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Chapter 1 Summary
Chapter One was basically an overview of what we will learn about in further detail later in the course. We were informed of basic computer concepts, for example, we learned how a computer functions, a computers capabilities, why they are reliable and powerful, their components, and so on. We also discussed the idea of networking, the Web, and computer software. On a broad base, we learned all the different types of computers and how different users benefit and use different ones to meet their need. We are now better educated on the types of activities computers are used to do in society around us and how are economy depends on these machines. We will explore all of these conepts as we read further in to the next chapters.
Chapter 2 Summary
The focus of this chapter was the internet and World Wide Web. We discussed the history of the internet and the basics of how it works. We learned how to establish internet connections through access providers and about the different connection speeds. We discussed how data travels the Internet like a transportation system with several main transmission media moving the heavy loads of traffic over the internet; much like a freeway connects two cities. We also talked a lot about the World Wide Web including topics such as browsing, web addresses, navigation, web searches, e-commerce, and different types of websites. We explored the different types of multimedia on the web such as graphics, animation, audio/video, and virtual reality. And talked about all the things the internet has to offer a consumer, such as email, discussion boards, chat rooms, newsgroups, instant messaging, and more. Finally it introduced the idea of netiquette, which is the code of acceptable behavior users should follow while using the internet.
Chapter 3 Summary
This chapters primary focus was on application software. We discussed how software is distributed and what role it plays in the computer as a whole. We also talked about how to start and interact with application software. Finally we covered all the different types of software and their uses. They are listed as follows:
-Business Software:
*Word Processing, spreadsheet, database
-Graphics & Multimedia software:
*Computer-aided design,paint/image or video/audio editing
-Home/Personal/Education
*Integrated, financial, legal, desktop publishing, reference
-Communication
*Email, FTP, Web browser, message boards, chat rooms
In conclusion, learning aids and support tools for application software were presented.
Chapter 4 Summary
In this chapter, we learned about the system unit and its components, such as the motherboard and the processor. We explored the processor (central processing unit) and its functions, and compared widely used personal computer processors and their performances. Finally we talked about processor installation and upgrades. The next topic in the chapter was data representation and how a series of bits represents data. We talked about how programs transfer in and out of memory and then we explored the various types of memory. Then we discussed expansion slots and adapter cards and the different types of adapter cards, such as accelerator, game, interface, modem, etc. Ports and connectors was another topic in this chapter. We discussed all the different ports on the back of the computer and what they are used for. Finally we talked about buses and how they help transfer data to the different areas of the computer and we also talked about mobile computers and their similarities and differences to a regular desktop computer.
Chapter 5
This chapter was on input. Input is any data or instructions you enter into the memory of a computer. It discussed different techniques used for inputting data and offered all the different types of input devices, such as keyboards, voice input, digital cameras, and so on. It also discussed various input devices for handicapped users.
Chapter 6
This chapter discussed the topic of output. Output is information processed and organized by computers. It also presented some commonly used output devices such as printers, speakers, fax machines, and CRT monitors. This chapter also discussed some options for output devices for physically challenged users.
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 was on the topic of storage in a computer. Storage holds data, instructions, and information for future use. It gave examples of different types of storage devices and storage media such as floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, Zip drives, and external/internal hard disks. It also talked about the characteristics and functions of each of these devices and what they are commonly used for.
Chapter 8
This chapter was on operating systems and utility programs. An operating system is a set of programs containing instructions that coordinate all the activities among computer hardware resources. Then it discussed different types of utility programs used is some commonly found operating systems such as stand-alone, networks, and embedded operating systems. Finally it discussed a few stand-alone operating systems.
Chapter 9
This chapter discussed communications and networkshow computers communicate. It explained some commonly used terminology as well as different applications. Then it covered the topic of network and how they are used to be more efficient and effective by communicating and sharing resources such as hardware, software, data, and information. Then it explained examples of communication devices.
Chapter 10
Chapter 10 discussed database management. It started off by discussing why data and information is so important to organizations and how databases are used to help organize the data and information. It presented various methods and ways to maintain data. Then it talked about different types of databases and their uses to organizations.
Chapter 11
This chapter discussed computers and society, security, privacy, and ethics. It started out by presented some computer security risks and how businesses, schools, and individuals can help to prevent anything from happening by minimizing the risk involved. It explained Internet security risks and how safeguards can be used to prevent any disruption. It also discussed ethical issues surrounding information accuracy, intellectual property rights, codes of conduct, and information privacy.
Chapter 12
Chapter 12 focused on information system development. It discussed the phases of information system development as well as the guidelines. Then it presented some of the activities that take place in each one of these stages such as data collection, project management, and documentation. They used the example of Net Street Café to illustrate the different activities that were taking place and that were listed in the chapter.
Chapter 13
This chapter discussed programming languages and program development. It explained the different programming languages used to write and develop computer programs. Then it discussed different web development tools being used. Then it presented the program development cycle and explained each step and the tools needed to make the process efficient.
Chapter 14
Chapter 14 discussed enterprise computing. Enterprise computing involves the use of computer in networks. It presented the organizational structure of an enterprise and who needs to receive what information and why. Then it discussed various types of information systems and why they are used for different purposes. It then presented the topic of e-commerce and how it is being used to meet the demands of consumers. Then it talked about all the backup and security procedures an enterprise should take.
Chapter 15
Chapter 15 discussed computer careers and certification. It talked about the strong demand for computer and IT professionals and all the different types of careers available within IT. This chapter also focused on educational options for people wanting to purse careers in computers. Then it listed the various certifications that could be earned in order to start and achieve success in a new computer career.
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