Computer operating systems, programs and applications

• Operating systems
• Programs and apps

Module 8

Operating Systems: Managing, Coordinating, and Monitoring Resources

Operating Systems (1 of 6)

• System software is the software that runs a computer, including the operating system.
• Operating system (OS) is a set of programs that coordinate all the activities of computer or mobile device hardware.
• The operating system and utility programs control the behind-the-scenes operations of a computer or mobile device.
• Some operating systems also allow users to control a network and administer security.

Figure 8-1: Common operating system functions.

Operating Systems (2 of 6)

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Table 8-1: Programs and apps by category.

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Operating Systems (3 of 6)

• A graphical user interface (GUI) is a collective term for all the ways you interact with the device.
• A GUI controls how you interact with menus, programs and apps, and visual images such as icons, by touching, pointing, tapping, or clicking buttons and other objects to issue commands.
• An icon is a small picture that represents a program, file, or hardware device.
• A button is a graphic that you click to execute commands you need to work with an app, such as on a toolbar, taskbar, or the ribbon.

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Figure 8-2: Graphical user interface

Operating Systems (4 of 6)

• A menu is a list of related items, including folders, applications, and commands.
• Many menus organize commands on a submenu, which is a list of additional commands associated with the selected command on a menu.
• A shortcut menu is a list of frequently used commands that relate to an object.
• Some menu commands display a dialog box, which is a box with controls that lets you tell the operating system how you want to complete a command.

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Operating Systems (5 of 6)

Dialog box controls may include:

• Option buttons: round buttons that present one choice; they are also called radio buttons.
• Check boxes: square boxes that present a yes/no choice and display a check mark or x when selected.
• List boxes: lists of options that appear when you click arrows in a dialog box; some list boxes allow you to make multiple selections.

Figure 8-3: Dialog box.

Operating Systems (6 of 6)

Standard operating system functions include:

• Starting and shutting down a computer or device
• Managing programs
• Managing memory
• Coordinating task
• Configuring devices
• Establishing an Internet connection
• Monitoring performance
• Providing file management
• Updating operating system software
• Monitoring security
• Controlling network access

How an Operating System Works (1 of 6)

• The operating system is the essential software or app on your computer or device.
• The operating system also manages interactions between hardware and software.
• RAM is the storage location that temporarily stores open apps

and document data while a computer or device is on.

• The more RAM a device has, the more efficiently it runs.
• The operating system can allocate a portion of a storage medium, such as a hard disk, to become virtual memory to function as additional RAM.

How an Operating System Works (2 of 6)

• Virtual memory allows an operating system to temporarily store data on a storage medium until it can be “swapped” into RAM.
• The technique of swapping items between memory and storage is called paging.
• Paging is a time-consuming process.
• Instructions used for processing data can be in the form of a program or app, commands, or user responses.
• The information is processed into output.
• For example, a webpage typically combines text and graphics and may include audio and video as well.

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How an Operating System Works (3 of 6)

• Most laptops and desktop computers have the option to add memory and storage.
• To increase the memory on a smart phone, you can add flash memory in the form of microSD cards.
• Users who take many high-resolution photos and videos for professional or personal use can benefit from additional memory.

Figure 8-4: microSD card.

How an Operating System Works (4 of 6)

• Input is any data and instructions entered into the memory of a device.
• Input data and instructions can be provided in many ways, including interacting with your touch screen or using a keyboard.
• Once data is in memory, the computer or device interprets it, and the system software executes instructions to process the data into information.
• Instructions used for processing data can be in the form of a program or app, commands, or user responses.
• The information is processed into output.

Figure 8-5: Screen displays, printers, and speakers are examples of output devices

How an Operating System Works (5 of 6)

• A buffer is an area of memory that stores data and information waiting to be sent to an input or output device.
• Placing data into a buffer is called spooling.
• An operating system can be single-tasking or multitasking:
• A single-tasking operating system allows only one program or app to run at a time.
• Most operating systems today are multitasking. A multitasking operating system allows two or more programs or apps to reside in memory at the same time.

How an Operating System Works (6 of 6)

• The one in the foreground is the active program, that is, the one you are currently using.
• The other programs running but not in use are in the background. The foreground program is typically displayed on the screen, and the background programs are hidden partially or completely behind the foreground program.
• In addition to managing applications, an operating system also manages other processes.
• A multiuser operating system enables two or more users to run programs simultaneously.

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Figure 8-6: The foreground app is on the screen, and the others are in the background

Types of Operating Systems (1 of 11)

• Servers do not run the same operating system as tablets or laptops because these computers perform different computing tasks.
• A server, by contrast, is always plugged in and generally remains on all the time, which means its operating system would not need a power-saving feature.
• The three basic categories of operating systems on computers and mobile devices are desktop, server, and mobile.
• Operating systems, such as UNIX and Linux that function as both desktop and server operating systems sometimes are called multipurpose operating systems.

Types of Operating Systems (2 of 11)

• An operating system installed on a single computer is called a personal computer (PC) operating system or a desktop operating system.
• Desktop operating systems are also sometimes called stand-alone operating systems or client operating systems.
• Certain computers and devices run only those operating systems designed specifically for the computer or device.
• Examples of widely used desktop operating systems include Windows, macOS, UNIX, Linux, and Chrome OS.

