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We can watch streaming videos, read new headlines, make a dinner reservation,
search for directions, get the local weather forecast, listen the music using our
personal computers, laptop, table or mobile phone.
Technology enable us to more efficiently and effectively access and search for
information, share photos and videos with friends, family members and others,
communicate with and meet other people, manage finances, shop for goods and
services, play games or access other sources of entrainment.
People who can accomplish these types of tasks using technology often are said to
be tech savvy.
Because Technology changes, we must keep up with the changes to remain digitally
literate. Digital literacy involves having current knowledge and understanding of
computers, mobile devices, the web and related technology.
Computers:
A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions
stored in the own memory, that can accept data (input), process the data according
to specified rules, produces information (output), and store the information for
future use. Computer contain many 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 particular task.
A collection of related instruction organized for a common purpose is referred to as
software or a program.
One popular category of computer is the personal computer. A personal computer
(PC) is a computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output and storage
activities by itself.
Types of personal computers includes laptop, tablets and desktops. Laptop and
tables are sometimes called mobile computers. A mobile computer is a portable
personal computer, designed so that a user can carry it from place to place.
Laptops:
A laptop, is called a notebook computer, is a thin, lightweight mobile computer with
a screen in its lid and a keyboard in its base.
It is designed to fit on our lap and easy transport, most laptops weight up to 7
pounds (3.1 Kg). It is less than one inch thick.
Most laptops can operate on batteries or a power supply or both.
Tablets:
Tablets are usually smaller than a laptop but larger than a phone device.
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A tablet is a thin, lightweight mobile computer that has a touch screen. A popular
style of tablet is the slate, which does not contain a physical keyboard.
Like laptops, tablets run on batteries or power supply or both.
Desktops and All‐in‐Ones:
A desktop, or desktop computer, is a personal computer designed to be in a
stationary location, where all of its components fit on or under a desk or table.
On many desktops, the screen is housed in a display device (Monitor) that is
separate from a tower (Cabinet), which is a case that contains the processing
circuitry.
Another type of desktop called an all‐in‐one does not contain a tower and instead
uses the same case to house the display and the processing circuitry.
Servers:
A server is a computer dedicated to providing one or more services to other
computers or devices on a network. A network is a collection of computers and
devices connected together, often wirelessly.
Services 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 applications.
Mobile and Game Devices:
Smart phones:
A smart phone is an internet‐capable phone that usually also includes a calendar, an
address book, a calculator, a notepad, games and several other types of apps.
Other apps are available through an app store that typically is associated with the
phone.
Smart phones typically communicate wirelessly with other devices or computers.
With most smart phone models, you also can listen to music, take photos, and
record videos.
Many smart phones have touch screens. Instead of or in addition to a touch screen,
some smart phones have a keyboard that slides in and out from behind the phone.
Some are called a phablet because they combine the features of a smart phone with
a tablet.
Instead of calling someone’s phone to talk, you can send messages to other by
pressing images on an on‐screen keyboard on the phone.
Four popular types of messages that we can send with smart phones include voice
message, text message, picture message and video message.
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Digital Cameras:
A digital camera is a device that allows us to take photos and store the
photographed images digitally.
A smart digital camera also can communicate wirelessly with other devices. It
also allows us to transfer images from digital camera to computer or device, so
that we can review, modify, share, organize or print the images.
Many mobile computers and devices, such as tables and smart phones, include
digital camera.
Digital cameras also allow us to review, and sometimes modify images.
It can also be connected with Smart TV.
Portable and Digital Media Players:
A portable media player is mobile device on which we can store, organize, play
and view digital media.
Digital media includes music, photos, and videos.
Thus, portable media players enable us to listen music, view photos and watch
videos, movies and television shows.
Portable media players usually required a set of earbuds, which are small
speakers that rest inside each ear canal.
Some portable media player models have touch screen, while other have a pad
that we operate with a thumb or finger, so that we can navigate through digital
media, adjust volume, and customize settings.
Some portable media players also offer calendar, address book, games and other
apps.
E‐Book Readers:
An e‐book reader or e‐reader, is a mobile device that is used primarily for
reading e‐books. 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, we 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.
Wearable Devices:
A wearable device or wearable is a small, mobile computing consumer device
designed to be wore. These devices often communicate with a mobile device or
computer.
