Introduction to Computers

and How to Purchase Computers and Mobile Devices

Objectives

After completing this chapter, you will be able to:

1 Define the term computer and discuss the four basic 6 Discuss computer software and explain the difference
computer operations: input, process, output, and storage between system software and application software
2 Define data and information 7 Identify several types of application software
3 Identify the differences among desktop computers, notebook 8 Discuss the Internet and World Wide Web
computers, and mobile devices
9 Describe various types of Internet and network attacks
4 Explain the primary components of the computer and how to protect against them
and their use
10 Explain how to purchase computers and mobile
5 Describe the use of hard disks, flash memory, optical devices
discs, and other storage media

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COM 2 Introduction to Computers

What Is a Computer?
Computers are everywhere: at work, at school, and at home. In the workplace, employees use
computers to create correspondence such as e-mail messages, memos, and letters; manage calendars;
calculate payroll; track inventory; and generate invoices. At school, teachers use computers to assist
with classroom instruction. Students use computers to complete assignments and research. People
also spend hours of leisure time using a computer. They play games, communicate with friends and
relatives online and using e-mail, purchase goods online, converse in chat rooms, listen to music
or radio broadcasts, watch or create videos and movies, read books and magazines, share stories,
research genealogy, retouch photos, and plan vacations. At work, at school, and at home, computers
are helping people do their work faster, more accurately, and in some cases, in ways that previously
would not have been possible.
A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own
memory, that can accept data (input), process the data according to specified rules (process), produce
Computers results (output), and store the results (storage) for future use. Generally, the term is used to describe a
For more information, visit collection of electric, electronic, and mechanical components known as hardware. Figure 1 shows some
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common hardware components. These components are discussed in more depth later in this chapter.
then click Computers.
monitor
(output device)
printer optical disc drive
(output device) (storage device)
screen

Web cam
(input device)

speakers
(output device)
hard disk drive
(storage device)

system unit (processor, memory, and storage devices)

mouse
keyboard (input device)
(input device)

scanner
(input device)

microphone
(input device)
USB flash drive
(storage device)

card reader/writer
(storage device)

external hard disk modem

(storage device) (communications device)
memory cards
(storage device)

Figure 1 Common computer hardware components include the keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, Web cam, printer,
monitor, speakers, system unit, hard disk drive, external hard disk, optical disc drive(s), USB flash drive, card reader/writer, memory
cards, and modem.

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 Computers perform four basic operations — input, process, output, and storage. These
operations comprise the information processing cycle. Collectively, these operations
process data into information and store it for future use.
A computer derives its power from its capability to perform the information processing cycle
with amazing speed, reliability (low failure rate), and accuracy; its capacity to store huge amounts of
data and information; and its capability to communicate with other computers.
For a computer to perform operations, it must be given a detailed set of instructions that tells
it exactly what to do. These instructions are called a program, or software. Before processing for Programs
a specific activity begins, the program corresponding to that activity is stored in the computer. For more information, visit
Once the program is stored, the computer can begin to execute the program’s first instruction. scsite.com/ic8/weblink
The computer executes one program instruction after another until the activity is complete. and then click Computer
Programs.
All computer processing requires data. Data is a collection of unprocessed items, which can
include text, numbers, images, audio, and video. Computers manipulate data to create information.
Information conveys meaning and is useful to people. During the output operation, the informa-
Information
tion that has been created is put into some form, such as a printed report, or it can be stored on
the computer for future use. As shown in Figure 2, a computer processes several data items to For more information, visit
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produce a cash register receipt.
then click Information.
People who use the computer directly or use the information it provides are called computer
users, end users, or sometimes, just users. Users and computer manufacturers can reduce the envi-
ronmental impact of computers through green computing. Green computing involves reducing the
electricity consumed and environmental waste generated when using a computer.

DATA

INFORMATION
Arrow Deli 10 Park Street
Maple River, DE 20393 (734) 555-2939
PROCESSES
Computes each item’s total price by multiplying the quantity ordered by the item price
(i.e., 2 * 1.49 = 2.98).
Organizes data.
Sums all item total prices to determine order total due from customer (13.12). QTY ITEM TOTAL
2Medium Sodas2.98
Calculates change due to customer by subtracting the order total from amount received
(20.00 - 13.12 = 6.88). 1Small Turkey Sub 3.49
1Caesar Salad4.49
1Bag of Chips0.99
3Cookies 1.17
Total Due 13.12
Amount Received20.00
Change6.88
Thank You!

Figure 2 A computer processes data into information. In this simplified example, the item ordered, item
price, quantity ordered, and amount received all represent data. The computer processes the data to produce
the cash register receipt (information).

The Components of a Computer

The six primary components of a computer are input devices, the processor (control unit and
arithmetic/logic unit), memory, output devices, storage devices, and communications devices.
The processor, memory, and storage devices are housed in a box-like case called the system unit
(shown in Figure 1). A peripheral is a device that connects to the system unit and is controlled
by the processor in the computer. Peripherals can include input devices and output devices, as well
as some storage devices and communications devices.
 Figure 3 shows how the components of a computer interact to carry out a task. The following
sections describe the types of personal computers and mobile devices, as well as their primary
components (input devices, processor, memory, output devices, and communications devices).

PROCESSOR

Figure 3 Most devices connected to the

instructions data information
computer communicate with the
processor to carry out a task. When a
user starts a
OUTPUT DEVICES
INPUT DEVICES
data information
program, for example, its instructions transfer
MEMORY from a storage device to memory. Data
needed by the program enters memory either
instructions data information
from an input device or a storage device.
The processor interprets and executes
instructions in memory and also performs
STORAGE DEVICES
calculations on the data in memory.
Resulting information is stored in memory,
from which it can be sent to an output device
or a storage device for future access, as
needed.

Personal Computers and Mobile Devices

A personal computer is a computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output, and
storage activities by itself. A personal computer contains a processor, memory, and one or more
input, output, and storage devices. Personal computers also often contain a communications device.
A mobile computer is a personal computer you can carry from place to place. Similarly, a mobile
device is a computing device small enough to hold in your hand. The most popular type of mobile
computer is the notebook computer.

Desktop Computers
A desktop computer is designed so that the system unit, input
devices, output devices, and any other devices fit entirely on or under
a desk or table (Figure 4). In some models, the monitor sits on top of
the system unit, which is placed on the desk. The more popular style
of system unit is the tall and narrow tower, which can sit on the floor
vertically.

Notebook Computers
A notebook computer, also called a laptop computer, is a portable,
personal computer often designed to fit on your lap (Figure 5). These
Figure 4 A desktop computer. computer.

Figure 5 A traditional notebook

computers are thin and
lightweight, yet can be as
powerful as the average
desktop computer. A netbook,
which is a type of notebook
computer, is smaller, lighter,
and often not as powerful as a
traditional notebook
computer. Resembling a
letter-sized slate, the Tablet
PC is a special type of
notebook computer that
allows you to write or draw
displayusing a digital
on the screen
pen.
keyboard

Mobile Devices
hinge
Mobile devices, which are
small enough to carry in a
pocket, usually store programs
optical disc drive
and data permanently on
memory inside the system unit
or on small storage media
such as memory cards. You
often can connect a mobile
device to a personal computer
to exchange information. Three
popular types of mobile
devices are smart phones,
portable media players, and
digital cameras.
 A smart phone is a phone that can connect to the
Internet and usually also provides personal information
management functions such as a calendar, an appointment
book, an address book, a calculator, and a notepad (Figure 6).
A portable media player is a mobile device on which
you can store, organize, and play digital media (shown
in Figure 1 on page COM 2). For example, you can listen
to music; watch videos, movies, and television shows; and
view photos on the device’s screen. A digital camera is
a device that allows users to take pictures and store the
photographed images digitally, instead of on traditional film Figure 6 A smart phone is a popular mobile device.
(shown in Figure 1). Digital cameras typically allow users to
review, and sometimes modify, images while they are in the camera.

Input Devices
An input device is any hardware component that allows you to enter data and instructions into Input Devices
a computer. Depending on your particular program and requirements, the input device you use For more information, visit
may vary. Five widely used input devices are the keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, and Web scsite.com/ic8/weblink and
cam (shown in Figure 1). The two primary input devices used are the keyboard and the mouse. then click Input Devices.

Keyboard
A keyboard is an input device that contains keys users press to enter data and instructions
into the computer. All desktop computer keyboards have a typing area that includes the letters of
the alphabet, numbers, punctuation marks, and other basic keys. Many desktop computer
keyboards also have a numeric keypad on the right side of the keyboard. Most of today’s desktop
computer keyboards are enhanced keyboards. An enhanced keyboard has 12 or more function
keys along the top and a set of arrow and additional keys between the typing area and the
numeric keypad (Figure 7). Function keys are special keys programmed to issue instructions to
a computer.

media controls
F3 key

function keys

Internet additional keys

controls
keyboard

NUM
LOCK
key
typing area

key numeric
WINDOWS key CTRL key CTRL
keypad
ALT key arrow keys
APPLICATION key
ALT key
wrist rest

Figure 7 On a desktop computer keyboard, you type using keys in the typing area and on the numeric keypad.
 A variety of options are available for typing on a smart phone (Figure 8). Many can display
an on-screen keyboard, where you press the on-screen keys using your finger or a stylus.
A stylus is a small metal or plastic device that looks like a tiny ink pen but uses pressure
instead of ink. Some smart phones have one key for each letter of the alphabet, often called
a mini-keyboard. Other phones have keypads that contain fewer keys than there are letters in
the alphabet. For these phones, each key on the keypad represents multiple characters, which
are identified on the key.

mini-keyboard

keypad
on-screen keyboard

Figure 8 Users have a variety of options for typing on a phone.

Mouse and Other Pointing Devices

A mouse is a pointing device that fits comfortably under the palm of your hand (Figure 9).
With a mouse, users control the movement of the pointer, which is a small symbol on the
screen whose location and shape change as a user moves a pointing device. As you move a mouse,
for example, the pointer on the screen also moves. Generally, you use the mouse to move the
pointer on the screen to an object such as a button, a menu, an icon, a link, or text. Then, you
press a mouse button to perform a certain action associated with that object. The bottom of a
mouse
is flat and contains a mechanism (ball, optical sensor, or laser sensor) that detects movement of
the mouse.

left mouse button

wheel button
right mouse button

Figure 9 This mouse uses a laser to

detect movement of the mouse. It also
thumb buttons includes buttons you push with your
thumb that enable forward and
backward navigation through Web
pages.
 Most notebook computers have a touchpad, a small, flat, rectangular pointing device near
the keyboard that allows you to move the pointer by sliding a fingertip on the surface of the
pad (Figure 10).

touchpad Figure 10 Most notebook computers

have a touchpad that allows a user to
control the movement of the pointer.

Other Input for Mobile Devices Most mobile devices, such as smart phones and PDAs, and some
notebook computers, such as Tablet PCs, use a variety of alternatives for entering data and
instruc- tions (Figure 11). One of the more popular input devices for mobile devices is the stylus.
Some have touch screens, enabling you to touch the screen to perform tasks.

obtain maps and directions

on the phone by attaching speak into the microphone that
this navigation receiver to wirelessly communicates with
your vehicle’s window the phone

take a picture using the

digital camera built into
the back of the phone

use one end of the stylus to

write on the phone’s screen
and the other end as a
ballpoint pen

transfer data and instructions

to and from the computer and
phone by connecting it to the
computer with a cable

enter text messages via a

wireless keyboard

Figure 11 Besides a touch screen and basic stylus, users have a variety of other options for entering
data and instructions into a smart phone.
 System Unit
The system unit is a case that contains electronic components of the computer used to process
data (Figure 12). System units are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. The case of the system
unit, also called the chassis, is made of metal or plastic and protects the internal components
from damage. The motherboard, sometimes called a system board, is the main circuit board of
the system unit. Many electronic components attach to the motherboard; others are built into it.
The sound card and video card shown in Figure 12 are examples of adapter cards, which are
circuit boards that provide connections and functions not built into the motherboard or expand
on the capability of features integrated into the motherboard.

