Study Guide: Introducing Today's Technologies

1. Define the term, digital literacy.

Digital literacy is the knowledge and skills required to effectively use digital tools and resources. It

also involves understanding how to utilize technology in a responsible and productive manner.

2. Define the terms, computer, hardware, and user.

A computer is an electronic device designed for processing data and instructions. Hardware refers

to the physical components of the computer such as the monitor, CPU, and storage devices. A user

is an individual interacting with the computer or system.

3. Differentiate between a PC and a mobile computer. A laptop also is known as a(n) computer.

A PC is a personal computer typically stationary, while a mobile computer refers to portable devices

like laptops, tablets, and smartphones. A laptop is also referred to as a notebook computer.

4. Describe the characteristics and features of a tablet. List several touch screen gestures.

A tablet is a portable, touch screen device with features like internet browsing, app usage, and

media viewing. Touch screen gestures include tap, swipe, pinch, and spread.

5. Explain the difference between a desktop and an all-in-one. What additional meaning does the

term, desktop, sometimes have?

A desktop is a computer with separate components like the CPU, monitor, and peripherals. An

all-in-one combines the monitor and CPU into a single unit. The term desktop can also refer to the

graphical user interface on a computer screen.

6. Define the term, server. What services does a server provide?

A server is a computer that provides services or resources to other computers on a network, such as

hosting websites, managing emails, and storing data.

7. Explain whether or not a mobile device is a computer.

A mobile device can be considered a computer as it performs functions like processing data,

connecting to the internet, and running applications, though it is more portable and specialized

compared to traditional desktop computers.

8. List characteristics of a smartphone.

A smartphone typically features a touch screen, internet connectivity, camera, apps, and the ability

to make calls and send messages.

9. Differentiate among voice, text, picture, and video messages.

Voice messages are audio recordings, text messages are written words, picture messages include

images, and video messages contain moving images with or without sound.

10. Describe the purpose of these mobile devices: digital cameras, portable and digital media

players, e-book readers, wearable devices, and game devices.

Digital cameras capture photos and videos, portable media players store and play music or videos,

e-book readers display digital books, wearable devices track health and activity, and game devices

provide entertainment through interactive gameplay.

11. Describe the trend of digital device convergence and how it applies to mobile devices.

Digital device convergence refers to the integration of multiple devices into one. Mobile devices,

such as smartphones, combine features of phones, cameras, music players, and computers.

12. Describe uses of technology in home automation.

Technology in home automation is used to control systems like lighting, heating, security, and

entertainment remotely or automatically.

13. Differentiate between data and information. Give an example of each.

Data are raw facts and figures, such as numbers or dates. Information is processed data that is

meaningful, such as a sales report derived from raw sales data.

14. Define the terms, input and output. List several types of input devices and output devices.

Input refers to the data entered into a computer, while output is the data produced by the computer.

Input devices include keyboards and mice, and output devices include monitors and printers.

15. Describe the purpose of a pointing device. Give an example.

A pointing device is used to interact with the computer's graphical user interface. An example is a

mouse.

16. List the hardware you can use to input and view output for voice and video.
Hardware for voice input includes microphones, while for video input, a webcam can be used.

Output devices for voice include speakers, and for video, a monitor can be used.

17. Differentiate between memory and storage.

Memory refers to temporary data storage for quick access, like RAM, while storage refers to

long-term data storage, like hard drives and SSDs.

18. A computer keeps data, instructions, and information on media. Give some examples.

Examples of media where computers store data include hard drives, optical disks, and cloud

storage.

19. Define the term, cloud storage. Describe the types of services offered by cloud storage

providers.

Cloud storage is the online service used to store data on remote servers. Providers offer services

like file storage, backup, and sharing.

20. Describe components of a backup plan. How do backup plans for mobile devices and personal

computers differ?

A backup plan includes regular saving of data to external or cloud storage. Mobile devices typically

rely on cloud backups, while personal computers may use both cloud and physical backups.

