ICS CHAPTER 1

Chapter 1: Introducing Today's Technologies

Overview

• Objective Overview: Outline of key topics covered in Chapter 1.

  • Differentiate: laptops, tablets, desktops, servers.

  • Purpose and uses of: smartphones, digital cameras, portable devices, game devices.

  • Relationship between data and information.

  • Explain various input options.

  • Differentiate: web vs. Internet; relationship among web, webpages, websites, and web servers.

  • Explain: browser, search engine, online social networks.

The Importance of Digital Literacy

• Digital Literacy: Maintaining current knowledge in:

  • Computers

  • Mobile devices

  • The web and related technologies

• Essential for adapting to ongoing technological changes.

Computers

• Definition: Electronic device that operates under controlled instructions in memory.

• Types of Computers:

  • Laptop: Portable, has a screen and keyboard integrated.

  • Tablet: Touchscreen, portable without a physical keyboard.

  • Desktop: Stationary, includes separate monitor and peripherals like keyboard and mouse.

  • All-in-One: Combines all components into a single unit.

  • Server: Manages network resources and provides services to other computers.

Mobile and Game Devices

• Categories include:

  • Smartphones: Multifunctional mobile devices.

  • Digital Cameras: Store and manage photographic images.

  • Portable Music and Media Players: Play digital media files.

  • E-book Readers: Display electronic books.

  • Wearable Devices: Include smartwatches and fitness trackers.

  • Game Devices: Specialized for playing video games, like consoles.

Data and Information

• Definition of Data: Raw facts that are inputted into computer systems.

  • Example Process:

    1. Data entry (e.g., during a transaction).

    2. Processing by the computer to generate information (e.g., receipts).

    3. Output: Information is produced as usable results (e.g., printed receipt).

• Input Devices:

  • Keyboard: Used to enter data and commands.

  • Pointing Devices: Control the pointer on the screen (e.g., mouse, touchpad).

Output Devices

• Definition: Hardware that communicates information from a computer to users.

  • Printer: Produces hard copies of documents, graphics, and images.

  • Speakers: Output sound, including music and audio.

  • Display Devices: Show visual information (e.g., monitors, screens).

Memory and Storage

• Memory: Stores instructions and data needed for processing.

• Storage Devices: Recording and accessing data.

  • Types include:

    • Hard Disk Drives

    • Solid-State Drives

    • USB Flash Drives

    • Memory Cards

    • Cloud Storage solutions.

The Internet and The Web

• Internet: Global network connecting millions of computers.

• World Wide Web: Collection of information organized as webpages.

• Website: Group of related webpages.

• Web Server: Enables access to websites.

Browsers and Search Engines

• Browser: Software that allows users to view web content.

• Search Engine: Tool to find specific information online relating to queries.

Online Social Networks

• Definition: Platforms for sharing interests and personal content among users (e.g., Facebook).

Digital Safety and Security

• Importance of Protection: Safeguarding devices from viruses and malware.

• Green Computing: Strategies for reducing environmental impact and energy consumption.

Software: Programs and Applications

• Software: Programs that direct the computer's actions.

• Types:

  • System Software: Operating systems.

  • Applications: User-interfaced programs.

Communication Technologies

• Types of Communication Devices: Hardware used to transfer data, like modems and routers.

• Examples of Wireless Technologies: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.

• Networks: Connections among devices allowing sharing of resources.

Technology Uses in Society

• Applications in various sectors:

  • Education

  • Government

  • Finance

  • Retail

  • Health Care

  • Entertainment

  • Science

  • Travel

  • Manufacturing.

Different Types of Users

• Home Users: Basic use for personal tasks.

• Small/Home Office Users: Work-related tasks from home.

• Power Users: Users with advanced skills.

• Mobile Users: Users who rely on portable devices.

• Enterprise Users: Business-level technology usage.