Processor
The processor (bottom of Figure 12), also called the central processing unit (CPU), interprets
and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer. Processors contain a control unit and
an arithmetic/logic unit. The control unit directs and coordinates most of the operations in the
computer. The arithmetic/logic unit (ALU) performs arithmetic, comparison, and other operations.
On a personal computer, all functions of the processor usually are on a single chip. A computer
Processor chip is a small piece of semiconducting material that contains many microscopic pathways
For more information, visit capable of carrying electrical current. Today’s processors can perform some operations in less than
scsite.com/ic8/weblink and
the time it takes to blink your eye.
then click Processor.

Memory
Memory consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed and
data needed by those instructions. Most memory keeps data and instructions temporarily, which
means its contents are erased when the computer is shut off. When discussing computer memory,
users typically are referring to RAM. Also called main memory, RAM (random access memory)
consists of memory chips that can be read from and written to by the processor and other devices.
These chips are placed on a memory module (lower left of Figure 12) that fits in a slot on the
motherboard in the system unit.
The amount of memory in computers is measured in kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, or tera-
Memory bytes. A byte usually stores one character, such as the letter A. One kilobyte (KB or K) equals
For more information, visit exactly 1,024 bytes, and one megabyte (MB) equals approximately one million bytes. One
scsite.com/ic8/weblink and gigabyte (GB) equals approximately one billion bytes, and one terabyte (TB) equals
then click Memory. approximately

drive bay power supply

sound card

system unit
Figure 12 The system unit video card
on a typical personal computer
consists of numerous electronic
components, some of which
are shown in this figure. The
memory module
sound card and video card are
processor
two types of adapter cards.
one trillion bytes. A computer with 4 GB of RAM, therefore, can store approximately four billion
characters. For reference, one megabyte can hold approximately 500 letter-size pages of text
information, and one gigabyte can hold approximately 500,000 letter-size pages of text
information.

Output Devices
Output devices are hardware components that convey information to one or more people.
Commonly used output devices include display devices; printers; speakers, headphones, and Output Devices
earbuds; data projectors; and interactive whiteboards. When a computer is used for processing tasks For more information, visit
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such as creating documents, the two output devices widely used are the printer and a display device.
then click Output Devices.

Printers
A printer is an output device
that produces text and graphics
on a physical medium such as
paper. Ink-jet printers and laser
print- ers often are used with
personal computers.
Ink-jet printers produce text
and graphics in both black and
white and color on a variety of
paper types and sizes (Figure 13).
Some ink-jet printers, called
photo printers, produce photo-
lab-quality pictures and are ideal
for home or small-business use.
The speed of an ink-jet printer is
measured by the number of
pages per minute (ppm) it can
print.
Most ink-jet printers print from 12
to 36 pages per minute. Graphics
and colors print at the slower
rate. A laser printer is a high-
Figure 13 Ink-jet printers are a popular type of color printer used in the home.
speed, high-quality printer that
operates
in a manner similar to a copy machine (Figure 14). and-white or color laser printer.
Laser printers typically use individual sheets of
paper stored in one or more removable trays that
slide in the printer case. It creates images using a
laser beam and powdered ink, called toner, on a
special drum inside the printer, forming the images
to be printed. Laser printers can cost from a couple
hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars for the
home and small office user, to several hundred thou-
sand dollars for large business users. Generally, the
more expensive the laser printer, the more pages it
can print per minute.
A multifunction peripheral, also called an
all-in-one device, is a single device that looks like a
printer or copy machine but provides the
functional- ity of a printer, scanner, copy machine,
and perhaps a fax machine. Some use color ink-jet
printer technol- ogy, while others include a black-
Figure 14 A color laser printer.
COM 10 Introduction to Computers

Display Devices
A display device is an output device that visually conveys text, graphics, and video information. A monitor is a display
device that is packaged as a separate peripheral. A widely used monitor is an LCD monitor. The LCD monitor shown in
Figure 15 uses a liquid crystal display to produce images on the
screen. The surface of the screen of an LCD monitor is com-
posed of individual picture elements called pixels. Resolution
is the number of horizontal and vertical pixels in a display
device. For example, a screen set to a resolution of 1440 3 900
pixels displays up to 1440 pixels per horizontal row and 900
pixels per vertical row, for a total of 1,296,000 pixels to create a
screen image. A higher resolution provides a smoother, sharper,
clearer image.
Mobile computers such as notebook computers, including
netbooks and Tablet PCs, and mobile devices such as smart
phones, portable media players, PDAs, handheld game
consoles, and digital cameras, have built-in LCD screens
(Figure 16).
speakers

Figure 15 The LCD monitor is widely used

with desktop computers.

notebook computer
smart phone

PDA

portable media player digital camera

handheld game console

Figure 16 Notebook computers, PDAs, smart phones, handheld game consoles, portable media players, and digital cameras
have color LCD screens.

Storage Devices
A storage device is the computer hardware that records and/or retrieves items to and from
storage media. A storage medium (media is the plural) is the physical material on which a
computer keeps data, instructions, and information. Three common types of storage media are hard
disks, flash memory, and optical discs.

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 Hard Disks
A hard disk is a storage device that contains one or more inflexible, circular platters that use
magnetic particles to store data, instructions, and information. The system unit on most personal
computers contains at least one hard disk, sometimes called an internal hard disk because it is not
portable. Users store documents, spread-
sheets, presentations, databases, e-mail sectors 3

messages, Web pages, digital photos,

music, videos, and software on hard disks.
Hard disks store data and instructions track
18 1 2
in tracks and sectors on a platter (Figure 17
16
17). A track is a narrow recording band
15 4
that forms a full circle on the surface of
the disk. The disk’s storage locations 14 5
consist
of pie-shaped sections, which break the
13 6
tracks into small arcs called sectors. On
a hard disk, a sector typically stores up to 12 7
512 bytes of data. Storage capacities of 11 8
10 9
internal hard disks for personal computers
range from 160 GB to more than 2 TB.
On desktop computers, platters most
e 17Tracksoften
form have
circles on the
a size surface of a hard
of approximately 3.5disk platter. The disk’s storage locations are divided into pie-shaped sections, which break the tracks into sm
inches in diameter. On notebook
computers and mobile devices, the
diameter is 2.5 inches or less. A typical
hard disk has multiple platters stacked on
top of one another.
Each platter has two read/write heads, one the
for each side. The hard disk has arms that How a Hard Disk Works
move the read/write heads to the proper Step 1
location on the platter (Figure 18). The The circuit board controls the movement of the head
hard disk platters spin at a high rate of actuator and a small motor.
speed, typically 5,400 to 15,000 revolutions
per minute. On today’s computers, the plat-
ters typically stop spinning or slow down
after a specified time to save power.
When reading or writing, the read/
write heads on a hard disk do not
actually touch the surface of the disk. The
distance between the read/write heads
and the platters is about two millionths of
one inch. This close clearance means that
dirt, hair, dust, smoke, or other particles
could cause the hard disk to have a
head crash, when a read/write head
touches
a platter, usually resulting in loss of data
or sometimes the entire disk. Although
current hard disks are sealed tightly to
keep out contaminants, head crashes do
occur occasionally. Thus, it is crucial that
you back up your hard disk regularly.
A backup is a duplicate of a file,
program, or disk placed on a separate
storage medium that you can use in case
 cur
ren
t or
ne
w
Step 2 loc
A small motor spins the platters
ati
while the computer is running. on
of
Step 3 the
dat
Step 4
When software The head actuator positions the
requests a disk a.
read/write head arms over the
access, the read/write correct location on the platters
heads determine the to read or write data.
original is lost, damaged, or destroyed. Figure 18 This figure shows how a hard disk works.
 Portable Hard Disks Some hard disks are portable. An external hard disk (Figure 19) is a
separate freestanding hard disk that connects with a cable to a port on the system unit or
commu- nicates wirelessly. A removable hard disk (Figure 20) is a hard disk that you insert and
remove from a drive. Both internal and external hard disks are available in miniature sizes to allow
users to transport their data easily.

one type of removable hard disk

removable hard disk drive

external hard disk

Figure 19 An external hard disk. Figure 20 A removable hard disk.

Flash Memory Storage

Flash memory is a type of memory that can be erased electronically and rewritten. Flash memory
chips are a type of solid state media, which means they consist entirely of electronic components
and contain no moving parts. Types of flash memory storage include solid state drives, memory
cards, USB flash drives, and ExpressCard modules.
Flash Memory A solid state drive (SSD) is a storage device that typically uses flash memory to store
Storage
data, instructions, and information (Figure 21). With available sizes of 3.5 inches, 2.5 inches,
For more information, visit
and
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then click Flash Memory
1.8 inches, SSDs are used in all types of computers, including desktop computers, mobile
Storage. computers, and mobile devices such as portable media players and digital video cameras. Storage
capacities of current SSDs range from 16 GB to 256 GB and more.

Figure 21 As the price of SSDs drops,

experts estimate that increasingly more
users will purchase computers and devices
that use this media.
 A memory card is a removable flash memory device, usually no bigger than 1.5 inches in height
or width, that you insert and remove from a slot in a computer, mobile device, or card reader/writer
(Figure 22). Memory cards enable mobile users easily to transport digital photos, music, or files to
and from mobile devices and computers or other devices.

card reader

digital camera

portable media player

smart phone

memory cards

photo printer

desktop computer

Figure 22 Many types of computers and devices have slots for memory cards.
 Common types of memory cards include CompactFlash (CF), Secure Digital (SD), Secure Digital
High Capacity (SDHC), microSD, microSDHC, xD Picture Card, Memory Stick PRO Duo, and
Memory Stick Micro (M2) (Figure 23).

Various Memory Cards

Media Type Storage Capacity Use
CompactFlash 512 MB to 100 GB Digital cameras, smart phones, PDAs,
(CF) photo printers, portable media players,
notebook computers, desktop
computers

Secure Digital 512 MB to 8 GB Digital cameras, digital video

(SD) cameras, smart phones, PDAs, photo
printers, portable media players

SDHC 4 to 32 GB Digital cameras

1 to 2 GB Smart phones, portable media

microSD players, handheld game consoles,
handheld navigation devices

4 to 16 GB Smart phones, portable media

microSDHC players, handheld game consoles,
handheld navigation devices

xD Picture Card 256 MB to 2 GB Digital cameras, photo printers

Memory Stick 1 to 16 GB Digital cameras, smart phones,

PRO Duo handheld game consoles

Memory Stick 1 to 16 GB Smart phones

Micro (M2)

Figure 23 A variety of memory cards.

 A USB flash drive, sometimes called a thumb
drive, is a flash memory storage device that plugs
into a USB port on a computer or mobile device
(Figure 24). USB flash drives are convenient for
mobile users because they are small and light-
weight enough to be transported on a keychain
or in a pocket. Current USB flash drives have
stor- age capacities ranging from 512 MB to 64
GB.
An ExpressCard module is a removable
device, about 75 mm long and 34 mm wide
or L-shaped with a width of 54 mm, that fits
in an ExpressCard slot (Figure 25).
ExpressCard modules can be used to add Figure 24 A close-up of the flash memory and circuitry inside a USB
memory, storage, flash drive.
communications, multimedia, and security capa-
bilities to a computer. ExpressCard modules
commonly are used in notebook computers.

two sizes of ExpressCard modules

Figure 25 ExpressCard modules are available in two sizes.

