MODULE I

TODAY'S INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

ENVIRONMENT

Lesson 1 The Computer, Mobile and Other

Devices

Lesson 2 The Internet and the World Wide Web

Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Technology Uses and Users

Digital Media on the Web

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MODULE I

TODAY'S INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ENVIRONMENT

 INTRODUCTION

This module shows the vastness, computing power, and diversity of technology
people use in everyday activities. Nowadays, most people use laptops and desktops to do
their digital activities like completing their assignments, doing internet research, and
watching streaming videos. Others might be flipping an online newspaper's headlines,
making reservations, purchasing items using their tablets, and listening to music, sharing
photos via social media, and playing games using their smartphones. It is a modern notion
that people who can accomplish these tasks using technology are described as "tech-savvy."
This module hopesthat you will learn to appreciate digital literacy as a means of having
current knowledge and understanding of computers, mobile devices, the web, and related
technologies.

OBJECTIVES

After studying the module, you should be able to:

1. Compare and contrast various knowledge and fundamentals in digital literacy to

achieve a specific class of objectives or address situational challenges;
2. Understand the fundamentals of the Internet and use it as a tool for credible
research and information gathering to best achieve specific class objectives or
address situational challenges more so in the different sectors of society;
3. Evaluate existing online creation tools, digital media platforms, and applications in
developing ICT content for specific professional tracks and plan for possible
implementation and;
4. Discuss how society uses these technologies in different sectors and identify
which technology is being used by other users.

☝ DIRECTIONS/ MODULE ORGANIZER

There are four lessons in the module. Read each lesson carefully, then answer the
exercises/activities to determine how much you have benefited from it. Work on these
exercises carefully and submit your output to your Instructor using either online or offline
modalities or to the College of Communication and Information Technology. In case you
encounter difficulty, discuss this with your Instructor during the synchronous meetings. If
not, contact your Instructor. Good luck and happy reading!!!

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Lesson 1

The Computer, Mobile & Other

🕮 Devices

THE COMPUTER

A computer is an electronic computing device capable of operating under a controlled set of

 instructions stored in its memory. They are capable of accepting data (input), incorporate a
set of instructions or rules (processing) and for processing to produce meaningful
information (output), and store the information for future use.

 Hardware - Computers contain many electric, electronic, and mechanical components.

The electric components process data using instructions, which are the steps that tell the
computer how to perform a particular task.
 Software / Program – These are a collection of related instructions organized for a
common purpose. Using the software, you can complete various activities, such as
searching for information, type a paper, balancing a budget, creating a presentation, or
playing a game.
 User is anyone who utilizes the computer to use the information generated by it.
Categories of Computers
▪ Personal Computer is a popular category of computer which can perform the Input
Process-Output (IPO) and storage activities and intended to be used by one person at a
time. Also, it is typical that this device can communicate with other computers and
gadgets.
➢ Desktops or desktop computer is
a
personal computer designed to
be in a
fixed 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 (or display)
that is separate from a tower, which is
a case that contains the processing
circuitry.

➢ All-in-ones - another type of desktop called an Figure 1-1 A desktop computer with a separate tower (left); all-in one
(right)
all-in-one does not contain a

tower and instead uses the same case to house the display and the processing
circuitry. In addition, some desktops and all-in-ones have displayed that support
touch.

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MOBILE COMPUTERS & DEVICES

A mobile computer is a personal computer designed
for
 portability to carry it from one place to another.
Similarly, mobile devices - are computing devices small
enough to hold in your hand. Because of their reduced
size, the screens on mobile devices are small — often
between 3 and 5 inches. In addition, some mobile
devices are Internet-capable, meaning that they can Figure 1-2 A laptop, a portable computer that
© iStockphoto / Stephen Krow
is widely used.

connect to the Internet wirelessly.

➢ Laptops - also 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 your lap, and
for easy transport, most laptops weigh up to 7 pounds (varying by manufacturer and
specifications). Most laptops can operate on
batteries or a power supply, or both.
➢ Slate tablet - Usually smaller than a laptop but
larger
than a phone, a tablet is a thin, lighter-weight
mobile
computer with a touch screen. A popular style
of a
tablet is the slate, which does not contain a
physical
keyboard.

Like laptops, tablets run on batteries or a power supply

or both; however, batteries in a tablet typically last
longer than those in laptops.

Think Questions #1: Interact with a Touch Screen

Figure 1-3 A slate tablet © iStockphoto / franckreporter

A gesture is a motion you make on a touch screen with a tip of one or more fingers
on your hand. Touch screens are convenient because they do not require separate
device for input. Identify and draw different Touch screen gestures.

