Technology in Your Life

Unit 1 Technology in Your Life 1

Tech Talk Computers and You 2

Project 1 Use Your Computer Safely and Responsibly 9

Project 2 Operate Your Computer 19

Starting with You To find out how many times

a day you use technology, go to the Online

Learning Center at glencoe.com. Choose

e- Quizzes, and take the Unit 1 Pre-Quiz.

Chuck Savage/Corbis

Unit 1 Tech Talk 2

Computers and You

Technology in Our LivesTechnology is the use of science to solve practical problems. Technol-

ogy affects us in so many ways because it is everywhere. The cars, com-puters, and electronic gadgets that surround you every day are products of technology. The use of technology goes back much farther than you might think. Ancient peoples who used sundials and created calendars to keep track of time were the technological experts of their eras. When farmers first used plows to grow crops, they applied technology to solve the problem of providing food for their families. It is only in the past 50 or so years, however, that technology really has changed the way people work, play, and communicate, or stay in touch.

Technology Solves ProblemsProblem Technology Solution

How can we create a standard measurement of time?

A sundial marks the position of the sun at specific times of the day.

How can one person prepare and plant a field?

A plow, pulled by an animal, turns the soil so that seeds can be planted.

How can people make calls when they are away from their home or office?

Cell phones allow people to communicate over long dis-tances without the need for wires.

� Technology has always been an important part of human progress. What new technology would you like to see developed?

Unit 1 Tech Talk 2

Technology has become such an essential part of our daily lives that when computers are not working, it can become more difficult to do everyday tasks, whether you are trying to finish your homework or pump gas at the gas station.

Computers and You

■ How technology affects your everyday life

■ How technology is used at home, school, and work

■ How you can use technology ethically and safely

Key Terms

technologymicroprocessortelecommuteethicsvirushacker

Academic Vocabulary

communicatepredictdevicevary

Before You Read

Vocabulary Journal As you read, you will come across a number of important key terms. To help you understand these words and recall their mean-ings, draw four columns on a piece of paper and label them: Key Terms, What is it?, What else is it like?. What are some examples? Then, write down each key term you see and an-swer the questions.

Computers and You

How Do I Use Technology? Often we are not aware of how technology works behind the scenes. Computers keep track of the books in your library. They make it possible for weather forecasters to predict, or declare, whether you will need an umbrella. In law enforcement, computers help police officers track their cases. In medicine, doctors use them to monitor patients. The “brain” of every computerized device, or tool, is a microprocessor, also called a microchip. A microprocessor is a tiny computer chip that receives instructions and carries them out. Calculators, for example, use microprocessors to add and subtract.

Technology Behind the ScenesTechnology How Technology Is Used

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)

• An ATM card has a magnetic strip that contains information about an account.

• The ATM reads the strip and asks the bank’s main computer for permission to take money out of the account.

• The ATM then lets customers withdraw money.

Cars • To improve safety, microchips are placed in sensors that control antilock brakes and air bags.

• To make cars more efficient, microchip sensors in the engine control how the car uses gas.

• To make driving easier, microchips control global positioning systems and cruise control.

Cash Registers • A cashier scans the bar code on an item using a special bar code- reading device.

• A microchip in the cash register sends the bar code number to the store’s main computer.

• The store’s computer looks up the price and sends it back to the cash register in a split second.

• The computer tells the store to order more of the product so that the store does not run out of inventory.

� Computers are part of our daily lives, even if you cannot see them working. What types of computer technology are found in a grocery store?

1. Define What is a microprocessor?

2. Summarize How would your life be different without technology?

History of Computers

Learn about the history

of computers at the

Online Learning Center.

Go to glencoe.com.

Choose Tech Talk

Activities, then Unit 1.

Jargon Google is the name of the Web site for one of the most popular search engines on the Web. When people talk about “googling” something, they simply mean using the Google Web site to search for information.

Why It’s Important Think about how “googling” key words could help you find information about a topic for a school report.

Unit 1 Tech Talk 3glencoe.com

Unit 1 Tech Talk 4

Computers and You

Technology and You Technology is always changing. That is why you need to keep learning new skills—to keep up with the changing world around you. The more confident you are when you work with technology, the more productive you will be at home, at school, and at work. We are living in the information age. What can computers help you do with all that information?