Wearable devices include activity tracker, smartwatches, and smart glasses.
Activity tracker monitors heart rate, measure pulse, count steps, and track sleep
patterns.
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In addition to keeping time, a smart watch can communicate with smart phone to
make and answer phone calls, read and send messages, access the web, play music,
work with apps, such as fitness tracker and GPS, and more.
With smart glasses, a user looks into 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.
Game Devices:
A game console is a mobile computing device designed for single‐player of
multiplayer video games. Gamers often connect the game console to a television
so that they can view their game play on the television screen.
Many game models are Internet capable and also allow you to listen music and
watch movies or view photos.
Typically weighting between three and eleven pounds, the compact size of game
consoles makes them easy to use at everywhere.
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 smart phone screen.
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. Data can be defined as unstructured raw material and
unstructured facts which provides necessary information to the computer
system.
Information conveys meaning to users. Information is a processed data.
Both businesses and home users can make well‐informed decisions because they
have instant access to information from anywhere in the world.
The Web:
The World Wide Web or Web is a global library of information available to anyone
connected to the Internet.
The Internet is a worldwide collections of computer networks that connects millions
of businesses, government agencies, educational institutes, and individuals.
People around the world access the web to accomplish the following types of online
tasks:
1. Search for information
2. Conduct research
3. Communicate with and meet other people
4. Share information, photos, and videos with others
5. Access news, weather and sports
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6. Participate in online training
7. Shop for goods and services
8. Play games with others
9. Download or listen to music
10. Watch videos
11. Download or read books
12. Make reservations
The web consists of a worldwide collection of electronic documents. Each electronic
document on the web is called a webpage. A website is a collection of related web
pages, which are stored on the web server. A Web server is a computer that delivers
requested web pages to our computer or mobile device.
Web pages often contains links. A link on the web which, refers to the other web
page is called hyperlink. Hyperlink is a built‐in connection to other documents,
graphics, audio files, videos, web pages, or websites.
It allows user to move directly to a topic of interest, instead of accessing topics in a
specific order. Some people use the term surfing the web to refer to the activity of
using the links to explore the web.
A browser is software that enables users with an Internet connection to access and
view web pages on a computer or a mobile device. Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari,
and Google chrome are popular browsers.
Web Searching:
A primary reason that people use the web is to search for specific information,
including text, photos, music and videos.
A search engine is a software that finds websites, web pages, images, videos, news,
maps, and other information related to specific topic.
Google is a popular search engine.
Online Social Networks:
An online social network, also called a social networking site, is a website that
encourages members in its online community to share their interests, ideas, stories,
photos, music and videos with other interested users.
Popular online social networks include Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Some online social networks have no specialized audience; other are more focused.
A photo sharing or video sharing sites are types of social networking.
Internet Communications:
Web is one of the services on the Internet. Other services on the Internet facilitate
communication among the users, including the following:
1. Email allows us to send messages to and receive messages and files from
other users via a computer network.
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2. With messaging services, we can have real‐time typed conversation with
another connected user.
3. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) enables users to speak to other users over
the Internet.
4. With FTP (File Transfer Protocol), users can transfer files to and from other
computers on the Internet.
Digital Security and Privacy:
Viruses and Other Malware:
Malware, short for malicious software, is a software that acts without a user’s
knowledge and deliberately alters the computer’s or mobile device’s operations.
Example of malware includes viruses, worms, trojan horses, rootkits, spyware,
adware and zombies.
Some are harmless pranks that temporarily freeze play sounds, or display messages
on your computer or mobile device differently.
Other destroy or corrupt data, instructions, and information stored on infected
computer or mobile device.
If any unusual changes in the performance is observed that it may be infected with
malware.
Privacy:
If personal and confidential records were not protected properly, individuals have
found their privacy violated and identities stolen.
Some techniques we can use to protect our self from identity theft include shredding
financial documents before discarding them, never tapping or clinking links in
unsolicited email messages and enrolling in a credit monitoring services.
Adults, teen, and children around the world are using online social networks to share
their photos, videos, journals, music and other personal information publicly. Some
of this unsuspecting, innocent computer user have fallen victims to crimes
committed by dangerous strangers.
