5309 - btec first unit 1 learner companion

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Level 1/2 BTEC in Information Creative

Technology

Learner Companion

Unit 1: The Online World

POD 5309

ICT | PEARSON BTEC FIRST (LEVEL 1/2)

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Teacher’s Introduction

This companion has been written specifically for the Level 1/2 BTEC in ICT qualification (for first teaching September 2012). The theory notes, questions and activity worksheets cover the essential knowledge and understanding listed in the BTEC Unit 1 specification.

Note: Much of the base information needed to answer the questions can be found in the companion, although the

learner may be required to carry out additional research for some questions.

About Unit 1: The Online World

Unit 1 is one of two units that learners must choose between – the other being Unit 2 – as part of their Award, Certificate, Extended Certificate or Diploma. Learners must complete a 1 hour on-screen test, which is set and marked by the exam board.

Unit Introduction and Aims (from the BTEC specification)

Introduction

The unit provides an introduction to the modern online world. Starting with their own experiences, learners will extend their knowledge of online services and investigate the technology and software that supports them.

They will learn more about a range of services including email, online data storage, collaborative software, search engines and blogging.

Learners will understand the main technologies and processes behind the internet and

investigate how they come together to let them view websites and send information across the world.

They will explore a range of digital devices, such as smart phones and digital music players and consider the technology that enables these devices to share and exchange information. Finally, learners will investigate concerns regarding security and privacy and consider how users should behave online to safeguard themselves and respect others.

Aims

In this unit learners will:

A investigate online services and online communication

B investigate components of the internet and how digital devices exchange and store information

C investigate issues with

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1. Online Services

Introduction

Increased access to the Internet is changing the way we live, with Internet usage enabling global communication and social interaction. Information can be accessed 24/7 and wiki sites enable users to share knowledge and edit information directly from their own browsers.

Increased access to the Internet has resulted in a self-service culture. Home users can access a wide variety of services and information at the click of a button. Holidays can be booked; groceries and fast food can be ordered; online banking enables users to view and

manage bank accounts; goods can be purchased or sold directly or via an online auction.

Technology has resulted in flexible working methods as more people work from home on a personal computer or via a laptop from remote locations using high-speed broadband connections and Wi-Fi. This can have a beneficial effect on the environment as less travel is required. File-sharing sites and virtual computing makes it easier to work from remote locations.

New ways of working using technology often means that more training is required and this can be a cause of concern to some workers who are resistant to new technologies. Some companies use experts with specialist knowledge and skills from external sources rather than training existing staff. This is called

outsourcing.

Technology also means that users have access 24/7 to online retailers and businesses. Instant messaging is a means of communicating with other users instantly. Live chat can be used effectively in customer service by enabling a customer to talk to an advisor in real time.

An offshore company operates from a different country from the one in which it is doing business. Offshoring is a cheaper way of doing business as the cost of living and wages are often cheaper in other countries.

Websites

The Internet is an important part of most businesses. It is used to communicate and advertise globally, enabling businesses to access new markets and increase sales and revenue.

Use of the Internet increases competiveness with 24/7 access to global websites offering goods and services. Trading over the Internet can be cheaper with lower overheads and fewer staff required and it is easier to maintain and for customers to access. A website is essential for a

business to drive performance, access global markets, communicate and stay competitive. A website is used to provide an online service, such as

A.

Online Services and Communication

Learning

Aim A

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A good website will have a strong online presence that can be easily found by search engine queries. Websites also keep people in touch around the world via social networks.

Charities use websites to provide information and to attract members and encourage donations. The government uses the Internet to create websites that provide information to the public, such as local council information.

Online Living (e-Citizens)

Online living and increased accessibility features can be of benefit to disabled people, allowing them the independence of shopping and learning without leaving their home. New technologies are changing the way in which individuals operate and give all members of society improved access to information and services.

TV and music files can be downloaded from a personal computer or mobile device, and Internet-enabled TV provides Internet access.

Privacy and e-safety guidelines have been implemented with the advent of technology. The DPA protects computerised personal data and software helps guard data against viruses and spyware.

Online services have affected the following:  Learning

Technology has resulted in new types of qualification being created. Technology has also affected the way we learn by offering flexible ways of gaining qualifications. E-learning or computer-aided learning (CAL) offers new ways of learning by providing interactive resources, flexible hours (and location) in which to study, and computer-based assessment (e-portfolios).

 Earning

Technology has created new types of job and also new ways of working, such as remote working using mobile devices and wireless connectivity; this also results in flexible working hours, making it easier to fit work around family or other commitments. Technology has also resulted in changing skill requirements which can lead to the need for more skilled staff, further training for existing staff, outsourcing to specialised experts and potential job losses.

Leisure, shopping and money management

Home users can access a wide variety of services and information at the click of a button. Holidays can be booked; groceries and fast food can be ordered; online banking enables users to view and manage bank accounts; goods can be purchased or sold directly or via an online auction. TV and music files can be downloaded from a personal computer or mobile device, and Internet-enabled TV provides Internet access.

Online living and increased accessibility features can be of benefit to disabled people, allowing them the independence of shopping and learning without leaving their home. New technologies are changing the way in which individuals operate and give all members of society improved access to information and services.

