ICT in the Home

Introduction ICT is used today for entertainment It influences how people spend their time ICT is used for most every day tasks: tv, banking, shopping

Games Computer games are improving over the years Computers allow people of all ages to play games. This my vary dependant on the ages of a person. A child may play learning games, an adult may play traditional, teens more action packed/team games. Computers that are used to play games have more processing power and will need certain features fast processor large screen large amount of RAM high storage capacity high quality graphics and sound card

Games cont. There are many advantages to playing games on a computer younger children can learn and develop in their knowledge by playing games that are more interactive, which allows learning to be fun and encourage children to learn more can lead to a good job as a game designer or programmer team games allow interaction between other plays in a team game, which could lead to a boost in confidence, communication skills etc. However playing computer games have disadvantages can be addictive health problems: RSI, obesity, incorrect posture, antisocial some games contain a high level of violence, some people think this is the reason for the violent behaviour of some teenagers

Photography Computer software which allow people to edit images they have found online or taken themselves. Most people own a phone or digital camera which allows people to transfer, edit and send images much easier. ICT allows a flexibility of the many different ways you can show and share images. Photos may be shared via social media sites, these images can easily be shared and also allows people to have their own copy of the photo as they can download it straight from the Internet which is less costly than printing the photo out and sending it to a person.

Music downloads Today music can be purchased and downloaded online, instead of going to the shop and buying a CD Advantages instead of buying an album you can download the songs you like allows an easy replacement to any songs that my have been erased load onto portable players i.e. iPods etc Disadvantages/problems people will download music illegally to avoid paying by downloading albums people can copy and sell them for a cheaper price certain download software or sites may contain viruses

Pay-to-view services Even though you subscribe to the pay to view service there are other services where you pay one off payment each time you wish to view. pay per view services may include video on demand - where you can view a film from a selection eg box office some major sporting events

Online shopping Today the majority of stores are online making shopping more excessable to everyone. Stores such as asda and tesco offer two different types of online shopping click and collect or home delivery. Almost every store throughout the world has an online store. Advantages takes less time compared to visiting shops allows you to find products easily avoids busy shops allows a greater variety Disadvantages payment concerns goods can get damaged during transport not delievered on time delivery can be expensive

Cinema and theatre booking Most cinemas allow you to book tickets online while looking at what film you wish to see. Advantage can compare cinema times view trailers online before seeing see start and end time of film select your own seats Disadvantages May book the wrong seats If you book the wrong film Cannot have a refund on your tickets

is used in most business and homes. allows us to send messages to friends, family, college tutors etc. Without having to go through the process of writing letters to others. s allow you to send attachments along with your message whether this be a document or image. Advantages Share multiple messages Cheaper than text Can send attachments Disadvantages Viruses Spam mail/ junk mail Hacking

Online banking All high street banks offer online banking and some banks are exclusively online with no high street branches. Services A customer with access to online banking can: check their bank balance view/print current and previous bank statements pay bills online, i.e. setup direct debits and standing orders setup new, separate accounts for specific purposes, e.g. savings transfer money between their accounts and to other people's

Online banking Benefits Convenience - banking when it suits them, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from any computer with an Internet connection. Higher interest rates - savings banks make through reduced staffing, fewer premises and increased automation mean they can offer higher interest rates. Increased market awareness - visit all the banks and find out what interest rates they offer online. Customer concerns The closure of small, local branches or reductions in opening hours. The security of online banking, specifically hacking and credit card fraud. Staffing reductions. As banking becomes increasingly reliant on technology these concerns are set to increase.