CCICOMP reviewer

Gabriel Anton de Leon

Module 1: Introducing Today’s Technologies: Computers, Devices, and the Web

Objectives:
- Differentiate among laptops, tablets, desktops, and servers.
- Describe the purpose and uses of smartphones, digital cameras, portable and digital
media players, e-book readers, wearable devices, and game devices.
- Describe the relationship between data and information.
- Briefly explain various input options
- Differentiate the web from the Internet, and describe the relationship among the web,
webpages, websites, and web servers.
- Explain the purpose of a browser, a search engine, and an online social network.
- Briefly describe digital security risks associated with viruses and other malware, privacy,
your health, and the environment.
- Differentiate between an operating system and applications.
- Differentiate between wired and wireless technologies and identify reasons individuals
and businesses use networks.
- Identify technology used by home users, small/home office users, mobile users, power
users, and enterprise users.

Digital literacy involves having a current knowledge and understanding of computers, mobile
devices, the web, and related technologies.

INSIGHT: Digital literacy is being able to keep up with technology as technology changes. It
is being able to use any technology properly or at least having a general idea of how to use it.

Computers

Computer
Def: An electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own
memory.
Laptop
Ins: A portable computer where the keyboard, monitor, and computer itself is put together
in one casing

Tablet
Ins: A tablet is a computer where the monitor and how to navigate through it is combined.

Desktop & All-in-one

Def: A desktop is a computer that has a tower and display.
An all-in-one is like a desktop, but it has the tower and display combined.

Server
Def: A server provides services to other computers or devices on a network.

Mobile and Game Devices

- Smartphone
- Digital camera
- Portable and digital media player
- E-book reader
- Wearable device
- Game device
Data and Information

A computer processes data into information.

Keyboard
Def: A keyboard contains keys you press to enter data and instructions into a computer or
mobile device.
- On-screen keyboard
- Mini keyboard
- Virtual keyboard

Pointing device
Def: A pointing device Is an input device that allows a user to control a small symbol on a
screen, called the pointer.

Some mobile devices and computers enable you to speak data instructions using voice
input and to capture live full-motion images using video input. This applies to video calls.

Scanner:
Def: A scanner is a light-sensing input device that converts printed text and images into a
form the computer can process.

Output device
Def: Any hardware component that conveys information from a computer or mobile device
to one or more people.

Printer
Def: An output device that produces text and graphics on a physical medium, such as paper
or other material.

Display
Def: An output device that visually conveys text, graphics, and video information.

Speakers
Def: They allow you to hear audio such as music, voice, and other sounds
 - Earbuds
- Headphones

Memory
Def: It consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed and
the data needed by those instructions.

Storage media
Def: This is where computers can keep data, instructions, and information.

Storage device
Def: It records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media.
- Hard disk
- Solid-state drive
- USB Flash Drive
- Memory Card
- Optical Disc
- Cloud Storage

The Web

Internet
Def: A worldwide collection of computer networks that connects millions of businesses,
government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals.
Def: The largest computer network, connecting millions of computers around the world.

World Wide Web

Def: A global library of information available to anyone connected to the Internet.

Web & Webpage

Def: The web consists of a worldwide collection of electronic documents, each of which is
called a webpage.
Def: A webpage can display text, graphics, audio, and video, on a computer or mobile device.

Website
Def: A collection of related webpages.

Web server
Def: A computer that delivers requested webpages to your computer or mobile device.

Browser
Def: Software that enables users with an Internet connection to access and view webpages
on a computer or mobile device.

Search engine
Def: Software that finds websites, webpages, images, videos, news, maps, and other
information related to a specific topic.

Online social network

Def: Also called a social networking site.
Def: A website that encourages members in its online community to share their interests,
ideas, stories, photos, music, and videos with other registered users.

Digital Safety and Security

It is important that users protect their computers and mobile devices.

- Viruses and other malware
- Privacy
- Health Concerns
- Environmental issues

Green computing
Def: Involves reducing the electricity consumed and environmental waste generated when
using a computer.

Strategies include:
- Recycling
- Using energy efficient hardware and energy saving features
- Regulating manufacturing processes
- Extending the life of computers
- Immediately donating or properly disposing of replaced computers.
Programs and Apps

Software/Program
Def: Tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them.
- System software
o Operating system
o Tools
- Applications

Installing a program is the process of setting up the program to work with a computer or mobile
device, printer, and/or other hardware.
Once installed, you can run a program so that you can interact with it.
You interact with a program through its user interface.
Software developer / Developer / Programmer
Def: Someone who develops programs and apps or writes the instructions that direct the
computer or mobile device to process data into information.

Communications and Networks

In a day, it is likely you use, or use information gathered by, one or more of these
communications technologies.
- Chat rooms
- Email
- Fax
- FTP
- GPS
- Instant messaging
- Internet
- Newsgroups
- RSS
- Video conference
- Voice mail
- VoIP

Communications device
Def: Hardware capable of transferring items from computers and devices to transmission
media and vice versa.
Examples are:
- Modems
- Wireless access
- Routers
Notice that some computers and devices communicate via wires, and others communicate
wirelessly.

