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  • Greenfoot Tutorial | CSNewbs

    A tutorial to understand how to create a game in Greenfoot. A simple step-by-step guide and walkthrough featuring all code needed for the Eduqas GCSE 2016 specification. A Tutorial to Creating a Greenfoot Game Greenfoot Home Greenfoot is software that uses the programming language Java to make simple games. This is called object-oriented programming (OOP ) because objects are coded to interact in a visual environment. Work your way through the following tutorial to create a game similar to one required in the WJEC 2017 specification Component 2 exam . Topic Links: Starting from Scratch & Populating the World Move with Arrow Keys Move Randomly & Bounce on Edge Remove Objects Play Sounds The Counter Extension Ideas Pupils using the 2017 WJEC specification will use Greenfoot version 2.4.2 , despite the fact that Greenfoot is now on version 3.9.0 . See the download page . This tutorial will work on all versions . Watch on YouTube:

  • 1.3 - Access & Devices | Unit 2 | OCR Cambridge Technicals | CSNewbs

    Learn about different categories of computer systems that can be used to access information including handheld, fixed and shared devices. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification for Unit 2 (Global Information). 1.3 - Access & Storage Devices Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 2 Handheld Devices Examples of handheld devices: Handheld devices are small, light and possibly can be worn on the human body. These devices are very portable and easy to transport but their small size restricts the space for a powerful processor or high memory capacity. Handheld devices are becoming more powerful over time with extra features, storage options and network connectivity. Advantages: Light and portable so they can be easily carried on a person or in a pocket . Runs on battery power so do not need to be plugged into a power source (unless to charge) allowing for freedom of movement . Disadvantages: Low processing power due to small size and no cooling system . Relies on battery power which may not last for long. More likely to be lost, damaged or stolen . Generally small memory / storage capacity and low versatility . Smartphone Small Tablet eReader Smartwatch Portable Devices Examples of portable devices: Portable devices are larger and more powerful than handheld devices and can be carried easily in a bag. Laptops and larger tablets are the main examples of portable devices. Advantages: Light and portable so they can be easily transported in a laptop bag or small rucksack. Runs on battery power so they can work without a power outlet , such as to complete work on a train or in a library. More powerful and versatile than handheld devices. Disadvantages: Lower processing power and smaller memory / storage capacity than fixed devices like desktops. Reliant on their battery power which may only be a few hours. Laptop Large Tablet Fixed Devices Examples of fixed devices: Fixed devices are bulky devices that require a constant power connection . The most common example of a fixed device is a desktop computer which has a higher processing power and storage capacity than handheld and portable devices. Advantages: Desktop computers have the highest processing power of commercially available home / work computers and contain sufficient cooling systems to maintain temperature. Desktops and games consoles have large storage capacities and can be upgraded / expanded to even larger sizes. Desktop computers are very versatile and are powerful enough to be used for thousands of different purposes, from basic word processing and web browsing to server roles and data mining. Disadvantages: Reliant on a power outlet and cannot be transported whilst on. Heavy and difficult to move . May require additional components like a monitor. Typically more expensive than handheld and portable devices. Desktop Games Console Smart TV Shared Devices A shared device allows multiple users to access data at the same time . Cloud storage is the most common example of a shared device and is used by individuals, schools and businesses around the world through services such as Google Drive, Apple's iCloud and Microsoft's One Drive. A data centre is a dedicated building that contains computer systems - Facebook uses data centres across the globe so that their social media service can be available to users every second of the day. Database servers were explained in Unit 1 section 3.1 . Advantages: A ccessible by multiple users at the same time . For example, the database server can be accessed by employees of a bank simultaneously. Data centres allow online services to run all hours of the day and year . For example, Google uses data centres across the world to ensure their services can be accessed all of the time. Cloud storage frees up physical space for users as the storage is located (usually) on third-party servers. Cloud storage devices allow authorised users such as clients or staff members to access information or work remotely (outside of the office). Disadvantages: Shared devices are reliant on stable network connections . If a connection is lost, access to the device will be affected . Setting up shared devices within an organisation requires technical knowledge , especially for companies establishing their own cloud storage or data centre. Examples of shared devices: Cloud Storage Data Centre Database Server Q uesto's Q uestions 1.3 - Access & Storage Devices: 1. Identify the type of device that the following devices fit into: a. Laptop b. Cloud storage c. Desktop computer d. Smartphone [4 ] 2. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using each of the 4 types of storage devices. a. Handheld devices [6 ] b. Portable devices [6 ] c. Fixed devices [6 ] d. Shared devices [6 ] 3. For the following scenarios explain which specific device (not type) which would be suitable. You must also justify your choice . a. Working on a spreadsheet on a train before work. [4 ] b. Taking a video of a penalty in a football match to upload to Twitter. [4 ] c. Working on a file with team members located across the country. [4 ] d. Playing Civilization VI on highest settings whilst listening to rock climbing podcasts in a separate tab. [4 ] 1.2 - Storage Media Topic List 1.4 - Internet Connections

