CrossCurrents: The Diskless PC Revolution

Discussion Questions:
1- Carrying a flash memory device makes it easier to access the information you need when you need it. It can be used in most computers. However, if the device gets stolen and it is not password-protected, private information can be stolen. Carrying personal data on a laptop PC feels safer, and is more tangible. Again, though, if the laptop is stolen and not protected, all personal information will be stolen.

2- I think it would be more secure kept on a flash memory with me than on a network-connected file server. On the network server, people can hack into the information and access it. On the drive, the information would go with me wherever I go, and can only be accessed by me, and taken only if it is stolen from my person.

Biometric System Questions

1- define biometrics.
Biometrics is the method of identifying individuals based on biological properties. Technology scans a body part to match the scanned data with data previously stored in the system. Examples are fingerprints, DNA scans, voice recognition, and retina scans.


2- list and explain a use of a biometrics system in each area of impact.
Business and employment: Many US financial institutions are using biometric identification at the employee or customer level.

Education: Schools are using fingerprinting to replace library cards.

Health: Individuals are identified through DNA samples.

Arts/entertainment/leisure: Walt Disney World season pass holders are identified by biometric data.

Science and environment: Biometrics itself is a science. It is used to allow access to high security labs and workspaces.

Politics and Government: Law enforcment uses facial recognition and fingerprints to identify criminals.



3- explain how one type of biometric system works.
Fingerprint scanners scan the person's fingerprint then match the print against a database of other fingerprints.


4- who approves/disapproves of the use of biometrics?
Civil liberty Unions disapprove of the use of biometrics because it raises many privacy issues. They are afraid that it will become a means of tracking individuals on maps across our lives, as more and more of our data about our activities is being tracked and recorded. Consumers also are suspicious of this technology because they fear that the government will use the information against them. Business and other large corporations approve of its use, as they think it will make their business more secure and efficient.

5-explain 3 concerns regarding the use of the biometrics system.

-The government will misuse the information.

- Criminals will still find a way to get around the system, such as stealing the body parts necessary to access a certain area.

- Our data cannot be altered, so if it is stolen, there is a BIG problem.

6- explain 3 advantages to using the biometrics system.

- Criminals can be easily identified and caught.
- It is very hard and almost impossible to change our biometric data making us always recognizable. (This can also be a bad thing.)
-Can help reduce identity fraud



7- what is the benefit of using biometrics as shown in the last clip?
Advertisers can personalize their ads through retina scanning, making the ads more personal and appealing.

CH. 3 Review Q's

Multiple Choice:
1- C
2- D
3- B
4- E
5- D
6- E
7- C
8- A
9- D
10- B
11- C
12- E
13- C
14- C
15- C

7- Non-impact printers print many pages per minute of high-quality text and graphical output. They are fast, durable, and reliable. Impact printers are limited to printing characters and cannot print graphics.

8-Storage devices can be both input and output devices. We can store information on them, as well as retrieve that information. An example are DVD-RW and CD-RW drives.

9- Sequential access means that the information can only be accessed in the order that it was recorded. This type of storage is mostly used for backing up data, and operations which aren't time-sensitive. Random access means that information can be retrieved regardless of the order in which it was recorded. This storage is used with most popular media for everyday storage needs.

Biometrics Article:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2194/is_6_69/ai_63649260/?tag=content;col1

keywords

Data: information in a form that can be read, used, and manipulated by a computer
information

Processing: an activity that manipulates and organizes information in ways that add value.



Hard disk: a rigid magnetically sensitive dik that spins rapidly and continuously inside computer chassis; used as a storage device
Disk drive: device used to retrieve information from a disk and in some cases to transfer data to it

Storage: long-term repository for data, disks and tapes are examples
-Primary: A computer's main memory

-Secondary: The category of computer storage found in peripherals such as tape and disk drives

-optical disk drive: a disk drive that uses laser beams to read and write bits of information on the surface of an optical disc
USB: (universal serial bus) a data path standard that theoritically allows up to 126 devices to be chained together from a single port, allowing for data transmission that is much faster and more flexible than through traditional serial and parallel ports

compatibility, interface standards, random access


RFID: Radio frequency identification

OCR: optical character recognition; locating and identifying printed characters embedded in an image, allowing the text to be stored as an editable document

OMR: optical mark reader; a reading device that uses reflected light to determine the location of pencil marks on standardized test answer sheets and similar forms.

