BTEC NATIONALS LEVEL 3 IT
Unit 1: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS
REVISION NOTES
What you will learn:
Digital Devices in IT Systems Transmitting Data
Operating Online Protecting Data & Information
Impact of IT Systems Issues
, BTEC Nationals Level 3 IT
Unit 1 – Information Technology Systems
Contents Page
LAA (Learning Aim A) - Digital Devices in IT Systems
LAA.1: Function & Use of Digital Devices
1. Digital Devices 1 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
2. Digital Devices 2 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
3. Use of Digital Devices 1 ……………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………..…Pages 1-3
4. Use of Digital Devices 2 …………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………..…Pages 1-3
LAA.2: Peripheral Devices & Media
1. Input & Output Devices ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………..…Pages 1-3
2. Storage Devices ……………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………..…Pages 1-3
3. Data Processing & Accessibility Devices ………………………………………………………………………….……………..…Pages 1-3
LAA.3: Computer Software In An IT System
1. Types & Role of Operating Systems …………………………………………………………………………………………..…..…Pages 1-3
2. Choice & Use of User Interfaces ………………………………………………………………………………………………...…..…Pages 1-3
3. Performance of Operating Systems ………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
4. Application Software ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……..…Pages 1-3
5. Image & Video File Types ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………....…Pages 1-3
6. Application File Types & Licences …………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
LAA.4: Emerging Technologies
1. Implications of Emerging Technologies ………………………………………………………………………..………………..…Pages 1-3
LAA.5: Choosing IT Systems
1. Factors Affecting Choice of IT System……………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
, BTEC Nationals Level 3 IT
Unit 1 – Information Technology Systems
LAB (Learning Aim B) - Transmitting Data
LAB.1: Connectivity
1. Wired Methods of Connecting Devices ………………………………………………….…………………………………………Pages 1-3
2. Wireless Methods of Connecting Devices ………………………………………………………….…………………………..…Pages 1-3
LAB.2: Networks
1. Types of Networks ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…Pages 1-3
2. Factors Affecting Choice of Network …………………………………………………….………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
LAB.3: Issues Relating to Transmission
1. Data Transmission Protocols ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Pages 1-3
2. Data Transmission Security Issues ………………………………………………………………………………….……………..…Pages 1-3
3. Bandwidth, Latency & Compression ……………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
, BTEC Nationals Level 3 IT
Unit 1 – Information Technology Systems
LAC (Learning Aim C) - Operating Online
LAC.1: Online Systems
1. Using Online Systems ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
2. Remote Working & Choosing Online Systems …………………………………………………………………………..…..…Pages 1-3
LAC.2: Online Communities
1. Interacting with Online Communities ……………………………………………………..……………………………………..…Pages 1-3
2. Implications of Online Communities 1 …………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
3. Implications of Online Communities 2 …………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
, BTEC Nationals Level 3 IT
Unit 1 – Information Technology Systems
LAD (Learning Aim D) - Protecting Data and Information
LAD.1: Threats to Data, Info & Systems
1. Implication of Threats …………………………………...………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
LAD.2: Protecting Data
1. Protecting Data Techniques ………………………………………………………………………………………………….………..…Pages 1-3
2. Protecting Data Tools ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
, BTEC Nationals Level 3 IT
Unit 1 – Information Technology Systems
LAE (Learning Aim E) - Impact of IT Systems
LAE.1: Online Services
1. Features of Online Services …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…..Pages 1-3
2. Uses of Online Services …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
LAE.2: Impact on Organisations
1. Features of IT Systems 1 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
2. Features of IT Systems 2 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
3. Impact of IT Systems ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
LAE.3: Using & Manipulating Data
1. Data Sources …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
2. Processing & Presenting Data ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
3. Data Collection User Interfaces ……………………………………………………………………………………….……………..…Pages 1-3
, BTEC Nationals Level 3 IT
Unit 1 – Information Technology Systems
LAF (Learning Aim F) - Issues
LAF.1: Moral & Ethical Issues
1. Moral & Ethical Factors 1 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…Pages 1-3
2. Moral & Ethical Factors 2 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…Pages 1-3
LAF.2: Legal Issues
1. Data & User Protection Legislation ………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
2. Accessibility Legislation & Guidelines ………………………………………………..…………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
, BTEC Nationals Level 3 IT
Unit 1 – Information Technology Systems
Lesson Introduction:
A digital device is a piece of physical equipment that uses digital data, such as by sending, receiving, storing
or processing it.
