Digital Literacy

Computers through the ages The Internet in 1969 Digital Newspapers in 1981

The Internet in 1969

Digital Newspapers in 1981

The Computer An electronic machine that stores information and instructions, performs calculations, and organizes data

An electronic machine that stores information and instructions, performs calculations, and organizes data

The Computer System Data People Software Hardware

Computer Components Input Devices for entering data into a computer Processing (CPU) A complex procedure by which a computer transforms raw data into useful information Memory A collection of chips on the motherboard or a circuit board where all computer processing or program instructions are stored while in use Storage The portion of the computer that holds data or programs while they are not being used. Output Devices for transferring data that has been processed into information to the user

Computer Systems Environments Stand alone A computer is not attached to any other computer LAN (local area network) A system of computers located relatively near to one another and connected by a wire or wireless link WAN (wide area network) A computer network that spans a wide area

Stand alone

A computer is not attached to any other computer

LAN (local area network)

A system of computers located relatively near to one another and connected by a wire or wireless link

WAN (wide area network)

A computer network that spans a wide area

Networks A network is a group of two or more computers linked together. Allows computers to: Communicate Exchange information Share resources

A network is a group of two or more computers linked together.

Allows computers to:

Communicate

Exchange information

Share resources

Advantages of Networks Simultaneous Access Users can share data/files and programs Shared Peripheral Devices Users can share printers, scanners and other devices Personal Communication Users can communicate using email, chats and videoconferencing Easier Backup Administrators can backup all material on shared drive

Simultaneous Access

Users can share data/files and programs

Shared Peripheral Devices

Users can share printers, scanners and other devices

Personal Communication

Users can communicate using email, chats and videoconferencing

Easier Backup

Administrators can backup all material on shared drive

Disadvantages Technical Expertise Most networks require specialized skills to set-up and maintain Computers are vulnerable to attacks Hackers, viruses, and other malicious software can infiltrate your computer Expensive A network requires specialized equipment and connections

Technical Expertise

Most networks require specialized skills to set-up and maintain

Computers are vulnerable to attacks

Hackers, viruses, and other malicious software can infiltrate your computer

Expensive

A network requires specialized equipment and connections

Software Operating System The master control program that provides an interface for the user to: communicate with the computer manage devices maintain file systems support application programs

Operating System

The master control program that provides an interface for the user to:

communicate with the computer

manage devices

maintain file systems

support application programs

Software Application Software Any computer program used to create or process data Word processing Spreadsheets Presentations Desktop publishing Databases

Application Software

Any computer program used to create or process data

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Presentations

Desktop publishing

Databases