Chapter Notes

Chapter 1
v Being a computer savvy user/ consumer
Ø Avoid hackers
Ø Protect privacy
Ø Understand the real risks
Ø Use internet wisely
Ø Avoid online annoyances
§ Spam- electronic junk mail
§ Software- programs that give commands to the computer
Ø Maintain, upgrade & troubleshoot computer
Ø Make good purchasing decisions
Ø Know how to integrate latest technology with equipment
v Computers in today’s world
Ø Business
§ Data mining- process of searching huge amounts of data w/ hope of finding a pattern
Ø Retail
§ PSS (Personal Shopper System) - small handheld computer; pulls up item prices, etc.
§ POS (Point of Sale)- register
Ø Shipping
§ Bluetooth technology- type of wireless communication
Ø Arts
§ Offshored- sent to other countries
Ø Education
§ PDA (personal digital assistant)- small device that enables users to carry digital info
Ø Law Enforcement/ Legal system
§ Computer forensics- application of computer systems and techniques to gather potential legal evidence.
Ø Agriculture
§ RFID tags (radio frequency identification tags)- small visions of the roadway electronic toll systems used in many states to automate paying tolls as u pass through the toll station
Ø Medicines
§ Patient simulators- life size mannequins that can speak, breathe and blink. They have a pulse, heartbeat, and respond like humans to procedures
§ Public domain- not covered by copyright
Ø Biomedical Implants
§ Possibly improve sight
§ One type being implanted in humans as means to verify identity- VeriChip
Ø Sports sciences
§ Help athletes analyze performance (measures angles of body parts as they progress through ranges of motion)
Ø Nanotechnology
§ Nanotechnology- science revolving around the use of nanostructures to build devices on an extremely small scale.
§ Affecting computing- computing that relates to emotion or deliberately tries to influence emotion
v Challenges facing a digital society
§ Computers pose ethical, legal and moral challenges and questions
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Chapter #2 – Using the Internet


Vocabulary:
Terminology – Terms that might not be easily remembered
Adware – software programs that download on you computer when you install or use other software, such as a freeware program, game or utility
Aggregators – software programs that go out and grab the latest update of web material according to you specifications
Boolean Operator – words you can use to refine your searches, making them more effective (and, not, or, etc)
Cable Internet Connection – connection option using coaxial cables using upgraded networks for 2-way data transmitting
Cable Modem – works to translate the cable signal into digital data and back again
Client – a computer that asks for data
Client/Server network – internet uses clients and servers so this is what it is referred to
Cookie – small text file that some websites automatically store on you pc’s hard drive when you visit the site
Data Transfer Rate – is the measurement of how fast data travels between computers
Dial-Up Modem – device that converts the digital signals the pc understands to the analog signals that can travel over phone lines
Domain Name – part of the URL (Website’s address) consisting of 2 parts: the site’s “host” (Berkley) and the top level domain “tld” (.edu)
DSL Modem– is a device that connects the computer data to the DSL line and then separates the types of signals into voice and data signals
E-mail client – are software programs running on your computer that access your internet service providers (ISP’s) server
Fiber-Optic Internet – transmits data by sending light through optical fibers travelling @ the speed of light
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) – common protocol used to transfer files over the internet upload and downloading files from one pc to another
Host – the first part of the domain name that indentifies who the site’s host is
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) – protocol allowing files to be transferred from a web server so that you can see them on your pc using your browser
Internet – the largest computer network in the world; a network of networks connecting billions of pc users
Internet Backbone – the largest and fastest pathway is the main artery of the internet
Internet Hoax – contain information that is untrue eg.(chain email letters posting on bogus information)
Internet protocol (IP) address – set of four numbers separated by dots and are the means by which all pc’s connected to the internet identify each other
Large Scale Networking (LSN) – LSN’s aim is to fund the research and development of cutting-edge networking and wireless technologies and to increase the speed of networks
Network Interface Card (NIC) – an expansion or adapter card connected to the cable modem located inside your system unit
Plug-in (player) – special software to view and hear some multimedia files on the web
RSS 2.0 (Really Simple Syndication) – is an XML-based format that allows frequent updates of content on the World Wide Web. Podcasts are possible because of RSS technology.

Broadband connections – a cable internet connection has a slightly better speed than a DSL connection and a DSL is faster than satellite, but any broadband connection is much faster than dial-up.