Wireless communications technologies

- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- Cellular radio

Network
Def: A collection of computers and devices connected, often wirelessly, via communications
devices and transmission media.
Home networks:
- Connect to the Internet
- Share a single high-speed Internet connection
- Access photos, music, videos, and other content
- Share devices
- Play multiplayer games
- Connect game consoles to the Internet
- Subscribe to and use VoIP
- Interact with other devices in a smart home
Business networks:
- Facilitate communications
- Share hardware
- Share data, information, and software

Technology Uses:
- Education
- Government
- Finance
 - Retail
- Entertainment
- Health Care
- Science
- Travel
- Publishing
- Manufacturing

Technology Users:
- Home user
- Small/home office user
- Mobile user
- Power user
- Enterprise use

Summary:
- Basic computer concepts
- Various methods for input, output, memory, and storage
- The Internet
- Digital security and safety risks and precautions
- Uses of technology applications in society
Module 2: Connecting and Communicating Online: The Internet, Website, and Media

Objectives:
- Discuss the evolution of the Internet
- Briefly describe various broadband Internet connections
- Describe the purpose of an IP address and its relationship to a domain name
- Describe features of browsers and identify the components of a web address
- Describe ways to compose effective search text
- Explain benefits and risks of using online social networks
- Describe uses of various types of websites
- Explain how the web uses graphics, animation, audio, video, and virtual reality
- Explain how email, email lists, Internet messaging, chat rooms, online discussions, VoIP,
and FTP work
- Identify rules of netiquette

The Internet

Internet
Def: A worldwide collection of computer networks that connects millions of businesses,
government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals.
Def: People around the world use the Internet in daily activities, such as accessing
information, exchanging messages, and conversing with others from their computer and mobile
devices.

The Internet originated as ARPANET in September 1969 and had two main goals:
- Allow scientists at different physical locations to share information and work together
- Function even if part of the network were disabled or destroyed by a disaster
Connecting to the Internet

With wired connections, a computer or device physically attaches via a cable or wire to a
communications device.
Computers without a communications device can use a wireless modem or other
communications device that enables wireless connectivity

Wired
- Cable Internet service
- DSL (digital subscriber line)
- Fiber to the Premises (FTTP)
Wireless
- Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity)
- Mobile broadband
- Fixed wireless
- Satellite Internet Service

Hot spot
Def: A wireless network that provides Internet connections to mobile computers and devices
Def: You can create a mobile hot spot using a communications device or tethering a
smartphone

Internet Service Provider

Def: A business that provides individuals and organizations access to the Internet free or for
a fee
Bandwidth
Def: A measure of the capacity of a network to send and receive data
- Megabyte (MB)
- Gigabyte (GB)

IP address
Def: A sequence of numbers that uniquely identifies the location of each computer or device
connected to the Internet or any other network

Domain name
Def: A text-based name that corresponds to the IP address of a server

DNS server
Def: It translates the domain name into its associated IP address

INSIGHT: User enters domain name into browser. Browser communicates with a DNS server
provided by ISP, which sends IP address to user’s device. The browser then uses that IP address
to display the webpage on user’s device.

The World Wide Web (WWW)

Web & Webpage

Def: The web consists of a worldwide collection of electronic documents, each of which is
called a webpage.
Def: A webpage can display text, graphics, audio, and video, on a computer or mobile device.

Website
Def: A collection of related webpages.

Web server
Def: A computer that delivers requested webpages to your computer or mobile device.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)
Def: A set of symbols that developers use to specify the headings, paragraphs, images, links,
and other content elements that a webpage contains

Browser
Def: An application that enables users with Internet connection to access and view webpages
in a computer or mobile device
- Internet-capable mobile devices such as smartphones use a special type of browser,
called a mobile browser

Home page
Def: The first page that a website displays

Tabbed browsing
Def: Current browsers typically support this

Many websites provide a mobile version that designed specifically for display on a mobile
browser.

Web address / URL

Def: The unique address of a webpage

Web app
Def: An application stored on a web server that you access through a browser
- Web apps usually store users’ data and information on their hosts’ server
Web and mobile apps often work together, enabling you to access your content on a variety of
computer and devices

Types of Websites

Search engine
Def: Software that finds websites, webpages, images, videos, news, maps, and other
information related to a specific topic
- A subject directory classifies webpages in an organized set of categories
Several types of websites:
- Search engine
- Online social network
- Informational and research
- Media sharing
- Bookmarking
- News, weather, sports, and other mass media
- Educational
- Business, governmental, and organizational
- Blogs
- Wiki and collaboration
- Health and fitness
- Science
- Entertainment
- Banking and finance
- Travel and tourism
- Mapping
- Retail and auctions
- Careers and employment
- E-commerce
- Portals
- Content aggregation
- Website creation and management

