Unit 1 - IT Systems
Unit 1 - IT Systems
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Level: 3
Unit type: ExternalÂ
Guided learning hours: 120Â
Introduction
Introduction
Information technology (IT) systems have a significant role in the world around us and play a part in almost everything we do. Having a sound understanding of how to effectively select and use appropriate IT systems will benefit you personally and professionally. You will explore the relationships between the hardware and software that form an IT system, and the way that systems work individually and together, as well as the relationship between the user and the system. You will examine issues related to the use of IT systems and the impact that they have on organizations and individuals. To complete the assessment task within this unit, you will need to draw on your learning from across your program. This unit will give you a fundamental and synoptic understanding of all areas of IT, supporting your progression to an IT-related higher education courseÂ
Study by essential content
Essential content
A. Digital Devices in IT Systems
A. Digital Devices in IT Systems
Focus on the devices, their roles, and relationships in IT systems.
Digital Devices, Functions, and Uses:
Multifunctional devices, PCs, mobile devices, servers, entertainment systems, cameras, navigation systems, data capture tools, communication systems.
Usage contexts: education, personal, social, retail, organizational, and creative tasks.
Peripheral Devices and Media:
Input/output/storage devices.
Accessibility tools and storage media characteristics.
Computer Software in IT Systems:
Operating system types, roles, and factors influencing performance.
Utility and application software and their implications (e.g., open source vs. proprietary).
File types/formats and their selection implications.
Emerging Technologies:
Impacts on personal and organizational IT systems.
Choosing IT Systems:
Factors like user needs, cost, efficiency, compatibility, and security.
B. Transmitting Data
B. Transmitting Data
Key aspects of data transfer within and between IT systems.
Connectivity:
Wireless and wired connections and their features.
Selection and performance implications.
Networks:
PAN, LAN, WAN, VPNs.
Network features and performance impacts.
Data Transmission Issues:
Protocols for emails, voice calls, payments, etc.
Bandwidth, latency, and compression (lossy/lossless) effects.
C. Operating Online
C. Operating Online
Examines online IT systems and their implications.
Online Systems:
Cloud storage/computing uses and implications.
Remote working tools like VPNs.
Online Communities:
Communication methods (social media, wikis, forums).
Impacts on individuals and organizations (cost, privacy, productivity).
D. Protecting Data and Information
D. Protecting Data and Information
Addresses threats and protective measures.
Threats to Data:
Malware, phishing, hackers, accidental damage.
Impacts on individuals and organizations.
Protecting Data:
Techniques (encryption, firewalls, antivirus).
Role of legislation and codes of practice.
E. Impact of IT Systems
E. Impact of IT Systems
Explores how IT systems affect users and organizations.
Online Services:
Applications in retail, education, entertainment, etc.
Implications of transactional data, marketing, and collaborative tools.
Organizational Impacts:
IT systems in stock control, security, advertising, etc.
Factors like cost, productivity, training, and security.
Data Use and Manipulation:
Data sources, accuracy, collection methods, and user interfaces.
F. Issues
F. Issues
Considers broader societal implications.
Moral and Ethical Issues:
Privacy, environmental concerns, unequal access, globalisation, and netiquette.
Legal Issues:
Legislation (data protection, copyright, accessibility).
Ethical factors like health, safety, and misuse.
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