Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 11

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define online services and cloud applications.
• Explain the benefits of cloud collaboration and storage.
• Identify and mitigate security risks like phishing scams.
• Compare different cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).
• Describe legal and ethical issues, like the POPIA Act.

Lesson summary

The internet has fundamentally changed how we live, work, and interact with each other. In South Africa, access to the internet is becoming increasingly vital for education, employment, and participation in the global economy. Understanding online services and cloud applications is no longer just a technical skill; it's a necessary life skill. From accessing educational resources online to managing your finances through banking apps, and even connecting with family and friends on social media, the internet and its related services are deeply interwoven into our daily lives.

Lesson notes

2.1 Online Services: Online services are resources and functionalities provided over the internet. These encompass a wide array of applications that allow users to perform tasks, access information, and interact with others remotely.

Email: Electronic mail systems like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo Mail allow users to send and receive messages digitally. Emails are stored on servers, allowing access from any device with an internet connection.

Example: Applying for a bursary online requires you to have an email address. All communication from the bursary provider will be sent to your email.

Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), and TikTok enable users to connect with friends, family, and communities, share content, and engage in discussions. These platforms often use advertising as a primary revenue source.

Example: Using WhatsApp to coordinate a group project with classmates.

E-commerce: Online shopping platforms such as Takealot, Amazon (now available in SA), and Superbalist allow users to purchase goods and services online. They handle payment processing, order management, and delivery logistics.

Example: Buying textbooks online when they are cheaper than in physical stores.

Online Banking: Financial institutions provide online banking services that allow customers to manage their accounts, transfer funds, pay bills, and access financial statements online. Security measures like two-factor authentication are crucial.

Example: Receiving your NSFAS allowance directly into your bank account and managing it online.

Streaming Services: Platforms like Netflix, Showmax, and Spotify offer on-demand access to movies, TV shows, and music. These services operate on subscription models or advertising-supported models.

Example: Watching educational documentaries on YouTube for your school projects. 2.2 Cloud Applications: Cloud applications, also known as Software as a Service (SaaS), are applications accessed over the internet, where the software and data are stored on remote servers managed by a third-party provider. Users access these applications through a web browser or dedicated client application.

Benefits of Cloud Applications: Accessibility: Access your applications and data from anywhere with an internet connection.

Collaboration: Enables real-time collaboration on documents and projects, facilitating teamwork.

Scalability: Easily scale your resources up or down based on your needs, paying only for what you use.

Cost-Effectiveness: Reduces the need for expensive hardware and software licenses, as the provider handles infrastructure maintenance.

Automatic Updates: Updates and maintenance are handled by the provider, ensuring you always have the latest version.

Examples of Cloud Applications: Google Docs/Sheets/Slides: Online office suite for creating and editing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Example: Working on a group presentation using Google Slides, where each group member can contribute simultaneously from their homes.

Microsoft Office 365: A subscription-based suite of Microsoft Office applications accessible online, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Dropbox/Google Drive/OneDrive: Cloud storage services for storing and sharing files.

Example: Backing up your important school assignments and photos to Google Drive in case your computer crashes.

Salesforce: A customer relationship management (CRM) platform for managing sales, marketing, and customer service.

Zoom/Microsoft Teams/Google Meet: Video conferencing platforms for online meetings and collaboration.

Example: Participating in online tutoring sessions using Zoom. 2.3 Cloud Service Models: Cloud computing offers different service models based on the level of control and responsibility you have over the infrastructure and software.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Provides access to computing resources like virtual machines, storage, and networks. You manage the operating system, applications, and data.

Examples: Amazon Web Services (AWS) EC2, Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines, Google Compute Engine.

Analogy:* Renting an empty office space. You provide all the furniture, equipment, and manage the day-to-day operations.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): Provides a platform for developing, running, and managing applications. The provider manages the infrastructure, operating systems, and development tools.

Examples: Google App Engine, Heroku, AWS Elastic Beanstalk.

Analogy:* Renting an office space with basic furniture and internet access. You just need to bring your computer and start working on your application.

Software as a Service (SaaS): Provides access to ready-to-use applications over the internet. The provider manages everything, including the infrastructure, operating system, and application software.

Examples: Gmail, Salesforce, Dropbox.

Analogy:* Renting a fully furnished office space with all the services included (electricity, cleaning, security). You just show up and use the application.