Thursday, 30 October 2008
WLANs
I have researched the local community WLANs mentioned at www.wlan.org.uk:
These projects are mainly located in towns and cities where there are a number of people who wish to have internet access free or at a cost, or there is not a quality internet access. There are located over the world, mainly within the UK.
These projects have been created because there is not a good quality internet in the area i.e. Broadband, people want to share internet access with friends and neighbours, wish to provide free internet access, or provide access at a cost price.
These projects serve the local community, or people who visit the area, for example using laptops on the beach at Brighton and local businesses.
These projects have had an impact on the digital divide because they provide people with internet access who have a computer and have not thought of connecting to the internet, or has made people purchase a computer so that they can take advantage of the facilities.
These projects are mainly located in towns and cities where there are a number of people who wish to have internet access free or at a cost, or there is not a quality internet access. There are located over the world, mainly within the UK.
These projects have been created because there is not a good quality internet in the area i.e. Broadband, people want to share internet access with friends and neighbours, wish to provide free internet access, or provide access at a cost price.
These projects serve the local community, or people who visit the area, for example using laptops on the beach at Brighton and local businesses.
These projects have had an impact on the digital divide because they provide people with internet access who have a computer and have not thought of connecting to the internet, or has made people purchase a computer so that they can take advantage of the facilities.
ICT at my Library
The Gosport Discovery Centre
Community Use:
There are 40 People's Network computers for high speed access to the internet. It is safe and secure. You can send email and use software to make your own documents, presentations, spreadsheets and pictures. It's free to use.
You can choose a quick use computer for 30 minutes or a bookable computer for longer. We also have a colour laser printer and scanners which will enable you to print good quality images. Each computer also has software to help people with a visual or a hearing impairment.
You don't need to book, however to guarantee a session it is best to do so. You can book in person using one of the machines or by phone - tel 023 92523431 quoting your borrower number. You will need a library borrower card to make a booking.
Start using the InternetBeginners sessions are held monthly. Please telephone to book.
Reference Library Online We have free access to the latest and most up to date information available. All you need is your library card number.
ICT is used in the library for book issuing, this is because it is a quick and efficient method as all data is collected and collated by the computer is held in the database. They are able to see who has what books and when they are due back, they can see if a book is in stock and whereabouts it is located, they are also able to get books from other libraries for a small cost if you are an adult, which can be useful as it enables them to read and use books from other libraries within Hampshire and not just at your small local library. If the library did not use the computer it would not be as easy and would be more difficult. Also, the staff need limited IT skills to use the system, which is an advantage because not all have high level of IT competence, and some had never used a computer before.
Community Use:
There are 40 People's Network computers for high speed access to the internet. It is safe and secure. You can send email and use software to make your own documents, presentations, spreadsheets and pictures. It's free to use.
You can choose a quick use computer for 30 minutes or a bookable computer for longer. We also have a colour laser printer and scanners which will enable you to print good quality images. Each computer also has software to help people with a visual or a hearing impairment.
You don't need to book, however to guarantee a session it is best to do so. You can book in person using one of the machines or by phone - tel 023 92523431 quoting your borrower number. You will need a library borrower card to make a booking.
Start using the InternetBeginners sessions are held monthly. Please telephone to book.
Reference Library Online We have free access to the latest and most up to date information available. All you need is your library card number.
ICT is used in the library for book issuing, this is because it is a quick and efficient method as all data is collected and collated by the computer is held in the database. They are able to see who has what books and when they are due back, they can see if a book is in stock and whereabouts it is located, they are also able to get books from other libraries for a small cost if you are an adult, which can be useful as it enables them to read and use books from other libraries within Hampshire and not just at your small local library. If the library did not use the computer it would not be as easy and would be more difficult. Also, the staff need limited IT skills to use the system, which is an advantage because not all have high level of IT competence, and some had never used a computer before.
Local Community ICT Access
I have researched the provision of ICT in the community within my home town. The disadvantaged groups which could benefit the most from having access to digital technologies are the people who are unemployed, or are unable to afford a computer and access to the internet. The current impact on the digital divide in Gosport is that there are many people who have access to the internet and many who do not. The people who mainly have access to IT at home are people who have well paid jobs, own their own homes and are educated in IT, the people without IT access at home are people who are unemployed, the elderly and people who are uneducated/have a fear of using IT. The disadvantaged groups are served by these initiatives because there are a number of libraries in the town, which all have computers which can used for free which give the disadvantaged groups access to computers and the internet who may otherwise not use it. There are also a number of courses which are designed to give people the essential IT skills, for example at the Gosport Discovery Centre there are 40 People's Network computers for high speed access to the internet. Which are safe and secure. People can send email and use software to make their own documents, presentations, spreadsheets and pictures. This is free to use. There are also colour laser printers and scanners which enable people to print good quality images. In addition, there is software to help people with a visual or a hearing impairment. Plus, there are beginners sessions which are held monthly to teach people the basics in IT. There are also evening classes held at St. Vincent’s College, Bridgemary Community Sports College and Bay House School for basic and more adbanced computer skills and qualifications including Clait and ECDL, however, you have to pay for this.
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Research Initiatives to Fund the Digital Divide
I have chosen to carry out some researh into UK Online project in depth.
I have made a presentation evaluating the project in terms of its potential to reduce the digital divide. Here is a summary:
Introduction
UK ONLINE is a major government project, started in 2001, to give computer access to people in the community and to help them learn new ICT skills.
There are now over 6000 UK Online Centres, located in libraries, schools and community centres.
What is its purpose?
To teach people essential ICT skills to save yourself time, hassle and money by getting them online.
UK online centres provide people with free or low-cost access to computers and the internet.
Together with help and advice on how to use them.
How it relates to the digital divide
UK online is reducing the digital divide by giving people the essential skills by getting them online, by giving then free or low-cost access to computers and the internet, with help and advice which is essential in making the digital divide, as more people will be online and taking advantage of this resource.
Who are its main target clients?
Its target clients are anyone who wishes to learn new IT skills and are willing to learn.
They can be almost anywhere within the UK as there are over 6000 centres all over the country.
The people do not have to be earning as it can you can get free access.
What are its strengths and weaknesses?
Its strengths are that there are over 6000 centres across the UK and that the service is free and that the site is very user friendly, which is essential as the site is designed for people with limited IT knowledge.
However, the weaknesses of the service are that people may loose/forget their IT skills if they do not continually use them.
What improvements could be made?
There could be more paper based information on this service, as I had not heard of the service, and as it is attracting people with no internet access or computer skills it cannot rely on the internet.
I have made a presentation evaluating the project in terms of its potential to reduce the digital divide. Here is a summary:
Introduction
UK ONLINE is a major government project, started in 2001, to give computer access to people in the community and to help them learn new ICT skills.
There are now over 6000 UK Online Centres, located in libraries, schools and community centres.
What is its purpose?
To teach people essential ICT skills to save yourself time, hassle and money by getting them online.
UK online centres provide people with free or low-cost access to computers and the internet.
Together with help and advice on how to use them.
How it relates to the digital divide
UK online is reducing the digital divide by giving people the essential skills by getting them online, by giving then free or low-cost access to computers and the internet, with help and advice which is essential in making the digital divide, as more people will be online and taking advantage of this resource.
Who are its main target clients?
Its target clients are anyone who wishes to learn new IT skills and are willing to learn.
They can be almost anywhere within the UK as there are over 6000 centres all over the country.
The people do not have to be earning as it can you can get free access.
What are its strengths and weaknesses?
Its strengths are that there are over 6000 centres across the UK and that the service is free and that the site is very user friendly, which is essential as the site is designed for people with limited IT knowledge.
However, the weaknesses of the service are that people may loose/forget their IT skills if they do not continually use them.
What improvements could be made?
There could be more paper based information on this service, as I had not heard of the service, and as it is attracting people with no internet access or computer skills it cannot rely on the internet.
Bridging the gap: examples of initiatives
UK Online
University for Industry
Learn Direct
British Educational Communication and Technology Association
Wired up Communities initiative
Newham
Computers within Reach
Spanning the digital divide – UK’s Get Started Campaign
Hertfordshire County Council
Internet Rangers
Kids key to closing the digital divide
UK Online Direct Support system
"...community broadband sector"
University for Industry
Learn Direct
British Educational Communication and Technology Association
Wired up Communities initiative
Newham
Computers within Reach
Spanning the digital divide – UK’s Get Started Campaign
Hertfordshire County Council
Internet Rangers
Kids key to closing the digital divide
UK Online Direct Support system
"...community broadband sector"
CASE STUDY – ICT and Pensioners in Rural England
I feel that digital technologies have made a genuine impact on the couple’s lives because they are now able to carry out a range of activities, much faster and easier with having access to a computer. For example they are able to keep in touch with friends and relatives at a low price, take digital photos, word process and shop online. In addition, they have been able to carry out research into their past and have made friends with people they went to school with, all of this would not have been as possible, as easily and at a low price if it was not for the computer and internet access.
