Study Guide for Exam 1 PDF

Study Guide for Exam 1 1. Web Browsers Popular Brands: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari Tabbed Browsing: Multiple home pages in different tabs Home Page(s): Can set multiple with tab browsing HTML: Hypertext Markup Language used to build web pages FTP: File Transfer...

Study Guide for Exam 1 1. Web Browsers Popular Brands: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari Tabbed Browsing: Multiple home pages in different tabs Home Page(s): Can set multiple with tab browsing HTML: Hypertext Markup Language used to build web pages FTP: File Transfer Protocol, transfers large files Download vs. Upload: o Download: Remote to local o Upload: Local to remote (e.g., social media) Pop-up Blockers: Prevent unwanted windows Refresh/Reload: Updates webpage content Bookmark/Favorites: Quick access to pages Hyperlinks: Clickable links to other pages/files Servers: o Web Server: Hosts webpages o Mail Server: Handles email 2. Search Engines Spiders: Web crawlers gathering information Crawling: The process of indexing web pages Boolean Operators: o AND (more restrictive), OR (less restrictive), NOT (excludes) Google Search Modifiers: o site: (limits search to a domain) o filetype: (searches for a specific file type) Search Engine vs. Web Browser: o Search Engine: Finds websites (e.g., Google) o Web Browser: Displays websites (e.g., Chrome) 3. Electronic Mail To, Cc, Bcc: o To: Primary recipient o Cc: Carbon copy (visible to all) o Bcc: Blind carbon copy (hidden from recipients)  Reply vs. Reply All: o Reply: Sends to original sender o Reply All: Sends to everyone on the email Filters: Organize and manage emails POP (Post Office Protocol): Downloads emails from the server to a local device and usually deletes them from the server. Best for single-device access. IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol): Stores emails on the server, allowing access from multiple devices while keeping messages synchronized. Web-Based Email: Accessed via a web browser (e.g., Gmail, Outlook.com), emails are stored in the cloud and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. Phishing: Fraudulent emails attempting to steal information Spam: Unwanted email ALL CAPS: Signifies emphasis or shouting 4. Windows Basics Menu Conventions refer to standard ways menus function in software applications. The focus is on what they do: o File Menu: Create, open, save, print, or close files. o Edit Menu: Undo, redo, cut, copy, paste, and find/replace text. o View Menu: Adjust display settings, zoom, toolbars, or layout options. o Help Menu: Provides access to documentation, support, and software info. o Context Menus (Right-Click Menus): Offer quick access to relevant options depending on where you click. Applications: Programs used for specific tasks Right Click: Opens additional options menu Left Click: The primary mouse button used for selecting and interacting with items. o Common Functions: ▪ Select an item (file, folder, text, or icon). ▪ Open a program or file (double left-click). ▪ Click buttons, links, or menu options. ▪ Drag and drop items. Cross-Platform Applications: Work on multiple OS Dimmed Command: o A command or option that appears grayed out in a menu or toolbar. o Indicates that the option is currently unavailable based on the system’s context. o Example: ▪ The "Paste" option is dimmed when there is nothing copied to the clipboard. ▪ The "Print" option may be dimmed if no printer is installed. GUI (Graphical User Interface): User-friendly icons, menus, and buttons Operating System (OS): Master controller for the computer  File vs. Folder: o File: Stores data, has an extension o Folder: Organizes files Quick Launch: A toolbar (found in older versions of Windows) that allows users to quickly open frequently used programs. o Located on the taskbar, next to the Start button. o In modern versions of Windows, "Pin to Taskbar" serves a similar function. Min, Max, Restore: o Minimize (Min): Shrinks the window to the taskbar without closing it. o Maximize (Max): Expands the window to fill the entire screen. o Restore: Returns a maximized window to its previous smaller size. Taskbar: Bottom bar with pinned apps and notifications Pin/Unpin: o Pin: Keeps a frequently used program or file on the taskbar or Start menu for quick access. o Unpin: Removes the item from the taskbar or Start menu, but does not delete it from the computer. Notification Area: o Also called the system tray, found on the right side of the taskbar. o Displays system icons like battery status, volume, Wi-Fi, time/date, and background applications. o Some icons can be hidden or expanded for more options. Apply vs. OK: o Apply: Saves changes without closing window o OK: Saves and closes window Icon: o A small graphical representation of a program, file, folder, or system function. o Helps users quickly identify and open applications or utilities. o Found on the desktop, taskbar, Start menu, and file explorer. o Examples: Recycle Bin, File Explorer, Web Browser, and Shortcut Icons. 