Discovering Computers: Digital Technology, Data, and Devices - Module 4 Review
Module Overview
Focus on utilizing various programs and apps for productivity, media, and security.
Module Objectives
Identify the general categories of programs and apps.
Differentiate among the ways to acquire programs and apps.
Identify key features of productivity applications.
Identify key features of graphic and media applications.
Explain how digital media is used online.
Identify key features of file, disk, and system management tools.
Describe augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.
Identify uses of personal-interest applications.
Identify key features of security tools.
How Do You Use Programs and Apps? (1 of 7)
Device Requirements:
All smartphones, computers, or tablets require programs or apps to run.
Businesses and home users leverage productivity apps to manage documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases.
Terminology:
"Software," "program," and "app" are interchangeable terms.
App Categories:
Productivity
Graphics and media
Personal interest
Communications
How Do You Use Programs and Apps? (2 of 7)
Types of Apps:
Local Apps: Installed on the computer’s hard drive.
Portable Apps: Run from removable storage (external hard drive, flash drive, cloud).
Native Apps: Written for a specific operating system and installed locally on devices.
Web Apps: Accessed via the Internet through a browser.
Mobile Apps: Designed specifically for smartphones or tablets.
How Do You Use Programs and Apps? (3 of 7)
Functionality of Mobile Apps:
Mobile apps allow users to check email, maintain calendars, and obtain travel directions without needing a desktop or laptop computer.
Focus mainly on single tasks (e.g., email, web searches, texting).
How Do You Use Programs and Apps? (4 of 7)
Synchronization:
Some apps are available as both web and mobile apps,
They enable synchronization of data and activities across devices for consistency.
How Do You Use Programs and Apps? (5 of 7)
Pros and Cons of Mobile Apps:
Pros:
Quick development compared to native apps.
Access information on the go.
Simplified interactions through voice input and smart keyboards.
Cons:
Limited speed and features relative to native or desktop apps.
Poorly designed apps can deter users.
Cumbersome typing on small keyboards.
How Do You Use Programs and Apps? (6 of 7)
Web App Technologies:
Utilize HTML5 to display information, JavaScript for performance management, CSS for formatting.
Cross-Platform Development:
Tools enable developers to create apps compatible with multiple platforms.
Examples of Sensor-Enabled Devices:
Fitness trackers (heart rate sensors).
Digital cameras (remote control sensors).
Smart home devices (e.g., Nest Thermostat).
Smart speakers (e.g., Google Home, Amazon Alexa).
How Do You Use Programs and Apps? (7 of 7)
Mobile Commerce (m-commerce):
Apps like Uber and online retailers offer mobile payment capabilities.
Enables users to make purchases using mobile devices.
Ethics and Issues: Acquire Programs and Apps Responsibly (1 of 6)
Legal Considerations:
Copying, distributing, or using software without permission violates copyright laws.
Digital Rights Management (DRM):
Defines restrictions on the use, modification, and distribution of software.
Access Controls:
Security measures specify user permissions within programs/apps (e.g., passwords, biometrics).
Ethics and Issues: Acquire Programs and Apps Responsibly (2 of 6)
Distribution Forms for Software:
Retail, custom, SaaS, shareware, freeware, open-source, public domain.
Definitions:
Shareware: Copyrighted but free for trial; requires payment to continue beyond a trial period.
Freeware: Marketed at no cost, retaining copyright by the provider.
Open Source: No restrictions for modification and redistribution; users can enhance and distribute versions.
Public Domain: Donated software free of copyright restrictions.
Ethics and Issues: Acquire Programs and Apps Responsibly (3 of 6)
Types of Mobile Apps (see table for types and uses):
Photo and video editing: Modify images (e.g., Adobe Premiere Clip).
Shopping: Retail purchases online (e.g., Amazon.com).
Social media: Share updates and content (e.g., Instagram).
Travel: Reservations and reviews (e.g., Airbnb).
News: Stay updated on current affairs (e.g., Flipboard).
Personal assistant: Manage schedules and tasks (e.g., Google Home).
Ethics and Issues: Acquire Programs and Apps Responsibly (4 of 6)
License Agreements:
Specify installation limits, expiration dates, and restrictions:
Single-user License: One installation permitted.
Multiple-user License: Allows specified users access.
Site License: Provides organization-wide access.
Ethics and Issues: Acquire Programs and Apps Responsibly (5 of 6)
Updates for Programs and Apps:
Updates fix problems, enhance functionality, and address security issues.
Types of Updates:
Patches: Address single issues; non-intrusive.
Service Packs: Bundled updates.
Upgrades: Significant new releases, may incur fees.
Ethics and Issues: Acquire Programs and Apps Responsibly (6 of 6)
Uninstaller Tools: Remove program files and related system entries.
Piracy: Refers to the illegal copying of software, which is prohibited and punishable by law.
Productivity Apps (1 of 6)
General Description: Productivity apps help create documents, develop presentations, manage appointments, and enhance organization.
Types of Productivity Applications:
Word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, productivity suites, enterprise computing.
Project Development Activities:
Input text, insert images, add contacts, schedule appointments, and more.
Editing Defined:
Making changes to document contents, such as font and alignment.
Productivity Apps (2 of 6)
Saving Projects: Transfers data from memory to local storage.
Hard Copy Definition: Information existing physically (e.g., printed documents).