Parts of a URL
· Protocol
· Host
· Top Level Domain (URL)
· Path or Subdirectory
http://www.nytimes.com/pages/cartoons
(protocol) (host) (TLD) (path/subdirectory)


Online study guide answers
1. The term Internet backbone refers to: (the main pathway used by all data traffic on the internet.)
2. A _____ is a clip of audio or video content that is broadcast over the Internet using compressed audio files such as MP3s : (podcast)
3. The broadband connection option that makes use of coaxial cable for transmitting data is: (cable)
4. What is not one of the common browsers in use today? (realplayer)
5. A search engine finds new websites by using a special type of program to travel along weblinks from page to page. This program is called a(n): (spider)
6. In terms of Internet content, copyright law assumes that: (all original work located on the Internet is to be considered copyrighted.)
7. The relatively new scam that attempts to trick you into giving away confidential information through the use of official-looking e-mails and phony websites is known as: (phishing)
8. What is not listed in the chapter as an example of e-commerce is: (C2B e-commerce)
9. When performing an Internet search, you can use special symbols to find words that include a desired root with different endings. These symbols are called: (wildcards)
10. What will NOT be true of the Internet in the future: (users will be less dependent on the internet.)
11. What is NOT a standard indication of a safeguard when completing online transactions: (a key appears on the website)
12. Which of the following is an Internet service provider: (Earthlink)
13. Often used to personalize a website and make return visits more efficient, a _________ is installed on your computer by the web server: (cookie)
14. The technology that allows a music file to be listened to while it is being downloaded from a website to your browser without waiting for the download to finish is called: (streaming audio)
15. The type of Internet-based communication that allows you to hold a private conversation with someone else who is online at the same time as you is a(n): (instant message)
16. Which is the correct definition for plagiarism: (using someone else’s ideas or words and representing them as you own.)
17. To quickly fine information on the Web and narrow down the quantity of results to something more useful, there are two main tools you can use: (search engines and subject directories.)
18. The type of transmission medium used for connecting a DSL modem to the Internet is: (twisted-pair wiring)
19. How is a computed identified so that data sent over the Internet gets sent to the correct computer: (through its IP address)
20. The second part of a search engine, the program that organizes the data into a large database is called: (an indexer)
21. The same people who invented the Internet invented the Web: (false)
22. When you use a Web browser, your computer is acting as a client: (true)
23. By November 2006, over 100 trillion web sites were online: (false)
24. Satellite Internet is about 10 times faster than dial-up: (true)
25. Copyright violation is more serious than plagiarism because it is punishable by law: (true)
26. The Internet2 is being explored as a means of providing more bandwidth and extremely high-speed communications: (true)
27. A newer feature in some browsers is tabbed browsing, which allows you to flip between tabs in one window: (true)
28. The Internet is an example of a client/server network: (true)
29. When you’re using the Internet for research, you can assume that everything you find is accurate: (false)
30. One factor to consider in choosing the right Internet connection is speed: (true)
31. Fiber optic Internet transmits data by sending light through optical fibers: (true)
32. Hyperlinks allow you to jump from place to place on the Internet by clicking on specially formatted pieces of text: (true)
33. A wiki is a type of website that allows anyone visiting the site to change its content by adding, removing, or editing the content: (true)
34. DSL is a broadband connection that uses coaxial cable to connect to the Internet: (false)
35. A new Web development allows you to put your bookmarks on the Web so that they are available to you anywhere and on any computer: (true)
36. Firefox 2 and Internet Explorer 7 have phishing filters built in so each time you access a website the phishing filter checks for spam: (false)
37. The AND operator expands a keyword search so that the search results include either or both keywords: (false)
38. Safari is the default browser for Macs: (true)
39. Plug-ins can present security risks: (true)
40. Fiber-optic lines are arranged in bundles called optical cables and are used to transmit data via radio signals over long distances: (false)



41. Know the following definitions:
· ADSL – high-speed telephone connection in which download is considerably faster than upload
· SDSL – high-speed telephone connection in which download and upload are the same speeds
· Cable – high-speed connection in which transmission occurs primarily via radio waves
· Satellite – high-speed connection in which transmission occurs primarily via radio waves
· Dial-up – low-speed, inexpensive Internet connection


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Chapter 4 Notes: Using System Software

1. System software helps run the computer & coordinates instructions between application software and hardware devices. System software includes operating system and utility programs- the operating system is responsible for controlling how your computer system works; while the utility programs are responsible for conducting the general housekeeping duties such as system maintenance and file compression.