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Social interaction

Examples include:

 Social networking sites  Internet forums

 Blogs (short for ‘web logs’)  Chat rooms

 Online computer games

Health and well-being

There is a wealth of information about health and well-being available online.

Information can be accessed 24/7 and other users can share experiences and tips via forums. Patients can book online appointments. Technology is also used within the sports and leisure industry to track and monitor performance and attendance.

Business

New ways of communicating have opened up markets on a global scale. Businesses around the world communicate with customers, suppliers and the public via email, web forms, instant messaging / live chat, blogs and forums.

1.1. Communication Methods

New ways of communicating have opened up markets on a global scale. Businesses around the world communicate with customers, suppliers and the public via email, web forms, instant messaging / live chat, blogs and forums.

Examples of Online Communication

 Social networking sites – e.g. Facebook, Google+, Twitter.

Users can add personal information/photos and make it available to friends and family. Social network groups allow people to

communicate with each other via instant messaging and email. A user can create a profile to digitally represent them. A private profile allows access to content for specified people, such as friends and family. A public profile is visible to everyone.

 Internet forums / message boards – discussion groups about a variety of subjects; forums are often created to discuss a topical or controversial subject, to gain opinions and/or votes, and also for reviews. Users can also rate reviews to indicate how helpful they are.

An online educational book retailer in Dublin raises their online presence via their website and by maintaining a blog and contributing to business and book forums. The retailer receives an order for 50 books from a customer in South Africa via their website book-order form. The book retailer emails a printer in the UK to request a print run, and purchases book boxes from a web supplier via a website order form. The book retailer emails the customer with information on their order and provides tracking details. The retailer supplies a free customer service telephone number to the customer. This number is manned by advisors at a call centre in a different country.

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 Blogs – (short for web logs) these are web diaries; celebrities usually have a blog on their website or social network to keep fans up to date with news, gossip, etc. A blog may contain biased views and personal

opinions. A photoblog is where users can share and upload photographs in the form of a blog. Vlogging (video log/blog) refers to using video as a form of blog.

 Microblogs – are smaller in content and size than a blog. Social

networking sites have microblog features in the form of status updates.

 Chat rooms – such as MSN, Skype and Google Talk allow users to communicate in real time with or without video.

 Instant Messaging – Instant messaging is immediate and enables users to identify whether another user is online; it is a low-cost means of instant communication between two or more users.

 VoIP – VoIP enables real-time communication over the Internet, using speech and live video. It can be used in conjunction with web meeting and conferencing software in order to create web

conferences where multiple people can meet at a specified time.

 Online computer games – enable users to play and compete against each other worldwide.

Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) are where multiple players interact in a virtual game world.

 Virtual worlds – virtual reality (e.g. Second Life), used within computer games and other virtual environments, is a 3D environment that interactively responds to the behaviour of the user. A profile used in virtual games may include a name, character and avatar (image chosen to represent the user). Augmented reality is where reality is overlaid by virtual reality, making it a useful tool in education and demonstrations.

See Online Communication (page 21) for more

information on social networks, blogs, instant

messaging and VoIP.

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Practice Makes Perfect

Fill in the blanks below to complete the sentences:

1. A ________________ profile enables sharing of photos and video over the Internet without any restrictions or controls. (5)

2. An ___________________ is an image chosen to represent the user. (6)

3. Web _______________________________________ enables multiple users in different locations to communicate simultaneously and meet remotely using the Internet. (12)

4. __________ enables real-time communication over the Internet, using speech and live video. (4)

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1.2. Real-Time Information

Examples of real-time information include:

 Train timetables  News services  Traffic reports  Flight status updates  Weather reports

Real-time information is live data available 24/7, keeping users informed with flight, train and/or traffic status updates with news on traffic hold-ups, accidents or incidents, and live news reports with breaking headlines, sometimes via Twitter feeds as they unfold. Online weather forecasts are available, providing meteorological

information about climate, precipitation and wind speeds, tides, severe weather warnings, often with live satellite coverage and/or radar images of a specified area.

News Services

The latest news stories can be followed on dedicated news websites (BBC, ITV, Reuters) and also via news updates on home pages of other websites, such as MSN, Yahoo, etc. News can be accessed via a mobile handheld device with Internet access.

RSS Readers

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication feed and is a method for subscribing to online content. Subscribing to RSS feeds ensures that website content is kept updated,

enabling users to keep up to date with breaking news, updated blogs (web logs) and other media, such as audio and video. In order to view RSS feeds, software called a news feeder or RSS or feed reader is needed. Some software is accessible via a browser and some are downloads. An RSS feed subscription using a browser enables updated

information to be viewed on any computer, whereas downloadable versions require feeds on a computer where the software has been installed. RSS readers will check for updates and download them to the user's computer on a regular basis.

Practice Makes Perfect

1. Breaking headlines are sometimes available as Twitter __________________. (5) 2. _________ is a method for subscribing to online content. (3 abbr.)

