Chapter 8: Networking and Digital Communication: Reading and RQs

2. Give three reasons for the importance of computer networking.

• Networks let people to share computer hardware resources, reducing costs, and making it possible for more people to take better advantage of powerful computer equipment.
• Networks let people to share data and software programs, increasing efficiency and productivity.
• Networks let people to work together in ways that are otherwise difficult or impossible.

5. Under what circumstances is a modem necessary f0r connecting computers in networks? What does the modem do?

• When one uses the telephone network to to connect remote computers. The modem connects a computer to a telephone line.

6. Describe least two different kinds of communication software.

• Network Operating System(NOS)- for those who work exclusively on local area networks. It shields the user from the hardware and software details of routine communication between machines.
• Terminal emulation software- this is outside of LAN. It lets a computer function as a character-based terminal - a simple input and output device for sending messages to and receiving messages from the host computer.

8. What are the differences between email and instant messaging systems?

• Mailing lists and newsgroups use asynchronous communication while instant messaging uses real-time communication.

9. Describe some things you can do with email that you cannot do with regular mail.

• One thing is that you can send your mail instantly and receive it instantly, while with regular mail you have to deliver your mail to the post office or mail box and the least amount of time it takes for you to receive it or for the recipient to receive it is one day. Another thing is that on email you can attach files but with regular mail you cannot. Attaching files is a lot easier than having to print out the document you wish to send.

10. Describe several potential problems associated with email and teleconferencing.

• Well one thing could be spam because it slows you down and sometimes can cause viruses on your computer. Also, these are easy to hack into and if someone displays too much personal information, it could lead to identity theft.

11. "Money is just another form of information." explain this statement and describe how it relates to communication technology.

• This statement is basically inferring that in the technological world money is just information shared or retrieved or what not. It relates to communication technology because for example nowadays people can easily check their account balances from their mobile phones in which they are communicating with their bank. Also, for business purposes, people can communicate through groupware or even email on budget updates and commerce increases.

12. Wi-fi and Bluetooth wireless technologies are designed to serve different purposes than mobile phone technology does. Explain this statement.

• Well this statement much sums up that these technologies each have different purposes. Wi-fi's purpose is to connect wireless handheld computers and devices. While the purpose of Bluetooth is to overcome the differences between mobile phones, handheld computers and PCs so that they can all communicate with each other regardless of the operating system.

Database Article Link

FBI turns up faster, more accurate fingerprint identification system

FBI system lays groundwork for future biometrics such as latent palm prints and facial recognition

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/030811-fbi-fingerprint.html?hpg1=bn

Tomorrow's Technology and You Eighth Edition:Chapter 7: Reading and RQs

Read pg.224-232 4RQs

2.What is the difference between a file manager and a database-manager system? How are they similar?

• A file manager is a program that enables users to work with one file at a time. However, a true database-management system(DBMS) is a program or system of programs that can manipulate data in a large collection of files. They are similar in that they can both are sufficient for mailing lists and other common data management applications.

3. Describe the structure of a simple database. Use the terms file, record, and field in your description.

• A database is structured with many data files in which these files are made up of one or more tables; it keeps the information together the way a folder in a file cabinet does. Then a database table is a collection of records. A record is the information related to one person, product or event. For instance, in a library's card catalog database, a record contains information on exactly one person. Then these records are further divided into fields. A field contains a discrete, specific piece of information in a record. For example, in a library's card catalog database a field could be title, author, date, etc...

4. What is a query? Give examples of the kinds of questions that might be answered with a query.

• A query is an information request in database terminology. A query could be a search for a specific record or a request to select all records that match a certain criteria such as animals that are cold-blooded or amphibians with teeth .

7. What does it mean to sort a data file?

• To sort a data file means using a command to that lets you arrange records in alphabetic or numeric order based on values in files.

Read p.237-245 4RQs

6. What are the advantages of personal information management software over paper notebook organizers? What are the disadvantages?

• The advantages are that they are easier to understand and easier to use than regular database programs. Also, they are faster and more flexible than notebook organizers. They are good for people on the go especially with notebook or handheld computers. Some disadvantages may be if the user has a hard time using software and particularly does not know how to use it. If one does not have a cell phone or computer well than they would be no need for it.

