Chapter 01: Why study computers and digital technologies?

1Networked economy changed the way we do business by: a. Leveling the playing field that minimizes the competition gap between large and small companies. b. Reversing the way of communications: Consumers converge to websites of companies instead of companies diverging to consumers. c. Speed made time scarce much more than capital: Investors are willing to buy stock of successful companies that are optimizing the use of time in the global unlimited market. 2Computer & digital technology a. A computer is a digital electronics device that combines hardware and software to accept the input of data, process and store the data, produce some useful output and be able to communicate with other computers. b. Digital electronics devices store and process bits electronically c. A bit, or binary digit, represents data using technologies that can be set to one of two states d. Each state is assigned a 1 or a 0, the only two possible values for binary digits e. Digital devices are able to represent, process, transfer, and store data and information as 1s and 0s 3Digital Technology a. Byte: Group of eight bits that can represent 2^8=256 characters. b. File: Named collection of instructions or data and stored on a storage medium. c. Data: Raw items stored on a digital electronics device that serve as ingredients used by the computer to produce information. d. Information: When raw data bits and bytes are processed to a format or finished product that is useful to people: Statistics, graphs, search results, music, photos, etc e. A microprocessor combines microscopic electronic components on a single integrated circuit that processes bits according to software instructions of a program sometimes called a chip or a processor f. It is the heart of all digital electronic devices 4Computer Functions a. Hardware: Comprises all tangible components of a computer system or digital device b. Software: Comprises programs made of electronic instructions that govern the computer systems functioning. There are 2 different categories of software: c. System software that tell the computer how to function and process data. d. Application software that tell the computer What to do. 5Types of Computers a. Personal computers: Desktop, Notebook, laptop, Tablet PCs are notebooks that use stylus to input from the monitor, Handheld computers (PDAs) b. Smart phones: Data is typically synchronized with data on a desktop or notebook c. Servers are large computers that power network systems and Internet services and provide information to users over a network: d. Many types: File server, E-mail server, Print server, Web server e. Servers usually run all day, every day f. Servers come in several sizes: g. Midrange server: Serves dozens, even hundreds of users at a time h. Mainframe server: Serves hundreds or thousands of users at a time. i. Kiosk: Special station that provides information and/or services

to users. j. Embedded computers, or microcontrollers: Automatic doors, washing machines, elevators, automobile systems, appliances, etc k. Supercomputers: are the most powerful computers manufactured, they can harness the strength of thousands of processors at once used to help answer questions through simulation and other processes: Human DNA, climate simulations, pharmaceuticals l. Computer platform: Computer type, processor, and operating system m. In describing the platform, list the type of computer, including processor type and other internal component specifications n. The operating system itself is often used to define a platform 6Mobile Digital Devices: Largest area of growth in technology because of the business decision makers need for computers while away from their locations.Teamwork and mobility are the norm 7The power of a 1970 computer system fits in a small desktop computer and the power of the 1990s desktop computer now fits in a 6ounce, handheld unit 8Mobile computing: Notebooks, tablets, PDAs, smart phones 9Mobile communications: Cell phones 10Text messaging, Internet access, music and video downloads and television programming 11Mobile media is the fastest-growing area of tech development 12Portable digital music became mainstream with the iPod 13Portable media centers play movies, music, television shows 14PlayStation Portable brought handheld gaming to the forefront and gaming technology is one of the biggest computer market: Video iPod, iPhone 15The Power of Connections: People accomplish more and produce better solutions when they work together rather than individually a. Todays businesses and organizations put great emphasis on teamwork b. Todays digital networks provide the technical foundation to support the communication that is at the heart of the most needed business teamwork. 16Telecommunications: Communications that take place electronically over a distance and can be wired or wireless. 17Computer network: Telecommunications network that connects two or more computers 18Protocols: Sets of Rules that allow two or more computers to communicate over a network and allow several services to use the network simultaneously without collision. 19The Internet: The worlds largest public computer network of all networks that provides a vast array of services: 20World Wide Web: Internet service that provides convenient access to information stored on servers through hyperlinks 21Cloud computing : The term cloud is based on the cloud drawing used to depict the Internet in computer network diagrams . Typical cloud computing providers deliver common business applications online which are accessed from a web browser, while the software and data are stored on servers. 22Wireless Networking: Unlike wired networks that use cables to connect nodes, wireless networks use radio signals to connect computers and digital devices to computer networks. 23Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity): Wireless networking standard that connects computers to a short range (up to 300 feet). Notebook computers come equipped with Wi-Fi capability 24Computers have no problem carrying out long complicated calculations at lightning speed (gigahertz) and sort through millions or billions of data records in a matter of seconds 25Areas in which computers can assist you:

a. Computation, automation, communications b. Digital media and entertainment c. Information management in all social, business and natural activities. 26Computational science: Applies the combined power of computer hardware and software to solving difficult problems a. IBMs Blue Gene/P one of the worlds fastest supercomputers, is used to study genetic phenomena b. Virginia Techs System X uses 1100 dual-processor computers and is used by biologists and meteorologists 27Artificial intelligence (AI): Area of computer science that deals with simulating human logic and behavior in computers 28Automation: Involves utilizing computers to control otherwise human actions and activities: Computer vision, expert systems, natural language processing 29Robotics: Branch of AI that empowers computers to control mechanical devices to perform tasks that require a high degree of precision or are tedious or hazardous (computer assisted surgery in health applications or exploring sea life and space). 30Computers control, provide, or support many forms of communication: E-mail, instant messaging, Web logs, Social networking, MySpace, Facebook, YouTube. 31Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): Popular technology that allows phone conversations to travel over the Internet or other data networks: Must have high-speed Internet connection in their home like the home phone with Road Runner 32Providing Entertainment a. Digital media: Music, video, graphic art, animation, and 3D graphics stored and processed in digital format b. Gaming: Xbox 360, Play-station 3 all use 3D graphics to enhance the experience c. Distribution: Portable devices and the Internet have opened new marketing and delivery systems result in improved circulation 33Managing Information: Computer system: Multiple computers working together over a network towards a common goal 34Information technology (IT): Defined as issues related to the components of an information system 35Systems development: Creating new or modifying existing systems 36Management information system (MIS): Used to provide useful information to decision makers 37Decision support system (DSS): Used to support problem for specific decision making 38Expert system (ES): Can make suggestions and reach conclusions in one particular area of expertise without human intervention. 39Science and Mathematics: Scientists are using computers to: Analyze geological samples from Mars, Analyze string theory equations, Forecast weather, Hunt for hurricanes, Analyze the environmental impact of forest fires, Make detailed maps using geographic information systems (GISs) highly used in Google earth and the GPS technology based on satellite communications. 40Engineering: Engineers use computers: In design and operations, To monitor and control petroleum refinery operations To make sure that sophisticated refinery towers and systems operate efficiently and safely, To make complex thermodynamics, power consumption, and circuits and signal 41Social Sciences Computers are used in economics, geography, psychology, political science, sociology, urban planning, Determine leading economic indicators, Monitor inflation, Mapping, results of surveys and polls, political and public election applications. 42Fine Arts: Artists are making use of computers as much as professionals: Film studies, visual arts, theater, literature, dance,

photography, music, MIDI, Adobe Creative Suite 43Sports, Nutrition, and Exercise: Computers have been used in all aspects of sports, nutrition, and exercise: Used to design football equipment that reduces the chance of permanent paralysis or brain damage, Helps athletes improve their techniques Software: Can be used to analyze diet and nutrition for athletes, Reduce weight and improve performance 44Government and Law: Computers and massive databases are part of the governments operation: IRS, U.S. Census, Postal Service, Homeland Security, Improvements in the legal practice: Document management, organization of client information, presenting evidence: Lexis-Nexis 45Medicine and Health Care a. Electronic health records (EHRs) b. Can improve health care and reduce health care costs by billions of dollars annually c. Diagnosis and treatment Medical expert systems can help diagnose diseases, and some can suggest treatments. d. Help perform sophisticated surgery. 46Criminology, Law Enforcement and Security: Computers are used extensively in criminology, law enforcement, and security: a. Provide crime fighters with invaluable information on criminals, stolen vehicles, and missing persons b. Missing Child Act c. Database of unidentified dead bodies. d. Can be used to capture facial thermo-grams e. Cyber security 47Education and Training: Computers are used in most aspects of education and training. a. Computer-aided instruction b. Distance learning c. Training and assessment on the Internet d. Help facilities and educational tools in software packages e. Assistance for the physically impaired people 48Personal Finance: Personal finance software such as Quicken can assist individuals with living within a budget, saving for the future, and investing: a. Sites provide financial advice and tutoring b. Spreadsheet software and online tools can help users run scenarios and determine budget changes 49Management Personal Research: The Web is increasingly used as the primary information source for personal questions and needs: a. Helps uncover options and learn strategies during important life changes b. Information from experts c. Research is convenient and has empowered people in many ways. 50Personal Relations: People are looking to the Web to make friends and find old friends: Facebook.com, eHarmony.com, U-tube.com, Classmates.com, Ebody.com, Geneology.com 51Personal Media Center: A new market in media management is emerging: a. Photos, music collections, video Recipe management b. Health and nutrition c. Home inventory, parenting, and other hobbies and interests d. Some software connects the PC to entertainment centers for digital television, stereo systems 52The Impact of Digital Technologies a. Pervasive computing: Implies that computing and information technologies are diffused throughout the environment b. Ubiquitous computing: Technology is becoming so much a part of the environment that people do not even notice it c. Digital divide: Social and economic gap between those who have

access to computers and information technologies and those that do not