  • 10.2 - Stages of Compilation - Eduqas (2020 Spec) | CSNewbs

    Learn about the six stages of compilation - lexical analysis, symbol table construction, syntax analysis, semantic analysis, code generation and code optimisation. Based on the 2020 Eduqas (WJEC) GCSE specification. 10.2: Stages of Compilation Exam Board: Eduqas Specification: 2020 A compiler translates source code (high-level language written by a programmer) into machine code in five separate stages : 1. Lexical Analysis The term 'lexical' refers to words and phrases . Source code needs to be broken down into tokens that can later be analysed. In lexical analysis: Spaces and comments are removed from the code. Identifiers , keywords and operators are replaced by tokens . A token is similar to a variable with a name and a value . A symbol table is created. T his table stores the addresses of all variables , labels and subroutines used in the program. 2. Syntax Analysis The term 'syntax' refers to sentence structure . In syntax analysis: The tokens created in the first stage are checked to see if they follow the syntax (spelling and grammar ) rules of the programming language. This process is called ' parsing ' . During parsing, if a syntax error is found then an error message is displayed and compilation stops . 3. Semantic Analysis The term 'semantic' refers to logic . Variables are checked in this stage to ensure they are used correctly: Variable checks ensure they are correctly declared and use a valid data type (for example integers are not assigned to decimal values). Operation checks ensure they are correct for the data type used ( for example dividing a number must result in an real value ). 4. Code Generation The machine code (data in a binary format ) is generated . 0010 1011 0101 0101 0110 0111 0101 0001 0101 0101 0101 0110 5. Code Optimisation The code is optimised so it is fast , efficient and uses as little of the computer's resources as possible. Q uesto's Q uestions 10.2 - Stages of Compilation: 1 a. List the 6 stages of compilation in order . [6 ] 1b. Create a poster or flowchart describing each of the 6 stages of compilation : 1. Lexical Analysis 2. Symbol Table Creation 3. Syntax Analysis 4. Semantic Analysis 5. Code Generation 6. Code Optimisation [ 10 total ] 10.1 - Translators Theory Topics 10.3 - Programming Errors

