Topic 3 – Unit 1 - ICT-IAL The online environment

3.1 The internet and the World Wide Web

3.1.1 Understand what is meant by the internet and how it is structured
(Internet Protocol (IP) addressing and Domain Name Service (DNS)).

Internet
- Network of worldwide networks
- Use TCP/IP network protocols to facilitate data transmission/exchange
Routing
- Process - Sending internet packets - Between networks
Domain Name
- IP # replaces w/static names = domain names
- Accessible to all internet connected devices
A domain name is an Internet resource name that is universally understood by Web
servers and online organizations and provides all pertinent destination information.
To access an organization’s Web-based services, website users must know the
precise domain name.
Domain Name Servers (DNS)
- Internet's phone book - Maintains name directory
- Translates to IP address.
The domain name system (DNS) is a naming database in which internet domain
names are located and translated into Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. The domain
name system maps the name people use to locate a website to the IP address that a
computer uses to locate that website
Propagation
= Takes 12-36 hrs for DNS update/access info
Structure of Internet
- One internet connected computer interact w/another
- W/ help of protocol stacks =TCP/IP stacks - Built into OS
- 4 layers :
Application protocol
Transmission protocol
Internet protocol
Hardware
- Layers convert/send info between IP addresses - Over Internet

3.1.2 Understand the features, functions, impact, and potential of the World
Wide Web:
 World Wide Web (WWW)
- Search tool - Helps find/retrieve info - From web
- Using links to other sites/documents
 WWW Features
Easy to use
- Can immediately understand
Universal access
- Open design - Build web browser on range of devices
Search capabilities
- Quickly find what looking for amongst millions pages
 WWW Functions
Collect info Send info
 Positive Impacts WWW
Instant communication
- Communication both receiver/sender oriented.
Brings people together
- Can keep in touch - Meet new ppl
 Negative impacts WWW
Spread misleading/false info
- Damage unsuspecting info users outlook
Addictive
- Spending too much time on socials - Loss productivity
Questions
Hilmi Megat has a personal website.
Hilmi uses the website to tell people about the places that he has travelled to.
(a) The website’s domain name is www.hilmi-megat.com and the IP address is
203.0.113.15.
When someone wants to visit the website, they enter the domain name into
their browser address bar.
Describe how the connection is made to IP address 203.0.113.15.
Answer
• Find IP address:
Browser checks cache for previously used connection information (1)
Browser connects to Domain Name Service (server) / DNS (server) / Domain
Name Server (1)
DNS server has database/tables of domain names and IP addresses (1)
DNS server looks up IP/converts name to IP (1)
• IP address sent to browser (1)
• IP address used to connect to website (host) (1)

(e) Gathii’s blog and the cloud storage sites are part of the world wide web.
One of the main features of the world wide web is hypertext.
Explain what hypertext is.
Award one mark for each point up to a maximum of three marks for a linked
explanation.
• non-linear text
• contains links (from text / graphics, video) to other text / graphics, video / sound
• link can go to whole file/document or specific location within the file/document
• links can be anywhere on internet / world wide web
• providing the ‘web strands’ that create the world wide web
Example
• Hypertext provides a link from one web page/document/text to another (1) the
second text can be anywhere on the internet (1) this type of link forms the ‘web’ of
the world wide web (1)
Hyperlinks are examples of non-linear text (1) which means that they hold links to
pieces of text that do not immediately follow the hyperlink text (1) these links are
what join up the world wide web/internet (1)
• Hypertext links a piece of text to another piece of text (1) the second piece of text
can be anywhere on the internet (1) and the link can be to any place within the
second piece (1)
3.1.3 Understand the difference between static and dynamic web page
content and the need to use the different types.