2. There are four different types of operating systems: Real Time, Single User-Single Task, Single User-Multitask, and Multiuser.


The Real Time OS requires no user and designed for a specific purpose and response time: ex a robot, and also found in devices that you use in everyday life, such as home appliances.
Single User, Single task OS designed for computers that have one user and one task needed to be completed at a time-usually associated with PDAs.
Single User, Multitask designed for computers with one user who is completing more than one task at a time-usually associated with desktop computers.
Multiuser designed for systems, such as networks, that have more than one user completing more than one task all at the same time.




3. The most common desktop operating systems include: Microsoft Windows, which is the most popular. Windows Vista; Mac OS is designed to work on Apple Computers, the Mac OS X Leopard, based on the UNIX operating system. LINX is an open source designed primarily on personal computers.

4. In order for the users to interact with computers, the operating system provides a user interface. Most OS use graphical user interface (GUI), which displays graphics & use the mouse/cursor for point-and-click technology. Common features of the GUI include: windows, menus, and icons.

5. The operating system helps to manage the processor. The OS usually is multitasking, performing more than one task at a time, and is done w/o interruption the OS controls the timing of events the processor works on.

6. The operating system manages memory and storage by using RAM as the temporary storage area preserved for instructions & data the processor needs. The OS is responsible for coordinating the space allocations in the RAM- when the space there is full then

7. The operating system manages hardware and peripheral devices through device drivers. The device drivers translate the specialized commands of the devices into commands that the OS can understand. This translation allows the OS to communicate w/ every device in the computer system. Some device drivers are already included in the OS software, while others may have to be downloaded and installed.

8. In order for the operating system to interact with the application software, the OS has blocks of code called application programming interfaces (API). This block of codes is needed for the CPU to recognize and work with.

9. The operating system helps the computer start up by going through a boot process.
The booting process has four steps:
(1) the basic input/output system (BIOS) is activated by powering on the CPU;
(2) in the POST test, the BIOS checks that all attached devices are in place;
(3) the operating system is loaded into RAM; and (4) configuration and customization settings are checked.

10. The main desktop& windows features:
The first interaction between the user and the OS is the desktop.
The desktop allows you access to your files, folders, and commonly used tools and applications.
The windows are the are the rectangular panes on your screen that display applications running on your system.
Common features of windows include toolbars (or ribbons) and scrollbars, and minimize, maximize, and restore buttons.

11. The operating system helps keep my computer organized in a hierarchical manner-files, folder, and drivers. The Windows Explorer helps manage you manage your files and folders by showing the location and contents of every drive, folder, and file on your computer

12. The utility programs included in system software:
Common Windows utilities include those that enable you to adjust your display, add or remove programs, compress files, defrag your hard drive, clean unnecessary files off your system, check for lost files and errors, restore your system to an earlier setting, back up your files, schedule automatic tasks, and check on programs that have quit running.
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Chapter 5:
1. What exactly is a computer, and what are its four main functions?
Computers are devices that process data. They help organize, sort, and categorize data to turn it into information. The computer’s four major functions are
(1) to gather data (or allow users to input data);
(2) to process that data (perform calculations or some other manipulation of the data); (3) to output data or information (display information in a form suitable for the user); and
(4) to store data and information for later use.

2. What is the difference between data and information?
Data is a representation of a fact or idea. The number 3 and the words televisions or Sony are pieces of data. Information is data that has been organized or presented in a meaningful fashion. An inventory list that indicates that “3 Sony televisions” are in stock is processed information. It allows a retail clerk to answer a customer query about the availability of merchandise. Information is more powerful than raw data.

3. What are bits and bytes, and how are they measured?
To process data into information, computers need to work in a language they understand. This language, called binary language, consists of two numbers: 0 and 1. Each 0 and 1 is a binary digit, or bit. Eight bits create one byte. In computers, each letter of the alphabet, each number, and each special character consists of a unique combination of eight bits (one byte), or a string of eight 0s and 1s. For describing large amounts of storage capacity, the terms kilobyte (approximately 1,000 bytes), megabyte (approximately one million bytes), and gigabyte (approximately one billion bytes) are used.