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1.3. Commerce

Internet Banking

Internet (or online) banking is a convenient way of managing a bank account without the need for visiting the bank. With an online bank account a customer can do the following:

 View bank statements

 Transfer money between accounts  Pay bills

 View the bank's services and products

 Apply to upgrade bank account or apply for other services  View interest rates and payment details for

overdrafts / loans / credit cards

 Set up direct debits and standing orders

Cash cannot be physically withdrawn using online banking.

To access their account, a customer must log in with a unique login and password. Other security details may be requested in order to access the account, such as the answer to a pre-set question (e.g. what is my favourite colour? or what is my mother's maiden name?).

Accessing an Online Bank Account

Most online accounts, such as for online shopping, ask the customer to enter their full password to gain access. A bank will request that the customer enters specified characters from the password, such as the first, third and last characters.

Using menus from which the customer selects specified characters from their password is more secure than typing in the details as it helps prevents key-loggers from capturing the password. The customer may also be asked to answer a security question.

Other security measures that banks use include automatically logging the customer out if they navigate away from the site and only allowing a customer to log into their account from one computer at a time. Further authorisation may be required to make a money transfer. This involves inserting the card into a card reader and entering the PIN (referred to as PINsentry). Once the card is identified and recognised, the customer will be supplied with a series of numbers which they should enter into the provided boxes. If the numbers entered by the customer match those given by the card reader, the customer can

proceed.

Online Auction Websites

An online or Internet auction enables a seller to list an item on which they will accept bids – the highest bid at closing will be the purchaser (subject to winning bid meeting any reserve price that the seller has stipulated). The bidding remains active for a number of days, enabling a potential bidder to monitor the progress of an online auction and make a bid when they are ready. The seller usually incurs selling costs (e.g. a fee to list the item plus a fee if item sells). A bidder can check up on a seller's reputation by reading feedback from previous customers.

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The bidder should check the following:  Accepted payment methods  Post and packaging costs  Returns policy

 The item description

 Feedback from previous customers

A bidder can opt out of the auction if the bidding exceeds their budget, but, once the auction has ended and the final winning bid is accepted, the bidder must make payment (usually via PayPal). The seller will send the item only once payment has been made.

Online auctions use the Internet to communicate between the auction site, the vendor and the bidders. A potential bidder must register details with the auction site and use a unique login and password in order to sign in and make a bid. Payment is usually completed using a debit or credit card or via a PayPal account (see below). Auction site transactions are recorded within a database, which is regularly updated to reflect current bidding status.

Internet Shopping (E-commerce)

The Internet can be used for online banking, booking tickets, shopping and bidding in online auctions. A web browser is needed in order to use the Internet, such as Firefox, Internet Explorer or Google Chrome.

Online shopping is a convenient way to make purchases and bookings without leaving your home. E-commerce sites use checkouts enabling customers to use credit or debit cards to make secure transactions. Another means of online payment is via PayPal. PayPal hides payment details so that the user does not have to share them online when they make a purchase and also provides payment protection so that refunds can be issued to a purchaser if required. Online shopping is convenient and easy, being available 24/7 and so allowing shopping at any time.

How it Works

Purchases are made using payment methods, such as PayPal, credit card or debit card. The customer must initially register with the organisation by providing their personal details in order to log in / sign in to their account. The customer then chooses an item, or items, and places them in the shopping

trolley/basket or cart before proceeding to payment. Shipping costs are added to the subtotal and any discounts or vouchers are subtracted before the final total is calculated and displayed. The customer enters their account details (credit or debit card number, type of card, security number, etc.) and confirms the billing and shipping address before confirming payment. A confirmation email or web message is displayed to confirm the successful completion of the transaction. An order number/code is allocated to the transaction and a tracking number may be also be allocated in order to enable parcel tracking.

Item Tracking

Items are stored on an organisation's database. When an item is ordered, a unique tracking number is supplied to the customer via email. A tracking number is allocated to the order which can be used to track the progress of the parcel/item via the organisation's database. Item tracking helps to improve

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E-consumer Rights

When you buy goods online you are protected by consumer rights, such as Distance Selling Regulations. Ecommerce is operated on a global scale and it is important that you check the regulations and the e-consumer rights present in the geographical location of the online company you're dealing with. Internet sales are typically seen as mail order and are bound by UK and EEA (European Economic Area)

regulations for mail order and distance selling. Consumer rights law states that goods must:

 Be in satisfactory condition  Be fit for purpose

 Match their description

A trader must not provide misleading information about the product or service or fail to provide the consumer with important information about the product or service. If one or more of the above applies, the consumer is entitled to the following:

 Full refund (this lasts for a limited amount of time)  Partial refund

 Repair of goods  Replacement of goods

 Compensation (where applicable)

An online consumer is given a short time to inspect the goods and is entitled to a cooling-off period (or right to cancel) of seven days which allows the consumer to cancel the transaction and return the goods for a full refund without providing a reason. A trader must reimburse a customer within 30 days.

Certain goods are excluded from the seven-day cooling-off period, such as perishable goods,

newspapers and magazines, personalised goods, CDs, DVDs where the seal is broken or gaming and lottery.

Financial products are subject to a 14 day cooling-off period.

