Thursday, December 10, 2009

Review Questions

3) The computer will read the number 123.4 as ahuge set of 0's and 1's.

4) Computers can only read the numbers 0 and 1 so the actual text/numbers are translated so the computer can read it.

5) Each is read differently, so not two different softwares can be read the same by one CPU.

6) Architecture can also limit it.

7) Internal Expansion: When the information is already in the computer.
External Expansion: When the information comes from outside of the computer (with either a USB drive or something like it).

8) Multiprocessing is putting multiple CPU's on one single chip.

9) RAM: Random Access Memory is memory that is already built in (to the computer) and no matter how many times the computer shuts down and restarts, it's still there.
ROM: Read Only Memory is memory that is very temporary. It is saved temporarily on the computer, but once the computer is shut down, it is no longer saved.

10) Primary Storage: Things stored into the computer.
Secondary Storage: Things that are stored on something outside of the computer (other than on a computer but can be taken out of and brought into a computer) such as a USB drive, a disk, a hard drive, etc.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Review from Homework/Reading

1) What are the four basic functions of a computer?
- to store information
- to recieve input
- to produce output
- to proccess information

2) What does CPU stand for?
- CPU stands for Central Processing Unit.

3) Explain what a bit is.
A bit is the smallest unit of information a computer can read.

4) Name two codes used to convert words, etc. into bits.
- ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)
- Unicode

5) Why is informations stored in some kind of binary format in computers?
- Information is stored in binary format because computers can't read text in its original format.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Computer Tour: Video Notes

7 main parts to a computer:

Motherboard is the most important part of the computer

cpu is the central processing unit
it runs the software and processes data
it's usually like a fan

RAM: is the random access memory . sits on motherboard. you'll find 1,2 or 3 banks of RAM
stick of memory added to motherboard (in a slot)

video card connects to motherboard in vid card slide
gamers update vid cards every 3 to 6 months
power suppl...all the wires are from there

hard disk holds info even when power is off

old machine: contains personal info. deleting is no enough. you've got to DESTROY the drive. ppl can get through it if they use the right toold

cds and dvds can't handle deep scratches. they keep data and stuff u wanna save on it.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

TechReflect (12/1/09)

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of telecommuting.

Advantages:
1- You can work in your own comforatble area where there may be no distractions.
2- You can wake up any time you want and go to bed whenever you want.
3- You can take breaks whenever you like.
4- You can do things that are not work related on your computer if you just want to "take a break" and check your e-mail or search a funny video or even listen to your own music.
5- You won't have the pressure of someone always watching you.
6- If you need to get to a place ASAP and you need to stop working, you can arrange things more easily.
7- If you need assistance in anything (for someone to actually come and help you with something) you can do it in the comfort of your home and not worrying about distracting people around you.
8- You can blast the music or sing aloud (without worrying about distracting others) if that's what makes you focus or keep you on track.
9- You can be around your family (in case they need you or just want to be with you).

Disadvantages:
1- If you don't choose a good place to work in, you can get distracted VERY easily.
2- You're not in the "working" mood because you ARE in the comfort of your own home, so you might slack a bit.
3- Because you don't feel the pressure of having someone watch over you at all times (or almost at all times) you might go off track and do things that are not work-related whatsoever for too long and not be able to get back to work easily.
4-

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Review Questions (pg 420 #s 4-10, 12-17)

4)

5)

6) De-skilling is when the use of technology is so great that there is not much need for actual human skills in the job or area. Up-skilling is when there is actually a positive benefit from it and the workers have to learn new skills in training for the job, using technology.

7) Supposedly, machines and other technological advances will be "taking over" the jobs of some workers in sweatshops. That raises a whole other issue about whether it's "right" or not. Should their jobs be "taken over" by machines? Will it make things easier/better or worse?

8) why is education critical for our future as we automate more jobs?

9) what were the goals of education in the industrial age? which are still appropriate in the information age? which aren't?

10) what kind of an education does a student need to prepare for living and working i nthe information age?

12) describe how multimedia can be used by teachers and students in the classroom. give several examples.

13) give several examples of ways that distance learning can enhance education.

14) tech alone is no guarantee that students will learn better or faster. what else is necessary to ensure success?

15) describe several ways people use home computers.

16) what are smart cards, and how are they used?

17) how is home entertainment being changed by computer technology ad telecommunication?

Discussion Questions (pg. 420 #s 4, 6, 11-13)

4) I think that technology will soon replace many jobs that humans take over nowadays. I think it's very efficient, but I also think it's not the best thing to do. Sure, technology can ASSIST humans so that there are less random/human errors. With technology there can be systematic errors, though, but it reduces other errors that come from us. It wouldn't be the best idea because these workers might have that as their only job in the world (as of now). If that job is taken away from them, how will they make a living? Or what if they can't find anotehr job with the same/more pay? It'll affect the workers and their families negatively, but as mentioned before, it'll help reduce random errors.

6) I agree that our children are becoming too independent on computers, calculators, and technology overall, but in a way it also helps. If our students are less concerned with the detailed, smaller things they need to get done, they can get MORE done in less time. But on the flipside, it's also harmful to the students because then they have become DEPENDENT thinkers, not independent thinkers like they probably should be. They will always be relying on something or someone else to help give them answers while they can easily train themselves to do these simple tasks on their own (even if they take a bit more time, with practice it'll become easier and take less time).

11)

12) I think that home computers strengthen families and communities but at the same time also weaken them. When one is too addicted to computers, they spend less time with family. But on the other hand, if there's a family with relatives overseas, then computers can be very helpful. They can chat, go on webcam, use the mic, and everything else that comes with it to keep in touch and always "be together". They can also strengthen communities because there can be many people working to help the community grow or help make programs and get the youth together, and by keeping in touch with computers they can get a lot more done than just having "one on one" meetings and being unable to meet up unless they're physically together. That's one main example of how they would be very useful.

13) I think it all depends on the person using it. If the person gets easily attached to it, then it'll make them less creative. If the person using it can figure out how to use it to their advantage and use it wisely, then it's something that can definitely help them be more creative.