Web publishing
Def: The creation and maintenance of websites

Digital Media on the Web

Multimedia refers to any application that combines text with media

- Graphics
- Animation
- Audio
- Video
- Virtual Reality

Graphic
Def: A visual representation of nontext information
Formats include:
 - BMP
- GIF
- JPEG
- PNG
- TIFF

Infographic
Def: A visual representation of data and information, designed to communicate quickly,
simplify complex concepts, or present patterns or trends

Animation
Def: The appearance of motion created by displaying a series of still images in sequence

Audio includes music, speech, or any other sound

A media player allows the user to listen to audio on a computer

Video consists of images displayed in motion

Virtual reality (VR)

Def: The use of computers to simulate a real or imagined environment that appears as a
three-dimensional (3-D) space

Plug-in / Add-on
Def: A program that extends the capability of a browser

Other Internet Services

Email
Def: The transmission of messages and files via a computer network

Email program
Def: It allows you to create, send, receive, forward, store, print, and delete email messages

Email list
Def: A group of email addresses used for mass distribution of a message
Internet messaging services
Def: Often occur real-time; communications services that notify you when one or more of
your established contacts are online and then allows you exchange messages or files or join a
private chat room with them

Chat
Def: A real-time typed conversation that takes place on a computer or mobile device with
many other online users

Chat room
Def: A website or application that permits users to chat with other who are online at the
same time

Online discussion
Def: An online area in which users have written discussions about a particular subject

VoIP (Voice over IP)

Def: It enables users to speak to other users via their Internet connection

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

Def: An Internet standard that permits file uploading and downloading to and from other
computers on the Internet
- Many operating systems include FTP capabilities

FTP server
Def: A computer that allows users to upload and/or download files using FTP

Netiquette
Def: The code of acceptable Internet behavior users should follow while on the Internet

Summary
- Evolution of the Internet
- The web
- Various types of websites and media
- Other services available on the Internet
- Netiquette
Module 3: Computers and Mobile Devices: Evaluating Options for Home and Work

Objectives:
- Describe the characteristics and uses of laptops, tablets, desktops, and all-in-ones
- Describe the characteristics and types of servers
- Differentiate among POS terminals, ATMs, and self-service kiosks
- Describe cloud computing and identify its uses
- Describe the characteristics and uses of smartphones, digital cameras, portable and
digital media players, e-book players, and wearable devices
- Describe the characteristics of and ways to interact with game devices
- Identify uses of embedded computers
- Differentiate a port from a connector, identify various ports and connectors, and
differentiate among Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC wireless device connections
- Identify safeguards against hardware theft and vandalism and hardware failure
- Discuss ways to prevent health-related injuries and disorders caused from technology
use, and describe ways to design a workplace ergonomically

Computers and Mobile Devices

Types of computers and mobile devices include:

- Laptops, tablets, and desktops
- Servers and terminals
- Smartphones, digital cameras, e-book readers, portable and digital media players, and
wearable devices
- Game devices
- Embedded computers

Mobile Computers and Desktops

Mobile computer
Def: A portable personal computer, designed so that a user easily can carry it from place to
place

Personal computer (PC)

Def: A mobile computer or desktop that can perform all of its input, processing, output, and
storage activities by itself and is intended to be used by one person at a time

Laptop / Notebook computer

Def: A thin, lightweight mobile computer with a screen in its lid and a keyboard in its base

Tablet
Def: A thin, lighter-weight mobile computer that has a touch screen

Handheld computer
Def: A computer small enough to fit in one hand

Stick computer
Def: A small computer which usually is the same size as, or a little larger than, a USB flash
drive

Desktop / Desktop Computer

Def: A personal computer designed to be in stationary location, where all of its components
fit on or under a desk or table

Servers

Server
Def: A computer dedicated to providing one or more services to other computers or devices
on a network
- Rack server
- Blade server
- Tower server

Virtualization
Def: The practice of sharing or pooling computing resources, such as servers and storage
devices
- Server virtualization uses software to enable a physical server to emulate the hardware
and computing capabilities of one or more servers, known as virtual servers

Server farm
Def: A network of several servers together in a single location

Mainframe
Def: A large, expensive, powerful server that can handle hundreds or thousands of
connected users simultaneously

Terminals

Terminal
Def: A computer, usually with limited processing power, that enable users to send data to
and/or receive information from a server, or host computer

Thin client
Def: A terminal that looks like a desktop but has limited capabilities and components

Most retail stores use a POS terminal to record purchases, process credit or debit cards, and
update inventory

ATM (Automated Teller Machine)

Def: A self-service banking terminal that connects to a host computer through a network

Self-service kiosk
Def: A freestanding terminal that usually has a touch screen for user interaction

Supercomputers
Def: The fastest, most powerful computer and the most expensive
- Capable of processing many trillions of instructions in a single second

Cloud computing
Def: Refers to an environment that provides resources and services accessed via the Internet

