CHAPTER 8 SECONDARY STORAGE

Secondary storage provides nonvolatile storage. Secondary storage retains data and information after the computer system is turned off.

Writing is the process of saving information to secondary storage devices. Reading is the process of accessing information from secondary storage devices.

Important characteristics of secondary storage include

• media-actual physical material that retains data and program
• capacity-how much a particular storage medium can hold
• storage devices-hardware that reads and writes to storage media
• access speed-time required to retrieve data from a secondary storage device 

Hard disk

1. Internal hard disk

    = internal hard disks are located within the system unit and typically identified as the c drive.

http://gallery.techarena.in/showphoto.php/photo/14049

2. External hard disk

    = external hard disk are removable, external hard disk use the same basic technology as internal hard disks.

http://iamesha.blogspot.com/2010/12/turning-21-on-21111.html

Solid-state storage

solid-state storage devices have no moving parts and are more reliable and require less power than hard disks.

1. Flash memory

    = flash memory cards are credit card-sized and widely used with notebook computers. They are used with a variety specialized input devices including

• digital cameras to store and transfer images
• digital media players like the iPod to store and transfer music and video files.

http://www.gizmowatch.com/entry/korean-scientists-predicting-breakthrough-100-gb-flash-memory-cards/

2. USB drivers

http://www.diytrade.com/china/4/products/3806335/cheap_promotional_gift_usb_flash_drive_memory
_stick_disk_pen_hard_drive_usb_key.html

Optical discs

• compact disc

http://americaninvetors.blogspot.com/2009/05/compact-disc.html

• digital versatile disc

http://www.dvdburner.info/hd-dvd.html

• high-definition discs

http://www.zeerox.110mb.com/

Others types

• internet hard drives

http://qwikstep.eu/search/internet-hard-drive.html

• floppy disks

http://www.free-computer-tips.info/computer-software/how-to-make-bootable-floppy-disk-in-windows-xp.html

• magnetic tape

http://chichiri-2007.blogspot.com/

citation:

1. computing essential 2011

CHAPTER 7 INPUT AND OUTPUT

1. Input is any data or instructions used by a computer. Input devices translate words, images, and actions into a form a computer can process.

http://penchenk.blogspot.com/2010/01/input-device.html

1.       ~Keyboards

·         Traditional

·         Flexible

·         Ergonomic

·         Wireless

·         PDA

2.       ~Pointing devices

·         Mouse

ü  Optical

ü  Mechanical

ü  Cordless(wireless)

·         Touch screens

·         Joysticks

·         Light pens

·         Stylus

3.       ~Scanners

·         Optical scanners

ü  Flatbed

ü  Portable

·         Card readers

ü  Magnetic

ü  Radio frequency

·         Bar code readers

·         Character and mark recognition devices

ü  MICR

ü  OCR

ü  OMR

4.       ~Image capturing devices

5.       ~Audio-input devices

2. Output is data or information processed by a computer. Output devices translate processed text, graphics, audio, and video into a form human can understand.

http://www.tipsandideas.co.cc/2011/02/what-are-output-devices.html

1.       ~Monitors

·         Flat-panel monitors

·         Cathode-ray tubes(CRTs)

2.       ~Printers

·         Ink-jet printers

·         Laser printers

·         Thermal printers

·         Dot-matrix printers

·         Plotters

·         Photo printers

·         Portable printers

3.       ~Audio-output devices

3. Combination devices combine input and output capabilities. Common types include:

1.       ~ Fax machines

             ~ Multi functional devices

3.       ~Internet telephones

jh

     JUST FOR SHARE***

   THE LATEST DIGITAL CAMERA!!!

     

     

Canon Rebel T3 / EOS 1100D Review

Review based on a production Canon EOS 1100D with Firmware V1.0.4

The bottom-end of the interchangeable lens camera has become fiercely competitive with manufacturers culling features and cutting-corners to offer a tempting upgrade path from compact cameras, at the most attractive price. As a result we've seen control dials, orientation sensors and even focus motors disappear to reduce the manufacturing costs of these entry-level, gateway cameras. From the consumer's perspective, of course, we've also seen technologies once only in the reach of the professionals filter down to almost compact camera prices.