Optical Discs
An optical disc is a flat, round, portable metal disc with a plastic coating.
CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs are three types of optical discs. A CD can
hold from 650 million to 1 billion characters. Some DVDs can store two
full-length movies or 17 billion characters. Blu-ray Discs can store about
46 hours of standard video, or 100 billion characters. Optical discs used in
personal computers are 4.75 inches in diameter and less than one-twentieth of
an inch thick. Nearly every personal computer today has some type of optical
disc drive installed in a drive bay. On some, you push a button to slide out a
tray, insert the disc, and then push the same button to close the tray; others
are slot loaded, which means you insert the disc in a narrow opening on the
drive (Figure 26). Figure 26 A slot-loaded optical disc drive.
 Many different formats of optical discs exist today. Figure 27 identifies
Optical Disc Formats a variety of optical disc formats and specifies whether a user can read
Optical DiscRead Write Erase
from the disc, write on the disc, and/or erase the disc.
CD-ROMYNN
CD-ROM A CD-ROM, or compact disc read-only memory, is a type of
optical disc that users can read but not write (record) or erase —
hence, the name read-only. Manufacturers write the contents of
standard
CD-ROMs. A standard CD-ROM is called a single-session disc because
manufacturers write all items on the disc at one time. Software manufac-
turers often distribute programs using CD-ROMs.
CD-R
C Y Y N A typical CD-ROM holds from 650 MB to 1 GB of data, instructions,
and information. To read a CD-ROM, insert the disc in a CD-ROM
drive or a CD-ROM player. Because audio CDs and CD-ROMs use the
same laser technology, you may be able to use a CD-ROM drive to
CD-RW Y Y Y listen to an audio CD while using the computer.
A CD-R (compact disc-recordable) is a multisession optical disc on
which users can write, but not erase, their own items such as text,
graph- ics, and audio. Multisession means you can write on part of the
disc at one time and another part at a later time. Each part of a CD-R
VD-
D ROM Y N N
BD-ROM can be written on only one time, and the disc’s contents cannot be
R
erased.
B
A CD-RW (compact disc-rewritable) is an erasable multisession disc
you can write on multiple times. To write on a CD-RW disc, you must
have optical disc burning software and a CD-RW drive. Burning is the
DVD-R DVD+R D-R Y Y N
process of writing on an optical disc. A popular use of CD-RW and CD-R
B discs is to create audio CDs. For example, users can record their own
music and save it on a CD, purchase and download songs from the Web to
their computer and then burn the songs on a CD, or rearrange tracks on
a purchased music CD. The process of copying audio and/or video data
from a purchased disc and saving it on a storage medium is called ripping.
Although CDs have large storage capacities, even a CD cannot hold
DVD-RW DVD+RW Y Y Y many of today’s complex programs. Thus, some software companies have
D-RAM BD-RE
moved from CDs to the larger DVDs — a technology that can be used to
D
store large amounts of text and even videos (Figure 28).
V
B
A DVD-ROM (digital versatile disk-read-only memory or digital
video disc-read-only memory) is a high-capacity optical disc on which
users can read but not write or erase. Manufacturers write the contents of
DVD-ROMs and distribute them to consumers. DVD-ROMs store
movies, music, huge databases, and complex software. To read a DVD-
ROM, you need
Figure 27 Manufacturers sell CD-ROM,
a DVD-ROM drive or DVD player. Most DVD-ROM drives also can
DVD-ROM, and BD-ROM media prerecorded
(written) with audio, video, and software. read audio CDs, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs.
Users
cannot change the contents of these discs. Users, DVD
however, can purchase the other formats of DVD drive
optical discs as blank media and record (write)
their own data, instructions, and information on
these discs.

CDs then click CDs.

For more information, visit
scsite.com/ic8/weblink and
Figur
e 28 A DVD-ROM
is a
high-
capacit
y
optical
disc.
 A newer, more expensive DVD format is Blu-ray, which is a higher capacity and better quality
than standard DVDs, especially for high-definition audio and video. A Blu-ray Disc (BD) has DVDs
storage capacities of 100 GB, with expectations of exceeding 200 GB in the future. For more information, visit
Many types of recordable and rewritable DVD formats are available. DVD-R, DVD+R, and scsite.com/ic8/weblink and
BD-R allow users to write on the disc once and read (play) it many times. DVD-RW, then click DVDs.
DVD+RW, and DVD+RAM are three competing
rewritable DVD formats. Similarly, BD-RE
is a high-capacity rewritable Blu-ray format.
To write on these discs, you must have a
compatible drive or recorder.

Cloud Storage
Cloud storage is an Internet service
that provides hard disk storage to
computer users (Figure 29). Fee
arrangements vary. For example, one
cloud storage service provides 25 GB of
storage free to regis- tered users; another
charges $5 per month for 150 GB of
storage. For organizations, cloud storage
services typically charge for storage on a
per gigabyte basis, such as
15 cents per gigabyte.
Types of services offered by cloud
stor- age providers vary. Figure 30
identifies a
variety of cloud storage providers. Figure 29 An example of one Web site advertising its storage service.

Cloud Storage Providers

Web Site Names Type of Storage Provided
Box.net, IDrive, Windows Live SkyDrive Backup or additional storage for any type of file
Flickr, Picasa Digital photos
YouTube Digital videos
Facebook, MySpace Digital photos, digital videos, messages, and personal information
Google Docs Documents, spreadsheets, presentations
Gmail, Windows Live Hotmail, Yahoo! Mail E-mail messages
Amazon EC2, Amazon S3, Nirvanix Enterprise-level storage

Figure 30 Some of the more widely used cloud storage providers.

Communications Devices
A communications device is a hardware component that enables a computer to send
(transmit) and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers
or mobile devices. A widely used communications device is a modem (Figure 1 on page COM 2).
Communications occur over transmission media such as cables, telephone lines, cellular radio
networks, and satellites. Some transmission media, such as satellites and cellular radio networks,
are wireless, which means they have no physical lines or wires. People around the world use computers
and communications devices to communicate with each other using one or more transmission media.
 Computer Software
Software, also called a program, consists of a series of related instructions, organized for a
common purpose, that tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them. You
interact with a program through its user interface. The user interface controls how you enter data
and instructions and how information is displayed on
the screen. Software today often has a graphical user
application software
interface. With a graphical user interface (GUI
icons
pronounced gooey), you interact with the software
using text, graphics, and visual images such as icons.
When you buy a computer, it usually has some
software on its hard disk. This enables you to use
the computer the first time you turn it on.
Programs also can be installed after you purchase
the com- puter. Installing is the process of adding
software
to a computer, and uninstalling is the process of
removing programs and all associated files from the
hard disk.
Much software is available at retail stores and on the
Web for purchase and/or download. As an alternative,
system software some people use a Web application, which is a Web
site that allows users to access and interact with
software from any computer or device that is
connected to the
Figure 31 Today’s system software and application software usually Internet. Software can be divided into two categories:
have a graphical user interface. system software and application software (Figure 31).

System Software
System software consists of programs that control the operations of the computer and
its devices. Two types of system software are operating systems and utility programs.
An operating system is a set of programs that coordinates all the activities among computer
hardware devices. It provides a means for users to communicate with the computer and other soft-
Operating Systems
ware. Many of today’s computers use Microsoft Windows, the latest version of which is shown in
For more information, visit
scsite.com/ic8/weblink Figure 31, or Mac OS, Apple’s operating system. When a user starts a computer, portions of the
and then click Operating operating system are copied into memory from the computer’s hard disk. These parts of the
Systems. operating system remain in memory while the computer is on.
A utility program allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks usually related to
managing a computer, its devices, or its programs. For example, you can use a utility program to
burn digital photos on an optical disc. Most operating systems include several utility programs for
managing disk drives, printers, and other devices and media. You also can buy utility programs that
allow you to perform additional computer management functions.

Application Software
Application software consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist
them with personal tasks. These include personal information management, note taking, project
management, accounting, document management, computer-aided design, desktop publishing,
paint/image editing, audio and video editing, multimedia authoring, Web page authoring, personal
finance, legal, tax preparation, home design/landscaping, travel and mapping, education, reference,
and entertainment (e.g., games or simulations). Software is available at stores that sell computer
products and at many Web sites.
Computer users regularly use application software. Some of the more commonly used programs
are word processing, presentation, spreadsheet, database, and e-mail. These programs often are sold
together as a unit, called a business suite. When you purchase a collection of programs as a suite,
the suite usually costs significantly less than purchasing them individually. Suites also provide ease
of use
because the
programs in
the suite
normally
use a similar
interface
and share
features.
Word Processing Word processing software is used to create, edit, format, and print documents
(Figure 32). A key advantage of word processing software is that users easily can make changes in
documents, such as correcting spelling; changing margins; and adding, deleting, or relocating
words, sentences, or entire paragraphs.

Word Processing
Software
For more information, visit
scsite.com/ic8/weblink and
then click Word Processing
Software.

Figure 32 Word processing

software is used to create
letters, memos, newsletters,
and other documents.

Presentation Presentation software is application software that allows users to create visual
aids for presentations to communicate ideas, messages, and other information to a group (Figure
33).
The presentations can be viewed as slides, sometimes called a slide show, that are displayed on a
large monitor or on a projection screen.

Presentation
Software
For more information, visit
scsite.com/ic8/weblink
and then click Presentation
Software.

Figure 33 Presentation
software allows the user to
produce professional-looking
presentations.
 Spreadsheet Spreadsheet software allows users to organize data in rows and columns and perform
calculations on the data (Figure 34). These rows and columns collectively are called a worksheet.
Most spreadsheet software has basic features to help users create, edit, and format worksheets.

Spreadsheet
Software
For more information, visit
scsite.com/ic8/weblink
and then click Spreadsheet
Software.

Figure 34 With spreadsheet

software, you create worksheets
that contain data arranged in
rows and columns, and you
can perform calculations on the
data in the worksheets.

Database A database is a collection of data organized in a manner that allows access, retrieval,
and use of that data. Database software is application software that allows users to create,
access, and manage a database (Figure 35). Using database software, you can add, change, and
delete data in a database; sort and retrieve data from the database; and create forms and reports
using the data in the database.

Database Software
For more information, visit
scsite.com/ic8/weblink
and then click Database
Software.

Figure 35 Database software

allows the user to enter,
retrieve, and update data in an
organized and efficient manner.
 Introduction to Computers COM 21

E-Mail E-mail (short for electronic

mail) is the transmission of messages
and files via a computer network.
Today, e-mail is a primary commu-
nications method for both personal
and business use. You use an e-mail
program to create, send, receive,
forward, store, print, and delete e-mail
messages (Figure 36). Outlook and
Windows Live Mail are two popular
desktop e-mail programs. Just as you
address a letter when using the postal
system, you address an e-mail message
with the e-mail address of your
intended recipient. Likewise, when
someone sends you a message, he or
she must have your e-mail address.

Networks
and the Internet Figure 36 An e-mail program.

A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together, often wirelessly, via
communications devices and transmission media. When a computer connects to a network, it
is online. Networks allow users to share resources, such as hardware, software, data, and infor-
mation. Sharing resources saves time and money. For example, instead of purchasing one printer
for every computer in a company, the firm can connect a single printer and all computers via a
network; the network enables all of the computers to access the same printer.
Most business computers are networked. These networks can be relatively small or quite
extensive. A local area network (LAN) is a network that connects computers and devices in a
limited geographical area such as a home, school computer laboratory, office building, or closely
positioned group of buildings. A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a LAN that uses no physical wires.
Often, a WLAN communicates with a wired LAN (Figure 37).

high-speed Internet connection

wired network

wireless
access point

Figure 37 Computers and

mobile devices on a wireless
LAN often communicate via
wireless network
an access point with a wired
LAN to access its software,
printer, the Internet, and
other resources.

Property of Cengage Learning

COM 22 Introduction to Computers

A wide area network (WAN) is a network that covers a large geographic area (such as a city,
country, or the world) using a communications channel that combines many types of media such
as telephone lines, cables, and radio waves (Figure 38). The Internet is the world’s largest WAN.

cellular connection communications satellite

main
office
server
telephone network
Internet access provider

Internet
branch office

branch office

telecommuting employee

branch office

mobile employee

international office Figure 38 An

example of a
WAN.
The Internet
The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks that links millions of businesses,
government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals. With an abundance of resources and
data acces- sible via the Internet, more than one billion people around the world use the Internet
for a variety of reasons, including the following (Figure 39):
• Communicating with and meeting other people
• Researching and accessing a wealth of information and news
• Shopping for goods and services
• Banking and investing
• Participating in online training
• Engaging in entertaining activities, such as planning vacations, playing online games, listening
to music, watching or editing videos, and reading books and magazines
• Sharing information, photos, and videos
• Downloading music and videos
• Accessing and interacting with Web applications
An access provider is a business that provides individuals and organizations access to the
Internet free or for a fee. Access providers are categorized as ISPs, online service providers, and
wireless Internet service providers. An ISP (Internet service provider) is a regional or national
access provider. A regional ISP usually provides Internet access to a specific geographic area.