We rely on them in our personal and work lives for all sorts of reasons. This could be for getting directions,
doing our shopping, entertaining ourselves, managing our business stock and finances, or a great many
other reasons.
In this lesson, we’ll look at the features and uses some of the different types of digital devices, such as:
Personal Computers
Servers
Mobile Devices
Entertainment Systems
Navigation Systems
, BTEC Nationals Level 3 IT
Unit 1 – Information Technology Systems
1) Personal Computers
A general-purpose computing device that is small and cheap enough for it to be used by individuals.
These types of digital devices are capable of performing most common computing tasks. That’s why we
refer to them as being ‘general purpose’. By installing a new software application our computer becomes
capable of performing a completely new function.
Personal computers contain individual processors, ram & hard disk components, along with expansion
ports. This makes it very easy to upgrade our device to add additional capabilities, such as replacing the
hard disk to add more storage or adding a graphics card to an expansion port to improve its graphics
processing power.
Examples of personal computers include desktops & laptops.
Uses:
Because personal computers are general purpose devices, they really have a wide range of functions.
However, there are some particularly popular uses.
In the workplace, we often use them for word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheets and database
management systems. They’re also popular for creative tasks, like graphics, music and film editing.
This is due to the wide availability of software, good processing capabilities and the range of available input
devices. For example, a mobile device doesn’t generally use a keyboard and so isn’t as useful for word
processing as a desktop or laptop.
In our personal lives, they’re also commonly used for accessing the internet, such as surfing the web and
email. These devices almost always come with networking capabilities which make them useful for this.
They’re also used for gaming, but this requires an expensive graphics card normally.
Further Thought:
o What type of personal computers do you use in school and at home?
o Create a list of all the computers you use and what you use them for. Do you use different types of
personal computer for different reasons?
Unit 1: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS
REVISION NOTES
What you will learn:
Digital Devices in IT Systems Transmitting Data
Operating Online Protecting Data & Information
Impact of IT Systems Issues
, BTEC Nationals Level 3 IT
Unit 1 – Information Technology Systems
Contents Page
LAA (Learning Aim A) - Digital Devices in IT Systems
LAA.1: Function & Use of Digital Devices
1. Digital Devices 1 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
2. Digital Devices 2 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
3. Use of Digital Devices 1 ……………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………..…Pages 1-3
4. Use of Digital Devices 2 …………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………..…Pages 1-3
LAA.2: Peripheral Devices & Media
1. Input & Output Devices ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………..…Pages 1-3
2. Storage Devices ……………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………..…Pages 1-3
3. Data Processing & Accessibility Devices ………………………………………………………………………….……………..…Pages 1-3
LAA.3: Computer Software In An IT System
1. Types & Role of Operating Systems …………………………………………………………………………………………..…..…Pages 1-3
2. Choice & Use of User Interfaces ………………………………………………………………………………………………...…..…Pages 1-3
3. Performance of Operating Systems ………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
4. Application Software ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……..…Pages 1-3
5. Image & Video File Types ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………....…Pages 1-3
6. Application File Types & Licences …………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
LAA.4: Emerging Technologies
1. Implications of Emerging Technologies ………………………………………………………………………..………………..…Pages 1-3
LAA.5: Choosing IT Systems
1. Factors Affecting Choice of IT System……………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
, BTEC Nationals Level 3 IT
Unit 1 – Information Technology Systems
LAB (Learning Aim B) - Transmitting Data
LAB.1: Connectivity
1. Wired Methods of Connecting Devices ………………………………………………….…………………………………………Pages 1-3
2. Wireless Methods of Connecting Devices ………………………………………………………….…………………………..…Pages 1-3
LAB.2: Networks
1. Types of Networks ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…Pages 1-3
2. Factors Affecting Choice of Network …………………………………………………….………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
LAB.3: Issues Relating to Transmission
1. Data Transmission Protocols ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Pages 1-3
2. Data Transmission Security Issues ………………………………………………………………………………….……………..…Pages 1-3
3. Bandwidth, Latency & Compression ……………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