For several years, Canon and then Nikon were able to carve up the sub-$1000 DSLR market between themselves, without any particular concern about other players in the market. But this hegemony was never likely to last, especially once the electronics giants such as Panasonic, Sony and Samsung had time to prepare their own competitors. Eventually even Canon had to respond to the arrival of these companies' increasingly impressive low-end offerings, most notably with the splitting of its Rebel series into a multiple model range.

In June 2008, rather than just letting the outgoing model's price drop when the next camera was introduced, Canon launched a completely new model that sat below its then very recent Rebel XSi/450D. The Rebel XS (EOS 1000D in Europe) was unashamedly a cut-down version of the XSi but its mixture of a well trusted sensor and compelling price tag have seen it continue to sell strongly, particularly at the price-conscious end of the market.

Two-and-a-half years is nearly two lifetimes in contemporary camera terms, so it was beginning to look like the XS might turn out to be a one-off, until the launch of its replacement in February 2011. The Rebel T3 (EOS 1100D) builds on a successful formula and takes it further, offering a strong (if not exactly cutting-edge) set of features in a body that suggests it should be very capable of competing on price.

The 1100D takes a series of familiar-sounding components and folds them together in a distinctly conventional but still capable-sounding package. So there's a 12MP CMOS chip that is likely to date back to the 450D/XSi, coupled with Canon's now-standard 9-point AF system and the 63-area iFCL (Focus, color and luminance sensitive) metering system first seen in the EOS 7D. These combine with the equally well-known Digic 4 processor to offer a camera that's unlikely to offer much in the way of surprises (which should also mean the avoidance of any nasty ones).

The rear view shows the 1100D has been updated in line with more recent Canon DSLRs, gaining direct access to live view/movie shooting and a Q button for the interactive 'Quick Control' displays.

CITATION :

1. http://www.dpreview.com/

2. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos1100d/

3. COMPUTING ESSENTIAL 2011

       

CHAPTER 6: THE SYSTEM UNIT

System Unit   


System unit, the actual computer




The main part, processing unit and devices, of a microcomputer is a system unit. A system unit includes a board called a motherboard that holds a microprocessor chip (or a CPU), memory chips, and expansion slots. Electronic circuitry is printed on the board and it connects between two main parts of a microcomputer, the microprocessor and primary storage and other parts. The system unit is housed within the system cabinet. A system unit includes the following parts:

• Motherboard
• Microprocessor
• Memory Chips
• System Clock
• Buses
• Ports
• Expansion Slots and Cards

Citation:

• http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/system_unit.html
• http://www.techterms.com/definition/system_unit
• http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Parts-of-a-computer

CHAPTER 5 : SYSTEM SOFTWARE

Operating System::::::::::::

1. Operating systems perform basic tasks, such as recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping track of files and directories on the disk, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.

2. For large systems, the operating system has even greater responsibilities and powers. It is like a traffic cop -- it makes sure that different programs and users running at the same time do not interfere with each other. The operating system is also responsible for security, ensuring that unauthorized users do not access the system.

3. Operating systems provide a software platform on top of which other programs, called application programs, can run. The application programs must be written to run on top of a particular operating system.

4. Operating systems can be classified as follows:

multi-user : Allows two or more users to run programs at the same time. Some operating systems permit hundreds or even thousands of concurrent users.

multiprocessing : Supports running a program on more than one CPU.

multitasking : Allows more than one program to run concurrently.

multithreading : Allows different parts of a single program to run concurrently.

real time : Responds to input instantly. General-purpose operating systems, such as DOS and UNIX, are not real-time.

