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Computing Fundamentals
Software and hardware interaction and types of software
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Hardware and Software Interaction
Users interact with computers by:
Input devices
Output devices
Application programs
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Data Input
KeyboardEntering text and numbers Uses software to interact with the user
MouseSelect and reposition items
ScannerCapture images
Microphone Input voice commands
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Software Commands
Activate modules of instructionsWays to activate a command
Click a word in a menuClick a buttonPressing a function key Voice commands
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Software Applies Rules & Processes
Rules make decisions for softwareSome common rules:
AutoCorrect Change commonly misspelled words
AutoFormat as you type Convert text to fractions
1/2 into ½ Convert e-mail address to hyperlink
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Software Communicates Results
Results are often sent to output devicesMonitor
Most common
Printer Hard copy of results
CNC – Computer Numeric Control Instructions for automated machinery
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Steps of the Development Process
Software creation takes several steps
Results of proper development
Reliable software
Easy to use
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Written in a language computers understandWords have single meaningsBasic grammar structure (syntax)Computer languages
Visual BasicC++COBOLPascal
Programming
<html>
<head><script type="text/vbscript">function myFunction() myFunction = "BLUE"end function</script></head>
<body><script type="text/vbscript">document.write("My favorite color is " & myFunction())</script><p>A function procedure CAN return a result.</p></body>
</html>
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Debugging
Software malfunction called a bugTeamwork can reduce errorsAncillary programs
Catch simple mistakesDoes not stop problems with:
Faulty logic Unanticipated input combinations Unrecognized hardware components
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Beta Review
Review revised software prior to releaseBeta version
Newly revised version of software not yet released for public sale
Beta testerReport errors Often voluntaryRequires confidentialityTest software on their PC
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Instructions and Help Manuals
Often created while in beta releaseDigital forms accompany software
Access methods Click Help (Menu bar) Press F1
Most up-to-date manuals and help files typically found on the company’s Web site
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Quality Control
Beta tester comments compiledSoftware revisions are made
New version number assigned Versions can be numbers or text
Office XP Corel Draw 10
Delicate balance Do we fix all the bugs or do we sell the
product now and fix problems later?
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Software Updates
After release additional errors are identifiedFixes are created to repair known issuesDownloadable from the WebOften free for legal usersCommonly known as:
UpdatesPatchesService packs
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Upgrading Software
Major revision to softwareNew interfacesNew featuresSupport for new technology
Investment required Normally less expensive than full versions
Check hardware requirementsOften requires newer, more powerful hardware
RAM, CPU, hard disk space, video card, etc.
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Reasons to Update and Upgrade
Updates protect us from:Viruses – Antivirus updatesHackers – Firewall updatesUser meltdown – System locking up over and
over again
Upgrades allow us to:Access new tools, features, and gizmosStay compatible with the rest of the worldUtilize new hardware to its full potential
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Methods of Staying Up-to-DateDownloads from the Web
Updates – Secure or unsecured downloads Upgrades – Secure downloads
Purchase key codes (access codes) online
Order CD from manufacturerNetwork-based installation
Done by system administratorPrimarily for site licensed software
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Basic Word Processing Concepts
Input is receivedStored in RAM
Manipulated within capabilities of program Format - Bold, italics, font color, etc. Input graphics
Ideal for editing Faster than retyping on typewriters
Displayed on the screen
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Word Processing Documents
From memos and letters to entire booksCan utilize advanced features
Index and table of contentsSave as a Web pageGraphics
Common file extensions .docx – Microsoft Word 2007 .doc – Microsoft Word 2003 & earlier .odt – OpenOffice.org Writer
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Spreadsheet Concepts
Used to display numbers in a variety of waysFormulas
Calculations of values in other cells
Worksheet – Single table of cellsWorkbook – Collection of worksheetsLayout
Columns – LettersRows – Numbers
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Spreadsheet Basics
Cell – Where column and row cross Identified by pairing column
and row designation
FormulasAlgebraic equationStart with “=” (equal sign)
FunctionsPredefined equationsFunctions can be a formula
or part of a formula
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Spreadsheet Processes
Variety of features Charts – Pie, bar, scatter plotData analysisSorting and filteringWhat-If analysis
Crunch values in equation to get desired results
1st Qtr
2nd Qtr
3rd Qtr
4th Qtr
0
20
40
60
80
100
1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr
East
West
North
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Spreadsheet Documents
Possible usesP&L (profit & loss statement) Investment tracking Expense reportsGrade bookBudget
Common file extensions .xlsx – Microsoft Excel 2007 .xls – Microsoft Excel 2003 & earlier .ods – OpenOffice.org Calc
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Presentation Software Concepts
Visual aids Graphics
Clip art and digital picturesCharts
TextTitlesBulleted lists
AnimationHolds audience attention
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Presentation Basics
Slides Image composed of text, graphics, etc.
