Chapter #8 Types of Storage

Storage

• Storage holds data, instructions, and information for future use.
• A storage medium is the physical material on which a computer keeps data, instructions, and information.
• Capacity is the number of bytes a storage medium can hold.
• A storage device is the computer hardware that records and/or retrieves items to and from storage media.

1. Reading is the process or transferring items from a storage medium into memory.
2. Writing is the process of transferring items from memory to a storage medium.

• Access time measures : 

1. The amount of time it takes a storage device to locate an item on a storage medium.
2. The time required to deliver an item from memory to the processor.

Hard Disk

• A hard disk contains one or more inflexible, circular platters that use magnetic particles to store data, instructions, and information.
• Hard disks can store data using longitudinal recording or perpendicular recording.
• Characteristics of a hard disk include :

1. Capacity
2. Platters
3. Read/Write Heads
4. Cylinders
5. Sectors and Tracks 
6. Revolutions per Minutes
7. Transfer Rate
8. Access Time

• Formatting is the process of dividing the disk into tracks and sectors so that the operating system can store and locate data and information on the disk.
• The hard disk arms move the read/write head, which reads items and writes items in the drive - Location often is referred to by its cylinder.
• A head crash occurs when a read/write head touches the surface of a platter.
• Always keep a backup of your hard disk.
• RAID (redundant array of independent disks) is a group of two or more integrated hard disks.
• A network attached storage (NAS) device is a server connected to a network with the sole purpose of providing storage.
• An external hard dish is a separate free-standing hard disk that connects to your computer with a cable or wirelessly.
• A removable hard disk is a hard disk that you insert and remove from a drive.
• Internal and external hard disks are available in miniature sizes (miniature hard disks)
• A disk controller consists of a special-purpose chip and electronic circuits that control the transfer of data, instructions, and information from a disk to and from the system bus and other components of the computer.

1. SATA
2. EIDE
3. SCSI
4. SAS

Flash Memory Storage

• Flash memory chips are a type of solid state media and contain no moving parts.
• Solid state drives (SSDs) have several advantages over magnetic hard disks :

1. Faster access time
2. Faster transfer rates
3. Generate less heat and consume less power
4. Last longer

• A memory card is a removable flash memory device that you insert and remove from a slot in a computer, mobile device, or card reader/writer.

1. Compact Flash (CF)
2. Secure Digital (SD)
3. Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC)
4. microSD
5. microSDHC
6. xD Pictue Crd
7. Memory Stick
8. Memory Stick Micro (M2)

• USB flash drives plug into a USB port on a computer or mobile device.
• An Express Card module is a removable device that fits in an Express Card slot.
• Developed by the PCMCIA.
• Commonly used in notebook computer.

Cloud Storage

• Cloud storage in an Internet service that provides storage to computer users.
• Users subscribe to cloud storage for a variety of reasons :

1. Access files from any computer
2. Store large files instantaneously
3. Allow others to access their files
4. View time-critical data and images immediately
5. Store offsite backups
6. Provide data center functions

Optical Discs

• An optical disc consists of a flat, round, portable disc made of metal, plastic, and lacquer that is written and read by a laser.
• Typically store software, data, digital photos, movies, and music.
• Read only vs. re-writable.
• Optical discs commonly store items in a single track that spirals from the center of the disc to the edge.
• Track is divided into evenly sized sectors.
• Care of optical discs.
• A CD-ROM can be read from but not written to - Read from a CD-ROM drive or CD-ROM player.
• A CD-R is a multi-session optical disc on which users can write, but not erase.
• A CD-RW is and erasable multi-session disc - Must have a CD-RW drive.
• Archive disc :

1. Stores photos from an online photo center
2. Resolution usually is 7200 pixels per photo
3. Cost is determines by the number of photos being stored

• Picture CD :

1. Single-session CD-ROM that stores digital versions of film
2. Typically uses a 1024 x 1536 resolution
3. Many photo centers offer Picture CD services

• A DVD-ROM is a high-capacity optical disc on which users can read but not write or erase - Requires a DVD-ROM drive
• A Blu-ray Disc-ROM (BD-ROM) has a storage capacity of 100 GB
• DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD+RAM are high-caacity rewritable DVD formats

Other Types of Storage

• Tape 
• Magnetic stripe cards and smart cards
• Microfilm and microfiche
• Enterprise storage
• Tape is a magnetically coated ribbon of plastic capable of storing large amounts of data and information.
• A tape drive reads and writes data and information on a tape.
• A magnetic stripe card contains a magnetic stripe that stores information.
• A smart card stores data on a thin microprocessor embedded in the card.
• Microfilm and microfiche store microscopic image of documents on a roll or sheet film.
• Enterprise storage stores huge volumes of data and information for large businesses - Uses special hardware for heavy use, maximum availability, and maximum efficiency.

