Digital electronics allow us to manipulate all types of information as digits (1s and 0s) in order to store and manage the information more efficiently and effectively.

DigitalTechnology

Digital LiteracyComputing Platforms

Concepts > Digital Technology

In this section:

…refers to an understanding of how computers represent different types of data with digits, and how the usefulness of that representation assists people in leading productive lives.

DigitalLiteracy

ComputerComputer LiteracyBits and BytesDigitization

Concepts > Digital Technology > Digital Literacy

ASCIIBinary Number SystemDigital Convergence

Computer A computer is a digital electronics device that combines hardware and software to accept the input of data, and then process and store the data to produce some useful output.

Concepts > Digital Technology > Digital Literacy > Computer

Key termsHardware, software, input, processing, output, data, information, general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer

5 Primary Functions:1.Computation2.Automation3.Communication4.Entertainment5. Information Management

Computer Literacy

Computer literacy refers to a functional understanding of the fundamentals of computers and their uses.

Concepts > Digital Technology > Digital Literacy > Computer Literacy

Computer fluency captures the essence of business expectations.

Knowledge workers should have more than a functional understanding of computers and be swift to pick up new computer skills.

Bits and BytesA bit—short for binary digit—is a digit that can be 1 or 0. A bit is the smallest unit of information that a digital electronics device can manipulate.

Concepts > Digital Technology > Digital Literacy > Bits and Bytes

A group of eight bits is called a byte.

Understanding bits and how they represent information is key to understanding the workings of computers and other digital electronic devices.

Bits are stored on CDs and DVDs by burning pits in the disk surface

KB = KilobyteKb = Kilobit

DigitizationDigitization is the process of transforming information, such as text, images, and sounds, into digital representation (1s and 0s) so that it can be stored and processed by computers.

Concepts > Digital Technology > Digital Literacy > Digitization

Analog information, such as sights and sounds, continuously vary over time.

If what we see and hear is broken down into their fundamental elements at very short time intervals, it is possible to describe them as values, store them digitally, and reproduce them in a manner that fools our senses into believing they are exact copies of the original.

ASCIIThe American Standard Code for Information Interchange, ASCII is the standard used to represent keyboard characters in digital form—with 1s and 0s.

Concepts > Digital Technology > Digital Literacy > ASCII

Binary Number SystemThe binary number system is the number system used by computers, utilizing only two digits: 0 and 1.

Concepts > Digital Technology > Digital Literacy > Binary Number System

The hexadecimal number system, or base 16, is used in digital graphics as a shorthand for color representation. Also known as Hex, this number system includes 16 digits: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, F.

Digital ConvergenceDigital convergence takes advantage of the fact that digitization standardizes all types of data to 1s and 0s to create devices that combine the functionality of several digital electronics devices into one.

Concepts > Digital Technology > Digital Literacy > Digital Convergence

As processors become smaller and faster, and telecommunications networks become increasingly pervasive, we can combine the functionality of several devices and technologies, e.g. smart phones.

…. describe a computer’s architecture in terms of hardware and software.

ComputingPlatforms

Personal ComputerMobile ComputingSynchronization

Concepts > Digital Technology > Computing Platforms

• Server• Supercomputer• Special-Purpose Computer

In this section:

Personal Computer (PC)A personal computer, or PC, is any general-purpose computer designed to meet many computing needs of one individual.

Concepts > Digital Technology > Computing Platforms > Personal Computer (PC)

Notebook PC

Desktop PCTablet PC

Mobile Internet Device (MID)

SmartPhone

Mobile computing refers to the use of battery-powered mobile computing devices that provide access to computing, communication, information, and/or entertainment anywhere, anytime.

Concepts > Digital Technology > Computing Platforms > Mobile Computing

Mobile Computing Technologies are dependent on…• Wireless networks• Servers

Mobile Computing

• Storage• Synchronization

• Rechargeable batteries

Synchronization is the process of maintaining common files and data across multiple devices so that all copies are up to date.

Concepts > Digital Technology > Computing Platforms > Synchronization

Synchronization

Being able to access all of our data and files anywhere, anytime, from any computer is a challenge.

Computer and media companies are all working to develop solutions that will entice users to buy their brands.

• Application server• Communications server• Database server• Email server• File server• Print server• Game server• Web server

A server is a powerful computer that often utilizes many processors to provide services to many users simultaneously over a network.

Concepts > Digital Technology > Computing Platforms > Servers

Server

Supercomputers are the most powerful type of computer, often utilizing thousands or even tens of thousands of processors to solve the world’s most difficult problems.

Concepts > Digital Technology > Computing Platforms > Supercomputer

The U.S. Department of Defense uses supercomputers for simulating atomic explosions, and researching advanced weapons systems design.

Supercomputer

Special-purpose computers are computers designed to meet a specific need and are more prevalent, yet less noticeable, than general-purpose computers.

Concepts > Digital Technology > Computing Platforms > Special-Purpose

Special-Purpose Computer

A kiosk is a computer station that provides the general public with specific and useful information and services.

A kiosk is usually equipped with a touch screen, and provide everything from online store catalogs to maps and exhibit information.