Visualizing Technology, Introductory
2nd Edition
Published on 28. January 2013
Book
Paperback/Softback
464 pages
978-0-13-311068-5 (ISBN)
Description
This book is unlike anything you've seen before. You won't find long paragraphs of text that go on forever; instead you will find a highly visual layout with bite-sized chunks of texts, images used to represent concepts, making them easy to remember, chapters organized as articles with catchy headlines, and a Facebook page to stimulate and foster discussion.
What is a computer? Hardware. File Management. Digital Devices and Multimedia. Application Software. System Software. The Internet and World Wide Web. Communicating and Sharing: The Social Web. Networks and Communication. Security and Privacy. Databases. Software and Application Development. Blogger. Mind Maps. Google Docs.
With an innovative and easy to read writing style, Visualizing Technology teaches readers the basics of using a computer, from File Management to Hardware and Software and the Internet.
What is a computer? Hardware. File Management. Digital Devices and Multimedia. Application Software. System Software. The Internet and World Wide Web. Communicating and Sharing: The Social Web. Networks and Communication. Security and Privacy. Databases. Software and Application Development. Blogger. Mind Maps. Google Docs.
With an innovative and easy to read writing style, Visualizing Technology teaches readers the basics of using a computer, from File Management to Hardware and Software and the Internet.
More details
Other editions
New editions
Debra Geoghan
Visualizing Technology, Introductory
Book
05/2014
3rd Edition
Pearson
€112.64
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Previous edition
Debra Geoghan
Visualizing Technology, Introductory with CD
Book
04/2011
Pearson
€107.69
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Person
Debra Geoghan is currently an associate professor of computer and information science at Bucks County Community College, teaching computer classes ranging from basic computer literacy to cybercrime, computer forensics, and networking. She has earned certifications from Microsoft, CompTIA, Apple, and others. Deb has taught at the college level since 1996 and also spent 11 years in the high school classroom. She holds a B.S. in Secondary Science Education from Temple University and an M.A. in Computer Science Education from Arcadia University.
Throughout her teaching career, Deb has worked with other educators to integrate technology across the curriculum. At BCCC, she serves on many technology committees, presents technology workshops for BCCC faculty, and runs a summer workshop for K-12 teachers interested in using technology in their classrooms. Deb is an avid user of technology which has earned her the nickname "gadget lady".
Throughout her teaching career, Deb has worked with other educators to integrate technology across the curriculum. At BCCC, she serves on many technology committees, presents technology workshops for BCCC faculty, and runs a summer workshop for K-12 teachers interested in using technology in their classrooms. Deb is an avid user of technology which has earned her the nickname "gadget lady".
Content
Chapter 1. What Is a Computer?
What Does a Computer Do?
Objective 1: Explain the functions of a computer
Necessity Is the Mother of Invention
The Information Processing Cycle
A Brief History of Computers
Objective 2: Describe the evolution of computer hardware, and explain the importance of Moore's Law
History of Computers
Moore's Law
How To: Use QR Codes
Bits and Bytes
Objective 3: Describe how computers present data using binary code
Binary Code
Measuring Data
Let's Get Personal
Objective 4: List the various types and characteristics of personal computers
Desktop Computers
Portable Computers
Notebooks, netbooks, tablet PCs
Mac or PC?
Beyond the Desktop
Objective 5: Give examples of other personal computing devices
Handheld and Mobile Devices
Smartphones and Tablets
Video Game Systems
Multiuser Computers
Objective 6: List the various types and characteristics of multiuser computers
Servers
Supercomputers
Distributed and Grid Computing
Computers are Everywhere: Ubiquitous Computing
Objective 7: Explain the terms "ubiquitous computing" and "convergence "
Embedded Computers
Convergence
Objectives Recap
Key Terms
Summary
End of Chapter Exercises
Application Project
Chapter 2. Application Software
Making Business Work
Objective 1: Identify types and uses of business productivity software
Office Suites
Database Software
Other Types of Business Software
Making It Personal
Objective 2: Identify types and uses of personal software
Office Applications
Finance and Tax Preparation Software
Entertainment and Multimedia Software
Educational and Reference Software
Portable Apps
How To: Create a Document Using Wordpad or Textedit
Will It Run?
