Information and Communication Technology,
one step at a time.

Hardware consists of physical components such as a motherboard or camera. Software consists of instructions and programs that operate the computer or process electronic data.

Watch for: Do not repeat the wording of Types and components of computer systems. Explain the underlying rule or relationship, apply it to the context and check the command word.

Touch screens combine display and direct input and can be easy to learn. In clinical use, cleaning, precise entry and accessibility are important limitations.

Watch for: Do not repeat the wording of Input and output devices. Explain the underlying rule or relationship, apply it to the context and check the command word.

Active SSD storage provides speed and portability, while separate offline backups reduce the consequences of device loss, failure or ransomware. Multiple controlled copies improve resilience.

Watch for: Do not repeat the wording of Storage devices and media. Explain the underlying rule or relationship, apply it to the context and check the command word.

Video supports visual cues but needs cameras and more bandwidth; audio is lighter; web conferencing can add screen and document sharing. The context determines the best choice.

Watch for: Do not repeat the wording of Networks and the effects of using them. Explain the underlying rule or relationship, apply it to the context and check the command word.

Potential benefits do not remove technical and social risks. Controlled trials, fallback procedures, security and clear responsibility are necessary before wider use.

Watch for: Do not repeat the wording of The effects of using IT. Explain the underlying rule or relationship, apply it to the context and check the command word.

The knowledge base stores facts and the rule base stores relationships. The inference engine applies those rules to supplied information and derives possible solutions.

Watch for: Do not repeat the wording of ICT applications. Explain the underlying rule or relationship, apply it to the context and check the command word.

Evaluation should judge efficiency, usability and fitness for purpose against agreed requirements, incorporate user responses and identify limitations and realistic improvements.

Watch for: Do not repeat the wording of The systems life cycle. Explain the underlying rule or relationship, apply it to the context and check the command word.

Layered controls protect confidentiality, integrity and availability. Access limits, secure authentication, encryption, recovery copies and accountable use address different failure and attack paths.

Watch for: Do not repeat the wording of Safety and security. Explain the underlying rule or relationship, apply it to the context and check the command word.

Distance and urgency require clear hierarchy, large readable elements and redundant cues so status remains understandable, including for users with colour-vision differences.

Watch for: Do not repeat the wording of Audience. Explain the underlying rule or relationship, apply it to the context and check the command word.

File Transfer Protocol supports uploading and downloading files between a client and server. Secure alternatives or protected connections are needed for sensitive transfers.

Watch for: Do not repeat the wording of Communication. Explain the underlying rule or relationship, apply it to the context and check the command word.

Compression reduces the number of bytes that must be stored or sent, saving capacity and transmission time. The recipient normally decompresses the archive before use.

Watch for: Do not repeat the wording of File management. Explain the underlying rule or relationship, apply it to the context and check the command word.

Matching pixel dimensions to display needs avoids transferring unused data, while controlled compression reduces size. Visual checking ensures the result remains acceptable for its purpose.

Watch for: Do not repeat the wording of Images. Explain the underlying rule or relationship, apply it to the context and check the command word.

Layout quality depends on consistent structure, readable spacing and purposeful placement. Reviewing against audience needs gives a reason for each adjustment.

Watch for: Do not repeat the wording of Layout. Explain the underlying rule or relationship, apply it to the context and check the command word.

A small purposeful style system makes hierarchy clear, reinforces identity and permits global correction. Independent formatting creates drift and maintenance errors.

Watch for: Do not repeat the wording of Styles. Explain the underlying rule or relationship, apply it to the context and check the command word.

Automated checking compares patterns and dictionaries but can misinterpret context, names or technical terms. The user must confirm that a replacement preserves meaning.

Watch for: Do not repeat the wording of Proofing. Explain the underlying rule or relationship, apply it to the context and check the command word.

Extracting one sector can draw attention without changing the underlying data, provided the emphasis supports the chart's purpose rather than distorting interpretation.

Watch for: Do not repeat the wording of Graphs and charts. Explain the underlying rule or relationship, apply it to the context and check the command word.

Visible formatting marks reveal structural controls causing pagination. Correcting the specific unwanted break preserves the intended content and layout.

Watch for: Do not repeat the wording of Document production. Explain the underlying rule or relationship, apply it to the context and check the command word.

A flat-file database uses one table, while a relational database separates data into linked tables, reducing duplication when designed appropriately.

Watch for: Do not repeat the wording of Databases. Explain the underlying rule or relationship, apply it to the context and check the command word.

A master slide controls recurring elements such as logos, placeholders, backgrounds, headings and slide numbers, making the presentation consistent and maintainable.

Watch for: Do not repeat the wording of Presentations. Explain the underlying rule or relationship, apply it to the context and check the command word.

A formula combines references, values and operators, while a function such as SUM or AVERAGE provides a named predefined calculation that can be included in a formula.

Watch for: Do not repeat the wording of Spreadsheets. Explain the underlying rule or relationship, apply it to the context and check the command word.

In the simplified cascade required here, an inline declaration on the element overrides a conflicting attached stylesheet rule, although overuse reduces maintainability.

Watch for: Do not repeat the wording of Website authoring. Explain the underlying rule or relationship, apply it to the context and check the command word.