 Dynamic Site
• Written = server side scripting
"energetic or forceful"
- Content called in - By scripting lang - From orgere files/database
*Not very accurate by quiz

Dynamic Site Advantages

• Easy pull in info
- Organized/structured way create/ categorize product pages
- IF connect database
• Little/no ongoing costs
- UNLESS change basic design/extra capability added
Dynamic Site Disadvantages
• More fixed
- Pages = template - Similar type pages
• Costs initially higher
- Additional functionality - Rewrite core code
 Static Site
• Written = HTML
"stationary"
- What in page code = displayed
Static Site Advantages
• Flexibility
- Every page diff - If want
• Cost
- lower up-front
Static Site Disadvantages
• Hard update content
- Need go back to designer - Frustrating w/small changes
• Scalability
- Sell products = individual page each one - Takes time/effort/cost
Difference
Static systems are usually less intricate, take less time to develop and have faster
loading times. The disadvantage of static components is that they aren't interactive,
which means they can't always perform required, complex functionality.
Dynamic systems can handle more complex functionality and can perform
customized returns based on user, channel or application. The disadvantage of
dynamic components is that they require more time to load and develop.

3.1.4 Understand the role of client-side scripting.

Notes
- Dynamic websites = 3 components
• Server • Database • Client
Client
- Browser using to view site
Client-Side Scripting
- Executed by browser
Server
- @ Remote location anywhere
Server-Side Scripting
- Executed by web browser
How Client Side Scripting Works
• Script embedded w/in
- Interacts w/ HTML - Manipulates element = interactive exp
• Script interacts w/CSS
- Way page looks
• Dictates work server-side code do
- Return data so readable by browser
• Puts less stress on server
- No need processing
In web development, 'client side' refers to everything in a web application that is
displayed or takes place on the client (end user device). This includes what the user
sees, such as text, images, and the rest of the UI, along with any actions that an
application performs within the user's browser.

3.1.5 Understand the role of server-side scripting.

Much like with client side, 'server side' means everything that happens on the server,
instead of on the client. In the past, nearly all business logic ran on the server side,
and this included rendering dynamic webpages, interacting with databases, identity
authentication, and push notifications.
Difference
Client side and server side are web development terms that describe where
application code runs. Web developers will also refer to this distinction as the
frontend vs. the backend, although client-side/server-side and frontend/backend
aren't quite the same. In a serverless architecture, the serverless vendor hosts and
assigns resources to all server-side processes, and the processes scale up as
application usage increases.

Questions
Hilmi uses a web-hosting company to host and support his website.
The company provides software tools to make both static and dynamic web
pages.
(b) Give three differences between static and dynamic web pages.
Award one mark for each difference up to a maximum of three marks.
• static page content is fixed, dynamic alters with user actions (1)
• dynamic pages use a fixed format/template while static pages can all be different
(1)
• static written in HTML, dynamic written in a server-side scripting
language/PHP/ASP/JSP
(1)
• static code/HTML is read/displayed by the browser/client computer, dynamic is a
server-side process (1)
• static content (usually) held in one location, dynamic page content called (by script)
from other files/data source(s) (1)
• dynamic, easy to add new features, such as a data feed, to an existing web page
(whereas the content for static pages is hard coded) (1)
• database can be used by dynamic pages to supply content (whereas the content
for static pages is hard coded) (1)

Hilmi’s website only has static web pages. He is thinking of converting the
website into a dynamic one.
(c) Discuss the advantages of using dynamic web pages instead of static web
pages. (6)
Responses should be in relationship to the context of the question (advantages of
dynamic web pages)
responses may look at one aspect in depth or cover elements of more than one.
Ease of use by web author Hilmi:
• easy to create structured / organised pages
• does not need to know HTML
• no need to recode pages to change content
• can connect to a database / data source allowing the use of a content management
system
• no or reduced costs / time when changing page content
Responsive to users:
• pages are filled / sorted according to user actions
• interactive actions allow help user engagement
• able to respond to / accommodate different screen sizes / resolutions
Other:
• content can respond to:
o cookies
o time of day
o locational information
• better for SEO
(e) Some of Julie’s websites use scripts to make them interactive.
These may be run as client-side scripts or server-side scripts.
(i) State the difference between a client-side script and a server-side script.
Client-side scripts run on the client's/visitor's computer, server-side scripts run on the
server (1)
(ii) Explain one reason why a website owner might prefer to use client-side
scripts rather than server-side scripts.
Award one mark for each point up to a maximum of two marks for a linked
explanation.
• this reduces the load on the server (1)
• saving money/resources/bandwidth/processing power on the server (1)
• reducing the delay/lag when data is moved / visitors get a faster response to their
actions (1)
• giving the client/visitor a better/improved service / increasing client/visitor
satisfaction (1)
Examples:
(Using client side scripts):
• gives a reduced server load (1) gives a faster service to clients (1)
• saves money (1) by reducing how much the server needs to do (1)
• reduces lag for the client (1) because less bandwidth is being used (1)