Table 8-2: Examples of operating systems by category.

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Types of Operating Systems (3 of 11)

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Table 8-3 Examples of Desktop Operating Systems

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Types of Operating Systems (4 of 11)

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• The term, PC (personal computer) is sometimes used to describe a computer that runs the Windows operating system.
• Windows includes a browser (Microsoft Edge), a cloud storage service (Microsoft OneDrive), and the Windows store for app purchases.
• Features of the latest version of macOS includes a browser (Safari), a cloud storage service (iCloud), and the Mac App Store for app purchases.
• UNIX (pronounced "you-nix") is a multitasking operating system developed in the early 1970s by scientists at Bell Laboratories.
• Linux (pronounced LINN-uks), introduced in 1991, is a popular multitasking UNIX-based operating system that runs on a variety of personal computers, servers, and devices.

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Types of Operating Systems (5 of 11)

• Linux is available in a variety of forms, known as distributions.
• Chrome OS, introduced by Google, is a Linux-based operating system designed to work primarily with web apps.
• Apps are available through the Chrome Web Store, and data is stored on Google Drive.
• A specialized laptop that runs Chrome OS is called a Chromebook, and a specialized desktop that runs Chrome OS is called a Chromebox.
• A server operating system is a multiuser operating system because it controls a single, centralized server computer that supports many users on networked computers.

Types of Operating Systems (6 of 11)

Table 8-4: Examples of server operating systems.

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Types of Operating Systems (7 of 11)

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• Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use a mobile operating system.
• A mobile operating system has features similar to those of a desktop operating system but is focused on the needs of a mobile user and the capabilities of the device.
• A mobile operating system works especially well with mobile device features, such as touch screens, voice recognition, and Wi-Fi networks.
• Mobile devices are optimized to perform functions common to mobile users.

Table 8-5: Examples of mobile operating systems.

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Types of Operating Systems (8 of 11)

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• An operating system has the same role, whether for a desktop or mobile device.
• It manages operations and provides a user interface.
• Operating systems enable you to work with apps and to monitor and maintain the functions of the computer or device.

Figure 8-7: Examples of Android and iOS operating systems

Types of Operating Systems (9 of 11)

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• Features, such as icons (typically used in mobile devices), make the transition between using a mobile device and a computer easier.
• As more computer desktop monitors today are touch-enabled, computer users can take advantage of this feature.
• A desktop operating system may use menus, windows, and bars to run apps and to access features within apps.
• A mobile operating system may have one program running at a time with others running in the background, or it may provide a means for multiple apps to run simultaneously on the screen.

Types of Operating Systems (10 of 11)

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• Closed-source programs have standard features and can be customized only by using the operating system’s utilities.
• Users can add functionality and sell or give away their versions to others.
• Proponents of open-source programs state that because the code is public, coders can examine, correct, and enhance programs.
• A device-dependent program is one that runs only on a specific type or make of computer or mobile device.
• Proprietary software is privately owned and limited to a specific vendor or computer or device model.

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Types of Operating Systems (11 of 11)

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• Mobile operating systems use technologies such as cellular, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, and NFC to communicate with other devices and to connect to the Internet.
• A cross-platform application is an application that runs the same way on multiple operating systems.
• Microsoft Windows and macOS are examples of closed-source operating systems.
• Open-source programs and apps (including operating systems) have no restrictions from the copyright holder regarding modification and redistribution.

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Ethics and Issues: Licensing an Operating System (1 of 2)

• As new versions of the operating system are released, users often upgrade their existing computers and mobile devices to incorporate features of the new versions.
• The user includes continuity of service (no disruptions because you get cut off from using the software because it is improperly licensed) and security (you have access to the latest updates to know flaws or bugs).
• An operating system’s automatic update feature can be configured to alert users when an update is available or to download and install the update automatically.

Ethics and Issues: Licensing an Operating System (2 of 2)

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Figure 8-8: Windows Update window.

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Manage Files and Folders (1 of 8)

• A file is a collection of information stored on your computer, such as a text document, spreadsheet, photo, or song.
• The file format determines the type or types of programs and apps that you can use to open and display or work with a file.
• A file extension is a three- or four-letter sequence, preceded by a period, at the end of a file name that identifies the file as a particular type of document, such as .docx (Microsoft Word document), or .jpg (a type of graphic file).

Table 8-6: Examples of file extensions.

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Manage Files and Folders (2 of 8)

• You can change or view the properties of a file, compress a file to save storage space, move or rename a file or folder, and organize your files.
• As cloud storage becomes more prevalent and users rely more on their mobile devices, some of these tasks may not be ones you have encountered before.
• Operating systems include many utilities, also called tools, that enable you to perform file management tasks.
• Every file has properties, such as its name, type, location, and size.
• File properties also include metadata, including the dates when the file was created, modified, and last accessed.

Manage Files and Folders (3 of 8)

• The operating system assigns some properties to files, such as type or format, and updates other properties, such as date, size, and location.
• For example, an image might contain information about the dimensions (size) of the image, while a song or media file might include the artist(s) names.

Figure 8-9: Viewing a file’s properties.