Mobile Devices

Smartphone
Def: An Internet-capable phone that usually also includes numerous apps
 - Many smartphones have touch screens. Instead of or in addition to an on-screen
keyboard, some have a built-in mini keyboard on the front of the phone or a keyboard
that slides in and out from behind the phone

Short Message Service (SMS)

- Mobile to mobile
- Mobile to email
- Mobile to provider
- Web to mobile
Multimedia Message Service (MMS)
- Mobile to mobile
- Mobile to email

Digital camera
Def: A mobile device that allows users to take photos and store the photographed image
digitally
- Smart digital camera
- Point-and-shoot camera
- SLR camera

Resolution
Def: The number of horizontal and vertical pixels in a display

Portable media player

Def: A mobile device on which you can store, organize, and play or view digital media

Digital media player / Streaming media player

Def: A device, typically used in a home, that streams digital media from a computer or
network to a television, projector, or some other entertainment device

E-book reader (Electronic book reader) / E-reader

Def: A mobile device that is used primarily for reading e-books and other digital publications
Wearable device / Wearable
Def: A small, mobile computing device designed to be worn by a consumer

Game Devices

Game console
Def: A mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiplayer video games

Handheld game device

Def: A small mobile device that contains a screen, speakers, controls, and game console all in
one unit

Game controllers include:

- Gamepads
- Joysticks and wheels
- Dance pads
- A variety of motion-sensing controllers

Embedded computers
Def: A special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product
- Consumer electronics
- Home automation devices
- Automobiles
- Process controllers and robotics
- Computer devices and office machines

Putting It All Together

Ports and Connections

Port
Def: The point at which a peripheral device attaches to or communicates with a computer or
mobile device so that the peripheral device can send data to or receive information from the
computer or mobile device

Connector
Def: Joins a cable 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 attaches to a port on the peripheral
device

USB port (Universal serial bus port)

Def: It can connect up to 127 different peripheral devices together with a single connector
- Instead of connecting peripheral devices directly to ports on a mobile computer, some
mobile users prefer the flexibility of port replicators and docking stations

Instead of connecting computers and mobile devices to peripheral devices with a cable, some
peripheral devices use wireless communications technologies:
- Bluetooth
- Wi-fi
 - NFC

Protecting Hardware

To help reduce the chances of theft, companies and schools use a variety of security measures:
- Physical access controls
- Alarm systems
- Physical security devices
- Security or device-tracking app
- Require identification

Hardware can fail for a variety of reasons:

- Aging hardware
- Random events such as electrical power problems
- Errors in programs or apps
- Undervoltage
- Overvoltage / Power surge

Surge protector / surge suppressor

Def: It uses electrical components to provide a stable current flow and minimize the chances
of an overvoltage reaching the computer and other electronic equipment

Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)

Def: A device that contains surge protection circuits and one or more batteries that can
provide power during a temporary or permanent loss of power

Health Concerns of Using Technology

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

Def: An injury or disorder of the muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments, and joints

Computer vision syndrome (CVS)

Def: A technology-related health condition that affects eyesight
Ergonomics
Def: An applied science devoted to incorporating comfort, efficiency, and safety into the
design of items in the workplace

Technology addiction
Def: Occurs when the technology consumes someone’s entire social life

Summary:
- Characteristics of and purchasing guidelines for laptops, tablets, desktops, smartphones,
digital cameras, and portable and digital media players
- Servers, supercomputers, point-of-sale terminals, ATMs, self-service kiosks, e-book
computers, wearable devices, game devices, embedded computers, and cloud
computing
- Ports and connections
- Ways to protect hardware
- Health concerns of using technology and preventative measures
Module 4: Programs and Apps: Productivity, Graphics, Security, and Other Tools

Objectives:
- Identify the general categories of programs and apps
- Describe how an operating system interacts with applications and hardware
- Differentiate among the ways you can acquire programs and apps
- Identify the key features of productivity applications
- Identify the key features of graphics and media applications
- Identify the uses of personal interest applications
- Identify the purpose of software used in communications
- Identify the key features of security tools
- Identify the key features of file, disk, and system management tools

Programs and Apps

Program / Software
Def: 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

Application / App / Application Software

Def: Consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist them with
personal tasks

Operating System
Def: A set of programs that coordinates all the activities among computer of mobile device
hardware
- Tools and utilities
- System software

The technologies that developers use to create apps often depends whether they will be
installed on a user’s device or accessed via a network
- Native app
- Cloud app
- Web app
- Mobile web app

Programs and apps are distributed in a variety of forms

 - Retail software
- Custom software
- Shareware
- Freeware
- Open source software
- Public domain software

Productivity Applications
Def: They can assist you in becoming more effective and efficient while performing daily
activities at work, school, and home
- Word processing
- Presentation
- Spreadsheet
- Database
- Note taking
- Calendar and contact management
- Project management
- Accounting
- Personal finance
- Legal
- Tax preparation
- Document management
- Support services
- Enterprise computing

With productivity application, user often:

Word processing software

Def: It allows users to create and manipulate documents
- People use word processing software to develop documents
Presentation software
Def: It allows users to create visual aids for presentations to communicate ideas, messages,
and other information to a group

Spreadsheet software
Def: It allows users to organize data in columns and rows and perform calculations on the
data

Database
Def: A collection of data organized in a manner that allows access, retrieval, and use of that
data
- Database software allows users to create, access, and manage a database

Note taking software

Def: An application that enables users to enter typed text, handwritten comments, drawings,
sketches, photos, and links anywhere on a page

Calendar and contact management software

Def: It helps you organize your calendar, keep track of contacts, and share this information
with other users

Software suites
Def: A collection of individual related applications available together as a unit

Project management software

Def: An application that allows a user to plan, schedule, track, and analyze the events,
resources, and costs of a project

Accounting software
Def: An application that helps businesses of all sizes record and report their financial
transactions

Personal finance software

Def: A simplified accounting application that helps home users and small/home office users
balance their checkbooks, pay bills, track personal income and expenses, verify account
balances, transfer funds, track investments, and evaluate financial plans

Legal software
Def: An application that assists in the preparation of legal documents and provides legal
information to individuals, families, and small businesses

Tax preparation software

Def: An application that can guide individuals, families, or small businesses through the
process of filing federal and state taxes

Document conversion software

Def: Saves documents created in any application into a common format that has the same
appearance as the original document

A large organization, commonly referred to as an enterprise, requires special computing

solutions because of its size and geographic distribution
- Human resources software
- Accounting and finance software
- Engineering or product development software
- Manufacturing software
- Marketing software
- Sales software
- Distribution software
- Customer service software
- Information technology software

Graphics and Media Software

- Computer-aided design (CAD) software
- Desktop publishing software
- Paint/Image editing software
- Photo editing and photo management software
- Video and audio editing software
- Multimedia authoring software
o Def: Allows users to combine text, graphics, audio, video, and animation in an
interactive application
 - Website authoring software
o Def: Helps users create business websites for a variety of purposes
- Media player
o Def: A program that allows you to view images and animations, listen to
audio, and watch video files on your computer or mobile device
- Augmented reality app
o Def: Overlays information and digital content on top of physical objects or
locations
- Virtual reality app
o Def: Provides an immersive user experience

Personal Interest Applications

- Lifestyle applications
- Medical applications
- Entertainment applications
- Convenience applications
- Education applications

Communications Applications
- Blog
- Browser
- Chat
- Online Discussion
- Email
- File Transfer
- Internet Phone
- Internet Messaging
- Mobile (Text) Messaging
- Videoconference

Security Tools

Personal firewall
Def: A security tool that detects and protects a personal computer and its data from
unauthorized intrusions

Antivirus program
Def: Protects a computer against viruses by identifying and removing any computer viruses
found in memory, on storage media, or on incoming files

Spyware
Def: A type of program placed on a computer or mobile device without the user’s knowledge
that secretly collects information about the user and then communicates the information it
collects to some outside source while the user is online

Adware
Def: A type of program that displays an online advertisement in a banner or pop=up or pop-
under window on webpages, email messages, or other Internet services

Spyware remover
Def: A type of program that detects and deletes spyware and similar programs

Adware remover
Def: A program that detects and deletes adware

- Anti-spam programs
- Web filtering software
- Phishing filters
- Pop=up and pop-under blockers

File, Disk, and System Management Tools

File manager
Def: A tool that performs functions related to file management

Search tool
Def: A program, usually included with an operating system, that attempts to locate a file,
contact, calendar event, app, or any other item stored on your computer or mobile device
based on criteria you specify

Image viewer
Def: A tool that allows users to displays, copy, and print the contents of a graphics file, such
as a photo

Uninstaller
Def: A tool that removes a program, as well as any associated entries in the system files

Disk cleanup tool

Def: Searches for and removes unnecessary files

Disk defragmenter
Def: A tool that reorganizes the files and unused space on a computer’s hard disk so that the
operating system accesses data more quickly and programs run faster
- Defragmenting reorganizes the files so that they are located in contiguous sectors,
which speeds access time

Screen saver
Def: A tool that causes a display device’s screen to show a moving image or blank screen if
no keyboard or mouse activity occurs for a specified time

File compression tool

Def: Shrinks the size of a file(s)

PC maintenance tool
Def: A program that identifies and fixes operating system problems, detects and repairs drive
problems, and includes the capability of improving a computer’s performance

Backup tool
Def: Allows users to copy, or back up, selected files of the contents of an entire storage
medium to another storage location

Restore tool
Def: Reverses the process and returns backed up files to their original form

Power management tool

Def: Monitors a laptop or mobile device’s battery usage, showing apps that consume the
most battery power, displaying battery usage since the device was last charged, and estimating
usage time remaining

Summary:
- Programs and apps available for computers and mobile devices
- Role of the operating system and the various ways software is distributed
- Features of a variety of applications
- Communications applications
- Security tools and file, disk, and system management tools
Module 5: Digital Data Representation