3.2 Operating online

3.2.1 Understand the impact and potential of working in online environments
for individuals and organisations.

Working from home:

Advantages
Better work-life balance
Working from home eliminates lengthy commutes, enabling more time with loved
ones. And on days when employees aren't required to attend video meetings, they
can dress any way they choose -- including pajamas. This greater sense of comfort
and better work-life balance lead to less stress.
Higher productivity
Remote workers reported stable or increased productivity while working remotely
compared to in an office.
Timeliness
Eliminated factors include oversleeping, being stuck in traffic and waiting in a long
line at the drive-through to get morning coffee. Being able to roll out of bed and start
working is a huge time saver.
Cost savings
Remote teams enable businesses to rent smaller office spaces -- or even move to a
remote, cloud-based operation completely. This saves organizations money on rent,
utilities and other office supplies.
Flexibility
Remote work means employees can work from anywhere -- not just their home.
Coffee shops, beaches and other countries are now options.
Disadvantages
Distractions at home
Some of these factors include screaming children, noise from passing traffic, ringing
doorbells, dogs barking and household chores.
Isolation
Remote work -- especially for those who live alone -- can lead to feelings of
loneliness and isolation.
Loss of work-life balance

Cyber security concerns

But it becomes critical when an organization must accommodate remote working
arrangements. A company's potential security loopholes increase when factoring in
antivirus software, firewalls and VPN configurations for employees' home internet
connections. Further complicating matters is when employees decide to work from a
coffee shop or other location with public Wi-Fi, and when they bring personal devices
onto a business network. Difficulty maintaining confidentiality
Unstable/inconsistent internet access
No one's internet connection is completely stable at every possible second.
Electricity and internet outages aside, connections can vary in speed and reliability
over the course of a day. For people in crowded areas where many others also work
from home -- such as apartment complexes and densely packed cities -- slow
speeds, buffering, and poor audio and video connections are common.
Teaching
Advantage
Less in cost: The best part of this online learning is it is much more affordable
compared to old-fashioned learning. In digital classes, parents are free to buy
uniforms or spend travelling expenses and can save extra money. Due to this
advantage of online education, economically weaker students can fulfill their dreams.
You should pay for university credits and save a lot of money with digital classes.
Time-Saving: In online classes, there is no commute included as a student can learn
and get a degree while sitting at the comfort of their home.
Tech-savvy: As you are using technology for learning so you can become tech-savvy
by digital learnings. Yet, this is a good thing as in today’s age of technology most of
the jobs require tech-savvy employees.
Easy attendance: Students can give their attendance right from the comfort of their
homes. So they can attend all online classes without any absence.
Self-paced: Digital learning is often self-paced where you can do your work in your
own time, unlike traditional classes. If there are no teachers, so you can easily take
your own leisure time in finishing your work.
Less competition & Less intensity: As you see there can be less intense and less
competition in online learning compared to traditional classes. You have to memorize
that the low level of competition makes students less stressed and more relaxed.
Improves time management: A student has to learn how to manage their time
efficiently. Digital classes make this possible as there are no teachers to guide the
students physically in doing their work. This independence allows students to grow
and improve their time management abilities.
More accessible: Location-wise digital education is much more accessible. If a
student wants to study at a particular university from another country or region but
cannot travel due to financial issues or some restrictions, then through digital
education a student can get a degree from that particular university without having to
travel.
Disadvantage
Lose Concentration: Without having proper care for students while online lasses by
teachers they can easily lose focus on studies. Also, virtual classes can be done
through phone or laptop gadgets where students can easily move to games or
videos or youtube for entertainment. This completely makes them go off track from
subject studies.
Health Issues: Many parents are worried about their child’s health as it is unhealthy
to sit for hours in front of a computer screen. Looking at the screen for too long can
also damage their eyesight. Not only that, back problems due to incorrect sitting
positions may arise.
Expensive: We know that you have been confused after seeing this disadvantage.
As we have said earlier that it is less in cost but it is also expensive for economically
weaker students. Parents who are jobless due to covid can not afford smartphones
or computers for students’ online learnings. In such cases, digital learning may be
accessible but it’s not readily affordable.
Lack of socializing skills: As there is no socializing included in digital learning several
students who study through digital mode can not acquire socializing skills. Also, it
may lead to a decrease in the cooperative skills of a student.
Isolation: While digital education has its perks many students feel a sense of
isolation and become depressed. This is due to little to no human contact and
socializing with peers. Both students and teachers alike are prone to loneliness in
virtual learning.
Limited: Digital learning does not apply to all disciplines and subjects. Areas that
require practicals like engineering, medical science, and other STEM subjects
cannot be implemented fully with digital classes. Moreover, some practicals cannot
be learned virtually.
Lack of Good Internet connection: As we all know that online classes/learning are
more flexible and accessible from anywhere conveniently with the help of a good
internet connection. If you are failed to connect your phone or computer with good
internet connectivity then you may miss a lot of important stuff because of buffering.
Also, for a good internet connection parents need to spend money on a monthly or
yearly basis which is a disadvantage for poor and middle-class families.
Prevention of cheating is difficult: Unlike traditional learning where teachers can
personally monitor students. Digital Online Classes make it quite difficult for teachers
to assess their students during exams. The teachers will have no idea if students
cheat on the test or not as they are not physically there to assess them.

