyes)
- Have an eye exam etc.

15.

Health &
Safety:
Headaches

Caused by a range of things including:

- Looking/working at a computer too long
- Getting frustrated/stressed
- Not drinking enough water etc.
Symptoms:
- Aching head/'banging' head etc.
Prevention:
- Drink plenty of water
- Take frequent breaks etc.

16.

17.

Health &
Safety: RSI
(Repetitive
Strain Injury)

Health &
Safety: Stress

Caused by a range of things including:

- Typing or using the mouse for long periods
of time
- Using too much force on your fingers when
typing
- Using a poorly designed keyboard
- Workstation or chair is the wrong height so
arms are in an unnatural position etc.
Symptoms:
- Aching
- Pain
- Weakness
- Swelling etc.
Prevention:
- Use supports eg. wrist support
- Ergonomic workstation
- Take frequent breaks etc.
Caused by a range of things including:
- Computer running slow
- Software not working properly
- Deleted work without saving etc.
Symptoms:
- Irritation
- Shouting etc.
Prevention:
- Frequent breaks
- Deep breaths etc.

ICT

Information and Communication Technology

is the use of technology for the input,
processing, storage and transfer of data and
the output of information.

19.

ICT System

An ICT system consists of hardware and

software being used to input data and output
information for use by people who use
procedures
An ICT system is one that involves input,
processing and output, where the output
goes directly to a human being. eg. company
payroll system.

20.

Information

Information is data that has been processed

and is the output from an ICT system.
The processing gives it context or meaning.

21.

Input

Input is where raw data are

entered/captured into an ICT system.
eg: entering an attendance mark, ie:
present/absent via keyboard.

22.

Integrated
Software

Is a kind of general purpose software that has

a number of related applications bundled into
it eg. Microsoft Office (word, powerpoint, excel
etc).

23.

Output

The production of meaningful information in a

format that is useful for its purpose.

18.

24.

Process/Processing

Where data is converted/changed into

useful/meaningful information. eg.
formatted, editing, searching etc.

25.

SDLC

Systems Development Life Cycle - a

model used in project management
that describes the stages involved in an
information system development
project. Analysis, Design,
Implementation, Testing, Evaluation.

26.

Software

The program commands that make a

computer do the tasks we need it to.
There are 2 main types of software:
Systems Software & Application
Software.

27.

Specific Software

Software which is used only for specific

purposes eg. accounting software.

28.

Systems Software

Any computer system that manages

and controls hardware thus allowing
applications software to do a useful job.
Consists of a group of programs: The
Operating System, Utilities, File
Management, Peripheral Drivers &
User Interface.

29.

Types of User
Interface

- Command line interface (CLI)

- Graphical user interface (GUI)
- Menu driven.

30.

User

Normally the person who will actively

use the solution - they will change the
context, supply inputs and make use of
outputs.