Computers and ICT Flashcards
What is ICT (or IT)?
(Information Technology). A very broad term which covers the use of all forms of technology, whatever the application
Benefits of ICT
Increased speed of information transfer and communication, intelligent products/systems (such as GPS, proximity sensing, voice recognition)
Limitations of ICT
Cost of purchase, environmental cost of manufacture and power consumption, infrastructure required for power/wireless comms
What is Word Processing?
Using computers to produce written work as digital documents (instead of using typewriters or pen and paper)
Benefits of word processing
Documents are more secure and never deteriorate, can be easily copied/shared/sent to others
Limitations of word processing
Need for a device and access to power, need for training/skills.
What is DTP?
(Desktop publishing software) Used to produce documents such as magazines, brochures, marketing materials, presentations, PDF’s etc.
Benefits of DTP
more professional results can be achieved
Limitations of DTP
Need for hardware, cost of software, need for training/skills
What are spreadsheets?
Software applications which are used for analysing statistics or numerical data
Benefits of spreadsheets
Calculations/formulas can be automated, graphs/charts can be produced
Limitations of spreadsheets
Need for hardware, cost of software, need for training/skills
What are databases?
Software applications which are used for storing and accessing large amounts of data (information), both numerical and otherwise, in relation to customers, suppliers and/or products
Benefits of databases
Data can be shared across multiple (global) sites, access can be configured depending on roles, users can work concurrently and changes can be managed/synchronised across sites and time zones.
Limitations of databases
Need for hardware, cost of software, need for training/skills, secure high capacity data connection needed across sites to manage access and changes.
What are control programs?
Programs/code written in order to determine the functions of microprocessors in control systems, or CNC machines (see below)
Benefits of control programs
Enables automation and intelligent products/systems which are labour-saving and time-saving
Limitations of control programs
Skill needed to learn programming languages, cost of microprocessors, specialist software needed to update/modify programs
What are CD-ROMs?
(Compact Disc Read-Only Memory) Pre-pressed optical compact discs that contains data. Computers can read it but cannot write to or erase it. A type of read-only memory (ROM). Largely superseded by solid state drives (SSDs), increased internet coverage/bandwidth and the move to online platforms/data storage.
Benefits of CD-ROMs
Discs are more durable than magnetic tape, lightweight, portable, no moving parts, universal compatibility, cheap to produce.
Limitations of CD-ROMs
Every time there is a new product or update, new CDs need to be produced and shipped. It’s more expensive and slower than downloading software and data from online platforms/cloud-based services.
What is CAD?
(Computer aided design) The use computers in the design of products. Could be 2D or 3D. Could also involve virtual testing/analysis, simulations, renderings, animations…
Benefits of CAD
Designers/clients/users are better able to visualise/communicate products. Products can be more fully and accurately defined. Problems are spotted earlier in the design process.
Limitations of CAD
Cost of hardware and software, need for skilled operators and training
