Includes index.

Machine generated contents note: Part 1: How Will You Put Technology in Action?
Learning Outcome 1.1 You will be able to discuss the impact of the tools of modern technology on national and global issues.
Technology on the World Stage
Impact of Tools of Modern Technology
Objective 1.1 Describe various technological tools being used to impact national and global issues.
Global Issues
Objective 1.2 Describe various global social issues that are being affected by technology.
Technology and Our Society
Technology Impacts How We Think
Objective 1.3 Describe how technology is changing our cognitive processes.
Technology Impacts How We Connect
Objective 1.4 Explain how technology is expanding the ways we collaborate.
Technology Impacts How We Consume
Objective 1.5 Summarize how technology has impacted the way we choose and consume products and services.
Sound Byte: Virtual Computer Tour
Try This: Skyping Around the World
Contents note continued: Make This: Make: A Virtual Assistant
Part 2: Personal Technology and Ethical Computing
Learning Outcome 1.2 You will be able to discuss personal impacts technology can have on your life and your career and how technology creates new ethical debates.
Technology at Home
Computer Literacy
Objective 1.6 Characterize computer literacy, and list some of its benefits.
Ethics In It: Ethics in Computing
Technology and Your Career
Impact of Computer Literacy on Your Career
Objective 1.7 Evaluate the impact computer literacy has on a variety of careers.
Bits&​Bytes: Computational Art
Dig Deeper: Augmentative and Virtual Realities
Technology and Your Ethics
Defining Ethics
Objective 1.8 Define ethics and examine various ethical systems.
Sound Byte: How to Debate Ethical Issues
Personal Ethics
Objective 1.9 Relate influences on the development of your personal ethics.
Ethics and Technology
Contents note continued: Objective 1.10 Present examples of how technology creates ethical challenges.
Solve This: How Technology Is Used on the World Stage and in My Personal Life
Part 1: Understanding Digital Components
Learning Outcome 2.1 You will be able to describe the devices that make up a computer system.
Understanding Your Computer
Computers Are Data Processing Devices
Objective 2.1 Describe the four main functions of a computer system and how they interact with data and information.
Bits&​Bytes: The Language of Computers
Objective 2.2 Define bits and bytes, and describe how they are measured, used, and processed.
Sound Byte: Binary Numbers Interactive
Types of Computers
Objective 2.3 List common types of computers, and discuss their main features.
HelpDesk: Understanding Bits and Bytes
Bits&​Bytes: Today's Supercomputers: Faster Than Ever
Input Devices
Physical Keyboards and Touch Screens
Contents note continued: Objective 2.4 Identify the main types of keyboards and touch screens.
Mice and Other Pointing Devices
Objective 2.5 Describe the main types of mice and pointing devices.
Dig Deeper: How Touch Screens Work
Bits&​Bytes: Distributed Computing: Putting Your Computer to Work While You Sleep
Image, Sound, and Sensor Input
Objective 2.6 Explain how images, sounds, and sensor data are input into computing devices.
Output Devices
Image and Audio Output
Objective 2.7 Describe options for outputting images and audio from computing devices.
Bits&​Bytes: Near Field Communication (NFC): Now Pay (or Get Paid) Anywhere with Your Phone
HelpDesk: Using Output Devices
Printers
Objective 2.8 Describe various types of printers, and explain when you would use them.
Bits&​Bytes: Medical Devices and 3D Printing
Try This: What's Inside My Computer?
Make This: Make: A Mobile App
Part 2: Processing, Storage, and Connectivity
Contents note continued: Learning Outcome 2.2 You will be able to describe how computers process and store data and how devices connect to a computer system.
Processing and Memory on the Motherboard
The Motherboard and Memory
Objective 2.9 Describe the functions of the motherboard and RAM.
Processing
Objective 2.10 Explain the main functions of the CPU.
Sound Byte: Smartphones Are Really Smart
Storing Data and Information
Storage Options on Computing Devices
Objective 2.11 Describe the various means of storing data and information with computing devices.
Ethics In It: What Is Ethical Computing?
Trends In It: Green Computing (Green IT)
Connecting Peripherals to the Computer
Computer Ports
Objective 2.12 Describe common types of ports used today.
HelpDesk: Exploring Storage Devices and Ports
Power Management and Ergonomics
Power Controls and Power Management
Contents note continued: Objective 2.13 Describe how to manage power consumption on computing devices.