Objective 3: Assess a computer system for software compatibility
Your System Specs
System Requirements
Where to Get It
Objective 4: Compare various ways of obtaining software
Licensing
Free or Fee
Sources of Software
Your Head in the Cloud
Objective 5: Discuss the importance of cloud computing
Cloud Computing
How To: Edit Photos with Photoshop Express Editor Online
Key Terms
Summary
Application Project
End of Chapter Exercises
Chapter 3.File Management
A Place for Everything
Objective 1: Create folders to organize files
Navigating Your Computer
Creating and Using Folders
How To: Organize Your Files
What's in a Name?
Objective 2: Explain the importance of file extensions
File Names and Extensions
File Properties
Back It Up
Objective 3: Explain the importance of backing up files
Windows Backup
OS X Time Machine
Other Backup Software
Backup to the Cloud
Cloud Storage
Shrink It
Objective 4: Demonstrate how to compress files
Types of File Compression
Working with File Compression
How To: Create a Compressed (Zipped) Folder
It's Always in the Last Place You Look
Objective 5: Use advanced search options to locate files
Using Windows to Search For Files
Searching in MAC OS X
Using Boolean Logic to Refine Searches
That's Not the Program I Want to Open This File Type
Objective 6: Change the default program associated with a file type
Setting Program Defaults
Managing File Type Associations
Objectives Recap
Key Terms
Summary
Application Project
End of Chapter Exercises
Chapter 4. Hardware
The CPU: The Brains of the Operation
Objective 1: Explain the function of the CPU
CPU Functions
Instruction Cycle
CPU Performance
Cooling System: Air Conditioning for the Processor
Getting to Know Your System Unit and Motherboard
Objective 2: Identify the parts of a system unit and motherboard
The Motherboard
Memory
A Place for Everything
Objective 3: Compare different types of storage devices
Optical Discs
Solid-State Storage
Hard Drives
What Goes In
Objective 4: List different input devices and their uses
Keyboards
Mouse and Other Pointing Devices
Digital Cameras and Webcams
Scanners
Microphones and Game Controllers
. . . Must Come Out
Objective 5: List the different video and audio output devices and their uses
Video Output Devices
Audio Output Devices
Pick a Printer
Objective 6: Compare the features of different types of printers
Inkjet Printers
Photo Printers
Dye-Sublimation Printers
Thermal Printers
Laser Printers
Multifunction Devices
Plotters and 3D Printers
How To: Manage Printing on Your Computer
Adaptation: Making Technology Work for You
Objective 7: Explain and provide examples of the concept of adaptive technology
Adaptive Input Devices
Adaptive Output Devices
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Objective 8: Discuss the different communication devices that can be used
Network Adapters
Modems
Fax Devices
How To: Assess Your Computer Hardware
Objectives Recap
Key Terms
Summary
End of Chapter Exercises
Application Project
Chapter 5. System Software (Formerly Chapter 6)
Who's Being Bossy Now?
Objective 1: Explain what an operating system does
Provides User Interface
Manages Resources
Manages and Controls Hardware
Interacts with Software
How To: Examine and Update Your Printer Driver
Running the Show on Personal Computers
Objective 2: Compare the most common stand-alone operating systems
Windows
MAC
Linux
How To: Your Desktop OS Up To Date
Objective 3: Recognize the most common specialized operating systems
Embedded Operating Systems
The NOS Knows
Objective 4: Compare the most common network operating systems
Utilities You Should Use
Objective 5: List and explain important disk utility software
Why Use Utilities?
