Chapter 1

Introducing Today’s Technologies:

Computers, Devices, and the Web
Introduction
 Technology can enable you to more efficiently and effectively
access and search for information;
 Share personal ideas, photos, and videos with friends, family,
and others;
 Communicate with and meet other people; manage finances;
shop for goods and services;
 Play games or access other sources of entertainment; keep
your life and activities organized;
 Complete business activities.
 People who can accomplish these types of tasks using
 technology often are said to be tech savvy.
 Because technology changes, you must keep up with the
changes to remain digitally literate.
 Digital literacy involves having a current knowledge and
understanding of computers, mobile devices, the web, and
related technologies.
Computers
 A computer is an electronic device, operating under the
control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can
accept data (input), process the data according to specified
rules, produce information (output), and store the
information for future use.
 Computers contain many electric, 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 a particular task.
 A collection of related instructions organized for a common
purpose is referred to as software or a program.
 Using software, you can complete a variety of activities, such
as search for information, type a paper, balance a budget,
create a presentation, or play a game.
Types of Personal Computers
 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 and is intended to be used by one person at a time.
 Most personal computers today also can communicate with
other computers and devices.
 Types of personal computers include laptops, tablets, and
desktops, with the first two sometimes called mobile
computers.
 A mobile computer is a portable personal computer,
 designed so that a user can carry it from place to place.
 A user is anyone who interacts with a computer or mobile
device, or utilizes the information it generates.
Laptop
 A laptop, also called a notebook computer, is
a thin, lightweight mobile computer with a
screen and a keyboard in its base.
 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 both batteries

and power supply both.

Tablet
 Usually smaller than a laptop but larger than
a phone, a tablet is a thin, lighter-weight
mobile computer that has a touch screen.
 A popular style of tablet is the slate, which

does not contain a physical keyboard..

 Tablets run on batteries or a power supply or

both; however, batteries in a tablet typically

last longer than those in laptops.
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 (or simply display) that is separate from a tower,
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 (Figure 1).
 Some desktops and all-in-ones have displays that
support touch.
Figure -1
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.
 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.
 Larger corporate, government, and web applications use
powerful, expensive servers to support their daily
operations.
Figure-2

Figure 2: A server
provides services to
other computers or
devices on a network.
Mobile and Game Devices
 A mobile device is a computing device small
enough to hold in your hand.
 Because of their reduced size, the screens on

mobile devices are small

 Mobile devices are Internet capable, meaning that

they can connect to the Internet wirelessly.

 Popular types of mobile devices are smart-

phones, digital cameras, portable and digital

media players, e-book readers, and wearable
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 apps
(which are programs on the smart-phone).
 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.
 You also can listen to music, take photos, and record
videos.
 Some smart-phones have a keyboard that slides in and
out from behind the phone (Figure).
 Others have built-in mini keyboards or keypads that
contain both numbers and letters.
Figure
Smartphones
 Instead of calling someone’s phone to talk, you can send
messages to others.
 Four popular types of messages that you can send with
smart-phones include voice messages, text messages,
picture messages, and video messages.
 A voice mail message is a short audio recording sent to or
from a smart-phone or other mobile device.
 A text message is a short note, sent to or from a smart-
phone or other mobile device.
 A picture message is a photo or other image, sometimes
along with sound and text, sent to or from a smart-phone
or other mobile device.
 A video message is a short video clip, sent to or from a
smart-phone or other mobile device.
Digital Cameras

 A digital camera is a device that allows you to take photos

and store the photographed images digitally.
 Many mobile computers and devices, such as tablets and
smart-phones, include at least one integrated digital
camera.
 Digital cameras typically allow you to review, and
sometimes modify, images while they are in the camera.
 You also can transfer images from a digital camera to a
computer or device.
 Digital cameras also can record videos.
 Many digital cameras also have built-in GPS, giving them
the capability to record the exact location where a photo
was taken and store these details with the photo.
Portable and Digital Media Players
 A portable media player is a mobile device on which you can
store, organize, and play or view digital media (Figure).
 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.
 With most, you transfer the digital media from a computer
or the web, if the device is Internet capable, to the portable
media player.
 Portable media players usually require a set of ear-buds,
which are small speakers that rest inside each ear canal.
 Some portable media player models have a touch screen
and Others have a pad that you operate with a thumb or
finger, so that you can navigate through digital media,
adjust volume, and customize settings.
Figure
E-Book Readers
 An e-book reader (short for electronic book
reader), or e-reader, is a mobile device that is
used primarily for reading e-books (Figure).
 In addition to books, you typically can

purchase and read other forms of digital

media such as newspapers and magazines.
 Most e-book reader models have a touch

screen, and are Internet capable.