Manage Files and Folders (4 of 8)

• File size usually is measured in kilobytes (KB) (thousands of bytes of data), megabytes (MB) (millions of bytes of data), or gigabytes (GB) (billions of bytes of data).
• You often need to compress files and folders before you share or transfer them.
• Desktop operating systems offer utilities to compress and uncompress files.
• When you save a file, you must give it a name that follows rules called file-naming conventions.
• Only the colon (:) is a prohibited character in macOS.

Manage Files and Folders (5 of 8)

• A file name should identify the content and purpose of the file, as well as any other information, such as whether the file is a draft or final.
• A folder can only include one file with the same name and of the same type.
• You can have multiple files of the same type with the same name only if they are in different folders.
• To differentiate a version of a file without overwriting the original, you could add additional characters such as numbers, the date, or the initials of the person who modified the file.

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Manage Files and Folders (6 of 8)

• One method of copying or moving files in Windows is to use the Clipboard, which saves the file or folder from the source file or folder until you paste it into the destination file or folder.
• Other operating systems have functions similar to a clipboard, as well as other file management utilities.
• An operating system utility allows you to create new, named folders; choose the location of folders; move files between folders; and create a folder hierarchy that includes subfolders.

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Figure 8-10: Folder hierarchy

Manage Files and Folders (7 of 8)

• A library is a special folder that catalogues specific files and folders in a central location, regardless of where the items are actually stored on your device.
• Libraries are helpful to find all files of a certain type, no matter where they are located on your computer or device.
• Within your file manager, you can move, copy, and delete folders. Moving or copying a folder affects all the contents of the folder.
• Deleting a folder moves it to the Recycle Bin or Trash folder, where you can permanently delete it or restore it to its original location if you change your mind.
• You can use a file manager to reorder, move, or navigate between folders.

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Manage Files and Folders (8 of 8)

• The Windows file manager is called File Explorer, and the macOS file manager is called Finder.
• To navigate to a folder, you need to locate it using the search tool or by opening a main folder and then opening subfolders until you get to the folder in which the file(s) you need are located.

Figure 8-11: Windows file explorer

Use Operating System Management Utilities (1 of 8)

• Operating systems provide users with a variety of utilities related to managing their computer and devices and their programs.
• An operating system controls your computer by managing its resources.
• The operating system tracks the names and locations of files, as well as empty storage areas where you can save new files.
• To manage RAM resources, an operating system keeps track of the apps, processes, and other tasks the system performs.
• You can open your computer or device’s version of the task manager to view running programs and see the percentage of RAM being used.
• You can shut down programs and apps in the task manager to free up RAM.

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Use Operating System Management Utilities (2 of 8)

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Table 8-7: Operating system tools.

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Use Operating System Management Utilities (3 of 8)

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Table 8-7: Operating system tools. (continued)

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Use Operating System Management Utilities (4 of 8)

• Operating systems provide shut down options so that you can exit programs and terminate processes properly.
• Some operating systems have a sleep option to use low power instead of shutting down.
• Sleep stores the current state of open programs and files, saving you time when you resume using your device.
• A common solution for Windows desktop systems is to run a disk cleanup utility, which finds and removes unnecessary files, such as temporary Internet files or files you have marked for deletion.
• Monitoring Performance Operating systems typically include a performance monitor.
• A performance monitor is a program that assesses and reports information about various computer resources and devices.
• If a computer is running extremely slowly, for example, the performance monitor may determine that the computer’s memory is being used to its maximum.

Use Operating System Management Utilities (5 of 8)

• Operating systems allow you to make adjustments, such as connecting to a network, controlling sounds, allowing or preventing app notifications, changing the brightness or other screen display settings, changing the appearance of the home screen or lock screen, applying a theme to change the look and feel of the operating system elements, and setting lock screen settings.
• You can also use these utilities to uninstall apps, add accounts, and adjust privacy settings.

Figure 8-12: Settings for an Android smartphone

Use Operating System Management Utilities (6 of 8)

• The desktop contains icons for programs and files, as well as toolbars, taskbars, menus, and buttons you can use to start programs and apps.
• A notification area displays the date and time, as well as shortcuts to utilities such as audio controls and network connections.
• In any operating system, a window is a rectangular-shaped work area that displays an app or a collection of files, folders, and utilities.

Figure 8-13: macOS desktop

Use Operating System Management Utilities (7 of 8)

• You can use two types of windows on a computer’s desktop: a program window displays a running program; a folder window displays the contents of a folder, drive, or device.

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These elements common to most windows include the following:

• The center area of the window displays its contents.
• The title bar at the top displays the name of the app, file, or folder shown in the window.
• On a computer, buttons enable you to maximize (make the window fill the screen), minimize (reduce it to a button on the taskbar without closing it), and resize the window.

Use Operating System Management Utilities (8 of 8)

• Some windows include a ribbon, toolbar, or menu bar that contains text, icons, or images you select to perform actions and make selections.
• Windows can also include vertical and horizontal scroll bars that you drag to display contents currently out of view.
• When you have multiple windows, files, and apps open at a time, the windows can appear side by side or stacked.

Figure 8-14: Common window elements.

