Unit 2 Technology Systems BTEC First Diploma in Information and Creative Technology

Learning aims Understand how the components of technology systems work together. Understand how data flows between internal components of a computer and is processed to provide information. Understand different types of software.

Re-cap What did we do last lesson?

Computer hardware devices The term hardware is used to describe any of the physical devices and components used within a technology system. It includes different types of computer and other digital devices, for inputting and outputting data, and for data storage.

Hardware devices What are the features and uses of hardware devices? Create the following table and describe the features and uses of the hardware devices listed. System Features Key uses Personal computer (PC) Server Laptop Tablet Games console Programmable digital devices

Hardware devices Personal computer (PC) System Features Key uses Personal computer (PC) Processor type, e.g. single core, dual core or quad core Processor speed, e.g 1.6 or 2.6 GHz Amount of Random Access Memory (RAM), e.g. 4GB or higher Type of operating system, e.g. Windows, OS X or Linux Network connectivity, e.g. wireless or wired Storage size, e.g. 160 GB, and type e.g. solid state device Running apps such as word processing and spreadsheets Server Powerful computer with lots of RAM and disk space   Controlling a network Laptop Portable computer Mobile computing Tablet Touch screen computer Web browsing Games console Computer designed for gaming with high-quality graphics card Gaming Programmable digital devices Anything with digital control, e.g. a microwave oven Controlling hardware

Activity Look at the hardware devices handout and refer back to your notes from the last exercise. In small groups, create a presentation which clearly explains what each system is, its features and uses, and recommends an appropriate system for a small business owner.

Printers There are many different types of printer: Inkjet printer – used in homes and small offices. Cheap to buy and reasonably cheap to operate and produce good quality colour output, but are poor at large volume printing. Laser printers – again used in many homes and businesses. They are relatively cheap to buy, reasonably cheap to operate and are good at large volume printing. They are often black and white but colour laser printers are becoming more widely available. Impact dot-matrix printer – used by some businesses to print multi-part stationery, which can be separated into copies for the customer and the business. These are more expensive to buy, are loud and have poor print quality, but they are very cheap to run.

Activity Research the different types of printer, inkjet, laser, and dot-matrix For each printer: Provide a brief description Provide an image Find out how much it costs to buy and how much it costs to run – how much are replacement cartridges/ toner and how many long do they last? Recommend a printer for the small business owner in the last activity.

Automated Systems Automated system – a system that uses technology and control systems. It doesn’t usually require human intervention. In addition to the traditional hardware devices associated with computer systems, different sectors use specialist devices to help improve the efficiency and productivity of their business. Automated technology systems monitor and perform activities, e.g. central heating systems that regulate our environment and robots that explore the universe.

Automated systems Examples: Automated system What is it? Input devices Output devices Self-service checkout Used in supermarkets to scan purchases and pay for shopping Scales to weigh the goods before and after scanning Scanner to read bar codes on shopping and loyalty card Payment inputs form cards, coins or notes Screen and speakers to explain how to use the checkout Payment receipt printer and a device to give money as change Production line Hardware components such as robots and controlling software can be combined to form an automated system in a production line to make cars and other products Optical sensors to locate product components. Pressure sensors to feel product components Controlling robots to manufacture components

Automated systems https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_ZmkzIebr0 Activity In small groups, investigate automated systems Choose 1 system and explain: What the system is What the input and output devices The advantages and disadvantages of the system Find a video of your system in action Create a presentation of your system and feedback to the other groups

Check! In groups, answer the following: List 3 common forms of attack on computer systems. List 3 typical security measures. Give 3 reasons why an organisation might want to develop and improve its technology systems.

Homework! For next lesson, create a table of key terms and their definitions. You will be required to add new words to this table every week.