Bar code: code consisting of a series of vertical bars of variable width that are scanned by a laser; an optical-machine readable representation of data

MFP: multifunction printer, an all-in-one output device that usually combines a scanner, a laser, or inkjet printer and a fax modem.

Sound card: a circuit board that allows the PC to accept microphone input, play music and other sound through speakers and headphones, and process sound in a variety of ways.

CRT: Cathode-ray tube; a computer display made from large electronic vacuum tube, similar to the classic television display

LCD: flat-panel displays, once primarily used for portable computers but now replacing bulkier CRT monitors for desktops

Resolution: Density of pixels, measured by the number of dots per inch dpi: dots per inch

Pixel: a picture element (d0t) on a computer screen or printout. Groups of pixels compuse the images on the monitor and the output of a printout

Baud: a speed of data transmission

Sensors: a device that enables digital machines to monitor a physical quantity of the analog world, such as temperature, humidity, or pressure, to provide data used in robotics, environmental climate control, and other applications.

Voice input: use of a microphone to speak commands and text data to a computer, which uses speech-recognition software to interpret the input

Speech recognition: the identification of spoken words and sentences by a computer, making it possible for voice input to be converted into text files.

Ergonomics: the science of designing work environments that enable people and things to interact efficiently and safely.


Repetitive-stress injuries: conditions that result from repeating the same movements over long periods, such as keyboarding-induced carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful affliction of the wrist and hand

Digitize: converting information into a digital form that can be stored in the computer's memory
Scanners: an input device that makes a digital representation of any printed image.

Digital cameras: a camera that captures images and stores them as bit patterns on disks or other digital storage media instead of using film


Vector graphics: the storag3e of pictures as collections of lines, shapes and other objects

MP3: a method of compression that can squeeze a music file to a fraction of its original CD file size with only a slight loss of quality MIDI: (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) a standard interface that allows electronic instruments and computers to communicate with each other and work together

Fire wire: industry standard for relatively new, extremely fast serial communications protocol, especially well suited for mulitmedia applications such as digital video

Review Questions p. 97

5- What are the advantages of CRT monitors over LCD monitors?
CRT monitors would be harder to steal than an LCD monitor because they are heavier. Also, they were inexpensive and produce high-quality images at a variety of resolutions.

6- Name at least two hardware devices that use LCDs because using a CRT would be impractical.
Video projectors and laptop computers use LCD monitors because they are less bulky and can project computer screen images to large audiences.

HW

Article on peripherals:
http://http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091223/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_digital_life_tech_test_gaming_pcs_accessories;_ylt=AjMfGP6AQQWq2XS6z2KhAH4jtBAF;_ylu=X3oDMTNsamlrZHFpBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMDkxMjIzL3VzX3RlY19kaWdpdGFsX2xpZmVfdGVjaF90ZXN0X2dhbWluZ19wY3NfYWNjZXNzb3JpZXMEY3BvcwMzBHBvcwM5BHNlYwN5bl90b3Bfc3RvcnkEc2xrA3Jldmlld3NsaWNrYQ--

Questions:
Social Issues:
2- This new keyboard was invented by a man who was annoyed by the traditional QWERTY keyboard, and felt that a different keyboard would be easier to type with.
3- The stakeholders are the inventor, John Parkinson, any companies that choose to support/endorse his product, and the general public, who will need to be convinced that his keyboard is better than the standard one.
6- This new keyboard may not have that much impact on human life in general. This product may fail to interest the public and crash and burn as a project, losing the inventor time and money. While the style of the keyboard may be more healthy for the hands, if no one is interested in learning a new style of typing, there will be no point, especially when ergonomically designed QWERTY keyboards can be had.
7- The invention of this keyboard shows creativity on the part of the inventor, who had a problem and came up with a solution. The keyboard may gain some users locally, but it is doubtful that it will greatly affect the global community.

Ethical Issues:
1- An issue brought up with this new keyboard is reliability. Will this keyboard work as well as the QWERTY one? People have grown so used to this keyboard, that it will be very hard to change to a new style of typing.
2,3- John Parkinson is both responsible and accountable for making sure his new keyboard works properly, and gains market among the public.
4- I do not think that any policies, rules or laws apply to this situation.