Not efficient so countined on other note

3.2.2 Understand the security risks to personal data stored online and
methods of protection.

Personal data is any information that relates to an identified or identifiable living

individual. Different pieces of information, which collected together can lead tothe
identification of a particular person, also constitute personal data.

It means that any data that can be used to identify or recognise somebody is classed
as personal data. Sometimes the data has been manipulated so that it does not
allow an individual to be identified. The EU’s definition goes on to suggest that any
data which can be reconstituted so that it does enable an individual to be identified
can also be classed as personal data. So, even if personal data has been de-
identified, encrypted or pseudonymised, it is still classed as personal data.
Examples of personal data as outlined by the EU are:
» a name and surname
» a home address
» an email address, such as [email protected]
» an identification card number
» location data (for example from the location data function on a mobile phone)
» an IP address
» a cookie ID
» the advertising identifier of your phone
» data held by a hospital or doctor, which could be a symbol that uniquely identifies a
person.

Firewall
Firewalls are designed to prevent unauthorised network access. Organisations which
store personal data tend to have several computers that form networks, many of
which are connected to the internet. Without a firewall, these computers can be
accessed by unauthorised users through the internet. Firewalls examine data coming
into the network to see if it is allowable. It examines data packets and breaks them
down into smaller pieces of information such as the IP address they came from. An
IP (internet protocol) address is a combination of numbers that identifies each
computer in a network. If it is an IP address that is not allowed, the firewall can block
that traffic. It can prevent certain computers from gaining access to the network.
Firewalls do not always prevent hackers from accessing networks, however.
Although a hacker’s computer is prevented from accessing the network, the hacker
could physically steal a computer that is permitted to access the network. More
likely, they can use software which can change the IP address of their computer to
one which is acceptable to the firewall.
Penetration testing
A penetration test, sometimes referred to as a ‘pen test’, is when companies employ
somebody to deliberately attack their computer network. They do this so that the
authorised ‘hacker’ will identify the weaknesses in their system’s security and the
company can then take measures to improve it if necessary. Basically, it is a way to
find out how easy it is to access a computer network and how well the measures
being taken to protect the data are working and, if necessary, improve them. The
purpose of doing this is to enable the company to secure personal data from illegal
hackers who will attempt to gain unauthorised access to the system.
Network policies
Network policies are sets of rules that allow companies to choose who is allowed to
access their computer network and control their use of the network once they have
gained access. Most companies now use the internet to carry out their business
transactions, and as a consequence their computer networks have become
vulnerable to attack. These attacks can allow competitors to gain knowledge of their
operations; they can result in data being destroyed or provide access to any
personal data that is stored. When workers join a company, they are normally
required to sign an agreement, such as an acceptable use policy. This specifies what
type of use is acceptable and what is not. They have to agree not to use the network
for illegal, unethical or distracting non-workrelated activities, such as downloading
copyrighted material or spending time on social networking sites to communicate
with friends. While not necessarily preventing hackers from outside the organisation
attacking the network, it does help to limit what employees might be tempted to do
with personal data.
Softwre Updates
3.2.3 Understand what a digital footprint is and the positive and negative
aspects of these.
A digital footprint, sometimes called a digital dossier, is the body of data that exists
as a result of actions and communications online that can in some way be traced
back to an individual.
Digital footprints are sometimes broken down into active and passive data traces.
Active data traces are the ones that the user leaves intentionally. Facebook, Twitter
and blog posts, social network connections, image and video uploads, email, phone
calls and chats are among the ways people create active digital footprints.