  • 11.1 - Impacts of Technology - Eduqas GCSE (2020 Spec) | CSNewbs

    Learn about the cultural, environmental, ethical and legal impacts of technology. Based on the 2020 Eduqas (WJEC) GCSE specification. 11.1: Impacts of Technology Exam Board: Eduqas Specification: 2020 What are the issues created by technology? As the use of computers and technological devices continues to rise every year, this increase brings with it a range of different types of issues . Categories of issues described on this page include: Cultural issues Environmental issues Ethical issues Legal & Privacy issues Cultural Issues Culture relates to society and how different parts of the world vary in terms of computer and internet usage . The Digital Divide This term relates to the gap between those people who have access to modern digital technology (such as computers and the internet) and those who have limited access . 'Limited access' could be devices at home or shared devices or having lower-performance (cheaper) computers and low-speed internet connections. The digital divide can be seen in different ways , such as: People in cities vs. People in rural areas . Younger people vs. Elderly people. Developed countries vs. Developing countries. The digital divide is an important ethical issue because digital technologies have led to numerous international benefits including boosted growth , improved product delivery , enhanced communication and increased opportunities . However, this impact is uneven and these positive impacts are mostly occurring in technologically-advanced regions such as North America , Western Europe and Japan . Regions like some nations in Africa and Central Asia have limited digital infrastructure and government instability , leading to poor internet speeds , high costs and limited resources . Discussion Points: What do you think can be done to bridge the digital divide? Whose job is it to bridge the gap? Who will pay for the technology? Changes to Work The internet , the development of new technologies such as cloud storage and increased video communication have transformed the way that many businesses operate across the world. Staff may be able to work from home or access documents collaboratively outside of the traditional workplace, such as cafes or on public transport. Some jobs have moved abroad to save costs, such as help centres for online issues. Tasks can be outsourced to freelancers in other countries where people are content to be paid less for their time and services. For example, some companies will hire temporary web developers from countries such as India to work for them for a lower salary than local workers. Another change to work that technology has brought is the loss of jobs , especially low-skilled jobs such as factory workers that have seen their roles replaced by technology and automation . However, technology has also created millions of new jobs , including installing and maintaining the machines that replace other roles. Environmental Issues Environmental issues concern the natural world and the negative effects of producing , using and discarding computer systems and devices. Energy and Material Consumption In the past 30 years, the number of technological devices has increased astronomically and thousands of new devices are manufactured each day . These devices need to be assembled using a range of materials , including plastics , metals and some rarer elements and need a considerable amount of electrical power to run. Certain systems like web servers and data centres must be powered on all day , every day, which uses a large amount of energy . Pollution and Waste Generating the electricity to power computers creates pollution - an average PC could require up to 50% more energy per year than a fridge. Computers are difficult to recycle and discarded components can lead to land, water and air pollution due to harmful materials , such as lead and mercury , leaking into the environment. Smartphone trends are also negative for the environment as new devices are released yearly , with minor upgrades that people buy to appear fashionable and up-to-date. To lessen the environmental impact, people should reuse and recycle their devices. Ethical Issues Ethics relates to what is considered right or wrong . Often this is subjective - people may have differing opinions on the issue. Drones Uses of drones: Filming and photography for television, movies and special events. Monitoring pollution levels in the atmosphere. Tracking and monitoring wildlife , such as rhino populations in Africa. Disaster zone response , such as searching for survivors following an earthquake. Delivery companies are developing drones to quickly deliver goods across cities. Drones are used by the military to target sites in other countries, such as American soldiers deploying surveillance drones in Syria. Discussion Points: Should you need a licence to buy and fly a drone? Should drones be used to monitor the public? Like flying CCTV? Should drones be used to deliver items? Like Amazon packages? If a drone hits a plane and it crashes, what should the punishment be? A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV ) that is remotely operated and can be used for a wide range of purposes. Self-Driving Cars Self-driving cars (also known as autonomous vehicles ) are currently in the development and testing stage with companies like Tesla and Amazon. Benefits of self-driving cars include: In theory, driving will be safer because cars are less likely to make mistakes that humans do and they can’t become distracted or tired . Self-driving cars should be more fuel-efficient because they take the most direct route to destinations and do not get lost. ‘Drivers’ in the car can perform other tasks instead of driving, such as work or planning. Autonomous vehicles could include trucks and vans to automate the delivery and freight industries . Trucks could drive overnight to deliver goods whereas currently, human drivers must take breaks every few hours. Drawbacks of self-driving cars include: Cars could still crash as code and software processes may fail. The technology is still in development and will be very expensive for the first few years when self-driving cars are available to purchase. Jobs may be lost such as delivery and truck drivers whose vehicles are equipped with self-driving technology. Other industries like motorway services and hotels may also be affected. Discussion Points: Would you trust a car to drive itself? Who is to blame if a self-driving car crashes? The car maker? The people in the car? The software writers? What should happen to the people whose jobs are taken by self-driving vehicles? Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence (AI ) is the act of computers replacing humans to analyse data and make decisions . In recent years AI has become more common in the home and on devices like smartphones; assistants such as Siri and Alexa are prime examples of modern home AI. The weather today is cloudy. Benefits of AI include: Processes are sped up as computers can analyse large amounts of data much quicker than a human. AI can be used when a human is unavailable , such as using a symptom checker on the internet for a minor illness rather than booking and waiting for a doctor. Repetitive or time-consuming tasks can instead be completed by a computer , such as searching and sorting scientific data. Drawbacks of AI include: AI can store and process a lot of personal data , especially personal assistants like Alexa which are always listening for ‘wake words’. This data can be viewed by the company that develops it and could be hacked by attackers. AI is programmed by humans and mistakes in code could have disastrous consequences if the AI is used to make important decisions , such as military deployment. Discussion Points: If a robot harms a human who is to blame? The robot? The programmer? The manufacturer? Us? Would you trust a walking, talking robot assistant in your home? Should AI make decisions for us? Legal & Privacy Issues Legal and privacy issues regard laws that have been introduced by the UK government to protect data, systems and networks from unauthorised access . See 11.2 for explanations about important computing legislation in the UK. Loss of Privacy & Hacking There has been a lot of criticism in the last few years about how internet companies and governments are using personal data to invade privacy and track civilians . Facebook was involved in a scandal with using personal data for reasons that were not the original intention. In reverse, WhatsApp and Apple have been criticised for encrypting messages sent by terrorists that police have been unable to track and read. Every week a new company seems to announce that its data has been hacked . Attackers are constantly using botnets and infected systems to crack poorly secured databases and attempting to phish individuals for usernames and passwords. In the past few years, major hacking breaches include Sony, Yahoo and TalkTalk. Discussion Points: Should the UK government be able to see the websites you have visited in the last year? What should happen if a major company is hacked and bank details are stolen? Should they be fined? Pay customers? Prison? Should WhatsApp allow authorities to access encrypted messages? What if they know a terrorist is using it to communicate? Should the UK debate privacy laws before they go into place? Online Crime Unlawfully obtaining personal information and using it for identity theft or fraud . Harassment and threatening others on social media or private messages; blackmail . Cyber attacks are more common - see 3.8 for information about DOS attacks , IP spoofing , SQL injection and more. Sharing copyrighted material such as television programmes, music and video games. Distributing prohibited material such as drugs or weapons on the dark web. See 11.2 for explanations about different laws that have been created to tackle online crime . The increased popularity of the internet and the rising number of users has led to a wave of online crime , taking many different forms, including: Q uesto's Q uestions 11.1 - Impacts of Technology: Cultural Impacts 1a. What is the digital divide ? [ 2 ] 1b. Describe 2 examples of how the digital divide can be seen . [ 2 ] 2. Describe in detail 3 ways that technology has changed the way people work . [9 ] Environmental Impacts 1. Describe the different ways that the increasing use of technology negatively impacts the environment . [ 5 ] Ethical Impacts 1a. What is a drone ? [1 ] 1b. Make a list of all of the positive impacts and the negative impacts of using drones . You should have at least 3 on each side. [ 6 ] 2. Describe 2 benefits of using self-driving cars and 2 negative consequences . [4 ] 3. Describe how artificial intelligence can be used for good . [ 2 ] Legal & Privacy Impacts 1. A hack on a bank has occurred. Describe what you think the impacts would be on the following groups of people: a. The customers . b. The bank managers . c. The general public . [ 6 ] 2. Describe 4 different types of online crime . [ 8 ] 10.3 - Programming Errors Theory Topics 11.2 - Legislation