Bits&​Bytes: Save Power and Avoid Eyestrain: Use Blackle
Setting It All Up: Ergonomics
Objective 2.14 Define ergonomics, and discuss the ideal physical setup for using computing devices.
Solve This: Technology Wish List
Part 1: Collaborating and Working on the Web
Learning Outcome 3.1 You will be able to explain how the Internet works and how it is used for collaboration, communication, commerce, and entertainment purposes.
The Internet and How It Works
The Origin of the Internet
Objective 3.1 Describe how the Internet got its start.
How the Internet Works
Objective 3.2 Explain how data travels on the Internet.
Collaborating and Communicating on the Web
Collaborating with Web Technologies
Objective 3.3 Evaluate the tools and technologies used to collaborate on the web.
Bits&​Bytes: Useful Wikis
Sound Byte: Blogging
Contents note continued: Communicating over the Web
Objective 3.4 Summarize the technologies used to communicate over the web.
Conducting Business on the Web
Conducting Business Online
Objective 3.5 Describe how business is conducted using the Internet.
Dig Deeper: How Cloud Computing Works
Bits&​Bytes: Looking for Extra Money? Try a Side Hustle
E-Commerce Safeguards
Objective 3.6 Summarize precautions you should take when doing business online.
HelpDesk: Doing Business Online
Bits&​Bytes: Making Safe Mobile and Online Payments
Try This: Use OneDrive to Store and Share Your Files in the Cloud
Make This: Make: A Web-Capable App
Part 2: Using the Web Effectively
Learning Outcome 3.2 You will be able to describe the tools and techniques required to navigate and search the web.
Accessing and Moving Around the Web
Web Browsers
Objective 3.7 Explain what web browsers are, and describe their common features.
Contents note continued: URLs, Protocols, and Domain Names
Objective 3.8 Explain what a URL is, and discuss its main parts.
Navigating the Web
Objective 3.9 Describe tools used to navigate the web.
Bits&​Bytes: Maintain Your Privacy While Searching the Web
Searching the Web Effectively
Using Search Engines
Objective 3.10 Describe the types of tools used to search the web, and summarize strategies used to refine search results.
HelpDesk: Getting Around the Web
Bits&​Bytes: Digital Assistants and Predictive Search
Evaluating Websites
Objective 3.11 Describe how to evaluate a website to ensure it is appropriate to use for research purposes.
Sound Byte: Finding Information on the Web
HelpDesk: Evaluating Websites
Trends In It: Linked Data and the Semantic Web
Bits&​Bytes: Why Isn't Wikipedia Good to Use as a Source for a Research Paper?
Using the Web Ethically
Digital Activism
Contents note continued: Objective 3.12 Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical issues regarding digital activism.
Geolocation
Objective 3.13 Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical issues regarding location tracking applications and devices.
Bits&​Bytes: Human-Implanted Data Chips: Protection or Invasive Nightmare?
Ethics In It: Cyber Harassment
Solve This: Create a Report: Conducting Research on the Web
Part 1: Accessing, Using, and Managing Software
Learning Outcome 4.1 You will be able to explain the ways to access and use software and describe how to best manage your software.
Software Basics
Application vs. System Software
Objective 4.1 Compare application software and system software.
Distributing Software
Objective 4.2 Explain the differences between commercial software and open source software, and describe models for software distribution.
Bits&​Bytes: Finding Alternative Software
Managing Your Software
Contents note continued: Purchasing Software
Objective 4.3 Explain the different options for purchasing software.
Trends In It: Mobile Payment Apps: The Power of M-Commerce
HelpDesk: Buying and Installing Software
Installing and Uninstalling Software
Objective 4.4 Describe how to install and uninstall software.
Bits&​Bytes: Ridding Your Computer of "Bloat"
Upgrading Software
Objective 4.5 Explain the considerations around the decision to upgrade your software.
Dig Deeper: How Number Systems Work
Sound Byte: Where Does Binary Show Up?
Software Licenses
Objective 4.6 Explain how software licenses function.
Ethics In It: Can I Borrow Software That I Don't Own?
Try This: Citing Website Sources
Make This: Make: A More Powerful App
Part 2: Application Software
Learning Outcome 4.2 Describe the different types of application software used for productivity and multimedia.
