Discovering Computers 2018 - Chapter 1

Discovering Computers 2018 - Chapter 1

• This chapter introduces today's technologies
• Objectives overview include differentiating among laptops, tablets, desktops, and servers
• Differentiating the web from the internet, and describing the relationship among the web, webpages, websites, and web servers
• Explaining the purpose of a browser, a search engine, and an online social network
• Briefly describing digital security risks associated with viruses and other malware, privacy, health, and the environment
• Differentiating between an operating system and applications
• Differentiating between wired and wireless technologies, and identifying reasons individuals and businesses use networks
• Discussing how society uses technology in education, government, finance, retail, entertainment, health care, science, travel, publishing, and manufacturing
• Identifying technology used by home users, small/home office users, mobile users, power users, and enterprise users

Today's Technology

• Technology constantly changes, so it's important to stay up-to-date with the changes
• Digital literacy involves having a current knowledge and understanding of computers, mobile devices, the web, and related technologies

Computers

• A computer is an electronic device that operates under instructions stored in its own memory
• Computers accept data (input), process it, and produce information (output)
• Computer types include laptops, tablets, desktops, and all-in-ones, and servers

Touch Screen Gestures

• Touch screen gestures like tap, double-tap, press and hold, drag/slide, swipe, stretch, and pinch have different actions and uses
• They activate links, press buttons, run programs, zoom in/out, and more

Mobile and Game Devices

• Types of mobile and game devices include smartphones, digital cameras, portable and digital media players, e-book readers, wearable devices, and game devices

Data and Information

• A keyboard is an input device used for entering data into computers and mobile devices
• A pointing device allows the user to control a small symbol on the screen called the pointer
• A scanner converts printed text and images into a form the computer can process
• An output device conveys information from a computer to people or other devices
• Examples like printers, 3D printers, and displays convey text, graphics, or video information
• Speakers convey audio like music or voice; examples include earbuds and headphones
• Memory stores instructions and data needed by computers; storage media (e.g., hard disks, solid-state drives, USB flash drives, memory cards, optical disks, cloud storage) is used to store information in computers

The Web

• The internet is a global network of computer networks, connecting businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals
• The World Wide Web (web) is a global library of information accessible through the internet
• Webpages are electronic documents, and websites are collections of related webpages
• A web server delivers requested webpages to users
• Parts of a webpage often visible to users include text, audio, graphics, and pointers on links
• A browser enables internet users to view webpages
• A search engine finds websites, webpages, images, videos, news, maps, and other information relevant to a topic
• An online social network allows members to share interests, ideas, stories, photos, music, and videos with other users

Digital Safety and Security

• Protecting computers and mobile devices from viruses, malware, privacy concerns, and environmental issues is important
• Green computing involves reducing electricity consumption and environmental waste generated by computers
• Strategies for green computing include recycling, using energy-efficient hardware, regulating manufacturing processes, extending the life of computers, and properly disposing of replaced computers

Programs and Apps

• Software (programs) instructs computers on tasks
• System software includes operating systems and tools
• Applications (programs) perform specific tasks (productivity, graphics and media, personal interest, communications)
• Installing a program sets it up to work with the computer, mobile device, printer, and other hardware
• Users interact with a program through its interface
• Software developers create programs that process data into information

Communications and Networks

• Communications devices transfer items between computers and transmission media
• Wireless communication technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular radio facilitate communication
• Networks connect computers and devices, often wirelessly, through communication devices and transmission media
• Home networks connect to the internet, share content, share devices, and play multiplayer games
• Business networks facilitate communication, share hardware, data, and software

Technology Uses

• Examples of technology use include education, government, finance, retail, entertainment, health care, science, travel, publishing, and manufacturing

Technology Users

• Technology users include home users, small/home office users, mobile users, power users, and enterprise users