  • App Inventor 2 | Variables | CSNewbs

    Learn how to use App Inventor 2 to create simple programs. Try to complete tasks 4, 5 and 6 on this page. Perfect for Key Stage 3 students to experiment with block coding, objects and properties. App Inventor Tasks 4, 5 & 6 - Using Variables This page will teach you how to make three simple apps that use variables . These apps will prepare you for the final program - the Pop-up Blob game. App #4 - Button Masher The first app to make is a simple program that counts how many times a button is pressed (but don't press it too much! ) This app will introduce you to using variables in App Inventor. Open App Inventor 2 (use the button below) and create a new project. You will need to log in with a Google account. App Inventor 2 Firstly, grab a button and two labels and place them in the Viewer . Using the Properties tab, you need to make the following changes: Button Text to 'Press Me!' Button Height to 60 pixels and Width to 'Fill parent...' Label 1 Text to 'Number of Presses' Label 2 Text to '0' Both Label 1 and Label 2 Width to 'Fill parent...' Both Label 1 and Label 2 TextAlignment to 'centre : 1' In the Components tab change the component names to be easier to code later. Switch to Blocks layout and drag an initialize global to block into the centre. In the blank space type 'Presses' - this is the name of the variable that will store how many times the button has been pressed. Drag a 0 block from Math. This will set the number of presses to 0 when the app starts. Drag a when ButtonPresses Clicked from the ButtonPresses section and add the necessary code inside. This code increases the variable value of Presses by 1 every time the button is clicked. It also changes the LabelPresses text to display the number of presses. Improve Your App As you will have seen in the video at the top, I programmed the app to go a bit crazy when 35 presses were recorded. In the code below I have shown how to use an if then block to check if the number of presses is 35. If it is then I have made the button invisible - this is an important feature we will use in later programs. Copy this code and add the following features to the then part of the if statement: Set the background colour to black. Change the Label1 Text Colour to white. Change the Label1 Text Size to 40. Change the Label1 Text to 'You broke it...' Program 4 Complete! App #5 - Timer The second app to make is a timer that counts up one second at a time. It also needs a reset button that sets the timer back to 0 again. It will introduce you to the clock component and enabling / disabling components. Open App Inventor 2 (use the button below) and create a new project. You will need to log in with a Google account. App Inventor 2 The code for this program is straightforward; it will take more effort getting the layout right. In the Palette tab, drag a HorizontalArrangement from the Layout section. It will look like an empty grey box at first. Grab a Button as well and place it underneath. Now drag two labels into the grey box and place the second one directly after the first, it may take a few attempts to get them to appear side by side like below: The last component to drag over is Clock (it is in the Sensors section in the Palette tab). It will go into its own section underneath: Change the name of some of the components so that they make more sense. Now to make some changes in the Properties tab. You should know enough by now to work out how to change your components so that it looks like this in your Viewer : Change your layout to Blocks and add the code blocks to the right. This code makes the Label named Seconds update by 1 every second, just like a timer. The code to the left will make the Label named Seconds reset to 0 when the button is pressed. Improve Your App As you will have seen in the video at the top of this task, I added a pause/unpause button that will set the enabled feature of the timer to true or false. You will need to complete the following steps (I've been deliberately vague to make it a challenge - break it down into small steps and use the colours to help you): Add a new button. Add code that, when the new button is clicked , checks if the TimerEnabled is true . If it is, then change TimerEnabled to false . Else change it to true . Now you also need to change the Text of the Button to read either "Pause" or "Unpause" . Program 5 Complete! App #6 - Windy Day The third app to make is an app that blows leaves around your screen. It will introduce you to random numbers, the canvas and coordinates . Open App Inventor 2 (use the button below) and create a new project. You will need to log in with a Google account. App Inventor 2 In the Palette tab, drag a Canvas from the Drawing and Animation section. A Canvas allows sprites (objects) to move around inside of it. In Properties , change the Height and Width of Canvas to 'Fill parent...' for both, so it fills the whole screen. In the Palette tab, drag over five ImageSprites from the Drawing and Animation section and drop them anywhere inside the canvas. Download the leaf picture with all App Inventor images on the basics page here . Upload the leaf image it in the Media tab. In the Components tab change the names of your ImageSprites to be leaf1, leaf 2 etc. For each leaf sprite, in the Properties tab, change the Picture to the leaf you just uploaded and change Height and Width to 30 pixels each. Finally, in the Palette tab, in the Sensors section, drag over a Clock . Your Viewer should look like the image to the left. X axis Y axis 0 300 500 Now for an explanation of coordinates. Each sprite (leaf) has an x coordinate (horizontal) and a y coordinate (vertical). For example, the leaf in the top right would have coordinates of x = 270 and y = 100. Can you work out approximately what the other leaves coordinates would be? What the code blocks below do is randomise the x and y coordinates for leaf1 every second. The word integer means a whole number . Use this code and add to it to make all 5 leaves randomly change coordinates. Improve Your App Add a pause / unpause button, just like in the Timer app that pauses the timer so that the leaves stop blowing (and starts them blowing around again too). Find a nice picture (maybe of a park?) online and upload it in the Media tab. Set this as the Canvas BackgroundImage . Add an audio file of some whooshing (why not record it yourself?). Program 6 Complete! Task 7 KS3 Home

