Essay Questions for Chapter 01 -- Computing Essentials
by Ettiana Luna Rendon

Discuss the effects of microcomputers and the World Wide Web on
your life experiences as a Nutritional Science student and a future
professional.
Microcomputers have highly impacted my life as a Nutritional
Science student. To explain For example, since technology has made the
World Wide Web accessible through microcomputers and phone lines
(now through DSL and satellites), I am able to get in touch with all kinds of
information more efficiently. That is, I don’t have to worry about getting to
the library before it closes, making so many phone calls to access
information or wasting time in traffic finding places to get any nutritional
information.
I do not owe own a computer and I work almost all the time XX
hours per week. Therefore, time and preparation is are essential. The
University computers have computer connectivity provide access to the
Internet and the World Wide Web. The internet has been my guide for
over five years now. The World Wide Web contains tons most of the
information that I need in order to fulfill my daily assignments. I can also
get in touch with professors in case I need any help or information in about
my future profession.

What are your current information technology needs? What
information technology needs do you expect to have in the future?
A My current information technology that I needs include is a
computer that has 1 serial port and 1 parallel port. I do not need a fancy
computer. The computer should have at least 128 MB of RAM and a 56K
modem with compartments (slots) for a hard disk and CD drive. The
monitor must be 15” with .28 PPI’s. The operating system should consist
of at least Windows 98 and must have Microsoft Suite 1998. Of course, it
must include input devices as a mouse, keyboard, printer and a camera.
In the future, I plan to expand the memory to 256 MB. Also, I might
get a wireless keyboard and mouse. Nonetheless, I plan to change the
monitor IPP’s for .22 (Just get an LCD monitor). I would also like in input a
DVD compartment drive for my viewing needs.

Who in your view is a competent information technology user? What
computing skills should such an individual possess?
A competent information technology user is one that must possess
knowledge of all types of system software as well as application software.
For example, the person should be able to incorporate material from
Windows 95 to Windows 2000 or be able to work programs such as Word
Perfect and Microsoft Word and know their advancements and limitations.
The person must also know his hardware. He or she should be able to
expand the memory capabilities when needed as well incorporate new
technology devices to make computing skills more efficient (i.e., installing
a cd drive in order to use rewritable compact disks in order to store more
data) if the computer he/she needs it.
Essay Questions for Chapter 02 -- Computing Essentials

Which operating system (OS) software would best serve your needs?
In what ways is the Operating System of your choice better than
other alternatives?
The Windows operating system would best serve my needs
because it contains different interfaces necessary to complete my course
work. Windows has great Graphical User Interphase Interface (GUI) using
icons which make short-cut strategies much easier and understandable. I
can cut and paste different graphics from one program to another. This
gives me a sense of more control because it allows me to choose other
types of graphics other than the ones from one type of program.
When using Macintosh, I had trouble cutting and pasting one
graphical image to a different program. Also, a troubleshooting icon was
shown continuously on the monitor. That really made it more frustrating to
finish my assignments. Which is why I like to use the Windows operating
system (give Windows a chance and it too will frustrate you...) .

What PC hardware configuration would best serve your need?
Explain your choices.
I think that a hardware which contains 256 MB (of memory) will be
better because it enables me to store hold more information (perform
more complex operations and work with several applications at the same
time without experiencing system breakdowns). I like to have enough
memory in order to allow me to use different programs at the same time. I
also would like to put in some virtual memory cards. This is because I like
to see movies on my computer. I use to have a computer that had less
than 128 MB and the DVD looked awful. The program kept closing
because there was not enough memory to run the program.

What general purpose application software is essential to your
work? How proficient do you think you need to be with your general
application software? Explain and provide examples.
I use most frequently the Microsoft 1998 Suite 1998 the most. I use it for
reports, graphics, tables, charts and recipe designs. In other words, I use
it for almost every school project in school. However, my proficiency in
using the software is not as high as I would like it to be. For example, the
software contains many different types of mechanisms (features) to make
any work better and realistic. Microsoft Excel contains different types of
formats to make better graphics, expand words, and create hyperlinks to
one’s work. I do not have that type of skill. And it is this lack that makes
the program less needful for me (rewrite). I would much rather make my
work simple and not much more complicated that it can be.
One great component put in to available with the Microsoft Suite is the
Help icon. This The help feature provides step by step instructions to
maximize my effort in understanding the program. To explain For
example, if I do not know how to insert a picture into my power point
presentation, I just click on my help icon, and Microsoft will guide me into
through the process of inserting a graphic into my presentation.
Another component is the speed of the program. In other words, cutting
and pasting used to take longer in older versions of the Microsoft Suite.
Now, it takes less than a second to cut and paste and image. The
communicating technology in the software has increased dramatically.
The program now allows me to store up to twelve clips into the clipboard
instead of one. I have enjoyed using the Microsoft Suite for eight years
now. It definitely improved its capability.