Their lives would be poorer if they did not have access to ICT at home because they would not be able to take advantage of the services discussed above. For example, Clive would still be hand writing letters and having to photocopy letters for his committee; where has now he is able to work process them and keep multiple copies. It would be more difficult for them to keep in touch with friends and relatives, as it was cost more and not be as fast. They have been able to use there digital camera which is c heaper and easier to use than a traditional 35mm. in addition, they would not have been able to undertake research into their past, and find old friends, which has made their lives more interesting during their retirement.
The couple were able to afford their own computer. Access in the community centre three miles away would be useful to the couple because they would be able to learn new skills that they would not have learned otherwise both on the 10 week course and having access in general where they would be able to ask questions if they got into difficulty. By having access in the community, they would be able to talk to other people and hear their experience and pass their knowledge on to one other about sites or programmes that were particularly useful to them when carryout their day to day business and making their lives easier and more technology advance. However, if they had no pay for this access they may not use the facility as they already have access which they are paying for.
Their lives would be poorer if they did not have access to ICT at home because they would not be able to take advantage of the services discussed above. For example, Clive would still be hand writing letters and having to photocopy letters for his committee; where has now he is able to work process them and keep multiple copies. It would be more difficult for them to keep in touch with friends and relatives, as it was cost more and not be as fast. They have been able to use there digital camera which is c heaper and easier to use than a traditional 35mm. in addition, they would not have been able to undertake research into their past, and find old friends, which has made their lives more interesting during their retirement.
The couple were able to afford their own computer. Access in the community centre three miles away would be useful to the couple because they would be able to learn new skills that they would not have learned otherwise both on the 10 week course and having access in general where they would be able to ask questions if they got into difficulty. By having access in the community, they would be able to talk to other people and hear their experience and pass their knowledge on to one other about sites or programmes that were particularly useful to them when carryout their day to day business and making their lives easier and more technology advance. However, if they had no pay for this access they may not use the facility as they already have access which they are paying for.
Who studies computing subjects?
In the situation that I am studying there are two girls and eighteen boys studying computing subjects post-16 in my class of twenty pupils. This is similar to my GCSE class where there were two girls and six boys.
There is a significant difference between the two genders. Because of this I have chosen to investigate why this is the case. I think that it could be said that women choose different jobs to men, and these jobs do not require computer skills and so choose not study them. Also many may see computers very masculine, and may feel they are for males, and so choose to avoid them. In addition, if people do not have the need to use computers for non-work related use, i.e. playing games for keeping in touch they may choose not to study the subject.
I think that this has an impact on girls and society as a whole because there will be less females with advanced computer skills, and that as new technologies are invented and become more affordable, I believe that these IT skills will be invaluable, especially as now there are many people who are being left behind, and not keeping up with the latest technology.
There is a significant difference between the two genders. Because of this I have chosen to investigate why this is the case. I think that it could be said that women choose different jobs to men, and these jobs do not require computer skills and so choose not study them. Also many may see computers very masculine, and may feel they are for males, and so choose to avoid them. In addition, if people do not have the need to use computers for non-work related use, i.e. playing games for keeping in touch they may choose not to study the subject.
I think that this has an impact on girls and society as a whole because there will be less females with advanced computer skills, and that as new technologies are invented and become more affordable, I believe that these IT skills will be invaluable, especially as now there are many people who are being left behind, and not keeping up with the latest technology.
What is the impact of the internet access for the homeless?
Five ways in which access to the internet could change the life of a homeless person for the better include:
≈ Look for a job
≈ Find suitable accommodation
≈ Find out where free places to stay are located, including soup kitchens
≈ Keeping in touch with friends and family
≈ Take advantage of online learning
The impact of not having access to the internet has on that homeless person is that they are unable to communicate with friends and family and therefore loose touch, they are unable to look for a job without going to the job centre for example. Plus they could miss out on vital information for them, i.e. how they could earn grants or benefits and where they could stay for free or their local soup kitchen for food.
Five things that are more important to that person than the internet include:
≈ Shelter
≈ Food
≈ Clothing
≈ Security
≈ Companionship
≈ Look for a job
≈ Find suitable accommodation
≈ Find out where free places to stay are located, including soup kitchens
≈ Keeping in touch with friends and family
≈ Take advantage of online learning
The impact of not having access to the internet has on that homeless person is that they are unable to communicate with friends and family and therefore loose touch, they are unable to look for a job without going to the job centre for example. Plus they could miss out on vital information for them, i.e. how they could earn grants or benefits and where they could stay for free or their local soup kitchen for food.
Five things that are more important to that person than the internet include:
≈ Shelter
≈ Food
≈ Clothing
≈ Security
≈ Companionship
Conclusion
There is a clear digital divide between the developed and developing countries. It has been said by many world leaders that bridging this divide is one of the essential steps towards abolition of world poverty, and would be the precursor of great economic age. There is clearly some truth in this proposition but it should be treated with caution. For example, remember that half of the world’s population has never made a telephone call. 70% of the world’s poor live in remote, rural areas with almost no telecoms links to the outside world. There have been some innovative and political solutions to the problems causing, and caused by, the divide, but we are at the start of a very long process which is as much as socio-economics and political one as a technical one.
Friday, 24 October 2008
What did the World Summit Achieve?
I have studied the three reports on the World Summit and have come to the following conclusions.
The aim of the summit was to set ambitious goals to ensure that more than half of the world has access to some form of electronic media by 2015.
Three positive points that have come out of the summit are that delegates produced a statement of principles and an action plan intended to ensure that more than half the world has access to some form of electronic media by 2015. Plus there was a growing awareness of leaders of the political, economic and social impact of the internet and other communication technologies which was essential.
Three negative points that have come out of the summit are that people felt that words will not change things and that money and resources are really needed and that policy making was undermined by discussions on political issues.
To conclude, I think that this summit was successful because the world leaders were able to discuss the Information Age and they made some important decisions and set a deadline that half the world will have access to some sort of electronic media by 2015. However, I feel that we will have to wait until 2015 to see if the summit was successful, as we will see if the deadline was met, or how close we were to doing that.
The aim of the summit was to set ambitious goals to ensure that more than half of the world has access to some form of electronic media by 2015.
Three positive points that have come out of the summit are that delegates produced a statement of principles and an action plan intended to ensure that more than half the world has access to some form of electronic media by 2015. Plus there was a growing awareness of leaders of the political, economic and social impact of the internet and other communication technologies which was essential.
Three negative points that have come out of the summit are that people felt that words will not change things and that money and resources are really needed and that policy making was undermined by discussions on political issues.
To conclude, I think that this summit was successful because the world leaders were able to discuss the Information Age and they made some important decisions and set a deadline that half the world will have access to some sort of electronic media by 2015. However, I feel that we will have to wait until 2015 to see if the summit was successful, as we will see if the deadline was met, or how close we were to doing that.
Email in the Solomons
I have studied the news report on the creation of an internet link for the Solomon Islands on the BBC website. The extent of the divide in the Solomons Islands is that they are quite advanced because they have devised a number of solutions for their wish to communicate with the islands. The first is radio communications; however, this gave little privacy so they moved to satellite phone. This proved to be too costly for the majority, so it was decided that they would have a number of community centres which are owned by the community which contained a computer. This computer would then allow the people to email friends and family on neighbouring islands. Because of the success of this project they have decided to explore the possibilities of distance-learning and e-commerce, providing they can increase the bandwidth. The problems that have caused the divide are that the islands have endured years of bloodshed, corruption and economic decline. One further initiative that would be useful to the islanders in reducing the digital divide is that people could by second hand computers cheaply and then access a wireless signal emitted by these centres which would allow people to access the communications, distance learning and ecommerce.
Case Study - Laos
What is the extent of the digital divide in Laos?
The digital divide in Laos in huge, this is because there is thought to be less than 15000 computers.
Only 1% of the population have a fixed phone line
Literacy is low at 47%
Electricity is only available in a few urban areas
Lack of written information
What problems have caused the divide?
The mountainous geography
The weather with its monsoon rains
A lack of coordination among government agencies
Lack of IT standards to allow integration between systems
Lack of IT knowledge
Poor power and telecommunications infrastructure
Poor ISP service
High costs of ICT
Lack of language support
What is the impact of the divide on Laos?
Laos is one of the poorest countries in the world and has many people who are unable to read and write, or do not work and live in poverty.
Because they are not technically advanced or have the capabilities to the people are missing out are disadvantaged because of the divide.
This could be improved of the solutions were more wide spread.
What solutions have been provided so far?
Cantennae
Pedal powered wireless computer in Phon Kham
The Jhai Foundation PC and communication and internet learning centres
Educational, Social, Economic and Cultural Impacts of the Solutions
Many people world be able to take advantage of the facilities and then make economic use, communicate with friends and family, lean new skills and research their culture and other things which may I interest them, e.g. current affairs.
This would have both positive and negative impacts for the people of Laos
The digital divide in Laos in huge, this is because there is thought to be less than 15000 computers.
