Introducing Today's Technologies PDF

Page 3 2 Chapter 1 Introducing Today’s Technologies Objectives After completing this chapter, you will be able to:...

Page 3 2 Chapter 1 Introducing Today’s Technologies Objectives After completing this chapter, you will be able to: 1 Differentiate among laptops, tablets, desktops, and servers © iStockPhoto / scanrail 2 Describe the purpose and uses of smartphones, digital cameras, portable and digital media players, e-book readers, wearable devices, and game devices 3 Describe the relationship between data and information 4 Briefly explain various input options (keyboards, pointing devices, voice and video input, and scanners), output options (printers, displays, and speakers), and storage options (hard disks, solid-state drives, USB flash drives, memory cards, optical discs, and cloud storage) Today’s Technology In the course of a day, you may... complete a homework assignment and watch a streaming video using your laptop, flip through news headlines and make dinner reservations using your tablet, search for directions and the local weather forecast while listening to music on your smartphone, edit a video on a desktop computer, and share photos online from your digital ­camera with family and friends. These and many other technologies are an integral part of everyday life: at school, at home, and at work (Figure 1-1). Technology can enable you to more efficiently and effectively access and search for ­information; share personal ideas, photos, and videos with friends, family, and others; communicate with and meet other people; manage finances; shop for goods and services; play games or access other sources of entertainment; keep your life and activities organized; and complete business activities. People who can accomplish these types of tasks using technology often are said to be tech savvy. Because technology changes, you must keep up with the changes to remain digitally literate. Digital literacy involves having a current knowledge and understanding of computers, mobile devices, the web, and related technologies. This book presents the knowledge you need to be digitally literate today. As you read this first chapter, keep in mind it is an overview. Most of the terms and concepts introduced in this chapter will be discussed in more depth later in the book. Copyright 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.  Page 4 Computers, Devices, and the Web Chapter 1 3 email messaging wireless connection Internet maps photo calendar shopping chat weather games email wireless Internet connection social media video photo video camera music wireless connection messaging shopping social media Figure 1-1 People use a variety of computers, mobile devices, and apps everyday. © iStockPhoto / bo1982; © iStockPhoto / michaeljung; © iStockPhoto / vgajic; © Fotolia / vadymvdrobot; © iStockPhoto / PeopleImages Copyright 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.  Page 5 4 Chapter 1 Introducing Today’s Technologies Computers A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can accept data (input), process the data according to specified rules, produce information (output), and store the information for future use. Computers contain many electric, electronic, and mechanical components known as hardware. Electronic components in computers process data using instructions, which are the steps that tell the computer how to perform a particular task. A collection of related instructions organized for a common purpose is referred to as software or a program. Using software, you can complete a variety of activities, such as search for information, type a paper, balance a budget, create a ­presentation, or play a game. One popular category of computer is the personal computer. A personal computer (PC) is a BTW computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself Free Resources and is intended to be used by one person at a time. Most personal computers today also can For information about c­ ommunicate with other computers and devices. how to access this book’s free resources Types of personal computers include laptops, tablets, and desktops, with the first two (which are indicated by ­sometimes called mobile computers. A mobile computer is a portable personal computer, the Discover More text designed so that a user can carry it from place to place. A user is anyone who interacts with a or icons beside titles) computer or mobile device, or utilizes the information it generates. and other additional Discover More: Visit this chapter’s free instructor-assigned resources to learn more about electronic support material, refer to the Intro chapter and the ­components and circuitry of a computer. Preface. screen Laptops A laptop, also called a notebook computer, is a thin, lightweight mobile computer with keyboard a screen in its lid and a keyboard in its base (Figure 1-2). Designed to fit on your lap and for easy transport, most laptops weigh up to 7 pounds (varying by manufacturer and speci- hinges fications). A laptop that is less than one inch thick and weighs about three pounds or less Figure 1-2 A typical laptop has a keyboard in the sometimes is referred to as an ultrathin laptop. base and a screen in the lid, with the lid attaching to the base with hinges. Most laptops can operate on batteries or a © iStockphoto / Stephen Krow power supply or both. Tablets Usually smaller than a laptop but larger than a phone, a tablet is a thin, lighter-weight mobile computer that has a touch screen (read How To 1-1 for ways to interact with a touch screen). A popular style of tablet is the slate, which does not contain a physical keyboard (Figure 1-3). Like laptops, tablets run on bat- teries or a power supply or both; however, batteries in a tablet typically last longer than those in laptops. Figure 1-3 A slate tablet. © iStockphoto / franckreporter Copyright 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.  