5. File Management Selecting Files: o Contiguous (Shift): Selects multiple files in sequence Non-contiguous (Ctrl): Selects multiple files separately Expand and Collapse: o Expand: Opens a folder or menu to show its contents. Usually represented by a right-facing arrow that turns downward when expanded. o Collapse: Condenses a folder or menu, hiding its contents. Helps with navigation and organization.  Folder vs. File: o Folder (Directory): A container used to organize and store multiple files or subfolders. o File: A single unit of digital data, such as a document, image, or program, stored inside a folder. Copy vs. Move: o Copy: Duplicates the file o Move: Transfers file location Save vs. Save As: o Save: Overwrites file o Save As: Creates a new version Dragging Files (With Shift/Copy): o Same Drive: When dragging a file within the same drive, it moves the file to the new location. o Different Drive: When dragging a file between different drives, it copies the file instead of moving it. Recycle Bin: o Removable Drive: Permanent delete o Non-removable Drive: Moves to Recycle Bin Shortcuts (What, Not How): o A shortcut is a small file that points to another file, folder, or program. o Identified by a small blue arrow on the icon. o Contains the address (path) of the target file or application. o Does not duplicate or move the original file—just provides quick access Disk Volume (Internal Label): o A disk volume is a partition or section of a storage device, such as a hard drive or SSD. o It has a label (name) that can be changed by the user. ▪ Examples: "Local Disk (C:)", "Backup Drive (D:)". Zip (Compress) vs. Unzip (Extract): o Zip: Reduces file size o Unzip: Restores file to original form Log File (What and How): o A log file is a.log file that records events, errors, or actions taken by software or the operating system. o Every time the file is opened or updated, it automatically adds a timestamp (date and time). o Used for troubleshooting and tracking system activities. Invert Selection: o A command that deselects the currently selected items and selects everything else instead. o Useful for quickly choosing everything except specific files. File Extensions: Identifies file types (e.g.,.docx,.jpg,.mp3,.zip)  Rename: o Changing a file or folder’s name. o If a file is renamed with an incorrect extension (e.g., renaming.txt to.jpg), it may not open properly because the program does not recognize the format. Root Directory, Subdirectories, Directory (e.g., Folders): o Directory (Folder): A storage location that organizes files. o Root Directory: The top-level directory in a file system (e.g., *C:* in Windows). o Subdirectory: A folder inside another folder, used for further organization. File Details: Information about a file, including: o File Name: The name given to the file. o File Type/Extension: The format of the file (e.g.,.txt,.jpg,.exe). o Size: The amount of storage space it occupies. o Date Created/Modified: The timestamps for when the file was made or last changed. o Permissions: Who can access or modify the file. 6. Computing Concepts Acronyms: o LAN: Local Area Network o RAM: Temporary memory o ROM: Permanent memory o GUI: Graphical User Interface o DOS: Disk Operating System Generations of Computers o Gen 1: 1951-1958 ▪ Used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory. ▪ Bulky, expensive, and generated a lot of heat. ▪ Examples: ENIAC, UNIVAC o Gen 2: 1959-1963 ▪ Replaced vacuum tubes with transistors, making computers smaller, faster, and more reliable. ▪ DEC Introduces PDP-1 (1960), First minicomputer o Gen 3: 1964-1970 ▪ Uses integrated circuits ▪ Combines multiple circuits on a single chip o Gen 4: 1971- present day ▪ ISI and VLSL ▪ Personal computers ▪ Microprocessors integrated all CPU functions on a single chip  People in Computing o Charles Babbage – Known as the "Father of the Computer," designed the Analytical Engine. o Ada Lovelace – The first computer programmer; wrote the first algorithm for Babbage’s machine. o Joseph Marie Jacquard – Invented the Jacquard Loom, using punched cards for automation. o Herman Hollerith – Developed the tabulating machine, using punch cards for data processing; founder of IBM. o Alan Turing – Created the Turing Machine; helped break the Enigma code; pioneer of AI and computing. o John Mauchly & J. Presper Eckert – Developed ENIAC, the first general- purpose electronic computer; later created EDVAC. o John von Neumann – Introduced the stored-program concept, leading to modern computer architecture. o Grace Hopper – Developed the first compiler; contributed