Web Applications and Security

 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 

SKILL COURSE 
SUBJECT CODE- 402 

PART-B Subject Specific Skills

Unit-4 Web Applications and Security

Working with Accessibility Options

Accessibility options provides the differently abled users i.e one with visual impairment, hearing impairment, physical/motor impairment or learning disabilities; with the facility of using the computer systems more and more efficiently. 

Launching Accessibility Options

One can access the accessibility options by launching the 'Control Panel' and clicking on the 'Ease of Access Centre' option. 

Common Accessibility Options 

1) Magnifier: This tool is helpful for the people with impaired vision as it enlarges different parts of the screen.

2) Narrator: Besides reading the text on the screen, this tool also explains the system events. 

3) On-screen Keyboard: It displays a virtual keyboard with all the standard keys.

4) Set-up high contrast: High contrast amplifies the contrast of some text on the screen to reducing eye strain and making it more distinct. 

5) Audio Description: It explains the events in the videos.

6) Color and transparency of window borders: It makes the appearance of the window borders easier. 

7) Fine tune display: It allows to customize the appearance of certain items on the desktop. 

8) Make the focus rectangle thicker: It makes the rectangular bar thicker making it more distinct and easier to identify. 

9) Set the thickness of the blinking cursor: This makes the cursor easier to identify among various objects. 

10) Remove Background Images: Making the vision clearer and reducing the strain. 

11) Speech Recognition: One can use the voice commands to work with windows.

12) Change the color and size of mouse pointer: It helps in making the mouse pointer easier to use. 

13) Mouse Keys: Enables a user to use the numeric keypad as mouse to perform its functions,

14) Sticky Keys: Helps in eliminating the need of pressing three keys in one go.

15) Filter Keys: Identifies multiple keystrokes in a specified duration of time as a single keystroke helping the people with hand tremors.

16) Toggle Keys: Ctrl, Scroll Lock and Num Lock are the toggle keys. 

17) Bounce Keys: In case the user does not want the computer to ignore multiple keystrokes then this option proves out to be beneficial. 

18) Repeat and Slow Keys: One can specify the minimum time required to identify the subsequent keystrokes. 

Networking Fundamentals

Computer Network: A computer network may be defined as a group of two or more computer systems or peripheral devices that are connected together to exchange information and share resources with each other. 

Types of Networks:

• PAN (Personal Area Network)
• LAN (Local Area Network)
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
• WAN (Wide Area Network)

Advantages of Networks:

• Sharing of Hardware 
• Sharing of Software 
• Sharing Files 
• Backup
• Cost efficient 

Disadvantages of Networks:

• High Initial Costs
• Maintenance and Administration
• Major Effect of Breakdown
• Viruses 
• Security 

Network Architecture 

Network Components

Types of Networks

Data Transfer

Data is transferred over web in the form of different packets this is known as data transfer in packet switching. When the packets reach their final destination they are re-combined and the information is presented in front of the receiver. 

Introduction to Instant Messaging

Instant messaging refers to real time communication with the user at the other end using Instant Messengers.

Key Features of Instant Messaging

• It is faster than any other mode of communication.
• Users can connect to IM regardless of their location. 
• Users ca communicate as per their suitable timings.
• It helps in maintaining the back-up of the data. 
• Users can send and transfer files using IM. It also facilitates audio, video calls. 
• User can pin another user or group dm for frequent conversations. 

Instant Messaging Services 

Chatting using Google Hangouts

Using Google Hangouts

• Open the chrome web browser
• Type the URL hangouts.google.com in the address bar. 
• Sign in to google accounts by entering valid details. 
• The interface of google hangouts appear by default. 
• Click on the respective contact name to start chatting. 

Etiquette to be followed while chatting

• Always introduce yourself by your name. 
• Keep the messages short and to the point 
• Do not keep the other person waiting for the reply.
• Do not flood the other person with too many questions for that may sound like an investigation rather than a conversation 
• Try to give your undivided attention to the person you are talking with. 

Using WhatsApp Web

WhatsApp is the most popular instant messenger, widely used for sending text and voice messages, and making audio and video calls.

• Open the browser window. 
• Type web.whatsapp.com in the Address bar and press Enter key.
• Then, follow the instructions. 

Creating and Publishing Blogs

• A blog is the combination of words web and log. It is a frequently updated, online personal journal or diary where a person can log(write or post) information related to his interests or activities, express his ideas or opinions or share his knowledge through writing.
• The person who writes a blog is called a blogger. He can interact with the readers by answering to their questions and regularly updating the contents after the readers have given comments related to the page.