Page 6 Computers, Devices, and the Web Chapter 1 5 How To 1-1 Interact with a Touch Screen You usually can interact with a touch screen using gestures. A gesture is a motion you make on a touch screen with the tip of one or more fingers or your hand. Touch screens are convenient because they do not require a separate device for input. Tablets and ­smartphones typically have touch screens. The table below presents common ways to interact with a touch screen. Touch Screen Gestures Motion Description Common Uses Tap Quickly touch and release one finger one time Activate a link (built-in connection) Press a button Run a program or app Double-tap Quickly touch and release one finger two times Run a program or app Zoom in (show a smaller area on the screen, so that contents appear larger) at the location of the double-tap Press and hold Press and hold one finger to cause an action to Display a shortcut menu (immediate access to allowable occur, or until an action occurs actions) Activate a mode enabling you to move an item with one finger to a new location Drag, or slide Press and hold one finger on an object and then Move an item around the screen move the finger to the new location Scroll Swipe Press and hold one finger and then move the Scroll finger horizontally or vertically on the screen Display a bar that contains commands on an edge of the screen Stretch Move two fingers apart Zoom in (show a smaller area on the screen, so that contents appear larger) Pinch Move two fingers together Zoom out (show a larger area on the screen, so that contents appear smaller) Consider This: In addition to the motions listed in the table, what other motions do you think a touch screen should support? © Cengage Learning Consider This If a slate tablet has no keyboard, how do you type on it? You can use your fingers to press keys on a keyboard that appears on the screen, called an on-screen keyboard, or Internet Research you can purchase a separate physical keyboard that attaches to or wirelessly communicates with the tablet. You What is a virtual keyboard? also may be able to speak into the tablet, and your spoken words will translate to typed text. Search for: virtual keyboard Copyright 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.  Page 7 6 Chapter 1 Introducing Today’s Technologies BTW Desktops and All-in-Ones Desktop A desktop, or desktop computer, is a personal computer designed to be in a stationary The term, desktop, also l­ocation, where all of its components fit on or under a desk or table. On many desktops, the sometimes is used to screen is housed in a display device (or simply display) that is separate from a tower, which refer to an on-screen work area on laptops, is a case that contains the processing circuitry (Figure 1-4a). Another type of desktop called tablets, and desktops. an all-in-one does not contain a tower and instead uses the same case to house the display and the processing circuitry (Figure 1-4b). Some desktops and all-in-ones have displays that s­ upport touch. display tower (b) all-in-one (a) Figure 1-4 Some desktops have a separate tower; all-in-ones do not. © iStockphoto / Oleksiy Mark; Source: Microsoft; © iStockphoto / hocus-focus; Apple, Inc. Consider This Which type of computer — laptop, tablet, or desktop — is best? It depends on your needs. Because laptops can be as powerful as the average desktop, more people today choose laptops over desktops so that they have the added benefit of portability. Tablets are ideal for those not needing the power of a laptop or for searching for information, communicating with others, and taking notes in lectures, at meetings, conferences, and other forums where a laptop is not practical. Desktops and all-in-ones often have larger displays than laptops or tablets, which make them well suited for developing software, editing large documents, or creating images and videos. BTW Servers Online A server is a computer dedicated to providing one or more services When a computer or to other computers or devices on a network. A network is a collection device connects to a of computers and devices connected together, often wirelessly. Services network, it is said to be online. provided by servers include storing content and controlling access to hardware, software, and other resources on a network. A server can support from two to several thousand connected computers and devices at the same time. Servers are available in a variety of sizes and types for both small and large business applica- tions (Figure 1-5). Smaller applications, such as at home, sometimes use a high-end desktop as a server. Larger corporate, government, Figure 1-5 A server and web applications use powerful, expensive servers to support provides services to other computers or their daily operations. devices on a network. © iStockPhoto / GuidoVrola Copyright 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.  