Computer info unit 1

Technology in Your Life Unit


Tech Talk: Computers and You Technology in Our Lives (pg. 2–3) Technology and You (pg. 4–5) Responsible Use of Technology (pg. 6–7)

Projects Project 1: Use Your Computer Safely and Responsibly (p

g. 9–18) Project 2: Operate Your Computer (pg. 19–36)

ContentsStarting with You How many times a day do you use technology? It might be more than you think! To find out, go to the Online Learning Center at concepts.glencoe.com. Choose Before You Read Quizzes and take the Unit 1 Pre-Quiz.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.


Computers and You

How technology affects your everyday life How technology is used at home, school, and work How you can use technology ethically and safely

You Will LearnKey Terms

technology

microprocessor

telecommute

ethics

virus

hacker

pg. 2-8


Computers and You

Since ancient times, people have been using science to solve practical problems. In the last 50 years, technology—especially computer technology—has changed the way we:

work play communicate

In fact many times when computers are not working, it can become difficult to do everyday tasks!

technology

The use of science to solve practical problems. (pg. 2)

Technology in Our Lives pg. 2-3


How Do I Use Technology?Technology often works behind the scenes. You might not know that computers:

Keep track of the books in your school library Predict the weather Dispense money from ATMs Monitor hospital patients Make cars safer to drive

The “brain” of every computerized device is a small but powerful chip called a microprocessor, or microchip.

microprocessor

A tiny computer chip that receives and carries out instructions. (pg. 3)

Technology in Our Lives pg. 2-3

Computers and You


Identify List two technological inventions of the last century that have made communication easier.

Technology in Our Lives

Computers and You

Possible answers include:

broadcast radio television e-mail personal computer Internet World Wide Web Web browser cell phone


Computers and You

Technology is constantly changing. It is important to keep up with how technology is used at school, at home, and at work.

How Is Technology Used at School?At school, computers can help you:

Find books in the library Research a topic Record or organize information Write a report Deliver a class presentation

Technology and You pg. 4-5


Computers and You

How Is Technology Used at Home?At home, many systems and appliances are computerized. Among these, personal computers are especially useful because they let you:

Communicate with friends and family Find information Listen to music and watch movies Play games



Computers and You

How Is Technology Used at Work?At work, technology is everywhere! Computers are used to do these and many other tasks:

Create documents Maintain schedules Place orders and track sales Track products and workers

These days, many people telecommute rather than work in an office.


telecommute

To work at home or another location outside an office with the help of communication devices such as cell phones, fax machines, and the Internet. (pg. 5)


Describe How have you used computers to help you do school assignments?

Technology and You

Computers and You


To find books in the library To research a topic To record information To organize information To write a report To deliver a class presentation


Computers and You

When you use a computer, use ethics to guide your behavior.

How Can I Use Computers Ethically?Be sure to follow these guidelines for ethical computer use:

Do not open or damage other people’s files or messages.

Do not use the Internet to cheat. Do not use Web sites, e-mail, or chat rooms to say

negative things about others. Pay for commercial software, music, and movies.

Responsible Use of Technology pg. 6-7

ethics

The principles and standards we use to decide how to act. (pg. 6)


Computers and You

What Are the Risks of Using Computers?When you use a computer, you must be aware of the risks and take proper precautions:

Firewalls and antivirus software can help protect your computer against a virus or a hacker.

Good common sense can help protect you from dishonest people who give false or illegal information on the Internet.

Responsible Use of Technology pg. 6-7

virus

A computer program intentionally designed to cause annoyance or to damage hardware or software. (pg. 7)

hacker

A person who uses his or her expertise to gain access to people’s computers for unethical purposes. (pg. 7)


Computers and You

Tech Talk Assessment pg. 8

Draw Conclusions What should you do if you think you are the victim of someone else’s unethical behavior?

Notify an adult, such as your teacher or a parent or guardian.

Self-Check Assess your understanding of what you read. Go to the Online Learning Center at concepts.glencoe.com. Choose After You Read Quizzes and take the Unit 1 Tech Talk Quiz.


Computers and You

Tech Talk Assessment pg. 8

Analyze Pick an appliance, system, or device in your home. How does it help to solve a practical problem?


A refrigerator keeps perishable foods from spoiling. A microwave oven makes it possible to enjoy a hot

meal when you do not have a lot of time. A security system protects you and your belongings

from potential harm. The TV remote control lets you change the channel

without having to get up!


