Digital revolution is an ongoing process of social, political and economic change brought about the

digital technology, such as computers and the Internet.

The digital revolution is creating an Information Society, in which owning, generation, distribution, and
manipulating information becomes a significant economic and cultural activity.

The digital revolution revolves around a constellation of technologies, including digital electronics,
computers, communications networks, the Web and digitization (is the process of converting text,
numbers, sound, photos and video into data that can be processed by digital devices).

Convergence is a process by which several technologies with distinct functionalities evolve to form a
single product.

Digital divide is a term that refers to the gap between people who have access to technology and those
who do not.

Computer Basics

Computer is a multipurpose device that accepts input, processes data, stores data, and produces output,
all according to series of stored instructions.

Computer Input is whatever is typed, submitted, or transmitted to a computer system. Input can be
supplied by a person, by the environment, or by another computer.

Output is the result produced by a computer.

Process data
Data refers to the symbols that represent facts, objects, and ideas. Computer manipulates data in many
ways, and this manipulation is called processing.

Storage
A computer stores data so that it will be available for processing. Most computers have more than one
place to put data, depending on how the data is being used. Memory is an area of a computer that
temporarily holds data waiting to be processed, stored or output. Storage is the area where data can be
left on a semi-permanent basis when it is not immediately needed for processing.

Category of Computers

Computers are versatile machines that can perform a truly amazing assortment of tasks, but some
computes are better suited than others for certain tasks. Categorizing computers is a way of grouping
them according to criteria such usage, cost, size and capability. Commonly used computer categories
include personal computers, servers, mainframes and supercomputers.

Personal computer is a microprocessor-based computing device designed to meet the computing needs
of an individual. It typically provides access to a wide variety of computing applications, such as word
processing, photo editing, and e-mail.
Personal computers are available as desktop or portable models and in a variety of shapes, sizes and
color.

Workstation has two meanings. It can simply refer to an ordinary personal computer that is connected
to a network. A second meaning refers to powerful desktop computers used for high performance tasks
such as medical imaging and computer-aided designs that require a lot of processing speed.

Computer server in the computer industry, the term server has several meanings.
It can refer to computer hardware, to a specific type of software, or to a
combination of hardware and software. In any case, the purpose of a server is top
serve computers on a network (such as the Internet or a home network) by
supplying them with data.

Any software or digital device, such as a computer, that requests data form a
server is referred to as a client. Severs also handle the steady stream of e-mail that
travels among clients from all over the Internet. A server might also allow clients
within a home, school, or business network to share files or access a
centralized printer.

Remarkably, just about any personal computer, workstation,

mainframe, or supercomputer can be configured to perform the work
of a server. That fact should emphasize that concept that a server
does not require a specific type of hardware. Despite impressive
performance on server-related tasks, these machines do not offer
features such as sound cards, DVD players, and other fun accessories,
so they are not a suitable alternative to personal computer.

Mainframe computer is a large and expensive computer capabale of

simultaneously processing data for hundreds or thousands of users.
Mainframes are generally usd by buisnesses or goverments to provide
centralized sotrage, processing, and management for large amount of data.
Mainframes remains the computer of choice in situations where reliability,
data security and centralized control are necessary.

Its main processing circuitry is housed in a closet-sized cabinet, but after

large components are added for storage and output, a mainframe computer
system can fill a good-sized room.
A computer falls into the supercomputer category if it is, at the time of
construction, one of the fastest computers in the world. Because of their speed, supercomputers can
tackle complex tasks and compute intensive problems that just would not be practical for other
computers. A compute-intensive problem is one that requires massive amounts of data to be processed
using complex mathematical calculations.

Common uses for supercomputers include breaking codes, modeling worldwide weather systems and
simulating nuclear explosions. One impressive simulation, which was designed to run on a
supercomputer, tracked the movement of thousands of dust particles as they were tossed about by a
tornado.

Computer Software Basics

Computer software/program is a series of instructions written by a programmer that tells a computer

how to carry out processing task.

The two main categories of software are system and application software.

System software is to help the computer system to monitor itself in order to function efficiently. An
example of system software is a computer operating system (OS) which is essentially the master
controller for all activities that takes place within a computer.

Application software is a set of computer program that helps a person carry out real world task.
 Linux Software &Finance

Graphics
Mathematical
Music
Modeling
Video

Application
Software
Windows

Device
Drivers
Operating Android
Document
System
Production
Utilities Mac
OS
Spreadsheet Data UNIX
Management
DOS Programming
Languages

Chrome

System Statistical
Software

Entertainment

Educational

Reference

Accounting
Application Software

Productivity software can be defined as any type of application software that has the potential to help
people do their work more efficiently. The applications that are most commonly associated with
productivity software include word processing, spreadsheets, schedulers, and database management
systems. Graphic software, presentation software, and desktop publishing software are also sometimes
classified as productivity applications.