Only 1% of the population have a fixed phone line
Literacy is low at 47%
Electricity is only available in a few urban areas
Lack of written information
What problems have caused the divide?
The mountainous geography
The weather with its monsoon rains
A lack of coordination among government agencies
Lack of IT standards to allow integration between systems
Lack of IT knowledge
Poor power and telecommunications infrastructure
Poor ISP service
High costs of ICT
Lack of language support
What is the impact of the divide on Laos?
Laos is one of the poorest countries in the world and has many people who are unable to read and write, or do not work and live in poverty.
Because they are not technically advanced or have the capabilities to the people are missing out are disadvantaged because of the divide.
This could be improved of the solutions were more wide spread.
What solutions have been provided so far?
Cantennae
Pedal powered wireless computer in Phon Kham
The Jhai Foundation PC and communication and internet learning centres
Educational, Social, Economic and Cultural Impacts of the Solutions
Many people world be able to take advantage of the facilities and then make economic use, communicate with friends and family, lean new skills and research their culture and other things which may I interest them, e.g. current affairs.
This would have both positive and negative impacts for the people of Laos
Discussion – The Success of Wireless Technology
Wireless technology is a successful solution to the digital divide because it is an idea to overcome the lack of internet access. Because it allows a vehicle to be driven round a fixed route collecting and transmitting wirelessly to villages on a set path. This is done as the vehicle has a mobile access point. This allows people to upload and download from the internet.
Wireless technology overcomes the fact that communications and infrastructure have to be installed. This allows remote villages to have access to email, messaging, bulletin boards, video and audio broadcast, information collection and much more.
The growth in available wireless technology has a clear social, economic, educational and cultural benefits for the society involved because people are able to access the wealth of information available on the internet. For example people can communicate, be educated, buy and sell goods and learn and research about their history and find the latest information in the world.
Wireless technology overcomes the fact that communications and infrastructure have to be installed. This allows remote villages to have access to email, messaging, bulletin boards, video and audio broadcast, information collection and much more.
The growth in available wireless technology has a clear social, economic, educational and cultural benefits for the society involved because people are able to access the wealth of information available on the internet. For example people can communicate, be educated, buy and sell goods and learn and research about their history and find the latest information in the world.
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Investigate changes in access
The ITU has also created an index to measure and monitor access to digital technologies over time.
I have chosen two of these case studies from its list of countries and have created a short presentation on how these countries’ access to digital technologies has changed over time.
I have chosen two of these case studies from its list of countries and have created a short presentation on how these countries’ access to digital technologies has changed over time.
Reducing the divide
▲ There are a number of advantages for the developed world in bridging the global digital divide, for example it is key to the development of the world and is essential to promote wealth in the global economy.
▲ There are a number of advantages for the poorest nations, for example it will allow them to take advantage and use the facilities that we use for granted, for example communication and ecommerce, it will allow them to become a larger player with the rest of the developed world and other developing countries.
▲ President Clinton was correct in saying that matching internet access levels with telephone levels will do as much as anything to reduce income quality because it will fight poverty as more people will be able to get work, and maybe use educational resources online and communicate.
▲ I think that charities such as Computer Aid do more good than harm because they provide only the highest-quality, professionally refurbished computers for reuse in education, health and not-for-profit organisations in developing countries. For example Computer Aid has shipped over 130,000 PCs to where they are most needed in more than 100 countries, making them the world's largest and most experienced ICT 4 Development provider. This means that they are helping people who would not usually use computers take advantage of this great resource and wealth of information.
▲ There are a number of advantages for the poorest nations, for example it will allow them to take advantage and use the facilities that we use for granted, for example communication and ecommerce, it will allow them to become a larger player with the rest of the developed world and other developing countries.
▲ President Clinton was correct in saying that matching internet access levels with telephone levels will do as much as anything to reduce income quality because it will fight poverty as more people will be able to get work, and maybe use educational resources online and communicate.
▲ I think that charities such as Computer Aid do more good than harm because they provide only the highest-quality, professionally refurbished computers for reuse in education, health and not-for-profit organisations in developing countries. For example Computer Aid has shipped over 130,000 PCs to where they are most needed in more than 100 countries, making them the world's largest and most experienced ICT 4 Development provider. This means that they are helping people who would not usually use computers take advantage of this great resource and wealth of information.
Monday, 20 October 2008
Investigate the impact of access to telecoms
Using the CIA World Factbook as my main source, I have compared the telecoms sectors of the Central African Republic, Costa Rica, Singapore, the UK and on other under-served country of my choice which is ? The following table shows my findings:
Data Response
I have read the article ‘Women and information technology in Sub-Saharan Africa’ by Dr Mayuri Odra-Syraub.
■ Dr Odedra cites a number of infrastructural reasons for the lack of effective ICT. For example, a reliable power supply to operate the computers, a well-functioning telephone network to transmit data, foreign currency to import the technology, and computer-literate personnel.
■ … is identified as the most pressing need for Africa in terms of ICT.
■ The computer-aid projects have been mostly unsuccessful.
■ They have failed because of the lack of secondary equipment, suitable electric power, or training.
■ A number of computer skills are identified as lacking, for example systems analysis, programming, maintenance and consulting, and at all operational levels from basic use to management.
■ Also the lack of business skills are identified as a major problem. These include the lack of long-term business plans in many organizations, business aptitudes and business practices.
■ Dr Odedra cites a number of infrastructural reasons for the lack of effective ICT. For example, a reliable power supply to operate the computers, a well-functioning telephone network to transmit data, foreign currency to import the technology, and computer-literate personnel.
■ … is identified as the most pressing need for Africa in terms of ICT.
■ The computer-aid projects have been mostly unsuccessful.
■ They have failed because of the lack of secondary equipment, suitable electric power, or training.
■ A number of computer skills are identified as lacking, for example systems analysis, programming, maintenance and consulting, and at all operational levels from basic use to management.
■ Also the lack of business skills are identified as a major problem. These include the lack of long-term business plans in many organizations, business aptitudes and business practices.
What leads to being on the wrong side of the divide?
The least digitally-developed countries according to the ITU are Guinea Biseau, Chad, Mali, Burkino Fasso, and Niger.
I have used an atlas and information from the ITU, Spectrum Online the World Bank and CIA Factbook, and have found a number of reasons why they might be on the wrong side of the digital divide.
Guinea Bissau
The Republic of Guinea-Bissau is a country in western Africa, and one of the smallest nations in continental Africa. It is bordered by Senegal to the north and Guinea to the south and east, with the Atlantic Ocean to its west. This country is likely to be on the wrong side of the divide, because it is a small African nation, and is one of the five poorest nations in the world, and depends mainly on farming and fishing. Because of this it is likely that there is not enough money to fund research or the purchasing of computer technologies, and that farming and fishing are manual jobs and can be hard to mechanise. Furthermore, it has a low electricity consumption of 55.8 million kWh and is not reliable and has a GDP of $343 million.
Chad
The Republic of Chad is a landlocked country in central Africa. It is bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon and Nigeria to the southwest, and Niger to the west. Chad is likely to be on the wrong side of the divide because of its distance from the sea which means it’s largely desert country, which means that the insulation of telecommunications if difficult. In addition, just a quarter of the population are educated (can read and write French or Arabic) which means that only this small minority are likely to be able to use a computer if they were given the opportunity, as you have to interact with it. It has a GDP of $7.095 billion, and has almost 50% working in industry and 20% in agriculture, however, is mostly manual work, as this method is cheaper than buying a computer which could cost six years worth of salaries.
I have used an atlas and information from the ITU, Spectrum Online the World Bank and CIA Factbook, and have found a number of reasons why they might be on the wrong side of the digital divide.
Guinea Bissau
The Republic of Guinea-Bissau is a country in western Africa, and one of the smallest nations in continental Africa. It is bordered by Senegal to the north and Guinea to the south and east, with the Atlantic Ocean to its west. This country is likely to be on the wrong side of the divide, because it is a small African nation, and is one of the five poorest nations in the world, and depends mainly on farming and fishing. Because of this it is likely that there is not enough money to fund research or the purchasing of computer technologies, and that farming and fishing are manual jobs and can be hard to mechanise. Furthermore, it has a low electricity consumption of 55.8 million kWh and is not reliable and has a GDP of $343 million.
Chad
The Republic of Chad is a landlocked country in central Africa. It is bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon and Nigeria to the southwest, and Niger to the west. Chad is likely to be on the wrong side of the divide because of its distance from the sea which means it’s largely desert country, which means that the insulation of telecommunications if difficult. In addition, just a quarter of the population are educated (can read and write French or Arabic) which means that only this small minority are likely to be able to use a computer if they were given the opportunity, as you have to interact with it. It has a GDP of $7.095 billion, and has almost 50% working in industry and 20% in agriculture, however, is mostly manual work, as this method is cheaper than buying a computer which could cost six years worth of salaries.
