ICT Applications

Communication Applications
Paper Based
Types of Communication & Purpose Use of Computers
News Letter: Used by companies to communicate certain information to staff and • Save and insert pictures
customers. May contain information on recent events and identify success from clipart, Internet,
company may have experienced. scanned images &
digital camera.
Brochures/Leaflet: Can be used to advertise a company or to be informative. • Adjust the page layout.
Brochures are normally printed on glossy paper with a high quality finish. • Create and
Insert
Flyers: Informative document which can be distributed to promote or create Tables/charts
awareness of an up and coming events. • Formatting the layout of
the document.
Posters: larger then flyers and are strategically positioned to promote and create • Applying effects to
awareness. Displayed on billboards, notice boards, buildings as part of an images (crop,
advertising campaign to target a specific target audience. colour scale, rotate
etc.)
Advantages Disadvantages Text Formatting
• Not necessary to have a computer or • These communication would mainly be • Font Style
internet connection. distributed by hand. • Bold
• You have a physical copy of • Printing costs • Alignment (left, centre,
the document. • Restricted to a smaller target audience. right and fully justified)
• underline
• Italic
• colour
Computer Based Cartoons (Animations)
Types of Communication & Purpose Animations can also
be created using
Websites specialist software
• Companies use websites as a means to communicate with existing and to promote new
potentially new customers. products.
• Websites can be easily updated and can provide relevant and up
Music Scores
to date information.
• Websites can be used to research, social network, online gaming or Music can now be
for online shopping and banking. created and edited
on computers. Can
Multimedia Presentations be used as part of
• A common use for presentations is to provide training in businesses adverts or slogans.
or places of education. The presentation will be a focal point on the
projector whilst the speaker is presenting.

Advantages Disadvantages
• Can include interactive elements • Websites can be hacked
such as sound, video, animation and information may be
and hyperlinks. altered.
• Can be available on • Setting up website and
different platforms. maintaining would be expensive
and would require a special skill
s
e
t
.
Mobile Based Voice Over Internet
Types of Communication & Purpose Protocol (VoIP)
When voice calls
Phone Calls: Allows users to make a audio phone calls to each other from
are taken place
any location within the network coverage area.
over an internet
Text Messages: Allows user to send simple messages to each other even connection (e.g.
if Whatsapp, Viber).
the recipients phone is turned of or not within network coverage.
Accessing the Internet: Email and social networking applications are now
available on mobile phones which makes it easier for users to stay in
contact with each other. Businesses can also use these apps to advertise
and communicate with customers.
Advantages Disadvantages
• Mobile phone is portable and can • Long distance calls or phones calls in
be used on the move. different countries could be expensive.
• Mobile phone contracts can • Mobile signal could be weak or non
offer free minutes and texts. existent in some places.
Advantages of Data Handling Applications for Storing Data:
• Data can be updated, organised, sorted and searched in different ways.
• Data can displayed or printed in different formats.
• Data can be backed up or moved using storage media.
• Huge storage space not required (filing cabinets)

Address Lists Surveys School Records

Mobile phones include Information from Student records including
address books which surveys could be held assessment and behaviour
include contact names, on a database so that data. Also staff data could
numbers, email data could be analysed also be held on database
addresses etc. and queried.