Page 8 Computers, Devices, and the Web Chapter 1 7 Mobile and Game Devices A mobile device is a computing device small enough to hold in your hand. Because of their reduced size, the screens on mobile devices are small — often between 3 and 5 inches. Some mobile devices are Internet capable, meaning that they can connect to the Internet wirelessly. You often can exchange information between the Internet and a mobile device or between a computer or network and a mobile device. Popular types of mobile devices are smart- phones, digital cameras, portable and digital media players, e-book readers, and wearable devices. Consider This Are mobile devices computers? The mobile devices discussed in this section can be categorized as computers because they operate under the control of instructions stored in their own memory, can accept data, process the data according to specified rules,  produce or display information, and store the information for future use. Smartphones A smartphone is an Internet-capable phone that usually also includes a calendar, an address Internet Research book, a calculator, a notepad, games, and several other apps (which are programs on the smart- What are some app stores? phone). Other apps are available through an app store that typically is associated with the phone. Search for: popular app Smartphones typically communicate wirelessly with other devices or computers. With most stores smartphone models, you also can listen to music, take photos, and record videos. Many smartphones have touch screens. Instead of or in addition to a touch screen, some smartphones have a keyboard that slides in and out from behind the phone (Figure 1-6). Others have built-in mini keyboards or keypads that contain both numbers and letters. Some are called a phablet because they combine the features of a smartphone with a tablet. slide out keyboard Figure 1-6 Smartphones may have a touch screen and/or a touch screen slide out keyboard. © iStockphoto / Moncherie; © iStockPhoto / scanrail Instead of calling someone’s phone to talk, you can send messages to others by pressing images on an on-screen keyboard on the phone, keys on the phone’s mini keyboard, or buttons on the phone’s keypad. Four popular types of messages that you can send with smartphones include voice messages, text messages, picture messages, and video messages. A voice mail message is a short audio recording sent to or from a smartphone or other mobile BTW device. Messaging Services A text message is a short note, typically fewer than 300 characters, sent to or from Mobile service providers a smartphone or other mobile device. may charge additional A picture message is a photo or other image, sometimes along with sound and text, sent fees for sending text, to or from a smartphone or other mobile device. picture, or video A video message is a short video clip, usually about 30 seconds, sent to or from a smartphone messages, depending on or other mobile device. the messaging plan. Copyright 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.  Page 9 8 Chapter 1 Introducing Today’s Technologies Read Ethics & Issues 1-1 to consider whether it should be legal to use a hands-free device, such as a smartphone, while driving. Ethics & Issues 1-1 Should It Be Legal to Use a Hands-Free Association) conducted a study to measure while driving. Lawmakers are attempting to Device while Driving? the mental effect of using hands-free regulate “distracted driving” caused by using Your new vehicle includes a sophisticated devices while driving. The conclusions hands-free devices. One issue that remains hands-free system that enables you to connect indicated that drivers using hands-free unclear is whether law enforcement has a a mobile device to the vehicle’s sound system. devices are distracted, miss visual clues, and right to look at a user’s devices to determine In addition to making phone calls without have slower reaction times. The report also whether they were used illegally. holding your device, you also can use this stated that 3000 fatalities occur each year technology to read and respond to email mes- due to the use of hands-free devices. Consider This: Do you think the govern- sages or to update your Facebook status using Critics say that using a hands-free device ment should be able to establish rules speech-to-text, which converts your spoken gives people a false sense of security. Others about hands-free device usage while words to text. Is this technology safe to use? claim that drivers can be just as easily driving? Why or why not? Do you believe The debate about hands-free device distracted if they are discussing business or you are distracted if you use hands-free safety elicits different points of view from emotional matters with passengers in the devices while driving? Why or why not? vehicle insurance companies, consumer vehicle. Some states have outlawed any Do you