Passive data traces connected to an individual are left by others or gathered through
activities that the user does without purposefully putting out data. Website visits and
actions, searches and online purchases are among the activities that add passive
data traces to a digital footprint.
A digital footprint is relatively permanent and once the data is public -- or even semi-
public, as may be the case with Facebook posts -- the owner has little control over
how it will be used by others. For that reason, a major focus of digital footprint
management (DFM) is caution about online activities to control the data that can be
gathered in the first place.
Pros:
Fraud or legal issues can more easily be detected
Personalization (like suggested products or related advertising) serves to add value
to our use of the Internet
Companies can more easily offer incentives based on interests and needs,
sometimes resulting in cost savings
Cons:
Personal data can be used to generate revenue without our knowledge
It can be annoying and distracting to be constantly inundated with advertisements
and information
Purchase behavior data may be used as a basis to reduce credit limits or increase
interest rates

Here are some ways to protect your digital footprint:

Delete all tracking cookies and browsing history from your computer regularly
Review security settings on social networks and stay updated on new features and
settings
Make sure to use the latest version of your Internet browser. Internet Explorer 10 has
extra built-in security.
Choose safe and secure passwords that are unique to each login and be sure to
change them regularly.
Use cash instead of credit cards
Opt out of providing personally identifiable information (e.g. you may not be required
by law to provide your telephone number when making a purchase)
Remember that anything posted is public (even if your social network settings are
private) as the information is stored on a server network

Exam Questions
Sanjeev writes short stories for magazines. He does not have a permanent
position and only gets paid when a story is published. Some stories are
commissioned by a magazine’s editor, others are submitted in the hope that
they will be accepted and published.
Sanjeev researches material for his stories by using the internet. He also has
an active social media presence for his work and personal life.
By using the internet, Sanjeev has generated both an active and a passive
digital footprint.
Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages for Sanjeev of the digital
footprints that he has generated.
You should consider:
• the impact on Sanjeev’s working and personal life
• how Sanjeev should manage his footprints going forward.
(12)
Responses should be in relationship to the context, advantages and disadvantages
to Sanjeev of the digital footprints that he has generated.
Active footprint (generated when Sanjeev deliberately releases / shares personal
data, e.g. on social media).
Advantages:
• editors can more easily find Sanjeev to
o offer work
o see examples of his writing
o see what styles, genres etc. he can write in
• helps protect Sanjeev from:
o fraudulent activity
o plagiarism / claims of plagiarism
o other legal issues such as copyright
• allows companies to personalise Sanjeev’s visits to their sites, for e.g. special
offers, suggested products.
Disadvantages:
• adverts / offers may be based on Sanjeev’s research and not be wanted for his
everyday life
• personal data can be monetised without Sanjeev’s knowledge / permission
• companies may ‘personalise’ by increasing prices based on a perception of
Sanjeev’s wealth / status
• analysis of an active footprint can reveal more information than Sanjeev had
intended to share
• privacy problems
12
Passive footprint (generated when Sanjeev visits sites, performs transactions. e.g.
cookies, logfiles).
Advantages:
• enhanced experience, e.g. search fill, location awareness
• helps protect Sanjeev from:
o credit card fraud
o attempts to log in to his accounts, e.g. email, shopping
Disadvantages:
• privacy problems
• no control over what is collected
• information may end up in wrong hands, e.g. credit card numbers, account
numbers
• embarrassing / inconvenient material may be collected
• may impact on non-internet activities. Footprint may be used by companies dealing
with e.g. credit
references, rental agreements.
Managing the footprints going forward:
• keep personal / work accounts separate / separate accounts for different functions
• don’t use same user names for multiple accounts / set up multiple profiles
• security measures / clearing cookies / browser add ons to prevent tracking
• deliberate management of active footprint(s) to suit Sanjeev’s purposes
• use of anonymous / private browsing / secure browser (add ons)