Putting It All Together

• Home user

1. 500 GB hard disk
2. Cloud storage
3. Optical reader/writer
4. USB flash drive

• Small office/Home Office user

1. 1 TB hard disk
2. Cloud storage
3. Optical disc drive
4. External hard disk for backup
5. USB flash drive

• Mobile

1. 250 GB hard disk
2. Cloud storage
3. Optical disc drive
4. Card reader/writer
5. Portable hard disk for backup
6. USB flash drive

• Power User

1. 2.5 TB hard disk
2. Cloud storage
3. Optical hard drive
4. Portable hard disk for backup
5. USB flash drive

• Enterprise User (desktop computer)

1. 1 TB hard disk
2. Optical disc drive
3. Smart card reader
4. Tape drive
5. USB flash drive

• Enterprise User (server or mainframe)

1. Network storage server
2. 40 TB hard disk system
3. Optical disc server
4. Microfilm or microfiche

Chapter #7 Understanding Output

What Is Output ?

• Output is data that has been processed into a useful form.
• An output device is any type of hardware component that conveys information to one or more people.

Display Devices

• A display device visually conveys text, graphics, and video information.
• A monitor is packaged as a separate peripheral.

1. LCD monitor
2. Widescreen

• Liquid crystal display (LCD) uses a liquid compound to present information on a display device.

1. Active-matrix display
2. Passive-matrix display

• The quality of an LCD monitor or LCD screen depends primarily on :

1. Resolution
2. Response time
3. Brightness
4. Dot pitch
5. Contrast ratio

• Resolution is the number of horizontal and vertical pixels in a display device - A higher resolution uses a grater number of pixels.
• The graphics processing unit (GPU) controls the manipulation and display of graphics and a display device.
• LCD monitors use a digital signal and should lug into a DVI port, an HDMI port, or a Display Port.
• Plasma monitors are display devices that use gas plasma technology and offer screen sizes up to 150 inches.
• Televisions also are a good output device - Require a converter if you are connecting your computer to an analog television.
• Digital television (DTV) offers a crisper, higher-quality output.
• HDTV is the most advanced form of digital television.
• A CRT monitor is a desktop monitor that contains a cathode-ray tube - Have a much larger footprint than do LCD monitors.

Printers

• A printer produces text and graphics on a physical medium :

1. Printed information is called a hard copy, or printout.
2. Landscape or portrait orientation.

• A nonimpact printer forms characters and graphics on a piece of paper without actually striking the paper.

1. Ink-jet printers
2. Photo printers
3. Laser printers
4. Thermal printers
5. Mobile printers
6. Label and postage printers
7. Plotters
8. Large-format printers

• An ink-jet printer forms characters and graphics by spraying tiny drops of liquid ink into a piece of paper :

1. Color or black-and-white
2. Printers with a higher dpi (dots per inch) produce a higher quality output

• A photo printer produces color photo-lab-quality pictures
• Most use ink-jet technology
• PictBridge allows you to print photos directly from a digital camera
• Print from a memory card and preview photos on a built-in LCD screen
• Laser printer

1. High-speed
2. Black-and-white
3. High-quality
4. Color

• A multi-function peripheral (MFP) is a single device that prints, scans, copies, and in some cases, faxes - sometimes called an all-in-one device
• A thermal printer generates images by pushing electrically heated pins against the heat-sensitive paper.

1. Thermal wax-transfer printer
2. Dye-sublimation printer

• A mobile printer is a small, lightweight, battery-powered printer that allows a mobile user to print from a notebook computer, smart phone, or other mobile device.
• A label printer is a small printer that prints on adhesive-type material.
• A postage printer prints postage stamps - Postage also can be printed on other types of printers.
• Plotters are used to produce high-quality drawings.
• Large-format printers create photo-realistic quality color prints on a larger scale.
• Impact printers form characters and graphics on a piece of paper by striking a mechanism against an inked ribbon that physically contacts the paper.

1. Dot-matrix printer
2. Line printer

• A dot-matrix printer produces printed images when tiny wire pins on a print head mechanism strike an inked ribbon.
• A line printer prints an entire line at a time.

Speakers, Headphones, and Earbuds

• An audio output device produces music, speech, or other sounds.
• Most computer users attach speakers to their computers to :

1. Generate higher-quality sounds for playing games
2. Interact with multimedia presentations
3. Listen to music
4. View movies

• Headphones are speakers that cover or are placed outside of the ear
• Earbuds (also called earphones) rest inside the ear canal.
• Some speakers are specifically designed to play audio from a portable media player - Wireless speakers
• Voice output occurs when you hear a person's voice or when the computer talks to you through the speakers.

1. Some Web sites dedicate themselves to providing voice output
2. Often works with voice input
3. VoIP uses voice output and voice input

Other Output Devices

• Other output devices are available for specific uses and application 

1. Data projectors
2. Interactive whiteboards
3. Force-feedback game controllers
4. Tactile output

• A data projector is a device that takes the text and images displaying on a computer screen and projects them on a larger screen.