Mali
The Republic of Mali is a landlocked nation in Western Africa. Mali is the seventh largest country in Africa, bordering Algeria on the north, Niger on the east, Burkina Faso and the Côte d'Ivoire on the south, Guinea on the south-west, and Senegal and Mauritania on the west. Mali has a mixed climate as it is subtropical to arid and its terrain is mostly flat to rolling northern plains covered by sand; savanna in south and rugged hills in northeast which means that the installation of telecommunications is hard. Plus Mali is among the poorest countries in the world and with 65% of its land area desert it is not appealing to industry.
The Republic of Mali is a landlocked nation in Western Africa. Mali is the seventh largest country in Africa, bordering Algeria on the north, Niger on the east, Burkina Faso and the Côte d'Ivoire on the south, Guinea on the south-west, and Senegal and Mauritania on the west. Mali has a mixed climate as it is subtropical to arid and its terrain is mostly flat to rolling northern plains covered by sand; savanna in south and rugged hills in northeast which means that the installation of telecommunications is hard. Plus Mali is among the poorest countries in the world and with 65% of its land area desert it is not appealing to industry.
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is a landlocked nation in West Africa. It is surrounded by six countries: Mali to the north, Niger to the east, Benin to the south east, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Côte d'Ivoire to the south west. There have been a number of recent droughts and desertification which has severely affected agricultural activities, population distribution, and the economy. This has led to there not being excess in money to invest in new technologies, which has meant that they are on the wrong side of the divide.
Burkina Faso is a landlocked nation in West Africa. It is surrounded by six countries: Mali to the north, Niger to the east, Benin to the south east, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Côte d'Ivoire to the south west. There have been a number of recent droughts and desertification which has severely affected agricultural activities, population distribution, and the economy. This has led to there not being excess in money to invest in new technologies, which has meant that they are on the wrong side of the divide.
Niger
Niger is a landlocked country in Western Africa, named after the Niger River. It borders Nigeria and Benin to the south, Burkina Faso and Mali to the west, Algeria and Libya to the north and Chad to the east. Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranking near last on the United Nations Development Fund index of human development. As it is so poor the country has other things to develop before it even thinks about becoming more digitally advance, due to its poor wealth, it is on the wrong side of the digital divide.
Niger is a landlocked country in Western Africa, named after the Niger River. It borders Nigeria and Benin to the south, Burkina Faso and Mali to the west, Algeria and Libya to the north and Chad to the east. Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranking near last on the United Nations Development Fund index of human development. As it is so poor the country has other things to develop before it even thinks about becoming more digitally advance, due to its poor wealth, it is on the wrong side of the digital divide.
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Investigate ICT Legislation
The Information Age has brought with it the need for its own set of laws to regulate, monitor and control the way in which we conduct our personal, social and working lives when using ICT. In the UK these include:
Health and Safety at Work Act (1947)
Cover employers’ responsibilities, especially where employees work with computer systems.
Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations (1992)
Cover employers’ responsibilities, especially where employees work with computer systems.
Data Protection Act (1984)
There are eight principals to this act:
1 – Data must be processed fairly and lawfully
2 – Data must be obtained only from specified purposes and must not be processed in any other way.
3 – Data must be adequate, relevant and not excessive in relation to the purpose.
4 – Data must be accurate and, where necessary, up-to-date.
5 – Data must not be kept longer that is necessary for the registered purpose.
6 – Data must be processed in accordance with the rights of the data subject.
7 – Measures must be taken to prevent unlawful processing or accidental damage/loss of data.
8 – Data must not be transferred to a country outside the European Economic Area unless that country has an adequate level of data protection and legislation.
Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1988)
This law makes it illegal to steal or make unauthorised copies of software, the act also covers CD-ROMs, music and books. Individuals who break this law face an unlimited fine. The law mostly get broken when using software without a proper licence, software piracy and illegally downloading material from the Internet.
Computer Misuse Act (1990)
If somebody hacks into a computer system they are able to read, copy or damage private data. Reading data is not a serious crime; however, it is an invasion of privacy. The advantage of this law is that that as computer use grew during the 70s and 80s, there was an increased in computer fraud. The disadvantage of this law is that prosecuting hackers can be very difficult. There are three levels of offences under this act:
Level 1 – unauthorised access to computer material
Level 2 – unauthorised access with intent to cause a further offence
Level 3 – unauthorised changing or deleting of files
Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (2000)
This law allows lawful interception of postal, telecommunications and digital communications in certain circumstances.
Freedom of Information Act (2005)
This deals with access to official information. This means you can find out information on any topic from any public authority including government, health services, schools and police.
Health and Safety at Work Act (1947)
Cover employers’ responsibilities, especially where employees work with computer systems.
Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations (1992)
Cover employers’ responsibilities, especially where employees work with computer systems.
Data Protection Act (1984)
There are eight principals to this act:
1 – Data must be processed fairly and lawfully
2 – Data must be obtained only from specified purposes and must not be processed in any other way.
3 – Data must be adequate, relevant and not excessive in relation to the purpose.
4 – Data must be accurate and, where necessary, up-to-date.
5 – Data must not be kept longer that is necessary for the registered purpose.
6 – Data must be processed in accordance with the rights of the data subject.
7 – Measures must be taken to prevent unlawful processing or accidental damage/loss of data.
8 – Data must not be transferred to a country outside the European Economic Area unless that country has an adequate level of data protection and legislation.
Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1988)
This law makes it illegal to steal or make unauthorised copies of software, the act also covers CD-ROMs, music and books. Individuals who break this law face an unlimited fine. The law mostly get broken when using software without a proper licence, software piracy and illegally downloading material from the Internet.
Computer Misuse Act (1990)
If somebody hacks into a computer system they are able to read, copy or damage private data. Reading data is not a serious crime; however, it is an invasion of privacy. The advantage of this law is that that as computer use grew during the 70s and 80s, there was an increased in computer fraud. The disadvantage of this law is that prosecuting hackers can be very difficult. There are three levels of offences under this act:
Level 1 – unauthorised access to computer material
Level 2 – unauthorised access with intent to cause a further offence
Level 3 – unauthorised changing or deleting of files
Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (2000)
This law allows lawful interception of postal, telecommunications and digital communications in certain circumstances.
Freedom of Information Act (2005)
This deals with access to official information. This means you can find out information on any topic from any public authority including government, health services, schools and police.
Society and the Individual
George Orwell wrote about how technology could be used to control us in his famous vision of totalitarian future, 1984, published in 1948.
"1984 is possibly the definitive dystopian novel, set in a world beyond our imagining. A world where totalitarianism really is total, all power split into three roughly equal groups--Eastasia, Eurasia, and Oceania. 1984 is set in Oceania, which includes the United Kingdom, where the story is set, known as Airstrip One.
Winston Smith is a middle-aged, unhealthy character, based loosely on Orwell's own frail body, an underling of the ruling oligarchy, The Party. The Party has taken early 20th century totalitarianism to new depths, with each person subjected to 24 hour surveillance, where people's very thoughts are controlled to ensure purity of the oligarchical system in place. Figurehead of the system is the omnipresent and omnipotent Big Brother.
But Winston believes there is another way.
1984 joins Winston as he sets about another day, where his job is to change history by changing old newspaper records to match with the new truth as decided by the Party.
"He who controls the past, controls the future" is a Party slogan to live by and it gives Winston his job, but Winston cannot see it like that. Barely old enough to recall a time when things were different, he sets out to expose the Party for the cynically fraudulent organisation that it is. He is joined by Julia, a beautiful young woman much in contrast with Winston physically, but equally sickened by the excesses of her rulers.
You will meet many recognisable characters, themes, and words which have become part of our everyday life as you read 1984. Where did Big Brother first appear? Certainly not on Australian TV! Written in Orwell's inimitable journalistic style, 1984 is a tribute to a man who saw the true dangers of historian Lord Acton's (1834-1902) statement: "Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely."
"1984 is possibly the definitive dystopian novel, set in a world beyond our imagining. A world where totalitarianism really is total, all power split into three roughly equal groups--Eastasia, Eurasia, and Oceania. 1984 is set in Oceania, which includes the United Kingdom, where the story is set, known as Airstrip One.
Winston Smith is a middle-aged, unhealthy character, based loosely on Orwell's own frail body, an underling of the ruling oligarchy, The Party. The Party has taken early 20th century totalitarianism to new depths, with each person subjected to 24 hour surveillance, where people's very thoughts are controlled to ensure purity of the oligarchical system in place. Figurehead of the system is the omnipresent and omnipotent Big Brother.
But Winston believes there is another way.
1984 joins Winston as he sets about another day, where his job is to change history by changing old newspaper records to match with the new truth as decided by the Party.
"He who controls the past, controls the future" is a Party slogan to live by and it gives Winston his job, but Winston cannot see it like that. Barely old enough to recall a time when things were different, he sets out to expose the Party for the cynically fraudulent organisation that it is. He is joined by Julia, a beautiful young woman much in contrast with Winston physically, but equally sickened by the excesses of her rulers.