Club/Society Records
Club/Society Records Libraries
Informationon oncurrent
currentmembers
members Information on current books
Information
includingnames
including namesandandcontact
contact which are available to borrow
details.Also
details. Alsomembers
membersmethods
methodsof and members of the libraries.
of payment
payment to pay
to pay membership
membership fee.
fee.
 1 - Input devices
Role of Measurement Applications
called
Sensors are placed to measure physical variables. The sensors feed data into the
data from sensors are measured in analogue. The computer.
analogue signal is then converted to a digital signal
using a convertor.
2 - The computer then
Examples processes the input data.
Weather Thermometer for measuring temperature Sensor readings are compared to
Stations Anemometer for measuring wind speed
Wind vane for measuring wind direction
the preset values.
Hygrometer for measuring humidity
Barometer for measuring atmospheric pressure
Green Sensors are placed in the green house to measure
House whether plants are growing in the correct 3 - As a result of the
conditions: processing, the computer can
• Light, Moisture, Humidity, PH Levels
send a signal to the output
devices called actuators
Patients Sensors will be attached to the body to monitor:
Vital Signs • heartbeat, blood pressure, temperature etc. which could change physical
conditions.
 Why Use Computers to Measure Things?
• Computers do not require breaks .
• Readings are more accurate compared
to humans.
Data collected from
Sensors is in • Readings are taking more frequently.
Analogue • Data can be analysed and compared with
ADC - Analogue-to-digital converter existing data.
• Automatic graphs can be created.
Analogue Signal now
• Sensors can work in extreme
can be understood by
conditions which could be dangerous
computers.
for humans.
• People can complete other tasks whilst the
systems works automatically.
• If human intervention is required then
a signal will be sent to the buzzer.
Microprocessors in Control Applications

6.4 Microprocessors in Control Applications

Role of Microprocessor in Control Applications 1 - Input devices called

• Sensor readings are compared to the pre-set value which
sensors feed data into
are inputted by the user. the computer.
• If sensor readings are below or higher then then the pre-set
value then a signal will be sent to the actuator to change the
physical conditions.
• Process is constantly will be repeated. 2 - The computer then
processes the input data.
Example Process Microprocessor Output
Sensor readings are compared to
Green House Compares light, temperature, • Light on/off
the preset values.
moisture to Pre-set value. • Heater on/off
• Motor
Sends signal to actuator is necessary. open/close
Process is constantly repeated windows
3 - As a result of the
Patients Vital Compares Vital signs (heartbeat, blood • Buzzer will alert
Signs pressure, temperature to Pre-set
processing, the computer can
staff to any vital
value. signs which are send a signal to the output
below the devices called actuators which
Sends signal to actuator is necessary. could change physical
expected
Process is constantly repeated
values. conditions.
Green House (Temperature Example)
Less than < 20 Degrees
Send signals to
Motor to close
Window and
1 – Input Turn Heater ON
Microprocessor
ADC Preset:
Sensors
Monitoring 20 Degrees
Continuously Process Send signals to
Repeated Motor to open
Window
More than > 20 Degrees

Examples in a Green House

• Light
• Moisture
• Humidity
• PH Levels
 Graphs showing levels of
pollution at each Sensor
A Sensor A compared to the
previous year

Graphs showing levels of

pollution at each Sensor Sensor B

2018
2017
B

2018
2017

2018
2017
Sensor A

Sensor B

Sensor C

C
Sensor C
Turtle Graphics

Tip: In this question you have to

write out the remaining steps.

1st: Work out how many more steps

you have to get around the shape. (8)
2nd : It is possible you may have to use a
repeat to draw the shape.
3rd: Remember to end the repeat.
Modelling Applications
Modelling Applications
A computer model is a model which would replicate (simulate) the functions of a
real system.

To save costs and To train people how

time by testing a to use the system in a
system before you safe controlled
build it. environment.
e.g. Flight Simulators.
e.g. Creating bridges
Why we use Computer Models?

To make predictions
To investigate the of
capabilities of the how the system would
system in detail by operate in the future.
interrogating and e.g. Use of spreadsheets to
manipulating the track profit/loss over time
computer model.
 Type of Modelling Application
• Business used can use spreadsheets to forecast spreadsheet models
to forecast future profit or loss.
Spreadsheets • Due to the use of formulas business can adjust certain values to
see automatic changes in potential revenue.

• Pilots are able to learn how to fly a plane using a flight simulator.
• The controls and the interface is the same as real plane.
Flight • Different conditions can be tested.
Simulator • Reduced costs as a plane would not be damaged in the training.

• Before buildings are constructed simulations take place to ensure

Building
they are fit for purpose.
Simulator • Simulations ensure the potential building could cope with
physical demands including earthquake/storm threats.