think auto manufacturers should safety groups, and the telecommunications use of mobile phones while driving; others continue to put hands-free device technol- industry. AAA (American Automobile require drivers to use hands-free devices ogy in vehicles? Why or why not? Digital Cameras A digital camera is a device that allows you to take photos and store the photographed images digitally (Figure 1-7). A smart digital camera also can communicate wirelessly with other devices and include apps similar to those on a smartphone. Many mobile computers and devices, such as tablets and smartphones, include at least one integrated digital camera. Digital cameras typically allow you to review, and sometimes modify, images while they are in the camera. You also can transfer images from a digital camera to a computer or device, so that you can review, modify, share, organize, Figure 1-7 With a digital camera, you can view photographed images or print the images. Digital cameras often can immediately through a small screen on the camera to see if the photo is worth connect to or communicate wirelessly with a keeping. Source: Samsung computer, a Smart TV (discussed later in the chapter), a printer, or the Internet, enabling Internet Research you to access the photos on the camera without using a cable. Some also can record videos. Many What is a digital SLR digital cameras also have built-in GPS (discussed later in this chapter), giving them the capability camera? to record the exact location where a photo was taken and store these details with the photo. Search for: digital slr camera Portable and Digital Media Players A portable media player is a mobile device on which you can store, organize, and play or view digital media (Figure 1-8). Digital media includes music, photos, and videos. Thus, portable media players enable you to listen to music, view photos, and watch videos, movies, and televi- sion shows. With most, you transfer the digital media from a computer or the web, if the device is Internet capable, to the portable media player. Some enable you to play the media while it streams, that is, while it transfers to the player. Portable media players usually require a set of earbuds, which are small speakers that rest inside each ear canal. Some portable media player models have a touch screen, while others have a pad that you operate with a thumb or finger, so that you can navigate through digital media, Copyright 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.  Page 10 Computers, Devices, and the Web Chapter 1 9 adjust volume, and customize settings. Some portable media players also offer a calendar, address Internet Research book, games, and other apps (discussed later in this chapter). What are popular digital Portable media players are a mobile type of digital media player. A digital media player or media players? streaming media player is a device, typically used in a home, that streams digital media from a Search for: digital media computer or network to a television, projector, or some other entertainment device. players portable media player earbuds Figure 1-8 Portable media players, such as the iPod shown here, typically include a set of digital media player earbuds. Digital media players stream media to a home entertainment device. © iStockphoto / Sebastien Cote; © iStockPhoto / marvinh E-Book Readers An e-book reader (short for electronic book reader), or e-reader, is a mobile device that is used primarily for reading e-books (Figure 1-9). An e-book, or digital book, is an electronic version of a printed book, readable on computers and other digital devices. In addition to books, you typically can purchase and read other forms of digital media such as newspapers and ­magazines. Most e-book reader models have a touch screen, and some are Internet capable. These devices usually are smaller than tablets but larger than smartphones. Wearable Devices A wearable device or wearable is a small, mobile computing consumer device designed to be worn (Figure 1-10). These devices often communicate with a mobile device or ­computer. Wearable devices include activity trackers, smartwatches, and smartglasses. Activity trackers monitor heart rate, measure pulse, count steps, and track sleep patterns. In addition to keeping time, a smartwatch can communicate with a smart- Figure 1-9 An e-book phone to make and answer phone calls, read and send messages, access the web, reader. play music, work with apps, such as fitness trackers and GPS, and more. With smartglasses, a © iStockPhoto user looks into an eyeglass-type device to view information or take photos and videos that are ­projected to a miniature screen in the user’s field of vision. Figure 1-10 Activity trackers, smartwatches, and smartglasses are popular types of activity tracker smartwatch wearable devices. © iStockPhoto / MileA; smartglasses © iStockPhoto / scanrail; © iStockPhoto / ferrantraite Copyright 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.  