Property of Cengage Learning

 communicate

research and access information

shop

bank and invest

online training

entertainment

download videos
share information

Web application
Web application

Figure 39 Users access the

Internet for a variety of
reasons.
 A national ISP is a business that provides Internet access in cities and towns nationwide. National
ISPs usually offer more services and have a larger technical support staff than regional ISPs.
Examples of national ISPs are AT&T and EarthLink. In addition to providing Internet access, an
online service provider (OSP) also has many members-only features such as instant messaging
or their own customized version of a Web browser. The two more popular OSPs are AOL
(America Online) and MSN (Microsoft Network).
A wireless Internet service provider, sometimes called a wireless data provider, is a company
that provides wireless Internet access to computers and mobile devices, such as smart phones and
portable media players, with built-in wireless capability (such as Wi-Fi) or to computers using wire-
less modems or wireless access devices. Wireless modems usually are in the form of a USB flash
drive or a card that inserts in a slot in a computer or mobile device. Examples of wireless Internet
service providers include AT&T, Sprint Broadband Direct, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless.

The World Wide Web

One of the more popular services on the Internet is the World Wide Web, also called the
Web, which contains billions of documents called Web pages. A Web page can contain text, graph-
ics, animation, audio, and video, and has built-in connections, or links, to other documents, graph-
ics, or other Web pages. Web pages are stored on computers throughout the world. A Web site is a
collection of related Web pages. Visitors to a Web site access and view Web pages using a program
World Wide Web called a Web browser. A Web page has a unique address, called a Web address or URL (Uniform
For more information, visit Resource Locator).
scsite.com/ic8/weblink and As shown in Figure 40, a Web address consists of a protocol, a domain name, sometimes the path
then click World Wide Web.
to a specific Web page or location in a
Web page, and the Web page name.
protocol domain name path Web page name
Many Web page addresses begin with
http://, which stands for Hypertext
Transfer Protocol, the set of rules that
defines
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvist/wildlifeviewing.htm how pages transfer on the Internet.
The domain name identifies the Web
site, which is stored on a Web server.
Address bar A Web server is a computer that
delivers requested Web pages to your
computer.
The term Web 2.0 refers to Web sites
that provide a means for users to share
personal information (such as social
networking Web sites), allow users to
modify the Web site contents (such as
some blogs), and/or have software built
into the site for users to access (such as
Web page that is displayed after Web address is entered Web applications). A social networking
Web site or online social network is an
online community that encourages
mem- bers to share their interests, ideas,
stories, photos, music, and videos with
other reg- istered users. A blog is an
informal Web site consisting of time-
stamped articles
in a diary or journal format. Examples
of software available as Web applications
Figure 40 After entering http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/wildlifeviewing.htm include those that allow you to send
as the Web address in the Address bar, this Web page at the United States National and receive e-mail messages, prepare
Park Service Web site is displayed. your taxes, organize digital photos,
create documents, and play games.
 E-commerce, short for electronic commerce, is a business transaction that occurs over an electronic
E-Commerce
network such as the Internet. Anyone with access to a computer or mobile device, an Internet
For more information, visit
connection, and a means to pay for purchased goods or services can participate in e-commerce.
scsite.com/ic8/weblink and
then click E-Commerce.
Searching the Web
The Web is a worldwide resource of information. A primary reason that people use the Web is to
search for specific information, including text, pictures, music, and video. The first step in successful
searching is to identify the main idea or concept in the topic about which you are seeking informa-
tion. Determine any synonyms, alternate spellings, or variant word forms for the topic. Then, use a
search tool to locate the information.
Two types of search tools are search engines and subject directories. A search engine is a
program that finds Web sites, Web pages, images, videos, news, maps, and other information related
to a specific topic. A search engine is helpful in locating information for which you do not know an
exact Web address or are not seeking a particular Web site. Search engines require that you enter
a word or phrase, called search text, that describes the item you want to find. Figure 41 shows
one way to use the Google search engine to search for the phrase, Aspen Colorado ski resorts. A
subject directory classifies Web pages in an organized set of categories or groups, such as sports
or

Step 1 Step 2
Type the search engine’s Web address (in this case, google.com)
Press the ENTER key. When the Google Web page is displayed,
in the Address bar in the Web browser.
type Aspen Colorado ski resorts as the search text
and then point to the Google Search button.

Address bar

Address bar
search text

Google Search
button

Step 4 Step 3
Click the Aspen Snowmass link to display a Web page with a description
Click the Google Search button. When the results of the search are
and links to skiing in Aspen.
displayed, scroll through the links and read the descriptions. Point to
the Aspen Snowmass link.

results of search

Aspen Snowmass
link

Figure 41 This figure shows how to use a search engine.

 shopping, and related subcategories. A subject directory provides categorized lists of links arranged
by subject. Using this search tool, you locate a particular topic by clicking links through different
levels, moving from the general to the specific.

Computer Viruses and Other Malware

Today, people rely on computers to create, store, and manage critical information. Thus, it is
crucial users take measures to protect their computers and data from loss or damage, especially
for information that is transmitted over networks. Every unprotected computer is susceptible to a
computer virus, worm, Trojan horse, and/or rootkit.
• A computer virus is a potentially damaging computer program that affects, or infects, a
computer negatively by altering the way the computer works without the user’s knowledge or
permission. Once the virus infects the computer, it can spread throughout and may damage
files and system software, including the operating system.
• A worm is a program that copies itself repeatedly, for example in memory or on a network,
using up resources and possibly shutting down the computer or network.
• A Trojan horse (named after the Greek myth) is a program that hides within or looks like
a legitimate program. A certain condition or action usually triggers the Trojan horse. Unlike a
virus or worm, a Trojan horse does not replicate itself to other computers.
• A rootkit is a program that hides in a computer and allows someone from a remote
location to take full control of the computer. Once the rootkit is installed, the rootkit author
can execute programs, change settings, monitor activity, and access files on the remote
computer.
Computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and rootkits are classified as malware (short for
malicious software), which are programs that act without a user’s knowledge and deliberately alter
the computer’s operations. Users can take several precautions to protect their home and work
computers and mobile devices from these malicious infections. For example, users should install
an antivirus program and update it frequently. An antivirus program protects a computer against
viruses by identifying and removing any computer viruses found in memory, on storage media, or
on incoming files. Most antivirus programs also protect against other malware. When you purchase
a new computer, it often includes antivirus software. The list in Figure 42 summarizes important
tips for protecting your computer from viruses and other malware.

Tips for Preventing Viruses and Other Malware

1. Never start a computer with removable media inserted in the drives or plugged in the ports, unless the media are uninfected.
2. Never open an e-mail attachment unless you are expecting it and it is from a trusted source.
3. Set the macro security in programs so that you can enable or disable macros. Enable macros only if the document is from a trusted source
and you are expecting it.
4. Install an antivirus program on all of your computers. Update the software and the virus signature files regularly.
5. Scan all downloaded programs for viruses and other malware.
6. If the antivirus program flags an e-mail attachment as infected, delete or quarantine the attachment immediately.
7. Before using any removable media, scan the media for malware. Follow this procedure even for shrink-wrapped software from major
developers. Some commercial software has been infected and distributed to unsuspecting users.
8. Install a personal firewall program.
9. Stay informed about new virus alerts and virus hoaxes.
Figure 42 With the growing number of new viruses and other malware, it is crucial that users take steps to protect
their computers.
 Buyer’s Guide
COM 27

yer’s Guide:
ow to Purchase Computers and Mobile Devic

AT SOME POINT, perhaps while you are taking this course, you may decide to buy
a computer or mobile device (Figure 43). The decision is an important one and will
require an investment of both time and money. Like many buyers, you may have
little experience with technology and find yourself unsure of how to proceed. You
can start by talking to your friends, coworkers, and instructors about their computers
and mobile devices. What type of computers and mobile devices did they buy?
Why? For what purposes do they use their computers and mobile devices?

desktop computer

notebook computer
portable media
player

smart phone
digital camera
Figure 43 Computers and mobile devices.
Property of Cengage Learning
COM 28 How to Purchase Computers and Mobile Devices

How to Purchase a Desktop Computer Your hardware requirements depend on the minimum
requirements of the software you will run on your computer.
Some software requires more memory and disk space than
A desktop computer sits on or below a desk or
oth- ers, as well as additional input, output, and storage devices.
table in a stationary location such as a home, office, or For example, suppose you want to run software that can copy
one optical disc's contents directly to another optical disc,
dormitory room. Desktop computers are a good option
without first copying the data to the hard disk. To support that,
if you work mostly in one place and have plenty of you should consider a desktop computer or a high-end
notebook computer, because the computer will need two
space in a work area. Desktop computers generally
optical disc drives: one that reads from an optical disc, and one
provide more performance for your money. Today, that writes on an optical disc. If you plan to run software that
allows your computer to function as an entertainment system,
manufacturers are placing more emphasis on style by then you will need an optical disc drive, quality speakers, and
offering bright colors, stylish displays, and theme-based an upgraded sound card.

displays so that the computer looks attractive if it is in 2 Know the system requirements of the
an area of high visibility. Once you have decided that operating system.
After determining the software you want to run on
a desktop computer is most suited to your computing your new computer, the next step is to determine the
needs, the next step is to determine specific software, operating system to use. If, however, you purchase a new
computer, chances are it will have the latest version of your
hardware, peripheral devices, and services to purchase, preferred operating system (Windows, Mac OS, etc.).
as well as where to buy the computer.
3 Look for bundled software.
When you purchase a computer, it may include bundled
software. Some sellers even let you choose which software
you want. Remember, however, that bundled software has
value only if you would have purchased the software even
if it had not been included with the computer. At the very
least, you probably will want word processing software and
an antivirus program. If you need additional programs,
such as a spreadsheet, a database, or presentation software,
consider purchasing or downloading Microsoft Office,
Microsoft Works, OpenOffice.org, or Sun StarOffice, which
include several programs at a reduced price or at no cost.

1 Determine the specific software to use on 4 Avoid buying the least powerful computer
your computer. available.
Before deciding to purchase software, be sure it contains Once you know the application software you want to
the features necessary for the tasks you want to perform. use, then consider the following important criteria about
Rely on the computer users in whom you have confidence the computer’s components: (1) processor speed, (2) size
to help you decide on the software to use. In addition, and types of memory (RAM) and storage, (3) types of
consider purchasing software that might help you perform input/output devices, (4) types of ports and adapter cards,
tasks at home that you otherwise would perform at and (5) types of communications devices. You also should
another location, such as at school or at work. The consider if the computer is upgradeable and to what extent
minimum requirements of the software you select may you are able to upgrade. For example, all manufacturers
determine the operating system (Microsoft Windows, Mac limit the amount of memory you can add. The information
OS, etc.) you need. If you decide to use a particular in Figure 44 on pages COM 29 and COM 30 can help you
operating system that does not support software you want determine which computer components are best for you
to use, you may be able to purchase similar software from and outlines considerations for specific hardware components.
other manufacturers. For a sample Base Components worksheet that lists
Many Web sites and trade magazines provide reviews of personal computer recommendations for various categories
software products. These Web sites frequently have articles of users, see scsite.com/ic8/buyers.
that rate computers and software on cost, performance, and
support.

Property of Cengage Learning

 How to Purchase Computers and Mobile Devices COM 29

Considerations for Hardware Components

Card Reader/Writer: A card reader/writer is useful for transferring data directly to and from a memory card,
such as the type used in a digital camera, smart phone, or portable media player. Make sure the card
reader/writer can read from and write on the memory cards that you use.

Digital Video Capture Device: A digital video (DV) capture device allows you to connect a computer to a video camera
or VCR and record, edit, manage, and then write video back on an optical disc or VCR tape. To create quality video
(true 30 frames per second, full-sized TV), the digital video capture device should have a USB or FireWire port.

