College of Computer Training (CCT)

Assignment Cover Page

Module Title: Introduction to Computers

Module Code: 6N8398

Assignment Title: Computer Use in the Modern Workplace

Lecturer Name: Michael Weiss

Student Names: Lorena de Jesus Barros

Student Nos.: 2017176

Assignment Due Date: 15/10/2017

Academic Year: Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

DECLARATION
I, the above named student, confirm that by submitting, or causing the attached assignment to be submitted,
to CCT, I have not plagiarised any other persons work in this assignment and except where appropriately
acknowledged, this assignment is my own work, has been expressed in my own words, and has not
previously been submitted for assessment.
Computer Use in the Modern Workplace

Lorena Jesus Barros

ID:2017176

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Table of Contents

Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 3
1. Computer definition ............................................................................................................ 4
2. Hardware ............................................................................................................................. 4
3. Software ............................................................................................................................... 5
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 9
References ................................................................................................................................ 10

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Introduction

The purpose of the assignment is to show how the resources provided by

computers enable organizations to achieve their goals.

Some key definitions for the use of technology passed through the computer will
be presented.

Advantages and disadvantages will be presented in parallel with solutions that

can be applied in companies so that the goal in the use of technology is achieved.

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 1. Computer definition

The computer is the machine that has the operation through Hardware and
software.
According to (Roche, 2009) through peripherals, computers receive information
from the user, that through the use of peripherals transforms information on logic
for information processing and storage.

There are different types of computers, classified according to the size and needs
of the user. The types are:
There are the large mainframes, minicomputers, and microcomputers, small
divided into two categories: the (desktops) and laptops (notebooks and
handhelds).

The classification of a given computer can be done in various ways, as in terms

of:

processing capacity;

processing speed and volume of transactions;

the storage capacity of the information;

the sophistication of software available and compatibility;

memory size and CPU type.

2. Hardware

As (Roche, 2009) are components that make up the physical computer. Being
they classified as:

The central processing unit (CPU): as the name implies, is the part of
the computer responsible for processing this data. The computer
processes this information to carry out tasks by the instructions received
by software and programs.
System unit or motherboard is a component that has several other
components integrated into a plate with formed by electronic

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 circuits. Through this circuit, the components interact to perform the tasks
for running the computer.

-Input devices-these are responsible for the entry of information for the
processing of instructions to be performed by the computer. The inputs are the
best-known human interface equipment (HDI) such as keyboard, mouse,
scanners and digital cameras,

-Output devices are components responsible for showing the result of the input
of information. The best known are printers, speakers and screen.

-Memory and Storage devices are components where you can store for short or
long-term information.

3. Software

The software is a sequence of instructions written to be interpreted by a computer

to perform specific tasks.
As (Roche, 2009) software can be defined as the programs that control the
operation of a computer.
On a computer, the software is known as the logical part having as its main
responsibility to give instructions for the hardware.
The software consists of all programs that exist for a system.
The software as (Stephen, 2003) may be classified:

System Software is the set of information processed by a computer system that

allows interaction with the computer programs. Includes the operating system
and device drivers.

Application Software is computer programs that allow the user to perform a

series of specific tasks in various areas of activity as architecture, accounting,
education, medical and other commercial areas.
An essential software in this classification is the anti-virus software because it
identifies and removes any kind of threat to your computer.

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 4. Evolution of the uses of computers in the workplace

Currently, it is possible to check the use of various types of computers in several

locations, at home, on the street or at work.

When it comes to the workplace, the subject technology becomes more critical
because of the beneficial results that this important subject has caused.

According to the use of computers, allows a better development of the

communication in a work environment, making communication faster. It serves
both for internal communication when the relation with customers.

Consequently, the operating efficiency of the activities of a company can be

evidenced from the moment that a manual process is replaced by the use of the
software. It is important to emphasise the need for training in most cases, to a
smooth functioning of the technology.

Based on some searches is possible to distinguish between the main

advantages of using computers:

The use of the internet as fast and economical for communication;

Availability of software increasingly able to produce the products

quickly;

Programs that facilitate and accelerate the development of documents,

the example we have the engineering, which currently uses for the
software designer;

Efficiency in the registration and control of employee hours and agility

in payments.