Word Processing Apps: Tools for entering, editing, and formatting text/graphics (e.g., Microsoft Word).
Productivity Apps (3 of 6)
Spreadsheet Applications: Organize data in worksheets comprising rows and columns; capable of performing calculations.
Terminology:
Worksheet: Data organized in cells.
Workbook: A collection of worksheets.
Cell: Intersection of a row and a column.
Productivity Apps (4 of 6)
Presentation Apps: Help organize content and create slide shows.
Slide Features: Include displaying slides, inserting, deleting, and formatting.
Productivity Apps (5 of 6)
Database Definition: Organized collection of data for easy access and reporting.
Relational Database Management System (RDBMS): Composed of tables organized into rows/columns.
Enterprise Use: Databases store large amounts of data enabling functionalities such as online shopping.
Productivity Apps (6 of 6)
Database Features:
Data organized into records and stored electronically.
Each data piece resides in a field, and fields are categorized into columns.
Types of fields include text, date, number; can also include hyperlinks.
Graphics and Media Applications (1 of 12)
Digital Media Elements: Include still and animated images, audio.
Categories:
Apps for capturing/editing/creating digital media.
Apps for playing digital media.
Major Types: Graphics, animation, video, audio.
Graphics and Media Applications (2 of 12)
Digital Graphics: Ranges from simple drawings to complex illustrations.
Media Apps: Create and modify graphics and animations; encompass both digital video and audio.
Graphics and Media Applications (3 of 12)
Digital Graphics Types:
Bitmap Graphics: Comprising pixels.
Vector Graphics: Created from mathematical formulas.
Software Examples: Adobe Photoshop (bitmap), Adobe Illustrator (vector).
Graphics and Media Applications (4 of 12)
Resolution Definition: Clarity of an image; higher resolution yields sharper images.
Measuring Resolution: Usually in megapixels for digital cameras.
Compression: Reduces file size by minimizing data.
Graphics and Media Applications (5 of 12)
Common Graphics File Formats:
GIF (.gif): Simple graphics, limited colors.
JPEG (.jpeg): High-quality photos; larger file size.
PNG (.png): Excellent quality, supports millions of colors.
TIF (.tif): High-quality prints, large size.
Graphics and Media Applications (6 of 12)
Common Audio File Formats:
AAC (.aac): Lossy, used by Apple for iTunes.
MP3 (.mp3): Common lossy format for music.
WAVE (.wav): High-quality, uncompressed audio.
Graphics and Media Applications (7 of 12)
Recording Tools: Built-in microphones for sound capture in smartphones.
Audio Output: Sound cards, speakers (wired/wireless).
Graphics and Media Applications (8 of 12)
Synthesized Music: Created using synthesizers; electronic instruments generate sound electronically.
Graphics and Media Applications (9 of 12)
Voice Recognition Software: Used for security and command interpretation.
Text-to-Speech Apps: Convert written text into spoken phrases.
Digital Video Components: Include codec and container; codec compresses data, container holds all video/audio elements.
Graphics and Media Applications (10 of 12)
Digital Animation: Explores moving visuals; features in web pages and simulations.
Graphics and Media Applications (11 of 12)
Media Creation Apps: Function for creating, editing, and printing images and drawings; layer graphics in collages.
Graphics and Media Applications (12 of 12)
Video Capture: Achieved via smartphones or cameras; stores full-motion imagery.
Action Camcorders: Compact devices for capturing action scenes.
Digital Media on the Web (1 of 1)
Streaming Media: Receiving and consuming media content in real-time from a server.
On-Demand Content: Media stored on a server accessible at user request.
Live Streaming: Real-time media transmission; event-specific.
Smart TVs: Provide access to varied online content, including shows and games.
Virtual and Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence (1 of 4)
Virtual Reality (VR): Immersive, interactive 3D environments.
Augmented Reality (AR): Enhances reality by adding digital elements to physical objects.
Virtual and Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence (2 of 4)
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Utilizes logic and data to imitate human intelligence.
Machine Learning: Subfield of AI; learns from data and improves with minimal human intervention.
Virtual and Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence (3 of 4)
Natural Language Processing: Enables computers to understand and act upon spoken input.
Digital Assistants: Use natural language processing to perform tasks based on verbal commands.
Virtual and Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence (4 of 4)
Robotics: Melding technology to create programmable robots for tasks requiring precision.
Applications of Robotics: Efficient surgeries, agricultural task assistance.
Secure IT: Security Tools (1 of 3)
Malware Protection: Use of tools like firewalls and antivirus software to secure devices.
Firewall Definition: Protective barrier for networks.
Antivirus Functionality: Detects and removes viruses from systems.
Secure IT: Security Tools (2 of 3)
File Quarantine: Storing infected files until they can be resolved.
Filtering Programs: Block undesirable web content; includes anti-spam and pop-up blockers.
Secure IT: Security Tools (3 of 3)
Web Filtering Software: Restricts access to specific content on the web.
Phishing Definition: Fraudulent attempts to gather personal information.
How To: Use System Management Tools (1 of 1)
Troubleshooting Guide: Strategies for addressing software crashes; uses patch finders and restorers to fix issues.
File Management: Organize, manage, and search for files on devices, facilitating easy access and organization.
Summary and Review
Link to review objectives for the module is provided to reinforce learning material covered.