  • 3.2 & 3.3 - Information Categories | Unit 2 | OCR Cambridge Technicals | CSNewbs

    Learn about how information can be categorised for both individuals and organisations. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification for Unit 2 (Global Information). 3.2 & 3.3 - Information Categories Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 2 Categories of Information for Individuals Communication Texting a friend about dinner plans, sending an email to a family member in another country, ringing work because trains are delayed. Education and Training Revision textbooks, logging into a virtual learning environment to upload a completed worksheet, hand-written feedback sheets from a teacher after an exam. Planning Using a shared document to arrange meeting dates, using a webpage hosting a bus timetable, a calendar app. Financial Using a bank statement to plan holiday saving, creating a spreadsheet of expenditure this month, logging in to a secure web page to buy a present online. Entertainment Reading a film review in a magazine, listening to a podcast about trains, watching a tutorial on DIY. Research Using online encyclopedias for a school project, searching for research articles to write an essay, using a recipe book Location Dependent Find local pizza restaurants, searching for emergency dental care on holiday, Pokemon GO Categories of Information for Organisations Knowledge Management & Creation Managing information across an organisation e.g. sharing information between branches in different cities. Management Information Systems (MIS) A system that provides an overview of key information e.g. the location and contact details of each charity worker in a disaster area. A decision can be made on overall figures or individual data as appropriate. Financial Analysis & Modelling Analysing trends e.g. determining the top selling products in a year or weekly cash flow, to create models of customer/user behaviour. Contact Management Managing contact between a business and the customer e.g. tracking appointments at a doctor’s surgery. Internal and External Communication Providing a communication medium to staff and/or customers e.g. posting Christmas opening times on the website, or sending a staff email invite to the Christmas party. Big Data Any data too large or complex for traditional data analysis techniques to be used e.g health data on the population of an entire country. Marketing, Promotion & Sales Identifying patterns or trends in sales figures, so that certain products or areas can be targeted, e.g. to plan marketing campaigns. Decision Making Using available information to make decisions, e.g. a charity deciding on the amount of aid to be sent to a disaster area based on local data. Q uesto's Q uestions 3.2 & 3.3 - Information Categories: 1. Describe two examples of each category of information used by individuals : Communication Education & Training Entertainment Planning Financial Research Location Dependent [2 each ] 2. Describe two examples of each category of information used by organisations : Knowledge Management & Creation Management Information Systems (MIS) Marketing, Promotion & Sales Financial Analysis & Modelling Contact Management Decision Making Internal & External Communication Big Data [2 each ] 3.1 - Data vs. Information Topic List 3.4 - Stages of Data Analysis