to COBOL programming; popularized "debugging." o Ted Hoff – Invented the first microprocessor (Intel 4004), revolutionizing personal computing. Computer Hardware vs. Software: o Hardware: Physical components o Software: Programs and applications Categories of Computers o Microcomputers – Small, personal computers designed for individual use. Examples: desktops, laptops, tablets. o Minicomputers – Mid-sized computers used by small businesses and organizations for multi-user applications. Example: PDP-11. o Mainframe Computers – Large, powerful systems used by enterprises for bulk data processing and large-scale transactions. Example: IBM Z-series. o Supercomputers – Extremely fast and powerful computers used for complex scientific calculations and simulations. Example: Summit (by IBM). o Embedded Computers – Specialized computing systems integrated into other devices for specific functions. Example: microcontrollers in cars and appliances. Storage: o Magnetic Storage: Hard drives o Optical Storage: CDs, DVDs ▪ Types of Optical Discs DVD-ROM – Read-Only; cannot be written or erased. CD-ROM – Read-Only; cannot be written or erased. DVD-R – Write-once; data cannot be erased or rewritten. CD-R – Write-once; data cannot be erased or rewritten. DVD-RW – Rewritable; can be erased and rewritten multiple times. CD-RW – Rewritable; can be erased and rewritten multiple times. Binary System: 1s and 0s representing data  Bits & Bytes o Bit (Binary Digit) – The smallest unit of data in computing, represented as 0 or 1. o Byte – A group of 8 bits, used to store a single character of data. Operating System & Platform o Operating System (OS) – Essential software that manages hardware and software resources (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux). o Platform – Combination of the operating system and CPU that determines compatibility for software (e.g., Windows on Intel, macOS on Apple Silicon). System Software vs. Application Software o System Software – Includes the OS and utility programs that manage computer resources (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux, antivirus software). Application Software – Programs designed for user tasks, like word processing or gaming (e.g., Microsoft Open Source Software: Free to use and modify Internet Basics: o IP Address: Identifies a device online o Web Page vs. Web Site: ▪ Web Page: Single document ▪ Web Site: Collection of web pages o Word, Photoshop, Chrome). Storage Medium vs. Storage Device o Storage Medium – The physical material where data is stored (e.g., CDs, DVDs, USB drives, hard disks). o Storage Device – The hardware that reads and writes data to the storage medium (e.g., DVD drive, USB flash drive, hard drive). Optical Storage o Storing Mechanism – Uses pits and lands on the disc surface to store data, read by a laser in optical drives. Printers & Displays: o Resolution: Image clarity o Dot Pitch: Pixel spacing Device Driver o Software that allows the operating system to communicate with hardware devices. o Needs to be installed for devices like printers, graphics cards, and sound cards to function properly. Peripheral Devices: External devices (e.g., keyboards, printers) Executable Files o.exe (Executable File) – The main file that runs an application on Windows. o Contains instructions for the computer to execute a program. o Other executable formats include.app (Mac),.bat (Batch file),.sh (Shell script).  Source Code vs. Object Code o Source Code – The program instructions written by the programmer in a programming language (e.g., Python, C++). o Object Code – The machine-readable code generated from the source code, ready for execution by the computer. Machine vs. High-Level Language: o Machine Language: Binary (1s and 0s) o High-Level Language: Human-readable programming languages Compiler – A program that converts high-level language (HLL) code into machine language (ML) (1s and 0s). Software License – Legal terms that govern the use and distribution of software. Copyright – Legal protection for creators of original works, preventing unauthorized use or reproduction. Shareware vs. Freeware vs. Open Source o Shareware – Software that is free for a limited time (try before you buy). o Freeware – Software that is completely free to use. o Open Source – Software where the source code is publicly available and can be modified and shared. ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) – A character encoding standard that represents text using numeric codes (e.g., A = 65, B = 66). Web Page vs. Website o Web Page – A single document on the web, such as a page for SFA. o Website – A collection of web pages linked together to form a site. Password – A secret combination of characters used to authenticate a user. Username – A unique identifier for a user in a system or service.