Page 11 10 Chapter 1 Introducing Today’s Technologies Game Devices A game console is a mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiplayer video games. Gamers often connect the game console to a television so that they can view their gameplay on the television’s screen (Figure 1-11). Many game console models are Internet capable and also allow you to listen to music and watch movies or view photos. Typically weighing between three and eleven pounds, the compact size of game consoles makes them easy to use at home, in the car, in a hotel, or any location that has an electrical outlet and a television screen. A handheld game device is small enough to fit in one hand, making it more portable than the game console. Because of their reduced size, the screens are small — similar in size to some smartphone screens. Some handheld game device models are Internet capable and also can c­ ommunicate wirelessly with other similar devices for multiplayer gaming. game console handheld game device Figure 1-11 Game consoles often connect to a television; handheld game devices contain a built-in screen. © iStockPhoto / pagadesign; © iStockPhoto / AnthonyRosenberg Consider This Are digital cameras, portable media players, e-book readers, and handheld game devices becoming obsolete because more and more smartphones and tablets include their functionality? Many smartphones and tablets enable you to take and store photos; store, organize, and play or view your digital media; read e-books; and play games. This trend of computers and devices with technologies that overlap, called digital device convergence, means that consumers may need fewer devices for the functionality that they require. Still, consumers may purchase separate stand-alone devices (i.e., a separate digital camera, portable media player, etc.) for a variety of reasons. The stand-alone device (i.e., a digital camera) may have more features and functionality than the combined device offers (i.e., a smartphone). You might want to be able to use both devices at the same time; for example, you might send text messages on the phone while reading a book on an e-book reader. Or, you might want protection if your combined device (i.e., smartphone) breaks. For example, you still can listen to music on a portable media player if your smartphone becomes nonfunctional. Mini Feature 1-1: Living Digitally — Gaming and Digital Home Technology has made homes entertaining, efficient, and safe. Read Mini Feature 1-1 to learn how game devices provide entertainment and education, and home automation offers ­convenience and significant cost savings. Copyright 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.  Page 12 Computers, Devices, and the Web Chapter 1 11 Mini Feature 1-1 Gaming and Digital Home Automation New home builders and existing homeowners are Home integrating features that automate a wide variety of Academic researchers developed the first video games tasks, save time and money, and enhance the overall in the 1950s as part of their studies of ­artificial at-home environment. ­intelligence and simulations, and their work was Lighting: Controlling lighting is one of the more applied and expanded commercially to early home common uses of technology in the home. Remotes consoles and arcade games. The concept of home auto- turn light fixtures on and off, and motion sensors mation can be traced back to 1898 when Nikola Tesla turn on lights when a car or a visitor approaches the invented the first remote control. The following sections driveway or walkway. describe how these two technologies are used today. Thermostats: Programmable thermostats adjust to Gaming seasonal needs and can be set to control temperatures Video gamers spend billions of dollars each year in individual rooms. Homeowners can use their smart- ­ aking the most of their downtime with game consoles m phones to monitor heating and cooling systems, adjust and devices, with an estimated 5 billion people world- temperatures, and manage energy consumption. wide playing at least 45 hours per week. The popularity Appliances: Smart appliances, such as ­dishwashers, is due, in large part, to the social aspect of gathering can be programmed to run at nonpeak electrical families and friends to play together as a group or times. Coffeemakers can turn on at set times and online with each other and those around the world. The shut off if an overheating coffeepot has been left on wide variety of categories offers a gaming experience accidentally. Refrigerators can track expiration for practically everyone in genres such as adventure, dates and create shopping lists. ­education, fitness, puzzles, sports, role-playing, and Security: Security systems can detect simulation. break-ins at doors and heat from Obtaining Games: Gamers have several options fires, and they can send text and available for locating games. For tablets and smart- email messages to alert a phones, they can download games from an app store to homeowner when someone a mobile computer or device. For game consoles, they has entered or left the home. can purchase or rent discs or other media that contain Surveillance cameras keep a games; download or transfer them from online stores; or watchful eye on the premises and sign up for cloud services that stream or transfer games interior rooms; homeowners can view the © DavidEwingPhotography / on demand. images on televisions and computers within the Shutterstock.com; © Poulsons Photography / Shutterstock.com; Accessories and Input