Secure IT: Securing an Operating System (1 of 4)

• Network administrators, as well as owners of computers, typically have an administrator account that enables them to access all files and programs, install programs, and specify settings that affect all users on a computer, mobile device, or network.
• Security software must run constantly to protect against new viruses, malware, and spyware attacks.
• Security experts recommend using a firewall and configuring it to turn on or off automatically.
• Automatic updating: Many people enjoy the convenience offered by allowing these fixes to install automatically instead of continually checking for new files to download.

Secure IT: Securing an Operating System (2 of 4)

• Spyware and malware detection software: Because sophisticated spyware and malware threats are emerging at an unparalleled rate, comprehensive spyware and malware detection software is crucial to fend off attacks on the computer or device.
• The operating system is generally scheduled to scan and update when the computer is idle, such as in the middle of the night.
• Permissions define who can access certain resources and when they can access those resources.
• User accounts protect your computer against unauthorized access. A user account includes information such as a username or ID and a password.

Secure IT: Securing an Operating System (3 of 4)

• A standard user account is designed for the everyday user who will be using the computer or device for work or recreation.
• If you want to provide someone temporary access to your computer, you can create a secure guest account that gives access to basic functions.
• A user account enables a user to sign into, or access resources on, a network or computer.
• Each user account typically consists of a username and password or PIN, but other methods, such as facial recognition, fingerprints, or a physical security key, can be required for enhanced security.

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Secure IT: Securing an Operating System (4 of 4)

• If the user’s information matches their security settings, the operating system grants the user access.
• The operating system on a network records successful and unsuccessful sign-in attempts in a file.
• This allows the network administrator to review who is using or attempting to use the computer. The administrators also use these files to monitor computer usage.

Figure 8-15: Adding security to a user’s settings.

How To: Use Virtual Machines (1 of 3)

• A virtual machine (VM) enables a computer or device to run another operating system in addition to the one installed.
• To run a virtual machine, you need a program or app that is specifically designed to set up and manage virtual machines.
• The virtual machine runs separately on a section of the hard disk

called a "partition."

A partition, also called a volume, is a section of a hard drive that functions like a separate drive. You can only access one partition of a hard drive at a time.

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How To: Use Virtual Machines (2 of 3)

The following steps describe how to set up a virtual machine:

• Obtain and install an app that creates and runs virtual machines.
• Run the app and select the option to create a new virtual machine.
• Specify the settings for the new virtual machine.
• If necessary, insert the installation media for the operating system you want to run in the virtual machine.
• Run the virtual machine. Follow the steps to install the operating system on the virtual machine.
• When the operating system has finished installing, remove the installation media.
• While the virtual machine is running, if desired, install any apps you want to run.
• When you are finished using the virtual machine, shut down the operating system in the same manner you would shut down your computer.
• Exit the virtual machine software.

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How To: Use Virtual Machines (3 of 3)

After you set up the virtual machine, you can use the virtual machine at any time by performing the following steps:

• Run the virtual machine software.
• Select the virtual machine you want to run.
• Click the button to run the virtual machine.
• When you are finished using the virtual machine, shut down the operating system in a similar way to how you would shut down your computer.
• Exit the virtual machine software.

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Module 4

Programs and Apps: Using Apps for Productivity, Graphics, and Security

How Do You Use Programs and Apps? �(1 of 11)

• All smartphones, computers, or tablets require a program or app to run.
• Businesses and home users use productivity apps to manage documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases.
• The terms "software," "program," and "app"are used interchangeably.
• Apps are categorized according to productivity, graphics and media, personal interest, and communications.

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Figure 4-1 People use a variety of apps.

How Do You Use Programs and Apps? �(2 of 11)

Table 4-1 Programs and apps by category.

How Do You Use Programs and Apps? �(3 of 11)

Table 4-1 Programs and apps by category (continued).

How Do You Use Programs and Apps? �(4 of 11)

• Local apps are apps that you install on your computer’s hard drive.
• Portable apps run from a removable storage device such as an external hard drive, flash drive or the cloud.
• A native app is an app written for a specific operating system and installed on a computer or mobile device.
• Web apps are programs that you access via the Internet using a browser on a computer or mobile device.
• Apps that you access on a smartphone or tablet are called mobile apps.

How Do You Use Programs and Apps? �(5 of 11)

• Using mobile apps, you can check email, maintain an online calendar and contact lists, and obtain maps and travel directions on your mobile device without having to use a desktop or laptop computer.
• Mobile apps usually focus on a single task, such as checking email, searching the web, or sending a text message.

Figure 4-2 Mobile and web apps

How Do You Use Programs and Apps? �(6 of 11)

Some apps are available as both native and web apps.

• The native app allows you to search for an item to purchase by taking a photo of a product or its bar code with your device’s camera or tapping the microphone to speak the names of items to add to your shopping cart.
• The mobile web app runs in a browser, as shown by the web address in the search bar.

Figure 4-3 Amazon’s native app (left) and web app (right).

How Do You Use Programs and Apps? �(7 of 11)

• Some apps are available as both web apps and mobile apps.
• In this case, data and activity can be synchronized between the web app and the mobile app so that your actions, data, information, and settings will be consistent across all your devices.

Figure 4-4 Mail apps synchronize data between mobile and web-based versions.

How Do You Use Programs and Apps? �(8 of 11)

• Many on-screen keyboards assist you by predicting words and phrases you might want to type based on context or by providing automatic corrections.
• Some on-screen keyboards include voice recognition capabilities so that you can speak the words to be typed.
• Users who need to type significant amounts of information may opt for a portable keyboard that they can connect to their smartphones using Bluetooth.