 These devices usually are smaller than tablets

but larger than smart-phones.

Figure
Wearable Devices
 A wearable device or wearable is a small, mobile computing
consumer device designed to be worn (Figure).
 Wearable devices include activity trackers, smart-watches,
and smart-glasses.
 Activity trackers monitor heart rate, measure pulse, count
steps, and track sleep patterns.
 In addition to keeping time, a smart-watch can communicate
with a smart-phone to make and answer phone calls, read
and send messages, access the web, play music, work with
apps, such as fitness trackers and GPS, and more.
 With smart-glasses, a user looks into an eyeglass-type device
to view information or take photos and videos that are
projected to a miniature screen.
Figure
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

so that they can view their game-play on the

television’s screen (Figure).
 The compact size of game consoles makes them easy

to use at home, in the car, in a hotel, or any location

that has an electrical outlet and a television screen.
 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
Figure

Game consoles often connect to a television;

handheld game devices contain a built-in 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.
 Information conveys meaning to users.
 Both business and home users can make well-
informed decisions because they have instant
access to information from anywhere in the world.
 For example, as shown in Figure, computers
process several data items to print information.
 Web
 The World Wide Web (or web, for short) is a global library of information
available to anyone connected to the Internet.
 The Internet is a worldwide collection of computer networks that connects

millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions,

and individuals.
 People around the world access the web to accomplish the following types

of online tasks:
 • Search for information
 • Conduct research
 • Communicate with and meet other people
 • Share information, photos, and videos with others
 • Access news, weather, and sports
 • Participate in online training
 • Shop for goods and services
 • Play games with others
 • Download or listen to music
 • Watch videos
 • Download or read books
 • Make reservations
 Web
 The web consists of a worldwide collection of electronic
documents.
 Each electronic document on the web is called a webpage,
which can contain text, graphics, audio, and video.
 A website is a collection of related webpages, which are stored
on a web server.
 A web server is a computer that delivers requested webpages
to your computer or mobile device.
 Web-pages often contain links.
 A link, short for hyperlink, is a built-in connection to other
documents, graphics, audio files, videos, webpages, or
websites.
 A browser is software that enables users with an Internet
connection to access and view webpages on a computer or
mobile device.
 Some widely used browsers include Internet Explorer, Firefox,
Safari, and Google Chrome.
 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 software that finds

websites, webpages, images, videos, news,

maps, and other information related to a
specific topic.
 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 registered users .
 Popular online social networks include

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

 Internet Communications
 The web is only one of the services on the
Internet.
 Other services on the Internet facilitate

communications among users, including the

following:
◦ Email allows you to send messages to and receive
messages and files from other users via a computer
network.
◦ With messaging services, you can have a real-time
typed conversation with another connected user.
◦ VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) enables users to
speak to other users over the Internet.
◦ With FTP (File Transfer Protocol), users can transfer
items to and from other computers on the Internet.
 Digital Security and Privacy
 People rely on computers to create, store,
and manage their information.
 To safeguard this information, it is important

that users protect their computers and

mobile devices.
 Users also should be aware of health risks

and environmental issues associated with

using computers and mobile devices.
 Viruses and Other Malware
 Malware, short for malicious software, is software that
acts without a user’s knowledge and deliberately alters the
computer’s or mobile device’s operations.
 Examples of malware include viruses, worms, trojan
horses, spyware, and adware.
 Each of these types of malware attacks your computer or
mobile device differently.
 Some are harmless pranks that temporarily freeze, play
sounds, or display messages on your computer or mobile
device.
 Others destroy or corrupt data, instructions, and
information stored on the infected computer or mobile
device.
 If you notice any unusual changes in the performance of
your computer or mobile device, it may be infected with
Malware.
 Privacy
 Nearly every life event is stored in a computer somewhere.
 In many instances, where personal and confidential records were

not protected properly, individuals have found their privacy

violated and identities stolen.
 Some techniques you can use to protect yourself from identity

theft include shredding financial documents before discarding

them, never tapping or clicking links in unsolicited email
messages etc.
 Adults, teens, and children around the world are using online

social networks to share their photos, videos, music, and other

personal information publicly.
 Some of these unsuspecting, innocent computer users have fallen

victim to crimes committed by dangerous strangers.

 Protect yourself and your dependents from these criminals by

being cautious in email messages and on websites.