Utilities::::::::::::

1. Utility software is a kind of system software designed to help analyze, configure, optimize and maintain the computer.
2. Utility software should be contrasted with application software, which allows users to do things like creating text documents, playing games, listening to music or surfing the web.
3. Rather than providing these kinds of user-oriented or output-oriented functionality, utility software usually focuses on how the computer infrastructure (including the computer hardware, operating system, application software and data storage) operates. 
4. Most major operating systems come with several pre-installed utilities.
5. Utility software categories:

• Disk storage utilities
• Disk defragmenters can detect computer files whose contents are broken across several locations on the hard disk, and move the fragments to one location to increase efficiency.
• Disk checkers can scan the contents of a hard disk to find files or areas that are corrupted in some way, or were not correctly saved, and eliminate them for a more efficiently operating hard drive.
• Disk cleaners can find files that are unnecessary to computer operation, or take up considerable amounts of space. Disk cleaner helps the user to decide what to delete when their hard disk is full.
• Disk space analyzers for the visualization o disk space usage by getting the size for each folder (including sub folders) & files in folder or drive. showing the distribution of the used space.
• Disk partitions can divide an individual drive into multiple logical drives, each with its own file system which can be mounted by the operating system and treated as an individual drive.
• Backup utilities can make a copy of all information stored on a disk, and restore either the entire disk (e.g. in an event of disk failure) or selected files (e.g. in an event of accidental deletion).
• Disk compression utilities can transparently compress/uncompress the contents of a disk, increasing the capacity of the disk.
• File managers provide a convenient method of performing routine data management tasks, such as deleting, renaming, cataloging, uncataloging, moving, copying, merging, generating and modifying data sets.
• Archive utilities output a stream or a single file when provided with a directory or a set of files. Archive utilities, unlike archive suites, usually do not include compression or encryption capabilities. Some archive utilities may even have a separate un-archive utility for the reverse operation.
• System profilers provide detailed information about the software installed and hardware attached to the computer.
• System monitors for monitoring resources and performance in a computer system.
• Anti-virus utilities scan for computer viruses.
• Hex editors directly modify the text or data of a file. These files could be data or an actual program.
• Data compression utilities output a shorter stream or a smaller file when provided with a stream or file.
• Cryptographic utilities encrypt and decrypt streams and files.
• Launcher applications provide a convenient access point for application software.
• Registry cleanens clean and optimize the Windows registry by removing old registry keys that are no longer in use.
• Network utilities analyze the computer's network connectivity, configure network settings, check data transfer or log events.
• Screensavers were desired to prevent phosphor burn-in on CRT and plasma computer monitors by blanking the screen or filling it with moving images or patterns when the computer is not in use. Contemporary screensavers are used primarily for entertainment or security.

Divice Drivers::::::::::::

1. Device driver or software driver is a computer program allowing higher-level computer programs to interact with a hardware device.
2. There are device drivers for printers, displays, CD-ROM readers, diskette drives, and so on.
3. Typically communicates with the device through the computer bus or communications subsystem to which the hardware connects
4. Drivers are hardware-dependent and operating-system-specific.
5. They usually provide the interrupt handling required for any necessary asynchronous time-dependent hardware interface.
6. Common levels of abstraction for device drivers include:

          (a) for hardware:

• interfacing directly
• writing to or reading from a device control register
• using some higher-level interface (e.g. Video BIOS)
• using another lower-level device driver (e.g. file system drivers using disk drivers)
• simulating work with hardware, while doing something entirely different

           (b) for software:

• allowing the operating system direct access to hardware resources
• implementing only primitives
• implementing an interface for non-driver software (e.g. TWAIN)
• implementing a language, sometimes quite high-level (e.g. PostScript)

  

http://www.liutilities.com/articles/what-is-a-device-driver/

  

 http://www.okion.com/en-us/scripts/product_info.asp?pid=297  

CITaTiON :

• http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/O/operating_system.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utility_software
• http://www.bmsoftware.co.uk/utilities/index.htm
• http://back-stabber666.blogspot.com/2010/11/free-tuneup-utilities-2011-build.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Device_driver
• http://searchenterprisedesktop.techtarget.com/definition/device-driver

CHAPTER 4 : SPECIALIZED APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Web Authoring:::::::::::

HTML editor

•  a software application for creating web pages.
•  can offer convenience and added functionality.
• related technologies such as CSS, XML and JavaScript or ECMAScript.
•  communication with remote web servers via FTP and WebDAV.
• There are various forms of HTML editors: text, object and WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editors.