• A traffic light simulator looks at the flow of traffic (data captured

from sensors).
Traffic Lights
• The simulator will adjust the lights to best control the flow of traffic.
Applications in Manufacturing Industries
Robots are used in manufacturing to help to improve productivity, consistency (in terms of final finish) and to
reduce overall running costs. Robots generally make the factory a much more safer environment for workers.
How Are Robots Used in a Factory?
1. Lift heavy items
2. Assemble parts together
3. Paint items (Spraying)
4. Manufacturing Microchips

Robots are programmed with a sequence of

Exact sequence of The robot is now able to carry out the
instructions. The programmer may guide
movement is stored same sequence of instructions over and
the robot through each step physically or by
in the memory. over again.
controlling the robot by remote.

Advantages Disadvantages
• Robots can work 24/7 with the same consistency and Robots cannot easily adapt to a situation which is beyond their
accuracy compared to humans. sequence of instructions.
• Robots can be more productive than humans. Robots can be expensive to buy and maintain.
• Robots can work in extreme conditions not suitable Some workers may loose their jobs as robots can do more labor
for humans. intensive jobs.
• Robots do not need to be paid. People are deskilled due to robots doing more complicated
jobs.
School Management Systems
School Management Systems
School Management Systems are now used in schools by staff to complete a number of tasks on a daily basis.

Learner • Teachers will be able to click on a particular class and complete the register.
Registration and • Once this is saved then other users of the management system can see who has been
register for that particular period.
Attendance
• This is useful as it allows teachers to see who should be attending their lessons.
• Data of attendance can then be easily analysed.

Exam • Exam Timetables can be produced using management systems and teachers who are
Timetables not teaching could be easily allocated to invigilate exams.

Creating • Timetables can be produced using management systems.

Timetables or • They are generally quicker to create and less prone to errors compared to a
paper based system.
Cover
• Timetables can also be produced cover classes when teachers are absent and lessons need
to be covered.

Learner • Teacher are able to log student data (grades/applications/reports/behaviour) into a school
Performance management system.
• This data is then available (central storage of data) to anyone other members of staff.
• The data can analysed and reports can be produced.

Benefits to • Parents are able to log in and access student reports online.
school/parents • They can be kept up to date about exam results and general student progress in
subjects.
• Also they can receive immediate feedback. There would be no need for
printed reports which would reduce costs.
A school has introduced a system so that parents of its students can access
data
about their children.
Give three reasons why the school has introduced this
system.
A school has introduced a system so that parents of its students can access
data
about their children.
Give three reasons why the school has introduced this
system.

• To save printing costs of reports

• To ensure test results, etc. are received
by parents
• To allow immediate feedback to parents
after tests/exams
• To keep parents up to date with child’s
progress/targets
Booking System
 Booking Systems
Online booking systems use real time processing which allows users
to make and confirm bookings instantly. Once payment has been
received and booking is confirmed then booking can not be double
booked.
Example Uses:
Transport: Flight, Trains and Buses
Entertainment: Theatre, Cinema and
Stadium Accommodation: Hotels,
Apartments and Villas
Input: User will select the
requirements of the booking.
Advantages: Disadvantages
E.g. date of flights, Airports,
• User can check availability of • It may be difficult to cancel a Location etc.
tickets and compare prices on booking and get your money back.
comparison websites.
• Online booking services have
• Confirmation message is known to crash to high level of
Processing : involves
sent instantly once payment traffic to the website. checking if bookings are
has been authorised.
• You are unable to receive
possible (availability)
• They prevent double booking
specific advice on your booking
as the process is real time. This
if it is done online.
means if somebody makes a
booking then it instantly • Websites may not be user friendly Outputs:
becomes unavailable. and may make the booking booking confirmations
• You may receive special offers process more difficult.
if you regularly book using a
/rejections
particular booking website. alternatives/Payment

a
Describe the inputs and processing involved in booking flight tickets online?

Key Words: Requirements, availability, confirmation, payment, booking reference, e-ticket

Describe the inputs and processing involved in booking flight tickets online?

