Our Digital World
Chapter 1
Digital Technologies:
Exploring a Wealth of Possibilities
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This chapter will help you be able to:
• Define what a computer is and identify computing
devices.
• Describe the parts of a computer system and their role
in turning data into information.
• Recognize the convergence of computing devices.
• Identify uses of computers and possible careers.
• Define information technology and the information
processing cycle.
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Main Topics
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1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
Just What Is a Computer?
Computers in All Shapes and Sizes
Who Is Using Computers and How?
What Is Information Technology?
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Why Should You Care?
• Computers are everywhere in various forms.
• Understanding computers gives you an edge in
the job market.
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1.1 Just What Is a Computer?
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The Definition of a Computer
• An electronic,
programmable device.
• Categories
– Analog computers.
– Digital computers.
– Computers for
communicating.
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• computer
• analog computer
• digital computer
Terms to Know
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Ask Yourself…
What is not true of a digital computer?
a. It can process words, numbers, images, and
sounds.
b. It can perform mechanical operations.
c. It can represent data in the form of code.
d. It can transmit sounds over the Internet.
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1.2 Computers in All Shapes
and Sizes
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Categories of Computers
• By operating system and manufacturer
– Windows- or Linux-based personal computers.
– Macintosh computers.
• By size
– Large: supercomputer, mainframe, server.
– Mid-sized: Personal, workstation, desktop, laptop.
– Mobile: smartphone, digital audio player, PDA.
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Types of Computers
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Supercomputer
Desktop
Laptop
Tablet PC
Netbook
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Will Computers Help Us Live Forever?
• What is meant by exponential
technological change?
• What could stop the technological
singularity from happening?
• What are the implications of computers
developing intelligence that exceeds
human intelligence?
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Convergence of Computing Devices
• Technological convergence.
• Convergence devices.
• Role of accessing services online.
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supercomputer
petaflop
computer cluster
render farm
desktop computer
laptop
Terms to Know
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• Tablet PC
• netbook
• technological
convergence
• convergence device
Terms to Know
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Ask Yourself…
What factor(s) differentiates a netbook from a
laptop?
a.
b.
c.
d.
size
weight
lack of optical drive
All of the above
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1.3 Who Is Using
Computers and How?
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Computers in Various Settings
• Business, home, education,
law enforcement, arts,
medicine, entertainment.
• Unique uses.
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Computing Careers
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Computer engineering (CE)
Computer science (CS)
Information systems (IS)
Information technology (IT)
Software engineering (SE)
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Preparing for Computing Careers
• Analytical subjects.
• Associates degree with CS or IT focus.
• Professional certifications.
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ubiquitous computing
computer engineering
computer science
information systems
Terms to Know
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information technology
software engineering
webmaster
Internet law
web designer
Terms to Know
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Ask Yourself…
Which computer career involves writing
software programs?
a.
b.
c.
d.
information technology
software engineering
computer science
None of the above
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1.4 What Is Information
Technology?
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Information Technology
• Involves
– Computer-based information systems.
– Software applications and computer hardware.
• Relationship to computer users.
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Computer-assisted translation
software (CAT)
Playing It Safe
─ Customized dictionaries.
─ Memory programs store phrases.
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Data and Information
• Computers take data and turn it into
information.
• Computers turn data into information by
processing and organizing it.
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Information Processing Cycle
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Input
• Many ways to input.
• Binary system.
• Bits and bytes.
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Processing
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Role of the CPU.
Microprocessors contained on chips.
Processor speed measured in hertz.
Temporary storage of data in RAM.
Cache memory holds frequently used data.
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Cache Memory and Processing Time
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Output
• Information resulting
from processing.
• Includes monitor
display, printed copy,
sound through a
speaker, and more.
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Storage
• Permanent storage.
• Storage capacity
measurement.
• Storage devices include
hard disk, DVD, USB
flash, and external
drive.
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Back It Up!
• Back up regularly.
• Some jobs require that backups be
kept.
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• data
• information
• information
processing cycle
• binary system
• bit
• byte
• input
Terms to Know
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central processing unit
processing
microprocessor
computer memory
random access memory (RAM)
cache memory
output
resolution
Terms to Know
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pixel
storage
file
DRAM
SRAM
SDRAM
machine cycle
instruction register
Terms to Know
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Ask Yourself…
One stage not part of the information processing
cycle is
a.
b.
c.
d.
input.
output.
computing.
processing.
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Our Digital World
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