Techniques: The more house or on a webpage when they are away from © Anthony Berenyi / popular game consoles work with a wide variety home, as shown in the figure. Shutterstock.com of accessories and input techniques for directing Remotes: Many people are turning to movements and actions of on-screen players and using their smartphones and tablets to objects. They include gamepads, voice commands, control all the devices in the room. and fitness accessories, some of which are shown Users enjoy the convenience of cus- here. Although many games are played using a tomizing apps to operate their tele- controller, several systems operate by allowing the vision, DVR, and security system player to be the controller. and to perform other functions anywhere in the home. Craig Veltri; © Courtesy Discover More: Visit this Pettet; © iStockphoto / Florea Marius Catalin; © iStockphoto / Lee chapter’s free resources to © iStockphoto / © iStockphoto / Brandon Alms; learn more about game genres, of DDR Game © iStockphoto / Christian J. game controllers, remotes, programmable Stewart; © Mmaxer / Shutterstock. com; © iStockphoto / Nastco; thermostats, smart appliances, security systems, and © ESPN; © Cengage Learning vacuum systems.  Consider This: How has your life become more efficient, safe, and enjoyable by using home automation and entertainment features? What are the advantages of playing games, and do they outweigh the disadvantages? Copyright 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.  Page 13 12 Chapter 1 Introducing Today’s Technologies Data and Information Computers process data (input) into information (output) and often store the data and ­resulting information for future use. Data is a collection of unprocessed items, which can include text, numbers, images, audio, and video. Information conveys meaning to users. Both business and home users can make well-informed decisions because they have instant access to information from anywhere in the world. Many daily activities either involve the use of or depend on information from a computer. For example, as shown in Figure 1-12, computers process several data items to print information in the form of a cash register receipt. Step 1 Cashier scans or enters items purchased ed and the ed from amount received the customer. These red into items are entered Step 2 the computer as data. The computer receives the entered data, stores it, processes the data into DATA A (input) (i information (the receipt), and stores the resulting information. 2 Mediumm Sodas S $1.49 each eac achh 1 Small mall Turkey Sub $3 $3.49 3.49 each 1 Caesar Ca Salad $4.49 $4.49 each eacch STORAGE and PROCESSES 1 Bag of Chips $0.999 each eachh Stores entered data. 3 Cookies $0.39 each $0 each Amount ReReceived ece ceived $20.00 Computes each item’s total price by multiplying the quantity ordered by the item price (i.e., 2 * 1.49 = 2.98). Organizes data. Sums all item total prices to determine order total due from customer (13.12). Arrow Calculates change due to customer Step 3 10 Deli by subtracting the order total from Maple Park Stre The resulting info information ormatiion Riv et (734) er, DE 203 amount received (20.00 - 13.12 = 555-2 93 (the cash register receipt) ster recei pt) QTY ITEM 9 3 9 6.88). is printed for the 2 Mediu 1 Small m Sodas TOTA L Stores resulting information. customer. 1 Caesa Turkey Sub 2.98 1 r Bag o Salad 3.49 3 f Cook Chips 4.49 Total ies 0.99 INFORMATION D 1.17 Amou ue Chan nt Receive ge d 13.12 (output) 20.00 Than 6.88 k You ! Figure 1-12 A computer processes data into information. In this simplified example, the item ordered, item price, quantity ordered, and amount received all represent data (input). The computer processes the data to produce the cash register receipt (information, or output). © Cengage Learning; © iStockphoto / Norman Chan; © bikeriderlondon / Shutterstock BTW Mobile Computer Input Consider This If you prefer a full-sized Can you give another example of data and its corresponding information? keyboard to a laptop’s Your name, address, term, course names, course sections, course grades, and course credits all represent data that keyboard or a tablet’s is processed to generate your semester grade report. Other information on the grade report includes results of on-screen keyboard, calculations such as total semester hours, grade point average, and total credits. you can use a full- sized keyboard with your mobile computer. Input Likewise, if you prefer Users have a variety of input options for entering data into a computer, many of which using a mouse instead of a touchpad, you can involve using an input device. An input device is any hardware component that allows you to use a mouse with your enter data and instructions into a computer or mobile device. The following sections discuss mobile computer. common input methods. Copyright 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.  