ICT in the Home

Introduction

• ICT is used today for entertainment• It influences how people spend their time• ICT is used for most every day tasks: tv,

banking, shopping

Games Computer games are improving over the years

Computers allow people of all ages to play games. This my

vary dependant on the ages of a person. A child may play

learning games, an adult may play traditional, teens more

action packed/team games.

Computers that are used to play games have more

processing power and will need certain features• fast processor • large screen • large amount of RAM • high storage capacity• high quality graphics and sound card

Games cont. There are many advantages to playing games on a computer • younger children can learn and develop in their knowledge by

playing games that are more interactive, which allows learning

to be fun and encourage children to learn more • can lead to a good job as a game designer or programmer• team games allow interaction between other plays in a team

game, which could lead to a boost in confidence,

communication skills etc.

However playing computer games have disadvantages• can be addictive • health problems: RSI, obesity, incorrect posture, antisocial • some games contain a high level of violence, some people

think this is the reason for the violent behaviour of some

teenagers

Photography

Computer software which allow people to edit images they

have found online or taken themselves.

Most people own a phone or digital camera which allows

people to transfer, edit and send images much easier.

ICT allows a flexibility of the many different ways you can

show and share images.

Photos may be shared via social media sites, these images

can easily be shared and also allows people to have their own

copy of the photo as they can download it straight from the

Internet which is less costly than printing the photo out and

sending it to a person.

Music downloads

Today music can be purchased and downloaded online, instead of

going to the shop and buying a CD

Advantages• instead of buying an album you can download the songs you like• allows an easy replacement to any songs that my have been

erased• load onto portable players i.e. iPods etc

Disadvantages/problems• people will download music illegally to avoid paying• by downloading albums people can copy and sell them for a

cheaper price• certain download software or sites may contain viruses

Pay-to-view services

Even though you subscribe to the pay to view service there are other services where you pay one off payment each time you wish to view. pay per view services may include• video on demand - where you can view a film from a

selection eg box office• some major sporting events

Online shopping

Today the majority of stores are online making shopping more excessable to everyone. Stores such as asda and tesco offer two different types of online shopping click and collect or home delivery. Almost every store throughout the world has an online store.

Advantages • takes less time compared to visiting shops• allows you to find products easily • avoids busy shops • allows a greater variety

Disadvantages• payment concerns• goods can get damaged during transport• not delievered on time• delivery can be expensive

Cinema and theatre booking

Most cinemas allow you to book tickets online while looking at what film you wish to see.Advantage • can compare cinema times • view trailers online before seeing• see start and end time of film • select your own seats

Disadvantages • May book the wrong seats • If you book the wrong film • Cannot have a refund on your tickets

Email

Email is used in most business and homes. Email allows us to send messages to friends, family, college tutors etc. Without having to go through the process of writing letters to others. Emails allow you to send attachments along with your message whether this be a document or image.

Advantages • Share multiple messages• Cheaper than text • Can send attachments

Disadvantages • Viruses • Spam mail/ junk mail • Hacking

Online bankingAll high street banks offer online banking and some banks are exclusively online with no high street branches.

ServicesA customer with access to online banking can:• check their bank balance• view/print current and previous bank statements• pay bills online, i.e. setup direct debits and

standing orders• setup new, separate accounts for specific

purposes, e.g. savings• transfer money between their accounts and to

other people's

Online bankingBenefits•Convenience - banking when it suits them, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from any computer with an Internet connection.•Higher interest rates - savings banks make through reduced staffing, fewer premises and increased automation mean they can offer higher interest rates.•Increased market awareness - visit all the banks and find out what interest rates they offer online.

Customer concerns•The closure of small, local branches or reductions in opening hours.•The security of online banking, specifically hacking and credit card fraud.•Staffing reductions.•As banking becomes increasingly reliant on technology these concerns are set to increase.