Computers & Telecommunications

Information Communication Technology (ICT) stand for the technologies including computers, telecommunication and audio-visual systems that enable the collection, processing, transportation, and delivery of information and communication services to users. Computer Technology Crimes include, theft of hardware, theft of software (piracy), theft of information (spying and netspionage), theft of time, trespass (hacking), credit card theft, ATM related theft and vandalism of hardware and software and denial of services. Having said these, it is necessary to explain what some of these words mean:

Hardware includes, the physical parts of a computer system, that is, the inputting devices such as keyboard, mouse, the Central Processing Unit (CPU), the display screen, and any other physical unit that qualify to be on the computer. Hardware theft therefore is when these components are physically stolen, while hardware vandalism is where malicious damage is occasioned on these components.

Software consist of the intangible parts of a computer, for example, the framework programmes, productivity tools, information and data stored in the computer. The theft of software is varied and at times forms a complex web. Most computer crimes target software compared to all others. They are also abuse against intellectual property.

COMPUTERS RELATION TO TELECOMMUNICATION

Computers today are closely linked to telecommunication, which allows the transfer of computer data between remote points. The processing speed of a CPU is measured in macro, nano, or pico seconds, users can not get the full benefits of this speed if tapes and disks are the only method which input recorded are physically transported to the computer for data entry. Similarly the delivery of paper output can be time consuming particularly when users are not located on the same building as the CPU, for example in a sale office, branch office or warehouse.

With teleprocessing (the processing of data received from or sent to remote locations by way of telecommunications line, such as coaxial cable or telephone wires), input and output is instantaneous. This is the mode of processing for multi-user systems where people located in dispersed locations share a computer but need to input data and access up-to-date information at all times. The technology telecommunications, which links input/output terminals to distant CPUs, workstations, peripherals and computers into networks, is what is called telecommunication, data communication or info-communication. Networks are valued by organizations because they promote the exchange of information among computer users (many business activities require the skills of many people), the collection of data from many sources and the sharing of expensive computer resources. Networks can be:
Local Area Networks (LAN) which permit users in a single building or complex to communicate between terminals (often microcomputers), interact with a computer host (normally a mini or mainframe) or share peripherals linked LAN with a small geographical area.

National networks bank ATMs that link banks to computer users in location across the country.

International (wide area) networks, are the most expensive networks because of long-distance between nodes; the most difficult to implement because the standards of regulations vary from country to country. Also there can be a system that incorporates a combination of the above networks.

A LAN of microcomputers, peripherals and interconnect with other networks has a component that caters to all the requests of the network computers. For example a disk server is a component that acts like an extra disk drive: It is usually partitioned so that each computer can access a particular private, storage area. A file server is more sophisticated, allowing access to stored data by name.

Large mainframe computer systems generally include a front-end processor programmed to relieve the CPU of communication tasks. For example, processor may receive messages; store transmitted information and route input to the CPU according to the pre-established priorities. It may validate data and pre-process the data well. Another major function of front-end processor is to compensate for the relatively slow speed of transmission compared to the processing speed of the CPU. Front-end processor may also:

1. Perform message switching between terminals,

2. Process data when teleprocessing load is low or unsent,
3. Act as multiplexes and concentrators,
4. Provides access to external storage and other peripherals.
5. Checks security authorisation,
6. Keep teleprocessing statistics,
7. Accept messages from local lines with mixed modes of communication,
8. Facilitate the use of CPU by other users in a time-sharing system.

Interconnectivity

Each computer system may have a unique configuration of computing resources such as computer speed, file capacity and peripherals that include fast printers and optical scanners. As the management of each computer system may not be able to afford all the resources when they are not being fully utilised. This can be achieved through interconnectivity, the linking of computer systems by telecommunications and networks.