1. LCD projector
2. Digital light processing (DLP) projector

• An interview whiteboard is a touch-sensitive device, resembling a dry-erase board, that displays the image on a connected computer screen.
• Force-feedback sends resistance to the device in response too actions of user.
• Tactile output provides the user with a physical response from the device.

Chapter #6 Understanding Input

What is Input ?

• Input is any data and instructions entered into the memory of a computer.
• Instructions can be entered into the computer in the form of programs, commands, and user responses.

1. A program is a series of related instructions that tells a computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them.
2. Program respond to commands that a user issues.
3. A user response is an instruction a user issues by replying to a question displayed by a program.

What Are Input Devices ?

• An input device is any hardware component that allows users to enter data and instructions into a computer.

The Keyboard

• A keyboard is an input device that contains keys users press to enter data and instructions into a computer.
• Most desktop computer keyboards have...

1. Between 101 and 105 keys
2. A numeric keypad on the right side of the keyboard
3. Function keys, CTRL keys, ALT keys, and arrow keys
4. WINDOWS key
5. APPLICATION key
6. Toggle keys

• Wired Keyboards : USE port
• Wireless Keyboards : Bluetooth / IrDA
• An ergonomic keyboard has a design that reduces the chance of wrist and hand injuries.
• Ergonomics incorporates comfort, efficiency, and safety into the design of the workplace.
• Keyboards on mobile devices typically are smaller and/or have fewer keys.
• Some phones have predictive text input, which saves time when entering text using the phone's keypad.

Pointing Devices

• A pointing device is an input device that allows a user to control a pointer on the screen.
• A pointer is a small symbol on the screen whose location and shape change as a user moves a pointing device.

Mouse

• A mouse is a pointing device that fits under the palm of your hand comfortably - Most widely used pointing device on desktop computers.
• A mouse can be wired or wireless.

Other Pointing Devices

- Trackball -

• A trackball is a stationary pointing device with a ball on its top or side.

- Touch-pad -

• A touchpad is a small, flat, rectangular pointing device that is sensitive to pressure and motion.

- Pointing Stick -

• A pointing stick is a pressure-sensitive pointing device shaped like a pencil eraser that is positioned between keys on an keyboard.

Touch Screens and Touch-Sensitive Pads

• A touch screen is a touch-sensitive display device.
• Microsoft surface
• Touch-sensitive pads

Pen Input

• With pen input, you touch a stylus or digital pen on a flat surface to write, draw, or make selections.

Game Controllers

• Video games and computer games use a game controller as the input device that directs movements and actions of on-screen objects.

1. Gamepads
2. Joysticks and Wheels
3. Light guns
4. Dance pads
5. Motion-sensing controllers

Digital Cameras

• A digital camera is a mobile device that allows users to take pictures and store them digitally.

1. Studio cameras
2. Field cameras
3. Point-and-shoot camera

• Two factors affect the quality of digital camera photos :

Resolution :

1. Resolution is the number of horizontal and vertical pixels in a display device.
2. A pixel is the smallest element in an electronic display.

Number of bits stored in each pixel :

1. Each pixel consists of one or more bits of data.
2. The more bits used to represent a pixel, the more colors and shades of gray that can be represented.

Voice Input

• Voice input is the process of entering input by speaking into a microphone.
• Voice recognition is the computer's capability of distinguishing spoken words.
• Audio input is the process of entering any sound into the computer.

1. Speech
2. music
3. Sound Effects

• Music production software allows users to record, compose, mix, and edit music and sounds.

Video Input

• Video input is the process of capturing full-motion images and storing them on a computer's storage medium.

1. Record video on a digital video (DV) camera or use a video capture card to convert analog signals to digital.
2. Connect the camera to a port on the system unit.
3. Transfer video and images.

• A Web cam is a type of digital video camera that enables a user to :

1. Capture video and still images
2. Send e-mail messages with video attachments
3. Add live images to instant messages
4. Broadcast live images over the Internet
5. Make video telephone calls

• A video conference is a meeting between two or more grographically separated people.

Scanners and Reading Devices

• Flatbed
• Pen or Handheld
• Sheet-fed
• Drum
• Optical character recognition (OCR) involves reading characters from ordinary documents.
• A turnaround document is a document you return to the company that creates and sends it.
• Optical mark recognition (OMR) reads hand-drawn marks such as small circles or rectangles.
• An OMR device scans the documents and matches the patterns of light.
• A bar code reader, also called a bar code scanner uses laser beams to read bar codes.
• RFID (radio frequency identification) uses radio signals to communicate with a tag laced in or attached to an object.
• An RFID reader reads information on the tag via radio waves.
• RFID can track :

1. Tracking times of runners in a marathon
2. Tracking location of soldiers
3. Employee wardrobes
4. Airline baggage
5. Checking lift tickets of skiers
6. Managing inventory
7. Gauging pressure and temperature of tires
8. Checking out library books
9. Tracking toll payments