External Hard Disk: An external hard disk can serve many purposes: it can serve as extra storage for
your computer, provide a way to store and transport large files or large quantities of files, and provide a
convenient way to back up data on other internal and external hard disks. External hard disks can be purchased
with the same capacity as any internal disk.

Fingerprint Reader: For added security, you may want to consider purchasing a fingerprint reader. It helps prevent unauthorized
access to your computer and also allows you to log onto Web sites quickly via your fingerprint, rather than entering a user
name and password each time you access the site. Most use a USB connection and require software installation.

Hard Disk: It is recommended that you buy a computer with at least a 320 GB hard disk if your primary interests are
browsing the Web and using e-mail and Microsoft Office suite-type programs; 1 TB if you also want to edit digital
photos or if you plan to edit digital video or manipulate large audio files even occasionally; and 2 TB if you will edit
digital video,
movies, or photos often; store audio files and music; or consider yourself to be a power user. Internal hard disk controllers
are available with the RAID option for added data protection.

Joystick/Wheel: If you use the computer to play games, then you will want to purchase a joystick or a wheel. These
devices, especially the more expensive ones, provide for realistic game play with force feedback, programmable
buttons, and specialized levers and wheels.

Keyboard: The keyboard is one of the more important devices used to communicate with the computer. For this reason,
make sure the keyboard you purchase has 101 to 105 keys, is comfortable and easy to use, and has a USB
connection. A wireless keyboard should be considered, especially if you have a small desk area.

Microphone: If you plan to record audio or use speech recognition to enter text and commands,
then purchase a close-talk headset with gain adjustment support.

Modem: Most computers include a modem so that you can use a telephone line to access the Internet.
Some modems also have fax capabilities. Your modem should be rated at 56 Kbps.

Monitor: The monitor is where you will view documents, read e-mail messages, and view pictures. A minimum of a
19" LCD flat-panel monitor is recommended, but if you plan to use the computer for graphic design or game playing, then you
may want to purchase a 22" or 27" monitor. Instead of a single large, widescreen monitor, you may want to consider a
side-by-side monitor setup.

Mouse: While working with a desktop computer, you use the mouse constantly. Make sure the mouse has a wheel, which
acts as a third button in addition to the top two buttons on the left and right. An ergonomic design also is important
because your hand is on the mouse most of the time when you are using the computer. A wireless mouse should be
considered to eliminate the cord and allow you to work at short distances from the computer.

Optical Disc Drives: Most computers include a DVD6RW combination drive and/or DVD/Blu-ray Disc drive. A DVD6RW
or a Blu-ray Disc drive allows you to read optical discs and to write data on (burn) an optical disc. It also will allow you to
store and share video files, digital photos, and other large files with other people who have access to a DVD/Blu-ray Disc
drive. A Blu-ray Disc has a capacity of at least 25 GB, and a DVD has a capacity of at least 4.7 GB, versus the 650 MB
capacity of a CD.

Figure 44 Hardware guidelines. (continues)

COM 30 How to Purchase Computers and Mobile Devices

Considerations for Hardware Components

Ports: Depending on how you use the computer, you may need anywhere from 4 to 10 USB ports.
USB ports have become the connection of choice in the computer industry. They offer an easy way to
connect peripheral devices such as printers, digital cameras, and portable media players. Many computers
intended for home or professional audio/video use have built-in FireWire ports. Most personal computers
include a minimum of six USB ports, two FireWire ports, and an Ethernet port.

Printer: Your two basic printer choices are ink-jet and laser. Color ink-jet printers cost on average between $50
and $300. Laser printers cost from $200 to $2,000. In general, the less expensive the printer, the lower the resolution
and speed, and the more often you are required to change the ink cartridges or toner. Laser printers print faster and
with a higher quality than an ink-jet, and their toner on average costs less.

Processor: For a personal computer, an Intel Core i7 processor at 2.93 GHz is more than enough processor
power for most home and small office/home office users. Higher-end users, such as large businesses or
people who use the computer to play games, should upgrade to faster, more powerful processors.

RAM: RAM plays a vital role in the speed of a computer. Make sure the computer you purchase has at
least 2 GB of RAM. If you have extra money to invest in a computer, consider increasing the RAM.
The extra money for RAM will be well spent because more RAM typically translates into more speed.

Scanner: The most popular scanner purchased with a computer today is the flatbed scanner. When evaluating
a flatbed scanner, check the color depth and resolution. Do not buy anything less than a color depth of 48 bits
and a resolution of 1200 3 2400 dpi. The higher the color depth, the more accurate the color. A higher resolution
picks up the more subtle gradations of color.

Sound Card: Many computers include a standard sound card that supports Dolby 5.1
surround and are capable of recording and playing digital audio. Make sure they are
suitable in the event you decide to use the computer as an entertainment or gaming system.

Speakers: Once you have a good sound card, quality speakers and a separate subwoofer that amplifies
the bass frequencies of the speakers can turn the computer into a premium stereo system.

USB Flash Drive: If you work on different computers and need access to the same data and information,
then this portable flash memory device is ideal. USB flash drive capacity typically varies from 1 GB to 32
GB.

USB Hub: If you plan to connect several peripheral devices to the computer at the same time, then you need to be
concerned with the number of ports available on the computer. If the computer does not have enough ports, then
you should purchase a USB hub. A USB hub plugs into a single USB port and provides several additional ports.

Video Card: Most standard video cards satisfy the monitor display needs of most home and small
office users. If you use your home computer to play games or if you are a graphic designer, you will
want to upgrade to a higher quality video card. The higher refresh rates will further enhance the
display of games, graphics, and movies.

Web Cam: A Web cam is a small digital video camera that can capture and display live video
on a Web page. You also can capture, edit, and share video and still photos. Recommended minimum
specifications include 640 3 480 resolution, a video with a rate of 30 frames per second, and a
USB or FireWire port. Some Web cams are built into computer monitors.

Wireless LAN Access Point: A wireless LAN access point allows you to network several computers, so that
multiple users can share files and access the Internet through a single Internet connection. Each device that you
connect requires a wireless card or wireless capability. A wireless LAN access point can offer a range of operations
up to several hundred feet, so be sure the device has a high-powered antenna.

Figure 44 Hardware guidelines. (continued)

Property of Cengage Learning

 Computer technology changes rapidly, meaning a unit (processor, RAM, sound card, video card, network card),
computer that seems powerful enough today may not
serve your computing needs in several years. In fact, studies
show that many users regret not buying a more powerful
computer. To avoid this, plan to buy a computer that will
last for at least two to three years. You can help delay obso-
lescence by purchasing the fastest processor, the most mem-
ory, and the largest hard disk you can afford. If you must
buy a less powerful computer, be sure you can upgrade it
with additional memory, components, and peripheral devices
as your computer requirements grow.

5 Consider upgrades to the mouse,

keyboard, monitor, printer, microphone, and
speakers.
You use these peripheral devices to interact with the
computer, so make sure they are up to your standards.
Review the peripheral devices listed in Figure 44 and then
visit both local computer dealers and large retail stores to
test the computers and devices on display. Ask the sales-
person which input and output devices would be best for
you and whether you should upgrade beyond the standard
product. Consider purchasing a wireless keyboard and
wireless mouse to eliminate wires on your desktop. A few
extra dollars spent on these components when you initially
purchase a computer can extend its usefulness by years.

6 Determine whether to use a broadband or

dial-up connection to access the Internet.
If your computer has a modem, you can access the
Internet using a standard telephone line. Ordinarily, you
call a local or toll-free 800 number to connect to an Internet
access provider. Using a dial-up Internet connection usually
is relatively inexpensive but slow.
Broadband connections (cable, DSL, fiber, radio signals,
or satellite) provide much faster Internet connections,
which are ideal if you want faster file download speeds
for software, digital photos, digital video, and music. As
you would expect, they can be more expensive than a dial-
up connection. If you want to use a broadband
connection, your computer should have an Ethernet card
installed, unless you are using a wireless broadband
connection such as WiMax or 3G. If you will be using a
dial-up connection, your computer should have a modem
installed.

7 Use a worksheet to compare

computers, services, and other
considerations.
You can use a separate sheet of paper to take notes
about each vendor’s computer and then summarize the
information on a worksheet. For a sample worksheet
that compares prices for a PC or a Mac, see
scsite.com/ ic8/buyers. Most companies advertise a
price for a base
computer that includes components housed in the system
hard disks, optical disc drives, a keyboard, mouse,
monitor, printer, speakers, and modem. Be aware,
however, that some advertisements list prices for
computers with only some of these components.
Monitors and printers, for example, often are not
included in a base computer’s price. Depending
on how you plan to use the computer, you may want
to invest in additional or more powerful components.
When comparing the prices of computers, make sure
you are comparing identical or similar
configurations.

If you are buying a new computer, you 8

have several purchasing options: buying
from a school bookstore, a local computer
dealer, a local large retail store, or
ordering by mail via telephone or the Web.
Each purchasing option has certain advantages.
Many college bookstores, for example, sign
exclusive pricing agreements with computer
manufacturers and, thus, can offer student discounts.
Local dealers and local large retail stores, however,
more easily can provide hands-on support.
Mail-order companies that sell computers by
telephone or online via the Web (Figure 45) often
provide the low- est prices, but extend less
personal service. Some major mail-order
companies, however, have started to provide next-
business-day, on-site services. A credit card usually
is required to buy from a mail-order company.

Figure 45 Mail-order companies, such as Dell, sell

computers online.

If you are buying a used 9

computer, stay with name brands
such as Dell, Apple, HP, and
Gateway.
Although brand-name equipment can cost more,
most brand-name computers have longer, more
comprehensive warranties, are better supported, and
have more authorized centers for repair services. As
with new computers, you can purchase a used
computer from local computer dealers, local large
retail stores, or mail order via the telephone
or the Web. Classified ads and used computer sellers offer
additional outlets for purchasing used computers. 15 Consider purchasing an extended
warranty or service plan.
10 If you have a computer and are upgrading If you use your computer for business or require fast
to a new one, then consider selling or trading resolution to major computer problems, consider purchasing
in the old one. an extended warranty or a service plan through a local dealer
If you are a replacement buyer, your older computer still or third-party company. Most extended warranties cover the
may have value. If you cannot sell the computer through repair and replacement of computer components beyond the
the classified ads, via a Web site, or to a friend, then ask if standard warranty. Most service plans ensure that your techni-
the computer dealer will buy your old computer. cal support calls receive priority response from technicians.
An increasing number of companies are taking trade- You also can purchase an on-site service plan that states that
ins, but do not expect too much money for your old a technician will arrive at your home, work, or school within
computer. Other companies offer to recycle your old 24 hours. If your computer includes a warranty and service
computer free or for a fee. agreement for a year or less, consider extending the service
for two or three years when you buy the computer.
11 Be aware of hidden costs.
Before purchasing, be sure to consider any additional costs
associated with buying a computer, such as an additional How to Purchase a Notebook Computer
telephone line, a broadband modem, an uninterruptible
power supply (UPS), computer furniture, a USB flash drive,
paper, and computer training classes you may want to take. If you need computing capability when you travel or
Depending on where you buy the computer, the seller may to use in lectures or meetings, you may find a notebook
be willing to include some or all of these in the computer
purchase price. computer to be an appropriate choice. The guidelines
mentioned in the previous section also apply to the
12 Consider more than just price.
The lowest-cost computer may not be the best long-term purchase of a notebook computer. The following are
buy. Consider such intangibles as the vendor’s time in business, additional considerations unique to notebook
regard for quality, and reputation for support. If you need to
upgrade a computer often, you may want to consider a leas- computers, including netbooks and Tablet PCs.
ing arrangement, in which you pay monthly lease fees, but can
upgrade or add on to your computer as your equipment needs
change. No matter what type of buyer you are, insist on a
30- day, no-questions-asked return policy on the computer.

13 Avoid restocking fees.

Some companies charge a restocking fee of 10 to 20
percent as part of their money-back return policy. In
some cases, no restocking fee for hardware is applied,
but it is applied for software. Ask about the existence and
terms of any restocking policies before you buy.