  • 3.8 - Cyber Threats - Eduqas GCSE (2020 Spec) | CSNewbs

    Learn about malware such as viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, keyloggers and ransomware. Also, learn about phishing, data theft, interception and cyber attacks including SQL injection, IP address spoofing, DDoS attacks and brute force. Based on the 2020 Eduqas (WJEC) GCSE specification. 3.8: Cyber Threats Exam Board: Eduqas Specification: 2020 3.8a: Malware What is malware? Malware is any type of harmful program that seeks to damage or gain unauthorised access to your computer system. Virus A virus can replicate itself and spread from system to system by attaching itself to infected files . A virus is only activated when opened by a human . Once activated, a virus can change data or corrupt a system so that it stops working . Worm A worm can replicate itself and spread from system to system by finding weaknesses in software . A worm does not need an infected file or human interaction to spread. A worm can spread very quickly across a network once it has infiltrated it. Trojan A trojan is a harmful program that looks like legitimate software so users are tricked into installing it . A trojan secretly gives the attacker backdoor access to the system . Trojans do not self replicate or infect other files. Spyware Spyware secretly records the activities of a user on a computer. The main aim of spyware is to record usernames, passwords and credit card information . All recorded information is secretly passed back to the attacker to use. Keylogger A keylogger secretly records the key presses of a user on a computer. Data is stored or sent back to the attacker. The main aim of a keylogger is to record usernames, passwords and credit card information . Keyloggers can be downloaded or plugged into the USB port . Ransomware Ransomware locks files on a computer system using encryption so that a user can no longer access them. The attacker demands money from the victim to decrypt (unlock) the data . ? ? ? ? Attackers usually use digital currencies like bitcoin which makes it hard to trace them. 3.8b: Data Theft Phishing Phishing is the method of misleading individuals or organisations into sharing sensitive information (such as passwords or bank details ), often through the use of emails . Phishers may pose as a trusted company like Amazon or YouTube to direct users to open malicious attachments or encourage them to follow fraudulent links to steal their data . Social Engineering Social engineering means to trick others into revealing their personal data by posing as a trusted source . For example, impersonating an IT technician of a school via email and asking for a student's username and password . Interception This is when data packets on a network are intercepted by a third party (e.g. a hacker) and copied to a different location than the intended destination. Software called packet sniffers are used to intercept and analyse data packets. Physical Theft Computer systems (e.g. laptops) or storage devices (e.g. USB stick) may be stolen in public or from offices. Unwanted systems and storage media should be disposed of securely as data could be stolen from discarded information , such as old CDs or even printed paper. 3.8c: Online Threats & Attacks Hacking Hacking is the method of exploiting weaknesses in a system or network to create, view, modify or delete files without permission. A hacker is anyone who gains access to data or systems that they do not have authority to access. DoS Attack A DoS (Denial of Service ) attack is when a computer repeatedly sends requests to a server to overload the system . A server overload will slow the system and may take websites offline temporarily. A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service ) attack is a coordinated attack using a botnet of infected systems to overload a server with requests . A botnet is a large group of devices controlled and used maliciously by an attacker. SQL Injection SQL ( Structured Query Language ) is a programming language used for manipulating data in databases . A SQL injection is when a malicious SQL query (command) is entered into a data input box on a website. If the website is insecure then the SQL query can trick the website into giving unauthorised access to the website’s database . An SQL injection can be used to view and edit the contents of a database or even gain administrator privileges . ' or 1 = 1 Brute Force Attack In order to break a password , every possible combination is tested in order from start to finish . This is not a quick method but it should break the password eventually and can be sped up if multiple computer systems are used at the same time. IP Address Spoofing An attacker changes the IP address of a legitimate host so any visitors to the URL are instead taken to a spoofed ( fake ) web page . This web page is used to record any inputted data (such as usernames and passwords) and send it back to the attacker . The spoofed web page can also be used to install malware . Q uesto's Q uestions 3.8 - Cyber Threats: 3.8a - Malware: 1. What is malware ? [ 2 ] 2a. Describe three characteristics of a virus . [3 ] 2b. Describe three characteristics of a worm . [3 ] 2c. What is a trojan ? [ 3 ] 2d. Describe how spyware and keyloggers work. [ 4 ] 2e. Explain how ransomware works and why it is difficult to trace attackers . [ 3 ] 2f. In your opinion, which malware do you think is the most dangerous and why ? [ 2 ] 3.8b - Data Theft: 1. Describe what is meant by ' phishing ' . [ 2 ] 2. Give an example of social engineering . [ 2 ] 3. What is interception ? What software is used to intercept data packets? [ 2 ] 4. Describe why systems and storage media should be disposed of securely . [ 1 ] 3.8c - Online Threats & Attacks: 1. Describe what is meant by ' hacking ' . [ 2 ] 2a. Describe what a DoS attack is and its impact . [2 ] 2b. Describe how a DDoS attack is different to a DoS attack . [2 ] 3. Describe what an SQL injection is and how an attacker would use it. [ 4 ] 4. Describe what is meant by a brute force attack . [ 2 ] 5. Describe IP address spoofing and its purpose . [ 3 ] 3.7 - The Internet Theory Topics 3.9 - Protection Against Threats

  • Python | Setting up Python | CSNewbs

    Learn how to create simple programs in Python. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. Setting up Python Downloading Python If you are using Python in Computer Science lessons, then your school should already have it downloaded and installed on the school computers. It is a good idea to download it on a home computer too so you can practice outside of lessons. Python is free and can be downloaded from the official website. You should download the most up-to-date version of Python 3. Save the file and then run it to start installing. Official Download Page Using Python When you run the Python application, it will open the shell. This window will display the outputs of any program you have created. Do not type into the shell . Click on the File tab then New File to open the editor. Python Shell - This displays the outputs of your program. Do not write directly into the shell . Python Editor - All code is written into the editor. When you want to test a program press the F5 key (or click the Run tab then Run Module ). The first time you test a program, it will prompt you to save the file. Make sure you save it somewhere you will remember - it is a good idea to create a folder named 'Python' where you can keep all your practice programs. The next page looks at actually creating a program but above shows how code has been typed into the editor and then displayed in the shell. You never need to save the shell window. Also, the editor saves automatically every time you run the program. Opening a Saved Program When you want to re-open and edit a file you have created previously double-clicking on it won't work . Right-click on the file and select Edit with IDLE : https://trinket.io/python/76b41b35c5 1 a - Printing ➡