Figure 4-5 You can enter information in mobile apps using a Bluetooth keyboard or an on-screen keyboard.

How Do You Use Programs and Apps? �(9 of 11)

Although mobile apps are popular and convenient, they have limitations.

Table 4-2 Pros and cons of mobile apps.

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How Do You Use Programs and Apps? �(10 of 11)

• Web apps rely on HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language) to display information, JavaScript to manage the app’s performance, and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) to format information.
• By using cross-platform development tools, developers can build apps that work on multiple platforms.
• Fitness trackers have sensors to track your heart rate.
• Digital cameras have sensors for remote controls.
• Smart home devices such as the Nest Thermostat have temperature sensors.
• Google Home or Amazon Alexa smart speakers have sensors that detect the sound of a voice.

How Do You Use Programs and Apps? �(11 of 11)

• Mobile commerce, or m-commerce, apps let you use your mobile device to make online purchases of goods and services.
• Mobile payment capabilities are built into apps, such as Uber or Lyft for rides, and online retailers, such as Amazon or Walmart.

Figure 4-6 M-commerce allows apps such as Uber to provide payment methods for services.

Ethics and Issues: Acquire Programs�and Apps Responsibly (1 of 7)

• When you copy, distribute, download, or otherwise use without permission or payment any programs and apps, you are violating the law.
• The copyright law led to the development of digital rights management (DRM). DRM for programs and apps defines restrictions regarding their use, modification, and distribution.
• Access controls are security measures that define who can use a program or app, as well as what actions they can perform within the program or app.

Figure 4-7 Passwords and biometrics are types of access controls.

Ethics and Issues: Acquire Programs�and Apps Responsibly (2 of 7)

• Programs and apps are distributed in a variety of forms: retail, custom, software as a service (SaaS), shareware, freeware, open source, and public domain.
• Shareware is copyrighted and distributed at no cost for a trial period. Payment is to be made to use shareware beyond that period unless you cancel within a specified period.
• Freeware is copyrighted and provided at no cost by an individual or a company that retains all rights.
• Open-source programs and apps have no restrictions from the copyright holder regarding modification and redistribution; users can add functionality and sell or give away their versions to others.
• Public domain programs and apps have been donated for public use and have no copyright restrictions.

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Ethics and Issues: Acquire Programs�and Apps Responsibly (3 of 7)

Table 4-3 Popular types of mobile apps.

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Ethics and Issues: Acquire Programs�and Apps Responsibly (4 of 7)

Table 4-3 Popular types of mobile apps (continued).

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Ethics and Issues: Acquire Programs�and Apps Responsibly (5 of 7)

A license agreement specifies the number of devices on which you can install the product, any expiration dates, and other restrictions.

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Table 4-4 Types of license agreements.

Ethics and Issues: Acquire Programs�and Apps Responsibly (6 of 7)

Update Programs and Apps

• Updates can prevent or repair problems, provide additional functionality, or address any security or other issues.
• Many desktop and mobile apps use an automatic update feature that provides the latest system software and security updates automatically.
• Updates that address a single issue are called patches.
• A service pack is a collection of updates combined in one package.
• Upgrades are new releases of the program or app and may require an additional fee to enable the upgrade to install.
• to install

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Ethics and Issues: Acquire Programs�and Apps Responsibly (7 of 7)

• An uninstaller is a tool that removes the program files as well as any associated entries in the system files.
• A common infringement on copyrights is piracy, where people illegally copy software, movies, music, and other digital materials.
• Piracy is common in software, where the code and files are digital.
• Piracy is illegal, and you can be fined or otherwise punished if you purchase or sell pirated programs and apps.

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Figure 4-10 Tap and hold an icon on a smartphone.

Productivity Apps (1 of 11)

• Productivity apps are apps for personal use that you may use to create documents, develop presentations, track appointments, or stay organized.
• Productivity applications include word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, productivity suites, and enterprise computing.
• During the process of developing a project, you will likely switch back and forth between the following activities.
• When you create a project, you enter text or numbers, insert images, add contacts, schedule appointments, and perform other tasks using a variety of input methods, such as a keyboard, a mouse, touch, or voice.
• To edit is to make a change to the contents of a document, worksheet, or presentation, such as font, spacing, and alignment, among others.

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Productivity Apps (2 of 11)

• When you save a project, the computer transfers the project from memory to a local storage medium.
• A hard copy is information that exists on a physical medium, such as paper.
• A word-processing app, sometimes called a word processor, includes tools for entering, editing, and formatting text and graphics.
• Word processors can be used to create documents and reports, mailing labels, flyers, brochures, newsletters, resumes, letters, and more.

Figure 4-12 Word-processing apps, such as Microsoft Word, enable you to create any different types of documents.

Productivity Apps (3 of 11)

• The files you create are called documents, and each document is a collection of one or more pages.
• When you start a word-processing program, a blank document opens on the screen
• Document management tools protect and organize files and let you share your documents with others.

Table 4-5 Uses of word processing.