8. How can a database be designed to reduce the likelihood of data-entry errors?

• A database can be designed to reduce a likelihood of errors by reducing the number of changes. To do this one should use a relational database program because changes in one table are reflected in other tables automatically.

10. Do we have a legal right to privacy? On what grounds?

• Legally, the U.S Supreme Court decisions have recognized a right to privacy is implied by other constitutional guarantees though it is not specifically mentioned.

11. Why are computers important in discussions of invasion of privacy?

• This is due to the fact that in today's world everything we do on the computer and Internet are stored in databases.

Introduction to database

Chapter 7: Database Applications and Privacy Implications

Database- is a collection of information that has been organized in a certain way or a storage container for data. or a collection of info stored on computer disks.

-Making it easy to reference and retrieve

-Example:telephone book-combination of first name and last, receipe cards..

What is a unique identifier?

It is a combination of databases.

Google was launched by Sergey Brin and Larry Page.

Database Software: an application that is designed to maintain databases.

Computerized databases make it easier to store large amounts of info, retrieve info quickly and flexibly,

Database program: a software tool for organizing the storage and retrieval of info

Database: a collection of info stored in an organized form in a computer. Composed of one or more tables, A table is a collection of related info and/or records.

What is a record?

A record is the information relating to one person, product, or event.

Each discrete

The type of info the field can hold is told by its Field type or Data Type.

Database programs allow you to view in:

Form view-show one record at a time.

List view-display several records in lists similar to the way a spreadsheet displays data.

In views, fields can be rearranged without changing the data.

What are Database Operations?

Import: receive data in the form of text files

Browse: navigate through info

Query: find records that match specfic criteria.

Sort: rearrange records.

Print reports, labels, and form letters: A report is an ordered list of selected records and fields in an easy to read format.

What does SQL stand for?

Structured Query Language

-Is a standard language

-Is available for many database management systems

-Allows point and click queries that insulate users from the complexieies of the query language.

Specialized database software: preprogrammed for spefic data storage and retrieveal purposes.

Geographical

Persinal info manager(PIM): an electronic organizer.Functions: -address book, Appointment calendar, to-do list, miscellaneous notes

-Handheld computers can share info with apps such as iCalendar running on PCs an Macintoshes.

File Manager: enables users to work with one file at a time.

Database Management system(DBMS): manipulates data in a large collection of files, cross-referencing between files as needed.

-can be used interactively or controlled by other programs.

Relational database: program is one that allows tables to be related to each other.

-Changes in lne table are reflected in other tables automatically.

To computer scientists, relational database has a technical definition related to:

The underlying structure data

The rules specifying how that data can be manipulated.

Chapter 6: Graphics, Digital Media, and Multimedia

Chapter 6: Graphics,Digital Media, and Multimedia

• Graphics: images that are displayed on a screen.
• Digital Media: any type of electronic media.
• Multimedia: collaboration of multiple forms of media.
• Tim Berners-Lee:- invented World Wide Web and is the head of W3C.

Q: What are Bit-mapped Graphics?

Bit mapped Graphics is the representation of graphic images as bit maps by hardware and software.

• Painting Software: in which pixels are painted on a screen with a pointing device.

-stores image at 300 at dots per inch of higher

-translates pointer movements into lines and patterns on the screen.

Definitions

Pixels: little dots of white, black, or color that make images on screen.

Palette: the given set of options of colors to choose from.

Color depth: the number of bits to each pixel.

Resolution: the density of the pixels.

• Image Processing: to edit photos through the computer.

- possible to manipulate and combine photos, it's realistic.

- Digital photo management software make it easy to and automate normal tasks that have to do with capturing, recognizing,editing, and sharing digital images.

What does the digital photo management software do?

-It simplifies and automates regular tasks that have to do with capturing, recognizing, editing, and sharing digital images.

• Object-oriented drawing- better for creating printed graphs, charts, and illustrations. Also, lines are cleaner and shapes are smoother.

-Some integrated programs contain both drawing and painting modules.- Allows you to choose the right tool for each job.
-Some programs merge features of both in a single application

-blurs b/t types

What is the difference between CAD, CAM, and CIM?