Groupware

Groupware software is design to help several people to collaborate on single project using local
networks or Internet connections. Groupware usually provides the capability to maintain schedules for
group members, automatically select meeting times for the group, facilitate communication by e-mail,
distribute documents according to prearranged schedules or sequence, and allow multiple people to
contribute to a single document. Google Apps is an example of groupware software; it includes Gmail,
Google Groups, Google Calendar, Talks, Drive, Play, Docs, News, Wallet and Sites

Utility Software
Utility software is designed to help the user to monitor and configure settings for your computer system
equipment, the operating system, or application software. Utility software is focus on computer-centric
tasks such as blocking viruses, or diagnosing hard disk.

In recent years, antivirus products, such as Norton AntiVirus, McAfee Virus Scan Plus, and Avast!
Antivirus have been a popular category of utility software. With the recent influx of nuisance ads,
intrusion attempts, and spam, utilities such as pop-up ad blockers, personal firewalls, and spam filters
have also become best-sellers.

Another popular category of utility software is system utilities, such as TuneUp Utilities, Advance System
Optimizer, and System Mechanic. These utilities can track down and fix disk errors, repair corrupted
files, and give your PC a performance-enhancing tune-up.

Adobe Reader (formerly known as Acrobat Reader) and Foxit is a popular utility that works with files
stored in standard PDF format.

Device Driver

Device driver is a software the helps a peripheral device establish communication with a computer. This
type of system software is used by printers, monitors, graphics cards, sound cards, network cards,
modems, storage devices, mice, and scanners. Once installed, a device driver automatically starts when
it is needed. Device drivers usually run in the background, without opening a window on the screen.

Popular Application Software

Document Production Software

Whether you are writing a ten-page paper, generating software documentation, designing a brochure
for your new startup company, or laying out the school newspaper, you will probably use some form of
document production software.

This software assists you with composing, editing, designing, printing, and electronically publishing
documents. The three most popular types of document production software are word processing,
desktop publishing, and Web authoring.

Word processing software has replaced typewriters for producing many types of documents, including
reports, letters, memos, papers, and book manuscripts. Word processing packages, such as Microsoft
Word, iWork Pages, and OpenOffice Writer, give you the ability to create, spell-check, edit, and format a
document on the screen before you commit it to paper.

Desktop publishing software (abbreviated DTP) takes word processing software one step further by
helping you use graphic design techniques to enhance the format and appearance of a document.
Although today’s word processing software offers many page layout and design features, DTP software
products, such as QuarkXPress and Adobe InDesign, have sophisticated features to help you produce
professional-quality output for newspapers, newsletters, brochures, magazines, and books.
Web authoring software helps you design and develop customized Web pages that you can publish
electronically on the Internet. Only a few years ago, creating Web pages was a fairly technical task that
required authors to insert HTML tags, such as <a href=“contents.htm”>. Now Web authoring software
products, such as Amaya, iWeb, and Adobe Dreamweaver, help nontechnical Web authors by providing
easy-to-use tools for composing the text for a Web page, assembling graphical elements, and
automatically generating HTML tags.

Spreadsheet Software

A spreadsheet uses rows and columns of numbers to create a model or representation of a real
situation. For example, your checkbook register is a type of spreadsheet because it is a numerical
representation of cash flowing into and out of your bank account.

Spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Excel, iWork Numbers, or OpenOffice Calc, provides tools to
create electronic spreadsheets. It is similar to a smart piece of paper that automatically adds up the
columns of numbers you write on it. You can use it to make other calculations, too, based on simple
equations that you write or more complex, built-in formulas. As an added bonus, spreadsheet software
helps you turn your data into colorful graphs. It also includes special data-handling features that allow
you to sort data, search for data that meets specific criteria, and print reports.

Spreadsheet software was initially popular with accountants and financial managers who dealt with
paper-based spreadsheets, but found the electronic version far easier to use and less prone to errors
than manual calculations. Other people soon discovered the benefits of spreadsheets for projects that
require repetitive calculations—budgeting, maintaining a grade book, balancing a checkbook, tracking
investments, calculating loan payments, and estimating project costs.
Because it is so easy to experiment with different numbers, spreadsheet software is particularly useful
for what-if analysis. You can use what-if analyses to answer questions such as “What if I get an A on my
next two economics exams? But what if I get only Bs?” or “What if I invest $100 a month in my
retirement plan? But what if I invest $200 a month?”