Utilities for Disk Health
Objectives Recap
Key Terms
Summary
Application Project
End of Chapter Exercises
Chapter 6. Digital Devices and Multimedia
Digital Camera Basics
Objective 1: Explain the features of various types of digital cameras
Key Features
Types of Digital Cameras
Bridging the Gap: Transferring Photos
Objective 2: Compare different methods for transferring images from a digital camera
Memory Cards
USB or FireWire Cables
Wireless Transfer
Transffering to the Cloud
A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words: Editing, Printing, and Sharing Photos
Objective 3: List several ways to edit and print photos
Editing Photos
Printing and Sharing Photos
Making Sense of Sound
How To: Edit a Photo
Making Sense of Sound
Objective 4: Recognize different audio file types
Audio File Types
Media Software
Speech Recognition
Lights, Camera, Action
Objective 5: Describe several ways to create videos
Screen Capture
Webcams and Video Conferencing
Video Cameras
Sharing Video
How To: Edit Videos Using the Youtube Editor
On the Move With Technology
Objective 6: Compare various mobile devices
Portable Media Players
Smartphones
Tablets
Objectives Recap
Key Terms
Summary
End of Chapter Exercises
Application Project
Chapter 7. The Internet
Internet Timeline
Objective 1: Recognize the importance of the Internet
How it All Got Started
World Wide Web
Internet2 (I2)
Get Connected
Objective 2: Compare the types of Internet connections
So, How Do You Get Connected?
Connecting Without a Computer?
Get Connected
Objective 3: Compare popular Web browsers
Browsers
Configuring Your Web Browser
Add-ons, Plug-ins, and Toolbars
How To: Manage Browser, Home page, Favorites, and Search
Navigating the Net
Objective 4: Demonstrate how to navigate the Web
Web Addresses
Smart Searching
How To: Use Google Docs
Would I Lie to You?
Objective 5: Discuss how to evaluate the credibility of information found on the Web
Who Wrote It?
What About the Design?
Objectives Recap
Key Terms
Summary
Application Project
End of Chapter Exercises
Chapter 8. Communicating and Sharing: The Social Web
Talk to Me
Objective 1: Compare different forms of synchronous online communication
Chat and IM
VoIP
Leave a Message
Objective 2: Demonstrate how to use e-mail effectively
How Do You Read and Send E-mail?
Forums and Discussion Boards
There's a Place for Everyone ...
Objective 3: Discuss the roles of social media in today's society
Social Network Sites
Social Video, Image, and Music Sites
How To: Create a LinkedIn Profile
Get Your Word Out
Objective 4: Locate user-generated content in the form of a blog or podcast
Blogs
Podcasts
RSS
How To: Create a Blog with Blogger
The Wisdom of the Crowd
Objective 5: Discuss how wikis and other social media sites rely on the wisdom of the crowd
Wikis
Social Review Sites
Social Bookmarking and News Sites
E-Commerce
Objective 6: Explain the influence of social media on e-commerce
Types of e-Commerce
How Safe is My Credit Card?
Objectives Recap
Key Terms
Summary
End of Chapter Exercises
Application Project
Chapter 9. Networks and Communication
From Sneakernet to HotSpots
Objective 1: Discuss the importance of computer networks
Peer-to-Peer Networks
Client-Server Networks
How To: Share Files and Printers Using a Windows Homegroup
LANS and WANS
Objective 2: Compare different types of LANs and WANs
Small Networks
LAN topologies
Large Networks
Hardware
Objective 3: List and describe the hardware used in both wired and wireless networks
Network Adapters
Network Hardware
Software and Protocols
Objective 4: List and describe the software and protocols used in both wired and wireless networks
Peer-to-Peer Network Software
Client-Server Network Software
Network Protocols
How To: Examine Network and Sharing Settings
Protecting Your Network
Objective 5: Explain how to protect a network
Layer 1-The Fence
Layer 2-Door Locks
Layer 3-Alarm Systems
Layer 4-Guard Dogs
Objectives Recap
Key Terms
Summary
End of Chapter Exercises
Application Project
Appendix: Microsoft Office Applications Projects
Glossary
Index
Photo Credits
What Does a Computer Do?
Objective 1: Explain the functions of a computer
Necessity Is the Mother of Invention
The Information Processing Cycle
A Brief History of Computers
Objective 2: Describe the evolution of computer hardware, and explain the importance of Moore's Law
History of Computers
Moore's Law
How To: Use QR Codes
Bits and Bytes
Objective 3: Describe how computers present data using binary code
Binary Code
Measuring Data
Let's Get Personal
Objective 4: List the various types and characteristics of personal computers
Desktop Computers
Portable Computers
Notebooks, netbooks, tablet PCs
Mac or PC?