Reading Review

1- List five input devices and three output devices that might be attached to a PC. Describe a typical use for each.
INPUT
Keyboard-sends signals to computer through cables, enters text and numeric data
Mouse-used to point at specific characters and objects
Optical Mark Reader- use reflected light to determine location of pencil marks on standardized tests
Bar Code Readers- use light to read UPCs, inventory codes and other codes created from patterns of variable width bars.
Touch Screen- responds when user points to or touches different regions on screen

OUTPUT
Monitor- displays information in computer on a screen for user to view and interact with
Projector-shows information from monitor onto a large board or other surface to make it easier for large audiences to view
Printer- transfers the information to paper

2-Name and describe three special-purpose input devices people commonly use in public places, such as stores, banks, and libraries.
People use touch screens in grocery stores when using the self-checkout. Also used are bar code readers to scan the goods being purchased and Radio frequency identification readers use radio waves to communicate with RFID tags. THey are used to identify cars at toll booths, library books at checkout counters, and are in the antitheft cards attached to clothes in department stores.

3- Many people find that the mouse is impractical for use as a pointing device on a laptop computer. Describe at least three alternatives that are more appropriate.
Three alternatives to a mouse on a laptop are touchpads, pointing sticks and trackballs. Touchpad is a small flat panel sensitive to light pressure. To use it, the user moves their finger across this pad. Pointing stick is a small handle in the centoer of the keyboard that responds to finger presser by moving pointer in the direction it is pushed. The trackball is like an upside-down mouse. It is stationary while user moves a large ball to control cursor on screen.

Criterion G & H: ITGS Project

Criterion G:
As Muslim females, we should dress modestly. However, it is very hard to find clothes that are both modest and stylish. Enter Nawal Hassouneh, a designer of fashionable modest clothing. Nawal designs clothes that fit the Islamic requirements for modest clothing, yet are appealing to those who wish to dress in fashion. These clothes, however, are only available to those who closely know Nawal, and know that she designs clothes. These designs are not available to the global female Muslim community. If her designs are published somewhere, they will be more accessible to people.

Criterion H:
Two possible IT solutions to this problem are a website or a brochure of her designs. The advantages of a website are that the website can be easily updated, it will be accessible to a global population, clear pictures with different views of the designs can be shown, the cost for making a website would be minimal. Some disadvantages include the fact that only people with computers and internet access will be able to view the site. Also, it might become troublesome to keep up with updating the website, and it may become outdated. Advantages of making a brochure are that it is easy to read, the pictures are clear, it can be read anywhere and distributed to local business willing to advertise. A disadvantage is that it would not reach as big a community as possible. Also, the printing costs for the brochures, especially if given away for free, could be quite expensive. Once the brochure is made, it is harder to update it or correct any mistakes. As a result, I have chosen to produce a website to display the designs. It can reach a larger amount of people, and is less expensive to produce.

Draw and Label a CPU

CrossCurrents: Get Ready for the Real Bionic Man

1- Yes, there is a difference, but not an especially significant one. Both help with vision or with walking. The difference is that they are more technologically advanced than glasses or an artificial hip.

2-Benefits include making life easier for those who have disabilites. A risk is that these devices malfunction and harm the person using them, or stop working at a critical time. Also, we may come to rely on them too much, and not be able to function with out them.

3- Yes, I think the development of advanced bionic devices is inevitable, and no doubt, decades or millineums from now, they will be as mainstream as laptops and cell phones are today.

Missing Work: 10/12 Investigate Podcasts

The Podcasts all started out with a theme song, then continued to the announcer who introduced the name of the podcast, the topic of the day, and any guests that would be on the show. Then, they continued to discuss the topic. They end with comments from viewers about past podcasts, then exit with the theme song.

Missing Work: 10/22 Homework

Technology in:
Entertainment: The X-box allows users to access the internet through their consoles and play with other users. www.xbox.com
Publishing: The Espresso Book Machine allows people to publish their books on demand, without going through a publishing company. www.ondemandbooks.com/home.htm
Medicine: Web MD is a website that allows people to check their symptoms and diagnose themselves. It also provides many different articles related to health. www.webmd.com
Airlines: Airlines use computer technology for all kinds of things including scanning bags, and directing air traffic.
Science: Many missions on Mars and other areas in space are conducted through spaceships and satellites. www.nasa.gov/missions/index.html

Review Questions

3- ASCII codes are numbers that represent different characters in an 8-bit code. The computer cannot understand numbers by themselves.