21. Describe the Internet. Identify reasons people use the internet.

The Internet is a global network connecting computers, allowing access to information and

communication. People use it for browsing, social media, shopping, learning, and work.

22. Differentiate between the web and the Internet.

The web is a subset of the internet, consisting of websites and content accessible through browsers,

while the internet is the global network that connects all online devices.

23. The ________ consists of a worldwide collection of electronic documents. What is each

electronic document called?

The web consists of a worldwide collection of electronic documents, and each document is called a

webpage.

24. What is a browser? Describe the purpose of a search engine.

A browser is a software application used to access the web, while a search engine is a tool that

helps find websites by entering keywords.

25. Explain the purpose of an online social network.

An online social network allows individuals to create profiles, connect with others, share content,

and engage in social activities online.

26. Differentiate between the services and uses of Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Facebook is used for personal networking and sharing updates, Twitter for quick posts and news,

and LinkedIn for professional networking and career development.

27. List services of the Internet that facilitate communications.

The Internet offers services like email, instant messaging, video calls, and social media for

communication.

28. Define the term, malware. List ways you can protect yourself from malware.

Malware is software designed to harm or exploit systems. Protection includes using antivirus

software, avoiding suspicious links, and keeping software updated.

29. What privacy risks are involved with using technology? List guidelines for creating a strong

password.

Privacy risks include identity theft and data breaches. Guidelines for a strong password include

using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoiding personal information.

30. Explain physical and behavioral health risks associated with using computers.

Physical health risks include eye strain and carpal tunnel syndrome, while behavioral risks include

addiction to technology and social isolation.

31. Describe strategies that support green computing.

Green computing involves energy-efficient hardware, reducing e-waste, and promoting recycling of

technology materials.

32. Define the term, software. Software also is called a(n)

Software is a collection of programs that instruct the computer on how to perform tasks. Software is

also called applications or programs.

33. Define the term, operating system. List popular operating systems for computers and mobile

devices.

An operating system is software that manages computer hardware and software. Popular operating

systems include Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

34. Differentiate between desktop, web, and mobile apps.

Desktop apps are installed on computers, web apps run in browsers, and mobile apps are installed

on smartphones and tablets.

35. List the steps involved in installing programs.

Steps include downloading the program, opening the installer, following the installation prompts, and

running the program.

36. Explain how to locate, install, and run programs. What is the role of a software developer?

To locate programs, search online or in an app store, then follow the installation steps. A software

developer creates the programs and ensures they work properly.

37. Define the term, communications device. List examples of wireless communications

technologies.

A communications device is any hardware used to transmit data. Examples include smartphones,

routers, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.

38. Define the term, hot spot. Give two examples and describe how each is used.

A hot spot is a location providing internet access. Examples include public Wi-Fi at cafes and mobile

hotspots provided by smartphones.

39. Describe how homes and businesses use networks.

Homes use networks for internet access and connecting devices, while businesses use networks for

communication, file sharing, and security.

40. Identify issues surrounding accessing an unsecured network.

Accessing an unsecured network poses risks of data interception and hacking.

41. Explain what occurs when you synchronize computers and mobile devices.

Synchronization ensures data and files are consistent across all devices, including contacts,
calendar events, and files.

42. List ways that schools use technology to enhance education.

Schools use technology for online learning, digital classrooms, educational apps, and virtual field

trips.

43. Identify how the following industries use technology: government, financial, retail, entertainment,

health care, science, travel, publishing, and manufacturing.

Industries use technology for communication, record-keeping, product development, sales, and

customer interaction.

44. Describe how you might use blogs, wikis, and podcasts to publish content.

Blogs allow personal or professional posts, wikis enable collaborative information sharing, and

podcasts provide audio content for various topics.

45. Differentiate among the following technology user types: home user, small/home office user,

mobile user, power user, and enterprise user.

Home users use technology for personal tasks, small/home office users for small-scale work, mobile

users for on-the-go tasks, power users for advanced tasks, and enterprise users for business

operations.

46. Describe how technology is used in the health care industry.

Technology in health care is used for patient records, diagnostic tools, medical research, and

telemedicine.