■ Collect it! The Internet is a powerful tool for gathering information.■ Organize it! Instead of using file cabinets, you can save your doc-

uments on the computer so that you or others can find them easily.■ Communicate it! E-mail, instant messaging, and Web sites are just

a few ways that computers can help you share information.

How Is Technology Used at School? Students learn to use technology—and then they use technology to learn. Educators have recognized that computers can make education more effective and exciting for students. Students can use computers and the Internet to take classes without ever going to a classroom. This is called e-learning or distance learning. It is a popular choice for students who have full-time jobs.

Computer Use in SchoolSchool Assignment How Computers Can Help You

Research a specific subject for a school report. Use the Internet to find the information you need.

Write a report for school. Use word processing software to create text documents.

Create a presentation to deliver in class. Use presentation software that lets you display text and graphics. You can even include music and videos.

Work with partners on a project. Use e-mail or instant messaging to work with teammates outside the classroom.

Keep track of similar information, or compare and contrast information.

Use spreadsheet software to record informa-tion. Create charts and graphs that compare data.

� Computers can help you with your work in all your subjects. How would you use e-mail to help you with classwork?

Research with Technology The com-puter is one of many resources you can use to obtain information. Re-ports, class presentations, and group projects all re-quire research. When your research is completed, use software applications to communicate what you have learned. Review the chart in this article. Dis-cuss with your classmates other types of school as-signments that you can do on a computer and how the computer can help you do the assignments.

NCTE 8 Use information re-sources to gather information and create and communicate knowledge.

Unit 1 Tech Talk 5

Computers and You

How Is Technology Used at Home? Stereos, refrigerators, telephones, televisions, microwave ovens, MP3 players, security systems, and computers are all part of our daily lives. Most of these technologies use microchips to control how they work. Computers are especially useful because they can be used for many dif-ferent purposes. You can use them to:

■ Communicate instantly with friends and family ■ Find information■ Listen to music and watch movies■ Play video games■ Take pictures and create home movies

How Is Technology Used at Work? Technology is everywhere in the workplace. Office workers use com-puters to create documents and stay on schedule. Sales people use com-puters to track sales and place orders. Businesses use databases to track products, workers, and customers. Industrial workers use high-tech ma-chinery to make a variety of products.

Some people do not even have to go into the office to work anymore. They can telecommute, which means to work from home or another location with the help of cell phones, fax machines, and the Internet. Having a solid knowledge of technology is one key to a great career. Most jobs today require at least basic computer knowledge. So, the more you learn now,

the better off you will be later. Also, your computer skills can help you find the right job. You can search for a job on the Internet and apply for jobs online.

Many careers require a solid knowledge of technology.

What kinds of technology are shown in this photo?

�

Jargon The Digital Divide is the social and financial gap between people who do have computer access and those who do not. Although plenty of people live without computers, computer skills and access can make it easier to find a job or exchange information with others.

Why It’s Important Con-sider how having access to a computer impacts your daily life.

1. Describe What are three good reasons to learn about technology?

2. Cause and Effect If you leave high school with very few computer skills, what problems might you face in the future?

Dana Hursey/Masterfi le

Unit 1 Tech Talk 6

Computers and You

Responsible Use

of Technology Ethics are the principles and standards

we use to decide how to act. People gen-erally assume that other people will act toward them in an ethical manner. The con-sequences of acting unethically vary, or differ. They can range from losing a friend to losing a job to even being arrested. Eth-ics also help you predict how a person will behave toward you. Telling the truth is ethi-cal, and lying is unethical. We usually as-sume that people are not lying.

How Can I Use Computers Ethically? Your behavior while using a computer is also guided by ethics. Make sure you follow these ethical guidelines:

� “With great power comes great responsibility.” How do these words of advice from the movie Spiderman apply to technology and ethics?

Computer Use GuidelinesRespect the privacy of others Do not open any files or e-mails that are not your own, unless

you have permission to do so.

Be honest Use a computer and Internet access to do your own work. Some students may use computers and the Internet to cheat on schoolwork. Students who do this are likely to get caught.