Productivity Apps (4 of 11)

• Spreadsheet apps allow you to organize data in columns and rows and perform calculations on the data.
• These columns and rows collectively are called a worksheet.
• A spreadsheet file is also known as a workbook as it can contain thousands of related individual worksheets.
• A cell in a worksheet is the location formed by the intersection of a column and a row.
• A workbook is a collection of related worksheets contained in a single file.

Figure 4-14 Worksheets can contain data, tables, formulas, and charts.

Productivity Apps (5 of 11)

Key Features of Spreadsheets

• Formatting tools to change a worksheet’s appearance and Developer tools to add customized functions.
• Printing features to control whether you want to print entire worksheets or only selected areas.
• Web capabilities to share workbooks online, add hyperlinks, and save worksheets as web pages.
• Tools to analyze data in a spreadsheet.
• Charts (graphs) represent data using bars, columns, pie wedges, lines, or other symbols.

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Productivity Apps (6 of 11)

Presentation apps can help you organize your content and create professional-looking digital slide shows

• Presentations can be displayed in different views and have insert, delete, duplicate, hide, and move slides features.
• The main points of a slide are added as a bulleted list by typing them in a text box on the slide.
• Graphics or images can be added to give presentations greater impact.
• Using design ideas can give your slides a more professional appearance.

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Figure 4-16 Presentation apps provide you with templates and design ideas.

Productivity Apps (7 of 11)

Format Presentation Content

Table 4-6 Adding content to slides.

Productivity Apps (8 of 11)

Common Presentation Tasks

• With a presentation program, slides can be customized by adding visually interesting effects. These are:
• Transitions
• Animations
• A slide master is an overall template for a presentation format with a theme, customized title, text fonts, backgrounds, and so on.
• A slide show is a display or delivery of the content of your presentation.

Productivity Apps (9 of 11)

Databases

• A database is a collection of data organized in a manner that allows access, retrieval, and reporting of that data.
• A relational database management system (RDBMS), or relational database, is a database that consists of a collection of tables where items are organized in columns and rows.
• Large enterprises use databases to store vast quantities of data that enable us to shop online.

Figure 4-17 Databases.

Productivity Apps (10 of 11)

• Key Features of Database Apps
• Data is organized into tables of records (rows of data) and is stored electronically in a database.
• Each piece of data in a database is entered and stored in an area called a field.
• A column contains a specific category of information, such as a person, place, object, event, or idea. Columns contain fields; rows contain records
• Each field is assigned a field name, which is a column label that describes the field.
• Fields are defined by their data type, such as text, date, or number.
• Hyperlinks store data as web addresses.
• Tables are a collection of records for a single subject. Tables store data for the database. A database can contain one or more tables.

Productivity Apps (11 of 11)

A productivity suite is a collection of individual related applications available together as a unit.

Table 4-7 Popular productivity suites.

Graphics and Media Applications (1 of 16)

• Digital graphics and media include still images, animated images, and audio.
• Digital media apps fall into two categories:
• Apps that are used to capture, edit, and create digital media
• Apps that play digital media
• Digital graphics and media make digital content appealing and entertaining.
• The major types of digital media include graphics, animation, video, and audio.

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Figure 4-20 Types of digital media.

Graphics and Media Applications (2 of 16)

• Digital graphics can be as simple as a line drawing or as complex as a highly detailed photo or 3-D illustration.
• Digital media apps can be used to create, edit, and modify digital graphics.
• Digital media apps can be used to create an animation.
• While creating an animation by drawing illustrations, a digital video can be created by capturing live action with a video camera.
• Digital video usually includes digital audio, which is sound that is recorded and stored as computer data.

Figure 4-21 Digital graphics.

Graphics and Media Applications (3 of 16)

How Computers Represent Images and Sounds

• Cameras, musical instruments, and video projectors are analog devices.
• Computers are digital devices.
• A digital recorder turns the sound into numbers representing tones and then generates an electronic signal of numbers.

Figure 4-22 Converting analog data into digital data.

Graphics and Media Applications (4 of 16)

• Converting analog data to digital data is also called digitizing the data, which is the process of changing the data into a form that computers and other digital devices can use.
• A process called sampling converts the analog sound waves into digital sound.

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Figure 4-23 Sampling sound.

Graphics and Media Applications (5 of 16)

Digital Graphics

• Digital graphics fall into two main types:
• Bitmap graphics (raster graphics) assign colors to the smallest picture elements, called pixels.
• Vector graphics consist of shapes, curves, lines, and text created by mathematical formulas.
• Bitmaps can be created and edited using graphics apps, such as Adobe Photoshop and Windows Paint.
• Bitmap-editing programs are painting programs.
• Adobe Illustrator is used for creating and editing vector images.

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Graphics and Media Applications (6 of 16)

Resolution and Compression

• Resolution refers to the clarity or sharpness of an image: the higher the resolution, the sharper the image and the larger the file size.
• On a digital camera, resolution is typically measured in megapixels, or millions of pixels.
• High-resolution photos and other complicated graphics can be difficult to copy, download, or send as email attachments.
• Compression makes digital media files smaller by reducing the amount of data in the files.
• Some types of bitmap graphics (JPEG files) use lossy compression, and other types of media files (TIF, PNG, and GIF) can be compressed using lossless compression.

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Graphics and Media Applications (7 of 16)

Table 4-8 Common graphics file formats.