14 Use a credit card to purchase a

new computer.
Many credit cards offer purchase protection and extended 1 Determine which computer fits your mobile
warranty benefits that cover you in case of loss of or damage computing needs.
to purchased goods. Paying by credit card also gives you time Before purchasing a notebook computer, you need
to install and use the computer before you have to pay for it. to determine whether a traditional notebook computer,
Finally, if you are dissatisfied with the computer and are netbook, or Tablet PC will meet your needs. If you spend
unable to reach an agreement with the seller, paying by most of your time working on spreadsheets, writing and/
credit card gives you certain rights regarding withholding or editing documents, sending and responding to e-mail
payment until the dispute is resolved. Check your credit card messages, or using the Internet, then a traditional
terms for specific details. notebook computer will suffice. If your primary use will be
to access the Internet while traveling and you are not
concerned as
much with processing power or hard disk capacity, consider Mouse and Digital Pen Operations
a netbook. If you need a computer in class or you spend
more time in meetings than in your office, then the Tablet Mouse Digital Pen
PC may be the answer. Before you invest money in a Point Point
Tablet PC, however, determine which programs you plan to
Click Tap
use on it. You should not buy a Tablet PC simply because it
is an interesting type of computer. Double-click Double-tap
Right-click Tap and hold
2 Purchase a notebook computer with Click and drag Drag
a sufficiently large screen.
Active-matrix screens display high-quality color that is Figure 46 Standard point-and-click of a mouse compared
with the gestures made with a digital pen.
viewable from all angles. Less expensive, passive-matrix
screens sometimes are difficult to see in low-light
the standard point-and-click of a mouse with the gestures
conditions and cannot be viewed from an angle.
made with a digital pen. Other gestures with the digital pen
Notebook computers typically include a 12.1-inch,
replicate some of the commonly used keys on a keyboard.
13.3-inch, 14.1-inch, 15.4-inch, or 17-inch display. Netbooks
have screens as small as 7 inches. For most users, a 14.1-inch 4 Make sure the notebook computer you
display is satisfactory. If you intend to use the notebook com-
purchase has an optical disc drive.
puter as a desktop computer replacement, however, you may
Most mobile computers include an optical disc drive.
opt for a 15.4-inch or 17-inch display. The WSXGA+ stan-
Although DVD/Blu-ray Disc drives are slightly more
dard (1680 3 1050) is popular with 17-inch displays, so if
expensive, they allow you to play CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray
you intend to watch HD movies on the computer, take this
Discs using your notebook computer and hear the sound
into consideration. Some notebook computers with these
through earbuds. If you decide to purchase a netbook, it
larger displays weigh more than 10 pounds, however, so if you
might not include an optical disc drive. Instead, you might
travel a lot and portability is essential, you might want a
need to purchase an external optical disc drive.
lighter computer with a smaller display. The lightest
notebook com- puters, which weigh less than 3 pounds, are 5 If necessary, upgrade the processor, memory,
equipped with a 12.1-inch display. and disk storage at the time of purchase.
Regardless of size, the resolution of the display should be As with a desktop computer, upgrading a notebook
at least 1024 3 768 pixels. To compare the screen size on computer’s memory and disk storage usually is less
various notebook computers, including netbooks and Tablet expen- sive at the time of initial purchase. Some disk
PCs, visit the company Web sites. Tablet PCs use a digitizer storage is custom designed for notebook computer
below a standard 10.4-inch motion-sensitive LCD display manufacturers, meaning an upgrade might not be
to available in the future. If you are purchasing a
make the writing experience on the screen feel like writing on lightweight notebook computer or Tablet PC, then it
paper. To ensure you experience the maximum benefits from should include at least an Intel Core 2 Quad processor, 2
the ClearType technology, make sure the LCD display has a GB RAM, and 250 GB of storage. If
resolution of 800 3 600 in landscape mode and a resolution of you are purchasing a netbook, it should have an Intel Atom
600 3 800 in portrait mode. processor, at least 1 GB RAM, and 120 GB of storage.

3 Experiment with different keyboards, 6 The availability of built-in ports and slots
pointing devices, and digital pens. and a USB hub on a notebook computer is
Notebook computer keyboards, especially netbook important.
keyboards, are far less standardized than those for desktop A notebook computer does not have much room to add
computers. Some notebook computers, for example, have wide adapter cards. If you know the purpose for which you plan to
wrist rests, while others have none, and keyboard layouts on use the notebook computer, then you can determine the ports
notebook computers often vary. Notebook computers also use a you will need. Netbooks typically have fewer ports than tra-
range of pointing devices, including touchpads, pointing sticks, ditional notebook computers and Tablet PCs. Most notebook
trackballs, and, in the case of Tablet PCs, digital pens. computers include common ports, such as a video port, audio
Before purchasing a notebook computer, try various types of port, network port, FireWire port, and multiple USB ports.
keyboards and pointing devices to determine which is easiest If you plan to connect the notebook computer to a television,
for you to use. Regardless of the device you select, you also however, then you will need a PC to TV port. To optimize tele-
may want to purchase a standard mouse to use when you are vision viewing, you may want to consider DisplayPort, DVI, or
working at a desk or other large surface. Figure 46 compares HDMI ports. If you want to connect to networks at school or
in various offices via a network cable, make sure the notebook wirelessly to the Internet using a wireless data plan.
computer you purchase has a network port. If the notebook
computer does not contain a network port, you will have to
purchase an external network card that slides into an expan-
sion slot in your computer, as well as a network cable. You also
may want to consider adding a card reader.

7 If you plan to use your notebook computer

for note-taking at school or in meetings,
consider a convertible Tablet PC.
Some computer manufacturers have developed convertible
Tablet PCs that allow the screen to rotate 180 degrees on a
central hinge and then fold down to cover the keyboard
(Figure 47). You then can use a digital pen to enter text or
drawings into the computer by writing on the screen. Some
notebook computers have wide screens for better viewing and
editing, and some even have a screen on top of the unit in
addition to the regular screen. If you spend much of your
time attending lectures or meetings, then the slate Tablet
PC is ideal. With a slate Tablet PC, users can attach a
removable keyboard.

Figure 47 A
convertible Tablet PC.

8 If you purchase a Tablet PC, determine

whether you require multi-touch
technology.
Newer operating systems now support hardware with
multi-touch technology. If you choose an operating system
that supports this technology, the Tablet PC also must
support this technology.

9 Purchase a notebook computer with

an integrated Web cam.
If you will be using a notebook computer to
connect to the Internet and chat with friends online,
consider purchasing one with an integrated Web
cam.

10 Check with your wireless carrier to see

if it offers netbooks for sale.
Most wireless carriers now offer wireless data plans
allowing you to connect to the Internet from almost any-
where with a cell phone signal. Some wireless carriers now
are selling netbooks with built-in capability to connect
 Purchase a notebook computer
with a built-in wireless network 11
Figure 48
connection. A well-designed
A wireless network connection (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi notebook computer
a/b/g/n, WiMAX, etc.) can be useful when you travel carrying case.
or as part of a home network. Increasingly more
airports, hotels, schools, and cafés have wireless
networks that allow you to connect to the Internet.
Many users today are setting up wireless home
networks. With a wireless home network, your
notebook computer can access the Internet, as well as
other computers in the house, from any location to
share files and hardware, such as a printer, and
browse the Web. Most home wireless networks allow
connections from distances of 150 to 800 feet.

If you plan to use your notebook 12

computer for long periods without access
to an electrical outlet, purchase a second
battery.
The trend among notebook computer users today is
power and size over battery life. Many notebook
computer users today are willing to give up longer
battery life for a larger screen, faster processor, and
more storage. In addition, some manufacturers
typically sell the notebook computer with the lowest
capacity battery. For this reason, be care-
ful in choosing a notebook computer if you plan to
use it without access to electrical outlets for long
periods, such as an airplane flight. You also might
want to purchase a second battery as a backup. If you
anticipate running the notebook computer on
batteries frequently, choose a computer that uses
lithium-ion batteries, which last longer than nickel
cadmium or nickel hydride batteries.

Purchase a well-padded and well- 13

designed carrying case.
An amply padded carrying case will protect your
notebook computer from the bumps it will receive
while traveling. A well-designed carrying case will
have room for accessories such as spare optical discs,
pens, and paperwork (Figure 48). Although a netbook
may be small enough to fit in a handbag,
make sure
that the bag
has
sufficient
padding to
protect the
computer.
14 If you plan to connect your notebook How to Purchase a Smart Phone
computer to a video projector, make sure
the notebook computer is compatible with You probably will use a smart phone more
the video projector.
often than other mobile devices. For this
You should check, for example, to be sure that your
notebook computer will allow you to display an image on reason, it is important to choose a phone that
the computer screen and projection device at the same
is available through your preferred wireless
time. Also, ensure that the notebook computer has the ports
required to connect to the video projector. You also may carrier, available in your price range, and
consider purchasing a notebook computer with a built-in
offers access to the features you will use most
Web cam for video conferencing purposes.
frequently.
15 For improved security and
convenience, consider a fingerprint This section lists guidelines you should
reader. consider when purchasing a smart phone.
More than half a million notebook computers are stolen or
lost each year. If you have critical information stored on your 1 Choose a wireless carrier and plan that
notebook computer, consider purchasing one with a fingerprint satisfies your needs and budget.
reader to protect the data if your computer is stolen or lost Multiple wireless carriers exist today, and each one offers
(Figure 49). Fingerprint security offers a level of protection that a different line of smart phones. For example, the Samsung
extends well beyond the standard password protection. If your Alias is available only through Verizon Wireless. Alternatively,
notebook computer is stolen, the odds of recovering it improve some smart phones, such as the BlackBerry line of smart
dramatically with anti-theft tracking software. Manufacturers phones, are available from multiple wireless carriers. Before
claim recovery rates of 90 percent or more for notebook com- deciding on a smart phone, you first should research the wire-
puters using their product. For convenience, fingerprint readers less carriers in your area, and be sure to ascertain whether the
also allow you to log onto several Web sites in lieu of entering coverage is acceptable. Additionally, compare the calling plans
user name and password information. for the various carriers and determine which one best meets
your needs. Once you have determined the wireless carrier
to use, you then can choose from one of their available smart
phones. Once you purchase a smart phone, most carriers
allow you to perform a risk-free evaluation for 30 days. If you
are not satisfied with the phone or its performance, you can
Figure 49 Fingerprint
reader technology offers return the phone and pay only for the service you have
greater security than used.
passwords.
2 Decide on the size, style, and weight of the
16 Review the docking capabilities of the smart phone that will work best for you.
Tablet PC. Smart phones are available in various sizes, weights,
The Tablet Technology in the Windows operating system shapes, and colors. Some people prefer larger, heavier
supports a grab-and-go form of docking, so that you can pick phones because they feel that they are more durable, while
up and take a docked Tablet PC with you, just as you would others prefer smaller, lightweight phones for easy portability.
pick up a notepad on your way to a meeting (Figure 50). Some smart phones are flip phones, meaning that you have
to open the phone (like a clamshell) to display the screen
and keypad, some open by sliding the phone, and others do
not need to be opened to use them. Figure 51 shows various
smart phone styles.