Practice Makes Perfect

1. Home banking is an example of an _______________________ _______________________________. (6, 7) 2. An online _______________________ is a place where a seller can list an item on which they will accept

bids. (7)

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1.4. Government

The government provides websites that enable users to create accounts and send in online tax assessments, votes and applications for services, such as council tax benefit or student loans.

Online Tax Returns

Self-employed traders are liable to pay Income Tax and maintain National Insurance (NI) contributions based on the profits from their business. They must keep annual business accounts which show the expenditure incurred and the income received and enter these details onto a tax return form. Online tax returns automatically calculate the amount of tax or NI payable based on the figures input by the user. This makes online tax returns a quick and easy way of completing annual tax assessments without the need to use calculations. Payment can also be made securely online.

Electronic Voting

E-votes can be cast remotely without the need to attend a polling station via online voting. Candidates must be registered for e-voting in order to use this service.

Applications for Services/Grants

Applications can be made online for many services provided by the government. These include (but are not restricted to):

 Application for housing benefit or other benefits/pensions  TV licence

 Road tax  Passports

Practice Makes Perfect

Fill in the blanks below:

1. These can be cast remotely without the need to attend a polling station (1–5)

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1.5. Education

Management Information Systems

Management information systems are used within the education sector to control and monitor attendance and performance.

Computer-aided learning

Computer-aided learning or CAL is a means of learning using a computer which incorporates multimedia and interactivity. Students can work through the resources at their own pace and access web based CAL at any time if they have internet access.

Computer-aided learning systems provide self-assessment giving instant feedback on progress. This aids motivation. E-assessment is a means of

computer based assessment or on-screen testing. This allows students to follow a course of study from their own homes.

1.6. Business

Business networking

Business networking via forums, (a forum enables discussion on various issues and topics with other users) helps a business to raise their online profile. Keeping a blog (web log or online diary) or posting information on social and business networking sites makes a business more accessible and encourages communication.

An intranet is an internal network which enables communication and

information/resource sharing with other departments within an organisation. An intranet is used only by the company and its staff and can usually be accessed remotely using a password to enable home working.

An extranet is similar to an intranet with external access permitted to specified authorised users.

Practice Makes Perfect

Fill in the blank below to complete the sentence:

1. CAL is web-based learning and requires connection to the _______________________________________. (8)



See Online Communication (page 21) for

more information on Virtual Learning

Environments (VLE).

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Virtual Computing

With virtual computing users can download and use more than one operating system and perform a variety of actions simultaneously via a single mouse click and gain access to programs and hardware without the need to buy or install them on their own computer. Business users can check their e-mail whilst on the move, students can learn at home and workers can access files stored on internal servers from anywhere in the world.

1.7. Entertainment

Download Services – Music and Video

Music can be downloaded from a variety of sites either for free or on a pay-to-use basis. Most sites allow users to listen to a short sample of the music, play a track (listen first before deciding to buy) or buy the track of their choice. Most sites require users to register with the website to create an account before playing or downloading the music (some websites allow unregistered users to listen to samples). The sample track is not downloaded onto your PC. You will need speakers or headphones that are connected to your computer before you can listen to music. Spotify, Napster and the iTunes Store (Apple Inc.) are examples of music download sites. These sites allow registered users to listen free (and legally) to music tracks. To download a track as an MP3 file, the user must buy the track. Music downloads are subject to copyright which prohibits the unlawful use of downloaded tracks (e.g. copying without the owner’s permission).

Streaming refers to the ability to listen to music or watch a video/movie in real time without it being downloaded onto the computer, such as

watching movies or listening to music from an online source. An example is when a video is viewed on YouTube. The type of connection and performance of the device you are using will affect the quality of

reception. Streaming happens in real time and is quicker as the file is not downloaded onto the computer, but it requires a faster connection to prevent pauses and interruptions in video transmission.

Downloading means creating a physical copy of the file so that it can be viewed at a later date.

Download Services – On-Demand and Catch-Up TV

On-demand TV refers to a streaming Internet TV service or pay-per-view

downloads or free-to-view catch-ups. Catch-up TV (Internet TV) enables a viewer to catch up on missed programs via a media device, such as a computer, mobile phone (e.g. iPhone) or games console. Examples of catch-up TV services are BBC iPlayer, Demand Five, 4oD (Channel 4 On Demand) and ITV Player.

Practice Makes Perfect

1. The ability to access programs without the need to install them on their own computer is called _____________________________________ computing. (7)

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Download Services – Internet Radio

Internet radio services, also known as web radio or streaming radio, are available via the Internet in the form of streaming media (different from podcasts which need to be

downloaded) and are similar to traditional FM/AM radio services, delivering news, different genres of music, sport, comedy and interviews.

Advantages Disadvantages

 Availability: It can be accessed anywhere in the world, making it a popular listening choice for expatriates living outside the country.

 Streamed: It can be streamed directly from an Internet-connected device without the need for downloading to a storage device.

 Adverts: Fewer advertisements as Internet radio is cheaper to run than a radio station and therefore does not rely so heavily on advertising revenue.  Genres: It has a wide range of music genres and

choices.

 Sound quality: Less interference (e.g. from weather).

 Catch-up: Listen to a missed track via the catch-up facility on the radio website.