• Magnetic stripe card readers read the magnetic stripe on the back of cards such as :

1. Credits cards
2. Entertainment cards
3. Bank cards
4. Other similar cards

• MICR (magnetic ink character recognition) devices read text printed with magnetized ink.
• An MICR reader converts MICR characters into a form the computer can process.
• Banking industry uses MICR for check processing.
• Data collection devices obtain data directly at the location where the transaction or event takes place.
• Used in :

1. Restaurants
2. Grocery stores
3. Factories
4. Warehouses
5. The outdoors

Biometric Inut

• Biometrics a authenticates a person's identity by verifying a personal characteristic :

1. Fingerprint reader
2. Face recognition system
3. Hand geometry system
4. Voice verification system
5. Signature verification system
6. Iris recognition system
7. Retinal scanners

Terminals

• A terminal is a computer that allows users to send data to and/or receive information from a host computer.

1. A POS terminal records purchases, processes payment, and updates inventory.
2. An automated teller machine (ATM) allows users to access their bank accounts.
3. A DVD kiosk is a self-service DVD rental machine.

Input Devices for Physically Challenged Users

• Several input devices are available to assist physically challenger users:

1. Keygaurd
2. Keyboards with larger keys
3. On-screen keyboard
4. Various pointing devices
5. Head-mouted pointer
6. Gesture recognition
7. Computerized implant devices
8. Keyboard with larger keys
9. Head-mounted pointer
10. 
    

Chapter #5 Type of Utility Programs and Operating System

Objective Overview

• Define system software and identify the two types of system software.
• Describe the functions of an operating system.
• Summarize the startup process on a personal computer.
• Summarize the features of several stand-alone operating systems.
• Briefly describe various server operating systems.
• Summarize the features of several embedded operating systems.
• Explain the purpose of several utility programs.

System software

• System software consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices.

1. Operating systems
2. Utility Programs

Operating System

• An operating system (OS) is a set programs containing instructions that work together to coordinate all the activities among computer hardware resources.

1. Start and shut down a computer
2. Provide a user interface
3. Manage programs
4. Manage memory
5. Coordinate tasks 
6. Configure devices
7. Establish an Internet connection
8. Monitor performance
9. Provide utilities
10. Automatically update
11. Control a network 
12. Administer security

Operating System Functions

• The process of starting or restarting a computer is called booting.

1. Cold boot - Turning on a computer that has been powered off completely.
2. Warm boot - Using the operating system to restart a computer.

• A boot drive is the drive from which your computer starts :

1. You can boot from a boot disk.
2. A recovery disk contains a few system files that will start the computer.

• An operating system includes various shut down options :

1. Sleep mode saves any open documents and programs to RAM, turns off all unneeded functions, and then places the computer in a low-power state.
2. Hibernate saves any open documents and programs to a hard disk before removing power from the computer.

• A user interface controls how you enter data and instructions and how information is displayed on the screen.
• With a graphical user interface (GUI), you interact with menus and visual images.
• With a command-line interface a user uses the keyboard to enter data and instructions.
• How an operating system handles programs directly affects your productivity :

1. Single user and multiuser
2. Single tasking and multitasking
3. Foreground and background
4. Preemptive multitasking
5. Multiprocessing

• Memory management optimize the use of RAM.
• Virtual memory is a portion of a storage medium functioning as additional RAM.
• The operating system determines the order in which tasks are processed.
• A driver is a small program that tells the operating system how to communicate with a specific device,
• Plug and Play automatically configures new devices as you install them.
• Operating systems typically provide a means to establish Internet connections.
• A performance monitor is a program that assesses and report information about various computer resources and devices.
• Operating systems often provide users with the capability of :

1. Managing files
2. Searching for files
3. Viewing images
4. Securing a computer
5. Uninstalling programs
6. Cleaning up disks
7. Defragmenting disks
8. Diagnosing problems
9. Backing up files and disks
10. Setting up screen savers

• Automatic update automatically provides updates to the program.
• Some operating systems are designed to work with a server on a network.
• A server operating system organizes and coordinates how multiple users access and share resources on a network.
• A network administrator uses the server operating system to :

1. Add and remove users, computers, and other devices.
2. Install software and administer network security.

• Each user has a user account

1. A user name, or user ID, identifies a specific user.
2. A password is a private combination of characters associated with the user name.

Stand-Alone Operating Systems

• A stand-alone operating system is a complete operating system that works on a desktop computer, notebook computer, or mobile computing device:

1. Wiondows 7
2. Mac OS X
3. UNIX
4. Linux

• Windows 7 is Microsoft's fastest, most efficient operating system to date and is available in multiple editions : 

1. Windows 7 Starter
2. Windows 7 Home Premium
3. Windows 7 Ultimate
4. Windows 7 Professional

• Windows 7 provides programs such as :

1. Windows Firewall
2. Windows DVD Maker
3. Windows Media Player
4. Desktop Gadget Gallery

• The Macintosh operating system has set the standard for operating system ease of use .
• Latest version is Max OS X.
• UNIX is a multitasking operating system developed in the early 1970s.
• Linus is an open-source popular, multitasking UNIX-type operating system.

