Topic 2 - Communication Equipment

This topic is mostly covered in the unit Use Business Technology. Click the image to find out more about computer equipment - hardware and software.

 

However, the remainder of this topic on equipment will focus briefly on a) network systems and in more detail, on b) telephones. Be sure to complete this topic.

 

a) Network Systems

 

Networking involves linking people and / or equipment in ever expanding communication networks to benefit business. Technology has allowed this to happen. Communication is quick, efficient and cost effective. It can reach all parts of the globe in this manner.

 

Networks in a business can be internal and external.

 

For example:

Many network systems are available to businesses. These systems connect workers in a business to one common system. It is often protected by a login process using a password.

 

(click to enlarge)

 

Now tryActivity B

Managing a Network

 

A network needs constant maintenance. Businesses can:

• train staff in this function

or

• employ a consultant

or

• use a software package

Now tryActivity C

b) Telephones

 

Here is Alan on a typical day at the office:
Oh dear! If this is an indication of how this business is run, I think potential customers will probably flee in the opposite direction - to the competitor!

 

Common sense and an idea about acceptable, professional behaviour tell us that Alan will not last long at this job.

 

Alan needs training in:

 

 

 

Telephone Equipment

Now tryActivity D

The best place to learn about how to use a telephone system is in an office. Work Placement should be the ideal time to learn to master the telephone. If this isn't possible, a visit to an office would be a great idea.

 

Like all office equipment, telephones come with a user guide and some training from the telephone technician.

 

At the Distance Education Centre the following guides are available:

 

 

The Centre uses different phones for different purposes. Teachers often use a cordless phone while office staff don't. Regardless of this, all the phones are part of a larger network that includes Distance Education and the high school.

 

Here is a photograph of the 2400SDS in use

 

a closer look at the keystation and its dialling facilities

 

This phone system allows the following functions to occur:

• answer calls on different lines

• dial extension numbers

• make external calls

• transfer calls

• place callers on hold

• pick up other people's incoming calls

• forward all calls to another extension

• swap between two callers

• last number redial

• programming of one touch memory keys (so entire number doesn't have to be dialled)

Now tryTask 1

This is the last exercise in Topic 2. Now try Topic 3.