List and Define each Touch Screen Gestures and provide common uses for each gesture.
Example:

Mobile devices are usually pocket-sized, store

programs and data permanently on memory or
inside the system unit or small storage media such
as
memory cards. Most people connect it to a personal
computer for data exchange. In addition, some
mobile devices are Internet-enabled, which means
they can connect to the Internet wirelessly.

Smartphones are Internet-capable phones that

usually include a calendar, an address book, a
Figure 1-4 A smartphone.
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calculator, a notepad, games, and several other apps (programs on the smartphone). With
most smartphone models, you also can listen to music, take photos, and record
videos.

Think Questions #2:

Internet Research: Are mobile devices computers? Why or why not?

Instead of calling someone's phone to talk, you can send messages to others by pressing
images of keys and icons on an on-screen keyboard on the phone.

Four popular types of messages:

1. Voice Mail Message is a short audio recording to or from a smartphone or mobile
device
2. A text message is a short note, typically fewer than 300 characters, sent to or from a
smartphone or other mobile device.
3. A picture message is a photo or other image, sometimes with sound and text, sent to
or from a smartphone or other mobile device.
4. A video message is a short video clip, usually about 30 seconds, sent to or from a
smartphone or other mobile device.

Messaging Services- Telecom companies may charge additional fees for sending text,
picture, or video messages, depending on the customer's plan.

Think Questions #3

1. Should it be legal to use hands-free devices while driving?

2. Do you believe you are distracted if you use hands-free devices while
driving? Why or Why not?
3. Do you think manufacturers should continue hands-free devices
technology? Why or Why not?

A digital camera is a device that allows you

to take photos and store the photographed
images digitally. A smart digital camera
also
can communicate wirelessly with other
devices and include apps similar to those on
a smartphone.
Many mobile computers and devices, such as
tablets and smartphones, include at least one allow you to review and sometimes
integrated digital camera. Digital cameras typically Figure 1-5 View photographed images immediately through a small
screen on the camera to see if the picture is worth keeping.

modify images while they are in the camera. You also can transfer images from a digital
camera to a computer or device so that you can review, modify, share, organize, or print the
images.
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Portable and digital media players are mobile

devices to store, organize, and play or view digital
media. Digital media includes music, photos, and
videos. Thus, portable media players enable you to
listen to music, view photos and watch videos,
movies, and television shows.

E-book readers (short for an electronic book

reader), or e-reader is a mobile device that is used Figure 1-6 Portable media players

primarily for reading e-books. An e-book, or digital Wearable Devices or wearable is a small, mobile
book, is an electronic version of a printed book, computing
readable on computers and other digital devices. In
addition to books, you typically can purchase and
read different forms of digital media such as
newspapers and magazines.

Most e-book reader models have a touch screen, and

some are Internet-capable. Most of these devices
are smaller than tablets but more significant than
smartphones.
Figure 1-7 An e-book reader.
consumer device designed to be worn (Figure 1-8). These devices often communicate with a
mobile device or computer.
Two popular wearable devices
1. Activity Trackers – monitors
heart rate,
measure pulse, count steps,
and track
sleep patterns.
2. Smartwatches – in addition to
keeping
time, a smartwatch can communicate
with a smartphone to make and
answer phone calls, read and send
messages, access the web, play music, and work with apps, such as fitness
Figure 1-8 Activity trackers and smartwatches.

trackers and GPS (Global Positioning System) more.

GAME DEVICES

A game console is a mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiplayer video
games. Gamers often connect the game console to a television to view their gameplay on the
television's screen.

Many game console models are Internet

capable and allow you to listen to music,
watch movies, or view photos. Typically
weighing between three and eleven
pounds, the compact size of game consoles
makes them easy to use at home, in the car,
 in a hotel, or any location with an electrical
Figure 1-9 Game consoles often connect to a television; handheld game A handheld game device is small enough to
devices contain a built-in screen.
outlet and a television screen.
fit in one hand, making it more portable than the game console. Because of the reduced size,

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the screens are small — similar in size to some smartphone screens. Some handheld game
device models are Internet-capable and also can communicate wirelessly with other similar
devices for multiplayer gaming.

Think Question #4

Are digital cameras, portable media players, e-book readers, and handheld game
devices becoming obsolete as more and more smartphones and tablets include their
functionality?

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, often wirelessly.

Larger corporate, government, and web applications use

powerful, expensive servers to support their daily
operations. 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. FYI Online
Figure 1-10 A server provides services to other computers or devices in a
network. © iStockPhoto / GuidoVrola

When a computer or device connects to a network, it is said to be online.

