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Discovering Computers 2018

Digital Technology, Data, and Devices

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Last edited by Drini
September 22, 2025 | History
An edition of Discovering Computers 2018 (2017)

Discovering Computers 2018

Digital Technology, Data, and Devices

  • 36 Want to read
  • 1 Currently reading
  • 1 Have read

Teach students to maximize their use of mobile devices, make the most of online tools for collaboration and communication, and fully utilize today's Internet capabilities with the latest edition of DISCOVERING COMPUTERS 2018. Introductory computing students see how technology skills assist in employment and advancing their careers. This edition highlights today's most current technology trends and developments. Timely coverage now emphasizes web development, how to create a strong web presence, and take full advantage of latest Windows 10. The authors provide helpful suggestions for hands-on exercises, small group activities, and discussion topics that allow students to apply and demonstrate their understanding of each module. Self-assessments open each module and enable learners to focus their study and learn more in less time. DISCOVERING COMPUTERS presents the key content that students need for success, using an inviting approach that ensures understanding.

Publish Date
Publisher
Course Technology
Language
English
Pages
736

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Cover of: Discovering Computers 2018
Discovering Computers 2018: Digital Technology, Data, and Devices
2017, Course Technology
in English
Cover of: Discovering Computers 2018
Discovering Computers 2018: Digital Technology, Data, and Devices
2017, Cengage Learning
in English