, BTEC Nationals Level 3 IT
Unit 1 – Information Technology Systems
LAC (Learning Aim C) - Operating Online
LAC.1: Online Systems
1. Using Online Systems ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
2. Remote Working & Choosing Online Systems …………………………………………………………………………..…..…Pages 1-3
LAC.2: Online Communities
1. Interacting with Online Communities ……………………………………………………..……………………………………..…Pages 1-3
2. Implications of Online Communities 1 …………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
3. Implications of Online Communities 2 …………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
, BTEC Nationals Level 3 IT
Unit 1 – Information Technology Systems
LAD (Learning Aim D) - Protecting Data and Information
LAD.1: Threats to Data, Info & Systems
1. Implication of Threats …………………………………...………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
LAD.2: Protecting Data
1. Protecting Data Techniques ………………………………………………………………………………………………….………..…Pages 1-3
2. Protecting Data Tools ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
, BTEC Nationals Level 3 IT
Unit 1 – Information Technology Systems
LAE (Learning Aim E) - Impact of IT Systems
LAE.1: Online Services
1. Features of Online Services …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…..Pages 1-3
2. Uses of Online Services …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
LAE.2: Impact on Organisations
1. Features of IT Systems 1 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
2. Features of IT Systems 2 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
3. Impact of IT Systems ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
LAE.3: Using & Manipulating Data
1. Data Sources …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
2. Processing & Presenting Data ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
3. Data Collection User Interfaces ……………………………………………………………………………………….……………..…Pages 1-3
, BTEC Nationals Level 3 IT
Unit 1 – Information Technology Systems
LAF (Learning Aim F) - Issues
LAF.1: Moral & Ethical Issues
1. Moral & Ethical Factors 1 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…Pages 1-3
2. Moral & Ethical Factors 2 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…Pages 1-3
LAF.2: Legal Issues
1. Data & User Protection Legislation ………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
2. Accessibility Legislation & Guidelines ………………………………………………..…………………………………………..…Pages 1-3
, BTEC Nationals Level 3 IT
Unit 1 – Information Technology Systems
Lesson Introduction:
A digital device is a piece of physical equipment that uses digital data, such as by sending, receiving, storing
or processing it.
We rely on them in our personal and work lives for all sorts of reasons. This could be for getting directions,
doing our shopping, entertaining ourselves, managing our business stock and finances, or a great many
other reasons.
In this lesson, we’ll look at the features and uses some of the different types of digital devices, such as:
Personal Computers
Servers
Mobile Devices
Entertainment Systems
Navigation Systems
, BTEC Nationals Level 3 IT
Unit 1 – Information Technology Systems
1) Personal Computers
A general-purpose computing device that is small and cheap enough for it to be used by individuals.
These types of digital devices are capable of performing most common computing tasks. That’s why we
refer to them as being ‘general purpose’. By installing a new software application our computer becomes
capable of performing a completely new function.
Personal computers contain individual processors, ram & hard disk components, along with expansion
ports. This makes it very easy to upgrade our device to add additional capabilities, such as replacing the
hard disk to add more storage or adding a graphics card to an expansion port to improve its graphics
processing power.
Examples of personal computers include desktops & laptops.
Uses:
Because personal computers are general purpose devices, they really have a wide range of functions.
However, there are some particularly popular uses.
In the workplace, we often use them for word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheets and database
management systems. They’re also popular for creative tasks, like graphics, music and film editing.
This is due to the wide availability of software, good processing capabilities and the range of available input
devices. For example, a mobile device doesn’t generally use a keyboard and so isn’t as useful for word
processing as a desktop or laptop.
In our personal lives, they’re also commonly used for accessing the internet, such as surfing the web and
email. These devices almost always come with networking capabilities which make them useful for this.
They’re also used for gaming, but this requires an expensive graphics card normally.
Further Thought:
o What type of personal computers do you use in school and at home?
o Create a list of all the computers you use and what you use them for. Do you use different types of
personal computer for different reasons?