Productivity and Business Software
Productivity Software
Contents note continued: Objective 4.7 Categorize the types of application software used to enhance productivity, and describe their uses and features.
Bits&​Bytes: Productivity Software Tips and Tricks
Bits&​Bytes: How to Open Unknown File Types
Bits&​Bytes: Going Beyond PowerPoint
Sound Byte: Programming for End Users
Business Software
Objective 4.8 Summarize the types of software that large and small businesses use.
Bits&​Bytes: Need to Work as a Team? Try These Collaboration Tools
Multimedia and Educational Software
Digital Multimedia Software
Objective 4.9 Describe the uses and features of digital multimedia software.
Digital Audio Software
Objective 4.10 Describe the uses and features of digital audio software.
HelpDesk: Choosing Software
App Creation Software
Objective 4.11 Describe the features of app creation software.
Bits&​Bytes: Mirror, Mirror
Educational and Reference Software
Contents note continued: Objective 4.12 Categorize educational and reference software, and explain their features.
Solve This: Analyzing Benchmark Data
Part 1: Understanding System Software
Learning Outcome 5.1 You will be able to explain the types and functions of operating systems and explain the steps in the boot process.
Operating System Fundamentals
Operating System Basics
Objective 5.1 Discuss the functions of the operating system.
Operating Systems for Personal Use
Objective 5.2 Explain the most common operating systems for personal use.
Bits&​Bytes: Why Isn't Everyone Using Linux?
Bits&​Bytes: Use Cortana to Find Your Files
Operating Systems for Machinery, Networks, and Business
Objective 5.3 Explain the different kinds of operating systems for machines, networks, and business.
Ethics In It: The Great Debate: Is macOS Safer Than Windows?
What the Operating System Does
The User Interface
Contents note continued: Objective 5.4 Explain how the operating system provides a means for users to interact with the computer.
Hardware Coordination
Objective 5.5 Explain how the operating system helps manage hardware such as the processor, memory, storage, and peripheral devices.
Sound Byte: Using Windows to Evaluate CPU Performance
Software Application Coordination
Objective 5.6 Explain how the operating system interacts with application software.
Trends In It: Are Personal Computers Becoming More Human?
Starting Your Computer
The Boot Process
Objective 5.7 Discuss the process the operating system uses to start up the computer and how errors in the boot process are handled.
HelpDesk: Starting the Computer: The Boot Process
Try This: Using Virtual Desktops in Windows 10
Make This: Make: A Notification Alert
Part 2: Using System Software
Contents note continued: Learning Outcome 5.2 You will be able to describe how to use system software, including the user interface, file management capabilities, and utility programs.
The Windows Interface
Using Windows 10
Objective 5.8 Describe the main features of the Windows interface.
Bits&​Bytes: The Snipping Tool
File Management
Organizing Your Files
Objective 5.9 Summarize how the operating system helps keep your computer organized and manages files and folders.
Bits&​Bytes: Save Files in the Cloud Right from Your Apps
Bits&​Bytes: Tips for Organizing Your Files
HelpDesk: Organizing Your Computer: File Management
Utility Programs
Windows Administrative Utilities
Objective 5.10 Outline the tools used to enhance system productivity, back up files, and provide accessibility.
HelpDesk: Using Utility Programs
Dig Deeper: How Disk Defragmenting Utilities Work
Sound Byte: Hard Disk Anatomy
Contents note continued: Solve This: Mobile Operating Systems: Changing Market Share
Part 1: Evaluating Key Subsystems
Learning Outcome 6.1 You will be able to evaluate your computer system's hardware functioning, including the CPU and memory subsystems.
Your Ideal Computing Device
Moore's Law
Objective 6.1 Describe the changes in CPU performance over the past several decades.
Selecting a Computing Device
Objective 6.2 Compare and contrast a variety of computing devices.
Evaluating the CPU Subsystem
How the CPU Works
Objective 6.3 Describe how a CPU is designed and how it operates.
Bits&​Bytes: Liquid Cooling
Measuring CPU Performance
Objective 6.4 Describe tools used to measure and evaluate CPU performance.
Dig Deeper: The Machine Cycle
Evaluating the Memory Subsystem
Random Access Memory
Objective 6.5 Discuss how RAM is used in a computer system.
Adding RAM
Contents note continued: Objective 6.6 Evaluate whether adding RAM to a system is desirable.