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Table of Contents

Module 1. Introducing Today's Technologies: Computers, Devices, and the Web
Page 1-1
Today's Technology
Page 1-2
Computers
Page 1-3
Laptops
Page 1-3
Tablets
Page 1-3
Desktops and All-in-Ones
Page 1-5
Servers
Page 1-5
Mobile and Game Devices
Page 1-5
Smartphones
Page 1-6
Digital Cameras
Page 1-7
Portable and Digital Media Players
Page 1-7
E-Book Readers
Page 1-8
Wearable Devices
Page 1-8
Tech Feature 1-1: Gaming and Digital Home
Page 1-9
Data and Information
Page 1-10
Input
Page 1-10
Output
Page 1-13
Memory and Storage
Page 1-15
The Web
Page 1-17
Browsing the Web
Page 1-19
Searching the Web
Page 1-20
Online Social Networks
Page 1-21
Internet Communications
Page 1-22
Digital Security and Privacy
Page 1-22
Viruses and Other Malware
Page 1-22
Privacy
Page 1-23
Health Concerns
Page 1-23
Environmental Issues
Page 1-24
Programs and Apps
Page 1-24
Operating Systems
Page 1-24
Applications
Page 1-25
Installing and Running Programs
Page 1-26
Developing Programs and Apps
Page 1-26
Communications and Networks
Page 1-27
Wired and Wireless Communications
Page 1-28
Networks
Page 1-29
Tech Feature 1-2: Staying in Sync
Page 1-30
Technology Uses
Page 1-31
Education / Tech Feature 1-3: Digital School
Page 1-31
Government
Page 1-32
Finance
Page 1-33
Retail
Page 1-33
Entertainment
Page 1-34
Health Care
Page 1-35
Science
Page 1-36
Travel
Page 1-36
Publishing
Page 1-36
Manufacturing
Page 1-38
Techonology Users
Page 1-38
Summary
Page 1-39
Student Assignments: Study Guide · Key Terms · Checkpoint · Problem Solving · How To: Your Turn · Internet Research · Critical Thinking
Page 1-40
Module 2. Connecting and Communicating Online: The Internet, Websites, and Media
Page 2-1
The Internet
Page 2-2
Evolution of the Internet
Page 2-3
Connecting to the Internet
Page 2-3
Internet Service Providers
Page 2-6
How Data Travels the Internet
Page 2-7
IP Addresses and Domain Names
Page 2-8
The World Wide Web
Page 2-11
Navigating the Web
Page 2-11
Tech Feature 2-1: Browsers
Page 2-12
Web Addresses
Page 2-14
Web Apps and Mobile Apps
Page 2-15
Types of Websites
Page 2-16
Search Engines
Page 2-16
Tech Feature 2-2: Online Social Networks
Page 2-18
Informational and Research
Page 2-20
Media Sharing
Page 2-21
Bookmarking
Page 2-21
News, Weather, Sports, and Other Mass Media
Page 2-22
Educational
Page 2-23
Business, Governmental, and Organizational
Page 2-23
Blog
Page 2-23
Wikis and Collaboration
Page 2-24
Health and Fitness
Page 2-24
Science
Page 2-24
Entertainment
Page 2-25
Banking and Finance
Page 2-25
Travel and Tourism
Page 2-26
Mapping
Page 2-26
Retail and Auctions
Page 2-26
Careers and Employment
Page 2-27
E-Commerce
Page 2-27
Portals
Page 2-28
Content Aggregation
Page 2-28
Website Creation and Content Management
Page 2-29
Digital Media on the Web
Page 2-30
Graphics
Page 2-30
Audio
Page 2-31
Video
Page 2-32
Plug-Ins
Page 2-33
Other Internet Services
Page 2-33
Email
Page 2-33
Email Lists
Page 2-35
Internet Messaging
Page 2-35
Chat Rooms
Page 2-36
Online Discussions
Page 2-36
VoIP
Page 2-37
Tech Feature 2-3: Digital Communications
Page 2-37
Netiquette
Page 2-38
Summary
Page 2-39
Student Assignments: Study Guide · Key Terms · Checkpoint · Problem Solving · How To: Your Turn · Internet Research · Critical Thinking
Page 2-40
Module 3. Computers and Mobile Devices: Evaluating Options for Home and Work
Page 3-1
Computers and Mobile Devices
Page 3-2
Mobile Computers and Desktops
Page 3-3
Laptops, Tablets, and Other Mobile Computers
Page 3-4
Handheld Computers
Page 3-6
Stick Computers
Page 3-6
Tech Feature 3-1: Mobile Computer Buyer's Guide
Page 3-6
Desktops and All-in-Ones
Page 3-7
Tech Feature 3-2: Desktop Buyer's Guide
Page 3-9
Servers
Page 3-10
Terminals
Page 3-11