Graphics and Media Applications (8 of 16)

Table 4-9 Common audio file formats.

Graphics and Media Applications (9 of 16)

• Many smartphones have built-in sound recording tools, including microphones.
• A sound card, which is a circuit board that computers use to process sound.
• Speakers play sound and can be built-in or attached as peripheral hardware to your device, either by a cable or wirelessly.

Figure 4-24 Recording sound.

Graphics and Media Applications (10 of 16)

• Synthesized music is created as a digital file from the start using electronic instruments called synthesizers, or synths, for short.
• To play a synthesizer, you press a key on the keyboard, generating an electrical current that becomes sound
• Musicians play synthesizers, which look like piano keyboards, to mimic sounds from acoustic or electric instruments or to produce unusual sounds that other instruments cannot generate.

Figure 4-25 Musician playing a synthesizer.

Graphics and Media Applications (11 of 16)

• Voice recognition software is used as a security measure to allow access to only authorized people the software recognizes by voice.
• As speech recognition software translates spoken words into text a computing device can understand, a text-to-speech app or read-aloud technology, does the opposite.
• Text-to-speech app breaks words into individual sound units called phonemes and then strings them together to create words and phrases, or synthesized speech.
• A video that is shared millions of times over social media in a short period is called a viral video.
• Digital video files have two parts:
• A codec encodes and usually compresses data for storage and then decompresses the data for playback.
• A container which bundles the video, audio, codec, and other parts into a single package.
• Video codecs are compatible with only some containers.

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Graphics and Media Applications (12 of 16)

• Video file formats are one way to describe a video file.
• Resolution is another format.
• 720p, HD, or 4K, given as descriptions of videos refer to resolution.
• Digital video resolution is given as width × height.
• Video resolutions can be organized into three categories:
• Standard Definition (SD): Resolutions of 640 × 360 and 720 × 480
• High Definition (HD): Resolutions of 1280 × 720 and 1920 × 1080 (Full HD)
• Ultra High Definition (UHD): The 4K standard provides a resolution of 3840 × 2160, while the 8K standard provides a resolution of 7840 × 4320

Graphics and Media Applications (13 of 16)

Digital Animation

• A web page with moving objects is an example of animation.
• Simulations are sophisticated computer animations that are useful for training and teaching in many fields, particularly in areas in which learning can be dangerous or difficult.

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Figure 4-27 Using animation and simulations in training.

Graphics and Media Applications (14 of 16)

Animation in Entertainment

• The most popular uses of 3-D animation are in ads, films, and computer games.

Ways to Create a Solid 3-D Image

• Apply highlights and shadows to a wireframe drawing (a 3-D object composed of individual lines) in a process called rendering.
• Stop motion animation, in which animators move real-life objects through a sequence of poses and capture the movements one frame at a time.

Figure 4-30 3-D rendering.

Graphics and Media Applications (15 of 16)

Digital Media Creation and Editing Apps

• Graphics apps can be used to create, view, manipulate, and print digital images such as photos, drawings, clip art, and diagrams.
• Image-editing apps help to modify existing images.
• Drawing apps help to create simple vector images.
• In some programs, you layer graphics to create collages.
• Advanced programs can be used to create sketches, logos, typography, and complex illustrations for web or print use.
• Photo editing apps can be used to enhance and retouch photographs.

Graphics and Media Applications (16 of 16)

Capture Videos

• Videos can be captured using a smartphone or digital video camera, and then played back on a computing device or post it on a video-sharing website.
• Digital video camera, camcorder, tablet, or smartphone can be used to capture full-motion images and store them in a file on the camera or phone.
• Action camcorders are compact, waterproof, and weather-resistant.

Figure 4-31 Uses for digital video.

Digital Media on the Web (1 of 1)

• Streaming the media means receiving the audio or video content on your computer from a server and then watching or listening to the media as it arrives.
• For on-demand content, such as television shows, the original media file is stored on the media distributor’s server.
• With live video streaming, often used for sports events, the content is sent out live, as it happens, and is available only once.
• Smart TVs connect to a Wi-Fi network and let you view Internet content, including television shows, movies, games, and photos.
• Streaming video is more convenient and less expensive than traditional cable and satellite television content.
• Streaming digital audio in the form of audio books, using sites such as Audible, and as audio podcasts, may include news stories, music, lectures, or radio shows.

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Virtual and Augmented Reality and�Artificial Intelligence (1 of 7)

• Virtual reality (VR), a computer-simulated, 3-D environment that you can explore and manipulate, attempts to remove the barrier between the viewer and the media.
• Augmented reality (AR) apps overlay information and digital content on top of physical objects or locations.
• In a virtual world, a 3-D computer model creates a convincing illusion of depth and space to make you feel you are part of a real scene you can explore.

Figure 4-34 AR game Pokemon Go on a smartphone.

Virtual and Augmented Reality and�Artificial Intelligence (2 of 7)

AR and VR in Gaming

• Today’s video games use high-end graphics, powerful processors, and the Internet to create environments.
• These systems use handheld controllers as input devices, speakers and a television screen or computer monitor as output devices, a hard drive and memory cards or optical discs for storage.

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Figure 4-35 Gaming system.