Protection from Viruses and Other Malware:
Use virus protection software
Use Firewall
Be suspicious of all unsolicited email and Text messages
Disconnect your computer from the Internet
Download software with caution
Close spyware windows
Before using any removable media, scan it for malware
Keep current
Back up regularly
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Creating Strong Password:
Avoid Personal information
Password length should be more than 8 characters
Password must be Difficult. Use combination of uppercase letters, lower case letters,
numbers and special symbols.
Modify: Change your password on regular interval (at least once in every three
months)
Variations: Do not use the same password for all the sites.
Passphrase: Similar to password separated by space. For example, “Create a strong
password” could become passphrase, “Creat a strang pasword42”
Common Sequence: Avoid common sequence like 1234 or abcd etc.
Manage: Do not keep your password in your wallet, on a sheet of paper near
computer, on in a text file in your computer or mobile.
Green computing involves reducing the electricity consumed and environmental waste
generated when using a computer.
Programs and Apps:
Software, also called collection of programs, consists of a series of related instructions,
organized for a common purpose, that tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to
perform them.
Software can be classified in two categories: [1] System Software and [2] Application
Software
1. System software:
Software which deals with the hardware directly is called system software. Operating
systems, Compilers, System drivers and utility programs are example of it. Developer of
system software should also have hardware related knowledge.
Operating System: An Operating System is a set of programs that coordinates all the
activities, among computer or mobile device hardware. It provides a means for users to
communicate with the computer or mobile devices and other software. Microsoft Windows,
Apples Mac OS, Apple’s iOS, Google’s Android, Unix, Linux and Ubuntu are operating
systems.
2. Application software:
An application (or Apps) consists of programs designed to make more productive and assist
then with personal tasks, Browser is an example of an applications software that enables
users with an Internet connection to access and view web pages.
A desktop app is an application stored on a computer
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A web app is an application stored on a web server that we can access through a
browser.
A mobile app is an application we download from a mobile device’s app store.
Installing and Running Programs:
Installing a program is the process of setting up the program to work with a
computer or mobile device. When we buy a new computer or mobile device, it
usually has some software, such as an operating system, preinstalled on its internal
memory.
Installed operating systems often include applications such as a browser, media
player, and calculator. Once installed, we can run a program so that we can interact
with it.
The user interface controls how user enter data and instructions and how
information is displayed on the screen.
Developing Programs and Apps:
A software developer, sometimes called a developer or programmer, is sometimes
who develops programs and apps or writes the instructions that direct the computer
or mobile device to process data into information.
When writing instructions, a developer must be sure the program or app works
properly so that the computer or mobile device generates the desired results.
Complex programs can require thousands to millions of instructions.
Software developers use a programming language or application development tool
to create programs and apps. Popular programming languages includes C++, Java,
JavaScript, Visual C# and Visual Basic.
Communication and Networks:
1. Wired and Wireless Communication:
Computer communication describes a process in which two or more computers or
devices transfer (send and receive) data, instructions, and information over
transmission media via communication devices.
A communication device is hardware capable of transferring items from computers
and devices to transmission media.
Modems, wireless access points, and routers are example of communication devices.
Wired communication often uses some form of telephone wiring, UTP cable, coaxial
cable or fibre‐optic cables to send communication signals.
Many users opt for wireless communications, in which signal propagate through air
or space.
Example of wireless communications technologies include Wi‐Fi, Bluetooth, and
cellular radio.
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Wi‐Fi uses radio signals to provide high‐speed Internet and network connections to
computers and devices capable of communicating via Wi‐Fi.
Bluetooth uses short‐range radio signals to enable Bluetooth enabled computer and
devices to communicate with each other.
Cellular radio uses the cellular network to enable high speed Internet connections to
devices with built‐in compatible technology, such as smartphones. Category of cellular
networks are 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G. 5G is a fastest network.
Wi‐Fi and Bluetooth are hot spot technologies. A hot spot is a wireless network that
provides Internet connections to mobile computers and devices.
2. Networks:
A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together, often
wirelessly, via communication devices and transmission media. Network allow
computers to share resources, such as hardware, software, data and information.
Sharing resources saves time and money.
