In addition to the process of setting up and transferring databases between remote sites we need to cover the following theory. A range of worksheets (Sheet 1) (Sheet 2) (Sheet 3) support the activities and explain the concepts involved in this project. Two Powerpoint / Office displays have been produced to assist teachers in the delivery of this project.

N.B. Some of these concepts will be difficult for lower set pupils. It is envisaged that top set pupils will have a high level understanding of all the concepts below. Lower set pupils will, as a minimum, complete the database task and send the database as a CSV file across the Internet.

Yr. 9 pupils have an ICT lesson every 2 weeks. It is envisaged that more enthusiastic pupils will complete extra work during lunchtimes.

Week one

• data capture forms
• valid data
• real time processing
• batch processing
• optical mark recognition
• field
• key field
• record
• file
• wide area networks (WAN)
• advantages of networked databases.
  

Week two

• Database security problems
• Use of passwords
• user log on numbers
• encryption
• data masking
• Choice of passwords
• (end of fred as a password newspaper article)
• Encrypted email
• examples of good and bad passwords
• Saving on zip and floppy drives to increase security
• locking of doors
• locking floppy disks away
• firewalls to prevent hackers gaining access
• dial back modems
• Email tracking system to detect unauthorised transfer of confidential material.

Week three

• Coding of database fields
• Demonstration of "shields up" software i.e. www.grc.com
• Problems of hacking revisited
• Limitations of firewalls
• Importance of virus checking software and regular updating of this software
• Dangers to databases from viruses and Trojans
  

Week four

• Data Protection Act
  
• Action taken by ISP's against misuse and hacking
• Windows NT file security. Unix file security

N.B. The terminology used above is explained on the Glossary page