4. What devices do you use to get data into the computer?
An input device enables you to enter data (text, images, and sounds) and instructions (user responses and commands) into a computer. You use keyboards to enter typed data and commands, whereas you use the mouse to enter user responses and commands. Keyboards are distinguished by the layout of the keys as well as the special keys found on the keyboard. The most common keyboard is the QWERTY keyboard. The Dvorak keyboard is a leader in alternative keyboards.


The Dvorak keyboard puts the most commonly used letters in the English language on “home keys,” which are the keys in the middle row of the keyboard. Keyboards that feature keys that can be rearranged and reprogrammed are popular with gamers. Notebook keyboards are more compact and have fewer keys than standard keyboards. Still, many notebook keys have alternate functions so that you can get the same capabilities from the limited number of keys as you do from the special keys on standard keyboards. PDAs use a stylus instead of a keyboard.


Most computers come with wired optical mice, but other options include trackball mice and wireless mice. An optical mouse uses an internal sensor or laser to control the mouse’s movement. In a trackball mouse, a rollerball sits on top or on the side of the mouse so that you can move the ball with your fingers. Wireless mice use batteries and send data to the computer via radio or light waves. Notebooks incorporate the mouse into the keyboard area. Notebook mice include trackpoints and touchpads. Microphones are the devices used to input sounds, whereas scanners and digital cameras input nondigital text and images.




5. What devices do you use to get information out of the computer?
Output devices enable you to send processed data out of your computer. This can take the form of text, pictures, sounds, and video. Monitors display soft copies of text, graphics, and video, while printers create hard copies of text and graphics. LCDs are the most popular type of monitor. Also called flat panel monitors, they take up less space and are lighter and more energy efficient than older CRT monitors (which look like TV sets), making them perfect for portable computers.


Today’s LCD monitors support high-screen resolutions, have wider viewing angles and feature fast response pixel time so full-motion video appears smooth.There are two primary categories of printers: impact and nonimpact. Impact printers have hammer-like keys that strike the paper through an inked ribbon. Nonimpact printers spray ink or use laser beams to transfer marks on the paper. The most common nonimpact printers are inkjet printers and laser printers. Specialty printers are also available.


These include multifunction printers, plotters, and thermal printers. When choosing a printer, you should be aware of factors such as speed, resolution, color output, memory, and cost. Speakers are the output devices for sound. Most computers include speakers. However, you may want to upgrade to a more sophisticated speaker system, such as one that includes subwoofers and surround-sound.


6. What’s on the front of your system unit?
System unit is a box that contains the central electronic components of a computer. On the front of the system unit, you’ll find the power source as well as access to the storage devices in your computer. Most PCs include one or two bays for storage devices such as CD drives and DVD drives. Zip drives and floppy disk drives are becoming legacy technologies and are not found on new computers. Most computers include access to USB and other ports on the front panel, and some manufacturers now also include slots on the front of the system unit into which you can insert portable flash memory cards such as Memory Sticks and CompactFlash cards.

7. What’s on the back of your system unit?
On the back of the system unit or notebook, you’ll find a wide variety of ports that allow you to hook up peripheral devices (such as your monitor and keyboard) to your system. The most common ports found on the back of the system unit are USB and connectivity (networking) ports. Serial ports and parallel ports are legacy technology now. The most popular port for connecting devices is the USB port. USB 2.0 ports transfer data at 480 Mbps, which is much faster than the parallel and serial ports they displaced. Firewire 400 and 800 ports provide even faster data transfer at approximately 400 and 800 Mbps, respectively. Connectivity ports give you access to networks and the Internet and enable your computer to function as a fax machine. Connectivity ports include Ethernet ports and modem ports.


8. What’s inside your system unit?
The system unit contains the main electronic components of the computer. The motherboard, the main circuit board of the system, contains a computer’s central processing unit (CPU), which coordinates the functions of all other devices on the computer. RAM, the computer’s volatile memory, is also located on the motherboard. RAM is where all the data and instructions are held while the computer is running. ROM, a permanent type of memory, is responsible for housing instructions to help start up a computer. The hard drive (the permanent storage location) and other storage devices (CD and DVD drives) are also located inside the system unit, as are expansion cards (such as sound, video, modem, and network interface cards) that help a computer perform special functions.