“Number crunching” Software

Statistical software helps you analyze large sets of data to discover relationships and patterns. Products
such as IBM SPSS Statistics and StatSoft STATISTICA are helpful tools for summarizing survey results, test
scores, experiment results, or population data. Most statistical software includes graphing capability so
that you can display and explore your data visually. Mathematical modeling software provides tools for
solving a wide range of math, science, and engineering problems. Students, teachers, mathematicians,
and engineers, in particular, appreciate how products such as Mathcad and Mathematica help them
recognize patterns that can be difficult to identify in columns of numbers

Money management software offers a variety of tools for tracking monetary transactions and
investments. In this software category, personal finance software, such as MechCAD AceMoney and
Intuit Quicken, is designed to keep records of income, expenses, assets, and liabilities using a simple
checkbook-like user interface. This software also automates routine financial tasks, such as budgeting,
investing, check writing, and bill paying. Many personal financial software products provide direct links
to online banking services, so you can use them to check account balances, transfer funds, and pay
bills.
Personal finance software produces reports and graphs that show you where your money goes. For
example, you can analyze various aspects of your cash flow, such as how much you spent on
entertainment last month and how that compares to the previous month.

Tax preparation software is a specialized type of personal finance software designed to help you gather
your annual income and expense data, identify deductions, and calculate tax payments. Popular
products, such as Intuit TurboTax, even accept data directly from personal finance software to eliminate
hours of tedious data entry.

Database Software

Database software helps you enter, find, organize, update, and report information stored in a database.
Microsoft Access, FileMaker Pro, and OpenOffice Base are three examples of popular database software
for personal computers. Oracle and MySQL are popular server database software packages.

Graphics Software

Graphics software is designed to help you create, manipulate, and print graphics. Some graphics
software products specialize in a particular type of graphic, while others allow you to work with multiple
graphics formats. If you are really interested in working with graphics, you will undoubtedly end up
using more than one graphics software product.

Paint software (sometimes called image editing software) provides a set of electronic pens, brushes, and
paints for painting images on the screen. A simple program called Microsoft Paint is included with
Windows.

Photo editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop, includes features specially designed to fix poor
quality photos by modifying contrast and brightness, cropping out unwanted objects, and removing red
eye. Photos can also be edited using paint software, but photo editing software typically offers tools and
wizards that simplify common photo editing tasks.

Drawing software provides a set of lines, shapes, and colors that can be assembled into diagrams,
corporate logos, and schematics. The drawings created with tools such as Adobe Illustrator and
CorelDRAW tend to have a flat cartoon-like quality, but they are very easy to modify and look good at
just about any size.

CAD software (computer-aided design software) is a special type of 3-D graphics software designed for
architects and engineers who use computers to create blueprints and product specifications. AutoCAD is
one of the best-selling professional CAD products. TurboCAD is a low-cost favorite. Scaled-down
versions of professional CAD software provide simplified tools for homeowners who want to redesign
their kitchens, examine new landscaping options, or experiment with floor plans.

Presentation software supplies the tools you need for combining text, photos, clip art, graphs,
animations, and sound into a series of electronic slides. You can display electronic slides on a color
monitor for a one-on-one presentation or use a computer projection device for group presentations.
You can also output the presentation as overhead transparencies, paper copies, or 35 mm slides.
Popular presentation software products include Microsoft PowerPoint, iWork Keynote, and
OpenOffice Impress.
Audio Editing Software

You don’t have to be a musician or composer to have a use for music software. Many types of music
software are available. You might be surprised to find out how many of them come in handy.

Audio editing software typically includes playback as well as recording capabilities. A specialized version
of this software called karaoke software integrates music files and on-screen lyrics—everything you
need to sing along with your favorite tunes.

Music can be stored in a variety of digital formats on a computer or on a portable media player, such as
Apple’s iPod. Digital music formats, such as MP3 and AAC, are not the same formats used to store music
on commercial audio CDs. These file formats take up much less storage space than on the original CD.

Audio editing software and audio playback software, such as iTunes, can be used to convert music from
commercial CDs for use on computers and portable audio players. Such software can also convert audio
files from one format to another. For example, you can convert a larger WAVE file to a smaller WMV file.

Video Editing and DVD Authoring Software

Video editing software provides a set of tools for transferring video footage from a camcorder to a
computer, clipping out unwanted footage, assembling video segments in any sequence, adding special
visual effects, and adding a soundtrack. Despite an impressive array of features, video editing software is
relatively easy to use
DVD authoring software offers tools for creating DVDs with Hollywood-style menus. Just like commercial
movies, desktop videos can now include menu selections such as Play Movie, Scene Selection, and
Special Features. You can use the remote control for your DVD player to scroll through and select menu
options. Examples of DVD authoring software include Roxio DVDit Pro 6, ULead DVD MovieFactory, and
Apple iDVD.