Server Operating Systems :

1. Windows Server 2008
2. UNIX
3. Linux
4. Solaris NetWare

•  Windows Server 2008 is an upgrade to Windows Server 2003

1. Part of the Windows Server 2008 family
2. Multiple editions

• Most editions include Hyper-V, a virtualization technology

1. Virtualization is the practice of sharing or pooling computing resources.

Embedded Operating Systems

• An embedded operating system resides on a ROM chip on a mobile device or consumer electronic device. 

1. Windows Embedded CE
2. Windows Phone 7
3. Palm OS
4. iPhone OS
5. BlackBerry
6. Google Android
7. Embedded Linux
8. Symbian OS

Utility Programs

• A utility program is a type of system software that allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks.
• A file manager is a utility that performs functions related to file management.

1. Displaying a list of files
2. Organizing files in folders
3. Copying, renaming, deleting, moving, and sorting files and folders
4. Creating shortcuts

• A search utility is a program that attempts to locate a file on your computer bases on criteria you specify.
• An image viewer allows users to display, copy, and print the contents of a graphics file.
• An uninstaller removes a program, as well as any associated entries in the system files.
• A disk cleanup utility searches for and removes unnecessary files.

1. Download program files
2. Temporary Internet file
3. Deleted files
4. Unused program files

• A disk defragmenter 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.
• A backup utility allows users to copy files to another storage medium.
• A restore utility reverses the process and returns backed up files to their original form.
• A screen saver causes a display device's screen to show a moving image or blank screen if no activity occurs for a specified time.
• A personal firewall detects and protects a personal computer from unauthorized intrusions.
• A virus describes a potentially damaging computer program that affects a computer negatively.
• A worm copies itself repeatedly in memory or over a network.
• A Trojan horse hides within or looks like a legitimate program.
• An antivirus program protects a computer against viruses.
• Spyware is a program places on a computer without the user's knowledge that secretly collects information about the user. : A spyware remover detects and deletes spyware and other programs.
• Adware displays an online advertisement in a banner or pop-up window. : An adware remover is a program that detects and deletes adware.
• Filters are programs that remove or block certain items from being displayed.

1. Web filtering software
2. Anti-spam programs
3. Phishing filters
4. Pop-up blockers

• A file compression utility shrinks the size of a file(s)

1. Compressing files frees up room on the storage media
2. Two type of compression : Lossy / Lossless

• Compressed files sometimes are called zipped files

1. Can be uncompressed

• A media player allows you to view images and animation, listen to audio, and watch video files on your computer.
• Disc burning software writes text, graphics, audio, and video files on a record-able or re-writable optical disc.
• A personal computer maintenance utility identifies and fixes operating system problems, detects and repairs disk problems, and includes the capability of improving a computer's performance.

Computer Application #4 System Unit Components

The System Unit

• The system unit is a case that contains electronic components of the computer used to process data.
• The inside of the system unit on a desktop personal computer includes :

1. Drive bay(s)
2. Power supply
3. Sound card
4. Video card
5. Processor
6. Memory

• The motherboard is the main circuit board of the system unit.

Processor

• The processor, also called the central processing unit (CPU), interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer.
• The control unit is the component of the processor that directs and coordinates most of the operations in the computer.
• The arithmetic logic unit (ALU) performs arithmetic, comparison, and other operations.
• For every instruction, a processor repeats a set of four basic operations, which comprise a machine cycle.
• Most current personal computers support pipelining - processor begins fetching a second instruction before it completes the machine cycle for the machine cycle for the first instruction.
• The processor contains registers, that temporarily hold data and instructions.
• The system clock controls the timing of all computer operations.
• The space of the system clock is called the clock speed, and is measures in gigahertz (GHz)
• The leading manufactures of personal computer processor chips are Intel and AMD.
• Determine how you plan to use a new computer before selecting a processor.
• A processor chip generates heat that could cause the chip to burn u.
• Require additional cooling

1. Heat sinks
2. Liquid cooling technology

• Parallel processing uses multiple processors simultaneously to execute a single program or task - Massively parallel processing involves hundreds or thousands of processors.

Data Representation

• Analog signals are continuous and vary in strength and quality.
• Digital signals are in one of two states : on or off.
• Most computers are digital. 
• The binary system uses two unique digits ( 0 and 1 )
• Bits and bytes.
• ASCII ( American Standard Code for Information Interchange ) is the most widely used coding scheme to represent data.

Memory

• Memory 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 :

1. The operating system and other system software.
2. Application programs.
3. Data being processed and the resulting information.