9. How do you set up your computer to avoid strain and injury
Ergonomics refers to how you arrange your computer and equipment to minimize your risk of injury or discomfort. This includes positioning your monitor correctly, buying an adjustable chair that ensures you have good posture while using the computer, assuming a proper position while typing, and making sure the lighting is adequate. Other good practices include taking frequent breaks as well as using other specially designed equipment such as ergonomic keyboards.



***Chapter 5 Quiz (It’s the Chapter 2 online) link: http://wps.prenhall.com/bp_evans_techinaction_5/79/20367/5214141.cw/index.html
Quick link to: Jeopardy Game
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Chapter 6:

-Moore’s law: speed of CPU will improve (double every 18 months)
· Gordan Moore: cofounder of Intel (CPU manufacturer)
· Predicts that # of transistors will increase
-other improvements
· Capacity of memory chips increases 60% every yr. -dynamic random access memory (DRAM)
-questions addressed in Chapter:
· Upgrade or buy new computer?
· What is my ideal computer?
o Ask yourself: what do you want it to do?
o Compare that with current
o Ex. Do you want to listen to CDs?-need CDR drive; burn CDs?-need CD-RW

Assessing Your Hardware:
· Conduct system evaluation to determine hardware needs
· Look at subsystems; what they do and how
· CPU , memory(RAM), storage (hard drive and others), video, audio, computer parts

CPU: processes instructions, calculates, manages info
· Located on motherboard: primary circuit board
· There’s Intel, Core Duo, Centrino, AMD:Athlon and Sempron, new Cell (video games)
· CPU composed of 2 units: control and arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
· CPU and program instruction
o Gets data from RAM
o Decodes instruction
o Executes (machine cycle)
· CPU speed measured in clock speed (machine cycle)
o In Hertz (Hz)=machine cycles/sec
o Giga=1 billion
· Should be fast enough to meet min. reqs of systems hard and software
· % of time CPU is working=CPU usage
· Check task manager; if usage exceeds 90% that’s bad
· Replacements are expensive; consider buying older versions
· Intel has Core Duo processor=use less power
· Updating CPU only changes the processing of your machine

RAM: short-term memory (volatile storage)
· Always use nonvolatile storage as well, ex. Flashdrive
· Faster to remove data from RAM (nanosec.) than hard drive (millisecs.)
· Located on the motherboard (memory modules or cards); most called dual inline memory modules
· PDR2, SDRAM is popular
· Physical memory is the amount of RAM sitting in slots, but measured in megabytes of GB; also look at available and total memory
· kernel memory=the memory your operating system uses; listed in performance tab
· need enough RAM to run OS; buy as much as you can afford but no more than system can take
· if computer is memory bound=limited in speed of data from RAM; CPU helps
· if you run out of space, data is stored in virtual memory; builds page file to store everything
· prices of RAM fluctuate; follow instructions for installation

Storage Subsystem: zip, floppy, hard disk, etc. (nonvolatile storage devices); **see Fig. 19, pg 271 for storage capacity**
· hard drive
o most popular, 500 GB capacity
o most economical, fastest access time
o access time measured in millisecs. Transferable data to other computer ports faster, data stored on platters
o measured in MB, GB
o several types of hard drives: Internal Drive Electronics (IDE)=parallel advanced technology, advanced technology attachment (ATA)=faster
· floppy disk: holds the least
o data on floppy and zip disks=round plastic film with magnetized iron oxide (magnetic media)
· CD or DVD: store data as tiny laser-burned pits
o Can’t save on CD-ROMS, once on CD-Rs and more on CD-RWs
o DVDs and CDs= less space between tracks
o HD emerging and blu-ray w/larger storage capacity
o If you have DVD drive don’t need CD drive, but not vice versa
o DVD drive faster than CD
o Can use flash memory

Video
· Video card is expansion card that translates binary data to images
· Video RAM and video cards come w/own processors instead of using as much CPU
· How much VRAM your video card needs: 16 MB normal, but 256 MB for serious gamer
· Vcard also controls # of colors monitor displays
o Bit depth=# of bits used to represent each pixel on the monitor
o 4 bit=16 colors (standard VGA)
o 24 bit= 16 million colors (true color mode)
· Monitor=cathode-ray tube (CRT) and liquid crystal (LCD), look @ size and resolution
o Refresh rate=# of times/sec it illuminates then recharges
o Dot pitch=distance b/w pixels
o plug and play

