Technology in Communication and Devices

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Questions and Answers

What are three examples of wireless communication technologies?

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Cellular radio.

Describe how a home network can enhance the use of a single high-speed Internet connection.

A home network allows multiple devices to connect and share the Internet, enabling activities like streaming and online gaming.

List three sectors where technology is utilized effectively.

Education, Health Care, and Finance.

In what way does a server function within a network?

A server manages resources and allows clients to access shared resources like printers and files. Signup and view all the answers

What are two key functions of business networks?

Facilitate communications and share hardware. Signup and view all the answers

What role does a scanner play in data processing concerning printed text and images?

A scanner converts printed text and images into a digital format that the computer can process. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes an output device from an input device in computer systems?

An output device conveys information from a computer to users, while an input device allows users to enter data into a computer. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how voice input technology enhances the user experience on mobile devices.

Voice input technology allows users to issue commands and input data through speech, making interaction more intuitive and hands-free. Signup and view all the answers

What types of information can a 3-D printer produce, and what is its significance?

A 3-D printer can produce solid objects such as prototypes, parts, and even prosthetics, which is significant for custom manufacturing and innovation. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the function of a pointing device in relation to user interface navigation.

A pointing device, such as a mouse or touchpad, allows users to control a pointer on the screen for navigation and interaction with graphical user interfaces. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary differences between laptops, tablets, desktops, and servers?

Laptops are portable and have a built-in keyboard and screen, tablets are touch-screen devices without physical keyboards, desktops have separate components making them less portable, and servers provide services to other computers on a network. Signup and view all the answers

How do smartphones and digital cameras differ in terms of functionality?

Smartphones primarily serve communication and multifunctionality with apps, while digital cameras are specifically designed to capture high-quality images. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the relationship between data and information.

Data consists of raw facts and figures, while information is processed data that is organized and meaningful. Signup and view all the answers

What are some common input options in modern technology?

Common input options include keyboards, mice, touch screens, and voice recognition. Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between the web and the Internet.

The Internet is the global network of interconnected computers, while the web is a collection of information accessed via the Internet using browsers. Signup and view all the answers

What purpose do browsers and search engines serve in technology?

Browsers allow users to access and display content from the web, while search engines help users find specific information across the Internet. Signup and view all the answers

What digital security risks are associated with using technology?

Digital security risks include exposure to viruses, malware, privacy breaches, and negative impacts on health and the environment. Signup and view all the answers

Distinguish between an operating system and applications.

An operating system is the software that manages hardware and system resources, while applications are programs designed to perform specific tasks for users. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main components of memory in a computer?

Memory consists of electronic components that store instructions and the data needed by those instructions. Signup and view all the answers

How does a storage device function in relation to storage media?

A storage device records (writes) and retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media. Signup and view all the answers

How is the Internet described in terms of its connectivity?

The Internet is a worldwide collection of computer networks connecting millions of businesses, agencies, institutions, and individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a website from a webpage?

A website is a collection of related webpages, while a webpage is a single electronic document. Signup and view all the answers

What role does a web server play in the context of the Internet?

A web server delivers requested webpages to your computer or mobile device. Signup and view all the answers

What function does a browser perform in accessing the web?

A browser is software that enables users to access and view webpages on their devices. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a search engine?

A search engine finds websites, webpages, images, videos, and other information related to a specific topic. Signup and view all the answers

How do users interact with posts on an online social network like Facebook?

Users can share, comment on, or 'like' posts, which then appear on their personal Facebook pages. Signup and view all the answers

What are some key strategies for promoting green computing?

Key strategies include recycling, using energy efficient hardware, regulating manufacturing processes, and extending the life of computers. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for users to protect their computers and mobile devices?

It is important to protect them from viruses, malware, and privacy breaches, as well as to address health and environmental concerns. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of system software?

System software, including the operating system, manages hardware and provides essential services for application software. Signup and view all the answers

What role does a software developer play in computing?

A software developer writes instructions that create programs and apps, directing devices to process data into information. Signup and view all the answers

How does user interaction occur with programs after they are installed?