Outline:
- Data Representation: Recap
- Number Systems
o Definition
o Bases
o Conversion

Data Representation: Recap

Def: The circuitry in a computer or mobile device represents the on to the off states
electronically by the presence or absence of an electronic charge

Bit / Binary Digit

Def: The smallest unit of measure for digital data
What is a Number System?
- Way of representing numbers
- Has its own arithmetic method
- Used by computers
- Each variable that denotes a digit is assigned a weight dependent on its position relative
to a radix point
- Any arbitrary number can be represented by a fixed set of symbols consisting of r
elements (also known as radix or base)
- The largest-valued symbol always has a magnitude of one less than the radix

Number System Bases

Binary Number System

- Radix/Base: 2
 - Symbols: 1
- Written as: 0111b or 01112 (7 in decimal)
Octal Number System
- Radix/Base: 8
- Symbols: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- Written as: 27o or 278 (23 in decimal)

Decimal Number System

- Radix/Base: 10
- Symbols: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Written as: 25, 25d, or 2510

Hexadecimal Number System

- Radix/Base: 16
- Symbols: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A (10), B (11), C (12), D (13), E (14), F (15)
- Written as: C8h or C816 (200 in decimal)

Base Conversions

Binary to Decimal Conversion

- Each digit appearing to the left of the binary point represents a value of wither zero or
one times an increasing power of two

Decimal to Binary Conversion

 - Converting a decimal number to a binary number is done by successively dividing the
decimal number by 2
- Answer consists of the remainders read bottom up

Binary to Octal Conversion

- One octal digit is equivalent to three binary digits
- Group the bits by three starting from the least significant bit
- If the grouping does not have enough to from 3 bits then append 0 to the most
significant bit

Octal to Binary Conversion

- Since one digit is equivalent to three binary digits, just convert the individual octal digit
into three binary digits

Binary to Hexadecimal Conversion

- One hexadecimal digit is equivalent to four binary digits
- Group the bits by four starting from the least significant bit
 - If the grouping does not have enough to form 4 bits then append 0 to the most
significant bit

Hexadecimal to Binary Conversion

- Since one hexadecimal digit is equivalent to four binary digits, just convert the individual
hexadecimal digit into four binary digits

Decimal to Octal Conversion

- Converting a decimal number to an octal number is done by successively dividing the
decimal number by 8
- Answer consists of the remainders read bottom up

Octal to Decimal Conversion

- Each digit appearing to the left of the radix point represents a value between zero to
seven (inclusive) times an increasing power of eight
Decimal to Hexadecimal Conversion
- Converting a decimal number to a hexadecimal number is done by successively dividing
the decimal number by 16
- Answer consists of the remainders read bottom up

Hexadecimal to Decimal Conversion

- Each digit appearing to the left of the radix point represents a value between zero to 15
(inclusive) times an increasing power of sixteen
Module 6: Computing Components: Processors, Memory, the Cloud, and More

Objectives:
- Describe the various computer and mobile device cases and the contents they protect
- Describe multi-core processors, the components of a processor, and the four steps in a
machine cycle
- Identify characteristics of various personal computer processors on the market today,
and describe the ways processors are cooled
- Describe what is meant by the Internet of Things
- Explain the advantages and services of cloud computing
- Define a bit, and describe how a series of bits represents data
- Explain how program and application instructions transfer in and out of memory
- Differentiate the purpose of adapter cards and USB adapters
- Explain the function of a bus
- Explain the purpose of a power supply and batteries
- Describe how to care for computers and mobile devices

Inside the Case

Case
Def: It contains and protects the electronics of the computer or mobile device from damage

Motherboard
Def: The main circuit board of the computer

Computer chip
Def: A small piece of semiconducting material, usually silicon, on which integrated circuits
are etched

Processors

Processor / Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Def: Interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer

Multi-core processor
Def: A single chip with two or more separate processor cores
Processors contain a control unit and an arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
- Control Unit
Def: The component of the processor that directs and coordinates most of the
operations in the computer

- Arithmetic Logic Unit

Def: Performs arithmetic, comparison, and other operations

For every instruction, a processor repeats a set of four basic operations, which comprise a
machine cycle

The processor contains registers, that temporarily hold data and instructions

System clock
Def: It controls the timing of all computer operations
 - The pace of the system clock is called the clock speed, and is usually measured in
gigahertz (GHz)

The leading manufacturers of personal computer processor chips are Intel and AMD

A processor chip generates heat that could cause the chip to malfunction or fail
Requires additional cooling
- Heat sinks
- Liquid cooling technology
- Cooling pads

Cloud Computing
Home and business users choose cloud computing for a variety of reasons
- Accessibility
- Cost savings
- Space savings
- Scalability

Data Representation

Analog signals
Def: Continuous and vary in strength and quality

Digital signals
Def: In one of two states: on or off
- Most computers are digital
- The binary system uses two unique digits (0 and 1)
o Bit and bytes

Eight bits grouped together as a unit are called a byte. A byte represents a single character in
the computer or mobile device

Memory
Def: Consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed by the
processor, data needed by those instructions, and the results of processing the data
Stores three basic categories of items:
- The operating system and other programs
- Applications
- Data being processed and the resulting information

Each byte resides temporarily in a location in memory that has an address.