Figure 50 A Tablet PC
docked to create a desktop computer Figure 51 Various smart phone styles.
with the Tablet PC as the monitor.
 memory card and eventually fill it, you easily can transfer the
3 Determine whether you prefer a touch
data to a larger memory card.
screen, keypad, or mini-keyboard.
Modern smart phones provide various ways to enter 7 Check out the accessories.
text. During the past several years, smart phones with
Determine which accessories you want for the smart
touch screens as their primary input device have been
phone. Accessories include carrying cases, screen protectors,
penetrating the market. Some smart phone users prefer
synchronization cradles and cables, and car chargers.
touch screens because the phone does not require
additional space for a keypad or mini-keyboard, but others
find it more difficult to type on a touch screen. Most newer How to Purchase a Portable Media Player
smart phones with touch screens also include handwriting
recognition. Smart phones with keypads might make it
easier to type for some users, but others do not like the Portable media players are becoming the preferred
unfamiliar feeling of keys arranged in alphabetical order. In device for listening to music and watching videos on
addition, you often have to press the keys multiple times
before reaching the letter you want to type. Mini- the go. When choosing a portable media player, it is
keyboards are available on some smart phones, such as the important to consider features and characteristics
BlackBerry and Samsung Alias. Mini-keyboards provide a
key for each letter, but the keys are significantly smaller other than the physical size
than those on a standard keyboard. Most smart phone
and amount of storage space.
users type on mini-keyboards using their thumbs.
This section lists guidelines
4 If you will be synchronizing your
smart phone with a program on your
you should consider when
computer, select a smart phone that is purchasing a portable media
compatible with the program you wish to
use. player.
Programs such as Microsoft Outlook allow you to
1 Choose a device with sufficient storage
synchronize your e-mail messages, contacts, and calendar
capacity.
with your smart phone. If you would like this functionality,
Audio and video files can consume a great deal of
purchase a smart phone that can synchronize with
storage space, so be sure to purchase a portable media
Microsoft Outlook. Similarly, if your company uses a
player that has enough capacity to store your audio and
BlackBerry Enterprise server or Microsoft Exchange server,
video files.
you should consider purchasing a smart phone that can
You also should consider approximately how many media
synchronize, either using wires or wirelessly, with those
files you acquire each year, and make sure that your device
servers.
has enough storage space to accommodate these files for
5 Compare battery life. years to come.
Any smart phone is useful only if it has the power required 2 Determine which file formats your new
to run. Talking and using the Internet on your smart phone
portable media player should support and
will shorten battery life more quickly than when the phone
how you will add files to your library.
is powered on but not in use. If you have a choice, be sure to
Some portable media players are designed to accept new
purchase a battery that will allow the phone to function all
audio and video files only through a program installed on a
day. Pay particular attention to the talk time and standby time.
computer. For example, it is easiest to add media files to an
If you plan to talk on the phone more than the advertised
iPod using the iTunes program. Other portable media play-
talk time, you might consider purchasing a second battery or
ers connect to a computer using a cable and are displayed in
an extended battery if your phone supports it.
Windows as a removable disk. You then can add files to the
media player by dragging the files to the removable disk
6 Make sure your smart phone has enough
icon in Windows. The portable media player must support
memory and storage.
the file formats you are using. You can determine the file
If you are using the smart phone to send and receive
format by looking at the file extension on the media files
picture, video, and e-mail messages, and to store music,
you wish to transfer to your portable media player. Before
purchase a memory card that not only is compatible with
purchasing a portable media player, make sure that it can
your computer and smart phone, but also has adequate
support the file formats you are using.
storage space for your messages and files. If you purchase a
 Although most portable media players include rechargeable
3 Consider a portable media player that can batteries, some still use traditional alkaline batteries. Portable
play video.
Some users prefer to watch videos on their portable
media player in addition to playing music. You typically can
download videos for portable media players less expensively
than purchasing the movie on a DVD/Blu-ray Disc. Although
the display on a portable media player is small, many still
find entertainment value because they are able to watch
videos while waiting for a bus, on an airplane, or at other
locations where they otherwise might not have anything
to occupy them.

4 Read reviews about the sound quality on the

portable media players you are considering.
Sound quality may vary greatly among portable media
players. If you are unable to try the portable media player
before buying it, read reviews and make sure that those
reviewing the devices find the sound quality to be
accept- able. You also may consider purchasing higher-
quality earbuds or headphones to enhance the sound
quality.

5 Select a size and style that works best for

you.
Portable media players are available in various shapes and
styles. For example, Apple offers the iPod shuffle, iPod nano,
iPod classic, and iPod touch (Figure 52). Each type of iPod
varies in size and style, and some have capabilities (such as
video) that others do not. Choose a size and style that meets
your needs and fits your personality.

Figure 52 Portable media players are available in different

shapes, styles, and colors.

6 Check out additional memory cards.

Most portable media players have internal storage for
your media files. If you wish to increase the available
storage, con- sider purchasing a portable media player that
allows you to increase storage capacity by inserting memory
cards. Similar to most computers, it is less expensive initially
to purchase the largest amount of storage that you can
afford, but it is helpful to be able to increase your storage at
a later date.

7 Consider rechargeable batteries.

media players sometimes can last for only a few hours
on alkaline batteries, and battery replacement can be
costly. Rechargeable batteries often last longer and
create less waste. If you are not near a power source,
you are unable to recharge the batteries when they die.
With alkaline batteries, you sim- ply can insert new
ones and continue enjoying your player.

Stay within your budget. 8

As previously mentioned, portable media players are
available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they also
are available with various storage capacities. When
shopping for a portable media player, be realistic when
you consider how you will use the device, as well as how
much storage you require. Purchasing the latest and
greatest device is not always the best option, and the
cost can exceed what you care to spend.

How to Purchase a Digital Camera

Both amateur and professional photographers
now are mostly purchasing digital cameras to
meet their photography needs. Because digital
cameras with new and improved features
regularly are introduced to the marketplace,
consumers should know how to compare the
differences among the multiple cameras that
are available. This section lists guidelines you
should consider when purchasing a digital
camera.

Determine the type of digital camera 1

that meets your needs.
Various types of digital cameras exist,
including point-and-shoot cameras, field
cameras, and studio cameras. Point-and-shoot
cameras typically fit in your pocket and meet
the needs of most general consumers.
Field cameras, which often are used by
photojournalists, are portable but flexible. Field
cameras allow photographers to change lenses and use
other attachments, and also are more customizable
than point-and-shoot cameras. Studio cameras are used
in photo studios and are stationary. These cameras
give you the widest range of lenses and settings.

The digital camera with the 2

highest resolution is not always
the best.
Many consumers mistakenly believe that the digital
camera with the highest resolution is the best camera for
their needs.
 38
COM 38 How to Purchase Computers and Mobile Devices

A higher resolution increases quality and clarity of your pho- camera

tos, as well as the size at which you can print the photos before
noticing degradation in quality. If you never plan to print photos
larger than 8" 3 10", for example, you do not need a camera
with a resolution greater than 5 megapixels. Many cameras
available today advertise higher resolutions, but taking pictures
at these high resolutions can use valuable storage space. Just
because your camera can take a 10-megapixel photo does not
mean that you always should set the resolution to 10
megapixels.

3 Consider size and weight.

Digital cameras are available in various sizes and weights.
Some people prefer smaller, lighter cameras because they
are easier to transport and take up less space. Others prefer
bulkier, heavier cameras because the weight helps steady
them to take a clearer picture. Many digital cameras also
include an image stabilization feature that reduces the pos-
sibility of a blurry picture if you move your hands slightly
while taking the picture. Some also believe that heavier cam-
eras are of better quality, although that seldom is true. When
choosing a digital camera, practice taking pictures with it
and select one that feels comfortable and natural.

4 Different cameras require

different memory cards.
When purchasing a digital camera, pay careful attention
to the type of memory card the camera uses. Many use SD
cards, some use xD Picture cards, and some use CompactFlash
memory cards. Some memory cards are more expensive to
replace than others, and some have a higher capacity than
other cards. If you take a lot of pictures, purchase a camera
that supports a memory card with a higher storage capacity so
that you can avoid carrying multiple memory cards. You also
might consider purchasing a camera that uses a memory card
that is compatible with your other mobile devices.

5 Photo editing features can save you time.

Some digital cameras have integrated tools that allow you
to edit photos directly from the camera. For instance, you
may be able to crop photos, change the brightness, or
remove red-eye effects. Editing photos directly on the
camera after taking them can save you from editing
multiple photos at once when you transfer them to a
computer. The photo edit- ing capabilities available on digital
cameras are limited when compared to photo editing
programs, but in many cases they can edit a photo to your
satisfaction.

6 Make sure that you can see the LCD

screen easily.
LCD screens on digital cameras allow you to configure
the settings, frame a shot before taking it, and preview
pho- tos after taking them. LCD screens vary by inches, so
select a camera with a screen that does not require you to
strain your eyes to view. This is especially important if the

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you are considering does not have a viewfinder,
because you then will be required to use the display
to frame your shots. Figure 53 Digital camera accessories include memory
cards, cases, batteries, and battery chargers.
Determine whether your 7
pictures will require you to zoom.
If you plan to take pictures of people or objects that
require you to zoom in, select a digital camera that has
a high optical zoom. An optical zoom enlarges the
subject by adjusting the camera lens, whereas a digital
zoom uses formulas built into the camera to magnify
images. Optical zooms, as opposed to digital zooms,
often result in a higher quality photo. While a digital
zoom might be capable of magnifying objects that are
100 feet away, the photo will suffer a loss of quality.

Price is important. 8
As with all other devices, purchase a digital camera
that does not exceed your budget. If you find a great
camera that is avail- able for more than you are willing
to spend, consider locating a camera with a slightly
lower resolution, an alternate brand, or a smaller screen.
Digital cameras can last well beyond five years if
properly maintained, so consider this a longer-term
investment that will create memories lasting you a
lifetime.

Know your batteries. 9

Some digital cameras require replaceable alkaline or
rechargeable batteries (often AA or AAA), and others
have a rechargeable battery. Similar to batteries in
portable media players, using disposable batteries in
digital cameras can get expensive, and they may not last
as long as rechargeable bat- tery packs. Digital camera
battery life is not measured in hours (as is the case with
smart phones and portable media players); instead, it is
measured in how many pictures can be taken on a single
charge or set of batteries. Turning off the LCD screen
and flash when you take pictures can help to extend
battery life.

Purchase accessories. 10
Accessories that are available for digital cameras
include carrying cases, extra batteries and battery
chargers, and extra memory cards (Figure 53).
Carrying cases can help protect your digital camera,
especially while traveling, and the extra batteries and
chargers can stay inside your carrying case so that
they are readily available should you need them.
Screen protectors can help protect the LCD screen on
your digital camera.
How to Purchase Computers
Introduction
and Mobile
to Devices
Computers COM 39

Learn It
Online

ASSIGNMENTS
Instructions
csite.com/ic8/learn.
To complete the Learn
It Online exercises,
start your browser,

STUDENT
click the address bar,
and then enter the
Web address
scsite.com/ic8/learn.
When the
mplete and then plete
Introduction to and
Computers then
Learn It Online
page is
displayed,
click the link
for the
exercise you
want to co
read the
instructions.

1 Chapte
r
Reinfor
cement
TF, MC,
and SA
ter content. A series of
true/false,
multiple choice,
and short answer
questions that
test your
knowledge of the
chap er content.

2 Flash Cards
An interactive
learning
environment
where you
identify key
terms associated
with displayed
definitions.

3 Practice Test
A series of
multiple choice
questions that
test your
knowledge of
chapter content
and key terms.
 4 Who Wants To Be a Computer Genius?
An interactive game that challenges your knowledge of chapter content in the style of a television
quiz show.

5 Wheel of Terms
An interactive game that challenges your knowledge of chapter key terms in the style of the television
show
Wheel of Fortune.

6 Crossword Puzzle Challenge

A crossword puzzle that challenges your knowledge of key terms presented in the chapter.

Case Studies
1. Computers are ubiquitous. Watching
television, driving a car, using a credit 3. As notebook computers become more
card, ordering fast food, and the more affordable, an increasing number of
obvious activity of typing a research paper college students are purchasing them to
all involve inter- action with computers. use instead of using computers available
Make a list of every computer you can on campus. As a new college student,
recall that you encountered over the past you also would like to purchase a
week (be careful not to limit yourself just notebook computer for your
to the computers you see). Consider how coursework. Shop online for a notebook
each computer is used. How were the computer that you believe will be
tasks the computers performed done sufficient for your major. Some schools
before computers existed? Do you feel have suggested notebook com- puter
computers have a positive impact on configurations that can assist in your
people and organizations? Write a brief search. Once you find a notebook
report and submit it to your instructor. computer, write a brief report describ-
ing the computer (include the brand,
2. The Internet has had a tremendous model, configuration information, and
impact on organizations. For some price), and submit it to your instructor.
organizations, that influence has not been
positive. For example, surveys suggest that 4. Today, the functional lines among mobile
as a growing number of people make devices seem blurred. Your cell phone
their own travel plans online, travel has a digital camera; your portable media
agents are seeing fewer customers. Use the player has wireless Internet access; and
Web to research organizations that have your game console plays videos and
been affected negatively by the Internet. connects to the Internet. These are
What effect has the Internet had? How examples of technological convergence, a
can the organization compete with the process in which separate technologies
Internet? Do you feel that computers merge in single products. Write a brief
might replace humans entirely in the report on how your favorite mobile
workforce? Why or why not? Write a device is an example of convergence,
brief report and submit it to your listing the various technologies that it
instructor. uses.