You will meet many recognisable characters, themes, and words which have become part of our everyday life as you read 1984. Where did Big Brother first appear? Certainly not on Australian TV! Written in Orwell's inimitable journalistic style, 1984 is a tribute to a man who saw the true dangers of historian Lord Acton's (1834-1902) statement: "Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely."
http://www.online-literature.com/orwell/1984/
The following is a review of some of the comments the US’s response to homeland security at the following websites:
☼ The Whitehouse
☼ Robert Gladd
☼ Human Rights First
To what extent should be allow society to ‘look after’ us and as a result, deprive us of individual freedom?
The following is a review of some of the comments the US’s response to homeland security at the following websites:
☼ The Whitehouse
☼ Robert Gladd
☼ Human Rights First
To what extent should be allow society to ‘look after’ us and as a result, deprive us of individual freedom?
Monitoring Internet & Email Use
There are a number of advantages that the content monitoring system has for an organisation such as an estate agency because they are able to monitor what their staff are using the internet and email for. This is good for the organisation as they are able to keep an eye on their staff, and will be able to see when they are working and when they are not and using the system for their pleasure. This could make the workforce more productive because they will be less likely to not use the system for non-work related use.
However, there are a number of negative impacts it might have for the organisation including staff may feel have they have no privacy, as they will be being monitored, and they access can be viewed by somebody else. This may also be costly for the organisation, as they will have to purchase additional software to enable them to monitor their staff’s internet and email use.
There are a number of advantages for the employees of the state agency including the fact they may like the idea that they are being monitored because it will make them more productive, because they will know that if they use the system for non-work related or looking for other jobs, they are likely to be logged.
There are a number of problems this system might have for an employee who only uses the system for business purposes because if a word which they were using online, was a keyword which would log them on the system which could mean that they get into trouble, and they were using the system for its intended purpose.
The following are some of my own recommendations about the use of this system:
♣ They can only send email messages to customers who are registered and on the mailing list, this will mean that it will be harder for them to email friends, or send their CVs because they must firstly be registered.
♣ The organisation could set up a walled garden, where only verified sites can be viewed on the system, this would mean that staff could only view what the organisation feel is appropriate.
However, there are a number of negative impacts it might have for the organisation including staff may feel have they have no privacy, as they will be being monitored, and they access can be viewed by somebody else. This may also be costly for the organisation, as they will have to purchase additional software to enable them to monitor their staff’s internet and email use.
There are a number of advantages for the employees of the state agency including the fact they may like the idea that they are being monitored because it will make them more productive, because they will know that if they use the system for non-work related or looking for other jobs, they are likely to be logged.
There are a number of problems this system might have for an employee who only uses the system for business purposes because if a word which they were using online, was a keyword which would log them on the system which could mean that they get into trouble, and they were using the system for its intended purpose.
The following are some of my own recommendations about the use of this system:
♣ They can only send email messages to customers who are registered and on the mailing list, this will mean that it will be harder for them to email friends, or send their CVs because they must firstly be registered.
♣ The organisation could set up a walled garden, where only verified sites can be viewed on the system, this would mean that staff could only view what the organisation feel is appropriate.
Teen Arrive Allive GPS Tracking System
“Teen Arrive Alive is a private company founded specifically to provide support to parents who are concerned about the driving safety of their teenagers. Our goal is to bring the teen problem to the forefront, assist in critical education, and recognise the positive driving behaviours of our nation’s teens.”
The company claims that nearly 78% of teenagers in the US are ticketed or crash by the time they are 18. Among other services, the Teen Arrive Alive organisation offers GPS tracking for teenagers to parents who may be worried that their child is late, missing, lost, abducted or not driving very well. Using a mobile phone and GPS technology, parents can track their teenager’s driving in real time. The route shows up on a digital map showing the speed travelled.
I have researched the website and discussed the benefits and drawbacks of the use of this technology to ‘protect’ teenagers. (IntelliOne Technologies Corporation aquired Teen Arrive Alive in 2007).
Benefits:
► Are that it is likely that the teenagers are going to dive more sensibly, this is because they are aware that their parents are able to watch them.
► Parameters are set and when these are exceeded an alarm sounds which alerts both the driver and the parents
Drawbacks:
► The teenager does not have any freedom, they are always being watched.
► This is the ‘big brother’ effect as they will always be under surveillance.
The company claims that nearly 78% of teenagers in the US are ticketed or crash by the time they are 18. Among other services, the Teen Arrive Alive organisation offers GPS tracking for teenagers to parents who may be worried that their child is late, missing, lost, abducted or not driving very well. Using a mobile phone and GPS technology, parents can track their teenager’s driving in real time. The route shows up on a digital map showing the speed travelled.
I have researched the website and discussed the benefits and drawbacks of the use of this technology to ‘protect’ teenagers. (IntelliOne Technologies Corporation aquired Teen Arrive Alive in 2007).
Benefits:
► Are that it is likely that the teenagers are going to dive more sensibly, this is because they are aware that their parents are able to watch them.
► Parameters are set and when these are exceeded an alarm sounds which alerts both the driver and the parents
Drawbacks:
► The teenager does not have any freedom, they are always being watched.
► This is the ‘big brother’ effect as they will always be under surveillance.
Monday, 13 October 2008
Discussion: US Passports and RFID
The US Department of Homeland Security has decided that 1 million US passports will contain radio frequency ID chips in 2005, moving to a universal system from 2006. these RFID tags will allow customs officials to scan passports using special radio receivers. They will not have to approach the travellers directly but can scan them from nearby. The passports will contain biometric and other information.It will be faster and more convenient for customs but there are a number of dangers, including: the shielded cover are ineffective when a passport is open, and that a passport may have to be opened for inspection in a public place such as a hotel, a bank, or an Internet cafe. An open passport is subject to illicit reading of chip data, such as by a government agent who is tracking a passport holder's movements or by a criminal who is intending identity theft
Investigate The Pros & Cons of ID Cards
Using the internet I have researched exactly what is being proposed by the UK Government and what the objections are. T
he following is a list of all the ICT that is involved in the UK’s proposed card scheme: a large data database, biometric information, DNA testers, fingerprint readers etc.
The purpose of ID cars is meant to be that it will make surveillance and identification of people much easier and reduce crime as they can be tracked easily. It will meet this purpose because they will be issued to everybody within the UK and will hold a number of pieces of individual unique information including your personal information, identifying information, residential status, personal reference numbers, record history, registration, ID card history, validation information, security information and records of provision of information.
The advantages of such a system are:
· Identity verification in banks or at national borders
· Quick ownership or eligibility verification
· False identification may be reduced where identity cards are required to open a bank account.
· Identity cards can be a useful administrative tool that can increase efficiency in dealings with both the government and private companies.
· ID cards reduce crime.
· Cards may help reduce immigration service bureaucracy.
· All humans already carry personal identification, which cannot be discarded or falsified, DNA.
The drawbacks of such a system are:
· Identity cards impose a disproportionate burden upon both government and citizens
· Cards with centralised database could be used to track anyone's movements and private life, thus endangering privacy.
· A requirement to carry an identity card at all times can lead to the inconvenience of arbitrary requests from the police.
· Government claims that identity cards will prevent crimes; however, this is not be based on facts, only opinions.
· Historically, governments which issued identity cards to citizens used them forcefully, for example, Nazi Germany.
· In many cases, other forms of documentation such as a driver's license or passport, card serve a similar function on a more limited scale, and thus an ID card is not needed.
· The cost of introducing and administering an identity card system can be very high. Figures from £30 to £90 or even higher have been suggested for the proposed UK ID card.
· In some countries where ID cards are required to show religious affiliation or ethnic background, this can lead to cases of discrimination.
· Some schemes do not take into account whether people have legitimate reasons to conceal their identity.
My personal recommendation as to whether we should have ID cards is that they are not necessary, because the majority of people have a passport or other forms of identification which work as a form of ID, and as mentioned above, there will only be one document that needs to be produced fraudulently, whereas today you need a number of documents to prove your identity which can be harder to produce a number of convincing documents, and the overall cost of the system is huge, even tough the Government will be footing the bill.
he following is a list of all the ICT that is involved in the UK’s proposed card scheme: a large data database, biometric information, DNA testers, fingerprint readers etc.
The purpose of ID cars is meant to be that it will make surveillance and identification of people much easier and reduce crime as they can be tracked easily. It will meet this purpose because they will be issued to everybody within the UK and will hold a number of pieces of individual unique information including your personal information, identifying information, residential status, personal reference numbers, record history, registration, ID card history, validation information, security information and records of provision of information.
The advantages of such a system are:
· Identity verification in banks or at national borders
· Quick ownership or eligibility verification
· False identification may be reduced where identity cards are required to open a bank account.
· Identity cards can be a useful administrative tool that can increase efficiency in dealings with both the government and private companies.
· ID cards reduce crime.
· Cards may help reduce immigration service bureaucracy.