• Each location in memory has an address.
• Memory size is measured in kilobytes (KB or K), megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB), or terabytes (TB).
• The system unit contains two types of memory :

1. Volatile memory : Loses its contents when power is turned off . / Example includes RAM
2. Nonvolatile memory : Does not lose contents when power is removed. / Examples include ROM, flash memory, and CMOS.

• Three basic types of RAM chips exist :

1. Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
2. Static RAMM (SRAM)
3. Magnetosphere RAM (MRAM)

• RAM chips usually reside on a memory module and are inserted into memory slots.
• The amount of RAM necessary in a computer often depends on the types of software you plan to use.
• Memory cache speeds the processes of the computer because it stores frequently used instructions and data.
• Read-only memory (ROM) refers to memory chips storing permanent data and instructions.
• A PROM (programmable read-only memory) chip is a black ROM chip that can be written to permanently. 
• Flash memory can be erased electronically and rewritten - CMOS technology provides high speeds and consumes little power.
• Access time is the amount f time it takes the processor to read from memory - Measured in nanoseconds.

Expansion Slots and Adapter Cards 

• An expansion slot is a socket on to motherboard that can hold an adapter card.
• An adapter card enhances functions of a component of the system unit and/ or provides connections to peripherals. - Sound card and video card
• With Plug and Play, the computer automatically can configure adapter cards and peripherals as you install them.
• Removal flash memory includes : - Memory cards, USB flash drives, and PC Cards/Express Cared modules

Ports and Connectors

• A port is the point at which a peripheral attaches to or communicates with a system unit (sometimes referred to as a jack).
• A connector joins a cable to a port.
• On a notebook computer, the ports are on the back, front, and/or sides.
• A USB port can connect up to 127 different peripherals together with a single connector - You can attach multiple peripherals using a single USB port with a USB hub.
• Other types of port include :

1. Fire-wire port
2. Bluetooth port
3. SCSI port
4. eSATA port
5. IrDA port
6. Serial port
7. MIDI port

• A Bluetooth wireless port adapter converts a USB port into a Bluetooth port.
• A smart phone might communicate with a notebook computer using an IrDA port.
• A port replicator is an external device that provides connections to peripherals through ports built into the device.
• A docking station is an external device that attaches to a mobile computer or device.

Buses

• A bus allows the various devices both inside and attached to the system unit to communicate with each other :

1. Data bus
2. Address bus

• World size is the number of bits the processor can interpret and execute at a given time.
• Expansion slots connect to expansion buses.
• Common type of expansion buses include :

1. PCI bus
2. PCI Express bus
3. Accelerated Graphics Ports
4. USB and FireWire bus 
5. PC Card bus

Bays

• A bay is an opening inside the system unit in which you can install additional equipment. - A drive bay typically holds disk drives

Power Supply

• The power supply converts the wall outlet AC power into DC power.
• Some external peripherals have an AC adapter, which is an external power supply.

Keeping Your Computer or Mobile Device  Clean

• Clean our computer or mobile device once or twice a year.
• Turn off and unplug your computer or mobile device before cleaning it.
• Use compressed air to blow away dust.
• Use an anti static wipe to clean the exterior of the case and a cleaning solution and soft cloth to clean the screen.

Computer Application #3 Software For System

Application Software

• Application software consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist with personal tasks:

1. To make business activities more efficient.
2. To assist with graphics and multimedia projects.
3. To support home, personal, and educational tasks.
4. To facilitate communications.

• Available in a variety of forms : 

1. Package software.
2. Custom software.
3. Web application.
4. Open source software.
5. Shareware.
6. Freeware.
7. Public-domain software.

• System software serves as the interface between the user, the application software, and the computer's hardware such as Utility programs.

Business Software

• Business software is application software that assists people while performing business activities such as :

1. Word Processing.
2. Spreadsheet.
3. Database.
4. Presentation.
5. Note taking,
6. Personal Information Manager.
7. Business Software for Phones.
8. Business Software Suites.
9. Project Management.
10. Accounting.
11. Document Management.
12. Enterprise Computer Software.

• Word processing software allows users to create and manipulate documents.
• Developing a document.