1. TEXT EDITORS

• use with HTML usually provide syntax highlighting                                           
• built-in functions or integration with external tools  
• require user understanding of HTML and any other web technologies the designer wishes to use 

2.  OBJECT EDITORS 

• more visually organized modes than simple color highlighting, but in modes not considered WYSIWYG
• option of using palette windows that enable editing the text-based parameters of selected objects
• include widgets to present and select options when editing parameters

3. WYSIWYG HTML EDITORS

• provide an editing interface which resembles how the page will be displayed in a web browser
•  does not require any HTML knowledge, they are easier for an average computer user to get started with
• achieved by embedding a layout engine based upon that used in a web browser
• all times during editing, the rendered result should represent what will be seen later in a typical web browser

How to Save Money on Web Design Software

Some of the best Web design software packages cost hundreds of dollars, and if you need to buy graphics software, video software, animation software, or programming software, the costs can mount quickly. But with these suggestions for getting the most out of your Web editor, you can save money and buy only what you need to buy.
Remember that price shouldn't be your only evaluation when choosing a Web editor.

1. Free Web Editors

There are a lot of great HTML and Web design editors available for free. This is a great way to save money on Web design software and you'd be surprised at the quality of some of the free software available.

2. Inexpensive Web Editors

If you can't find an HTML editor that meets your needs and is free, you can find editors for under $50 that might fit the bill.

3. If You're a Student - Check Your Bookstore

Academic pricing can be very competitive and can get you some of the best software available for a very low price. Be aware, however, that academic versions sometimes come with strings attached, such as not for commercial use. And others may have fewer features than the consumer version. Be sure to check the details before you commit to buying an academic version of your software.

4. Buy Older Versions

In many cases, older versions of a software product will be a lot cheaper than their more recent iterations. And if you can find software that has been discontinued, that can result in even greater savings.

5. Bundled Software is Usually Cheaper

If you are going to need more than just an HTML editor, then looking into bundles can save you a lot of money. For example, Microsoft offers Expression Studio if you need graphics editing as well as Web development (plus a few other things). Adobe offers several bundles of their Creative Suite software with things like graphics editing, animation, and other options.

CITatION:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTML_editor
• http://somopen.blogspot.com/2009/06/namo-webeditor-and-creator.html
• http://webdesign.about.com/od/htmleditors/tp/save_money_web_editors.htm
• http://www.ehow.com/how_6769922_use-office-2007-publish-pages.html

CHAPTER 3 : Basic Application Software

Basic application software include the word processors, spreadsheets, database management systems, & presentation graphics.

Application Software :
- common features inside Microsoft Office 2003 is menus, dialog box & toolbars while inside the Microsoft Office 2007 is ribbons, tabs, & galleries.

Word Processors :

• to create,edit,save & print text-based documents.
• Features : word wrap, thesaurus, find & replace, spelling & grammar checkers, font, character effects, styles, bulleted & numbered lists.

http://www.softpedia.com/progScreenshots/NJStar-Japanese-Word-Processor-Screenshot-55392.html

Spreadsheet :

• used to organize, analyze, & graph numberic data.
• Features : workbook files, worksheets, cells,text entries, formulas, range, analytical graph, recalculation &what-if analysis.

http://roo.rubyforge.org/

Database Management systems :

• structures a database & provides tools for manipulating data.
• Features : relational database, tables. sort, filter, query, forms, & report.