Point-of-Sale Terminals
Page 3-11
ATMs
Page 3-12
Self-Service Kiosks
Page 3-13
Supercomputers
Page 3-13
Cloud Computing
Page 3-14
Mobile Devices
Page 3-15
Smartphones
Page 3-15
Digital Cameras
Page 3-18
Portable and Digital Media Players
Page 3-20
Tech Feature 3-3: Mobile Device Buyer's Guide
Page 3-21
E-Book Readers
Page 3-22
Wearable Devices
Page 3-22
Game Devices
Page 3-23
Embedded Computers
Page 3-25
Putting It All Together
Page 3-26
Ports and Connections
Page 3-27
USB Ports
Page 3-28
Port Replicators and Docking Stations
Page 3-29
Wireless Device Connections
Page 3-30
Protecting Hardware
Page 3-32
Hardware Theft and Vandalism
Page 3-32
Hardware Failure
Page 3-33
Health Concerns of Using Technology
Page 3-34
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Page 3-34
Other Physical Risks
Page 3-35
Behavioral Health Risks
Page 3-37
Summary
Page 3-37
Student Assignments: Study Guide · Key Terms · Checkpoint · Problem Solving · How To: Your Turn · Internet Research · Critical Thinking
Page 3-38
Module 4. Programs and Apps: Productivity, Graphics, Security, and Other Tools
Page 4-1
Programs and Apps
Page 4-2
Role of the Operating System
Page 4-3
Interacting with Programs and Apps
Page 4-4
Distributing Programs and Apps
Page 4-4
Installing and Updating Programs and Apps
Page 4-6
Categories of Programs and Apps
Page 4-6
Productivity Applications
Page 4-8
Developing Projects
Page 4-8
Word Processing
Page 4-10
Presentation
Page 4-11
Spreadsheet
Page 4-12
Database
Page 4-13
Note Taking
Page 4-14
Text Editor
Page 4-14
Calendar and Contact Management
Page 4-14
Software Suite
Page 4-15
Project Management
Page 4-15
Accounting
Page 4-16
Personal Finance
Page 4-17
Legal
Page 4-18
Tax Preparation
Page 4-19
Document Conversion and Readers
Page 4-19
Enterprise Computing
Page 4-19
Tech Feature 4-1: Web and Mobile Apps for Personal and Business Productivity
Page 4-19
Graphics and Media Applications
Page 4-20
Computer-Aided Design
Page 4-22
Desktop Publishing
Page 4-23
Paint/Image Editing
Page 4-23
Photo Editing and Photo Management
Page 4-24
Video and Audio Editing
Page 4-26
Multimedia and Website Authoring
Page 4-26
Media Player
Page 4-27
Augmented and Virtual Reality
Page 4-27
Personal Interest Applications
Page 4-28
Tech Feature 4-2: Web and Mobile Apps for Personal and Business Productivity
Page 4-29
Communications Applications
Page 4-31
Security Tools
Page 4-32
Personal Firewall
Page 4-32
Tech Feature 4-3: Viruses and Malware
Page 4-32
Antivirus Programs
Page 4-33
Spyware, Adware, and Other Malware Removers
Page 4-34
Internet Filters
Page 4-35
File, Disk, and System Management Tools
Page 4-36
File Manager
Page 4-36
Search
Page 4-36
Image Viewer
Page 4-37
Uninstaller
Page 4-37
Disk Cleanup
Page 4-38
Disk Defragmenter
Page 4-38
Screen Saver
Page 4-38
File Compression
Page 4-38
PC Maintenance
Page 4-39
Backup and Restore
Page 4-39
Power Management
Page 4-39
Summary
Page 4-39
Student Assignments: Study Guide · Key Terms · Checkpoint · Problem Solving · How To: Your Turn · Internet Research · Critical Thinking
Page 4-40
Module 5. Digital Security, Ethics, and Privacy: Threats, Issues, and Defenses
Page 5-1
Digital Security Risks
Page 5-2
Cybercrime
Page 5-3
Internet and Network Attacks
Page 5-4
Malware
Page 5-4
Botnets
Page 5-5
Denial of Service Attacks
Page 5-6
Back Doors
Page 5-6
Spoofing
Page 5-6
Safeguards against Internet and Network Attacks
Page 5-6
Firewalls
Page 5-8
Unauthorized Access and Use
Page 5-9
Safeguards against Unauthorized Access and Use
Page 5-9
Access Controls
Page 5-10
User Names and Passwords
Page 5-10
Possessed Objects
Page 5-12
Biometric Devices
Page 5-12
Two-Step Verification
Page 5-14
Digital Forensics
Page 5-15
Software Theft
Page 5-15
Safeguards against Software Theft
Page 5-16
Information Theft