• Computer Aided Design (CAD):

-Allows engineers, designers and architects create designs on screen for products ranging from computer chips to public buildings.
-Can test product prototypes

-Cheaper, faster and more accurate than traditional design-by-hand techniques.

• Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)- is the process when data related to the product design are put into a program that controls the manufacturing of parts.
  


• Computer-Integrated Manufacturing(CAM)- refers to the combination of CAD/CAM and is a big step toward a fully automated factory.

Presentation Graphics: automates the making of visual aids for lectures, training sessions, sales demonstrations and others.

Animation:
-is a computer-drawn picture
-moving from frame to frame to make a movie effect.


Tweening- animator creates key frames and objects and use software to help fill in the gaps.
What is a video digitizer?
-"Is software that takes an analog video still frame and converts it to a digital still image."
• Analog and Digital Video- a video digitizer can convert analog video signals from a TV broadcast or videotape into digital data.

- Can import signals from televisions

- signals are displayed in the computer's screen in real time.

-Digital video cameras capture footage in digital form.

-Digital videos can be copied, edited, stored and played back w/o loss of quality.

- They will soon replace analog video for most applications.

What does nonlinear editing technology do?

-Is a video editing or audio editing system which can perform random access on the source material.

Video editing software: ex: Abode Premiere

- makes it easy to eliminate footage , combine clips from multiple takes, splice together scenes, create specific effects and perform a variety of other activities.

• Morphs are video clips in which one image morphs into another.

• Data Compression- software and hardware used to compress data from movies so that it can be stored easily.

What does broadband mean?

- "telecommunications system of greater bandwidth."

-Audio digitizer- captures sound and stores it as a data file.

-Synthesizer- an electronic instrument that synthesizes sounds using mathematical formulas.

-MIDI( Musical Instrument Digital Interface)- standard that allows electronic instruments and computers to communicate with each other.

What is the differ b/t MIDI and MP3?

MP3 is a patented digital audio encoding format using a form of lossy data compression while a MIDI is a standard that allows electronic instruments and computers to communicate with each other.

-For audio when it digitizes it transfers from sound waves to 0s and 1s.

• Rules of Thumb

Don't Steal

Understand streaming and downloading

Know your file formats.

Don't over-compress

• Popular Digital Audio Formats-WAV.AIFF, MP3, WMA, AAC, OGG.

• MIDI-can control electronic musical instruments and sound sources

-Can be interpreted by music synthesizers and samplers.

• Sequence software- turns a computer into a musical composing, and editing machine.
• Electronica- music designed from the ground up with digital technology.

What is the difference b/t hypertext and Hypermedia?

• Hypertext- refers to the info linked in non sequential ways.

• Hypermedia- combines text, numbers, graphics, animations, sound effects, music, and other media .

-Makes slide shows directly on computer monitors, LCD projectors, still images...

-Make an outline
-Design backgrounds, borders, templates..
-Print overhead transparencies
-Microsoft Producer

How to make a powerful presentation?
-remember your goal
-remember your audience
-outline your ideas
-keep it simple
-use a consistent design
-be smart with art
-keep each slide focused
-tell them what your going to say, tell them again, tell them what you said.

• Dynamic Media-modern media contains dynamic info

• Interactive Multimedia: a combination of text, graphics, animation, video, music, voice, and sound effects that allows the user to take an active part in the experience.

-Requires high quality , color monitors, fast processors, large memory, CD-ROM drives, speakers, and sound

-uses authoring programs such as Hyperstudio and Metacard

-Binds source documents together to communicate with users in an aesthetically pleasing way.

-Involves programming objects on the screen to react or behave in certain ways under certain conditions.

-example: Macromedia Director MX-includes prewritten behaviors that can be attached to on-screen buttons, images, and other objects.

Rules of Thumb

• Be consistent in visual appearance


• Use graphical metaphors to guide viewers


• Keep the screen clean to guide viewers


• Include multiple elements to enliven the presentation


• focus on the message


• Give the user control


• Test your presentation


• Virtual reality:combines virtual worlds with networking.


• multiple participants in a virtual space


• representations of each other called avatars


• Tele-immersion: uses multiple cameras and high-speed networks to create a video conferencing environment in which multiple remote users can interact with each other and computer-generated objects.