 Free: Most, but not all, Internet radio stations are free (you may have to create an account).

 Digital audio recording: broadcasts can be recorded and transferred to a portable device using Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, USB cables, ADSL or FireWire.

 Register: You may need to register an account.

 Connection: You need an Internet connection.

 Bandwidth: Listening to streaming broadcasts uses up bandwidth (the rate at which data is transferred).

Download Services – Films

Films can be downloaded and played offline by any digital devices that support that particular movie file format. Alternatively, they can be streamed online using websites such as Netflix and LoveFilm.

Both of these subscription-based services also provide their customers with applications which enable access to the films via games consoles, smartphones and tablets.

Download Services – Software

Various software packages can be downloaded from the Internet in the form of freeware (free software),

shareware (software that allows you to sample and evaluate the package for a specified amount of time

before you purchase), and software that requires you to purchase a licence before downloading. A program file has the file extension .exe. To download software, select the hyperlink and follow the instructions.

Care should be taken whenever downloading programs from the Internet. Files with an .exe extension are often used to transfer malicious files such as viruses. Only download from trustworthy sources. Shareware is software that a user can download onto their computer for a trial period before purchasing a software licence. Freeware is software that is totally free to use and does not require a software licence.

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The application Steam is a popular software download service, which is used to distribute games and related media online.

Content is provided by both small independent developers to larger software houses. Steam provides the user with installation and automatic management of software across multiple computers, as well as community

features such as friends lists, cloud saving, and in-game voice and chat functionality.

With software downloads becoming increasingly popular, many organisations have made software downloads

available, as either an alternative to traditional distribution methods (e.g. GAME), or to replace their existing model (e.g. Adobe Creative Cloud).

Download Services – Upgrades

Software upgrades, such as critical security updates or service packs, are available to download from the original manufacturer's website. These updates are referred to as patches (software patches are also referred to as service packs in relation to operating system software) and refer to updates that a user can download from their software service provider to fix issues or update the software. To keep software up to date and free from threats, it is important to download patches when they become available.

Practice Makes Perfect

1. Music downloads are subject to _____________________________________________ which prohibits the unlawful use of downloaded tracks (e.g. copying without the owner’s permission). (9)

2. Software upgrades, such as critical security updates or service packs, are referred to as ____________________________________. (7)

3. _____________________________________________________ refers to the ability to listen to music or watch a video/movie in real time without it being downloaded onto the computer. (9)

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This advert provides a link to a feedback form.

1.8. Online Advertisements

Advertisements are aimed at grabbing your attention and making you buy/read/use their product. They will make good use of colour and imagery. The wording may not immediately refer to the product, but will be aimed at grabbing the attention of the reader so that they read on and find out more about the advertised item. Some adverts use deliberately controversial wording/imagery to grab attention.

Commercial advertisements may also use rollovers and interactive elements which invite the user to click to see a result.

Animation can be created by programs such as Flash. Animations add fun and interest to multimedia products and can be used to create interactive elements. Animations are used in games, interactive quizzes, educational websites, adverts and presentations. Commercial advertisements use animation to good effect and also use rollovers to enable a user to interact with the advert. Ensure that pop-ups are kept to a minimum within the interactive multimedia product and that they are relevant and informative, rather than annoying distractions!

An online form prompts the user to click option buttons or select items from a drop-down list. Some commercial advertisements prompt the user for feedback via a

hyperlink to an online feedback form. The example below shows an advert displayed on the MSN website which actively seeks feedback from viewers:

Some Internet sites, such as Spotify, use a 'hook' to get

users to register for free usage. The 'power of free' is a powerful advertising tool which leads to the company gaining user details for further market research and advertising, and often results in users registering for full (paid) access.

A cookie is a small text file that is downloaded into your web browser's directory or folder when you visit certain sites. When you revisit a site, your PC returns the cookie that holds your details (such as your email address) to the server. This allows the site to personalise your details – such as ‘Good Day Mr Bloggs’ – and makes it easier for the customer to create and save shopping lists. Cookies are also used to remember a customer's preferences, based on what they have previously viewed or purchased. This means that cookies can be used for targeted marketing, allowing a profile of the customer to be built up based on what they have clicked on or viewed. It is referred to as targeted

marketing because the information is used to target adverts at you based on your preferences. Others can also access information in the cookie – some companies pass on details without permission. You can change the settings so that your computer automatically blocks or restricts certain cookies. Learn more about cookies at www.cookiecentral.com.

Adware

Adware refers to a program that displays advertising on a user's computer, usually in the form of pop-ups. Adware advertising is designed to target the user and is based on results from spyware monitoring of a user's web-browsing habits.

! Transactional data is data used in credit or debit card transactions which can be used for targeted advertising based on customer purchases/preferences.

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Pay-Per-Click (Affiliate)

Many online businesses (merchants) offer an affiliate program to website owners (affiliates) where they display an advert or link to a webpage and get paid a commission if a user navigates to their site and purchases an item (pay-per-click). Affiliate programs can be an effective way of e-marketing.