Home Network:
Home networks save the home user money and provide many conveniences. Each
networked computer or mobile device on a home network has the following capabilities:
Connect to the Internet at the same time
Share a single high‐speed Internet connection
Access photos, music, videos, and other content on computers and devices
throughout the house.
Play multiplayer game with players in the house
Share devices such as printer, scanner or external hard drive
Connect game console to the Internet
Subscribe and use VoIP
Interact with other device in a smart home
Business Network:
Business and school networks can be small, such as in a room or building, or widespread,
connecting computers and devices across a city, country, or the globe.
Facilitate communications: Using a network, employees and customer communicate
efficiently and easily via email, messaging services, blogs, online social networks,
video calls, online meeting, videoconferencing, VoIP and more.
Share hardware: In a networked environment, each computer on the network can
access the hardware on the network, instead of providing each user with the same
piece of hardware.
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Share data, information and software: In a networked environment, any authorized
computer user can access data, information, and software stored on other
computers on the network.
Technology Uses:
Technology has changed society today as the industrial revolution changed society in the
eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. People interact directly with technology in fields such
as education, government, finance, healthcare, science, travel, publishing, and
manufacturing.
Digital School:
Technology and education intersect in today’s classrooms. Students can use a variety of
devices, apps, and websites to collaboration and obtain content while teachers can share
information in most content areas to engage students and enhance learning process.
Mobile devices and tablets
Virtual field trips
Games and simulations
Interactive white board
Government:
Most government offices have website to provide citizens with up‐to‐date information.
People in the United States access government websites to view census data, file taxes,
apply for permit and licences, pay parking tickets, buy stamps, report crimes, apply for
financial aid, and renew vehicle and driver’s licences.
Finance:
Many people and companies use online banking or finance software to pay bills, track
personal income and expenses, manage investments, and evaluate financial plans. The
advantage of using financial website instead of financial software is, we can access the
financial records from anywhere in the world.
Retail:
We can purchase any product or services on the web, including groceries, flowers, books,
computers, mobiles devices, music, airline tickets, and concert tickets. Customer visits
storefront on the web, which contains product descriptions, images, and a shopping cart.
The shopping cart allows the customer to collect purchases. When ready to complete the
sale, customer enters the personal data and payment, which should be through a secure
Internet connection.
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Entertainment:
We can use computers and mobile devices to listen to audio clips or live audio; watch video
clips, Television shows, or live performances and events; read a book, magazine, or
newspaper; and play games.
Healthcare:
Nearly every area of health care today uses computers. Whether we are visiting a family
doctor for a regular check‐up, having lab work or outpatient test, filling a prescription, or
being rushed in for emergency surgery; the medical staff around us will be using computers
for various purposes.
Science:
All branches of science, from biology to astronomy to meteorology, use computers to assist
them with collecting, analysing, and modeling data. Scientists also use the Internet to
communicate with colleagues around the world. Breakthroughs in surgery, medicine, and
treatments often result from scientists’ use of computers.
A neural network is a system that attempts to immediate the behaviour of the human brain.
Scientists create neural networks by connecting thousands of processors together much like
the neurons in the brain.
Travel:
Whether travelling by a car or plane, our goal is to arrive safely at the destination. As we
make journey, we may interact with a navigation system or GPS, which uses satellite signals
to determine a geographic location. GPS technology also assists people with creating maps,
determining the best route between two points, locating a lost person or stolen object,
monitoring a person or object movement, determining altitude, calculating speed etc.
Publishing:
Many publishers of books, magazines, newspapers, music, film, and video make their work
available online. Organizations and individual publish their thoughts and ideas using a blog,
podcasts, or wiki.
A blog is an informal website consisting of time‐stamped articles (posts) in a diary or
journals format, usually listed in reverse chronological order.
Podcasts are a popular way to distribute or audio or video on the web. A podcast is
recorded media that users can download or stream to a computer or portable media
player.
A wiki is a collaborative website that allows users to create, add to, modify, or delete
the content via browser.
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Manufacturing:
Computer‐aided manufacturing (CAM) refers to the use of computers to assist with manufacturing
processes, such as fabrication and assembly. Industries use CAM to reduce product development
costs, shorten a product’s time to market, and stay ahead of the competition.
Technology User:
Every day, people around the world use various technologies at home, at work, and at school.