User interaction occurs through the program's user interface, which allows users to perform tasks and access features. Signup and view all the answers

Name at least three examples of communications technologies.

Examples include email, instant messaging, and videoconferencing. Signup and view all the answers

What is a communications device and give an example?

A communications device is hardware that transfers items between computers and transmission media; an example is a modem. Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of installing a program?

Installing a program involves setting it up to work with the computer, printer, or other hardware. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Module 1: Introducing Today's Technologies

This module introduces digital technologies, computers, devices, and the web.

Objectives Overview

Students should be able to differentiate among laptops, tablets, desktops, and servers.
They should understand the purpose and uses of smartphones, digital cameras, portable and digital media players, e-book readers, wearable devices, and game devices.
The relationship between data and information should be described.
Various input options should be explained.
Differentiate the web from the Internet, and describe the relationship among the web, webpages, websites, and web servers.
The purpose of a browser, search engine, and online social network should be explained.
Digital security risks (viruses, malware, privacy, health, and environment) should be described.
Distinguish between an operating system and applications.
Differentiate between wired and wireless technologies and identify reasons individuals and businesses use networks.
How society uses technology in various sectors (education, government, finance, retail, entertainment, healthcare, science, travel, publishing, and manufacturing) should be discussed.
Identify technology used by different user groups (home users, small/home office users, mobile users, power users, and enterprise users).

Today's Technology (1 of 2)

Technology changes constantly, and digital literacy is essential to stay informed of those changes.
Digital literacy encompasses a current knowledge and understanding of computers, mobile devices, the web, and related technologies.

Today's Technology (2 of 2)

People use a variety of computers, mobile devices, and applications every day. (illustrated by Figure 1-1)

Computers (1 of 5)

A computer is an electronic device that operates based on instructions stored in its memory.
It accepts data (input), processes it, and produces information as output.

Computers (2 of 5)

A laptop is a widely used computer. (Figure 1-2)

Computers (3 of 5)

Tablets are another type of computer, such as the slate tablet. (Figure 1-3)

Computers (4 of 5)

Desktops and all-in-one computers exist. (Figure 1-4) Some have separate towers while others are all-in-one units.

Computers (5 of 5)

Servers provide services to other computers and devices on a network. (Figure 1-5)

Mobile and Game Devices (1 of 1)

Examples of mobile and game devices include smartphones, digital cameras, portable and digital media players, ebook readers, wearable devices, and game devices.

Data and Information (1 of 14)

A computer processes data into information. (Figure 1-12) Data (like items ordered) is processed (stored, computed) into information (like a cash receipt).

Data and Information (2 of 14)

A keyboard is an input device used to enter data into a computer or mobile device (Figure 1-14). Different keyboard types exist (e.g., laptop, desktop).

Data and Information (3 of 14)

There are multiple input type options such as virtual, mini, and on-screen keyboards Figure 1-13).

Data and Information (4 of 14)

Pointing devices are input devices used to control a pointer on a screen (e.g., mouse, touchpad, in Figure 1-14).
Voice input allows for speaking instructions into a device. Video input can capture live video.

Data and Information (5 of 14)

Devices like microphones and wireless headsets allow voice instruction and video capability, such as in a video call (Figure 1-15).

Data and Information (6 of 14)

Scanners are light-sensing input devices that convert printed text and images into a digital form (Figure 1-16).

Data and Information (7 of 14)

Printers are output devices that produce text and graphics on physical media like paper (Figure 1-17). 3-D printers create solid objects, as noted.

Data and Information (8 of 14)

Printers produce output such as photos and 3-D models (Figure 1-17).

Data and Information (9 of 14)

Displays are output devices that visually show information like text, graphics, and video (Figure 1-18). Displays vary by device type.

Data and Information (10 of 14)

Speakers and headphones allow users to hear audio (Figure 1-19).

Data and Information (11 of 14)

Memory stores instructions and data needed for execution.
Computers store data, instructions, and information on storage media.
Storage devices write and retrieve items to and from storage media.

Data and Information (12 of 14)

Hard Disk and Solid-State Drives are storage devices (Figure 1-24).

