TU170: Computing Essentials
Session 2
Chapter 2 & 3
Prepared by Amal Naji Ahmad KhalafThe contents of this presentation have been prepared from the study book of the TU170 course, Computer essentials 2014
Chapter 2: The Internet, the Web, and
Electronic Commerce
The Internet is often referred to as the Information Superhighway because it connects millions of people and organizations across the globe.
Unlike a typical highway, the Internet moves ideas, data, and information through networks.
The Web provides an easy-to-use, intuitive multimedia interface to connect to the Internet.
It has become an everyday tool for all of us to use.
Competent end users need to be aware of the resources available on the Internet and the Web.
The Internet and the Web
The Internet was launched in 1969 when the US developed national computer network called ARPANET.
The Internet is the largest global network, connecting smaller networks worldwide.
The World Wide Web or WWW was introduced in 1991 at CERN in Switzerland.
Prior to the Web, the Internet was all text (no graphics, animation, sound or video).
The web is a part of the Internet – not the Internet:
◦ The Internet is the actual network made up of wires, cables, satellites and rules for exchanging information between computers.
◦ The Web is the multimedia interface to the resources available on the Internet.
The Internet and the Web
The most common Internet uses are: Communicating◦ Exchange e-mail
◦ Discussion groups
Online Shopping
◦ Look for the latest fashions, search for bargains and make purchases.
Searching (for information)
◦ Access some of the world’s largest libraries directly from home computer (Virtual libraries).
Education or e-learning
◦ Take online classes
Entertainment
Access
Common way to access the Internet is through a
Commercial
Internet
Service
Providers
(
ISP
).
The most widely used ISPs are the national and
wireless service providers.
Client-server network
is comprised of users that
are connected to a ISP via a variety of connecting
technologies (dial-up, telephone connections,
wireless modems, DSLs, etc…)
Browsers
Browsers
are programs that provide access to
Web resources.
Browsers allow you to explore (or surf) the Web
by easily moving from one web site to another.
Four popular browsers are:
◦ Microsoft Internet Explorer.
◦ Mozilla Firefox. ◦ Apple Safari. ◦ Google Chrome.
Browsers
For browsers to connect to resources , the address of the resource must be specified. This address is called Uniform Resource Locator (URL).
All URLs have at least two parts
◦ Protocol: rules for exchanging data between computers (e.g. http, used for web traffic)
◦ Domain name: indicates the specific address where the resource is located.
Top-level domains (TLDs) provide further information about the website. For example, .com indicates a commercial site.
Browsers
Once the browser has connected to a web site,
a document file is sent to your computer.
This document typically contains Hypertext
Markup Language (
HTML
).
The browser interprets the HTML codes and
Communication
Communication
is the most popular Internet
activity.
Popular types of Internet communication are:
◦ Electronic Mail (E-Mail).
◦ Messaging.
◦ Social Networking.
◦ Blogs, Microblogs, Webcasts, Podcasts, wikis.
E-Mail is the transmission of electronic messages over the Internet.
An email message has three basic parts: Header (includes address, subject and attachment), message and
E-Mail address example:
Spam
is junk, unwanted or unsolicited e-mail.
Computer viruses
or destructive programs are
often attached to spams.
Spam blockers
are programs that use a variety of
approaches to identify and control spams.
Spam blockers are also referred to as: Junk mail
Messaging
Types of messaging:
Text messaging
Instant Messaging
Text messaging, also known as texting, is the process of sending a short electronic message, typically less than 160 characters, using a wireless network to another person who views the message on a mobile device such as a smartphone.
Instant Messaging (IM) allows two or more people to contact each other via direct, live communication.
Messaging
Instant messaging programs also include:
◦ Video conferencing features
◦ File sharing
◦ Remote assistance
Most widely used instant messaging services:
◦ AOL’s Instant Messenger
◦ Microsoft’s MSN Messenger
Social Networking
One of the fastest growing uses of the Internet is Social Networking.
Social networking sites focus on connecting people and organizations that share a common interest or activity.
These sites provide many tools that facilitate meeting, communicating, and sharing.
Three of the best known are Facebook, Google+, and LinkedIn.
Blogs, Microblogs, Webcasts, Podcasts,
and Wikis
In addition to social networking sites, there are
other applications that help ordinary people
communicate across the web including:
Blogs
Microblogs
Webcasts
Podcasts
Web log or log is a type of personal Web site where articles are regularly posted.
