Discovering Computers Module 1

Discovering Computers 2018

• This is a digital technology, data, and devices textbook series.
• The book is in the Shelly Cashman Series.
• The authors are Vermaat, Sebok, Freund, Campbell, and Frydenberg.
• Copyright is held by Cengage Learning.

Module 1

• Introduces today's technologies, computers, and devices.
• The copyright does not allow for reproduction.

Computers

• A computer is an electronic device that operates under instructions stored in its memory.
• A computer accepts data as input, processes the input and then produces information as output.

Data and Information

• Data (input) - the raw facts, figures, or symbols. This includes things like item ordered, item price, quantity ordered, and the amount received.
• Storage and Processes - The computer stores the entered data, computes each item's total price by multiplying the quantity ordered by the item price, organizes the data, sums all item total prices, and determines order total due from customer.
• Information (output) - The processed data that makes sense. This can be a cash register receipt.

The Components of a Computer

• Input Device: Allows entering data and instructions into the computer.
• Output Device: Conveys information to one or more people.
• System Unit: Contains the electronic components to process data, including a case.
• Storage Device: Holds data, instructions, and information for future use.
• Communications Device: Enables the computer to send and receive data to and from other devices and computers

Data and Information (Various Points)

• Keyboards, on-screen keyboards, mini keyboards, and virtual keyboards are used to enter data and instructions.
• Pointing devices like mouses and touchpads let you control a pointer on the screen.
• Mobile devices also use voice input and video input to capture and record data.
• A scanner converts printed text and images into a form the computer can process.
• Output devices include printers to produce text and graphics on physical mediums, like paper. 3-D printers can also print solid objects.
• Displays visually present text, graphics, and videos on screens, which vary based on device type (smartphone, laptop, tablet).
• Speakers produce audio like music, voice, and sounds. The user may wear headphones.

Data and Information(Continued)

• Storage devices record and retrieve items to and from storage media.
• Memory consists of electronic components to store instructions and data.
• Computers store data, instructions, and information on different storage media.
• Examples of storage devices include hard disks, solid-state drives, USB flash drives, and memory cards. Optical disks and cloud storage are also noted.

Programs and Apps

• Software, also known as programs, tells the computer what tasks to do.
• System software (like the operating system) handles the basic operations of a computer.
• Software is developed by software developers (or programmers) who write instructions to process data. Software developers use tools like Visual Basic.
• Programs are set up to work with the computer, printer, and other hardware.
• Users interact through a user interface.

Communications and Networks

• Daily, many people use information generated by communication technologies like chat rooms, email, fax, FTP, and GPS.
• Other communications technologies include instant messaging, internet, newsgroups, video conferencing, voice mail, and VoIP.
• A communications device is hardware that transfers items between computers and devices to transmission media.
• Examples of communication devices include modems, wireless access, and routers that enable computers to connect to the internet, either via wires or wirelessly.
• Wireless communication technologies include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular radio.
• Networks connect computers and devices together. A server manages resources, and clients access those resources.
• Home networks allow for internet connections, content sharing, game playing, and interactions with smart home devices.
• Business networks facilitate communication, hardware, and software sharing.

Technology Uses

• Technology is used in various fields, including education, government, finance, retail, entertainment, healthcare, science, travel, publishing, and manufacturing.

Digital Safety and Security

• Green computing involves lower electricity consumption and environmental waste.
• Strategies include recycling, using energy-efficient hardware/features, regulating manufacturing processes, extending computer lifecycles, and properly disposing of replaced computers.

Summary

• The study covers basic computer concepts, input/output/memory/storage methods, the Internet, digital security/precautions, and technology's role in society.