3.3 Online communities

3.3.1 Understand the concept of an online community and that online
communities exist for social and professional purposes.
Online Communities
- Ppl w/shared common interests - Communicate online
Features
• Profiles • Connect/follow • Status updates/posts • Ratings
• Share • Analytics
 Social communities
Enable individuals to maintain social connections, stay informed and access, as well
as share a wealth of information. These sites also enable marketers to reach their
target audiences.
Sharing. Friends or family members who are geographically dispersed can connect
remotely and share information, updates, photos and videos. Social networking also
enables individuals to meet other people with similar interests or to expand their
current social networks.
Learning. Social networks serve as great learning platforms. Consumers can
instantly receive breaking news, get updates regarding friends and family, or learn
about what's happening in their community.
Interacting. Social networking enhances user interactions by breaking the barriers
of time and distance. With cloud-based video communication technologies such as
WhatsApp or Instagram Live, people can talk face to face with anyone in the world.
Marketing. Companies may tap into social networking services to enhance brand
awareness with the platform's users, improve customer retention and conversion
rates, and promote brand and voice identity.
 Action communities
Enables everyone to take part in real cutting edge research in many fields across the
sciences, humanities, and more. The Zooniverse creates opportunities for you to
unlock answers and contribute to real discoveries.
When you join a community of action, you are committing to a cause. Communities
of action connect people who want to change something in their world. This means
they’re often run by non-profit agencies or passionate volunteers.

 Professional communities
Aggregation that provide environments for professionals to share their knowledge
body, as cultures of similar work, problems perceptions, techniques of problem
resolution, professional values, legal aspects, professional behavior, and so forth.
 Local communities
While many types of online communities exist only online, local communities are
based around a physical space or geographical location. This means they tend to be
smaller and have a more specific focus compared to other online communities.
 Common circumstance communities
Communities of circumstance offer individuals the chance to connect with other
members who share similar life experiences to them.
Communities of circumstance tend to have aims related to helping members with
issues and challenges they’re facing as a result of their circumstances, for instance,
motherhood, chronic illness or disabilities. They are a space to share advice,
personal experiences and relevant information.
 Common interest communities
Simply like fan communites

3.3.2 Understand the impact of online communities on individuals and

organisations.

3.3.3 Understand the monetization opportunities provided by online

communities:

 Target Marketing
- Social networking = ppl interests - Store info on database
- Sell info to advertisers
.•. Ability match members to advertisers
Target marketing is a marketing strategy that breaks a market into segments and
then concentrates your marketing efforts on one or a few key segments consisting of
the customers whose needs and desires most closely match your product or service
offerings. It can be the key to attracting new business, increasing sales, and making
your business a success.
 Pay-Per-Click Advertising
- Digital ads - Allows targeted users online - Pay for actions
Pay-per-click (PPC) is an online advertising model in which an advertiser pays a
publisher every time an advertisement link is “clicked” on. Alternatively, PPC is
known as the cost-per-click (CPC) model. The pay-per-click model is offered
primarily by search engines (e.g., Google) and social networks (e.g., Facebook).
Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Twitter Ads are the most popular platforms for PPC
advertising.

