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Welcome to ICT IN Business Welcome to ICT IN Business Outcome 2Outcome 2

During this outcome you will learn about Electronic Data Communication Systems

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By the end of this programme, you should be able to:By the end of this programme, you should be able to:

Describe different data communications systems

Evaluate different data communications systems

Identify security threats and procedures

Describe new ICT innovations

Evaluate new ICT innovations

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INTERNET

SECURITYINNOVATION

COMMUNICATION

TOPOLOGY

OUTCOME 2OUTCOME 2OUTCOME 3OUTCOME 2

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What is … All organisations need good communication systems if they are to be successful.

THE COMMUNICATION PROCESS

DATA INFORMATION DECISION

IMPLEMENTREVIEWFEEDBACK

COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

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Improves communication within and between organisations

Reduces costs

Improves quality of information

Improves availability of information

Allows sharing of resources

Allows for flexible working

Promotes collaboration

Contributes to success of business

BENEFITS OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

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WHAT IS A NETWORK?

A network is two or more computer systems linked by a communication medium such as cable, telephone line, radio waves, satellite or infra-red light.

A network will provide the following benefits:

Sharing of information

Sharing of resources

Improve efficiency

Allow electronic communication

TYPES OF NETWORK

The main types of network are:

Local Area Network (LAN)

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Click here to learn more about different types of networks

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LOCAL AREA NETWORK

A Local Area Network generally has the following characteristics:

Confined to a relatively small area

Limited to a particular building

Computers usually less than 1 mile apart

Used by small to medium sized businesses

File Server

HOW A LAN WORKS

A computer called a file server controls the network by sending files from its disk drive to all parts of the system.

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WIDE AREA NETWORK

A Wide Area Network generally has the following characteristics:

covers a wide geographical area

used by large organisations

connected by telephone line, leased line or satellite

provides online conferencing between

employees in different locations

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NETWORK HARDWARE

The following components are used in computer networks

Servers

Clients or Workstations

Routers

Hubs

Switches

Network Interface Cards

Click on the above image and then on devices to find out more about network components

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OPERATING SYSTEMS

The two main types of network operating systems are:

Client/Server

Peer to Peer

Click here and then on network types to find out more

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NETWORK TOPOLOGIES

Network topology refers to the physical layout of the network systems.

The main topologies are

Bus

Ring

Star

Mesh

HybridClick on the this image and then on topologies to find out more

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INTERNET

The Internet is a network of networks that links computers across the world.It consists of servers and communications links between them.

Click on the image below for more information.

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BUSINESS USES OF THE NET

Email provides a quick and cheap method of communication

World Wide Web provides means of publishing company information globally

File Transfer allows files to be transferred across the internet

Newsgroups are discussion forums that can be used for market research purposes

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SECURITY THREATS

Hackers

FireTheft

Power Surge

Accidental Damage

DisclosureFlood

Power Failure

Data Deletion

Data Modification

Virus

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SECURITY PROCEDURES

Good practice involves:

Development of security policy

Allocation of responsibilities

Security training

Incident reporting

Implementing Security Measures

Reviewing and updating Security Measures

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SECURITY MEASURES

Fireproof cabinets Positioning of computer to minimise unauthorised use Shred confidential printouts Passwords Door Locks Identification System Equipment Log Burglar Alarms Regular Back-ups Install anti-virus software Encryption System Install firewall

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INNOVATION

Tasks

OUTCOME 3

Links

Broadband

Wi-fi

Innovation

XML

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LINKS

http://www.zdnet.com

http://technology.guardian.co.uk/

http://www.microsoft.com/homepage/ms.htm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/default.stm

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You have now completed this tutorial

Click here to return to the home page

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Client/Server In a client/server system resources are controlled by a central computer called a file server. Client resources are accessed through the server

OUTCOME 2

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Peer to PeerA peer-to-peer system does not have a dedicated server. Each computer may act as both a client and a server. Users can share folders and peripherals.

OUTCOME 2

FIREWALL

Firewall A firewall is a system designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network. Firewalls can be implemented in both hardware and software, or a combination of both. Firewalls are frequently used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet, especially intranets. All messages entering or leaving the intranet pass through the firewall, which examines each message and blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria

OUTCOME 2