Page 5-17
Safeguards against Information Theft
Page 5-17
Encryption
Page 5-17
Digital Signatures and Certificates
Page 5-18
Tech Feature 5-1: Cloud Data Privacy
Page 5-19
Hardware Theft, Vandalism, and Failure
Page 5-20
Backing Up — The Ultimate Safeguard
Page 5-20
Tech Feature 5-2: Disaster Recovery
Page 5-21
Wireless Security
Page 5-23
Tech Feature 5-3: Mobile Security
Page 5-24
Ethics and Society
Page 5-25
Information Accuracy
Page 5-26
Intellectual Property Rights
Page 5-27
Codes of Conduct
Page 5-27
Green Computing
Page 5-28
Information Privacy
Page 5-28
Electronic Profiles
Page 5-29
Cookies
Page 5-30
Phishing
Page 5-31
Spyware and Adware
Page 5-32
Social Engineering
Page 5-32
Privacy Laws
Page 5-33
Content Filtering
Page 5-34
Employee Monitoring
Page 5-35
Summary
Page 5-35
Student Assignments: Study Guide · Key Terms · Checkpoint · Problem Solving · How To: Your Turn · Internet Research · Critical Thinking
Page 5-36
Technology Timeline
Page TT-1
Module 6. Computing Components: Processors, Memory, the Cloud, and More
Page 6-1
Inside the Case
Page 6-2
The Motherboard
Page 6-4
Processors
Page 6-5
The Control Unit
Page 6-6
The Arithmetic Logic Unit
Page 6-7
Machine Cycle
Page 6-7
Registers
Page 6-8
The System Clock
Page 6-8
Personal Computer and Mobile Device Processors
Page 6-8
Processor Cooling
Page 6-9
Tech Feature 6-1: The Internet of Things
Page 6-9
Cloud Computing
Page 6-11
Tech Feature 6-2: Cloud Computing Services
Page 6-12
Data Representation
Page 6-13
Bits and Bytes
Page 6-13
Coding Schemes
Page 6-13
Memory
Page 6-14
Bytes and Addressable Memory
Page 6-14
Types of Memory (RAM, Cache, ROM, Flash, CMOS)
Page 6-15
Memory Access Times
Page 6-20
Adapters
Page 6-20
Adapter Cards
Page 6-20
USB Adapters
Page 6-21
Buses
Page 6-22
Bus Width
Page 6-22
Types of Buses
Page 6-23
Power Supply and Batteries
Page 6-23
Tech Feature 6-3: Proper Care for Computers and Mobile Devices
Page 6-24
Summary
Page 6-26
Student Assignments: Study Guide · Key Terms · Checkpoint · Problem Solving · How To: Your Turn · Internet Research · Critical Thinking
Page 6-27
Module 7. Input and Output: Extending Capabilities of Computers and Mobile Devices
Page 7-1
What Is Input?
Page 7-2
Keyboards
Page 7-3
Types of Keyboards
Page 7-5
Pointing Devices
Page 7-6
Mouse
Page 7-6
Touchpad
Page 7-7
Trackball
Page 7-8
Touch Screens
Page 7-8
Tech Feature 7-1: Touch Input
Page 7-8
Pen Input
Page 7-10
Stylus
Page 7-10
Digital Pen
Page 7-10
Graphics Tablet
Page 7-11
Motion, Voice, and Video Input
Page 7-11
Tech Feature 7-2: Motion Input
Page 7-11
Voice and Audio Input
Page 7-13
Tech Feature 7-3: Digital Video Technology
Page 7-13
Webcams and Integrated DV Cameras
Page 7-15
Scanners and Reading Devices
Page 7-16
Optical Scanners
Page 7-16
Optical Readers
Page 7-17
Bar Code Readers
Page 7-17
RFID Readers
Page 7-18
Magstripe Readers
Page 7-19
MICR Readers
Page 7-20
Data Collection Devices
Page 7-20
What Is Output?
Page 7-20
Displays
Page 7-22
Display Technologies
Page 7-23
Display Quality
Page 7-24
DTVs and Smart TVs
Page 7-25
Printers
Page 7-26
Nonimpact Printers
Page 7-27
Ink-Jet Printers
Page 7-27
Photo Printers
Page 7-29
Laser Printers
Page 7-29
All-in-One Printers
Page 7-30
3-D Printers
Page 7-30
Thermal Printers
Page 7-31
Mobile Printers
Page 7-31
Label Printers
Page 7-32
Plotters and Large-Format Printers
Page 7-32
Impact Printers
Page 7-32
Other Output Devices
Page 7-33
Speakers
Page 7-33
Headphones and Earbuds
Page 7-34
Data Projectors
Page 7-34
Interactive Whiteboards
Page 7-35
Force-Feedback Game Controllers and Tactile Output
Page 7-36
Assistive Technology Input and Output
Page 7-36
Summary
Page 7-37
Student Assignments: Study Guide · Key Terms · Checkpoint · Problem Solving · How To: Your Turn · Internet Research · Critical Thinking