Postings are time-stamped with the newest items first.
Readers of these sites are allowed to comment.
Some blogs are like online diaries with personal information; others focus on information, hobby or theme (good books, electronic devices,…).
Several sites provide tools to create blogs like Blogger and WordPress.
Blogs, Microblogs, Webcasts, Podcasts,
and Wikis
A microblog publishes short sentences that only take a few seconds to write, rather than long stories like a traditional blog.
Microblogs are designed to keep friends and other contacts up-to-date on your interest and activities.
The most popular microblog site is Twitter.
Blogs, Microblogs, Webcasts, Podcasts,
and Wikis
Both webcasts and podcasts deliver media content such as music and movies over the Internet to your computer.
Webcasts use streaming technology in which audio and video files are continuously downloaded to your computer while you are listening to and/or viewing the file content. After a webcast has been completed, there are no files remaining on your computer.
Podcasts do not use streaming technology. Before a podcast can be run, the media files have to be downloaded and saved to your computer.
Blogs, Microblogs, Webcasts, Podcasts,
and Wikis
A
wiki
is a web site specially designed to allow
visitors to fill in missing information or correct
inaccuracies on it by directly editing the pages.
Wikis support collaborative writing in which
there isn’t a single expert author, but rather a
community of interested people.
The most common example is
Wikipedia.
Wikipedia
is an online encyclopedia written and
edited by anyone who wants to contribute.
Blogs, Microblogs, Webcasts, Podcasts,
and Wikis
Search tools
The Web provides incredible resources of
information on any topic.
Such a huge source of information requires tools
to help locate information.
Search tools include:
◦ Search engines.
◦ Specialized search engines.
Search tools
Search engines are specialized programs that assist you in locating information on the Web.
To use a search website, you enter a keyword or phrase
reflecting the information you want.
The search engine compares your entry against its
database and returns a list of hits, or sites that contain the keywords.
Each hit includes a link
to the referenced web page along with a brief discussion of the information contained at that location.
Search tools
Specialized search engines
focus on
subject-specific Web sites.
Specialized sites can potentially save your time by
narrowing your search.
To evaluate the accuracy of information you find on the web, consider the following:
Authority. Is the author an expert in the subject area? Is the site an official site for the information presented, or is the site an individual's personal website?
Accuracy. Has the information been critically reviewed for correctness prior to posting on the web?
Objectivity. Is the information factually reported or does the author have a bias
Currency. Is the information up to date? Does the site specify the date when the site was updated?
Search tools
Electronic Commerce
Electronic Commerce
(
e-commerce
) is the
buying and selling of goods over the Internet.
Like any other type of commerce, electronic
commerce involves two parties: businesses and
customers.
There are three basic types of e-commerce:
◦ Business-to-consumer (B2C).
◦ Consumer-to-consumer (C2C).
◦ Business-to-business (B2B).
Electronic Commerce
Business-to-consumer (B2C)
◦ Involves the sale of a product or service to end users.
◦ Eliminates the wholesaler by allowing manufacturer to sell directly to customer.
Consumer-to-consumer (C2C)
◦ Involves individuals selling to individuals.
◦ Takes the form of an electronic version of the classified ads or auctions.
Business-to-business (B2B)
◦ Involves the sale of a product or service from one business to another.
◦ For example, a furniture manufacturer requires raw materials such as wood and paint.
Security
The single greatest challenge for e-commerce is the
development of fast, secure and reliable payment methods.
Two basic payment options:
◦ Credit card: faster and more convenient than checks.
Credit card fraud is a major concern for both buyers and sellers.
◦ Digital cash: currency for Internet purchases.
Buyers purchases digital cash from a third party (a bank that specializes in electronic currency) by transferring funds from their banks and use it to purchase goods.
Sellers convert the digital cash to traditional currency through the third party.
Digital cash in more secure than credit cards.Example: PayPal.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing uses the Internet and the Web to shift many computer activities from the user’s computers and other computers on the Internet.
It frees end-users from owning, maintaining, and storing software programs and data.
Cloud Computing
The basic components to cloud computing:
◦ Clients (end-users).
◦ The Internet.