4- Information is stored in binary format because a computer does not understand words, numbers, pictures or even letters. The computer can only digest information if it has been broken into binary digits. A bit can have one of two values that are combined together to form codes that store the information.

5- You cannot run Macintosh software on a PC with an Intel Pentium 4 CPU because not all software is compatible with every CPU. An Intel Pentium 4 CPU cannot decipher Macintosh instructions.

6- Another thing that determines CPU processing speed is the CPU's word size, or how many bits in can process at one time. Also, to increase the speed, manufacturers have been offering multicore processors, multiple CPUs on a single chip.

7- It is important that computers support both internal and external expansion because it enables humans to communicate with computers through keyboards and mice and such. External expansion can be used to customize the computer or make it run faster.

8- Symmetrical multiprocessing can increase a computer's performance by making the computer run faster. As the clock speed increases, the heat generated by the CPU increases as well, making larger fans a necessity. This takes up space. Using more than one processor simultaneously means that the computer can process more bits at the same time, making the computer much more effecient and faster at performing operations.

9- RAM is the Random Access Memory. The RAM is divided into many smaller compartments on which information is stored randomly. When commanded to retrieve the information, the computer quickly does so. However, when the power goes off, the computer instantly forgets everything stored in the RAM. ROM is read-only memory. The information on the ROM was etched onto it when it was manufactured. No new information can be written to it. Information can only be read from it. It cannot be changed except by replacing the ROM chip.

10- Primary storage is a device where computer data is stored during processing. An example is the RAM and ROM. The secondary storage is where data for software is stored. Examples are CD-ROMs, floppy disks, and flash drives.

Functions of a Computer

What are the four basic functions of a computer?
The four basic functions of the computer are the recieve input, produce output, process information and store information.

What does CPU stand for?
CPU stands for Central Processing Unit.

Explain what a bit is.
A bit is binary digit. It is the smallest unit of information a computer can process. It can have two values, 0 and 1. Different combinations of these two numbers store information.

Name two codes used to convert words, etc. into bits.
ASCII and Unicode are both used to convert words into bits. ASCII uses 256 patterns that make codes for the 26 letters, 10 digits, and a few special characters. However, it cannot accomodate other languages, so Unicode was developed. Unicode uses around 65,000 unique characters that support all different languages.

Why is informations stored in some kind of binary format in computers?
Computers cannot understand words, pictures or anything of that sort. They only understand information in small units. For that reason, information is stored in the bits, the numbers 1 and 0. These two numbers are combined together to form many different combinations with different information on them.

Parts of a Computer

Parts of a Computer:
Motherboard: every part either sits on it or is connected to it
CPU: Centrul Processing Unit brain of computer, runs software and processes data
RAM: Random Access Memory, holds data and software currently running
Video Card: creates images that appear on monitor
Power Supply: supplies power that computer needs
Hard disk: holds all information, even when power off. When computer is turned off, all data is loaded onto computer for you to access.
Optical Drive: uses laser to read and write CDs and DVDs

Project Proposal

Project Title:
Nawal's Fashion Gallery

Client:
Nawal

Criterion G:
Nawal designs clothes. However, nobody is able to see these designs. I would like to do a project that would be her designs more accessible to other people.

Criterion H:
Two ways that I can do this are by making a website or a video presentation with her designs. I can use a web design program to design a website that displays Nawal's designs with a description. For the video presentation, I can display the sketches that Nawal drew as well as an outfit or two that she has made, and let her show them off. This could also possibly be viewed by colleges when she comes to apply to a fashion one.

TechReflect: Telecommuting

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of telecommuting.
Telecommuting has several advantages and disadvantages. Some of the advantages of telecommuting include increased work productivity, environment protection and more flexibility. Telecommuting is basically working from home and connecting to company computers by modem. Telecommunication reduces traffic on the road and makes for less car accidents. Pollution decreases and energy is saved. Telecommunication also allows for a more flexible schedule. The worker can work at a time that suits him and that he is most productive at, instead of adhering to a strict schedule. This is also beneficial to parents with young children. Telecommuting also has disadvantages. The worker may get distracted at home with children, chores and errands and may not get the work done. On the flip side, they may spend all their time working and not spend time with their families and complete chores and errands. Also, if several workers are telecommuting, ties to the company and to co-workers may be weakened. When working at home, they are off their boss's radar and the boss may not remember him/her come promotion time. Meetings will be harder to hold. Not everybody is comfortable working at home.