· All humans already carry personal identification, which cannot be discarded or falsified, DNA.
The drawbacks of such a system are:
· Identity cards impose a disproportionate burden upon both government and citizens
· Cards with centralised database could be used to track anyone's movements and private life, thus endangering privacy.
· A requirement to carry an identity card at all times can lead to the inconvenience of arbitrary requests from the police.
· Government claims that identity cards will prevent crimes; however, this is not be based on facts, only opinions.
· Historically, governments which issued identity cards to citizens used them forcefully, for example, Nazi Germany.
· In many cases, other forms of documentation such as a driver's license or passport, card serve a similar function on a more limited scale, and thus an ID card is not needed.
· The cost of introducing and administering an identity card system can be very high. Figures from £30 to £90 or even higher have been suggested for the proposed UK ID card.
· In some countries where ID cards are required to show religious affiliation or ethnic background, this can lead to cases of discrimination.
· Some schemes do not take into account whether people have legitimate reasons to conceal their identity.
My personal recommendation as to whether we should have ID cards is that they are not necessary, because the majority of people have a passport or other forms of identification which work as a form of ID, and as mentioned above, there will only be one document that needs to be produced fraudulently, whereas today you need a number of documents to prove your identity which can be harder to produce a number of convincing documents, and the overall cost of the system is huge, even tough the Government will be footing the bill.
Managing Information Overload
Many ICT tools have been created to help in dealing with the information explosion. The following can help in decision making:
♦ Spreadsheets can be used because they present a clear and consistent way of understanding and interpreting data. Data can be keyed into a spreadsheet and can be stored as a template so that updates can be added. If formulae are used, new data can be incorporated and updated easily to give the user figures. A spreadsheet has a number of factors which allow them to:
▪ Produce and display numerical, graphical and statistical data such as:
▫ Sales forecasts
▫ Profit and losses
▫ General expenditure
▫ Wage and salary information
▫ Distribution facts▪ Forecast information
▪ Calculate information
▪ Predict alternative outcomes and behaviour under different conditions
▪ Analyse information
▪ Automate procedures
♦ Simulation software can be used because it is based on the process of imitating a real event with a set of mathematical formulas. It is a program that allows the user to observe an operation through simulation without actually running the program. Simulation software is used widely to design equipment so that the final product will be as close to design specs as possible without expensive in process modification.
♦ Data mining tools can be used because it is the process of sorting through large amounts of data and picking out relevant information. This is the statistical and logical analysis of large sets of transaction data, looking for patterns that can aid decision making.
♦ Exception reporting tools can be used because they find any exceptions which have not been noticed, and therefore warn the user that there maybe a problem with the programme, this will aid in decision making.
♦ Spreadsheets can be used because they present a clear and consistent way of understanding and interpreting data. Data can be keyed into a spreadsheet and can be stored as a template so that updates can be added. If formulae are used, new data can be incorporated and updated easily to give the user figures. A spreadsheet has a number of factors which allow them to:
▪ Produce and display numerical, graphical and statistical data such as:
▫ Sales forecasts
▫ Profit and losses
▫ General expenditure
▫ Wage and salary information
▫ Distribution facts▪ Forecast information
▪ Calculate information
▪ Predict alternative outcomes and behaviour under different conditions
▪ Analyse information
▪ Automate procedures
♦ Simulation software can be used because it is based on the process of imitating a real event with a set of mathematical formulas. It is a program that allows the user to observe an operation through simulation without actually running the program. Simulation software is used widely to design equipment so that the final product will be as close to design specs as possible without expensive in process modification.
♦ Data mining tools can be used because it is the process of sorting through large amounts of data and picking out relevant information. This is the statistical and logical analysis of large sets of transaction data, looking for patterns that can aid decision making.
♦ Exception reporting tools can be used because they find any exceptions which have not been noticed, and therefore warn the user that there maybe a problem with the programme, this will aid in decision making.
Making Choices
My grandmother wants a mobile phone. She does not have a price limit as such but wants to spend as little as possible. I have investigated the phone available and have suggested one for her. Here is an evaluation and where she could buy this phone from.
I would recommend that The Samsung SPH-A420 this is because it only has the basic features, so there is less for her to get confused with. I am assuming that she has never owned a mobile phone and is not very up-to-date and often get confused using the easiest of modern technologies. This phone is easy to use; compact and relatively light; friendly, icon-based menu; voice calling. Has no Bluetooth, camera or WAP browser, which are all items she does not require for her desired use. She would be able to send SMS messages if she wished to.
This item is unavailable in the shops as it is an old model, however can be bought direct from Samsung for £??:??.
Sunday, 12 October 2008
Discussion: Impact of Game Players
Perhaps on of the largest impacts of ICT on the personal lives of young people has been the explosive growth of home game players or ‘play’ stations. An article in New Scientist (23 October 2004, p.26) stated that $3.8 thousand million of games were sold in 1995, rising to $6 thousand million in 1998 and $7 thousand million by 2003. It is estimated that 25% of these games were violent.
☻Computer games are so popular because they allow people to take themselves away from reality and immerse themselves in the world of the game. Many people enjoy playing these games because they have been well produced to engage the players.
☻Computer games make you more violent sometimes depending on what games you play. This is because some are violent and if people get used to this very a start to apply to real life situations, instead of the simulated ones in these games.
☻Computer games make you more isolated because you are less likely to wish to socialise with friends or family because you will have more enjoyment from playing with the console on your own. It may make you more social if it is networked.
☻Networked computer games make you more social because you are able to communicate with friends, where you may not usually, if you are use to playing on your own. However, there can be some disadvantages because you can sometimes be unsure who you are playing with.
☻Computer games are so popular because they allow people to take themselves away from reality and immerse themselves in the world of the game. Many people enjoy playing these games because they have been well produced to engage the players.
☻Computer games make you more violent sometimes depending on what games you play. This is because some are violent and if people get used to this very a start to apply to real life situations, instead of the simulated ones in these games.
☻Computer games make you more isolated because you are less likely to wish to socialise with friends or family because you will have more enjoyment from playing with the console on your own. It may make you more social if it is networked.
☻Networked computer games make you more social because you are able to communicate with friends, where you may not usually, if you are use to playing on your own. However, there can be some disadvantages because you can sometimes be unsure who you are playing with.
Friday, 10 October 2008
Discussion: Pirated Entertainment
☻The advantages of paying a supplier such as Apple for a legal music download are that you know that you are not doing anything illegal. Also, you know that what you have bought online is what you are actually going to get and it will be a full quality version, because sometimes when you download files of other sites you are not always sure what you are downloading or whether it is the correct version that you want, (i.e. correct artist, live version).
☻The disadvantage of buying a pirate DVD from a market stall are that the quality if often poor, parts can be missed as the film has often been filmed in a cinema and if it does not work or is not the film you wished to buy you have no comeback, because it has not been bought from a shop and has been bought illegally and so you have no comeback.
☻The disadvantage of getting a pirate download of the latest Hollywood blockbuster before its UK release is it is not of a very high quality and can ruin your enjoyment of the film as pieces could be missing or it could be hard to interpret what is being said or happening.
☻The disadvantage to you of visiting an illicit music download site is that your IP address is logged and when you do download a site you cannot be sure what you have downloaded and you may have a feeling of guilt as you have not bought the file.
☻Widespread illicit downloading discourages the funding of new talent because it is too expensive for record companies to sign new talent because they know that the files will be distributed illegally where the company will not receive any income and so there is no point the company producing these songs if they are not going to make any profit from them.
Discussion: Access to Original Entertainment
It has never been easier to publish original entertainment, this is because many people have access to the internet, and on this vast interface people are able to share original entertainment on a variety of sites such as YouTube and MySpace. In addition, it has become much easier for people to record their own music at home without much specialist hardware or software; this is because of the advances and sophistication of sound cards. This has meant that users can use computerised drum kits and use software to enhance tracks etc. Also, mistakes can be edited very easily by using the software which allow you to edit very much like a work processing package allows you to.
It has never been harder to see and hear original entertainment online, this is because a lot of ‘rubbish’ is often published online which means that it can be very hard to find original entertainment online. Due to the high volume of rubbish posted on the internet, it means that users have to look through numerous pages to find some original entertainment which has been well produced.
It has never been harder to see and hear original entertainment online, this is because a lot of ‘rubbish’ is often published online which means that it can be very hard to find original entertainment online. Due to the high volume of rubbish posted on the internet, it means that users have to look through numerous pages to find some original entertainment which has been well produced.