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, including text, numbers, images, audio, and video.
Information conveys meaning to users. Business and home users can make well-informed
decisions because they have instant access to data from anywhere in the world. Many daily
activities either involve the use of or depend on information from a computer.

INPUT, OUTPUT, MEMORY & STORAGE

 Input
Users have various input options for entering data into a computer, which involve using an
input device. An input device is any hardware component that allows you to enter data and
instructions into a computer or mobile device.

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Step1 Step2
Cashier scans or enters items The computer receives the entered data,
purchased and the amount stores it, process the data into information (the
received from the customer. receipt), and stores the resulting information.
These items are entered into the
computer as data.
STORAGE and PROCESSES
Data (input) ▪ Stores entered data.
2 Medium Sodas $1.49 each ▪ Computes each item’s total price by
1 Small Turkey Sub $3.49 each multiplying the quantity ordered by the item
1 Caesar Salad $4.49 each price (i.e. 2 *1.49 = 2.98)
1 Bag of Chips $0.99 each ▪ Organizes data.
3 Cookies $0.39 each ▪ Sums all item total prices to determine order
Amount Received $20.00 total due from customer (13.12)
▪ Calculates change due to customer by
Arrow Deli
10 Park Street subtracting the order total from amount
Maple River, DE 20333 received (20.00 – 13.12 = 6.88).
(734) 555-2939 ▪ Stores resulting information.
QTY ITEM TOTAL
2 Medium Sodas 2.98
1 Small Turkey Sub 3.49 Figure 1-11 A computer processes data into information. In this
1 Caesar Salad 4.49

1 Bag of Chips 0.99 3 Cookies 0.39
Total Due: 13.12 Amount Received 20.00 Change 6.88 Thank You
Step3
The resulting information (the cash register receipt) is printed
8
for the customer. data (input). The computer processes the data to
produce the cash register receipt (information, or
simplified example, the item ordered, item price,
output).
quantity ordered, and amount received all represent

Keyboards – contains keys you pressed to enter data and instructions to a computer or
mobile device (Figure 1-12).
• Desktop keyboards have a typing area that includes letters of the alphabet, numbers,
punctuation marks, and other basic keys. Some users prefer a wireless keyboard
because it eliminates the clutter of a cord.
• Keyboards for desktop contains more keys than keyboards on mobile computers and
devices. Many of the keys on mobile computers and devices serve two or three
purposes to provide the same functionality as a desktop keyboard.
• An on-screen keyboard or virtual keyboard is the keyboard that projects from a device
to a flat surface.
• For example, on a laptop, you often use the same keys to type numbers and show
various areas on a screen, switching a key's purpose by pressing a separate key first.

on-screen keyboard virtual keyboard mini keyboard laptop keyboard desktop keyboard
Figure 1-12 Users have a variety of options for entering typed text.

Pointing Devices –an input device that allows a user to control a small symbol in the screen
called a pointer. Desktops typically use a mouse as their pointing device, and laptops use a
touchpad (Figure 1-13).
• Mouse – is a pointing device that fits under the palm of your hand comfortably. With
 this, you can control the pointer's movement and send instructions to the computer
or mobile device.
• Touchpad – is a small, flat, rectangular pointing device that is sensitive to pressure and
motion. To control the pointer with a touchpad, slide your fingertip across the
surface of the pad. Most touchpads can imitate mouse operations of clicking by

tapping the pad's surface.

Figure 1-13 A mouse and a touchpad

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Think Quetsion #5

Mouse Operations
- Identify, describe and list common uses for each of the mouse operations.
Example:
Mouse Operation Description List common uses.

Point Move the mouse until Position the pointer

the pointer is positioned on the screen.
on the item of choice

Voice and Video Input – Some mobile devices and computers enable you to speak instructions
using voice input and capture live full-motion using video input.
- Use voice to send a text message
- Schedule an appointment
- Dial a number
- Video call instead of a voice phone call
With all of the above examples, video input usually works in conjunction with voice inputs.
Voice input uses a microphone, and for video input, you use a webcam.

Microphone built into phone

webcam

Wireless
headset

Figure 1-14 You can speak instructions into a microphone or wireless headset and capture live video on a webcam for a video
call.
A microphone is an input device that enables you to speak into a computer or mobile device.
- Many computers and most mobile devices contain built-in microphones. - You can talk into
a headset, which contains both a microphone and a speaker. - Many headsets can
communicate wirelessly with the computer or mobile device.
A webcam is a digital video (DV) camera that allows you to capture video and usually audio
input for your computer or mobile device.