Page 7-38
Module 8. Digital Storage: Preserving Content Locally and on the Cloud
Page 8-1
Storage
Page 8-2
Storage Capacity
Page 8-3
Storage versus Memory
Page 8-4
Storage Access Times
Page 8-5
Tech Feature 8-1: Media Sharing
Page 8-5
Hard Drives
Page 8-6
Hard Disk
Page 8-6
SSD
Page 8-10
External Hard Drives
Page 8-11
RAID
Page 8-13
Portable Flash Memory Storage
Page 8-13
Memory Cards
Page 8-14
USB Flash Drives
Page 8-15
Cloud Storage
Page 8-16
Tech Feature 8-2: Services Offered by Cloud Storage Providers
Page 8-17
Optical Discs
Page 8-19
Characteristics of Optical Discs
Page 8-19
CDs
Page 8-21
DVDs
Page 8-21
Enterprise Storage
Page 8-22
RAID
Page 8-22
NAS and SAN
Page 8-23
Magnetic Tape
Page 8-25
Other Types of Storage
Page 8-25
Magnetic Stripe Cards
Page 8-25
Smart Cards
Page 8-26
RFID Tags
Page 8-27
NFC Chips and Tags
Page 8-27
Tech Feature 8-3: Backup Plans
Page 8-28
Summary
Page 8-29
Student Assignments: Study Guide · Key Terms · Checkpoint · Problem Solving · How To: Your Turn · Internet Research · Critical Thinking
Page 8-30
Module 9. Operating Systems: Managing, Coordinating, and Monitoring Resources
Page 9-1
Operating Systems
Page 9-2
Operating System Functions
Page 9-3
Starting Computers and Mobile Devices
Page 9-3
Shutting Down Computers and Mobile Devices
Page 9-4
Providing a User Interface
Page 9-5
Managing Programs
Page 9-6
Managing Memory
Page 9-8
Coordinating Tasks
Page 9-10
Configuring Devices
Page 9-10
Monitoring Performance
Page 9-11
Establishing an Internet Connection
Page 9-12
Updating Operating System Software
Page 9-13
Providing File, Disk, and System Management Tools
Page 9-13
Controlling a Network
Page 9-14
Administering Security
Page 9-15
Types of Operating Systems
Page 9-16
Desktop Operating Systems
Page 9-17
Windows / Tech Feature 9-1
Page 9-17
macOS / Tech Feature 9-2
Page 9-18
UNIX
Page 9-20
Linux
Page 9-20
Chrome OS
Page 9-22
Running Multiple Desktop Operating Systems
Page 9-22
Server Operating Systems
Page 9-23
Mobile Operating Systems
Page 9-23
Android
Page 9-24
iOS
Page 9-25
Windows (Mobile Edition)
Page 9-25
Tech Feature 9-3: Mobile versus Desktop Operating Systems
Page 9-25
Summary
Page 9-27
Student Assignments: Study Guide · Key Terms · Checkpoint · Problem Solving · How To: Your Turn · Internet Research · Critical Thinking
Page 9-28
Module 10. Communicating Digital Content: Wired and Wireless Networks and Devices
Page 10-1
Communications
Page 10-2
Networks
Page 10-3
LANs, MANs, WANs, and PANs
Page 10-4
Network Architectures
Page 10-6
Communications Software
Page 10-8
Tech Feature 10-1: Mobile Communications
Page 10-8
Network Communications Standards and Protocols
Page 10-10
Ethernet
Page 10-10
Token Ring
Page 10-10
TCP/IP
Page 10-11
Wi-Fi
Page 10-11
LTE
Page 10-12
Tech Feature 10-2: Bluetooth
Page 10-13
UWB
Page 10-14
IrDA
Page 10-15
RFID
Page 10-15
NFC
Page 10-16
Communications Lines
Page 10-16
Cable
Page 10-16
DSL
Page 10-17
FTTP
Page 10-17
T-Carrier
Page 10-18
ATM
Page 10-18
Communications Devices
Page 10-18
Digital Modems: Cable, DSL, and ISDN
Page 10-18
Wireless Modems
Page 10-19
Wireless Access Points
Page 10-20
Routers
Page 10-21
Network Cards
Page 10-22
Hubs and Switches
Page 10-23
Home Networks
Page 10-24
Tech Feature 10-3: Planning and Designing Your Home Network
Page 10-24
Transmission Media
Page 10-26
Physical Transmission Media
Page 10-27
Twisted-Pair Cable
Page 10-27
Coaxial Cable
Page 10-28
Fiber-Optic Cable
Page 10-28
Wireless Transmission Media
Page 10-28
Infrared
Page 10-29
Broadcast Radio
Page 10-29
Cellular Radio
Page 10-30
Microwaves
Page 10-31
Communications Satellite
Page 10-32
Summary
Page 10-33
Student Assignments: Study Guide · Key Terms · Checkpoint · Problem Solving · How To: Your Turn · Internet Research · Critical Thinking
Page 10-34