Page 14 Computers, Devices, and the Web Chapter 1 13 Keyboards A keyboard contains keys you press to enter data and instructions into a computer or mobile device (Figure 1-13). All ­desktop keyboards have a typing area that includes letters of the alphabet, numbers, punctuation marks, and other basic keys. Some users prefer a ­wireless keyboard because it ­eliminates the clutter of a cord. Keyboards for desktops contain more keys than ­keyboards on mobile ­computers and devices. To provide the same functionality as a desktop ­keyboard, many of the keys on mobile computers and devices serve two or desktop keyboard three purposes. On a laptop, for example, you often use the same keys to type numbers and to show various areas on a screen, switching a key’s ­purpose by p ­ ressing a separate key first. Instead of a physical keyboard, users also can enter data via an on-screen ­keyboard or a virtual keyboard, which is a keyboard that projects from a device to a flat surface. laptop keyboard Figure 1-13 Users have a variety of options for entering typed text. © skyfotostock / Shutterstock.com; © Africa Studio / Shutterstock.com; © iStockphoto / kycstudio; © iStockphoto / on-screen keyboard mini keyboard virtual keyboard MorePixels; Courtesy of Virtek, Inc. Pointing Devices A pointing device is an input device that allows a user to control a small symbol on a screen, called the pointer. Desktops typically use a mouse as their pointing Figure 1-14 A mouse device, and laptops use a touchpad (Figure 1-14). and a touchpad. A mouse is a pointing device that fits under the palm of your hand comfortably. With the © iStockphoto / PhotoTalk; © iStockphoto / Michael Bodmann mouse, you control movement of the pointer and send instructions to the computer or mobile device. Table 1-1 identifies some of the common mouse operations. Like keyboards, some users prefer working with a wireless mouse. A touchpad is a small, flat, rectangular pointing device that is sensitive to pressure and motion. To control the pointer with a touchpad, slide your fin- gertip across the surface of the pad. On most touch- mouse touchpad pads, you also can tap the pad’s surface to imitate mouse operations, such as clicking. Table 1-1 Mouse Operations Operation Description Common Uses Point Move the mouse until the pointer is positioned on the item of choice. Position the pointer on the screen. Click Press and release the primary mouse button, which usually is the left mouse button. Select or deselect items on the screen or start a program or feature. Right-click Press and release the secondary mouse button, which usually is the right mouse button. Display a shortcut menu. Double-click Quickly press and release the primary mouse button twice without moving the mouse. Start a program or program feature. Drag Point to an item, hold down the primary mouse button, move the item to the Move an object from one location to desired location on the screen, and then release the mouse button. another or draw pictures. Copyright 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.  Page 15 14 Chapter 1 Introducing Today’s Technologies Voice and Video Input Some mobile devices and computers enable you to speak data instructions using voice input and to capture live full-motion images using video input. With your smartphone, for example, you may be able to use your voice to send a text message, schedule an appointment, and dial a phone number. Or, you may opt for video calling instead of a voice phone call, so that you and the person you called can see each other as you chat on a computer or mobile device. As in this example, video input usually works in conjunction with voice input. For voice input, you use a microphone, and for video input you use a web- cam (Figure 1-15). A microphone is an input device that enables you to speak into a computer or mobile device. Many computers and most mobile devices contain built-in microphones. You also can talk into a headset, which contains both a microphone and a speaker. Many headsets can communicate wire- lessly with the computer or mobile device. A webcam is a digital video (DV) camera that allows you to capture video and usually audio input for your computer or mobile device. microphone built webcam into phone wireless headset Figure 1-15 You can speak instructions into a microphone or wireless headset and capture live video on a webcam for a video call. © iStockphoto / Stephen Krow; © iStockphoto / pierrephoto; © iStockphoto / Suprijono Suharjoto Scanners A scanner is a light-sensing input device that converts printed text and images into a form the computer can process (Figure 1-16). A popular type of scanner works in a manner similar to a copy machine, except that instead of creating a paper copy of the docu- ment or photo, it stores the scanned document or photo electronically. Output Users have a variety of output options to convey text, graphics, audio, and video — many of which involve using an output device. An ­output device is any hardware component that conveys information from a computer or mobile device to one or more people. The following s­ ections discuss common output methods. Printers A printer is an output device that produces text and ­graphics on a physical medium, such as paper or other material (Figure 1-17). Printed content sometimes is referred to as a hard copy Figure 1-16 A scanner. or printout. Most printers today print text and graphics in both black- © iStockphoto / Edgaras Marozas and-white and color on a variety of paper types with many capable of printing lab-quality photos. A variety of printers support wireless printing, where a computer or other device communicates wirelessly with the printer. Copyright 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.  