Key Words: Requirements, availability, confirmation, payment, booking reference, e-ticket

The customer would first select the number of tickets (requirements), arrival and destination
airport, date and time of the flight. The computer will then check for the availability of the
seat. Alternative tickets may be offered on a different day if tickets are not available. The
customer will then select and confirm the ticket and the payment details will be entered.
Once the payment has been processed a booking reference will be generated and the seats
will become unavailable. Confirmation (e-ticket) could be sent over email.
Give four advantages of using online booking systems for the customer rather than
using manual systems.
Give four advantages of using online booking systems for the customer rather than
using manual systems.

• Speeds up the booking process

• Customers may not have to travel to the theatre so save money in travelling
• Customers may not have to travel to the theatre so save time in
travelling/queuing
• Can make/cancel/change a booking at any time
• Can book several shows at same time
• Booking can be carried out anywhere
A theatre manager wishes to introduce an online booking system. A programmer
has been asked to write the software. She could continue on her own or discuss
the ideas with the theatre manager.
Explain why is it beneficial to discuss ideas with the theatre manager before
writing the software.
A theatre manager wishes to introduce an online booking system. A programmer
has been asked to write the software. She could continue on her own or discuss
the ideas with the theatre manager.
Explain why is it beneficial to discuss ideas with the theatre manager before
writing the software.

• The programmer will not be familiar with the workings of the theatre/to
understand the requirements of the system
• The solution may be easy for the programmer to use but not the users/make
it user friendly
• The theatre manager is paying the programmer
• The theatre manager may want enhancements that the programmer has
not thought of
• The progress of the solution needs to be checked with the theatre manager
in case the he/she changes his mind
• The budget needs to be discussed (as it may involve purchasing new
hardware/software)
• The timescale needs to be discussed
Banking Applications
Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) allows money to be transferred electronically from one
account to another. An example of EFT is when an Employer pays their employees
their salaries.

Employee 1
Business + £1500
Bank
EFT instruction to pay Employees
Account Employee 2
£4500 + £1500
-£4500 Employee 3
+ £1500

Advantages: Disadvantages
• No physical money is transferred which makes • Money could be transferred from the incorrect
the transfer more secure. account.
• Transfer of salaries can be regulated by the • Incorrect amount of money could be
government (e.g. Used in Qatar to ensure transferred by mistake.
employers are paying their employees on • If you have a poor credit rating then you may not
time). be declined to use EFT as a method of payment
• Customers can set up standing orders (e.g. paying monthly for a mobile phone
(direct debit) to pay bills on specific dates. contract).
Processing credit/debit card Transactions

Customer’s Bank (Card Holder’s Issuing

Bank) Merchants' Bank (Acquiring)

Funds are transferred

Checking Funds
Funds are not available

Transaction
Using details on the Declined. Card holder is paying by
card the Merchant’s Card.
bank contacts the Card will be place in
card holders bank to chip and pin reader.
check for sufficient Merchant Card Holder
Pin will be entered
funds to complete to proceed with
the transaction. transaction.
Describe the processing that takes place at POS to make payment using a debit card?
Key Words: PIN, Validity of Card, Account, Balance, Sufficient funds, Transfer, declined, receipt
Describe the processing that takes place at POS to make payment using a debit card?
Key Words: PIN, Validity of Card, Account, Balance, Sufficient funds, Transfer, declined, receipt

Once the customer has entered the Pin it will be compared to Pin on the Chip. IF the Pin is
correct than the card will be checked to see if this is valid (not stolen and expired). If the card
is valid than the transaction will continue. Using the account details on the chip the shops
computer will make contact with the customer’s banks. Checks will be made for sufficient
funds to complete the transaction. If funds are available then the amount will be transferred
from the customer’s account to the shops account. If funds are not available then the
transaction will be declined. If the transaction has been successful the receipt will be printed
and the card will be given back to the customer.
When a debit card is read by computer, data on the card can be used for
transactions.
List four items of data found on a debit card which can be read by computer.
When a debit card is read by computer, data on the card can be used for
transactions.
List four items of data found on a debit card which can be read by computer.

