Use of ICT in households

Wireless network (Wi-Fi) is a type of Internet connection which connects computer to the Internet using radio signals not wires. Usually this type of network is called "Wi-Fi" and signal is provided by wireless network routers.

Broadband connections are types of Internet connection (DSL, cable modem, fibre optic cable, etc.), which ensures faster data transmission, as well as access to the Internet in on-line mode.

USB modem is flash memory with incorporated technology, which allows to connect to the Internet both using portable computer and desktop computer. For additional access to the Internet, it can also operate as memory card reader.

UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) – 3rd generation mobile technology – connection allows accessing Internet in broadband frequency zone.

Compared to GPRS UMTS provides much higher data transmission speed.

Mobile internet is a service for those mobile telephone users, whose telephone is equipped with opportunity to connect to the Internet. Unlike computers, mobile Internet is a type of Internet connection using mobile internet network developed by mobile network operator, which allows connecting to the Internet without direct connection.

Fibre optic cable is a type of Internet connection, which ensures connection to the Internet over fibre optic cables through which data are guided using lasers or light-emitting diodes.

Cable modem is a type of Internet connection which ensures connection to the Internet over a cable TV network or communal aerial systems, the data are transmitted over the existing copper network.

Dial-up access is a type of Internet connection, which ensures connection to the Internet over a fixed telephone line (modem), over which connection to the Internet is carried out by means of a telephone call.

Cloud computing services are services, which provide an opportunity to store files on another server in the existing storage, which are called "clouds". The Internet ensures access to this storage, as well as provides opportunity to share data with others. In some types of cloud computing services, it is possible to edit these data. Examples for such cloud computing services is e-mail service gmail.com and document editing site docs.google.com provided by Google. Also examples of cloud computing services are DropBox, failiem.lv, etc.

Purchases on the Internet is ordering goods or services online regardless of the kind of payment or delivery.

Electronic services provided by state or local government are services that are available at home pages of state or local government and which can be used by residents to:

• submit various documents electronically (e.g., to submit declaration of taxes, to notify on the change of place of residence);
• o obtain information on rights of population (e.g., social benefits, news in legislation);
• to obtain up-to-date information on personal documents (e.g., identification card, birth certificate);
• to obtain information on public education services (e.g., libraries, registration opportunities in kindergartens, schools or other educational institutions);
• to obtain information on public health services (e.g., hospital services).

Tablet PC is a portable computer with operating system characteristic to smart phones (Android, iOS), which can be accessed both using sim card and wireless Internet networks. For input of information and computer management touch screen is used, which normally is larger than screen of standard smart phones.

Smartphone is a mobile telephone which is supplemented with functions similar to computer, including access to the Internet using Wi-Fi and mobile Internet penetration, e-mail service, editing documents, as well as camera and GPS function. The latest PDAs with additional mobile telephone functions are also considered smartphones.

Set of skills, that describes person’s ability to use and work with information and communication technologies.

Possible factors, that can damage ICT systems, which can lead to system malfunction of loss of data.

Computer virus is a malicious software programme which is created to induce undesirable effects in computer system.

Anti-virus protection software is a programme, which checks the computer, finds computer viruses and removes them. Its main aim is to protect from personal data loss, computer damage, identity thefts and fraud.

Firewall is a programme, which can limit and stop unauthorized person's or system's access to computer; that is installed in a computer to protect it from remote unauthorized access to computer and information contained in it by other users, as well as to protect computer and computer viruses from other undesired things.

Pharming is a site, which looks like the site known or used by user, where it is asked to enter user name and password, bank account or credit card details, which later may be used for abusive purposes.

Malicious code software is a programme, which is used to disrupt computer operation, gather secret information, access private computer systems without approval of their users and damage computer system.