Types of Blog

• Personal Blogs: This is the most common type of Blog. 
  
• News and Views: This type of blog included factual stories of News, mentioned by Journalists.  
• Company Blogs: Companies run blogs to attract their clients and customers telling them about new products. 
  
• Micro Blogs: This is a new type of Blog where one can post short comments. Twitter is best example of such blogs. 

Advantages of Blogs

• A blog enables you to write down your thought on anything that interest you.
• Blogs are easy to set up; don't need much technical knowledge.
• Blogs are easy and quick to update or add new posts.
• People can leave comments on your blog.
• If you want to read other people's blog there are literally millions to choose from.

Online Blog Editors 

• www.wordpress.com
• www.blogger.com
• www.tumblr.com
• www.weebly.com

blogger

tumblr

Word-press

Weebly

• Word Press in an online website/blog creation tool, which is versatile and simplest to use. It offers both paid and free services. 

• Blogs may contain text and pictures but videos and even audios can also be added to give more information. 

Disadvantages of Blogs

• Whatever you publish is available for everyone to see. If you write a post in anger you might regret later.
• Personal blogs may be biased or contain inaccurate information.
• Blogs can be time-consuming. Finding time to write regular updates can become a chore.
• People may leave rude or inappropriate comments.
• There are many very dull blogs around. You may have to look at many before you find some worth reading.

Using Offline Blog Editors

• Offline blog editors are the application software that help you to easily write, edit, spell-check and manage the content of your blog without being connected to the internet.

Offline Blog Editors

• Windows live writer
• Qumana
• BlogDesk 
• Thingamablog
• ScribeFire

• Qumana is one of the best desktop-based blog editors. 

Advantages of Offline Blog editors:

• Offline blog editors are faster than online blog editors.
• While using an offline editor, you always have a backup copy of the file. 
• Offline blog editors provide with the facility of adding images, videos, and links. 
• Offline blog editors let you post you articles directly to your blog or post as a draft.

Online Transactions

E-Commerce: 

Buying and selling of goods and services by electronic means, combined with the power of the Internet is known as E-commerce. 

Few E-commerce websites are:

Advantages of Online Shopping

• Convenience
• Information and Reviews 
• Price and Selection 
• No compulsive Shopping

Disadvantages of Online Shopping

• No personal touch
• Security issues
• Shipping cost 
• Hassle in returning
• Risk of online fraud

E-Reservation:

E-reservation means making a reservation or appointment for a service via internet.

Few E-reservation sites are: 

Advantages of E-Reservation:

• Accessible Anywhere
• Discounts and offers
• Commission Free
• Quick System
• Customer Reviews
• Safe and Reliable

Internet Security

Exchange of information on line is known as Data Interchange.

Cyber Threats

• Phishing: It is an act of sending an email to a use; misleading him to believe that it is from a trusted person or organization.
• Email Spoofing: Email Spoofing is one of the most common security threats these days. This process involves sending emails to the targeted recipients to make them believe that these are from trusted source.
• Chat Spoofing: It is similar to email spoofing but the means here is chat process. 

Best practices for internet security

• Keep passwords safe
• Secure transactions 
• Install Antivirus software
• Use a firewall 
• Do not open attachments from Unknown sources
• Scan all portable devices 
• Update all software regularly
• Clear cookies 
• Never leave the computer unattended 

Importance of Workplace Safety

• Workplace safety is a very important aspect in all types of industries. All the members of the staff should have a safe environment. 
• Fire is a very serious hazard at a workplace. It can cause major financial losses to a business and also result in a loss of human lives.
• Slips, trips and falls are common causes of injuries at the workplace. They can be prevented with a better understanding of their cause and methods to avoid them.

Preventing Accidents and Emergencies

• First aid is emergency care given immediately to an injured person, to minimize injury and future disability and in serious cases to keep the affected person alive.
• A workplace emergency is an unforeseen situation that threatens the employees, customers, or the public. It disrupts the company's operations and causes physical or environmental damage.
• An accident at a workplace is an unplanned, unintended and unexpected incident, which can cause minor to severe physical injury or even result in death.

Protecting Health and Safety at work

• A hazard is any agent that can cause harm to human life, poverty or the environment.
• The employers must advice their employees on evacuation procedures as a part of their training in order to minimize the damage caused due to emergency situations. 
• Encouraging employees to eat healthy and live actively is beneficial to them as well as employers in the long run.
• A good workplace health program results in long term health and wellness amongst the employees.