Module 11. Building Solutions: Database, System, and Application Development Tools
Page 11-1
Databases, Data, and Information
Page 11-2
The Hierarchy of Data
Page 11-3
File Maintenance
Page 11-5
Validating Data
Page 11-6
File Processing Systems and Databases
Page 11-7
File Processing Systems
Page 11-8
The Database Approach
Page 11-8
Tech Feature 11-1: Web Databases
Page 11-10
Types of Databases
Page 11-12
Tech Feature 11-2: Big Data
Page 11-12
Database Management Systems
Page 11-14
Data Dictionary
Page 11-14
File Retrieval and Maintenance
Page 11-14
Data Security
Page 11-16
Backup and Recovery
Page 11-17
Tech Feature 11-3: Forensic Databases
Page 11-18
System Development
Page 11-19
System Development Guidelines
Page 11-20
Who Participates in System Development?
Page 11-20
Project Management
Page 11-20
Feasibility Assessment
Page 11-21
Documentation
Page 11-22
Data and Information Gathering Techniques
Page 11-23
Planning Phase
Page 11-24
Analysis Phase
Page 11-25
Design Phase
Page 11-26
Implementation Phase
Page 11-28
Support and Security Phase
Page 11-30
Application Development Languages and Tools
Page 11-31
Procedural Languages
Page 11-31
Object-Oriented Programming Languages and Development Tools
Page 11-32
Other Languages and Application Development Tools
Page 11-35
Web Development
Page 11-37
Tech Feature 11-4: Web Application Development
Page 11-39
Summary
Page 11-40
Student Assignments: Study Guide · Key Terms · Checkpoint · Problem Solving · How To: Your Turn · Internet Research · Critical Thinking
Page 11-41
Module 12. Working in the Enterprise: Systems, Certifications, and Careers
Page 12-1
The Technology Industry
Page 12-2
Information Systems in the Enterprise
Page 12-3
Functional Units
Page 12-3
Enterprise Resource Planning
Page 12-4
Document Management Systems
Page 12-5
Content Management Systems
Page 12-5
Other Enterprise-Wide Information Systems
Page 12-6
Tech Feature 12-1: Information Literacy
Page 12-9
Technology Careers
Page 12-10
General Business and Government Organizations and Their IT Departments
Page 12-10
Technology Equipment
Page 12-12
Software and Apps
Page 12-12
Technology Service and Repair
Page 12-13
Technology Sales
Page 12-13
Technology Education, Training, and Support
Page 12-14
IT Consulting
Page 12-14
Putting It All Together — Job Titles and Descriptions
Page 12-15
Tech Feature 12-2: Mobile App Development
Page 12-17
Technology Certifications
Page 12-19
Application Software Certifications
Page 12-19
Data Analysis and Database Certifications
Page 12-19
Hardware Certifications
Page 12-20
Networking Certifications
Page 12-20
Operating System Certifications
Page 12-20
Programmer/Developer Certifications
Page 12-21
Security Certifications
Page 12-21
Tech Feature 12-3: Drones
Page 12-22
Job Searching and Career Planning
Page 12-23
Creating a Professional Online Presence
Page 12-24
Summary
Page 12-25
Student Assignments: Study Guide · Key Terms · Checkpoint · Problem Solving · How To: Your Turn · Internet Research · Critical Thinking
Page 12-26
Focus On: Web Development
Page FO-1
Appendix A: Technology Acronyms
Page APP-1
Appendix B: Troubleshooting Computer and Mobile Device Problems
Page APP-5
Index
Page IND-1

Classifications

Library of Congress
, MLCM 2019/44738 (T)

Edition Identifiers

Open Library
OL28623532M
ISBN 13
9781337285100
LCCN
2017932169
OCLC/WorldCat
990284762

Work Identifiers

Work ID
OL21144190W

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September 22, 2025 Edited by Drini Add TOC from Tocky
September 22, 2025 Edited by ImportBot import existing book
May 5, 2025 Edited by Tom Morris merge authors
March 20, 2024 Edited by Scott365Bot Linking back to Internet Archive.
August 5, 2020 Created by ImportBot Imported from Better World Books record