Treat people fairly Conflicts should be worked out face to face. Do not use Web sites, e-mail, or chatrooms to harm someone’s reputation. Never damage someone’s computer or files on purpose.

Pay your fair share You might hear about ways to get commercial software or music for free, but this is usually illegal.

� Many of the ethical issues you face when using technology are similar to ethical issues in other aspects of your life. How else might you apply the guidelines in this table to your life?

When you sit down at a computer to work or to go online, remind your-self of the importance of acting ethically. Also, be aware that you could be the victim of someone else’s unethical conduct. If you believe that some-one is acting unethically, notify an adult, such as your teacher or a parent or guardian.

Cite Sources Responsibly When researching a topic for a report, search on the Internet to find reliable information to support your ideas. Then, use your own words to describe what you discover. Be sure to cite your sources, and never copy text directly from a Web site without proper attribution. Why is it unethical to not cite your sources?

NCTE 8 Use information re-sources to gather information and create and communicate knowledge.

TK

© Columbia/Sony Pictures J.C.C./MPTV

Unit 1 Tech Talk 7

Computers and You

What Are the Risks of Using Computers? Computers give you access to the world, but the reverse is also true: The world can have access to your computer, too. A safe computer user recognizes risks, such as the following:

■ Viruses A computer virus is a program intentionally designed to cause annoyance or damage to computer hardware or software.

■ Hackers A hacker is a person who uses his or her expertise to gain access to other people’s computers to get information illegally or do damage.

■ Dishonest people The Internet is open to anyone, including people who may want to cause harm by giving false or illegal information.

� Instant messaging is a favorite activity for many computer users. What common-sense rules should you follow when instant messaging?

When you use a computer, you must be aware of the risks and take the proper precautions. Firewalls and antivirus software can help protect your computer from hackers and viruses. However, you still must use common sense whenever you log on to your computer, when you use the Internet, and when you share files with other people.

Protect Yourself Learn

more about using your

computer safely at the

Online Learning Center.

Go to glencoe.com,

and choose Tech Talk

Activities, then Unit 1.

Tech Tip Many stores have a computer station, or kiosk, where you can fill out an electronic job application. Using the kiosk can be the first test to see whether an applicant has the necessary computer skills to work for the store.

Why It’s Important Consider the advantages of filling out an electronic job application over a paper application.

glencoe.com

1. Explain What are the consequences of acting unethically?

2. Draw Conclusions Why should you be careful about the information you send or receive over the Internet?

Unit 1 Tech Talk 8

Computers and You

Key Concepts Check1. Define In your own

words, define technology.

2. Describe What are two ways that technology works behind the scenes of everyday life?

3. Identify What are three ways you can use technol-ogy at school?

Critical Thinking4. Evaluate Imagine that

a friend tells you about a Web site that sells com-pleted research papers to students. The friend says, “If Web sites like that exist, they must be okay.” Based on what you have learned about ethics, how would you respond?

21st Century Skills5. Communication Go to

glencoe.com to this book’s Online Learning Center to find Web links on recent technology. Write one paragraph that identifies the technology, why it is important, and its benefits and drawbacks.

Academic Skills

People have always looked for better ways to communicate.

a. Compare How many years passed between the invention of the printing press and that of the Web?

b. Identify Name two communication meth-ods that were devel-oped within 100 years after the telegraph.

Time Line A time line displays related events in chronological order. It lists the name of each event as well as the date on which the event took place.

Starting Hint Find the points on the line for both the printing press and the World Wide Web. Then subtract to find the number of years that passed between the two inventions.NCTM Data Analysis and Proba-bility Formulate questions that can be addressed with data and collect, organize, and display relevant data to answer them.

Communication and Technology

1434The printingpress makesit easy tocreate printedmaterial

1989The WorldWide Webis created

1944The first

digitalcomputer

is invented

1837The telegraphsends messagesby wire, usingMorse code

1876The telephone

is invented1920The first commercialradio station broadcasts

Computers and You

Self-Check Assess your understanding of what you have just

read. Go to the Online Learning Center at glencoe.com. Choose

e-Quizzes, and take the Unit 1 Tech Talk Quiz.

Unit 1 Tech Talk 8glencoe.com