  • OCR CTech IT | Unit 1 | 3.5 - Business Systems | CSNewbs

    Learn about business systems used by IT companies including MIS, SOP, CRM and help desk. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification. 3.5 - Business Systems Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 1 A business may use several types of complex systems to manage data , communicate with customers and ensure efficient business practice . Management Information System (MIS) A management information system (MIS ) is used to collect , store , analyse and present data for an organisation. The system processes a large amount of data and organises it (such as in databases) so that it can be used for decision-making and general data analysis . An efficient MIS can be used to display the financial status of an organisation, highlight areas of improvement and generate sales forecasts based on current data. Specifically, a bank could use an MIS for: Looking at the number of customers that visit each branch . Forecasting potential profits based on historical data of previous years. Profiling customers based on their actions and behaviour . Identifying specific customers with low activity to target them for email campaigns . Benefits of an MIS: Integrated system: A Management Information System shares a large amount of data from multiple departments within an organisation to produce accurate reports. For example, financial data can be used to generate accurate pay slips. Decision Making: An MIS can be used to inform an organisation's decision making by highlighting areas that need improvement within the company. Powerful analysis: An MIS will use large data sets to provide accurate data analysis that can be used in many different ways by an organisation. Trends and patterns can be identified easily. Backup capabilities: Data can be stored centrally and backed up easily if a disaster occurs. Limitations of an MIS: Cost and installation: An MIS is an expensive tool that needs to be professionally set up and requires technical knowledge to maintain. Requires accurate data: If any data is incorrect or out of date then the analysis will consequently be inaccurate . Potentially disastrous decisions could be made as a result of incorrect data. Training: Employees will need to be trained to use the software accurately for maximum efficiency. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) A CRM system is used to improve the relationship between an organisation and its customers . It can be used to increase customer loyalty with those who already subscribe to their services as well as used to try and increase the customer base by attracting new customers. The ultimate goal of a CRM system is to increase and retain customers which will result in more sales and higher profits . Examples of CRM systems: Marketing teams tracking which promotions customers are responding well to . Customer service teams responding quickly to customer complaints , through a variety of channels (such as social media, emails and telephone calls). Marketing teams rewarding customers who have spent a certain amount in a year. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) A standard operating procedure is a comprehensive step-by-step guide of how to carry out a business routine. An organisation will create an SOP to abide by legal requirements and high company standards . SOPs must be followed in exactly the same method each time and by each employee to ensure the same outcome and remove any inconsistencies . Benefits of Standard Operating Procedures: Ensures consistency: The outcome should be the same each time when following SOPs which ensures an efficient result . Fewer errors: If all employees follow the SOP carefully then there should be no errors . Meets legal requirements : The SOPs will be designed to meet up-to-date legislation as well as any standards that the company have set. Limitations of Standard Operating Procedures: Inflexible practice: A lot of time may be spent on creating the paperwork and admin instead of the actual job. Legal updates: The SOPs must be periodically reviewed and updated to take into account any new laws . Sales Ordering Process (SOP) This is the process of a customer buying a product or service and the company reviewing the purchase . A sales order process ( SOP ) is important as it creates a clear plan for ordering a product . Each department can use the sales order to know exactly what jobs to perform. Help Desk Help desk software is used to provide real-time support to a user from a trained member of staff to overcome a technical problem . The customer logs an issue in the form of a ticket and is assigned a technician . As the technician tries to communicate with the user and solve the issue they must follow a service level agreement that defines the high standards the technician must keep to. When the problem has been solved the ticket is closed . All tickets are archived so that persistent problems can be checked to see what worked previously . If Help Desk software is used within a company by employees (rather than with external customers) to report and solve issues, it is known as ' in-house ' . Benefits of Help Desk software: Keeping Track: C ustomers can see that their issues are being dealt with and administrators have clear records of the problem. Audit Logs: All tickets are archived so if a problem occurs on the same machine the previous solution can be attempted again . Communication : Formal messages between the customer and the administrator mean there are no mixed messages and a running dialogue can take place as the problem is fixed. Limitations of Help Desk software: Cost : Setting up the necessary software and hardware and paying for an administrator to run the system can cost a large amount of money. Availability issues: A technician might not be available 24/7 or during holidays. Formal structure: This is a formal system that takes time to record and respond to which might annoy staff when it is only a minor issue to be fixed, like resetting a password. Knowledge: Technicians need technical expertise regarding the company's computer systems and need to be able to fix both hardware and software issues. This might require additional training every few years. Ticket Response Time: Administrators must ensure that all tickets are read and responded to in reasonable time so that productivity in the company is not affected. Q uesto's Q uestions 3.5 - Business Systems: 1a. What is the purpose of an MIS ? [ 2 ] 1b. Describe 3 ways a bank could use an MIS . [ 3 ] 1c. Describe the benefits and limitations of an MIS . [10 ] 2a. What is the purpose of a CRM ? [ 4 ] 2b. Describe 3 ways that a CRM could be used by a company . [6 ] 3a. What are standard operating procedures (SOP ) and why are they used? [ 4 ] 3b. Describe the benefits and limitations of SOPs . [ 10 ] 4a. What is the sales ordering process ( SOP )? [ 2 ] 4b. Why is the SOP important in a company? [ 2 ] 4c. Summarise the 3 stages of the SOP . [ 4 ] 5a. What is the purpose of help desk software? [ 2 ] 5b. Explain how help desk works , including tickets , technicians and service level agreements . [3 ] 5c. Describe the benefits and limitations of Help Desks . [ 10 ] A typical sales order process will work as follows: 1. The customer orders a product or service, usually via an email or telephone conversation . 2. The order is confirmed and a sales order is created. This is a document that lists the customer’s requirements and exactly what they have purchased . 3. The sales order is sent to the relevant departments (e.g. production , finance and delivery ) so they can fulfil the customer’s request . Once the order has been completed, the customer will be sent an invoice for payment . 3.4 - Connection Methods Topic List 4.1 - Communication Methods

