Computer and Internet Basics

Computers in your World Learning Objective 1: Define a personal computer and describe computer use in daily life.

What is Digital Revolution and how does it affect me? Digital revolution is an ongoing process of social, political and economic change brought about by digital technology. Compare DIGITAL REVOLUTION with the other REVOLUTIONS.

Digital Technology Digital Devices Computers Portable Media Players, Cameras, mobile phones Smartphones, table computers, global positioning systems (GPSs), DVD and CD players, ebook readers Digital voice recorders and video games.

Digital Electronics Cars Appliances Microwaves, dishwashers,refrigerators and washing machines use digital electronics. This revolution influences the tools you use to work, play, teach and govern when you use a computer.

What is a computer? A computer is an electronic device. Four Basic Functions of a computer: Accepts input Processes data Stores data Produces output as information

Why would I use a computer? Access information of the Web Create documents Calculate a budget Change digital photographs Create music Produce original graphics. Most likely you will use a computer to communicate with people through the Internet.

Do all computers look alike? No. Computers come is a variety of styles, models and sizes. The way a computer looks depends on how the computer system is set up and what it will be used for. Usually, people talk about personal computers. (PC) A computer system includes hardware, peripheral devices and software.

What is hardware? Refers to the electronic and mechanical parts of a computer. The system unit is a box that houses the most important parts of the computer system. Hardware not only refers to the internal parts of the computer but also to its external parts, which are called peripheral devices.

What is a peripheral device? Hardware that can be added to the computer system to expand what it can do. Printers, media players, digital cameras, USB drives, scanners and graphic tablets. Once your computer system is set up with hardware and peripheral devices, what is the next thing you need to run as a computer??

Software A computer program that tells the computer how to perform tasks. Word processing software, antivirus software, apps or Web applications. These terms refer to software that runs on your computer, smartphone or some other digital device.

How do I use a computer? First you must input data or information. Input data using an input device Keyboard Mouse Touch screen. The input device and the computer work together to change the information into a series of electronic signals the computer can understand.

Then what? Once the computer has the input, it processes the information and sends the processed information to an output device. Monitors Printers Speakers

What is digitization and why is it important in my daily life? Digitization is the process of converting text, numbers, sound, photos and video into data that can be processed by the computer. An advantage of digital images and sounds is that they can be easily stored, copied and shared. Digital cameras have replaced film cameras.

Is my Smartphone a computer? Yes, because a smartphone performs the four basic functions of a computer. Smartphones accept input-- the number you enter, processes the input – calls the number you enter, stores data – keeps numbers in your address book, outputs data – connects you to the phone you dialed. Other digital devices performs the four basic functions: mobile tablets, video game consoles and media players.

Digital Devices Many digital devices share other computer characteristics. Tablets feature small keyboards, some accept handwriting and some work with touch screen icons.

What is digital convergence? The trend to blend several technologies that have distinct functions into one single product. An early example: Multipurpose machine that worked as a scanner, fax, printer and telephone. Today's examples: Mobile phones, GPS, cameras...

Digital Convergence Apple iPhones and other Smartphones include: Voice communication, text messaging, email, Web access, removable storage, camera, radio, digital music player. Software options for games, financial management, personal organizer, GPS and maps.