2. How organisations use ICT

  • End effectors
    • a device used in computer control systems that is attached to the end of a robot arm so that the arm can perform tasks such as tightening bolts, spray painting and welding.

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  • Remote control
    • An input device that allows the user to control other devices from a distance. It is most frequently used with home entertainment systems.
  • Batch process
    • process where specific amounts of raw materials are combined together and mixed for a certain period of time e.g. payroll applications
  • Continuous process
    • process whereby variables do not tend to fluctuate by a great deal but the conditions must be continuously maintained e.g. the temperature in a refrigeration process
  • Discrete process
    • process whereby several items are produced one at a time, with measured time gaps in between each items e.g. robotic arms fitting in the wheels in the manufacture of cars
  • Programmable Logic Controller(PLC)
    • A type of computer or microcomputer that is used for a single purpose. It is able to accept analogue and digital inputs, and a set of logic statements is used to compare the input with a pre-set value. Depending on the result, it activates the output devices.
  • Proportional Integral derivative(PID)
    • An algorithm that is an integral part of closed loop computer controlled systems. It calculates the difference between the input value and the pre-set value, and then causes the programmable logic controller (PLC) to make proportional changes to the output so that the pre-set value is eventually reached.
  • Control Software
    • Computer programs that allow computers or microprocessors to automatically control a system
  • Embedded Web Technology(EWT)
  • Broadband
    • A high-speed method of transmitting data using a number of data channels through one cable, giving users faster access to the Internet together with shorter download times
  • Virtual private network(VPN)
    • The use of publicly accessible networks to communicate private information. It is not physically private but involves the use of security methods that make it practically impenetrable.
  • Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
    • A handheld computer fitted with a touch screen that is activated by using a detachable stylus. Text is entered by pressing a keyboard that appears on the screen
  • Remote access services(RAS)
    • Services that allow people working away from home to access the desktop on their own PC remotely
  • Local area network(LAN)
    • A number of computers connected together to share software and hardware either within a small geographical area or within a single building
  • Wide area network(WAN)
    • A network formed by connecting several local area networks together using routers or modems
  • VOIP
    • The use of the Internet to send voice data in the form of digital data packets using Internet protocols
  • Hyperlinks
    • A reference within an electronic document to another place in the same document or to a different document. Hyperlinks are the foundation of any hypertext system, including the worldwide web. Hyperlinks can be used to open links within different applications packages
  • Web Authoring package
    • Software used for creating web pages
  • CAI
    • Computer-aided instruction - the process where a computer takes charge of the learning process and acts independently of any teacher input
  • CAL
    • Computer-aided learning - the use of computers and ICT to support the teacher in the learning process. The teacher is in control and uses ICT as a resource around which a lesson might be planned.
  • CBL
    • A term used interchangeably with computer-aided learning
  • CMC
    • computer-mediated communications - the collective term given to communication services such as e-mail, instant messaging and chat rooms
  • CAA
    • computer-aided assessment - Any aspect of assessing student's work using a computer
  • Instant messaging
    • The exchange of text messages across the Internet in real time between two or more people logged into a particular instant messaging service
  • Master file
    • A file that holds all fixed data but can be updated periodically using a transaction file
  • Transaction file
    • A working file used in database management systems that contains transactions that, when used together with a master file, produce the required output and an updated master file.