In the match against the high availability of technology and many people who use
the same system and information, leading to some disadvantages if the company
does not have adequate policies and guidelines for proper control.

(Small Business, 2017), is possible to verify the existence of disadvantages of

the uses of technology:

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 The dependency ratio created by the computer to the actual operation
of a company is one of the main disadvantages caused by the use of
technology. We can take as an example when vital documents are not lost
due to any talks on systems where the backup system was not working
properly.

The distraction often caused by the ease of access to the

internet. Employees at half their activities on the desktop access personal
content that lead to distraction. In this way, the companies need to apply
spent on implementation of systems or programs to control or to block
certain types of access on the part of officials.

Due to hours required in front of the computer and the lack of use of
correct Ergonomics cause in most cases, irreparable damage to the
human body. The need for repetitive movements integrated with the
incorrect position when sitting is the main cause of damage.

Currently, companies are dedicated to guiding employees to take care of

the correct posture and the motivation for performing exercises that help
in the pursuit of professional health maintenance and improvement of the
results of the company as a result of the use of technology.

Tips for a healthy spine /Source: (The Advanced Health Care, 2017)

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 5. Data Protection Legislation

Since 1988, according to (The Irish Institute Book, 2016) read guidelines are
adopted for proper data protection.
According to (The data protection, 2017), the right to protection applies to any
individual or company to present the conditions below:
held on a computer;
held on paper or another manual form as part of the filing system; and
made up of photographs or video recordings of image or recordings of
voice.
(The data protection, 2017) highlights the need to practice and use of legal
guidelines to control and ensure the protection of information.
Companies should keep updated and available information and policies to be
adopted to ensure safe data.
08 stand out main paths to safety assurance:
1 . Personal data must be processed fairly and lawfully
2. Personal data shall only be used by the purposes for which it was collected
3. Personal data must be adequate, relevant and not excessive
4. Personal data must be accurate and where necessary kept up to date
5. Personal data must be kept for no longer than is necessary
6. Personal data must be processed by the rights of data subjects
7. Appropriate technical and organisational measures must be established to
protect the data
8. Personal data must not be transferred outside the EEA unless adequate
provisions are in place for its protection.

In (Data Protection, 2017) presents some guidelines for each type of information
according to the need of each individual or company.

Finally, in addition to legal compliance, the concern with the protection of

information processed by a company is of paramount importance to the
guarantee of the relations with their customers and employees.

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 Conclusion

Through the researches, it was possible to understand the main features

necessary for the operation of a computer.

According to the needs of each company, it is possible to develop software and

applications that improve the development of companies, making employees
more practical and faster, improving relations with customers and allowing the
company to achieve its objectives.

In this way it was possible to observe the advantages and disadvantages that the
use of computers brings into an organization.

Finally, it is verified that from clear legal guidelines and policies it is possible to
avoid and overcome possible problems caused by the misuse of computers and
technology.

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References

Data Protection,2017. Law on data protection[Online] Available at:

https://www.dataprotection.ie/docs/Law-On-Data-
Protection/m/795.htm[Accessed 13 October 2017].

Data Protection,2017. A guide to your rights plain[Online] Available at:

(https://www.dataprotection.ie/docs/A-guide-to-your-rights-Plain-English-
Version/r/858.htm [Accessed 13 October 2017].

Irish Institute Book, 2017. Data Protection Act, 1988[Online] Available

at:http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1988/act/25/enacted/en/html[Accessed 15
October 2017].

Small Business. The Disadvantages of computer in the workplace[Online]

Available at: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/disadvantages-computers-
workforce-10004.html [Accessed 14 October 2017].

Roche, J.,2009. Step by Step-Computer Applications. 2th ed. Dublin: Gill

Education.

Stephen, M., 2003. Basic computer skills, London: Teach Yourself.

The Advanced Health Care, 2017. Tips for a healthy spine[Online] Available at:
http://advancedhealth.ca/chiropractic-info/the-spine/tips-for-a-healthy-
spine.html[Accessed 15 October 2017].

The Crazy Programmer, 2017. Difference between System Software and

Application Software [Online] Available
at:https://www.thecrazyprogrammer.com/2016/04/difference-system-software-
application-software.html[Accessed 15 October 2017].

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