 Like cilent auction

- Advertisers bid on appealing keywords
 Paid Subscription (Paywalls)
- Feature - Needs payment from users - To access add
contents/services - View small amt = pay for rest
The goal of paywall content is to turn visitors into subscribers. While organizations
like it when visitors pay to see a single article, or a month of articles, subscribers
help businesses build a stronger revenue stream.
Soft paywall
- Allow view servers before ask sub
Hard paywall
- Need to pay in order to access any add - Risky = lose customers
Both
- Combine strats - Give access some content - Not to premium
Soft paywalls offer partial access to content. Tiered paywalls offer different levels of
access based upon user subscriptions. Finally, hard paywalls lock everything down
and are for sites that serve very specific niche industry content.
 Sponsored Content
- Paid by advertiser - Promo product - Look like reg news article
- BUT opinions/info biased/not reliable
Sponsored content is a type of paid advertising where you work with blogs,
newspapers, YouTube channels, or other sites to publish promotional content. Unlike
traditional ads that are often intrusive, sponsored content appears more organic as it
looks like ordinary editorial content.
Exam Questions
Gathii has a blog. He writes articles about wildlife photography for his blog. He
has a
large following and thinks he can make money from his blog.
(a) State two ways in which Gathii could monetise his blog.
Award one mark per point to a maximum of two marks.
• pay-per-click advertising (1)
• paid advertising / product placement in the blog(articles) (1)
• selling of customer data (1)
• a subscription for access to the blog (e.g. extra articles, higher resolution images,
access) (1)
• asking for donations (1)
• sponsored content (1)
• selling / licensing content (images, text, or products) (1)
Gathii is a member of an international photography forum.
One benefit of being a member of the forum is that Gathii can make posts
about
his blog.
Describe two other benefits to Gathii of being a member of the forum.
Award up to two marks for each of two descriptions such as:
• can get feedback / criticism / comments on photos
(1) which will help him improve technique / style / quality (1)
• can pick up ideas / suggestions for content/images (1) that can be exploited /
written about in his blog (1)
• can build (professional) relationships with other photographers / possible clients (1)
allowing him to sell/shoot images for money/other benefits
• can build a name/reputation for himself / his images (1) outside of his blog (1)
• can get support / answers to photography problems (1) from the combined
experience of other forum members (1)
• can get support / answers to blog problems (1) from the combined experience of
other forum members (1)
• can get information about events (1) in a photography related context e.g.
exhibition, workshop (1)

3.4 The cloud

3.4.1 Understand the concept, use and impact of cloud storage.
Cloud Storage Uses
- Internet service - Gives storage to computer users
Cloud storage is a service model in which data is transmitted and stored on remote
storage systems, where it is maintained, managed, backed up and made available to
users over a network -- typically, the internet. Users generally pay for their cloud data
storage on a per-consumption, monthly rate.
Use
- Online space use to keep backups - Store data remotely
- Computing facilities to manage/organize the storage space.
Advantages
• Low cost
- Free storage
• Access from range
- Any device = sign in
• Cloud Security
- Sensitive info = password/encryption means

Off-site management: Your cloud provider assumes responsibility for maintaining

and protecting the stored data. This frees your staff from tasks associated with
storage, such as procurement, installation, administration, and maintenance. As
such, your staff can focus on other priorities.
Quick implementation: Using a cloud service accelerates the process of setting up
and adding to your storage capabilities. With cloud storage, you can provision the
service and start using it within hours or days, depending on how much capacity is
involved.
Cost-effective: As mentioned, you pay for the capacity you use. This allows your
organization to treat cloud storage costs as an ongoing operating expense instead of
a capital expense with the associated upfront investments and tax implications.
Scalability: Growth constraints are one of the most severe limitations of on-premise
storage. With cloud storage, you can scale up as much as you need. Capacity is
virtually unlimited.
Business continuity: Storing data offsite supports business continuity in the event
that a natural disaster or terrorist attack cuts access to your premises.
Disadvantages
• Net connection
- Need to access data
• Low bandwidth
- Benefits can't access - Poor quality performance
• Affected quality
- Affected when ppl use net simultaneously
Security: Security concerns are common with cloud-based services. Cloud storage
providers try to secure their infrastructure with up-to-date technologies and practices,
but occasional breaches have occurred, creating discomfort with users.
Administrative control: Being able to view your data, access it, and move it at will is
another common concern with cloud resources. Offloading maintenance and
management to a third party offers advantages but also can limit your control over
your data.
Latency: Delays in data transmission to and from the cloud can occur as a result of
traffic congestion, especially when you use shared public internet connections.
However, companies can minimize latency by increasing connection bandwidth.
Regulatory compliance: Certain industries, such as healthcare and finance, have to
comply with strict data privacy and archival regulations, which may prevent
companies from using cloud storage for certain types of files, such as medical and
investment records. If you can, choose a cloud storage provider that supports
compliance with any industry regulations impacting your business.