1.9. Online Data Storage

Remote backup services, also referred to as digital vaults, are provided by ISPs over broadband Internet connections, providing convenient access to files over the Internet and the ability to share files with friends, family or colleagues via a password. It also allows a user to protect files by enabling automatic backup. For data security reasons, this form of storage is not recommended for confidential or sensitive data.

Advantages Disadvantages

 Ability to share files with other users  Ability to access files wherever you are and

from a variety of mobile media (laptop, smartphone, etc.)

 Some vaults use encryption to protect data  Frees up storage space on your computer  Not affected by the corruption of physical

storage media

 Confidential or sensitive data is at risk from hackers

 Data not protected by your own security

measures (such as firewall and antivirus software)  Data not backed up on to removable storage  Need an Internet connection in order to access

the files

Practice Makes Perfect

1. An _________________________________________________ is a website that directs traffic from their site via a link or advert to a merchant's website. (9)

2. A ________________________________ is a small text file that is downloaded into your web browser's directory or folder when you visit certain sites. (6)



Practice Makes Perfect

1. Online data storage is a ____________________________ backup service. (6)

2. Online data storage enables users to _______________________ files with friends and family. (5)

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2. Online Documents

Introduction

Online documents refer to files, photos or other documents that are shared or stored online. In order to send files online, either through web-based file sharing sites or via email, the files need to be

compressed to make them smaller. File sharing enables greater collaboration between teams, allowing multiple access to files. Hosted applications enable networked computer users to share software without the need for it to be installed on a computer hard drive, thereby saving space.

File Compression

Some files, particularly files containing images or videos, can become too large to save or send as an attachment via email or via online file transfer. To make files smaller you need to compress them. Compression software, such as WinZip or the Microsoft Windows Compressed (zipped) Folder facility, compresses files to a fraction of their former size, making them easier to store, back up, email and download. Files then have to be uncompressed or unzipped/expanded before they can be used. It is possible, using compression software, to compress more than one normal file into a single compressed file.

Compressing a File/Folder

1. Navigate to the drive to which you have saved the file(s) or folder(s). Point at the file/folder to be compressed.

2. Click the right mouse button and select Send To...

3. Select Compressed (zipped) folder.

4. The file will now be compressed into a zipped folder.

Expanding a Compressed File/Folder

1. Locate the zipped folder.

2. Click on the right mouse button and select Extract All...

3. The Compressed (Zipped) Folders Extraction Wizard will start. 4. Click Next.

5. Select the drive to where you want to extract the files – use the browse button to select drives. 6. Click on the required drive and click on OK.

7. Click on Next. The extraction process will begin. Click Finish when the extraction is completed.

Practice Makes Perfect

1. Compressing a file makes it __________________________________________. (7)

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See Online Documents (page 26)

for more information on Cloud

Computing.



2.1. Online Software

Hosted Applications

A hosted application is a software application that is hosted over the Internet and not on a user’s computer. The benefits are:

 Low cost – it can be shared across a network of computers and some vendors charge for usage rather than per user, unlike traditional software licenses

 Low maintenance – the vendor rather than the client deals with issues  Mobility – the client can access the software from anywhere

 Instant availability – because the software is not installed physically onto a server or computer(s), the software is immediately available to the client

 Automatic backup – files are automatically backed up onto online storage

Sharing Files

Sharing files with other users online is made possible by using file sharing software, such as Google Docs. This application enables users to share and edit documents, spreadsheets and presentations at the same time. Files can be stored and shared using online storage. Photo sharing sites, such as Flickr enable users to upload their own photos and view photographs uploaded by other users. File hosting sites such as MediaFire enable users to share files with other users.

Collaborative Tools

Collaborative tools enable users to share files, store files and work to a shared timetable online using collaborative tools such as Outlook Calendar to synchronise timescales and Google Apps or Microsoft SharePoint Server®_{for file sharing.}

Social Bookmarking Tools

A bookmark is a saved link to a web page. Social bookmarking enables Internet users to manage, store, organise and share bookmarks of web resources. The files are not shared, only the bookmark is (link to the webpage). It is important that bookmarks are given appropriate tags or descriptions so that users can find them easily.

Practice Makes Perfect

1. Collaborative tools enable users to ______________________ files. (5)

2. _____________________ applications are software applications that are available over the Internet. (6)



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2.2. Controls

Version Control

Version control for online documents enables multiple users to make different versions of the same document as revisions and amendments are made. The file can be reverted to the previous version if required. Version control enables a user to review and track revisions and modifications (version history) between versions of the same file. When working collaboratively online, it is advisable to set access rights and editorial permissions to restrict access and changes to a document.

Software is available that will automate version control, keeping track of revisions and ensuring that only one user can make changes to a document at a time.

It is important to maintain full control over who can access and edit shared documents, ensuring that sensitive information is kept secure.

Access Levels

Access levels are the levels of access provided by User IDs – these must be monitored and controlled to ensure that only certain personnel have access to particular areas on the system. For instance, a network manager would have access allowing him/her the rights to make changes on the network. Some

organisations use passwords to gain access to specific parts of a network system. Authorised users are allowed to access areas on the system using their password (referred to as access rights) and this helps to keep confidential or sensitive data secure from unauthorised users.