 For example, do not share information that would allow others to

identify or locate you, and do not disclose identification numbers,

user names, passwords, or other personal security details.
Health Concerns
 Prolonged or improper computer and mobile device use can
lead to injuries or disorders of the hands, wrists, elbows,
eyes, neck, and back.
 Computer and mobile device users can protect themselves
from these health risks through proper workplace design,
good posture while at the computer, and appropriately
spaced work breaks.
 With the growing use of earbuds and headphones, some
users are experiencing hearing loss.
 Two behavioral health risks are technology addiction and
technology overload.
 Technology addiction occurs when someone becomes
obsessed with using technology.
 Individuals suffering from technology overload feel
distressed when deprived of computers and mobile devices.
Environmental Issues
 Manufacturing processes for computers and mobile devices
along with e-waste, or discarded computers and mobile
devices, are depleting natural resources and polluting the
environment.
 When computers and mobile devices are stored in
basements or other locations, disposed of in landfills, they
can release toxic materials and potentially dangerous levels
of lead, mercury.
 Green computing involves reducing the electricity consumed
and environmental waste generated when using a computer.
 Strategies that support green computing include using
energy efficient hardware and energy saving features,
regulating manufacturing processes, extending the life of
computers, and immediately donating or properly disposing
of replaced computers.
Programs and Apps
 Software, also called a program, 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.
 Two categories of software are system software and

application software (or applications).

 System software consists of the programs that control or

maintain the operations of the computer

 and its devices.
 Operating systems are a widely recognized example of

system software.
 Other types of system software, sometimes called tools,

enable you to perform maintenance-type tasks usually

related to managing devices, media, and programs used by
computers and mobile devices.
Operating Systems
 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 device and other
software.
 Many of today’s computers and mobile devices
use a version of Microsoft’s Windows, Apple’s
Mac OS, Apple’s iOS, or Google’s Android
 To use an application, your computer or mobile
device must be running an operating system.
Applications
 An application (or app for short) consists of
programs designed to make users more
productive and/or assist them with personal
tasks.
 Browsers, are an example of an application

that enables users with an Internet

connection to access and view web-pages.
 In the next slide, we identify the categories of

applications with samples of ones commonly

used in each category.
Categories of Applications
Category Sample Applications
Productivity Word Processing, Presentation, Schedule and
Contact Management, Personal Finance.
Graphics and Media Photo Editing, Video and Audio Editing, Media
Player.
Personal Interest Travel, Mapping, and Navigation, Educational,
Entertainment
Communications Browser, Email, VoIP, FTP.
Security Antivirus, Personal Firewall, Spyware, Adware, and
other Malware Removers.
File, System, and File Manager, Search, Screen Saver
Disk Management
Application
 Applications include programs stored on a computer, as well as
those on a mobile device or delivered to your device over the
Internet.
 A desktop app is an application stored on a computer.
 A web app is an application stored on a web server that you access
through a browser.
 A mobile app is an application you download from a mobile
device’s app store or other location on the Internet to a smart-
phone or other mobile device.
 Some applications are available as both a web app and a mobile
app.
 In this case, you typically can sync (or match) the data and activity
between the web app and the mobile app
Installing and Running Programs

 Installing a program is the process of setting

up the program to work with a computer or
mobile device.
 When you instruct a computer or mobile
device to run a program, the computer or
mobile device loads it, which means the
program’s instructions are copied from
storage to memory.
Installing and Running Programs
 Once in memory, the computer or mobile
device can carry out, or execute, the
instructions in the program so that you can
use it.
 The user interface controls how you 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 someone 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 include C++, Java, JavaScript, C#,
Communications and Networks
 Communications technologies are everywhere.
 Many require that you subscribe to an Internet
service provider. With others, an organization such
as a business or school provides communications
services to employees, students, or customers.
 Uses of Communications Technologies
Type Brief Description
Chat rooms Real-time typed conversation among two or more people on a
computers or mobile devices connected to a network
Email Transmission of messages and files via a computer network
FTP Permits users to transfer files to and from servers on the
Internet
GPS Navigation system that assists users with determining their
location and ascertaining directions
Instant messaging Real-time typed conversation with another connected user
where you also can exchange photos, videos, and other content
Internet Worldwide collection of networks that links millions of
businesses, government agencies, educational institutions,
and individuals
Videoconference Real-time meeting between two or more geographically
separated people who use a network to transmit audio
and video
Voice mail Allows users to leave a voice message for one or more people
Uses of Communications Technologies
VoIP Voice over Internet Protocol is a category of
hardware and software that enables people to
use the Internet as the transmission medium for
telephone calls by sending voice data in packets
Wireless Internet access points Enables users with computers and mobile
devices to connect to the Internet wirelessly
Wireless messaging services Send and receive wireless messages to and from
smartphones, mobile phones, handheld game
devices, and other mobile devices using text
messaging and picture/video messaging
 Wired and Wireless Communications
 Computer communications describes a process in
which two or more computers or devices transfer
(send and receive) data, instructions, and
information over transmission media via a
communications device(s).
 A communications device is hardware capable of
transferring items from computers and devices to
transmission media and vice versa. Examples of
communications devices are modems, wireless
access points, and routers.
 Wired communications often use some form of
telephone wiring, coaxial cable, or fiber-optic
cables to send communications signals.
 Wired and Wireless Communications
 Many users opt for wireless communications, which
sends signals through the air or space.
 Examples of wireless communications technologies
include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular radio, which are
discussed below:
◦ 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 computers 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.
◦ Cellular network providers use the categories 3G, 4G, and 5G to
denote cellular transmission speeds, with 5G being the fastest.
Network
 A network is a collection of computers and devices connected
together, often wirelessly, via Communications devices and
transmission media.
 Networks allow computers to share resources, such as
hardware, software, data, and information.
 In many networks, one or more computers act as a server.
 The server controls access to the resources on a network.
 The other computers on the network, each called a client,
request resources from the server.
 The major differences between the server and client computers
are that the server typically has more power, more storage
space, and expanded communications capabilities.
 Users are allowed to connect their computers wirelessly to the
network.
 Users often are required to sign in to, or log on, a network,
which means they enter a user name and password to access the
network and its resources.
IT improves our lives (Technology Uses)
 Education:
 Most equip labs and classrooms with laptops or
desktops.
 Registeration, Attendance and Marks posting online.
 Digital library
 Learning management system, which is software
that contains tools for class preparation,
distribution, and management.
 For example, through the course management
system, students access course materials, grades,
assessments, and a variety of collaboration tools.
 Distance learning.
IT improves our lives (Technology Uses)
 Government:
 People can access government websites to

