Chapter 1 [Discovering Computers 2011] Introduction to Computers Review

Assignment By: Tri Djoko Wahjono, Ir., M.Sc. 

1. Why Is Computer Literacy Vital in Today’s World?

Computer literacy, or digital literacy, involves having current knowledge  and understanding of computers and their  uses. The  requirements that determine computer literacy change as technology changes. As computers become  more a part of everyday life, many people believe that computer literacy is vital to success.Computer Literacy refers to having the skills and the knowledge to use computers competently. Computer Literacy also implies that one is comfortable with using computer software and other applications that are related to the computer. Another important part of being computer literate is to know how the computer functions and operates. As of 2005,people having basic computer skills are considered very important assets in developed countries.

First world and developing countries consider computer literacy to be a very vital skill to acquire. Employers desire their workers to possess basic computer skills because their companies are becoming more technologically advanced. The computers help them to run their companies efficiently and cost effectively.

With the influence and essentiality of becoming computer literate individuals, people now regard that living without computer skills would now be unimaginable. People rely much on computers on the amount of work they can accomplish. 

2. What Is a Computer, and What Is the Relationship between Data and Information?   

A computer is an electronic device, operating under  the control of instruc- tions stored  in its own memory,  that can accept data, pro- cess the data according to specified rules, produce  results, and store the results for future  use. Data is a collection

of unprocessed items, which can include text, numbers, images, audio, and video. Information conveys meaning and is useful to people.Basically there is no difference. Data could be the numbers and fields in a spreadsheet, that would also be the information that you would want to convey via the spreadsheet.
Data is a collection of facts, such as values or measurements. Information is collection of some data. For an example : A mobile number is a data, but a list of mobile numbers is information. 

3. List and Describe the Five Components of a Computer. 

The  electric, electronic, and mechanical components of a computer, or hardware, include input devices, output devices, a system unit, storage devices, and communica- tions devices. An input device  allows you to enter  data or instructions into a computer. An output device  conveys information to one or more people. The  system unitis a case that contains  the electronic components of a computer that are used to process data. A storage device records  and/or retrieves items to and from storage media. A communications device  enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers. 

4. What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages That Users Experience When Working with Computers? 

A user is anyone who communicates with a computer or utilizes the information it generates. Computers have the advantages of speed, reliability, consistency,  storage, and communications. They  perform operations at incred-ibly fast speeds, are dependable and reliable, consistently generate error-free results, can store enormous amounts of data, and can share processing  with other  computers. Disadvantages of computers relate to health risks, the violation  of privacy, public safety, the impact on the labor force, and the impact on the environment.

5.   What Is a Network, and What Are Its Benefits? 

A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together, often wirelessly, via communications devices and transmission media. Networks allow com- puters to share resources, such as hardware, software, data, and information. Sharing  resources  saves time and money. The  world’s largest computer network  is the Internet.

• file sharing - Network file sharing between computers gives you more flexibity than using floppy drives or Zip drives. Not only can you share photos, music files, and documents, you can also use a home network to save copies of all of your important data on a different computer. Backups are one of the most critical yet overlooked tasks in home networking.
• printer / peripheral sharing - Once a home network is in place, it's easy to then set up all of the computers to share a single printer. No longer will you need to bounce from one system or another just to print out an email message. Other computer peripherals can be shared similarly such as network scanners, Web cams, and CD burners.
• Internet connection sharing - Using a home network, multiple family members can access the Internet simultaneously without having to pay an ISP for multiple accounts. You will notice the Internet connection slows down when several people share it, but broadband Internet can handle the extra load with little trouble. Sharing dial-up Internet connections works, too. Painfully slow sometimes, you will still appreciate having shared dial-up on those occasions you really need it.
• multi-player games - Many popular home computer games support LAN mode where friends and family can play together, if they have their computers networked.
• Internet telephone service - So-called Voice over IP (VoIP) services allow you to make and receive phone calls through your home network across the Internet, saving you money.
• home entertainment - Newer home entertainment products such as digital video recorders (DVRs) and video game consoles now support either wired or wireless home networking. Having these products integrated into your network enables online Internet gaming, video sharing and other advanced features.

Although you can realize these same benefits with a wired home network, you should carefully consider building a wireless home network instead, for the following reasons:

1. Computer mobility. Notebook computers and other portable devices are much affordable than they were a few years ago. With a mobile computer and wireless home network, you aren't chained to a network cord and can work on the couch, on your porch, or wherever in the house is most convenient at the moment.

2. No unsightly wires. Businesses can afford to lay cable under their floors or inside walls. But most of us don't have the time or inclination to fuss with this in our home. Unless you own one of the few newer homes pre-wired with network cable, you'll save substantial time and energy avoiding the cabling mess and going wireless.

3. Wireless is the future. Wireless technology is clearly the future of networking. In building a wireless home network, you'll learn about the technology and be able to teach your friends and relatives. You'll also be better prepared for future advances in network technology coming in the future

6.   How Are the Internet and World Wide Web Used? 

The  Internet is a worldwide  collection of networks  that connects  millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals. People  use the Internet to communicate with and meet other  people; conduct  research  and access information and news; shop for goods and services; bank and invest; participate in online training; engage in entertaining activities; down- load music and videos; share information, photos,  and videos; and access and interact with Web  applications. The  Web, short  for World Wide Web, is a global library of documents containing information that is available to anyone connected to the Internet. 

7.   How Is System Software Different from Application Software?    

Software, also called a program, is a series of related  instructions, organized for a common purpose, that tells the computer what actions to perform and how to perform them. System software  consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of a computer and its devices. Two types of system software are the operating system, which coordinates activities among  computer hardware  devices, and utility programs, which perform maintenance-type tasks usually related to managing a computer, its devices, or its programs. Application software  consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assists them with personal  tasks. Popular application software includes Web  browsers, word processing  software, spreadsheet software, database software, and presentation software.