Sensitive and confidential information is at risk of unauthorised access if the correct security procedures are not followed. The best way to ensure security of data is to use a login and password to access a computer system.Types of information that can be at risk of unauthorised access are financial information, personal details, health records and social security details.

It is vital that organisations use identification to verify authorisation or access to a computer system. A User ID, usually referred to as username or login, and password are essential to ensuring the security of private and sensitive information. Most organisations need passwords to gain access to systems and to enable editing rights. A company or educational establishment that uses a network would require users to be allocated with a login name (username) and password to be able to access the network drives and resources.

Most ICT systems require a password or PIN before access is granted. To prevent unauthorised access, you should use a password to log onto the system. A password should be strong, e.g. contain a random mix of letters and numbers that have no personal significance (e.g. does not include personal dates or names) and cannot be easily guessed. For example, do not use dates of birth or other significant dates, or mother's maiden name or pets' names (weak). Not only does this make it easier for an unauthorised user to enter your ICT system, but it also provides them with your personal details which can be used in identity theft and fraud. Passwords should be changed regularly and never shared with anyone else. Most passwords are case sensitive which means that you can also mix upper- and lower-case letters (e.g. TkLMn).

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File Permissions

File permissions refer to security controls that a user can set to secure files from unauthorised access, editing or formatting.

A file that can be shared and edited by more than one user is a read-write file, which means that the file can be accessed and read and can also have data written to it (for example, when the file is

edited/amended and then saved).

You can change the attributes by making the file read-only. Selecting the read-only option will protect the file from being overwritten or amended. The file can be opened and read but changes will not be saved under the existing file name. If you wanted to make changes to a read-only document you would need to remove the tick from the read-only check box.

Password Protection

Some documents are confidential or contain sensitive information which should only be seen by

specified users. Document passwords are added to make sure that unauthorised users cannot access or make changes to a document.

When a character is typed in it is displayed as a * or •. This is to ensure the privacy and security of the password.

Practice Makes Perfect

1. Using a pet's name or an easily guessed word/name is an example of a ______________________ password. (4)

2. Files that can be edited by another user are called _____________________- write files. (4)

3. _________________________________________________ help to keep confidential or sensitive data secure from unauthorised users. (9)

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3. Online Communication

Introduction

Online communication refers to computer users interacting and communicating over a global network. Examples of online communication include:

Online communities  Social networks

 Online computer games  Virtual worlds

Social media

 Internet forums / message boards  Web conferencing

 Blogs and podcasts  Wikis

 Virtual learning environments (VLE) Real time communication

 VoIP  SMS, MMS

 Instant messaging  Chat rooms

3.1. Social Media

Social media is used to publish information online in the form of blogs (web logs), podcasts, wikis, virtual learning environments, social networks and forums, and also to access information, such as message boards, chat rooms, instant messaging and web conferencing.

Wikis

Websites can be a rich and varied source of information with web-based reference sites and online encyclopaedias and wiki sites. Wikis, such as Wikipedia®_{, are online encyclopaedias containing information contributed by}

other users. Information can be edited, e.g. added to or updated, directly from a user's web browser. For this reason, it is important to use information from this source with caution as it may contain bias or prejudice or may not be accurate or based entirely on fact.

Web Logs (Blogs)

Blogs, (short for web logs), are web diaries; celebrities usually have a blog on their website or social network to keep fans up to date with news, gossip, etc. A blog may contain biased views and personal opinions. A photoblog is where users can share and upload photographs in the form of a blog. Vlogging (video log/blog) refers to using video as a form of blog. Microblogs are smaller in content and size than a blog. Social networking sites have microblog features in the form of status updates.

! Be careful about using wiki sites without cross-referencing to other sites of information as wikis are edited directly from a user’s computer.

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Podcasting

Podcasts are audio broadcasts that are downloaded from a website onto a device, such as an iPod or other media player capable of playing mp3 files (podcasts can also be accessed via a computer with media player software installed). Subscribing to podcasts enables you to store audio content, such as radio shows or news, allowing you the convenience of listening to it when you are ready. Podcasts can be accessed via RSS feeds (see above) which means that the content is up to date and new.

Virtual Learning Environments

A virtual learning environment or VLE supports learning and teaching via interactive online resources and guidance. VLEs are typically situated in an educational establishment, such as a school or college

(Moodle being an example), and are used to supplement rather than replace traditional learning methods.

3.2. Online Communities and Social Networks

An online community – sometimes referred to as an e-community or virtual community – is a means of communication between groups of people, such as social networking sites.

Social Networks

There are several social networking sites available, such as Facebook, Bebo, Twitter and MySpace. These types of site usually provide chat rooms, forums, email and instant messaging which allow you to post information about yourself and communicate with other users. Social

networking has impacted on how people socialise. It is now possible to communicate and share information with people from different backgrounds, cultures and countries without ever meeting face to face. This can become an

issue when unscrupulous people try to form friendships with other users by creating a misleading online personality (profile), such as using a false identity, gender and age group. Users can gather friends or followers and share information, video, audio, photographs and links with other users via their personal

Practice Makes Perfect

1. A _____________________ enables information to be edited, e.g. added to or updated, directly from a user's web browser. (4)

2. Moodle is an example of a ____________________________ Learning Environment. (7) 3. These are online audio broadcasts: _________________________________________. (8)

4. ________________________________________ (video log/blog) refers to using video as a form of blog. (8)



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Friends that are gathered via social networking differ from the usual definition of friends and only a small number of them may be true friends. It is important to recognise the difference. A public profile should only be used to communicate and share information that cannot be used to identify you.