Audio
· speakers
o amplified=external power/better sound
o unamplified=internal power
o subwoofers=produces better low-frequency sounds
· sound card=expansion card
o 3D sound cards (almost surround)
o Surround-Dolby Digital 7-1 (need compatible sound card, but can’t tell beforehand)

Ports: connects external devices
· USB, Fire Wire, Ethernet, moves @ kilobits or megabits
· Serial=transfers data bit by bit over single wire (56 kbps); for external modems, etc
· Parallel: sends data in groups of bits (connect printers, scanners, etc; 12 Mbps)
· Universal serial bus (USB)=becoming most popular; original=12 Mbps, now=480 Mbps; for printers, scanners, digi cams, etc.
· Fire Wire port (IEEE 1394 port); developed by Institutes of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; was fastest b/f USB (400 Mbps), now 800 Mbps, mostly used by Macs, digi cams or hard drives
· Ethernet (RJ-45 jack)= internet; 10 Mbps, now 100 Mbps, Gigabit Ethernet=1000 Mbps
· Specialized ports=IrDA, Bluetooth and MIDI
o IrDA=Infrared Data Association; no wires, max 4 Mbps, w/in sight
o Bluetooth=radio waves, max 1 Mbps, now 3 Mpbs, distance of about 30 ft, better than Wifi for short distance
o MIDI=connect electronic musical instruments
· Add ports=install expansion cards that clip into open extension slot or if none open, used expansion hub=connects to one port but opens up 4-8 new ones

Overall System Maintenance
· Clean startup folder
· Remove unnecessary files (Disk Cleanup)
· Antispyware
· Disk Defragmenter
· If crash occurs=troubleshoot, then upgrade software, then if all else fails reinstall OS/upgrade
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Chapter SEVEN: “Mobile Computing: Keeping Your Data on Hand”

Mobile Computing: Is it Right for You?

Mobile Computing Devices: portable electronic tools such as cell phones, portable media players, personal digital assistants (PDA’s) and notebooks – are dramatically changing our day – to – day lives, allowing us to communicate with others, remain productive, and access a wide array of information no matter where we are


-----Do I need to communicate with others when I’m away from my home or office
-----Do I need to access my electronic information when I’m away from my desk?
-----Do I need to access the Internet when I am away from my desk?

Web – enabled: that is, devices set up so that they can access the internet
-----Are the convenience and productivity mobile devices offer important to me?
-----Is the information I need to carry already in an electronic format?

Personal Information Management (PIM) _ software used to store daily schedules, itinerary, and contact lists _ Microsoft Outlook

Mobile Device Limitations:
-----Battery Life
-----The size of the screen varies in size but are smaller than the traditional desktop
-----The speed of the Internet is slightly to immensely slower than the desktop – the amount of -----RAM is greater in desktops than mobile computing devices (MCDs)-
-----Dependency on the wireless internet signals that are not always in site for the device to -----have internet access


Mobile Computing Devices:


Types of MCD’s:
----Paging devices
------Numeric pagers: display only numbers on their screens, telling you that you have received
------a page and providing you twith numbers you should call
----Alphanumeric pagers: similar to the above, however, these also display text messages
----Two – Way Pagers: the most useful of the three – support both receiving and sending text messages

----Cellular phones
----Portable Media Players
----Personal Digital Assistants
----Smart Phones
------Convergence: or combination of features of various portable devices to cater to the holistic needs of the user (PMPs, PDAs, and cellular phone functions are integrated in this technology)
----Tablet PCs
----Notebook Computers (Laptops)



Cellular Phones:
Cell phones (Cellular phones): offer all of the features available on a traditional telephone system, including auto-redial, call timers, and voice – mail capabilities – some have voice – activated dialing, which is important for hands – free operation
--------Internet Access
--------Text messaging
--------Personal Information Management (PIM)
--------Voice recording
--------Digital/ Video image capture
--------Cell Phone Hardware
--------Have similar components as a computer CPU
--------Memory
--------Input/output
--------Requires software
-------OS (operating system included)

Symbian OS & Windows Mobile: Popular operating systems for full-featured cell phones


There are several tasks run by the cell phone’s processor (pages 329-30)
--------Memory Chips
--------ROM or Read – Only Memory
--------Input/Output Devices

How Cell Phones Work
When you speak into a cell phone, the sound enters the microphone as a sound wave
The analog waves are digitized by an analog – to – digital converter chip, converting your voice like so

Digital data must then be compressed into the smallest possible space -
---------- Digital Signal Processor: A specialized chip that handles the compression work in a cell phone when making a call, it makes the required mathematical operations required

Base transceiver station: which is a large communications tower that antennas, amplifiers, and receivers/transmitters

Mobile Switching Center: the station that receives the cell phone signal’s request for service and passes it on to this central location.

