Learning Aim A - Modern Technologies Flashcards
All of the key parts of Learning Aim A, including Cloud Computing & Accessibility (35 cards)
Ad-hoc
Something that is setup when and where needed.
Ad-hoc Network
A network that is setup when and where needed. They are often created using a mobile device like a smartphone, and can be used wirelessly or using a cable.
USB Tethering
Where a cable is used to create an ad-hoc network
Mobile Hotspot
Where Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is used to create an ad-hoc network
Advantages of USB Tethering
- Connection speed is quicker
- Is a wired connection
- Does not require a wireless connection
- Uses less battery than a Mobile Hotspot
Advantages of Mobile Hotspots
- Is a wireless connection
- Host and device both need wireless capabilites
- More than one device can connect at a time
Open Network
A Wi-Fi Network that does not encrypt data. Anyone can intercept information sent via the network (i.e. passwords and personal data). Hackers can also connect to your device.
How can a user protect themselves on an Open Network?
Use an up-to-date firewall and a VPN
VPN
A VPN (or Virtual Private Network) encrypts your network traffic by ‘tunneling’ you to another network (often in different countries). These can reduce the risk of personal data being stolen on an Open Network
Issues with Ad-hoc Networks
- Battery life of the host will reduce very quickly
- If your hotspot is open, anyone can connect
- Monthly/top-up data from your mobile plan is used. In most cases, there is not an unlimited amount.
- Signal strength, and network speed can fluctuate due to it being on a mobile network.
What could prevent your host from recieving a mobile network’s signal?
The microwave link could not have enough range, or be blocked by a building or hill
Cloud Storage
Where a company hosts a service (like Microsoft OneDrive or Dropbox) to store your files on a remote server via the internet.
Cloud Computing
Where a company hosts a service (like Microsoft 365 or Google Drive) to store your files on a remote server via the internet.
Cloud Computing
Where a company hosts a service (like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace) to work on software on a remote server via the internet.
Advantages of Cloud Storage
- File versioning
- Automatic synchronisation
- Data backups
- Security
- Scalability
File Versioning
Where older versions of a file are stored on Cloud Storage in case of accidental deletion or a user wanting to retrieve an older version for reference/to compare.
Data Backups
Where full or incremental/partial backups of a computer system are made and uploaded to Cloud Storage.
Automatic Synchronisation
Where files are automatically synced to Cloud Storage so that the user can share files and collaborate in real-time with other users.
Security
Cloud Storage is significantly more secure than Local Storage. In most cases, Local Storage is almost always unencrypted and can be physically stolen, whereas Cloud Storage is one of the most protected forms of storage (i.e. physically protected and protected with two-factor authentication)
Scalability
While traditional mediums of storage, like Local Storage, require drives to be physically added to a system, upgrading the tier of your Cloud Storage service will instantaniously give you more storage.
Advantages of Cloud Computing
- Devices can have small storage drives, so are cheaper (used as Thin Clients)
- More than one person can collaborate on a document at a time
- Changes are saved automatically to files
SaaS
SaaS (Software as a Service) describes Cloud Computing that is a paid for service.
Choosing a Cloud service
Users/Network Administrators look for lots of things when selecting an online platform, including;
* Security of data
* Compatibility with existing infrastructure
* System Maintainance needed
* Speed of setup
* Internet Speed Requirements
Disaster Recovery
The plan to recover data after a loss of data (i.e. cyber attack or physical damage)