Data and Information (13 of 14)

USB flash drives and memory cards store data (Figure 1-25).

Data and Information (14 of 14)

Optical disks and cloud storage are ways data is stored (Figure 1-26).

The Web (1 of 8)

The Internet is a global collection of computer networks connecting many businesses, organizations, and individuals.

The Web (2 of 8)

The Internet is the largest computer network globally, connecting millions of computers and devices. (Figure 1-27)

The Web (3 of 8)

The World Wide Web is part of the Internet, offering a global library of information.
Web pages are individual documents on the Web.
Websites are collections of webpages relating to a topic.
Web servers deliver the requested webpages to your device.

The Web (4 of 8)

Webpages display various types of information (text, graphics, audio, video). (Figure 1-28)
Links on webpages lead to other information

The Web (5 of 8)

A browser enables access to and viewing of webpages.
Browsers have components like address bars, back buttons, and close buttons (Figure 1-31).

The Web (6 of 8)

Search engines are tools used to locate websites, webpages, images, videos, and more; related to a topic.

The Web (7 of 8)

Online social networks encourage information sharing among members.

The Web (8 of 8)

When Facebook users share content, it is displayed on their own personal page (Figure 1-29).

Digital Safety and Security (1 of 2)

Protecting computers and mobile devices is critical.
The risks include viruses, malware, privacy concerns, health and environmental issues.

Digital Safety and Security (2 of 2)

Green computing focuses on reducing the environmental impact, and involves actions like recycling, using energy-efficient devices, and responsible disposal.

Programs and Apps (1 of 6)

Software (programs) tells computers what to do and how to carry it out.
System software, such as the operating system (e.g., macOS, Windows), is fundamental to how the computer works.
Tools are also part of system software.

Programs and Apps (2 of 6)

Different operating systems control how computers and mobile devices function and provide specific operating system interfaces. (Figure 1-30) Illustrates the operating systems found in various types of devices.

Programs and Apps (3 of 6)

Other types of software are called applications, which include many of the programs often used.

Programs and Apps (4 of 6)

Installing a program involves setting up the software to work with a computer, printer, or other hardware.

Programs and Apps (5 of 6)

A Software developer, or programmer, creates the instructions that control the computer or mobile device's processes.

Programs and Apps (6 of 6)

Software developers write instructions using programming languages to create applications. An illustration of this is provided (Figure 1-31), which shows the coding process (a) and the output (b).

Communications and Networks (1 of 7)

Communication technologies include chat rooms, email, fax, FTP, and GPS.

Communications and Networks (2 of 7)

Other communication technologies include instant messaging, the internet, newsgroups, RSS feeds, videoconferencing, voice mail, and VoIP.

Communications and Networks (3 of 7)

Communication devices, like hardware, transfer items from one device to another.

Communications and Networks (4 of 7)

Modems, wireless access points, and routers are examples of communications devices. (Figure 1-32)

###Communications and Networks (5 of 7)

Wireless communication technologies include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular radio.

Communications and Networks (6 of 7)

A network connects devices, often wirelessly.
Servers manage resources, and clients access shared resources or content. (Figure 1-33)

Communications and Networks (7 of 7)

Home networks allow internet access, sharing of content, and use of multimedia and VoIP.

Communications and Networks (8 of 8)

Business networks aim to improve communications, share resources, and enhance workflow.

Technology Uses

Technology is used in various sectors, including education, government, finance, retail, entertainment and health care. Others include science, travel, publishing, and manufacturing.

Technology Users (1 of 3)

Home users typically utilize computers for personal applications.

Technology Users (2 of 3)

Mobile users use mobile devices for accessing various forms of information and content. Power users use computers and technology for advanced applications.

Technology Users (3 of 3)

Enterprise settings use computers for advanced business applications and operations.

Summary (1 of 1)

Fundamental ideas about computers and technologies were discussed, encompassing concepts such as various means of input, output, memory, storage, internet use, safety precautions, and technological applications within society.

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Description

Test your knowledge on various wireless communication technologies and the functions of devices within a network. This quiz explores the roles of input and output devices, data processing technologies, and the significance of modern tools like scanners and printers.