3.4.2 Understand the concept, use and impact of cloud computing.

Cloud Computing
- System `- All progs/data stored on central server - Owned by company
- Accessed virtually
Cloud computing is on-demand access, via the internet, to computing resources—
applications, servers (physical servers and virtual servers), data storage,
development tools, networking capabilities, and more—hosted at a remote data
center managed by a cloud services provider (or CSP). The CSP makes these
resources available for a monthly subscription fee or bills them according to usage.
Advantages
• Access automatic updates - System reg updated w/ latest tech
• Inexpensive
• Can access anywhere from anything - Flexible working practices
Elasticity. Companies can freely scale up as computing needs increase and scale
down again as demands decrease. This eliminates the need for massive
investments in local infrastructure, which might or might not remain active.
Pay per use. Compute resources are measured at a granular level, enabling users to
pay only for the resources and workloads they use.
Disadvantages
• Dependent on internet access
• Documents editors basic - No range of features
• Not good at memory heavy applications - (Video editing)
Examples
Google Docs, Microsoft 365. Users can access Google Docs and Microsoft 365
through the internet. Users can be more productive because they can access work
presentations and spreadsheets stored in the cloud at anytime from anywhere on
any device.
Email, Calendar, Skype, WhatsApp. Emails, calendars, Skype and WhatsApp take
advantage of the cloud's ability to provide users with access to data remotely so they
can access their personal data on any device, whenever and wherever they want.
Zoom. Zoom is a cloud-based software platform for video and audio conferencing
that records meetings and saves them to the cloud, enabling users to access them
anywhere and at any time. Another common communication and collaboration
platform is Microsoft Teams.

Exam Questions
Gathii uses free cloud storage for his images.
Explain one benefit and one drawback to Gathii of using free cloud storage
Award up to two marks each for one benefit and one drawback such as:
Benefits:
• can be accessed from anywhere with internet (1) which means Gathii can blog
while away from home / from a photo location (1)
• Gathii does not need to purchase extra storage (at home / on his system) (1)
saving money (1) (needs to have a description of the saving to be awarded this
mark)
• data security, assuming Gathii keeps copies at home as well as in the cloud / keeps
photos on both sites (1) this means that Gathii does not need to worry about making
backups / recovering from disasters e.g. his home storage device failing (1)
Drawbacks:
• requires internet access (1) which means Gathii may not always be able to get at
his data (1)
• there may be limitations on e.g. bandwidth, storage time, time before non-accessed
accounts are deleted (1) which means Gathii may not always be able to access his
files. (1)
• cloud storage is ‘someone else’s’ computer’ (1) which means that Gathii has limited
control over e.g. security, who can see the data (1)

Mobile devices use apps for playing media files. Some of these apps send the
media files to the cloud for processing.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using cloud computing for
processing data in this way.
Answers should be in the context of using cloud computing to process data.
Advantages:
• to users
◦ can play a file where the app does not support it
◦ can process data where the device is unable to do so
◦ does not need multiple apps
• to the app company
◦ get users for their app, increasing ad revenue etc.
◦ has records of what users view, can be monetised
◦ can use the system to expand into other devices/functions
Disadvantages:
• to users
◦ device must be online when using the app
◦ requires use of data allocation/costs money for data
◦ third party has control of some device/app functions
◦ may be lag in receiving media due to connection speed, bandwidth issues
◦ third party has records of users viewing/playing habits
• to the app company
◦ needs money/resources for the servers
◦ solution must be easily scalable, may need to be set up in several countries to
overcome lag issues
◦ need to advertise the solution to get users
◦ need to deal with legal issues, copyright, legality of what users are viewing in
different countries