Page 16 Computers, Devices, and the Web Chapter 1 15 A 3-D printer can print solid objects, such as clothing, prosthetics, eyewear, implants, toys, parts, prototypes, and more. 3-D printers use a plastic substance that prints in layers to create a 3-D (three-dimensional) model. printed 3-D model printed photo Figure 1-17 A printer can produce a variety of printed output including photos and 3-D solid objects. Courtesy of Epson America, Inc.; © iStockPhoto / Stefano Tinti Displays A display is an output device that visually conveys text, graphics, and video information. Displays consist of a screen and the components that produce the informa- tion on the screen. The display for a desktop typically is a monitor, which is a separate, physical device. Mobile computers and devices typically inte- grate the display in their same physi- cal case (Figure 1-18). Some displays have touch screens. smartphone digital camera display tablet display Home users sometimes use a digital display television or a Smart TV as a display. A Smart TV is an Internet-enabled high-definition television (HDTV) from which you can use the Internet to watch video, lis- ten to the radio, play games, and communicate with others — all while watching a television show. Figure 1-18 Displays vary depending on laptop display the computer or mobile device. © iStockphoto / Sebastien Cote; © David Lentz / Photos. monitor display com; © Dmitry Rukhlenko / Photos.com; © Mrallen / Dreamstime.com; © Pakhnyushcha / Shutterstock.com Copyright 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.  Page 17 16 Chapter 1 Introducing Today’s Technologies Consider This What can you do to ease eyestrain while using a computer or mobile device? Position the display about 20 degrees below eye level. Clean the screen regularly. Blink your eyes every five seconds. Adjust the room lighting. Face into an open space beyond the screen. Use larger fonts or zoom the display. Take an eye break every 30 minutes. If you wear glasses, ask your doctor about computer glasses. Speakers, Earbuds, and Headphones headphones Speakers allow you to hear audio, that is, music, voice, and other sounds. Most per- sonal computers and mobile devices have a small internal speaker. Many users attach higher-quality speakers to their computers and mobile devices, including game consoles. So that only you can hear sound, you can listen through earbuds (shown earlier in this chapter in Figure 1-8) or headphones, which cover or are placed outside of the ear (Figure 1-19). Both earbuds and headphones usually include noise-cancelling technology to reduce the interference of sounds from the surround- ing environment. To eliminate the clutter of cords, users can opt for wireless speakers or Figure 1-19 In a crowded environment where speakers are not practical, users wireless headphones. Read How To 1-2 to can wear headphones to hear music, voice, and other sounds. learn how to protect your hearing when using © iStockphoto / Photo_Alto earbuds or headphones. How To 1-2 Protect Your Hearing when Using If you intend to listen to music through reducing the necessary volume required Earbuds or Headphones earbuds or headphones for hours at a for optimal listening. Using earbuds and headphones improperly time, consider listening at only 30 percent Consider using a set of earbuds or can lead to permanent hearing loss. The maximum volume. Listening for extended ­headphones that reduce outside noise. When following tips describe some ways to pro- periods of time at a high volume may be the earbuds or headphones eliminate the tect your hearing when using earbuds or unsafe for your ears. external noise effectively, they can reduce the headphones: Consider using a high-quality set of volume level needed. The lower the volume If people standing next to you can hear headphones. These ­headphones reduce levels, the less potential hearing damage. the sound being ­transmitted through your risk of developing hearing loss the earbuds or headphones you are ­because the sound quality often is better Consider This: Do you prefer earbuds wearing, decrease the volume until they and does not require you to turn up or headphones? Why? Do you think you turn no longer can hear it. The quieter the the volume as loud. Also, their design the volume up too loud while listening to sounds, the less damage you will incur. is better, allowing a closer fit and thus music through earbuds or headphones? Internet Research Memory and Storage What types of headphones Memory consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed and are available? the data needed by those instructions. Although some forms of memory are permanent, most Search for: headphone memory keeps data and instructions temporarily, which means its contents are erased when the reviews computer is shut off. Storage, by contrast, holds data, instructions, and information for future use. For example, computers can store hundreds or millions of student names and addresses permanently. Copyright 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.