Beyond the Desktop
Objective 5: Give examples of other personal computing devices
Handheld and Mobile Devices
Smartphones and Tablets
Video Game Systems
Multiuser Computers
Objective 6: List the various types and characteristics of multiuser computers
Servers
Supercomputers
Distributed and Grid Computing
Computers are Everywhere: Ubiquitous Computing
Objective 7: Explain the terms "ubiquitous computing" and "convergence "
Embedded Computers
Convergence
Objectives Recap
Key Terms
Summary
End of Chapter Exercises
Application Project
Chapter 2. Application Software
Making Business Work
Objective 1: Identify types and uses of business productivity software
Office Suites
Database Software
Other Types of Business Software
Making It Personal
Objective 2: Identify types and uses of personal software
Office Applications
Finance and Tax Preparation Software
Entertainment and Multimedia Software
Educational and Reference Software
Portable Apps
How To: Create a Document Using Wordpad or Textedit
Will It Run?
Objective 3: Assess a computer system for software compatibility
Your System Specs
System Requirements
Where to Get It
Objective 4: Compare various ways of obtaining software
Licensing
Free or Fee
Sources of Software
Your Head in the Cloud
Objective 5: Discuss the importance of cloud computing
Cloud Computing
How To: Edit Photos with Photoshop Express Editor Online
Key Terms
Summary
Application Project
End of Chapter Exercises
Chapter 3.File Management
A Place for Everything
Objective 1: Create folders to organize files
Navigating Your Computer
Creating and Using Folders
How To: Organize Your Files
What's in a Name?
Objective 2: Explain the importance of file extensions
File Names and Extensions
File Properties
Back It Up
Objective 3: Explain the importance of backing up files
Windows Backup
OS X Time Machine
Other Backup Software
Backup to the Cloud
Cloud Storage
Shrink It
Objective 4: Demonstrate how to compress files
Types of File Compression
Working with File Compression
How To: Create a Compressed (Zipped) Folder
It's Always in the Last Place You Look
Objective 5: Use advanced search options to locate files
Using Windows to Search For Files
Searching in MAC OS X
Using Boolean Logic to Refine Searches
That's Not the Program I Want to Open This File Type
Objective 6: Change the default program associated with a file type
Setting Program Defaults
Managing File Type Associations
Objectives Recap
Key Terms
Summary
Application Project
End of Chapter Exercises
Chapter 4. Hardware
The CPU: The Brains of the Operation
Objective 1: Explain the function of the CPU
CPU Functions
Instruction Cycle
CPU Performance
Cooling System: Air Conditioning for the Processor
Getting to Know Your System Unit and Motherboard
Objective 2: Identify the parts of a system unit and motherboard
The Motherboard
Memory
A Place for Everything
Objective 3: Compare different types of storage devices
Optical Discs
Solid-State Storage
Hard Drives
What Goes In
Objective 4: List different input devices and their uses
Keyboards
Mouse and Other Pointing Devices
Digital Cameras and Webcams
Scanners
Microphones and Game Controllers
. . . Must Come Out
Objective 5: List the different video and audio output devices and their uses
Video Output Devices
Audio Output Devices
Pick a Printer
Objective 6: Compare the features of different types of printers
Inkjet Printers
Photo Printers
Dye-Sublimation Printers
Thermal Printers
Laser Printers
Multifunction Devices
Plotters and 3D Printers
How To: Manage Printing on Your Computer
Adaptation: Making Technology Work for You
Objective 7: Explain and provide examples of the concept of adaptive technology
Adaptive Input Devices
Adaptive Output Devices
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Objective 8: Discuss the different communication devices that can be used
Network Adapters
Modems
Fax Devices
How To: Assess Your Computer Hardware
Objectives Recap
Key Terms
Summary
End of Chapter Exercises
Application Project
Chapter 5. System Software (Formerly Chapter 6)
Who's Being Bossy Now?
Objective 1: Explain what an operating system does
Provides User Interface
Manages Resources
Manages and Controls Hardware
Interacts with Software
How To: Examine and Update Your Printer Driver
Running the Show on Personal Computers
Objective 2: Compare the most common stand-alone operating systems
Windows
MAC
Linux
How To: Your Desktop OS Up To Date
Objective 3: Recognize the most common specialized operating systems
Embedded Operating Systems
The NOS Knows
Objective 4: Compare the most common network operating systems
Utilities You Should Use
Objective 5: List and explain important disk utility software
Why Use Utilities?