Thursday, 9 October 2008
Business Communications
I have undertaken some research into the best practices in modern business communications and have created a short presentation on the topic covering main uses, benefits and drawbacks. The following is a summary of several methods of business communication, including:
● Web-based communication - for better and improved communication, anytime anywhere;
● e-mails, which provide an instantaneous medium of written communication worldwide;
● Reports - important in documenting the activities of any department;
● Presentations - very popular method of communication in all types of organizations, usually involving audiovisual material, like copies of reports, or material prepared in Microsoft PowerPoint or Adobe Flash;
● Telephoned meetings, which allow for long distance speech;
● Forum boards, which allow people to instantly post information at a centralized location;
● Web-based communication - for better and improved communication, anytime anywhere;
● e-mails, which provide an instantaneous medium of written communication worldwide;
● Reports - important in documenting the activities of any department;
● Presentations - very popular method of communication in all types of organizations, usually involving audiovisual material, like copies of reports, or material prepared in Microsoft PowerPoint or Adobe Flash;
● Telephoned meetings, which allow for long distance speech;
● Forum boards, which allow people to instantly post information at a centralized location;
Finding Reliable and Valid Information
I have visited the following hoax sites listed below:
http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/blhoax.htm
http://www.dreamweaverstudios.com/moonbeam/moon.htm
http://www.dhmo.org/
http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Network/9000/
http://zapatopi.net/afdb.html
http://www.sedftw.com/jackcon.htm
We can assess that information on the internet is probably real by checking:
● How does the website look and feel?
● Are the listed in common databases?
● Check for proper contact information.
● Who owns the website?
● What country are they based in?
● Check Google or other search engines.
● Is it a home-based business?
The following are signs which should make us distrust a website, if the information looks untrue, has a number of spelling and grammatical errors, not professional presented, the meaning is not clear etc.
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Evaluation of my communications
This is an evaluation of my personal, social and college related uses of the other communication services. I feel that communication I vital in today’s society, especially now that you can communicate with people all over the world and they do not need to be stood in front of you. I feel that communicating using IT is very important especially because it is cheap and is easy for you to be able to do so. I feel that communicating in this manner has meant that I communicate with people when I would often not and allows me to communicate with a wide rang of people using a variety of methods, using the best one which suits my needs. My favourite method of communication, other than face-to-face is email, this is because it is free and I am able to check emails regularly as I check my emails several times a day, and when I have my computer on I am automatically alerted if I receive one and I able to reply back immediately which is a major advantage.
When do I use email?
The following is an evaluation of my personal, social and school work use of email:
● The purposes I use email for include communication with both friends, family and teachers. I use email when I need to communicate and don’t need an instant response or need to talk to the person face to face.
● I use email in a number of places, however, I am unable to use it anywhere, this is because you require access to the internet, this can be set up on your mobile phone, which means you can access the benefits of email almost anywhere, however, I am yet to take advantage of this. I mainly use email at home and college, I occasionally use it when I go away on a computer at the place which I am staying.
● The major benefits in using email is that is free (proving you have a computer and access to the internet) and you are able to send file attachments which can be useful, especially when you wish to send a piece of work to somebody or just sending from school to home for you to complete.
● The problems and disadvantages I have in using email is that often my mailbox becomes full when uncompressed photographs are sent to me, and I often do not receive some. It can sometimes take a long time to download your emails if you have a lot and many emails are junk or spam.
● Email makes me more productive because I am able to communicate with people and allows me to undertake activities over the internet without leaving my home.
● Email fulfils its intended purposes because messages can be sent over an internt connection and you are able to attach files and send messages to multiple recipients and most importantly free, which is a novelty today.
When do you use mobile phones?
The following is an evaluation of my personal, social and college related uses of mobile phone:
● The purposes I use my mobile phone for include communication with friends and family. This can be for a number of different reasons, for example it could be that I just want to talk to somebody, or I could be calling for a specific purpose e.g. asking about homework.
● I use my mobile phone in a number of different place, I use it wherever I need to or have the desire to communicate. This is an advantage of having a mobile phone, because as the name suggests, I am able to communicate anywhere, providing that there is a signal, I don’t have to be within my house to use the phone.
● The major benefits for me in using my mobile phone are that it is portable and can be used anywhere. A major advantage is that I am still able to use the phone even if my parents are on the home phone for ages as I can use my mobile. Another benefit, it that I can text people, this is useful I don’t really want to talk to the person, or are unable to contact them. In addition, all my contacts are stored in the phone book on my phone, this means that I don’t have to enter numbers every time I wish to text or make a phone call.
● The problems or disadvantages I have in using my mobile phone are that there is not always a signal, which can be a nuisance and that it is often more expensive to use a mobile than a landline and that if you are on pay-as-you-go, if you run out of credit you are unable to use your phone for communicating until you ‘top-up’.
● My mobile phone fulfils its intended purpose because it allows me to communicate anywhere, and I am able to both send text and voice messages using it. It stores all of my contacts and has a number of additional features which can be used at my disposal such as camera, games, radio, music player etc.
● The purposes I use my mobile phone for include communication with friends and family. This can be for a number of different reasons, for example it could be that I just want to talk to somebody, or I could be calling for a specific purpose e.g. asking about homework.
● I use my mobile phone in a number of different place, I use it wherever I need to or have the desire to communicate. This is an advantage of having a mobile phone, because as the name suggests, I am able to communicate anywhere, providing that there is a signal, I don’t have to be within my house to use the phone.
● The major benefits for me in using my mobile phone are that it is portable and can be used anywhere. A major advantage is that I am still able to use the phone even if my parents are on the home phone for ages as I can use my mobile. Another benefit, it that I can text people, this is useful I don’t really want to talk to the person, or are unable to contact them. In addition, all my contacts are stored in the phone book on my phone, this means that I don’t have to enter numbers every time I wish to text or make a phone call.
● The problems or disadvantages I have in using my mobile phone are that there is not always a signal, which can be a nuisance and that it is often more expensive to use a mobile than a landline and that if you are on pay-as-you-go, if you run out of credit you are unable to use your phone for communicating until you ‘top-up’.
● My mobile phone fulfils its intended purpose because it allows me to communicate anywhere, and I am able to both send text and voice messages using it. It stores all of my contacts and has a number of additional features which can be used at my disposal such as camera, games, radio, music player etc.
Discussion Digital Communication versus Voice Conversation
Communicating with SMS in text language has a social downside compared with having a proper voice conversation because the meaning is not always clear, as there is no set language to use; people use their own abbreviations which are not always understood by all. If you are intending to have a long conversation with somebody, it can sometimes be quicker to phone them instead of firing messages backwards and forwards.
There are also some social downsides to firing off a quick email rather than having a short conversation because you are often unable to tell the mood of the person you are communicating with, this is because you are unable to see their body language, which can give some important clues.
There are also some social downsides to firing off a quick email rather than having a short conversation because you are often unable to tell the mood of the person you are communicating with, this is because you are unable to see their body language, which can give some important clues.
Monday, 6 October 2008
Analysing the "Good Old Days"
Two different office applications that could be used by the small business to improve upon the paper-based systems employed in the 1970s could be Microsoft Excel and MS Works Spreadsheets.
Two advantages of Microsoft Excel over the paper-based system are that formulas can be used to carry out mathematical calculations which can be replicated down and cross the columns and rows. Another advantage is that you are able to link worksheets together so that you can calculate complex calculations and budgets. Two advantages of MS Works over the paper-based system are that is that if there is not a mistake, the whole sheet does not need to be retyped, you can simply ‘write over’ the mistake. In addition, you are able to copy and paste, which means that if there is any data that can be replicated, you can do that simply, instead of having to retype it again.
One advantage of a spreadsheet is that you are able to work out complex calculations with out the need to use a calculator or work it out yourself. This is advantageous as you do not need to do this and it is less likely that there will be a human error.
Secretaries’ and typists’ employment prospects were affected by the advent of these office packages because now it was easier and faster for just one person to do the work of many and as this was more cost effective than employing a number of people, many unfortunately would have lost their jobs.
A number of new job opportunities were opened up by the advent of office applications for example some secretaries and typists jobs changed into personal assistants, there would need to be a number of technicians who were able to troubleshoot, when these applications failed. In addition, there would need to be trainers who would be able to teach employees how to use the applications effectively and there would be more jobs in the production of IT equipment as more and more equipment was being purchased.
Two advantages of Microsoft Excel over the paper-based system are that formulas can be used to carry out mathematical calculations which can be replicated down and cross the columns and rows. Another advantage is that you are able to link worksheets together so that you can calculate complex calculations and budgets. Two advantages of MS Works over the paper-based system are that is that if there is not a mistake, the whole sheet does not need to be retyped, you can simply ‘write over’ the mistake. In addition, you are able to copy and paste, which means that if there is any data that can be replicated, you can do that simply, instead of having to retype it again.
One advantage of a spreadsheet is that you are able to work out complex calculations with out the need to use a calculator or work it out yourself. This is advantageous as you do not need to do this and it is less likely that there will be a human error.
Secretaries’ and typists’ employment prospects were affected by the advent of these office packages because now it was easier and faster for just one person to do the work of many and as this was more cost effective than employing a number of people, many unfortunately would have lost their jobs.
A number of new job opportunities were opened up by the advent of office applications for example some secretaries and typists jobs changed into personal assistants, there would need to be a number of technicians who were able to troubleshoot, when these applications failed. In addition, there would need to be trainers who would be able to teach employees how to use the applications effectively and there would be more jobs in the production of IT equipment as more and more equipment was being purchased.