Educational Software

Educational software helps you learn and practice new skills. For the youngest students, educational
software, such as MindTwister Math and Carmen Sandiego Word Detective, teaches basic arithmetic
and reading skills. Instruction is presented in game format, and the levels of play are adapted to the
player’s age and ability. For older students and adults, software is available for such diverse educational
endeavors as learning languages, training yourself to use new software, learning how to play the piano
or guitar, improving keyboarding skills, and even learning managerial skills for a diverse workplace. Exam
preparation software is available for standardized tests such as the SAT, GMAT, and LSAT. Web-based
learning management systems, such as Blackboard and Moodle, help instructors keep track of student
progress and provide students with interactive study and testing activities.

Entertainment Software

Computer games are the most popular type of entertainment software. Over $1 billion of computer and
video games are sold each month in North America. Computer games are generally classified into
subcategories, such as roleplaying, action, adventure, puzzles, simulations, sports, and strategy/war
games.
Game Categories
Business Software

Vertical market software is designed to automate specialized tasks in a specific market or business.
Examples include patient management and billing software that is specially designed for hospitals, job
estimating software for construction businesses, and student record management software for schools.
Today, almost every business has access to some type of specialized vertical market software designed
to automate, streamline, or computerize key business activities.

Horizontal market software is generic software that just about any kind of business can use. Payroll
software is a good example of horizontal market software. Almost every business has employees and
must maintain payroll records. No matter what type of business uses it, payroll software must collect
similar data and make similar calculations to produce payroll checks.

Accounting software and project management software are additional examples of horizontal market
software. Accounting software helps a business keep track of the money flowing into and out of various
accounts. Project management software is an important tool for planning large projects, scheduling
project tasks, and tracking project costs.
Computer Applications in Society
Education
Finance
Government
Health care
Science
Publishing
Travel
Manufacturing

Education
Today, educators also are turning to computers to assist with education
Many schools and companies equip labs and classrooms with computers
Some schools require students to have a mobile computer or mobile devices to access the school’s
network or Internet wirelessly.
Students use software to assist with learning or to complete assignments.
To promote education by computer, many vendors offer substantial student discounts on software.

Finance
Many people and companies use computers to help manage their finances.
Some use finance software to balance checkbooks, paybills, track personal income and expenses,
manage investments, and evaluate financial plans.
Investors often use online investing to buy and sell stocks and bonds – without using a broker. With
online investing, the trancsaction fee for each trade usually is much less than when trading with a
through a broker.

Government
A government provides society with direction by making and administering policies. To provide citizens
with up-to-date information, most government offices have Web sites. People access government Web
sites to file taxes, appl for permits and licenses, pay parking tickets, buy stamps, reports crimes, apply
for financial aid, and renew vehicle registrations and driver’s licenses.

Health Care
Doctors use the Web and medical software to assist with researching and diagnosing health
conditions. Pharmacist use computers to file insurance claims.
Computers and computerized devices assist doctors, nurses, and technicians with medical
tests. Computers monitors patients’ vital signs in hospital rooms and at home.
Surgeons use computer-controlled devices to provide them with greater precision during operation such
as for laser eye surgery and robot-assisted heart surgery.

Science
All branches of science, biology to astronomy to meteorology, use computers to assist them with
collecting, analyzing and modeling data.
Scientist also use the Internet to communicate with colleagues around the world.

Publishing
Many publishers make their works available online
Some Web sites allow you to copy the work, such as a book or music, to your desktop computer, mobile
computer, smart phone, or other mobile devices.

Travel
In preparing for a trip, you may need to reserve a car hotel or book a flight.
Many Web sites offer these services to the public.
If you plan to drive somewhere and unsure of the road to take to your destination, you can use GPS to
help you with the directions and a map from the Web.
Manufacturing
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) refers to the use of computers to assist with manufacturing
process such as fabrication and assembly.
Often robots carry out processes in CAM environment.
CAM is used by a variety of industries, including oil drilling, power generation, food production, and
automobile manufacturing.
Automobile plants, for example, have an entire line of industrial robots that assemble a car.

Communication
Communication means to convey a message, an idea, a picture or speech that is received and
understood clearly and correctly by the person for whom it is meant for. Email, Social Media, Usenet,
FTP, Telnet, Video conferencing etc. are the main areas in the communication category in computer
system.