◦ Service providers. Such as Google Apps, which provides free access to programs with capabilities similar to Microsoft’s Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Ref: http://apps100.enterprisetraining.org/ Access date: 3/5/2013
Web Utilities
Web Utilities are specialized utility programs that
make using the Internet and Web safer and
easier.
Some utilities are browser-related programs.
Others are designed to protect children from
dangerous and inappropriate websites materials.
◦ Plug-Ins.◦ Filters.
◦ File Transfer Utilities.
Plug-Ins
Plug-Ins are programs that provide an enhanced browsing experience by enabling special file formats and multimedia elements.
Some widely used plug-ins are shown in the table.
Some of these utilities are included in many today’s
browsers and operating systems. Others must be installed.
Filters
Filters block access to selected sites.
Filter programs allow parents and organizations to block out selected sites and set time limits.
File Transfer Utilities
File Transfer Utilities
Programs that help you
upload and download files to and from the
Internet.
Three popular types of file transfer are:
◦ File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)
◦ Web-based file transfer services.
◦ BitTorrent
Internet Security Suites
An
Internet Security Suite
is a collection of utility
programs designed to maintain your security and
privacy while you are on the Web.
These programs control spam, protect against
computer viruses, provide filters and much more.
You could buy each program separately; however,
the cost of the suit is typically much less.
Two of the best-known Internet security suites
are:
◦ McAfee.
Chapter 3: Application Software
Not long ago, trained specialists were required to perform many of the operations you can now do with a microcomputer.
◦ Examples: secretaries, market analysts, graphic artists,…
Competent end users need to understand the capabilities of basic application software including:
◦ Word processors
◦ Spreadsheets
◦ Database management systems
◦ Presentation programs
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Application software
Application software
is end user software that is
used to accomplish a variety of tasks.
Two categories of application software:
◦ General-Purpose Applications: include word processors, spreadsheets, database management systems and presentation graphics.
◦ Specialized applications: other programs that tend to be more narrowly focused and used in specific
disciplines, such as web authoring programs, graphics programs, audio and video editors, multimedia authoring programs, …
You control and interact with a program using a
user interface
.
Graphical User Interface
(
GUI
): is a user interface
that uses
icons
selected by a mouse-controlled
pointer.
A
window
is simply a rectangle area that can
contain a document, program or message.
More than one window can be opened and
displayed on the computer screen at one time.
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User Interface
Most software programs use a system of menus, toolbars, dialogue boxes and buttons.
Menus present commands displayed in menu bars at the top of the screen.
Dialogue box provide additional information or requests user input.
Toolbars contain buttons for quick access commonly used commands.
Standard Toolbar in Microsoft Office Excel 2003
User Interface
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User Interface
Microsoft 2010 uses an interface introduced
in office 2007 that includes:
Ribbons
replace menus and toolbars by
organizing commonly used commands into
a set of tabs.
Tabs
divide ribbons into major activity
areas.
Galleries
display graphic representations of
alternatives.
40
User Interface
41
User Interface
Common Features
Some of the most common features in applications
include:
• Spell checkers: look for misspelled words
• Alignment: either centers, right-aligns, or left-aligns numbers and characters
• Font and font sizes (perhaps use character effects): specifies the size and style of entered numbers and text
• Tables: presents numbers and text in table format
• Reports: provides a variety of different types and styles to report information
General-Purpose Applications
Word Processors
Word Processors
allow you to create, edit,
save and print text-based documents
including memos, letters, faxes, flyers,
brochures, reports, newsletters and Web
pages.
Examples on Word processing programs:
◦
Microsoft Word (the most widely used)
◦
Corel WordPerfect
◦
Apple Pages
Word Processor Features
Entering features include:
◦
Word Wrap
automatically moves the insertion
point to the next line.
Editing features include:
◦
Thesaurus
provides synonyms, antonyms and
related words.
◦
Find and replace
locates (finds), removes, and
inserts (replace) another word(s).
◦
Spelling and grammar checkers
locate spelling
and grammatical problems.
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Word Processor Features
Formatting features include:
◦ Font and font sizing.
◦ Character effects include bod, italic and colors.
◦ Styles feature enable applying predefined set of formatting to text in one step.
◦ Bulleted and numbered lists used to present sequences on topics or steps.
Case: Creating a Flyer
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Spreadsheets
Spreadsheets
programs organize, analyze and
graph numeric data.