  • 6.5 - Physical Protection | Unit 2 | OCR Cambridge Technicals | CSNewbs

    Learn about methods of protecting data physically including biometrics, security staff and locks. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification for Unit 2 (Global Information). 6.5 - Physical Protection Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 2 RFID & Tokens Radio-frequency identification (RFID) uses electromagnetic fields to attach tags to physical objects . RFID tags can be embedded within 'dumb' objects such as clothing, packages and even animals. RFID is used with security tokens (such as an ID keycard ) to permit the access of authorised people to certain areas. RFID can be used by IT companies to track equipment and manage access . Shredding This is the cutting up of documents (paper or CDs ) into small pieces so that they cannot be reassembled and read. Sensitive data on paper or optical disc should be shredded when no longer required. Locks A lock can be used to prevent access to server rooms or sensitive data stores . Only authorised personnel with the right key will have access. Physical Security Measures Backup Backups should be taken regularly and stored at a secure location away from the main site. Backups could also be stored on cloud servers so that any damage to the organisation's building will not affect the backup as well. Biometrics Biometric devices require the input of a human characteristic (such a fingerprint , iris or voice scan ). The biometric data is checked against previously inputted data in a database . A match will allow access to the user. Security Staff Staff may be employed to physically prevent unauthorised people from accessing certain areas of a building where sensitive information is stored. They may check ID keycards or use surveillance like CCTV to monitor who is entering and exiting a secure area. Q uesto's Q uestions 6.5 - Physical Protection: 1. Explain how locks can be used as a physical security method within an organisation. [2 ] 2. Explain what RFID is and how it can be used with tokens as a physical security method. [3 ] 3. Explain how biometric devices can be used as a physical security method. [3 ] 4. Explain how security staff can be employed to protect data. [2 ] 5. What is the purpose of shredding ? [2 ] 6. Why should backups be stored off-site ? [1 ] 6.4 - Protection Measures Topic List 6.6 - Logical Protection

  • HTML Guide 9 - Colours & Fonts | CSNewbs

    Learn how to use the style tags in an HTML document to edit the background colour and font text and colour. 9. Style (Colours & Fonts) HTML Guide Watch on YouTube: Before you add any colours or font styles, you need to add tags. The style tags must be written within your head of your HTML document! Add them below your title tags: Add the

  • OCR CTech IT | Unit 1 | 5.3 - Threats | CSNewbs

    Learn about 7 key threats to avoid on the internet, including virus, worm, trojan interception, social engineering and eavesdropping. Based on the 2016 OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT specification. 5.3 - Threats Exam Board: OCR Specification: 2016 - Unit 1 What are the 7 threats to computer systems? Phishing Misleading individuals or organisations into giving up sensitive information (such as passwords or bank details), often through the use of emails . Hacking Exploiting weaknesses in a system or network to create, view, modify or delete files without permission. Similar to data theft - illegally removing copies of personal or company data from computer systems. :( Trojan Appears to be a useful or well-known program but when downloaded and installed it secretly gives the attacker a ' backdoor ' to your system. Through this backdoor the attacker can access data without the user knowing. Football 2020 FREE Interception Data packets on a network are intercepted by a third party (e.g. hacker) and copied, edited or transferred to a different location than the intended destination. Eavesdropping Intercepting , in real-time , private communication traffic such as instant messages or video calls . Social Engineering Tricking individuals into giving sensitive information , e.g. by claiming to be from the IT department and asking for their password and username to check for viruses. Virus A virus can replicate itself and spread from system to system by attaching itself to infected files that are then downloaded and opened. Once activated, a virus can modify data or corrupt a system so that it stops working. Q uesto's Q uestions 5.3 - Threats: 1. An IT company is making an information booklet about the different types of online threats . Describe each type of threat: a. Phishing b. Hacking / Data Theft c. Trojan d. Interception e. Eavesdropping f. Social Engineering g. Virus [2 each ] 5.2 - Operational Issues Topic List 5.4 - Physical Security

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