Memory size commonly is measured in gigabytes (GB)

Computers and mobile devices contain two types of memory:

- Volatile memory
o Loses its contents when power is turned off
o Ex: RAM
- Nonvolatile memory
o Does not lose contents when power is removed
o Ex: ROM, flash memory, CMOS

Two common types of RAM exist:

- Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
- Static RAM (SRAM)

RAM chips usually reside on a memory module and are inserted into memory slots

Memory cache
Def: It speeds the processes of the computer because it stores frequently used instructions
and data

Read-only memory
Def: Refers to memory chips storing permanent data and instructions
- Firmware

Flash memory
Def: Can be erased electronically and rewritten
- CMOS technology uses battery power to retain information when the power to the
computer is off

Access time
Def: The amount of time it takes the processor to read from memory
- Measured in nanoseconds

Adapters

Adapter card
Def: It enhances functions of a component of a desktop or server system unit and/or
provides connections to peripheral devices
- Sound card and video card

Expansion slot
Def: A socket on a desktop or server motherboard that can hold an adapter card

Plug and Play technology

Def: With this, the computer automatically can recognize peripheral devices as you install
them

USB adapter
Def: Enhances functions of a mobile computer and/or provides connections to peripheral
devices

Buses

Bus
Def: Allows the various devices both inside and attached to the system unit to communicate
with one another
- Data bus
- Address bus
Buses are used to transfer bits from input devices to memory, from memory to the processor,
from the processor to memory, and from memory to output or storage devices

Word size
Def: The number of bits the processor can interpret and execute at a given time

A computer might have three types of buses:

- System bus
- Backside bus
- Expansion bus

Power Supply and Batteries

Power supply / Laptop AC adapter

Def: Converts the wall outlet AC power into DC power
- Mobile computers and devices can run using either a power supply or batteries
- Batteries typically are rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

Summary
- Various components inside computers and mobile devices
- Types of processors, steps in a machine cycle, and processor colling methods
- Advantages and services of cloud computing
- How memory stores data and various types of memory
- Adapters, buses, power supplies and batteries
- Ways to care for computer and mobile devices
Module 7: Input and Output: Extending Capabilities of Computers and Mobile Devices

Objectives:
- Differentiate among various types of keyboards: standard, compact, on-screen, virtual,
ergonomic, gaming, and wireless
- Describe characteristics of various pointing devices: mouse, touchpad, and trackball
- Describe various uses of touch screens
- Describe various types of pen input: stylus, digital pen, and graphics tablet
- Describe various uses of motion input, voice, and video input
- Differentiate among various scanners and reading devices
- Explain the characteristics of various displays
- Summarize the various types of printers
- Identify the purpose and features of speakers, headphones and earbuds, data
projectors, interactive whiteboards, and force-feedback game controllers and tactile
output
- Identify various assistive technology input and output methods

What Is Input?

Input
Def: Any data and instructions entered into the memory of a computer

Commonly used input methods include:

- Keyboard
- Pointing devices
- Touch screens
- Pen input
- Motion input
- Voice input
- Video input
- Scanners and reading devices

Keyboards

Keyboard
Def: An input device that contains keys you press to enter data and instructions into a
computer or mobile device
Nearly all keyboards have:
- Typing area
- Function keys
- Toggle key
- Navigation keys
- Media control buttons
- Internet control buttons
- Other special keys

Ergonomic keyboard
Def: Has a design that reduces the chance of repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) of wrist and
hand; Incorporates comfort, efficiency, and safety in the design of the workplace

Pointing Devices

Pointer
Def: A small symbol on the screen whose location and shape change as a user moves a
pointing device

Mouse
Def: A pointing device that fits under the palm of your hand comfortably
- Optical mouse, laser mouse, and touch mouse

Touchpad
Def: A small, flat, rectangular pointing device that is sensitive to pressure and motion

Trackball
Def: A stationary pointing with a ball on its top or side

Touch screens
Def: A touch-sensitive display

Pen Input
Def: With this, you touch a stylus or digital pen on a flat surface to write, draw, or make
selections
Graphics tablet / Digitizer
Def: An electronic plastic board that detects and converts movements of a style or digital pen
into signals that are sent to the computer

Motion, Voice, and Video Output

Motion Input / Gesture Recognition

Def: Users can guide on-screen elements using air gestures

Voice Input
Def: The process of entering input by speaking into a microphone

Voice recognition / Speech Recognition

Def: The computer or mobile device’s capability of distinguishing spoken words

Audio Input
Def: The process of entering any sound into the computer such as speech, music, and sound
effects