• Sort code
• PIN
• Debit card number
• Bank account number
• Valid from
• Expires end
Contactless debit cards are replacing standard debit cards. Some countries are
introducing contactless debit card transactions at ATM machines. Give three
disadvantages to the customer of using these cards at an ATM.
Contactless debit cards are replacing standard debit cards. Some countries are
introducing contactless debit card transactions at ATM machines. Give three
disadvantages to the customer of using these cards at an ATM.

• The card may be read accidently

• Only small amounts can be withdrawn
• More chance of fraud if card is stolen/lost
• May not be able to use the ATM as not everyone will be contactless due to cost
• Devices can read the cards wirelessly to steal money
Clearing of Cheques
You receive a check
from your employer The cheque is then The cheque data is
which you pay into sent to a clearing sent electronically to
your bank account. centre where it is the payers bank (the
You sorted and cheque person who wrote
data is created. the cheque). Employer

Money is received If funds are

After 4 working The payers bank
electronically from available then the
days the person checks for fraud and
the cheque payers money is sent
who paid in the also checks if
bank and deposited electronically to
cheque should sufficient funds are
into the account of the bank of the
have access to available.
the person who paid person who paid in
the money.
in the cheque. the cheque.
ATM (Cash machines) can be used for various purposes (including cash withdrawal/deposit,
checking/printing statement).

The PIN number is Customer may be asked to select a language.

compared with the PIN
stored in the chip. If Pin
is the same then the The customer types in the PIN.
customer can Proceed. Cash Withdrawal
If Pin is correct then the customer will select a Cash Deposit
If not customer will be service. Check Balance
requested to re enter Print Statement
the Pin. Phone Topup
If customer selects the Cash Withdrawal then they
The customer’s account
are requested to select an amount to withdraw.
is checked to see if it
has sufficient funds. If there are sufficient funds and the amount is
within the card limit the required notes are issued.
The amount is also
checked against the
card limit or daily Customer is requested if they would like a receipt.
withdrawal limit. The card is then returned to the customer.
Bank Applications
Bank Applications
Banking Advantages Disadvantages
Online Customers can now access their bank accounts • Can be accessed • Internet connection
Banking online on secure websites using authentication from various required.
platforms and used
techniques. Some banks have also developed 24/7 including whilst • Less personable for
online banking applications to allow customers to on the move. those who would prefer
access their accounts via mobile phones and direct communication
tablets. • Save time and costs- No with a bank
Travelling or money spent representative
Customers can use the on-line banking system to: on travelling or parking. .
• Check their balance and print statements • Your account could
• Manage direct debits • Statements can be be hacked or
• Transfer money internally and externally downloaded from a passwords stolen
to other accounts using EFT. given time period. from key logging
software.
• Apply for loans or credit cards.
• Several layers of
authentication.

Phone Phone banking is very similar to online banking in • Can talk directly to a • Call costs
that customers can complete similar tasks. representative from • May be put on
Banking the bank. hold for a long
Customers will have to enter in their account
• Ask additional queries time.
details to authenticate them to the system. Then which are not • Call times (9am-5pm)
WWW.YAHtMheAyDw.CilOl .hUaKve to select from various available are not flexible.
options by online.
the specified numbers keys.
Tutor: Ms Sheikha Hanna
Computers in Medicine
Type Use of Technology Advantages Disadvantages
Information • Keeping patient records in • Computers can take more • Equipment could
Systems in a database so correct accurate an more be expensive.
Medicine diagnosis can be given frequent readings of • Training would
according to patients patients. be required.
medical history. • Computers can respond • Regular
• Monitoring patients (vital quicker to any changes maintenance of
signs) using measure and in patients condition. the system
control systems • Staff are available to would be
• The use of expert systems complete other tasks. required.
to diagnose an illness. • Data can be stored • Systems could
in central place. stop responding.
• Saving physical space
which would be
required to stored
paper records.
3D printers • Surgical and Diagnostic Aids • Printing is relatively cheap. • Technology is
• Prosthetics • Printing can be still in the earl
• Tissue engineering faster compared to stages of
• Artificial blood vessels manufacturing parts. development.
• Designs of medical tools • Limited selection
and equipment of materials
available.
Computers in Libraries
Computers are used in libraries to keep a track on which books have been borrowed by
which members. Databases software is typically used to store details of the books and the
members.

