Communication Systems - ATMs and EFTPOS

In our double-period on Thursday you were asked to visit the howstuffworks.com website to examine how ATMs work.

HowStuffWorks.com - "How ATMs Work"

Be sure to watch the introductory video in this section as Professor Marshall Brain presents an excellent overview of the internal components of this useful device.

Read these tips on common ATM scams to get a better understanding of the types of data that are important to the proper functioning of the system.

Wikipedia has a very good summary of the internal features of ATMs.

Other interesting links:

How ATMs work - another description

Powerpoint presentation on ATMs

Emerging technologies - Cashless ATMs and "Are ATMS growing obsolete?"



What is EFTPOS?

Follow the link to an article by R. Kayne that describes Electronic Fund Transfer Point of Sale systems.


In your notes you should outline the Hardware, Software and Data/Information for each of these two systems as well as identifying the components that allow it to function as a communication system.

Explain how each of these systems can be part of a communication system and part of a transaction processing system.

Other EFTPOS related links:

Wikipedia - Point of sale
Wikipedia - Electronic funds transfer
Wikipedia - Electronic payment services

Communication Systems

In period 3 today (3/3/09 - Day 7) we covered the following:

1. Protocols - At this point in the course I would like to introduce you to a nice little on-line reference tool called Webopedia. This on-line technology encyclopedia can be used to find meanings of words used in all of the topics in IPT. Bookmark this one, it's a keeper!






2. Error detection (Error checking) - The Betts Computers Moodle Site offers a fantastic sub-course on Error Checking located in the Communication Systems topic. Please read this material, attempt the example questions and post questions regarding this material to this blog.

3. Network Operating System - Use this definition from Wikipedia.
You have probably been told not to rely on the accuracy of Wikipedia... I would suggest to you that it is a great place to get started. The first reason is that most of the entries have their sources documented in a bibliography so by starting here you get a rough idea of the basic concepts that you are researching. At the end of each Wiki entry you will be provided with a number of suggested sites that you can use to verify the authenticity of the information presented. Finally, if the information proves to be incorrect you always have the option to contribute or comment.

Remember to "Publish or Perish" - All members of this class are encouraged to comment, ask questions and to interact with the material presented. I look forward to reading your posts.

Mr. Goodwin