HelpDesk: Evaluating Your CPU and RAM
Sound Byte: Installing RAM
Try This: Measure Your System Performance
Make This: Make: A Location-Aware App
Part 2: Evaluating Other Subsystems and Making a Decision
Learning Outcome 6.2 You will be able to evaluate your computer system's storage subsystem, media subsystem, and reliability and decide whether to purchase a new system or upgrade an existing one.
Evaluating the Storage Subsystem
Types of Storage Drives
Objective 6.7 Classify and describe the major types of nonvolatile storage drives.
Sound Byte: Installing an SSD Drive
Dig Deeper: How Storage Devices Work
Storage Needs
Objective 6.8 Evaluate the amount and type of storage needed for a system.
Bits&​Bytes: How Much Storage to Buy?
Evaluating the Media Subsystems
Video Cards
Objective 6.9 Describe the features of video cards.
Contents note continued: Bits&​Bytes: Graphics Cards with SSD on Board
Trends In It: USB 3.1 and USB-C
Sound Cards
Objective 6.10 Describe the features of sound cards.
HelpDesk: Evaluating Computer System Components
Evaluating System Reliability and Moving On
Maintaining System Reliability
Objective 6.11 Describe steps you can take to optimize your system's reliability.
Getting Rid of Your Old Computer
Objective 6.12 Discuss how to recycle, donate, or dispose of an older computer.
Ethics In It: Free Hardware for All
Solve This: Laptop Alternatives
Part 1: How Networks Function
Learning Outcome 7.1 You will be able to explain the basics of networking, including the components needed to create a network, and describe the different ways a network can connect to the Internet.
Networking Fundamentals
Understanding Networks
Objective 7.1 Explain computer networks and their pros and cons.
HelpDesk: Understanding Networking
Contents note continued: Ethics In It: Ethical Challenges of the Internet of Things
Try This: Testing Your Internet Connection Speed
Make This: Make: Networked Devices
Part 2: Your Home Network
Learning Outcome 7.2 You will be able to describe what is necessary to install and configure a home network and how to manage and secure a wireless network.
Installing and Configuring Home Networks
Planning Your Home Network
Objective 7.8 Explain what should be considered before creating a home network.
Connecting Devices to a Network
Objective 7.9 Describe how to set up a home network.
Bits&​Bytes: Mesh Networks: An Emerging Alternative
Bits&​Bytes: Analyzing Network Problems
Configuring Software for Your Home Network
Objective 7.10 Summarize how to configure home network software.
Dig Deeper: P2P File Sharing
Managing and Securing Wireless Networks
Troubleshooting Wireless Network Problems
Contents note continued: Objective 7.11 Describe the potential problems with wireless networks and means to avoid them.
Securing Wireless Networks
Objective 7.12 Describe how to secure wireless home networks.
Sound Byte: Securing Wireless Networks
Solve This: Home Networking Guide
Part 1: The Impact of Digital Information
Learning Outcome 8.1 You will be able to describe the nature of digital signals and how digital technology is used to produce and distribute digital texts, music, and video.
Digital Basics
Digital Convergence
Objective 8.1 Describe how digital convergence has evolved.
Digital vs. Analog
Objective 8.2 Explain the differences between digital and analog signals.
Digital Publishing
E-Readers
Objective 8.3 Describe the different types of e-readers.
Using e-Texts
Objective 8.4 Explain how to purchase, borrow, and publish e-texts.
Digital Music
Creating and Storing Digital Music
Contents note continued: Objective 8.5 Describe how digital music is created and stored.
Bits&​Bytes: Digital Music Creation
Distributing Digital Music
Objective 8.6 Summarize how to listen to and publish digital music.
Bits&​Bytes: Need Money for Your Band? Try Crowdfunding
Digital Media
Digital Photography
Objective 8.7 Explain how best to create, print, and share digital photos.
Bits&​Bytes: Photo Edit on Your Phone
Sound Byte: Enhancing Photos with Image-Editing Software
Digital Video
Objective 8.8 Describe how to create, edit, and distribute digital video.
Bits&​Bytes: Fly-By Drone Video
Trends In It: Digital Asset Managers Needed!
Try This: Creating and Publishing a Movie
Make This: Make: A Video-Playing App
Part 2: Ethical Issues of Living in the Digital Age
Learning Outcome 8.2 You will be able to describe how to respect digital property and use it in ways that maintain your digital reputation.