Issuing of Books Advantages:

• Books and members can be identified by • Data from the books
unique barcodes which can be scanned in and the members
directly by barcode scanners. are entered quickly
• When a book is taken out the bar code is scanned and more accurately
as well as the barcode on the members card. compared to manual
• The due date is worked out by the date the methods.
book was issued.

Automatic Processing Advantages:

• The library’s database is checked on a daily basis • Members would
to check which books are due. be able to extend
• Liberians can quickly check if a book is available the lease period
to be borrowed or could provide specific dates to on the book
members when the book will be returned. borrowed online.
• Automatic emails could be sent to the members
to remind them of the due date.
Expert Systems
Expert systems are used to provide expert opinions without the need for the expert by using
a system allowing the user to query the knowledge base to find solutions to their problems.

User interface - Will allow user to interact knowledge base - Information

with the system to receive feedback. is developed by experts based
For example the user may be prompted to on a collection of facts and
enter their symptoms for a medical issue. rules.
For Example a medical diagnosis expert
system would be developed by doctors.
User
User Inference
Knowledge base
Interface Engine

Inference Engine - The Inference engine will act as a search engine.

It will query the knowledge base to match the query of the user. Rules Base
Additional questions could be to user to provide a more specific
diagnosis
Creating an Expert System

1. Data is gathered/collected from experts to create a knowledge base.

2. The rules base is designed/created based on the information from the knowledge base.
3. A user interface screen is designed/created which would provide the user with the ability to
interact with the system.
4. The inference engine is designed/created as link between the user interface and
the knowledge base.
5. The system is tested.

Examples

Car Diagnostic Expert System

Car engine will connected to the diagnostic expert

system. The expert system will automatically test certain
functions and provide feedback for repair.
Computers in the Retail Industry

POS (Point of Sale) is the place a transaction takes place. Customers can pay by cash or
using their debit/credit cards. Stock control systems can automatically update stock records
when items are purchased at the POS.

Bar code -6
scanner used to purchased
scan items at cans
POS
Current Stock 6 Cans Purchased Current Stock Level 4
Level 10 When goods are sold at the POS the
stock
control system is automatically updated.

If Stock Falls Below

5 (Pre-set)
True: Reorder 10
Order is sent to
Stock control system the suppliers.
automatically updates the stock The suppliers send a delivery Suppliers address details
levels adding the delivered goods. (10 cans of beans) to the stored in database.
store.
 EFTPOS (Electronic Fund Transfer Point of Sale) is when a customer uses a card to complete a
transaction.
1. Customer gives bank card to cashier at POS.
2. The cashier enters the card in to the chip and pin reader
Pin entered has and confirms the value of the purchase.
to be correct for
the transaction 3. The customer is requested to enter their pin. If Pin
to continue. The matches the Pin stored on the chip then the transaction can
card will also continue.
be checked for
validity (expiry 4. The shops computer will use the account details on the
chip to connect to the customers bank account and check If funds are not available
date/stolen).
the balance. a declined message will be
sent to the stores
5. If funds are sufficient then the transaction will be computer. The cashier will
approved. then request for another
method of payment
6. The purchase amount is subtracted from the customer’s
account and deposited into the shops banks account.

7. Once the transaction is complete receipt will be printed.

The cashier will give the card and receipt to the customer.
Computers in the Retail Industry
Internet banking and shopping is becoming more popular to users due to the development of
the internet and the advancement of mobile internet technology.

Advantages Disadvantages
• Internet is now available on more platforms • Online accounts could be
including applications available on phones and hacked/cards details could be stolen.
tablets. • Users require a internet connection
• Internet can be accessed 24/7. and need to be computer literate.
• No need to travel (saves money on travel/parking) • Lack of socialising/exercising.
• Saves time (No need to que in the banks or shops) • You can not see the goods before
• Access to wide range of goods on the internet. you buy (try on clothes).
• Useful for individuals who find it difficult to travel • Delays in delivery.
and goods can be delivered directly to your home.
• People can spend more time doing other leisure activities.

