Information Systems for you

Questions (Page 116)
2(a)		Used as a separate computer rather than being networked together.
(b)		May be input directly into their computer to update the stock file and reorder goods if necessary.
(c)		The disk would need to be sent to the shops by post or via a carrier. With lists on paper they may be faxed which is much quicker.
3		Being sent two letters instead of one. Having to wait for goods which are sold out. Not knowing whether the goods are available elsewhere without phoning around.
4		Suppliers would like to avoid paperwork by using EDI which is more efficient. Binscope does not have the technology to do this. No facilities for electronic mail which is quicker.

Questions (Page 123)

ADVANTAGES	DISADVANTAGES
You can obtain access from any workstation	Cost of installation is high
User's access rights can be controlled	There is usually complete reliance on the server
Expensive peripherals may be shared	There is a need for more security
Data and software can be stored centrally	A network manager is needed

Questions (Page 123)

• the low cost of IT equipment
• the Internet
• fast communication links to the organisation

Questions (Page 123)
1		To identify the user of a terminal to the system.
2		There may be more than one person with the same first name. The user ID needs to be unique.
3		A string of characters that the user has to type in to access the system. It is used to authenticate the user to the system.
4		A user ID is used to allocate space on the disk drive for the user whereas a password is to make sure that only an authorised person uses the system.

Test Yourself (Page 126)
	A	network
	B	LANs
	C	WANs
	D	modems
	E	analogue
	F	electronic
	G	protocol
	H	gateway

Things To Do (page 127)
1(a)		Local Area Network
(b)		Holds all the programs and data needed for the network.
(c)		Fast laser printers would only be used now and again and since they are expensive, it is not worth having one attached to each computer.
(d)		Peripherals such as scanners, printers etc. can be shared. All users can access centrally held data. Software usually only has to be installed on the file server. Easier to maintain security.
(e)		They can use the e-mail facility. They can produce quotes over the net and increase their market share. They can advertise cheaply to generate more business.
(f)		To produce a backup copy of the hard drive in case data is damaged.

Examination Questions (page 340)

1(a)

Videoconferencing Video over the Internet
Payments made by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

(b)

See chapter for diagrams of network topologies.

(c)

In the order BUS, STAR and RING.

(d)

Ability to send e-mail; Ability to share data; Cheaper network versions of software; Easier to manage data on a network; Better security of files on the network.

(e)

Local area network. A network usually confined to a single building. Wide area network. A network covering a wide geographical area. Node: A device, usually a computer terminal, connected to a network.

Two from:
Providing e-mail and file transfer facilities
Downloading upgrades of software
Home shopping
For gaining research material

3(a)

	LAN	WAN
Difference 1	Confined to a small area	Can be world wide
Difference 2	Cable belong to the company	Communication channels from a third party are used.

(b)

Staff are able to all gain access to centrally held data.
Peripherals can be shared.
Possible to send memos, reports etc. via e-mail.
Can use any terminal connected to the network.

(c)

If a file server breaks, then the whole network fails.
Lots of users can slow down access to files held on the network.
Easier to spread viruses over the network.

Advantages:	Cheaper Much faster when sending mail internationally Can attach files Easy to send the same document to lots of people
Disadvantages:	Not everyone can send or receive e-mail E-mail is not as secure as ordinary mail Use of e-mail may cause the loss of jobs

Any two benefits from:
Programs and data may be shared
Usually easier to make the network more secure
Internal e-mail can be used to communicate between staff