Contents note continued: Protection of Digital Property
Intellectual Property
Objective 8.9 Describe the various types of intellectual property.
Copyright Basics
Objective 8.10 Explain how copyright is obtained and the rights granted to the owners.
HelpDesk: Understanding Intellectual Property and Copyright
Copyright Infringement
Objective 8.11 Explain copyright infringement, summarize the potential consequences, and describe situations in which you can legally use copyrighted material.
Bits&​Bytes: Software Piracy: It's More Than Just Downloading and Copying
Bits&​Bytes: Your Tax Dollars at Work: Free Media without Permission!
Living Ethically in the Digital Era
Plagiarism
Objective 8.12 Explain plagiarism and strategies for avoiding it.
Hoaxes and Digital Manipulation
Objective 8.13 Describe hoaxes and digital manipulation.
Sound Byte: Plagiarism and Intellectual Property
Protecting Your Online Reputation
Contents note continued: Objective 8.14 Describe what comprises your online reputation and how to protect it.
Bits&​Bytes: Celebrity Photographic Rights
Ethics In It: Acceptable Use Policies: What You Can and Can't Do
Solve This: Intellectual Property and Copyright Basics
Part 1: Threats to Your Digital Assets
Learning Outcome 9.1 You will be able to describe hackers, viruses, and other online annoyances and the threats they pose to your digital security.
Identity Theft and Hackers
Identity Theft
Objective 9.1 Describe how identity theft is committed and the types of scams identity thieves perpetrate.
Hacking
Objective 9.2 Describe the different types of hackers and the tools they use.
Bits&​Bytes: Hacking for Security
Computer Viruses
Virus Basics
Objective 9.3 Explain what a computer virus is, why it is a threat to your security, how a computing device catches a virus, and the symptoms it may display.
Contents note continued: Sound Byte: Protecting Your Computer
Types of Viruses
Objective 9.4 List the different categories of computer viruses, and describe their behaviors.
Online Annoyances and Social Engineering
Online Annoyances
Objective 9.5 Explain what malware, seam, and cookies are and how they impact your security.
Social Engineering
Objective 9.6 Describe social engineering techniques, and explain strategies to avoid falling prey to them.
Bits&​Bytes: I Received a Data Breach Letter...Now What?
Scareware
Ethics In It: You're Being Watched...But Are You Aware You're Being Watched?
Trends In It: Spear Phishing: The Bane of Data Breaches
Try This: Testing Your Network Security
Make This: Make: A Password Generator
Part 2: Protecting Your Digital Property
Learning Outcome 9.2 Describe various ways to protect your digital property and data from theft and corruption.
Restricting Access to Your Digital Assets
Firewalls
Contents note continued: Objective 9.7 Explain what a firewall is and how a firewall protects your computer from hackers.
HelpDesk: Understanding Firewalls
Preventing Virus Infections
Objective 9.8 Explain how to protect your computer from virus infection.
HelpDesk: Avoiding Computer Viruses
Authentication: Passwords and Biometrics
Objective 9.9 Describe how passwords and biometric characteristics can be used for user authentication.
Bits&​Bytes: CAPTCHA: Keeping Websites Safe from Bots
Anonymous Web Surfing: Hiding from Prying Eyes
Objective 9.10 Describe ways to surf the web anonymously.
Bits&​Bytes: Multi-Factor Authentication: Don't Rely Solely on Passwords
Keeping Your Data Safe
Protecting Your Personal Information
Objective 9.11 Describe the types of information you should never share online.
Sound Byte: Managing Computer Security with Windows Tools
Backing Up Your Data
Contents note continued: Objective 9.12 List the various types of backups you can perform on your computing devices, and explain the various places you can store backup files.
Protecting Your Physical Computing Assets
Environmental Factors and Power Surges
Objective 9.13 Explain the negative effects environment and power surges can have on computing devices.
Preventing and Handling Theft
Objective 9.14 Describe the major concerns when a device is stolen and strategies for solving the problems.
Dig Deeper: Computer Forensics: How It Works
Solve This: Computer Security.

Active helpdesks: learn key computer concepts by fielding questions from callers in a simulated helpdesk environment -- Sound bytes: see key concepts demonstrated through multimedia lessons that include video, sound or animation. Also includes Sound Byte Labs featuring multiple-choice quizzes.