Participants can comment on their friends' profiles on a Comment space, Wall or Testimonial area and this is visible to other users who have access to that profile.

 Be careful what you write about other people

 Be careful what information you give away about yourself

Information that you post on a social network space will be visible to other users for a long time, so think about this before you add anything you may later regret!

Information can also be copied and pasted into other areas, so you never know where personal information may end up. Embarrassing photos or videos could turn up on YouTube to haunt you!

Social networking sites enable others to see what you are doing and where you are – be careful what you give away.

Netiquette

An online user should conform to the rules of netiquette (Internet etiquette) by using appropriate language. Using inflammatory or bad language and being deliberately provocative by using insulting, abusive terms designed to create bad feeling (called flaming) can get you kicked off certain forums and chat rooms. Using capital letters is considered SHOUTING in online communication and should be avoided. Be very careful about inciting strong feelings in regard to gender, race or creed and do not use harassing or bullying behaviour. If you experience harassment or bullying behaviour from another user, do not respond to them directly, but do follow the correct complaint procedure to register your concern. Private and Public Profiles

A profile is a means of presenting an online personality within online communities and virtual worlds (e.g. personal spaces such as Myspace and Twitter). Google Profiles provide public access to your name, gender and profile photo. A profile that is used in virtual games may include a name, character and avatar (image chosen to represent the user).

Private profiles enable a user to limit what content they want to share with other users by controlling access to their personal space, such as to friends and family (a member won't be able to view private information or interact with you unless they become a friend).

Public profiles enable content sharing, such as pictures and videos, over the Internet without any access restrictions or controls.

Virtual World

A virtual world is one where users can interact and communicate using an alter ego, such as within computer games and other virtual environments. Also referred to as Virtual Reality, it is a 3D

environment that interactively responds to the behaviour of the user. A profile used in virtual games may include a name, character and avatar (image chosen to represent the user). Augmented reality is where reality is overlaid by virtual reality, making it a useful tool in education and demonstrations.

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3.3. Real-Time Communication

Real-time communication means communicating with one or multiple users simultaneously in 'real time' (instant, as it happens). Chat rooms such as MSN, Skype and Google Talk allow users to communicate in real time with or without video.

Instant Messaging

Instant messaging is immediate and enables users to identify whether another user is online; it is a low-cost means of instant communication between two or more users. Instant messaging also allows users to communicate for free over the Internet and use webcams to transmit real-time images and transfer files. IM is a great way of communicating via simultaneous conversations, providing speedy communication and ease of use. The benefits of instant messaging are:

 Conversation is immediate and performed in 'real time' (unlike email)

 The environment is controlled (users need an email address or IM address to take part)  Pictures, photos and files can be exchanged

 It is cheap and easy to use

IM can be performed via peer-to-peer (P2P) transmission or via a server/client network (e.g. a central server re-transmits the message to the recipient).

VoIP

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) enables calls to be made over the Internet, such as through Skype or Google. Voice signals are converted from analogue to digital format. VoIP is cheap or free to subscribers of the same service from PC to PC.

To communicate using VoIP, a user needs the following:  Internet access and a telephone line

 Microphone  Speakers

 Webcam (optional)

VoIP enables real-time communication over the Internet, using speech and live video. It can be used in conjunction with web meeting and conferencing software in order to create web conferences where

Practice Makes Perfect

1. The guidelines for appropriate behaviour online are called ____________________________________. (10) 2. An _____________________ is an image used to represent a user in a virtual world. (6)

3. A _____________________ profile enables content sharing, such as pictures and videos, over the Internet without any access restrictions or controls. (6)

5309 - btec first unit 1 learner companion

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Level 1/2 BTEC in Information Creative

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Unit 1: The Online World

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Teacher’s Introduction

Unit Introduction and Aims (from the BTEC specification)

Introduction

Aims

Free updates

zzed.co.uk/freeupdates

1. Online Services

Introduction

Websites

Online Services and Communication

Learning

Aim A

Online Living (e-Citizens)

Leisure, shopping and money management

Social interaction

Health and well-being

Business

1.1. Communication Methods

Examples of Online Communication

See Online Communication (page 21) for more

information on social networks, blogs, instant

messaging and VoIP.



Practice Makes Perfect



1.2. Real-Time Information

News Services

RSS Readers

Practice Makes Perfect

1.3. Commerce

Internet Banking

Online Auction Websites

Internet Shopping (E-commerce)

Practice Makes Perfect

1.4. Government

Online Tax Returns

Electronic Voting

Applications for Services/Grants

Practice Makes Perfect

1.5. Education

Management Information Systems

Computer-aided learning

1.6. Business

Business networking

Practice Makes Perfect



See Online Communication (page 21) for

more information on Virtual Learning

Environments (VLE).