ICT can provide many benefits to users including fast and repetitive processing capabilities, vast data storage, and the ability to easily search for and combine information from different sources. It allows for improved presentation of information, improved accessibility of data, and improved security of stored data through technologies like backups and encryption. The main reasons to use ICT systems are to process data in various ways, including transaction processing for single events, interactive processing for two-way dialogues, batch processing for large amounts of similar data, and real-time processing where immediate responses are required.

1. INFO2
Unit 7 - What ICT can provide

2. ICT can give an user a range of benefits that
would not exist without ICT
•Fast, repetitive processing – computer systems are getting
faster and they don’t mind running 24/7/365.
•Vast storage capacity – storage available to a typical user is
immense. A typical home PC will store 1Tb or more; USB sticks
are usually 8Gb and upwards, DVD technology will store over
9Gb per disc. A business can easily have 10’s or 100’s of Tb of
storage.
•Ability to search for and combine data – it is much easier to
find contrasting sources of information and then combine the
results.

3. •Improved presentation – use of s/w, new technology, LED
projectors etc.
•Improved accessibility to data/information – get what you
want, where you want and when you want.
•Improved security of data/information – backup technology,
encryption, steganography etc.

4. •But you must be aware of when not to use ICT technology.
Don’t use ICT for the sake of using it.
•Know the limitations of the technology or the system that
is being, or about to be used. If it isn’t appropriate don’t
use it.

5. Data Processing
The main reason we use ICT systems is to process data in
some way. Remember that data is collected, it is processed
to give it a meaning and is then output as information to a
human or to another IST system.
This processing takes place in 4 ways:
•Transaction
•Interactive
•Batch
•Real time

6. Transaction processing
Transaction processing is where one event follows after another. A transaction
is an event that creates data such as a sale of a product, the booking of a seat
on a plane or buying a ticket for a concert.
As the number of products available, the seats on a particular flight or the
number of concert tickets is finite they are sold on a first come, first served
basis.
Transaction processing deals with each request as it comes in, in order. A new
transaction cannot start until the previous one has completed. Transactions are
processed one at a time until the products, seats or tickets run out. This stops
over booking.

7. Interactive processing
Interactive processing requires a two way dialogue between the
user and the system. The user may be responding to a menu, to
prompts or to activity within a game. The interaction must be
very rapid as the system or the user should not be kept waiting.
Examples
•Using an ATM to withdraw cash or pay a bill.
•Navigating a start-up menu in a game
•Responding to a voice activated telephone system

8. Batch processing
Batch processing is used where lots of similar transactions
are processed all at one. They are grouped into a batch
hence the name.
Batch is used when the data is not time critical and there is
a lot of (similar) data to be processed. The best examples
are running the monthly payroll to pay staff, calculating
utility bills or calculating monthly credit card statements.

9. Real-time processing
Real-time processing is used where data must be processed
immediately with absolutely no delay.
Data is received, processed and the output or system response
given which then affects future input.
Examples
•Fly by wire systems – the computer flies the plane not you
•Engine management systems
•Anti-lock braking systems
•Process control in a chemical works or nuclear power station
•Computer games – not the setup by menu but the in game action