Chapter 1 Learning Objectives

SECTION A

After reading Section A, you should be able to:

• define the word “computer”
• explain the relationship between a microprocessor and a CPU
• discuss the difference between a computer’s input and output
• flowchart the manner in which a computer processes data
• describe the different types of computers available today; including personal computers, PDAs, playstations, mainframe computers, and supercomputers
• explain what makes a computer a server
• identify the components of a personal computer system
• list the types of equipment that can be categorized as “peripheral devices”
• explain how data is stored by a computer
• identify file name extensions
• describe the difference between operating system software and application software
• explain the meaning of the term “platform”

SECTION B

After reading Section B, you should be able to:

• provide an overview of how data is transmitted on the Internet
• define the acronym TCP/IP
• describe the resources available on the Internet, including search engines, Web sites, e-commerce sites, and e-mail
• explain the difference between a newsgroup and a chat group
• define the terms “downloading” and “uploading”
• provide an example of P2P technology
• identify at least three ways of accessing the Internet
• define the term “modem”
• describe the difference between DSL and DSS
• suggest factors to consider when choosing an ISP
• explain the differences between a password and a user ID
• provide at least two suggestions for creating a secure password

SECTION C

After reading Section C, you should be able to:

• define the term “Web”
• explain the importance of a link on Web page
• differentiate between a Web page and a Web site
• explain the term “URL”
• describe what each part of a URL indicates
• discuss the importance of a Web browser
• identify the most common features of a browser
• define the term “search engine”
• discuss the relationship between a query and a keyword
• describe how to use common search operators
• explain how to use a topic directory
• explain the term “natural language query”

SECTION D

After reading Section D, you should be able to:

• define the term “e-mail”
• identify the components of an e-mail message
• list basic e-mail activities
• explain the relationship between HTML and e-mail
• provide suggestions for making e-mail communication effective and courteous
• describe the components that constitute an e-mail system
• explain the difference between store-and-forward technology and Web-based e-mail
• describe how to obtain and use a Web-based e-mail account
• outline the relationship between a POP server and an SMTP server
• explain which technology requires “e-mail client software” and why
• discuss the advantages and disadvantages of store-and-forward e-mail
• discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Web-based e-mail