Scanners – light-sensing input device that

converts
printed text and images into a form that the
computer can process (Figure 1-15). A popular
type of scanner works like a copy machine.
Instead
of creating a paper copy of the document or
photo,
it electronically stores the scanned document or
photo.
Figure 1-15 A scanner

Output
Users have various output options to convey text, graphics, audio, and video, which involve
using an output device. An output device is any hardware component that transmits
information from a computer or mobile device to one or more people.

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Printers –an output device that produces text and graphics on a physical medium, such as
paper or other material (Figure 1-16).
- Printed content sometimes is referred to as hard copy or print-out. - Today, most
printers print text and graphics in black-and-white and color on various paper types,
with many capable of printing lab-quality photos.
- A variety of printers support wireless printing, where a computer other device
communicates wirelessly with the printer.
- 3-D printers can print solid objects, such as clothing, prosthetics, eyewear implants,
toys, parts, prototypes, and more. It may use various substances, including plastic,
nylon, wood, bronze, and copper, to print the layers that create a 3-D model.

Figure 1-16 A printer can produce a variety of printed output including photos and 3-D solid objects.

Displays – an output device that visually conveys text, graphics, and video information.
Displays consist of a screen and the components that produce the information on the screen.
The display for a desktop usually is a monitor, which is a separate, physical device. Mobile
computers and devices typically integrate the display in the same physical case (Figure 1-17).
Many displays have touch screens.
 Tablet display

Smartphone display Digital camera display

Laptop displaymonitor display

Figure 1-17 Displays vary depending on the computer or mobile device.

Home users sometimes use a digital television or a Smart TV as a display. A Smart Tv is an

Internet-capable high-definition television (HDTV) on which you can use the Internet to
watch a video, listen to the radio, play games, and communicate with others – all while
watching a television show.

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Think Question #6
Internet Research: What can you do to ease eyestrain while using a computer
or mobile device? What other health-related disorders do we get from too
much screen time?

Speaker, Earbuds, and Headphones – Speakers allow you to hear audio, music, voice,
and other sounds. Most personal computers and
mobile devices have a small internal speaker. Many users
attach higher-quality speakers to their computers and
mobile devices, including game consoles.

Figure 1-18 Left photo, in a crowded

environment where speakers are not practical, users can wear headphones to hear music, voice, and other audio. Right photo,
samples of earbuds.

Both earbuds and headphones usually include noise-canceling technology to reduce the
 interference sound from the surrounding environment. To eliminate the clutter of cords,
users can opt for wireless speakers or wireless headphones.

ThinkQuestion #7

How can you protect your hearing when using earbuds or headphones?

Memory and Storage

Memory consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed

and the data needed by those instructions. Although some forms of memory are permanent,
most memory keeps data and instructions temporarily, which means its contents are erased
when the computer is shut off.

Storage, by contrast, holds data, instructions, and information for future use. For example,
computers can store hundreds of millions of students' names and addresses permanently.

Storage Media part of the computer system that keeps data, instruction, and information. -
Example of local storage media includes hard disks, solid-state drives, USB (Universal
Serial Bus) flash drives, memory cards, and optical discs.
- The amount of storage for each type of storage media varies.
- Some storage media are portable

Storage Device records (writes) and/or retrieves (read) items to and from storage media.
Storage
- Storage devices often also function as a source of input and output because they
transfer items from storage to memory and vice versa.

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- Drives and readers/writers, which are storage devices, accept a specific kind of storage
media. For example, a DVD drive (storage device) accepts a DVD (storage media).

A hard disk is a storage device containing a flexible,

circular platter that uses magnetic particles to store
data,
instructions, and information.
- The entire device is enclosed in an airtight,
sealed
case to protect it from contamination.
- Laptops and desktops often contain at least one
hard disk that is mounted inside the computer's
case (Figure 1-19) Figure 1-19 A hard disk mounted inside a Lenovo ThinkPad P72

A Solid State Drive (SSD) is a storage device that typically uses flash memory to store data,
instructions, and information. Flash memory contains no moving parts, making it more
durable and shock-resistant than other media types. For this reason, manufacturers typically
offer SSDs as an option instead of hard disks in their laptops, tablets, and desktops (Figure 1-
20).
 FYI
The term hard drive is used to collectively
refer to hard disks and SSDs.

Figure 1-20 Left of photo, an SDD which contains no moving parts while
right of photo, a hard disk which contains moving parts. An SSD is about
the same size or even smaller size as a laptop hard disk.

Think Question #8

What is an external hard drive?

