Applications and Implications of IT

• IT is trying to collect, organize, store and share information

Why do we collect information?

1. To monitor, control or supervise systems, persons or processes
2. It could be used as a commodity
3. To help make decisions
4. To keep us informed

Information Processing
Information processing deals with how data is stored and accessed. This is impacted by the file
organization method.

There are three (3) file organization methods:

• Sequential Access - These are files stored one after the other, in a sequence of ascending
or descending or alphabetically based on a key field, which is usually a primary key.
In contrast, serial file organization is the simplest file organization method, in that, records
are entered in the order of their creation i.e. the file is unordered (chronological order).

• Indexed – Sequential Access - This access method contains two files: a sequential file and
an index file. The index file points to where in the sequential file data would exist and then
must use the sequential file to find the data within its sequence.

• Direct Access / Random Access - Files are stored in a random order on the disk (hard
disk), which uses a special algorithm that can map where data is placed on the disk and
how it can be retrieved on the disk.
Ways Transaction files can be updated
There are three ways transaction files can be updated:

1. Batch Processing
This allows data to be collected over a period of time and placed into batches. These
batches are all processed at the same predetermined time. This means that the files are not
processed in real-time. The file organization methods that can use batch processing are
sequential access and indexed-sequential access.
Examples of batch processing are payroll systems and utility bills paid at the bank.

2. Online / Interactive Processing

This processing type takes input which triggers processing, output and storage. The only
time the transaction file would be updated is when input comes into the system, otherwise,
the system is dormant.
An example is ATM withdrawals.

3. Real-Time Processing
This is a continuous cycle of input, processing and output.
Examples are weather forecasting systems, satellite maps and flight simulators.
Computers in Real Life Applications

Computers in Business
Modern businesses cannot function without computers as they could be used to create invoices,
monitor stock control, utilize point-of-sale systems and are used frequently in accounting and
marketing, as well as newer developments such as e-commerce and telecommuting.

● Stock Control and Point-of-Sale (POS) systems

Most companies utilize a stock inventory system to keep a record of their stock. When an
item is passed over a Point-of-Sale system (hence, sold), the stock quantity is decreased.
The reverse can occur when items are added back into stock by scanning the item with a
barcode reader in the warehouse. Companies also use “Just in Time” systems which keep
track of stock levels, reorder items that are needed automatically and track customers’ likes
and stock based on customers’ needs.

● E-Commerce
This is also called electronic commerce and consists of buying, selling, marketing and
servicing of products and services over computer networks. This also includes the
transferring of funds in the buying process.
There are two types of E-Commerce:
1. B2C (Business to Consumer) - This is where businesses retail their goods and
services over the internet to private customers.

2. B2B (Business to Business) - This is where businesses supply other businesses with
products and services via the internet.

Advantages:
- No brick-and-mortar cost
- Customers can shop at home and receive 24/7 service
 Disadvantages:
- Lack of security
- Less inspection of items before purchase

● Telecommuting
This allows individuals to work from home by setting up a network from the home
computer to the office server. This allows the employee to not have to travel physically to
work on a daily basis, therefore saving them time and money. Telecommuting is also called
teleworking.

Advantages:
- No cost of transportation
- Flexible working hours
- Work from home, therefore, less distraction from coworkers

Disadvantages:
- The home environment can produce many distractions
- Less social interaction with the workplace which can make you feel isolated
- Productivity can decrease due to distractions and no motivation to work
- The rise of health issues due to using technology for long periods
Computers in Education
Computers have assisted educators with teaching and learning practices, both in the classroom and
outside of the classroom. The use of productivity tools and video conferencing, along with
multimedia has changed the landscape of the education system.
Some innovations that have assisted educators in recent years:

● CAA (Computer Assisted Assessments) or CBA (Computer Based Assessments)

CAA is the use of computers and computer technology to assist in the marking of physical
exam scripts such as multiple choice papers where you physically mark, with a pencil, your
preferred answer.

CBA is the use of computers to deliver and mark computerized assessments. This type of
assessment can be reused, reordered and automatically graded with students getting results
of their assessments as soon as the assessment is completed.