Effect on the company

• Less retail outlets required which means no rent or utility costs.
• Less staff required in retail outlets however specialist staff would have to
be employed to maintain the website and run the dispatch department.
• Online presence would attract more customers (Global).
• Lack of customer
interaction.
WWW.YAHMAD.CO.UK
Recognition Systems
Recognition Systems are used to directly enter data into a computer system. Recognition
systems tend to be more accurate and quicker method of entering data into a computer system
compared to manual methods.

MICR Magnetic ink which are found at the bottom of the checks
are scanned in to MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Reader).

Pencil or pen marks are scanned in by the OMR (Optical

OMR
Mark Reader).

Scanned text is converted into a format which can be

OCR
edited.

RFID Uses
radio waves to capture and store information on a
tag.
Sensors are used to detect a car
Number Plates (if its gone over the line)
and a signal will be send to the microprocessor to take
the image of the number plate.
Describe how RFID technology reads the details from the chip.

Explain why RFID technology is used for reading data from passports.
Describe how RFID technology reads the details from the chip.

• The chip is presented near a computer with a radio-frequency scanner

• The scanning antenna puts out radio-frequency signals in a relatively short range.
• It provides a means of communicating with the transponder/the RFID tag
• The scanning device provides energy…
• …so that the chips can broadcast the information in them…
• …for the computer to read.
Explain why RFID technology is used for reading data from passports.

• More secure than a traditional passport as biometric measurement data difficult

to forge
• Counterfeits can be more easily identified than non-RFID passports
• More rapid flow at security check points/quicker than reading it manually
Monitoring and Tracking Systems
Reasons for Monitoring and Tracking Systems:
• Surveillance (Potential Criminals/Terrorists)
• Tracking released prisoners to ensure they stay within an agreed location(Ankle monitors)
• Monitoring customers buying patterns.

Key Logging Call Monitoring

Key logging software monitors which keys Calls can be monitored by police as part of
have been pressed. Passwords and surveillance operations.
personal details can be obtained for Calls may also be monitored as training tool
malicious purposes by hackers. in call centres to improve employees
performance the quality of the customer
service.

Cookies Number Plate Recognition

When a user visits a website a cookie is Number plates can be tracked by cameras
created which could store the user browsing situated in specific locations to keep track
preferences: of whereabouts of a specific individuals to
• Language settings whom the car is licenced too.
• Items in the shopping cart
• Links which have been click on
Cookies essentially leave an
electronic footprint on user browsing
habits.
Satellite Systems
GPS (Global Positioning Systems)
GPS can determine a specific locations using satellite navigation systems.
• Cars, Ships, Planes can use GPS when navigating to specific locations.
• Walkers to locate position on hills/mountains.
• Used by runners to calculate distance.
Advantages: Disadvantages
• Drivers do not have to use maps • Loss of signal
• GPS can re-route and find • Maps have to be updated (New
quickest routes. roads may not be shown)
• Can provide useful locations of
amenities (e.g Petrol stations)

• Typically four satellites must be visible to the receiver.

• Calculates the distance from a receiver to the satellite.
• Calculates the position of the receiver.
GIS (Geographic Information System)
GIS allows for potential locations to be analysed based on specific queries.
GIS will allow users to see specific details on a location:
• Road Networks GIS will then combine these
• Community Services (e.g. Schools) specific details and allow the
• Environmental Features (e.g. Rivers) user to specify certain criteria
• Properties Details (e.g. about a particular location.
rental properties)

Business can use GIS to identify a suitable location for

their business taking into consideration:
• Road links which could be easily accessible for customers
and suppliers.
• Proximity of Customers to potential retail outlets.
• Availability of potential retail outlets mapped by the GIS to
give options to the business.
• Environmental features to avoid being close to flood risk zones.