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Hardware, software, peripheral, network, human resources
Hardware, software, peripheral, network, human resources
Computer hardware (usually simply called hardware when a computing context is implicit) is the collection of physical elements that constitutes a computer system. Computer hardware is the physical parts or components of a computer, such as the monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage, hard disk drive (HDD), graphic cards, sound cards, memory, motherboard, and so on, all of which are physical objects that are tangible. In contrast, software is instructions that can be stored and run by hardware.
Computer software or simply software is any set of machine-readable instructions that directs a computer's processor to perform specific operations. Computer software is non-tangible, contrasted with computer hardware, which is the physical component of computers. Computer hardware and software require each other and neither can be realistically used without the other.
1.2.1.pdfComputer software includes computer programs, libraries and their associated documentation. The word software is also sometimes used in a more narrow sense, meaning application software only.
A peripheral device is generally defined as any auxiliary device such as a computer mouse or keyboard that connects to and works with the computer in some way.
There are two different types of peripherals: input devices, which interact with or send data to the computer (mouse, keyboards, etc.), and output devices, which provide output to the user from the computer (monitors, printers, etc.). Some peripherals, such as touchscreens, can be used both as input and output devices.
Other examples of peripherals are image scanners, tape drives, microphones, loudspeakers, webcams, and digital cameras. Many modern devices, such as digital watches, smartphones and tablet computers, have interfaces that allow them to be used as a peripheral by desktop computers, although they are not host-dependent in the same way as other peripheral devices.
Common input peripherals include keyboards, computer mice, graphic tablets, touchscreens, barcode readers, image scanners, microphones, webcams, game controllers, light pens, and digital cameras. Common output peripherals include computer displays, printers, projectors, and computer speakers.
A computer network or data network is a telecommunications network which allows computers to exchange data. In computer networks, networked computing devices exchange data with each other along network links (data connections). The connections between nodes are established using either cable media or wireless media. The best-known computer network is the Internet.
Human resources is the set of individuals who make up the workforce of an organisation, business sector, or economy. "Human capital" is sometimes used synonymously with human resources, although human capital typically refers to a more narrow view (i.e., the knowledge the individuals embody and can contribute to an organisation). Likewise, other terms sometimes used include "manpower", "talent", "labour", or simply "people"
The role that a computer can take in a networked world:
The role that a computer can take in a networked world:
Computers no longer exist in isolation on someone's desktop. We use computer technology to communicate, and that communication is a fundamental layer at which computing systems operate. Computers are connected into networks so that they can share information and resources. The Internet, for example, evolved into a global network, so that there is now almost no place on Earth that you cannot communicate with via computing technology. The World Wide Web makes that communication relatively easy; it has revolutionised computer use and made it accessible to the general public.
1.2.2.pdfRoles that a computer may take in today's internet are as simple client, or end user; web server; an email server, a computer that handles email messaging; a DNS server, a computer that translates domain names (such as wikibooks.org) into computer-friendly addresses (such as 91.198.174.192); a router, or a computer handling data over a network; or a firewall, a computer tasked with the control of allowed and disallowed connections, typically for security purposes.
The use of computing technology can result in increased security hazards. Some issues of security are dealt with at low levels throughout a computer system. Many of them, though, involve keeping our personal information secure.
A server is both a running instance of some software that is capable of accepting requests from clients, and the computer that executes such software.
Servers operate within a client-server architecture, in which "servers" are computer programs running to serve the requests of other programs, the "clients". This may be to share data, information or hardware and software resources. Typical computing servers are DNS server, database server, file server, mail server, print server, web server, gaming server, and application server.
A client is a piece of computer hardware or software that accesses a service made available by a server. The server is often (but not always) on another computer system, in which case the client accesses the service by way of a network. The term applies to programs or devices that are part of a client–server model.
Network computer devices that originate, route and terminate the data are called network nodes. Nodes can include hosts such as personal computers, phones, servers as well as networking hardware. Two such devices can be said to be networked together when one device is able to exchange information with the other device, whether or not they have a direct connection to each other
Social and ethical issues associated with a networked world:
Social and ethical issues associated with a networked world:
1.2.3.pdfMany of the high-level issues discussed are that of information security, the set of techniques and policies enforced by an organisation or individual to ensure proper access to protected data. Information security makes certain that data cannot be read or modified by anyone without the proper authorisation, and that the data will be available when needed to those who do.
Information security can be described as the synthesis of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although these aspects of information security overlap and interact, they define three specific ways to look at the problem. Any good solution to the information security problem must adequately address each of these issues.