● CAL (Computer Assisted Learning) and CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction)

CAL and CAI involve the use of computers and appropriate computer software to allow
students to learn at their own pace and to create a more interesting learning environment.
There are three basic forms of CAL or CAI: Drills and Practices, Tutorials and Simulations.

● CML (Computer Managed Learning) or CMI (Computer Managed Instruction)

These types of software are used as an administrative resource rather than an instructional
one. eg. to organize students’ data or create timetables.

Referencing Information:
Computers are a popular means of sourcing information especially as the internet gives
access to so much information. E.g. Online libraries have become popular as individuals stay at
home and access most of the information they need, quickly and easily. These libraries can
access information from books magazines, journals and newspapers, from around the world from
both academic and commercial publishers. Traditional Encyclopedias are also available online,
which carry many clear advantages:
1. They are updated constantly
 2. They can be accessed anywhere 24/7

Distance learning
This involves classes being conducted via the internet, satellite broadcasting, interactive video
and even CDs and DVDs. It can include:
1. Web Based Learning or WBL
2. Tele collaboration - using global networks in teaching or learning environments to
connect students all over the world
3. Virtual Classes- Online learning environments to carry out some of the rolls similar to a
class

Plagiarism
This is the representing of another person’s work or ideas and taking them as your own, without
the owner’s consent by incorporating it into your own work without proper acknowledgement or
reference, it may be intentional or reckless or even unintentional. This affects education since
education can come from multiple sources, which may be difficult to identify. The use of
websites/tools to detect plagiarism can assist the educator in limiting plagiarism

Computers in engineering and manufacturing

In engineering and manufacturing, computers can be used to:

1. direct assembly lines and operations
2. Perform simulations
3. Design, Draw or manipulate
There are certain tools that are used in manufacturing:

• Computer Aided Design (CAD)/ Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) - CAD
or CADD software is used to draw, manipulate and design almost anything imaginable
E.g. Clothing and products. CAD systems allow designers to create in a 3D environment,
which makes it easy for manipulation and views from multiple angles. CAD design can
be drawn to scale object to any size so as to enforce precision.
• Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) - CAM systems are used to control
manufacturing plant equipment and production equipment e.g. in the car manufacturing
industry. CAM translates the design from the CAD software into an actual physical
product, which utilize robots and sensors along with computers
• Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) - CAE systems analyze engineering designs from
CAD and allow for the design to be simulated using real world conditions to determine in
advance whether the design is likely to work. This is important since CAE comes before
CAM, for error prevention and even lives conservation.

COMPUTERS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

Computers are integral parts of law enforcement in all of its aspects :
1. To maintain criminal databases
2. To examine forensics evidence
3. To communicate with other departments or agencies
4. To provide electronic surveillance
5. To control traffic systems
6. To provide assistance to officers as to access information easily
7. To computerize traditional office tasks
It is also used in law enforcement via security cameras, biometric systems, Profiling and
criminal databases.
Computers in medicine

Computers are heavily used in the field of medicine, as they are used to:
1. Store patients’ records
2. Patient monitoring systems- measurement of vital signs, Heart monitor and blood
pressure
3. Computer aided detection and computer aided diagnosis- these are systems that help
detect or diagnose situations within the tissues or bodies of patient’s e.g. MRI- This
examines the tissues in the brain and gives images whereas CT scans gives a 3D view of
parts of the patient’s body, which can be used to analyze the patients information

4. Expert systems and AI in health care- this type of system analyses and provides answers
in the medical field as it can imitate the behavior of a human so as to help analyze
information so as to help find patters.

5. Tele-medicine- this is the practicing of medicine via the internet, which can be done in
numerous ways; persons can email doctors for medical information for a diagnosis, and
they can also collaborate with others via the internet. Patients can also self-diagnose and
access their logs over the internet eg: www.webmd.com

Computers in entertainment

Computers are heavily used in production, distribution and consumption of all modern forms of
entertainment, e.g. Games movies, etc. Computers can:
1. Record, synthesize and create music.
2. Distribute music
3. Create, play and stream games
4. Create animation and special effects for movies (CGI)
5. Streaming media: games, movies & music
6. Purchase games, movies and music