Presentation Graphics : 

• combine the variety of visual objects to create attractive, visually interesting presentations.
• a excellent tool to communicate a message & to persuade people.
• Features : slides, design templates, content templates & animation.

http://www.ashampoo.com/en/usd/pin/0438/Office_Software/Ashampoo-Presentations-2008

Integrated Packages :

• a single program that provides the functionality of several application package.
• Some important characteristics include :

          - Functions that include word processing, spreadsheet, database manager. Each fuction is not as
             extensive @ powerful as a single-function application program.
          - Less expensive & simple to use.
          - popular with home users.

Software Suites :

• a collection of individual application packages sold together.
• There have several software suites, it is productivity suites, alternative office suites, specialized suites & utility suites.

In my opinions, in this chapter we can see that have many types of basic application software, but most of us are using the word processor & presentation graphics to do the projects. While the remainder basic application software we are less to use it, but it also a very important software. All of these software have their own fuctional.

CHAPTER 2 : The Internet, The Web, & Electronic Commerce

Common users of the internet & web include :

-          Communication

-          Shopping

-          Searching

-          Entertainment

-          Education

                                                              COMMUNICATION

http://themagicalsecrets.com/WorldProfit/your-lousy-communication-skills-are-hurting-yourself-and-others-heres-what-you-need-to-do-at-once/

SHOPPING

http://www.perfecttravelblog.com/2009/06/there_is_no_doubt_that.html

http://swcenter.fortlewis.edu/research.shtml

http://www.biggerboat.com/

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/education/

Access : there have 2 types of access that can be let your laptop to connect with the internet.

-          providers : connect to internet. Most widely used ISPs.

-          browsers : access the web allowing you to surf @ explore. Some related terms are URLs, HTML, JavaScript, Applets.

Communication : Email, Instant messaging, social networking, Blog & Wikis.

Searching tools : Searching engines, Metasearch engines, specialized search engines

Electronic Commerce :

·         also knows as e-commerce.

·         buying @ selling of goods over the internet. 

·         3 basic types : business-to-consumer, business-to-business, consumer-to-consumer

Web utilities :

·         Specialized utility programs that make using the Internet & the web easier & safer.

·         Such as : Web-Based Applications, FTP, Plug-ins, Filters, Internet Security Suite

After finish in this chapter, I found that have many useful toward the internet & web, such as use internet to communication, electronic commerce and so on. Some of the businessman they will using internet & web to promote their products, so that all the people can see the products there are promote by the businesssman. The consumers also can buy the products through the internet by paying with credit card. This types of business make people become more convenience.  



Chapter 1 : Information Technology, The Internet, & You

Inside the Chapter 1, the information systems have 5 parts, it is people, procedure, software, hardware & data.

People :

ü  make end users more productive & help users become computer competent & knowledgeable.

ü  The feature design include making IT work with you, tips, careers in IT & computing essentials web site.

http://www.pedoman.com.my/career.html

Procedures : rules @ guidelines to follow when using software, hardware & data.

Software :  

ü  a software tell the computer how to process data into the form you want.

ü  There have 2 types of software, it is system software (operating systems; utilities; device drivers) & application software (basic application; specialized application)

http://fusionsoftwaregames.blogspot.com/

Hardware :   

ü  Consists of electronic devices that can follow instructions, accept input, process & produce information.

ü  Types of computer : supercomputers, mainframe computers, minicomputers & microcomputers

ü  Microcomputer hardware : system unit, input/output device, secondary storage, communication device.

http://www.coolnerds.com/Newbies/Hardware/hardware.htm

Data :

ü  The raw facts unprocessed about something.

ü  Types of the data : document files, worksheet files, database files & presentation files

After I finish learning in Chapter 1, I found that, there have many information that I don’t know before, such as the information system have include 5 components, such as people, procedure, hardware, software & data. Furthermore, I also just to know about there have so many types of computers, such as supercomputer, mainframe, minicomputer & microcomputer. As an users, most common computer we are using is microcomputer such as desktop, notebook, tablet PC@ handheld.



Citation :

- Computing Essentials Complete 2010