Use Your Computer Safely and Responsibly

Exercise 1-1 Identify features of your classroom computer

Exercise 1-2 Operate computers safely

Exercise 1-3 Practice proper ergonomics

Exercise 1-4 Use computers responsibly

Contents

pg. 9-18

Key Terms

ergonomics

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

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pg. 10Exercise 1-1 Get to Know Your Classroom Computer

In this exercise you will identify and locate the computer equipment in your classroom.

Your work station probably has these devices:

computer monitor keyboard mouse

Your computer lab may have these additional devices:

printer scanner digital camera projector

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pg. 11Exercise 1-2 Operate Computers Safely

In this exercise you will learn how to keep your computer classroom safe and avoid accidents.

These are features of a safe computer classroom:

Sturdy tables and chairs Clean floor and equipment Neatly arranged and safely connected computer cables No food or drinks Neatly organized papers and supplies Lighting that reduces glare and shadow Constant temperature Fire extinguisher or sprinklers

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pg. 12-13Exercise 1-3 Use Proper Ergonomics

In this exercise you will learn how to sit correctly and safely at your computer.

Good computer ergonomics can:

Improve safety, comfort, and efficiency Prevent fatigue and muscle injury Keep you alert and focused

ergonomics

The study of equipment design in order to improve user safety, comfort, and efficiency. (pg. 12)

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pg. 14-15Exercise 1-4 Use Computers Responsibly

In this exercise you will evaluate some of the rules found in many Acceptable Use Policies.

An Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is intended to protect students from potential dangers when using computers at school.

Before you use your school’s computers, you and your parents may have to sign the school’s Acceptable Use Policy.

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

A set of rules for school computer usage. (pg. 14)

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Project Assessment

Identify Which of these is not a feature of a safe computer classroom?

A. clean equipmentB. sturdy tables and chairsC. safely connected computer cablesD. snacks and soda cans

The correct answer is:D. snacks and soda cans

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Project Assessment

Describe Why is it important to sit correctly at your computer?

Your should sit correctly at your computer to: Improve safety, comfort, and efficiency

Prevent fatigue and muscle injury

Keep alert and focused

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Project Assessment

11

Cause and Effect Why might “No horsing around in the classroom” be a rule in an Acceptable Use Policy?

It is important to act responsibly in the computer classroom. Horsing around can:

Injure or endanger students Damage equipment Create hazardous conditions in the classroom by

knocking into potentially dangerous electrical equipment Distract from classroom activities or projects


Operate Your Computer

Exercise 2-1 Start the computer Log on to Windows View the Start menu

Exercise 2-2 Practice mouse skills

Exercise 2-3 Open and close an application Open multiple applications

Exercise 2-4 Practice keyboarding skills

Exercise 2-5 Log off Windows Shut down the computer

pg. 19-36

Key Terms

desktop

icon

log on

program

application

window

taskbar

insertion point

shortcut

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pg. 20-21Exercise 2-1 Get to Know the Windows Desktop

In this exercise you will turn on your computer and access Microsoft Windows according to your teacher’s directions.

If your school’s computers are connected to a network, you will have to log on first.

log on

To provide a username and password in order to use a computer connected to a network. (pg. 20)

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Microsoft Windows

APPLICATIONS USED



pg. 20-21Exercise 2-1 Get to Know the Windows Desktop

When you start Microsoft Windows, the first screen you see is the desktop.

A good place to begin is the Start button, from which you can open all the programs on the computer.

Double-clicking an icon on the desktop takes you to the item it represents

desktop The main work area on a computer. (pg. 20)

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pg. 22-24Exercise 2-2 Get to Know Your Mouse

In this exercise you will use the desktop and Start menu to practice using your mouse.

The mouse lets you enter commands into a computer. You use the mouse by pointing to an object on the screen and clicking in one of several ways:

Click with the left button Double-click with the left button Right-click with the right button Drag by holding the left button and moving the mouse

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pg. 25-27Exercise 2-3 Work with Multiple Applications

In this exercise you will make a window smaller and larger and move between two open applications. From the Windows desktop, you can open all the software programs, or applications, on your computer. Examples of applications are:

Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel Microsoft Access Microsoft PowerPoint

program

A set of instructions a computer receives in order to carry out functions. (pg. 25)

application

A software program that allows a user to perform specific tasks. (pg. 25)

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Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

APPLICATIONS USED



pg. 25-27Exercise 2-3 Work with Multiple Applications

When you open an application, it appears as a new window on the screen.