view census data, file taxe returns, pay

parking tickets, report crimes, voting
information, 15, 1122 and other services,
renew vehicle registrations and driver’s
licenses.
 Employees of government agencies use

computers as part of their daily routine.

IT improves our lives (Technology Uses)
 Finance:
 Online banking
 Buying and selling of stocks and bonds online

◦ With online investing, the transaction fee for each

trade usually is much less than when trading
through a broker.
IT improves our lives (Technology Uses)
 Retail:
 The retail stores can check the customer

sales and track inventory.

 Additionally, you can purchase just about any

product or service on the web.

IT improves our lives (Technology Uses)
 Entertainment:
 You 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 individually or with others.
 Media can be downloaded and some websites also
supports live streaming.
IT improves our lives (Technology Uses)
 Health care:
 Hospitals use computers to maintain and access patient records.
 Online reports of tests conducted.
 Computers and mobile devices monitor patients’ vital signs in
hospital rooms.
 Computers and computerized devices assist doctors, nurses, and
technicians with medical tests.
 Doctors use the web and medical software to assist with
researching and diagnosing health conditions.
 Surgeons implant computerized devices, such as Pacemakers.
 Surgeons use computer-controlled devices to provide them with
greater precision during operations, such as for laser eye surgery
and robot-assisted heart surgery.
 Medical staff create labels for medicine, hospital ID bracelets, and
more, enabling staff to verify dosage and access patient records by
scanning the label.
IT improves our lives (Technology Uses)
 Travel:
 You may interact with a navigation system or GPS,
which uses satellite signals.
 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’s or object’s movement,
calculating speed, and finding points of interest.
 In preparing for a trip, you may need to reserve a
car, hotel, or flight.
 Uber, Careem and Bykea.
IT improves our lives (Technology Uses)
 Publishing:
 Many publishers of books, magazines, newspapers, music,
film, and video make their works available online.
 Organizations and individuals publish their thoughts and

ideas using a blog, podcast, or wiki.

 A blog is an informal website consisting of time-stamped

articles (posts) in a diary or journal format, usually listed in

reverse chronological order.
◦ Posts can contain text, photos, links, and more.
 Podcasts are a popular way to distribute audio or video on
the web.
 A podcast is recorded media that users can download or

stream to a computer or portable media player.

 Examples of podcasts include lectures, political messages.
 A wiki is a collaborative website that allows users to create,

add to, modify, or delete the content via their browser. Many
wikis are open to modification by the general public.
IT improves our lives (Technology Uses)
 Manufacturing:
 Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) refers to the use of
computers to assist with manufacturing processes, such
as fabrication and assembly.
 CAM is used by a variety of industries, including oil

drilling, power generation, food production, and

automobile manufacturing.
 Automobile plants, for example, have an entire line of

industrial robots that assemble a car.

 Special computers on the shop floor record actual labor,

material, machine, and computer time used to

manufacture a particular product.
 The computers process this data and automatically

update inventory, production, payroll, and accounting

records on the company’s network.