CREATE A DOCUMENT

1. Enter text and numbers.
2. Insert images
3. Perform other tasks.

EDIT A DOCUMENT

1. Make changes to existing content.
2. Inserting, deleting, cutting, copying, and pasting.

FORMAT A DOCUMENT

1. Change appearance.
2. Font.
3. Font size.

• Spreadsheet software allows users to organize data in rows and columns and perform calculations.
• Charting depicts data in a spreadsheet in graphical form.
• A database is a collection of data organized in a manner that allows access, retrieval, and use of the data such as Database software allows users to create, access, and manage a database. 
• Presentation software allows users to create visual aids for presentations to communicate ideas, messages, and other information to a group.
• Note taking software is application software that enables users to enter types text, handwritten comments, drawings, or sketches anywhere on a page.
• A software suite is a collection of individual programs available together as a unit.
• A personal information manager (PIM) is application software that includes :

1. Appointment calendar.
2. Address book.
3. Notepad.

• Scaled down versions of software are available to work with smart phones and other mobile devices.
• Project management software allows a user to plan, schedule, track, and analyze the events, resources, and costs of a project.
• Accounting software helps companies record and report their financial transactions.
• Document management software provides a means for sharing, distributing, and searching through documents by converting them into a format that can be viewed by any user.
• Enterprise typically require special computing solutions for various functional units such as :

1. Human resources
2. Accounting
3. Engineering
4. Manufacturing
5. Marketing
6. Sales
7. Distribution
8. Customer service
9. Information technology

Graphics and Multimedia Software

1. Computer-aided design (CAD) software
2. Desktop publishing software
3. Paint/ Image editing software
4. Professional photo editing software
5. Video and audio editing software
6. Multimedia authoring software

• Web page authoring software helps users of all skill levels create Web pages that include multimedia and interactive content.
• Software for Home, Personal, and Educational use :

1. Personal finance software
2. Legal software
3. Tax preparation software
4. Personal DTP software
5. Personal paint/ image editing software
6. Personal photo editing software
7. Clip art/ image gallery
8. Video and audio editing software
9. Home design/ landscaping software
10. Travel and mapping software
11. Reference software
12. Educational software
13. Entertainment software

Web Applications

• A Web application is a Web site that allows users to access and interact with software from any computer or device that is connected to the internet.
• Application Software for Communications

1. Web Browser
2. E-Mail
3. Instant Massaging
4. Chat Room
5. Text, Picture, Video Messaging
6. RSS Aggregator
7. Blogging
8. Newsgroup/ Message Board
9. FTP
10. VolP
11. Video Confetencing

Learning Tools for Application Software

• Online Help is the electronic equivalent of a user manual.
• You can ask a question or access the Help topics in subject or alphabetical order.
• Web-based Help provides updates and more comprehensive resources to respond to technical issues about software.
• Web-based training is a type of CBT that uses Internet technology and consists of application software on the Web.
• Distance Leaning (DL) is the delivery of education at one location while the learning takes place at other locations.

Computer Application #2 Fundamentals Of The World Wide Web And Internet

The Internet

• The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks that links millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals.

Evolution of the Internet

• The Internet originated as ARPANET in September 1969 and  had two main goals:

1. Allow scientists at different physical locations to share information and work together.
2. Function even if part of the network were disabled or destroyed by a disaster.

1969 - ARPANET becomes functional.

1984 - ARPANET has more than 1000 individual computers linked as hosts.

1986 - NSF connects to ARPANET and becomes known as the internet.

1995 - NSFNet terminates its network on the internet and resumes status as research network.

1996 - Internet2 was founded.

Today - More than 550 million hosts connect to the internet.

• Each organization is responsible only for maintaining its own network.
• Inetrnet2 connects more than 220 universities and 115 companies via a high-speed private network.
• Many home and small business users connect to the internet via high-speed broadband Internet service.
• An access provider is business that provides individuals and organization access to the internet free or a fee.
• An IP address is a number that uniquely identifies each computer or device connected to the internet.
• A domain name is the text version of an IP address or known as top-level domain (TDL).
• A DNS server translates the domain name into its associated IP address.

 The World Wide Web

• The World Wide Web. or Web, consists of a worldwide collection of electronic documents(Web Pages)
• A Web site is a collection of related Web pages and associated items.
• A Web server is a computer that delivers requested Web pages to your computer.
• Web 2.0 refers to Web sites that provide a means for users to interact. 
• A Web browser, or browsers allows users to access Web pages and Web 2.0 programs such as:

1. Internet Explorer
2. Firefox
3. Opera
4. Safari
5. Google Chrome

• A home page is the first page that a Web site displays.
• Web pages provides link to other related Web pages.
• Downloading is the process of receiving information.
• Each Web page has a unique address called a URL or Web Address.
• Tabbed browsing allows you to open and view multiple Web pages in a single Web browser window 
• There are two types of search tools that are search engines and subject directories.

1. Search Engine - Finds information related to a specific topic.
2. Subject Directory - Classified Web pages in an organized set of categories.