• You can have more than one window open at a time. • The taskbar at the bottom of the screen shows the

windows you are working in.

window

The area on a computer screen where an application can be viewed and accessed. (pg. 25)

taskbar

The part of the desktop, usually at the bottom, that displays active programs. (pg. 25)

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pg. 28-31Exercise 2-4 Get to Know Your Keyboard

In this exercise you will practice using the keyboard and the mouse to move around in a Word document.

The keyboard lets you enter text and numbers and do many other things. From your keyboard, you can use a:

Keyboard key to move the insertion point Keyboard key to apply a command Keyboard shortcut instead of clicking the mouse

insertion point

The symbol on a computer screen that shows where text or data will be entered. It is often a blinking vertical line. (pg. 28)

shortcut

A keyboard command that lets you work without the mouse. Shortcuts often involve use of the Ctrl, Alt, Shift, or Function key. (pg. 28)

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Microsoft Word

APPLICATIONS USED



pg. 28-31Exercise 2-4 Get to Know Your Keyboard

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pg. 32-33Exercise 2-5 Close Windows

In this exercise you will use some of Window’s shut down options.

When you are finished using your computer, you may choose one of these Shut Down options:

Log off to disconnect from the network Shut down to close Windows Restart to close Windows and start it again Stand by to keep the computer running on low power

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Project Assessment

Identify Which item would you not find on the Windows desktop?

A. Start buttonB. Recycle BinC. scroll barD. taskbar

The correct answer is:C. scroll bar

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Project Assessment

Analyze Why might it be better to use a keyboard shortcut rather than the mouse to do a particular task?

When you use a shortcut, you can keep both hands on the keyboard—which is often a more efficient way to work.

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Project Assessment

Make Predictions Why might you want to have multiple applications open at the same time?

You might use more than one application to create a single product. For example, you might download an image from the Internet and insert it into a report—in which case, Internet Explorer and Word might both be open. Or you might create a chart in Excel and insert it into a PowerPoint presentation—so both Excel and PowerPoint might be open.

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Assessment Test your knowledge of technology. Go to the Online Learning Center at concepts.glencoe.com. Choose e-Review Quizzes and take the Unit 1 > Tech Assess Quiz.

Unit Assessment

Explore Do you think the benefits of using computers outweigh the risks? Explain your answer.

Your answer may be “yes,” “no,” or even “I do not know.” In arriving at your answer, you should have considered how computers help us at school, at home, and at work—as well as how they make us and our personal information vulnerable to unethical people.


Technology in Your Life UnitUnit Assessment

Synthesize You have probably heard that “we are living in the information age.” Indeed, modern technology has made huge quantities of information readily available. Name three things computers can help you do with all that information.

Computers can help you do the following with information:

Collect information using the power of the Internet. Organize information on your computer, where it is

easy to access. Communicate information through e-mail, instant

messaging, Web sites, and other technologies.



Cause and Effect Why is it important to learn computer skills?

Technology is everywhere in the workplace. Having a solid knowledge of technology is one key to a great career. Most jobs today require at least basic computer experience. The more you learn now, the better off you will be later. Also, your computer skills can help you complete school assignments, search for a job, and even apply for a job online.



Evaluate For your own protection, you should understand and follow all the rules in your school’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Listed below are some rules you might see in an AUP. Of these, which rule seems the most important to you? In other words, which one has the most severe consequences if you do not follow it? Why?

A. “I will not damage the computer in any way.”B. “I will not attempt to use another person’s username

or password.”C. “I will not install new software on the computer.”D. “I will not visit inappropriate Web sites.”



Your answer might be A, B, C, or D. In arriving at your answer, you should have considered the consequences of not following each rule:

A. “I will not damage the computer in any way.” Consequence of not following the rule: Expensive equipment must be replaced.



B. “I will not attempt to use another person’s username or password.”

Consequence of not following the rule: Attempting to use another person’s access information is a serious violation of privacy. It can also be considered a cybercrime, which may be punishable.



C. “I will not install new software on the computer.”

Consequence of not following the rule: If new software is installed, viruses or other damaging programs may be introduced into the computer or the network.



D. “I will not visit inappropriate Web sites.”

Consequence of not following the rule: Inappropriate Web content may offend others around you. When you visit an inappropriate Web site, viruses or spyware may be introduced into the computer or the network.


Technology in Your Life UnitUnit Resources

For more resources on this unit, go to the Online Learning Center at http://www.concepts.glencoe.com.