Utilities for Disk Health
Objectives Recap
Key Terms
Summary
Application Project
End of Chapter Exercises
Chapter 6. Digital Devices and Multimedia
Digital Camera Basics
Objective 1: Explain the features of various types of digital cameras
Key Features
Types of Digital Cameras
Bridging the Gap: Transferring Photos
Objective 2: Compare different methods for transferring images from a digital camera
Memory Cards
USB or FireWire Cables
Wireless Transfer
Transffering to the Cloud
A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words: Editing, Printing, and Sharing Photos
Objective 3: List several ways to edit and print photos
Editing Photos
Printing and Sharing Photos
Making Sense of Sound
How To: Edit a Photo
Making Sense of Sound
Objective 4: Recognize different audio file types
Audio File Types
Media Software
Speech Recognition
Lights, Camera, Action
Objective 5: Describe several ways to create videos
Screen Capture
Webcams and Video Conferencing
Video Cameras
Sharing Video
How To: Edit Videos Using the Youtube Editor
On the Move With Technology
Objective 6: Compare various mobile devices
Portable Media Players
Smartphones
Tablets
Objectives Recap
Key Terms
Summary
End of Chapter Exercises
Application Project
Chapter 7. The Internet
Internet Timeline
Objective 1: Recognize the importance of the Internet
How it All Got Started
World Wide Web
Internet2 (I2)
Get Connected
Objective 2: Compare the types of Internet connections
So, How Do You Get Connected?
Connecting Without a Computer?
Get Connected
Objective 3: Compare popular Web browsers
Browsers
Configuring Your Web Browser
Add-ons, Plug-ins, and Toolbars
How To: Manage Browser, Home page, Favorites, and Search
Navigating the Net
Objective 4: Demonstrate how to navigate the Web
Web Addresses
Smart Searching
How To: Use Google Docs
Would I Lie to You?
Objective 5: Discuss how to evaluate the credibility of information found on the Web
Who Wrote It?
What About the Design?
Objectives Recap
Key Terms
Summary
Application Project
End of Chapter Exercises
Chapter 8. Communicating and Sharing: The Social Web
Talk to Me
Objective 1: Compare different forms of synchronous online communication
Chat and IM
VoIP
Leave a Message
Objective 2: Demonstrate how to use e-mail effectively
How Do You Read and Send E-mail?
Forums and Discussion Boards
There's a Place for Everyone ...
Objective 3: Discuss the roles of social media in today's society
Social Network Sites
Social Video, Image, and Music Sites
How To: Create a LinkedIn Profile
Get Your Word Out
Objective 4: Locate user-generated content in the form of a blog or podcast
Blogs
Podcasts
RSS
How To: Create a Blog with Blogger
The Wisdom of the Crowd
Objective 5: Discuss how wikis and other social media sites rely on the wisdom of the crowd
Wikis
Social Review Sites
Social Bookmarking and News Sites
E-Commerce
Objective 6: Explain the influence of social media on e-commerce
Types of e-Commerce
How Safe is My Credit Card?
Objectives Recap
Key Terms
Summary
End of Chapter Exercises
Application Project
Chapter 9. Networks and Communication
From Sneakernet to HotSpots
Objective 1: Discuss the importance of computer networks
Peer-to-Peer Networks
Client-Server Networks
How To: Share Files and Printers Using a Windows Homegroup
LANS and WANS
Objective 2: Compare different types of LANs and WANs
Small Networks
LAN topologies
Large Networks
Hardware
Objective 3: List and describe the hardware used in both wired and wireless networks
Network Adapters
Network Hardware
Software and Protocols
Objective 4: List and describe the software and protocols used in both wired and wireless networks
Peer-to-Peer Network Software
Client-Server Network Software
Network Protocols
How To: Examine Network and Sharing Settings
Protecting Your Network
Objective 5: Explain how to protect a network
Layer 1-The Fence
Layer 2-Door Locks
Layer 3-Alarm Systems
Layer 4-Guard Dogs
Objectives Recap
Key Terms
Summary
End of Chapter Exercises
Application Project
Appendix: Microsoft Office Applications Projects
Glossary
Index
Photo Credits