• A search engine is helpful in locating items such as : 

1. Images
2. Videos
3. Audio
4. Publications
5. Maps
6. People or Businesses
7. Blogs

• Some Web browsers contain an Instant Search box to eliminate the steps os displaying the search engine's Web page prior to entering the search text.
• There are 13 types of Web site : 

1. Portal
2. News 
3. Informational
4. Business/Marketing
5. Blog
6. Wiki
7. Online Social Network
8. Educational
9. Entertainment
10. Advocacy
11. Web Application
12. Content Aggregator
13. Personal

• Multimedia refers to any application that combines text with : 

1. Graphics
2. Animation
3. Audio
4. Video
5. Virtual Reality

• A graphic is a digital representation of non-text information.
• Graphic formats include BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG, and TIFF.
• A thumbnail is a small version of a larger graphic.
• Animation is the appearance of motion created by displaying a series of still images in sequence.
• Audio includes music, speech, or any other sound.
• You listen to audio on your computer using a  player.
• Streaming is the process of transferring data in a continuous and even flow.
• Video consists of images displayed in motion.
• Virtual Reality (VR) is the use of computers to simulate a real or imagined environment that appears as a three-dimensional space.
• A plug-in is a program that extends the capability of a Web browser.
• Web publishing is the development and maintain of Web pages.

E - Commerce

• E-commerce is a business transaction that occurs over an electronic network.

Other Internet Services

• E-mail is the transmission of messages and files via a computer network.
• An e-mail program allows you to create send, receive, forward, store, print, and delete, e-mail messages.
• A mailing list is a group of e-mail names and address given a single name.
• Instant messaging(IM) is a real-time Internet communications service.
• A chat is a real-time typed conversation that takes place on a computer.
• A chat room is a location on an internet server that permits users to chat with each other.
• VoIP(Voice over IP) enables users to speak to other users over the Internet.
• A newsgroup is an online are which users have written discussions about a particular subject.
• A message board is a Web-based type of discussion group.
• FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is an Internet standard that permits file uploading and downloading with other computers on the internet.
• Many operating systems include FTP capabilities.
• An FTP server is a computer that allows users to upload and/or download files using FTP.

Netiquette

• Netiquette is the code of acceptable Internet behavior

Computer Application #1 Basic Introduction To Computers

Computer Application (Chapter 1)

WHAT IS A COMPUTER ?

• A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instruction stored in its own memory

THE COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER

• A computer contains many electric, electronic, and mechanical components known as hardware :

1. Input Device - Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer.
2. Output Device - Hardware component that conveys information to one or more people.
3. System Unit - Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to process data.
4. Storage Device - Records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media.
5. Communication Device - Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one more computers or mobile devices.

• ADVANTAGES OF USING COMPUTERS 

1. Speed 
2. Reliability 
3. Consistency 
4. Storage 
5. Communications 

• DISADVANTAGES OF USING COMPUTERS

1. Health Risks 
2. Violation of Privacy 
3. Public Safety 
4. Impact on Labor Force 
5. Impact on Environment 

• Green computing involves reducing the electricity consumed and environmental waste generated when using a computer
• Strategies include:
  –Recycling
  –Regulating manufacturing processes
  –Extending the life of computers
  –Immediately donating or properly disposing of replaced computers
• NETWORK AND THE INTERNET

1. A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together, often wirelessly, via communications devices and transmission media.
2. The internet is a worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals.
3. People use the internet for a variety of reasons such as communicating, research and access information, shopping online, bank and invest, online trading, entertainment, downloading videos, share information, and web application.
4. A social networking Web site encourages members to share their interests, ideas, stories, photos, music, and videos with other registered users.

• COMPUTER SOFTWARE 

1. Software, also called a program, tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them.
2. Installing is the process of setting up software to work with the computer, printer, and other hardware.
3. A programmer develops software or writes the instructions that direct the computer to process data into information. 

• CATEGORIES OF COMPUTERS

1. Personal computers
2. Mobile computers and mobile devices
3. Game consoles
4. Servers
5. Mainframes
6. Supercomputers
7. Embedded computers

• PERSONAL COMPUTERS

1. A personal computer can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself.
2. Two popular architectures are the PC and the Apple.

• MOBILE COMPUTERS AND MOBILE DEVICES 

1. Mobile computer - Personal computer you can carry from place to place. For example, notebook computers, laptop computers, netbooks, ultra-thins,and Tablet PCs.
2. Mobile device - Computing device small enough to hold in your hand. For example, smart phones and PDAs, e-book readers, handheld computers, portablemedia players, and digital cameras.

• GAME CONSOLES

1. A game console is a mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiplayer video games. 

• SERVER

1. A server controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources on a network.
2. Provides a centralized storage area for programs, data, and information.

• MAINFRAMES

1. A mainframe is a large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously. 

• SUPERCOMPUTERS

1. A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful computer and capable of processing more than one quadrillion instructions in a single second.

• EMBEDDED COMPUTERS

1. An embedded computer is a special-purpose computer that functions as a component inn a larger product such as consumer electronics, home automation devices, automobiles, process controller and robotics, and computer devices.

• ELEMENTS OF AN INFORMATION SYSTEM

1. Hardware 
2. Software
3. Data
4. People
5. Procedures

• COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN SOCIETY 

1. Education
2. Finance
3. Government
4. Health Care 
5. Science 
6. Publishing 
7. Travel
8. Manufacturing