Slide showGroup of slides
Extra featuresSpeaker notes
Displayed on screen Student handouts
Printouts Slide miniatures
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Presentation Documents
Possible usesEducational presentationDisplay at trade shows Interactive Web pages
Common file extensions .pptx – Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 .ppt – Microsoft PowerPoint 2003 & earlier .odp – OpenOffice.org Impress
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Database Concepts
Database A collection of organized dataStores huge amounts of information Used in the retail sales environment
Inventory system Point of sale
Considered more difficult for beginners
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Database Basics
Primary components of most databasesTables
Store the dataQueries
Filter the data Ask a question of the data Which customers live in Colorado?
Forms Input, edit, and view data
Reports View the data – On screen or printed
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Database Documents
Possible usesCustomer records Inventory systemBill payment tracking
Common file extensions .accdb – Microsoft Access 2007 .mdb – Microsoft Access 2003 & earlier .odb – OpenOffice Base
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Memory Usage
Database programs use RAM differentlyStore only active record in RAMAutomatically saves
Saves a record when moving to the next recordPower failure
Loss of current record, not all records
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Graphic and Multimedia Basics
Limited by hardwareCPU, RAM, hard drive, video card
Limited by softwareNecessary software not installed Purchase legal copiesDownload trial versions
Adobe – 90-day try and dieAvoid copyright infringement
Don’t share your legal software Microsoft Hotline: 1-800-RU-LEGIT
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Graphics Software Concepts
Basic graphics programsBuilt into some software
PowerPoint, Word, etc.Microsoft Paint – Windows
Sophisticated programsAble to manipulate pictures
Remove items, recolor hair, etc.Adobe Photoshop ElementsAdobe PhotoshopMicrosoft PhotoDraw
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File Types Image types
.bmp – Bitmap .gif – Graphics interchange format
256 colors maximum and could be animated
.jpg – Joint Photographic Expert Group 16 million colors maximum
Sound and video .wav – Uncompressed audio .mp3 – Compressed audio .mov – QuickTime movie
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Other Multimedia SoftwareSoftware for manipulating sound and video
High hardware requirementsCan be very expensive
ExamplesLiquid Edition 6 Pro ≈ $1000
Video and audio editing + DVD authoringULead Studio ≈ $150
Video and photo editing + DVD authoringAlamDV ≈ $100
Futuristic video tweaking Laser blast, Fire, Star Wars style light sabers
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Other Types of Software Bundle or suite
Designed to complement each other Convenient exchange of data
Personal information manager (PIM) Microsoft Outlook, Act, GoldMine
Accounting Microsoft Money, Quicken, Peach Tree
Web authoring Flash MX, Microsoft FrontPage, Dream Weaver
Project management Microsoft Project
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How to Select Software
Similar to choosing a computer Identify the tasks:
What are you making? Is it simple or complex?
Look for software that meets your needs Problems that arise
Too complex to use Incompatible with other software
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Software Performs Similar Tasks
Not apparent which software to use
Example: TableWord processing programs use tablesSpreadsheets and databases also use tablesChoose software based on need
Word processing – Basic table of entries Spreadsheet – Calculated values Database – Large quantities of data
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Common Incorrect Uses
Generating queries and reportsSpreadsheets are great for storing dataSpreadsheets are not great for complex queries
and complex summarization reportsNeed to convert to database
Calculations in tablesMicrosoft Word tables support formulas
Formulas do not auto recalculate like a spreadsheet Manual “formula refreshing” required
Right-click cell Refresh