Chapter 5: Productivity Applications

Doug Engelbart Explores Hyperspace

One of the pioneers of the computer hardware and software

In 1968 he showed his Augment system,which were:

• Mouse


• Video display editing- movie making


• Mixed text and graphics, windowing


• Outlining


• Shared-screen video conferencing


• Computer conferencing


• Groupware


• Hypermedia

The Wordsmith's Toolbox
Working with a word processor involves several steps:

• Entering Text
  


• Editing Text



• Formattting the document



• Proofreading the document



• Saving the document on a disk



• Printing the document

Entering, Editing, and Formatting Text

• Entering Text
  


• Text is displayed onthe screen and stored in the computer's RAM
  


• Save your work periodically because RAM is not permanent memory
  
  Editing Text


• Navigate to different parts of document


• Insert or delete text at any point


• Move and copy text


• Search and replace words or phrases


• Word Processors and Other word tools

Formatting commands

• Formatting characters


• Characters are measured by the point size


• A font is a size and style typeface


• Serif fonts have serifs of fine lines at the ends of character


• You can use monospaced fonts of spaced fonts
  
  Formatting paragraphs involve:


• Margin settings


• Line spacing


• Indents


• Tabs


• Justification

Formatting the documents

• style sheets


• headers and footers


• multiple variable width columns


• graphics


• automatic editing features


• hidden comments


• table of contents and indexes


• coaching and helping feautures


• conversion to HTML
  
  
  Rules of Thumb: Word Processing Is Not Typing


• Use the return key only when you must


• Word wrap moves text to the next line


• Use tabs and margin guides, not the spacebar, to align columns


• WYSIWYG is a matter of degree


• Text that looks perfectly aligned onscreen may not line up on paper.


• Don't underline


• Use Italics and boldface for emphasis


• Use only one space after a period.


• Proportionally-spaced fonts look better without double space


• Take advantage of special characters


• bullets, dashes, curly or smart quotes

The Wordsmith's Toolbox

Outliners and Idea Processors are effective at:

• Arranging info into levels


• Rearranging ideas and levels


• Hiding and revealing of detail as needed.

Digital References

• Dictionaries, quotation books, atlases...


• The biggest advantage of the electronic form of speed.


• The biggest drawback is that

Synonym Finders

• A computerized thesarus that gives a variety of synonyms for a chosen

Spelling Checkers

• Compare words in your document with words in a disk-based dictionary.F7

Grammar and Style Checkers

• Analyze each word in context, checking for errors of content


• Check spelling


• Analyze prose complexity using measurements such as sentence length.

Form Letter Generators

• Mail merge capabilities produce personalized form letters.


• Create a datatbase with names


• Create a form letter


• Merge the database with the form letter to create personalized letter.


• Example: give info and email and your name comes up so that it's as if Muhammad Shareef is emailing you personally.


• You can incorporate custom paragraphs based n the recipient's personal data.


• Each letter looks ad of it were individually written.

Collaborative Writing Tools

• Groupware: software designed to be used by a workgroup


• Provides for collaborative writing and editing


• Example: Google documents


• Compares documents versions and highlights differences in documents

Emerging Word Tools

• Processing handwritten words


• Processing words with software that can reliably recognize human speech


• Anticipating a writer's needs, acting as a an electronic editor.

The Desktop Publishing Story

• The process of producing a book, magazine, or other publication includes several steps:





• Writing text





• Editing text





• Producing drawings, photos, and other grahics to accompany the text.





• Designing a basic format for the publication





• Typesetting text





• Arranging text and graphics on pages





• Typesetting and printing pages





• Binding pages into a finished publication





• With modern desktop publishing tech (DTP), the production process can be accomplished with sophisticated tools

Desktop publishing software:

Image-editing software

Page layout software combines ht evarious source docs into a coherent, visually appealing publication.

QuarkXpress

PageMaker

Adobe InDesign

Rules of Thumb:

Plan before you publlish

Use appropriate fonts.

Don;t go style crazy

View your document through your reader's eyes

Learn from the masters

Formulas can be:

Relative

Linking spreadsheets together

Financial management software: Quickbook - gives reliability

Mathematica

Statistical Software: Beyond Spreadsheets

Scientific Visualization

Scientific visualization software shape