USB Flash Drives is a portable flash memory storage

device that you plug in a USB port, which is a special,
easily accessible opening on a computer or mobile
device (Figure 1-21). USB flash drives are convenient for
mobile users because they are small and lightweight
enough to be transported on a keychain or in a Figure 1-21 Inserted USB flash drive in a USB port on a computer.

pocket.

Memory Cards are removable flash memory, usually bigger than 1.5 inches in height or width,
that you insert in and remove from a slot in a computer, mobile device, or card reader/writer
(Figure 1-22). With a card reader/writer, you can transfer the stored items, such as digital
photos, from a memory card to a computer or printer without a built-in card slot.

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memory card in computer

memory card in digital camera Memory card in phone Memory card in reader / writer,
which is attached to computer
Figure 1-22 Computers and mobile devices use a variety of styles of memory cards to store documents, photos, and other

items. Think Question #9

What is the general use for each type of local storage media?

DVD DVD Drive

Figure 1-23 You can insert a DVD in a DVD drive on a computer. Some
computers have DVD slots instead of DVD drives. Two Types of Optical Discs
Optical Disc is a type of storage media consisting of a • CDs – Compact Discs
flat, round, portable metal disc made of plastic and
• DVDs - Digital Versatile Discs
lacquer written and read by a laser (Figure 1-23).

Cloud Storage is an Internet Service that provides remote storage to computer users. •
Instead of storing data,
instructions, and information
locally on a hard drive, some users opt for cloud storage
• Figure 1-24 shows JustCloud, which provides cloud
storage solutions to home and business users.
• A backup is a duplicate of content on a storage medium
that you can use if the original is lost, damaged, or
destroyed.
Figure 1-24 JustCloud is an example of a
website that provides cloud storage
solutions to home and business users.
Source: JustCloud.com

Think Question #10

What are reasons why we need to backup computers and mobile devices?

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Computers

Advantages of Using Computers

The benefits of using computers are possible because computers have the advantages of
speed, reliability, consistency, storage, and communications.

 Speed: When data, instructions, and information flow along with electronic circuits in a
computer, they travel at breakneck speeds. Many computers process billions or trillions of
operations in a single second.
 Reliability: The electronic components in modern computers are dependable because they
rarely break or fail.

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 Consistency: Given the same input and processes, a computer will produce the same results
— consistently. Computers generate error-free results, provided the input is correct, and the
instructions work.
 Storage: Computers store enormous data and make this data available for processing anytime
it is needed.
 Communications: Most computers today can communicate with other computers, often
wirelessly. Computers allow users to communicate with one another.

Disadvantages of Using Computers

 Violation of Privacy: In many instances where personal and confidential records stored on
computers were not protected adequately, individuals have found their privacy violated,
and identities were stolen.
 Public Safety: Adults, teens, and children worldwide are using computers to share their
 photos, videos, journals, music, and other personal information publicly. Some of these
unsuspecting, innocent computer users have fallen victim to crimes committed by dangerous
strangers.
 Impact on Labor Force: Although computers have improved productivity and created an
entire industry with hundreds of thousands of new jobs, the skills of millions of employees
have been replaced by computers. Thus, workers must keep their education up-to-date. A
separate impact on the labor force is that some companies outsource jobs to foreign
countries instead of keeping their homeland labor force employed.
 Health Risks: Prolonged or improper computer use can lead to health injuries or disorders.
Computer users can protect themselves from health risks through proper workplace design,
good posture while at the computer, and appropriately spaced work breaks. Two behavioral
health risks are computer addiction and technology overload. Computer addiction occurs
when someone becomes obsessed with using a computer. Individuals suffering from
technology overload feel distressed when deprived of computers and mobile devices.
 Impact on Environment: Computer manufacturing processes and computer waste are
depleting natural resources and polluting the environment. Green computing involves
reducing the electricity consumed and environmental waste generated when using a
computer. Strategies that support green computing include recycling, regulating
manufacturing processes, extending computers' lives, and immediately donating or
adequately disposing of replaced computers.

✍
Assignment:

Answer all Think Questions posted in this lesson.

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Collaboration / Task:

Recommending Technology Solutions

People use computers and mobile devices in a variety of fields, including
travel, manufacturing, and more. Although the way people use computers
and mobile devices varies, each use involves hardware, programs and apps,
and some type of communications method, such as the Internet or cellular
network.

Do This: Form a three-member team and choose a field in which you all are
interested. Assign one member to investigate hardware, another to
investigate programs and apps, and the third member to investigate
communications methods used in the field. After the investigation, create a
 hypothetical business or organization in the field. Describe hypothetical
business or organization Recommend specific hardware, programs or apps,
and communications capabilities that would be best for the network or
organization.

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