Music Production Software

Def: Allows users to record, compose, mix, and edit music and sounds

Video Input
Def: The process of capturing fell-motion images and storing them on a computer or mobile
device’s storage medium

Webcam
Def: A type of DV camera that enable a user to:
- Capture video and still images
- Send email with video attachments
- Broadcast live images or video over the Internet
- Conduct videoconferences
- Make video calls
Videoconference
Def: A meeting between two or more geographically separated people

Scanner and Reading Devices

Scanner
Def: A light-sensing input device that reads printed text and graphics and then translates the
results into a form the computer can process
- A flatbed scanner works in a manner similar to a copy machine except it creates a file of
the document in memory instead of a copy

Optical reader
Def: A device that uses a light source to read characters, marks, and codes and then converts
them into digital data that a computer can process
- Optical character recognition (OCR)
- Optical mark recognition (OMR)

Bar code reader / Bar code scanner

Def: Uses laser beams to read bar codes

QR code
Def: Stores information in both a vertical and horizontal direction

RFID (radio frequency identification)

Def: Uses radio signals to communicate with a tag places in or attached to an object

RFID reader
Def: Reads information on the tag via radio waves

RFID can track

- Tracking times of runners in a marathon
- Tracking location of people and other items
- Checking lift tickets of skiers
- Gauging temperature and pressure of tires on a vehicle
- Checking out library books
 - Managing purchases
- Tracking payment as vehicles pass through booths on tollway systems

Magstripe readers
Def: They read the magnetic stripe on the back of cards such as:
- Credit cards
- Entertainment cards
- Bank cards
- Identification cards
- Other similar cards

MICR (magnetic ink character recognition)

Def: Read text printed with magnetizes ink
- MICR reader
Def: Converts MICR characters into a form the computer can process
- Bank industry uses MICR for check processing

Data collection device

Def: Obtains data directly at the location where the transaction or event takes place

What is Output?

Output
Def: Data that has been processed into a useful form
Four types of output:
- Text
- Graphics
- Audio
- Video

Displays
Def: Visually conveys text, graphics, and video information
Monitor
Def: A display that is packaged as a separate peripheral device
- LCD monitor

The quality of a display depends primarily on its:

- Resolution
- Response time
- Brightness
- Dot pitch
- Contrast ratio

Todays monitors use a digital signal to produce a picture

To display the highest quality images, the monitor should plug in a :

- DVI port
- HDMI port
- Display Port

Home users sometimes use a digital television (DTV) as a display

HDTV is the most advanced form of digital television

A Smart TV is an Internet-enabled HDTV

Printers
Def: An output device that produces text and graphics on a physical medium

Nonimpact printer
Def: Forms characters and graphics on a piece of paper without actually contacting the paper
- Ink-jet printers
- Photo printers
- Laser printers
- All-in-one printers
- 3-D printers
- Thermal printers
 - Mobile printers
- Label printers
- Plotters
- Large-format printers

Ink-jet printers
Def: Forms characters and graphics by spraying tiny drops of liquid ink onto a piece of paper
- Color or black-and-white
- Speed is measured by the number of pages per minute (ppm) it can print

Photo printer
Def: A color printer that produces that produces lab-quality photos
- Many use ink-jet technology

All-in-one printer / Multifunction printer

Def: A single device that prints, scans, copies, and in some cases, faxes

3-D printer
Def: Uses a process called additive manufacturing to create an object by adding material to a
three-dimensional object, one horizontal layer at a time

Thermal printer
Def: Generates images by pushing electrically heated pins against the heat-sensitive paper

Mobile printer
Def: A small, lightweight, battery-powered printer that allows a mobile user to print from a
mobile device

Label printer
Def: A small printer that prints on an adhesive-type material that can be place on a variety of
items

Plotters
Def: Used to produce high-quality drawings
Large-format printers
Def: Create photo-realistic quality color prints

Impact printers
Def: Form characters and graphics on a piece of paper by striking a mechanism against an
inked ribbon that physically contacts the paper

Other Output Devices

Speakers
Def: Many users attach this to their computers, game consoles, and mobile devices to
generate high-quality sounds

Headphones
Def: Speakers that cover or are placed outside of the ear

Earbuds / Earphones
Def: Rest inside the ear canal

Data projector
Def: A device that projects the text images displaying on a computer or mobile device screen
on a larger screen so that an audience can see the image clearly

Interactive whiteboard
Def: A touch-sensitive device, resembling a fry-erase board, that displays the image on a
connected computer screen

Joysticks, wheels, gamepads, and motion-sensing game controllers can be considered output
devices when they include force feedback
- Technology that sends resistance to the device in response to actions of the user

Assistive Technology Input and Output

- A camera/receiver mounted on the monitor tracks the position of the head-mounted
printer, which is the reflective material on the brim of the hat. As the user moves the
head, the pointer on the screen also moves
 - A Braille printer

Summary:
- Variety of options for input and output
- Several assistive technology options for input and output
Module 8: Digital Storage: Preserving Content Locally and on the Cloud