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
The Ambulance Service
"UK ambulance services have experienced a revolution in working styles as a result of technology. ICT has been used extensively in command and control centres to make the service more efficient and responsive. New secure digital communications systems have replaced crackly broadcast systems. Satellite tracking of resources (such as ambulances, helicopters, paramedic cars and bikes) and geographical information systems allow the optimal resource to be deployed at all times by centre staff. Technology is used to analyse patterns of usage to roster (call in) the exact number of staff required. It uses geographical analysis to decide where it is best to position ambulances and other resources so that they can be deployed to nearby locations very quickly. Ambulances are placed at points that are closed in travel time to places of peak demand and are tracked at all times to show where they are." "The Staffordshire ambulance service says of the impact of new technology: “The adopting of this modern approach has resulted in remarkable results in the Trust performance in recorded response times. This has given the Trust the lead position in national ambulance table’s fir the last seven years. It has also seen dramatic improvements in the cardiac survival figures.”
The introduction of this system in London in the 1990s, however, was extremely problematic, not least because of the working practices that were brought about by the introduction of these measures."
The London Ambulance Service:
I have carried out some research on the London Ambulance Service’s Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system which was implemented on 26October 1992 and have found that neither the CAD system itself, nor its users, were ready for full implementation. This was because the CAD software was not complete, not properly tuned, and not fully tested. The resilience of the hardware under a full load had not been tested. The fall back option to the second file server had certainly not been tested. There were outstanding problems with data transmission to and from the mobile data terminals. There was some scepticism over the accuracy record of the Automatic Vehicle Location System. In addition, staff, both within Central Ambulance Control and ambulance crews, had no confidence in the system and were not all fully trained. Also there were a number of physical changes to the layout of the control room on 26 which meant that Central Ambulance Control staff were working in unfamiliar positions, without paper backup, and were less able to work with colleagues with whom they had jointly solved problems before.
I have carried out some research on the London Ambulance Service’s Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system which was implemented on 26October 1992 and have found that neither the CAD system itself, nor its users, were ready for full implementation. This was because the CAD software was not complete, not properly tuned, and not fully tested. The resilience of the hardware under a full load had not been tested. The fall back option to the second file server had certainly not been tested. There were outstanding problems with data transmission to and from the mobile data terminals. There was some scepticism over the accuracy record of the Automatic Vehicle Location System. In addition, staff, both within Central Ambulance Control and ambulance crews, had no confidence in the system and were not all fully trained. Also there were a number of physical changes to the layout of the control room on 26 which meant that Central Ambulance Control staff were working in unfamiliar positions, without paper backup, and were less able to work with colleagues with whom they had jointly solved problems before.
A number of ambulance workers have objected to being sited in their “resources” in the most efficient place rather than being sited in the ambulance station because they would rather use the technology in an ambulance station rather than in their ‘resources’. There are a number of drawback with the introduction of these new systems, but can be summarised: some staff at central control had no confidence with the system and were not all fully trained, the staff found themselves working in unfamiliar positions, and without paper backup, they found it harder to work with other colleagues they had previously worked with before. There have been a number of benefits to these new systems, for example response times have increased, which has made the system more efficient and reliable, which has led to dramatic improvements in the cardiac survival figures. In all the introductions of these new systems have improved the service provided and has saved time and a number of lives. I feel that whenever you introduce a new ICT system there are always teething problems which need to be addressed, and a lesson which could have been learned here is that on the first day of introducing a new system you need to have a back-up plan to refer to if necessary.
Tool Man
"John is a sales representative selling tools to garden centres and DIY stores. He travels over 1000 miles a week to see new and existing clients. For the past 20 years he has carried around a large diary, an address book, a large road atlas and numerous A-Zs as well as numerous small coins for phones. He prides himself on his punctuality, but even he is occasionally late as he struggles to find a new client or is delayed by traffic. He always takes along a calculator, and a bulky sales catalogue with the latest price lists and order forms. He is usually on the road four days a week, six hours a day and spends every Friday in the office ensuring all his administration and sales are handled properly. He has always said he quite likes the time spend in his car between appointments, as it is his time when he can listen to CDs undisturbed."
John could use a number of ICT technologies to change and hopefully improve his working style, these include: PDA, GPS, Laptop, software, Mobile phone, and the internet.
A PDA is a Personal Digital Assistant; this would be an extremely useful device for him because it could be used instead of his large diary and an address book. All the information contained within the books can be entered into this device which is relatively small and light compared with his books. In addition, a PDA allows the user to search for an address or an appointment in his diary, which means that this is more efficient than looking through a diary or address book looking for the correct details.
A GPS is a Global Positing System; this piece of equipment would be useful to John because this would replace his road atlas and his numerous A-Zs. This piece of equipment uses satellites and software to guide user to their destination. By using a GPS John will saving time searching for his destinations, in his A-Zs, as he will only be required to enter the postcode of his destination and then he will be guided there. As John prides himself on his punctuality, a GPS will give him accurate times for when he is going to arrive at his destination, this will help him to ensure that he arrives on time. May GPS systems today have IQ routes, which mean that they sent the user of different routes depending on what day and time they are travelling. In addition, you are able to avoid routes if you hear that one is blocked, and some GPS systems automatically change routes if it knows that there is a delay on yours. By using this piece of equipment John is likely to save himself a lot of time, which would be important to a busy many such as him.
John could use a number of ICT technologies to change and hopefully improve his working style, these include: PDA, GPS, Laptop, software, Mobile phone, and the internet.
A PDA is a Personal Digital Assistant; this would be an extremely useful device for him because it could be used instead of his large diary and an address book. All the information contained within the books can be entered into this device which is relatively small and light compared with his books. In addition, a PDA allows the user to search for an address or an appointment in his diary, which means that this is more efficient than looking through a diary or address book looking for the correct details.
A GPS is a Global Positing System; this piece of equipment would be useful to John because this would replace his road atlas and his numerous A-Zs. This piece of equipment uses satellites and software to guide user to their destination. By using a GPS John will saving time searching for his destinations, in his A-Zs, as he will only be required to enter the postcode of his destination and then he will be guided there. As John prides himself on his punctuality, a GPS will give him accurate times for when he is going to arrive at his destination, this will help him to ensure that he arrives on time. May GPS systems today have IQ routes, which mean that they sent the user of different routes depending on what day and time they are travelling. In addition, you are able to avoid routes if you hear that one is blocked, and some GPS systems automatically change routes if it knows that there is a delay on yours. By using this piece of equipment John is likely to save himself a lot of time, which would be important to a busy many such as him.
A laptop again would be a useful piece of equipment for John as he would be able to store a wide and a large quantity of data onboard. He would be able to upload his product catalogues on the laptop, and will then be able to show clients the products onscreen. In order to ensure that his laptop in full working order, he will have to have a number of software applications already installed, this will allow him to carry out a range of tasks such as work processing. The internet would allow John to access a wide variety of infomation, and will also allow him to send emails to his clients.
John having access to a mobile phone would mean that he would not need to take coins with him so that he could use a payphone; he would be able to make a phone call whenever it was necessary and wherever he was, providing that there is a signal.
However, there are a number of possible implications for him in employing a lot of ICT, these include: loss of data, getting lost, no signal, losses a piece of equipment etc. To overcome these problems, I recomend that John has a back-up of all his data and may wish to have a hard copy of his data and maps in the boot of his car, because he will then be able to use them if there is a problem with any of his equipment.
Online Entertainment
The following is a list of all the online entertainment technologies I have used in the last three months:
· BBC iplayer
· ITV catch-up
· Youtube
·
·
BBC iplayer is targeted at a wide range of people, this is because there a number of programmes online which can be watched at your disposal. This service is enhanced by being online because it allows users to choose what, where, and when they watch their programmes, at the BBC says this facility makes the unmissable, unmissable. The current limitations are that tat not all programmes are available online, and it take sometimes take a while for the videos to start and they sometimes stop and buffer while you are watching. This is similar to the IVT catch-up service. I prefer watching ITV programmes online, because you don’t get as many adverts as you usually do. Both the services work fine at the moment, and are accessible by users, however, I think that in the future these two companies should look at making the videos of a higher quality.
· BBC iplayer
· ITV catch-up
· Youtube
·
·
BBC iplayer is targeted at a wide range of people, this is because there a number of programmes online which can be watched at your disposal. This service is enhanced by being online because it allows users to choose what, where, and when they watch their programmes, at the BBC says this facility makes the unmissable, unmissable. The current limitations are that tat not all programmes are available online, and it take sometimes take a while for the videos to start and they sometimes stop and buffer while you are watching. This is similar to the IVT catch-up service. I prefer watching ITV programmes online, because you don’t get as many adverts as you usually do. Both the services work fine at the moment, and are accessible by users, however, I think that in the future these two companies should look at making the videos of a higher quality.
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