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COM
COM4040 How to Purchase
Introduction to Computers
Computersand Mobile Devices

Index
access provider, COM 22
all-in-one device, COM 9 fingerprint reader, COM 29, COM 35 netbook, COM 4 sound card, COM 30
antivirus programs, COM 26 flash memory storage, COM 12–15 network, COM 21 speakers, COM 2, COM 30
application software, COM 18–21 and the Internet, COM 21–25 spreadsheet software, COM 20
arithmetic/logic unit (ALU), COM 8 gigabyte (GB), COM 8 notebook computer, COM 4 storage device, COM 10–17
graphical user interface (GUI), COM 18 storage medium, COM 10
backup, COM 11 green computing, COM 3 online, COM 21 stylus, COM 6
batteries for computers and mobile devices, online service provider (OSP), COM 24 subject directory, COM 25
COM 34, COM 36, COM 38 hard disk, COM 10–12, COM 29 online social network, COM 24 system software, COM 18
BD-RE, COM 17 hard disk drive, COM 2 operating system, COM 18 system unit, COM 2, COM 8
blog, COM 24 head crash, COM 11 optical disc, COM 15–17
Blu-ray Disc, COM 17 http://, COM 24 optical disc drive, COM 15, COM Tablet PC, COM 4
Hypertext Transfer Protocol, COM 24 29 output devices, COM 9 terabyte (TB), COM 8
Buyer’s Guide: How to Purchase
Computers and Mobile Devices, touchpad, COM 7
COM 27–38 information, COM 3 peripheral, COM 3 track, COM 11
information processing cycle, COM 3 personal computer, COM 4 transmission media, COM 17
byte, COM 8
ink-jet printers, COM 8–9 photo printers, COM 9 Trojan horse, COM 26
card reader/writer, COM 2, COM 29 input device, COM 5–7 pixels, COM 10
CD-R, CD-ROM, CD-RW, COM 16 installing, COM 18 pointer, COM 6 uninstalling, COM 18
central processing unit (CPU), Internet, COM 22–24 pointing devices, COM 6–7 URL, COM 24
COM 8 ISP (Internet service provider), COM 22 portable media player, COM 5 USB flash drive, COM 2, COM 15,
ports, COM 30 COM 30
cloud storage, COM 17
communications device, COM 17 presentation software, COM 19 USB hub, COM 30
joystick/wheel, COM 29
CompactFlash (CF), COM 14 printer, COM 2, COM 9, COM 30 users, COM 3
computer, COM 2 processor, COM 8, COM 30 utility program, COM 18
keyboard, COM 5, COM 29
See also specific type kilobyte (KB or K), COM 8 program, COM 18
components of, COM 2–4 purchasing video card, COM 30
PC vs. Mac, COM 31 desktop computer, COM 28–32 virus, COM 26
laptop computer, COM 4 digital camera, COM 37–38
Purchasing, See Buyer’s Guide LCD monitor, COM 10
computer operations, COM 3 notebook computer, COM 32–35 Web, COM 24–25
local area network (LAN), COM 21 portable media player, COM 36–37 Web 2.0, COM 24
computer users, COM 3
control unit, COM 8 smart phone, COM 35–36 Web address, COM 24
malware, COM 26 Web application, COM 18
megabyte (MB), COM 8 RAM, COM 8, COM 30 Web browser, COM 24
data, COM 3 memory, COM 8
database, COM 20 removable hard disk, COM 12 Web cam, COM 2, COM 30
memory card, COM 2, COM 13 resolution, COM 10 Web page, COM 24
database software, COM 20 types of, COM 14 rootkit, COM 26 Web server, COM 24
desktop computer, COM 4, COM 28 Memory Stick Micro (M2), COM 14 Web site, COM 24
digital camera, COM 2, COM Memory Stick PRO Duo, COM 14 scanner, COM 30 wide area network (WAN), COM 22
5 digital pen operations, COM microphone, COM 29 SDHC, COM 14 wireless Internet service provider,
33 display device, COM 10 microSD, COM 14 search engine, COM 25 COM 24
DVD+RAM, DVD-ROM, DVD-RW, microSDHC, COM 14
DVD+RW, COM 16–17 search text, COM 25 wireless LAN (WLAN), COM 21
Microsoft Windows operating system, searching the Web, COM 25 access points, COM 30
DVD-ROM drive, COM 16 COM 18 sectors, COM 11 wireless, COM 17
mobile computer, COM 4 Secure Digital (SD), COM 14 word processing software, COM 19
e-commerce, COM 25 mobile device, COM 4–5 smart phone, COM 5 worksheet, COM 20
e-mail program, COM 21 modem, COM 2, COM 29
end users, COM 3 social networking Web site, COM 24 World Wide Web, COM 24–25
monitor, COM 2, COM 10, COM 29 software, COM 18–21 worm, COM 26
ExpressCard module, COM 15
motherboard, COM 8 types of, COM 18–21
external hard disk, COM 2, COM 12,
mouse, COM 2, COM 6, COM 29 solid state drive (SSD), COM 12 xD Picture Card, COM 14
COM 29
multifunction peripheral, COM 9 solid state media, COM 12

Photo Credits
Opener – page 1 Courtesy of Kingston Technology Corporation; Courtesy of Intermec Technologies Corporation; Courtesy of Apple; Courtesy of Acer, Inc; Courtesy of Intel Corporation; Courtesy of
Microsoft Corporation; Courtesy of Microsoft Corporation; © Chris Rout/Alamy; Courtesy of Hewlett-Packard Company; 1a Courtesy of Hewlett-Packard Company; 1b Courtesy of Logitech;
1c Courtesy of Logitech; 1d Courtesy of Kingston Technology Corporation; 1e Courtesy of D-Link Corporation; 1f Courtesy of SanDisk Corporation; 1g Courtesy of SanDisk Corporation; 1h Courtesy
of LaCie; 1i Courtesy of Hewlett-Packard Company; 1j Courtesy of Hewlett-Packard Company; 4 Courtesy of Dell, Inc; 5 iStockphoto; 6a Courtesy of Apple; 6b Courtesy of Nokia; 6c Courtesy of
Nokia; 7 Courtesy of Microsoft Corporation; 8a © Alex Segre/Alamy; 8b PRNewsFoto/Verizon Wireless; 8c © Alex Segre/Alamy; 9 Courtesy of Microsoft Corporation; 10 Adam Balatoni/iStockphoto;
11a Courtesy of Nokia; 11b Courtesy of Nokia; 11c Courtesy of Nokia; 11d Courtesy of Nokia; 11e Courtesy of BoxWave Corporation; 12a Courtesy of Creative Technology Ltd; 12b Courtesy of
Sapphire Technology; 12c Courtesy of Intel Corporation; 12d Courtesy of Kingston Technology Corporation; 12e Courtesy of Hewlett-Packard Company; 12f Courtesy of Hewlett-Packard Company;
13a Courtesy of Xerox Corporation; 13b-l Courtesy of Hewlett-Packard Company; 14 Courtesy of Hewlett-Packard Company; 15 PRNewsFoto/Envision Peripherals Inc; 16a Courtesy of Palm, Inc;
16b iStockphoto; 16c © FP/Getty Images; 16d Courtesy of Nokia; 16e Courtesy of Apple; 16f Courtesy of Apple; 18 Courtesy of Western Digital Corporation; 19 Courtesy of Western Digital
Corporation; 20a Courtesy of Western Digital Corporation; 20b Courtesy of Iomega; 21 Courtesy of Toshiba America Electronic Components; 22a Image copyright Melissa King, 2009. Used under
license from Shutterstock; 22b Courtesy of Lexar Media; 22c Lenscap/Alamy; 22e Courtesy of SanDisk Corporation; 22g © Niels Poulsen/Alamy; 22h Courtesy of Hewlett-Packard Company;
23a Courtesy of Pretec; 23b Courtesy of SanDisk Corporation; 23c Courtesy of Lexar Media; 23d Courtesy of SanDisk Corporation; 23e Courtesy of SanDisk Corporation; 23f Courtesy of SanDisk
Corporation; 23g Courtesy of SanDisk Corporation; 23h Courtesy of SanDisk Corporation; 24a Courtesy of SanDisk Corporation; 24b © imagebroker/Alamy; 25 Courtesy of PCMCIA; 26 ©
Jeffrey Coolidge/Getty Images; 27 Courtesy of Merriam-Webster Inc; 27a Courtesy of Memorex Products, Inc; 27b Courtesy of Memorex Products, Inc; 27c Courtesy of Caliper Corporation; 27d
Courtesy of Memorex Products, Inc; 27e Courtesy of Memorex Products, Inc; 27f Courtesy of Memorex Products, Inc; 27g Courtesy of Memorex Products, Inc; 27h Courtesy of Memorex
Products, Inc;
27i Courtesy of Memorex Products, Inc; 27j Courtesy of Memorex Products, Inc; 28k Courtesy of Caliper Corporation; 28 © 2005 Dell Inc. All Rights Reserved; 37 Courtesy of Hewlett-Packard
Company; 37 Courtesy of Hewlett-Packard Company; 37 Courtesy of Hewlett-Packard Company; 37 © Jim Goldstein/Alamy; 37 Courtesy of Nokia; 37 Courtesy of Hewlett-Packard Company;
38 Courtesy of Toyota U.S.A.; 43a Courtesy of Motion PC; 43b Courtesy of Dell, Inc; 43c Courtesy of Sony Electronics, Inc; 43d Courtesy of Apple; 43e Courtesy of FUJIFILM USA; 43f AP Photo/
Paul Sakuma; 43g Courtesy of Apple; 43h Courtesy of Dell, Inc; Page 28 Courtesy of Hewlett-Packard Company; 44a Courtesy of SanDisk Corporation; 44b Courtesy of Avid Technology; 44c Courtesy
of Seagate Technology LLC; 44d Courtesy of Microsoft Corporation; 44e Courtesy of Hewlett-Packard Company; 44f Courtesy of Logitech; 44g Courtesy of Microsoft Corporation; 44h Courtesy of
Logitech; 44i Courtesy of US Robotics; 44j iStockphoto; 44k Courtesy of Microsoft Corporation; 44l Courtesy of Sony Electronics Inc; 44m Courtesy of Hewlett-Packard Company; 44n Courtesy of
Hewlett-Packard Company; 44o Courtesy of Intel Corporation; 44p Courtesy of Kingston Technology Corporation; 44q Courtesy of UMAX; 44r Courtesy of M-Audio/Avid Technology, Inc;
44s Courtesy of Logitech; 44t Courtesy of Logitech; 44u Courtesy of SanDisk Corporation; 44v Courtesy of Belkin International Inc; 44w iStockphoto; page 32 Courtesy of Dell, Inc; page 32 Courtesy
of Hewlett-Packard Company; page 32 Courtesy of Hewlett-Packard Company; 47 PRNewsFoto/Mindjet LLC; 48 Courtesy of Fujitsu-Siemens Computers; 49 Image copyright MadTatyana, 2009.
Used under license from Shutterstock.com; Page 35 Courtesy of Nokia; 50 Courtesy of Motion Computing; 51a Courtesy of Verizon Wireless; 51b Courtesy of Verizon Wireless; 51c PRNewsFoto/
Verizon Wireless Page 36 Courtesy of Microsoft Corporation; 52 Courtesy of Apple; page 37 Courtesy of FUJIFILM USA; 53a Courtesy of SanDisk Corporation; 53b Courtesy of Sony Electronics Inc;
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