Technology in Action

Chapter 1

Why Computers Matter to You:

The Importance of Becoming
Computer Fluent
 Chapter One Objectives

• Computer fluency
• Become a savvy user
and consumer
• Fluency helps careers
• Understand challenges
• Use future technologies

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 More Objectives
• Main functions of a
computer
• Data vs. information
• Bits and bytes
• Hardware
• Main types of software
• Different kinds of
computers

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 Savvy User and Consumer

• Avoid hackers
• Avoid viruses
• Protect privacy
– Identity theft
– Cookies
– Firewall

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 Savvy User and Consumer

• Internet use
– Search effectively
– Avoid spam
• Technology management
– Purchase decisions
– Maintain and upgrade
– Integrate new developments

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 Computers in Retail

• Point-of-Sale
terminals
– Update and
search database
– Data mining

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 Computers in the Arts

• Advertising
– E-mail
– Letters to clients
– Web site
• Virtual performances

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 Computers in Medicine
• Patient simulators
– Respond like humans
– Used in teaching and
training
• Handheld computers
– Reference tool
– Download and edit patient
history

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 Computers in Criminal Justice

• Police and Detectives

– Database searches
– Computer forensics
• Legal Field
– Forensic animations

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 Computers in the Classroom

• Internet
– Research
– Virtual tours
• Course Management
– Blackboard
– WebCT

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 Computers at Home

• Robots
• Smart devices
• Keep tabs on latest products

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 Digital Society Challenges

• Web cams for surveillance

• Privacy risks
• Spam
• Copyright issues
• Over-reliance on computers

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 Technologies of Tomorrow

• Nanotechnology
– Extremely small-scale
devices
• Biomedical chip implants
– VeriChip
• Artificial intelligence
– Emulates human thought

Computer Functions

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 Four Main Computer Functions

• Input data
• Process data into
information
• Output
• Storage

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 Data vs. Information
Data Information
• Words • Organized
• Numbers • Presented in a
• Pictures meaningful way
• Sounds

6165553297 Process (616) 555-3297

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 Bits and Bytes

• Binary language • Kilobyte (KB)

• Binary digit = bit • Megabyte (MB)
• 8 bits = 1 byte • Gigabyte (GB)

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 Computer Hardware

• Input devices
• System unit
– Central processing unit (CPU)
– Memory (RAM)
– Motherboard
• Output devices
• Storage

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 Software: Two Broad Categories

• System software
– Operating system
• Application software
– Word processor
– Spreadsheets
– Photo editors

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 The Operating System

• Bridge between hardware and

software
• Provides user interface
• Platform specific
• Varies between Macintosh and PC
• Definition of OS

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 Specialty Computers
• Servers
• Mainframes
• Supercomputers
• Mobile devices
– Laptop
– PDA

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 Using the Book
 Digital technology
Special Features  Security
 History of Computers
 Multimedia
Sound Bytes
 Show answers to FAQs
 Boxes containing helpful
Bits and Bytes
tips
 Emerging technologies
Trends in IT
 Ethical issues
 In-depth coverage
Dig Deeper
 Various concepts

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 Enhance Your Knowledge

• Windows OS
• Macintosh OS
• Artist display
• Acronyms

© 2005 Prentice Hall, Inc. Why Computers Matter 22

 Why Computers Matter
Topic Summary

• What is “computer fluent”

• Being a savvy computer user
and consumer
• Computers and careers
• Future technologies
• Challenges

© 2005 Prentice Hall, Inc. Why Computers Matter 23

 Why Computers Matter
Topic Summary

• Four functions of a computer

– Input, Process, Output, Storage
• Data and information
– Differences
• Computer language
– Bits and bytes

© 2005 Prentice Hall, Inc. Why Computers Matter 24