Confidentiality is ensuring that key data remains protected from unauthorised access. For example, you don't want just anyone to be able to learn how much money you have in your savings account.
Integrity is ensuring that data can be modified only by appropriate mechanisms. It defines the level of trust you can have in the information. You don't want a hacker to be able to modify your bank balance, of course, but you also don't want a teller (who has authorised access) to modify your balance in appropriate ways and without your approval. Furthermore, you wouldn't want your balance changed by a power surge or compromised during an electronic transmission of the data.
Availability is the degree to which authorised users can access appropriate information for legitimate purposes when needed. Even if data is protected, it isn't useful if you can't get to it. A hardware problem such as a disk crash can cause an availability problem if precautions aren't taken to back up data and maintain redundant access mechanisms. Also, a hacker could launch an attack that "floods" a network with useless transmissions, and thereby keep legitimate users from connecting to remote systems.
Personal information => GDPR act in EU, to help individuals guarding their personal information
Security
From a business point of view, planning for information security requires risk analysis, which is the process of determining which data needs protecting, identifying the risk to that data, and calculating the likelihood that a risk may become reality. Once a risk analysis is complete, plans can be implemented to manage the risk accordingly. A risk is the pairing of a threat to a vulnerability. We want to minimise our vulnerability to threats that can put us at the most risk. These threats can be either malicious, such as those posed by a hacker, or accidental, such as a system crash.
Another principle embraced by information security experts is the concept of separating the available data management privileges so that no single individual has the authority to have a significant impact on the system. This principle is often implemented by having redundant checks and/or approvals needed for key activities. For instance, large financial transactions often require a separate authorisation process. Administrators should assign to an individual only those privileges needed to carry out their job functions.
Central to the confidentiality and integrity of your data is making sure unauthorised users cannot gain access to your account.
Social and ethical issues associated with the introduction of new IT systems
Social and ethical issues associated with the introduction of new IT systems
Reliability: Systems must provide accurate data that corresponds to reality. Outdated or incorrect data may cause serious social issues. For example, a bank system that indicates a customer did not pay back a loan - although they did in reality - may cause significant duress for the end-user.
Security: Ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data is a critical ethical aspect, particularly with organisations that deal with sensitive information (Médecins Sans Frontieres for example)
Privacy & Anonymity: Consider the tor project, who develop the tor browser. During the Arab Spring, protestors used tor to access social media and report on crimes against protestors when governments blocked social media. Ensuring protection of the identities of those protestors was a very important consideration in the design of tor by the developers.
Intellectual Property: File sharing websites such as the Pirate Bay challenge traditional copyright ideas. These are a hot topic of contention on the internet today
Surveillance
Globalisation
1.2.11.pdfQuestion - What are the social and ethical issues associated with the widespread introduction of self driving cars into Lima?
Usability and accessibility
Usability and accessibility
Usability is the ease of use and learnability of a human-made object. The object of use can be a software application, website, book, tool, machine, process, or anything a human interacts with. The more efficient, more satisfying and more memorable a program is, the more usable it is.
Consider digital cameras. They often have small buttons that users with physical disabilities have trouble using. Additionally, blind users cannot use the view finder.
Accessibility defines how the system can be accessed for information exchange and operation. This usually involves a keyboard, mouse and a screen. However, for some people using these methods to access the system is difficult or impossible.
Ways to improve accessibility of a system:
Touch screens
Voice recognition
Text-to-speech
Braille keyboards
Braille printers
For an excellent example, see Stephen Hawking
Other methods are: improve range of languages, make the user interface more intuitive/user friendly, reduce the use of jargon and complicated terminology, make system available over internet and reduce cost of the system (get more people to use it).
1.2.12.pdf1.2.13.pdf1.2.14.pdfQuestion - In what ways does the xbox adaptive controller enable physically disabled users to access games consoles. Can you also give examples of the impact of the device on this group of users.
Moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications of the interaction between humans and machines
Moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications of the interaction between humans and machines
Moral: Dragnet surveillance programs, such as NSA's PRISM and XKeyScore programs, arguably breach the right to privacy of internet users around the world.
Social: Globalisation of culture. Allows people from distance parts of the world to meet instantly. Easy, cheap entertainment for all.
Economic: People may loose jobs. Typists are the canonical example.
Environmental: Data centers use large amounts of electrical power. However, countries like Iceland have already invested in 100% renewable energy data centers. Computers have also reduced pollution costs of travel through introduction of telecommuting.
1.2.16.pdfPage updated
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