Examples on Spreadsheet programs:
◦
Microsoft Excel (the most widely used)
◦
Corel Quattro Pro
◦
Apple iWork's Numbers
Spreadsheets
Spreadsheets manipulate numeric data and create workbook files.
Workbook files consist of one or more related worksheets.
A worksheet or spreadsheet or sheet is a rectangular grid of rows and columns.
Columns are identified by letters and rows are identified by numbers.
A cell is created by the intersection of a row and column.
A cell can contain text or numeric entries.
Numeric entry can be a number or a formula.
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Spreadsheets
A formula is an instruction to calculate or process.
◦ Example: F15 contains the formula =E5-E13
Functions are prewritten formulas provided by the spreadsheet program that perform calculations such as adding.
◦ Example: E13 contains the function SUM(D8:D12), which adds the values in the range from D8 to D12.
A range is a series of continuous cells.
◦ In this case, the range includes D8, D9, D10, D11 and D12.
◦ The sum of the values is displayed in cell E13.
51
Spreadsheets
Spreadsheets programs typically provide a variety of different types of functions including financial, mathematical, statistical and logical functions.
Spreadsheets
Analytical graphs
or
charts
are visual
representations of data in a spreadsheet.
◦
Charts can be created by selecting the cells
containing the data to be charted and then
selecting the type of chart to display.
◦
If you change one or more numbers in your
spreadsheet, all related formulas will
automatically
recalculate
and charts will be
recreated.
◦
What-if Analysis
is the process of observing the
effect of changing one or more values.
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Case: Creating a chart
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Database Management Systems (DBMS)
A
database
is a collection of related data.
Database Management Systems (DBMS)
or
database manager is a program that sets up or
structures a database.
It also provides tools to enter, edit and retrieve
data from the database.
◦ Universities use databases to keep records of students, instructors and courses.
◦ Companies maintain employee databases.
Microsoft Access is the most popular desktop
database management software
Database Management Systems (DBMS)
The
relational database
is the most widely used
database structure.
Data is organized into related tables.
Each table is made up of rows called records and
columns called fields.
A DBMS provides tools to create and use
databases.
57
Database Management Systems (DBMS)
A Query is a question or a request for a specific data contained in a database.
Forms are used to enter and edit records.
Presentation Graphics
Presentation Graphics
are programs that create
visually interesting presentations.
Combines variety of visual objects to present
attractive, professional presentations.
They are excellent tools to communicate a
message and to persuade people.
Examples on presentation programs:
◦ Microsoft PowerPoint
◦ Corel Presentations
◦ Apple Keynote
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Presentation Graphics
Presentation Graphics Features:
Slides individual pages or screens on a presentation.
Design templates professionally selected combination of color schemes, slide layout and special effect.
Content Templates provide suggested content for each slide.
Animation adds action to text and graphics. Transitions animate moving from one slide to the
next.
Specialized Applications
Specialized applications are widely used within
specific professions. These programs include
graphics programs.
Graphics programs
examples:
desktop publishing programs
image editing programs
illustration programs
image galleries.
Desktop publishing programs
, or
page layout
programs
, allow you to mix text and graphics to
create publications of professional quality.
Used to create documents such as brochures,
newsletters, newspapers, and textbooks.
Examples:
Adobe InDesign Microsoft Publisher QuarkXPress.Graphics
Graphics
Image editors
, also known as
photo editors
, are
specialized graphics programs for editing or
modifying digital photographs.
The photographs consist of thousands of dots
or
pixels
that form images often referred to as
bitmap
or
raster
images.
Image editors examples:
Adobe Photoshop
Corel Paint Shop Pro
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
Graphics
illustration programs, also known as drawing programs, are used to create and edit vector images.
While bitmap images use pixels to represent images, vector images use geometric shapes or objects.
illustration programs are often used for graphic design, page layout, and creating sharp artistic images.
illustration programs examples:
Adobe Illustrator
CorelDRAW
Inkscape
Graphics
Image galleries are libraries of electronic images.
These images are used for a wide variety of
applications from illustrating textbooks to providing visual interest to presentations.
Types of image galleries:
stock photographs
clip art.
Stock photographs are photographs on a variety of subject material from people to landscapes.
Clip art are graphic illustrations representing a wide range of topics.