Virtual and Augmented Reality and�Artificial Intelligence (3 of 7)

• A VR gaming system can be set up using hardware.
• These systems run on customized desktops and include a headset, controllers, and sensors to track the movements.
• Augmented reality gaming integrates visual and audio game content with your environment.

Figure 4-36 VR gaming system.

Virtual and Augmented Reality and�Artificial Intelligence (4 of 7)

• Microsoft offers the HoloLens headsets, which use holograms, projected images that appear three-dimensional.
• Motion-sensing game consoles allow you to interact with the system through body movements.
• Physical therapists use these consoles along with virtual reality gaming techniques to challenge and motivate patients undergoing rehabilitation.

Figure 4-37 Using a motion-sensing game console.

Virtual and Augmented Reality and�Artificial Intelligence (5 of 7)

• Artificial intelligence (AI) is the technological use of logic and prior experience to simulate human intelligence.
• Machine learning is a branch of AI that trains machines to learn from data, identify patterns, and make decisions to progressively improve their performance without much human intervention.
• Some of the practical uses of AI include strategic gaming, military simulations, statistical predictions, and self-driving cars.
• Navigation apps, which provide you with information about traffic and the best routes, along with preferred stops along your way.
• Security, such as using your fingerprint to access your phone, or facial recognition and motion-detection cameras that alert you to unusual or unauthorized visitors.

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Virtual and Augmented Reality and�Artificial Intelligence (6 of 7)

• Natural language processing is a form of data input in which computers interpret and digitize spoken words or commands.
• Digital assistants use natural language processing to respond to verbal commands or questions, using search technology to provide answers or perform a task.

Figure 4-38 Smart devices provide you with assistance.

Virtual and Augmented Reality and�Artificial Intelligence (7 of 7)

• Robotics is the science that combines engineering and technology to create and program robots.
• A robotic arm or instrument can be more precise, flexible, and controlled than a human hand.
• Robotic surgeries often take less time to heal and can prevent risk of infection as they require a smaller incision site.

Figure 4-39 Robot used to detect weeds and spray chemicals.

Personal Interest Applications (1 of 1)

Countless desktop, mobile, and web apps are designed specifically. Some applications focus on a single service, while others provide several services in a single application, including:

• Lifestyle applications
• Medical applications
• Entertainment applications
• Convenience applications
• Education applications
• Financial applications

Figure 4-40 Using a financial app.

Secure IT: Security Tools (1 of 5)

• To protect your computer and mobile devices against malware, you can use one or more security tools.
• These security tools include personal firewalls, antivirus programs, malware removers, and Internet filters.
• A firewall is a protective barrier between a computer or network and others on the Internet.
• A personal firewall is a security tool that detects and protects a personal computer and its data from unauthorized intrusions.
• An antivirus app protects a computer against viruses by identifying and removing any computer viruses found in memory, on storage media, or on incoming files.

Secure IT: Security Tools (2 of 5)

Spyware, Adware, and Other Malware Removers

• Spyware is a type of program placed on a computer or mobile device without the user’s knowledge that secretly collects information about the user. It can enter your computer when you install a new program, through a graphic on a web page or in an email message, or malware.
• Adware is a type of program that displays an online advertisement in a banner or pop-up or pop-under window on web pages, email messages, or other Internet services. An adware remover is a program that detects and deletes adware
• A spyware remover is a type of program that detects and deletes spyware and similar programs.
• Malware removers detect and delete spyware, adware, and other malware.

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Secure IT: Security Tools (3 of 5)

• If an antivirus program identifies an infected file, it attempts to remove the malware.
• If the antivirus program cannot remove the infection, it often quarantines the infected file.
• A quarantine is a separate area of a hard drive that holds the infected file until the infection can be removed.
• Quarantined files remain on a computer or mobile device until the user deletes them or restores them.
• Filters are programs that remove or block certain items from being displayed.
• Five widely used Internet filters are anti-spam programs, web filters, phishing filters, pop-up and pop-under blockers, and ransomware apps.

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Secure IT: Security Tools (4 of 5)

• Web filtering software is a program that restricts access to certain material on the web.
• Phishing is a scam in which a perpetrator sends an official-looking email message that attempts to obtain your personal and/or financial information.
• Some browsers include phishing filters.
• A pop-up blocker or pop-under blocker is a filtering program that stops pop-up or pop-under ads from displaying on web pages.

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Figure 4-41 Phishing email message.

Secure IT: Security Tools (5 of 5)

• Ransomware is a type of attack that affects your files and personal data. Some attacks encrypt your data and files or otherwise restrict access.
• Some ransomware threatens to publish your personal data, or in the case of a corporation, sensitive company files, unless a payment is made.

Figure 4-42 Ransomware attacks affect your data and files until you pay.

How To: Use System Management�Tools (4 of 5)

• A crash occurs when the program or app stops functioning correctly. This can be caused by an issue with the hardware, the software, a virus or other malware, or using invalid data or commands.
• Troubleshooting refers to the steps you take to identify and solve a problem, such as a crash.
• Patch finders compare the software versions. Restorers allow you to restore.
• File managers perform functions such as displaying a list of files on a storage medium; organizing files in folders; and copying, renaming, deleting, moving, and sorting files.
• Search tools allow you to locate a file, contact, calendar event, app, or any other item stored on your computer or mobile device.