Cell Phone Features:
Short Message Service (SMS): a technology that allows you to send short text messages (up to 160 characters) over mobile networks

The diversity in the use of SMS
-----Companies’ use of SMS


Multimedia Message Service (MMS): allows you to send messages that include text, sound, images, and video clips to other phones or e-mail addresses


Wireless Internet Service Provider (Wireless ISP): the require tool needed for cell phones to connect to the internet

Data Plans: deals that involve internet and text messaging plans that can be included in a cell phone plan for extra charges
-------Internet Speed:
---------EDGE
---------EVDO

Micro-browser: enhances internet browsing experience on cell phones/ provides a Web Browser, which is optimized to display Web content effectively on the smaller screen

Wireless Mark-up Language (WML): Content designed so that it fits the tiny display screens of handheld mobile devices

Portable Media Players:
MP3 players: the original name for PMPs – named after the format in which songs were saved, MP3 format

PMPs: small portable devices that enable you to carry your MP3 files around with you – Apple iPod, etc
-------Most companies have now incorporated both video and image files to be included in PMPs.

Hardware (page 336-37)
-------Flash memory: a type of non-volatile memory to store extra files in a MCD
-------Sampling Rate: the number of times per second the music is measured and converted to a digital value.

PMP Flash Memory/ File Transfer
-------What to store in a PMP
-------The various types of Flash Memory Cards available
-------Transferring media files to my PMP:
-------PMP Ethical Issues
----------Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Sharing

Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs):

PDA (Handhelds): a small device that allows you to carry digital information

Features included:
-------Synchronize: the process of making sure the data on two devices are exactly the same and updated the same
-------Cradle: transferring your data from your PDA to a desktop by using this specialized device – page 342
-------Bluetooth: technology that uses radio waves to transmit data signals over short distances – page 343
-------Stylus: pen-like device used with PDAs
-------Graffiti: one of the most popular notation systems is this particular text system
-------Microsoft Transcriber: a popular system as like the one above mentioned, however doesn’t require special strokes and can recognize both printed and cursive writing with fairly decent accuracy.
-------LCD screen
-------Processor speed: (Hz) number of operations (or cycles) the processor completes each second.


Benchmarking: the process of measuring PDA performance by reviewers when comparing each PDAs efficiency and speed when completing tasks


PDA Operating Systems (pages 341-2)
------Palm OS
------Pocket PC


Memory Storage and types available
------Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)


Convergence:
------Smart-phones

Tablet PCs:
Tablet PC: a portable computer that is lightweight, features advanced handwriting recognition, and can be rotated into a clip-board style


Tablet PC Hardware:
------Digital Ink
------Digital Pen (Stylus)


Processors used in the Tablet – page 350
Tablet or PDA

Notebooks:
Notebook (Laptop): The most powerful mobile computing solution – offer large displays and all of the computing power of a full desktop system

Hardware:
Hot-swappable bays: when the notebook is running, i.e., you can remove DVD drive and exchange it with a removable hard drive – notebook is then a lot more versatile.


CPUs for notebooks – page 352
Notebook Operating Systems & Ports – page 353


Notebook Batteries & Accessories:
--------Memory Effect: means that the battery must be completely used up before it is recharged – used to the case for computers with nickel-based batteries, the invention of lithium-based batteries have diminished that set-back

Notebook or Desktop:
-------Footprint: amount of space the computer/device takes up when placed on a desk, table, etc.

How do I know how long I can keep my computer:
-------How easily it upgrades
-------Max amount of memory you can install in your notebook


External Hard Drives
-------PC Card Slots now evolving to Express Cards
-------Express Cards: are smaller and transfer data faster than the PC Cards they are replacing


Extra Words:
------ GPS (Global Positioning System) page 348