Depending on the hardware, software and communications requirements, these users generally can
be classified in one of the following categories.
A home user is any person who spends time using technology at home. Parents, children,
teenagers, grandparents etc. are example of home user.
A small office user includes employees of companies with fewer than 50 employees, as well
as the self‐employed who work from home. Small offices include local law practices,
accounting offices, travel agencies etc.
A mobile user includes any person who works with computer or mobile devices while away
from a main office, home or school. Example of mobile users are sales representatives, real
estate agents, insurance agents, meter readers, package delivery people, journalists,
consultants and students.
A power user is a user who requires the capabilities of a powerful computer. Example of
power user include engineers, scientists, architects, desktop publishers, and graphic artists.
An enterprise has hundreds or thousands of employees or customers who work in or do
business with offices across a region, the country, or the world. Each employee or customer
who uses computers, mobile devices, and other technology in the enterprise is an enterprise
user.
Cloud Computing:
Cloud computing refers to an environment of servers that house and provide access to resource
users access via the Internet. Resources include email messages, schedules, music, photos, videos,
games, websites, programs, web apps, documents etc. Home and business users choose cloud
computing for a variety of reasons:
Accessibility: Data and /or applications are available worldwide from any computer or
device with an Internet connection.
Cost saving: The expense of software and high‐end hardware, such as fast processors and
high‐capacity memory and storage devices, shifts away from the user.
Space saving: Floor space required for servers, storage devices, and other hardware shifts
away from the user.
Scalability: Provides the flexibility to increase or decrease computing requirements as
needed.
Cloud computing consists of a front end and a back end, connected to each other through a
network. The front end includes the hardware and software with which a user interacts to access the
cloud. The back end consists of the servers and storage devices that manage and store the resources
accessed by users.
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Supercomputers:
A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful computer – and the most supercomputers are
capable of processing many trillions of instructions in a single second. With weight that exceed 100
tons, these computers can store more than 20,000 times the data and information of an average
desktop. Applications requiring complex, sophisticated mathematical calculations use
supercomputers.
Embedded computers:
An embedded computer is a special‐purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger
product. Embedded computers are everywhere – at home, in car and at work.
Consumer electronics: Mobile phones, digital phones, digital televisions, cameras, video
recorder, DVD players and recorders, answering machines etc.
Home automation devices: Thermostats, sprinkling systems, security systems, vacuum
systems, appliances, lights etc.
Automobiles: Antilock brakes, engine control modules, electronic stability control, airbag
control unit, cruise control, navigation system and GPS receiver etc.
Process control and robotics: Remote monitoring system, power monitors, machines
controllers, medical devices.
Computer devices and office machines: Keyboards, Printers, Fax, and Copy machines.
Because embedded computers are components in larger products, they usually are small and have
limited hardware. These computers perform various functions, depending on the requirements of
the product in which they reside.
Ports and Connections:
Computer and mobile devices connect to peripheral devices through ports or by using wireless
technologies. A port is the point at which a peripheral device (i.e Keyboard, Printer, monitor etc.)
attaches to or communicates with a computer or mobile device. Most computers and mobile devices
have ports. Some ports have a micro or mini version for mobile devices because of the smaller sizes
of these devices.
A connector joins a cable attaches to a port. A connector at one end of a cable attaches to a port on
the computer or mobile device, and a connector at the other end of the cable.
USB Port:
A USB Post, short for universal serial bus port, can connect up to 127 different peripherals
together with a single connector. Devices that connect to a USB port includes: card reader,
digital camera, external hard drive, game console, joystick, modem, mouse, optical disk
drive and webcam. The newer version is USB 3.0 which is backward compatible with its
previous version 2.0.
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Assignment:1
Question: 1 Do as directed
1. Explain technology uses in brief.
2. What is network? Explain wired and wireless communication. Also list and explain
different types of networks.
3. Discuss ports and connection in detail.
4. What is software? List and explain different types of software in details.
5. What is Internet? Explain web and we related terminologies.
6. Explain Cloud technology in detail.
7. Explain data and Information.
Question: 2Write a short note:
1. Computer
2. Notebook computer
3. Smart phones
4. Gaming console
5. Wearable devices
6. Supercomputer
7. Embedded computer
8. Technology Users
9. Servers
10. Tablets
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