This section introduces you to the basics of how computers work, including their use of the binary number system and the encoding of digital media files. After finishing this section, you should be able to:
Describe the binary number system used by computers to process data.
Define bits and bytes.
Explain how physical signals are translated into digital information.
Describe the most common units of measurement used for storage, throughput, and processing speed.
Describe how audio and video are stored digitally.
Distinguish between raster and vector images.
Select the best format for digital images.
Describe how RGB values determine pixel color.
Compare common image file types.
Describe the difference between lossless and lossy compression algorithms.
Decimal System A numbering system that uses ten digits, 0 through 9.
Binary System A numbering system that uses two digits, 0 and 1.
Hexadecimal System A numbering system that uses sixteen digits, 0 through 9, and A through F.
Bit The smallest unit of digital information, represented by a 1 or 0.
Byte A group of eight bits joined together. Digital Data A physical signal, such as text, numbers, graphics, or sound, interpreted by converting it into binary numbers.
Encoded Integers The representation of integers using a group of bytes. Normally, one bit in one of the byes represents the sign, 1 for negative and 0 for positive. The remaining 31 bits are used to encode the number itself using binary digits.
Encoded Text The representation of text by assigning a unique binary code to each character.
Processor Speed The speed at which a computer processes information, as measured by the number of cycles per second (Hertz) that the computer’s CPU operates at. Processor speed is measured in kilohertz, megahertz, and gigahertz.
Storage Space The measurement in bytes of the volume that a storage device can contain. Storage space is measured in kilobytes (1024 bytes), megabytes (1024 kilobytes), gigabytes (1024 megabytes), and terabytes (1024 gigabytes).
Throughput The measurement in bits per second that information is transferred through a network from one computer to another. Throughput is measured in Kbps (kilobits per second), Mbps (megabits per second), and Gbps (gigabits per second).
ASCII Pronounced ask-ee and short for American Standard Code for Information Interchange, the most common format for text files in computers on the internet where each character is represented by a unique 7-bit binary code. Extended ASCII uses an 8-bit binary code and allows for international characters.
Unicode An international 16-bit encoding standard that accommodates character sets from multiple languages, with each letter, digit, or symbol being assigned a unique numeric value.
Sample The part of a sound wave that is captured, measured, and assigned a numeric value during digital sound recording.
Bit Depth The amount of memory used to store the numeric value of a sound sample during digital sound recording. 8-bit sound uses eight bits (or one byte) to store the value of each sample. 16-bit sound uses two bytes per sample. Generally speaking, the better the bit depth, the better the sound.
Sampling Rate The number of individual samples taken each second during digital sound recording. Measured in Hertz, the higher the sampling rate, the better the recording. Most modern sound recordings are made at 44.1 kHz.
Frame Rate The number of images, or frames, that are taken each second during digital video recording. Most digital videos have a frame rate of about 30 frames per second.
Resolution The number of pixels in the width and height of each frame in a digital video recording. The higher the resolution, the clearer the image will be.
Color Depth The amount of memory the computer uses to display colors in a digital image or a digital video. 8-bit color images use one byte of data for each pixel. 24-bit color uses three bytes for each pixel.
RGB Display A display on a computer monitor that is made up of sets of tiny red, green, and blue (RGB) lights, each set combining to make a pixel. A pixel will display different colors depending on the brightness of each light.
Raster Images Images stored by dividing a picture into rows of pixels and collecting the color values of each pixel, in order, row-by-row.
Vector Images Images stored by mathematically describing the shapes in the image. A circle might be stored as a center point and the distance from the center point to the circle’s edge. A square is stored as four lines, each with a beginning point and a length. More complex shapes can be stored as a set of small lines.
File Compression A way of reducing the size of files, making them easier to store.
Lossless Compression A compression algorithm, such as GIF, PNG, PDF, and ZIP, that doesn’t affect the original data. A file compressed using a lossless compression algorithm, when decompressed, will be exactly the same as the file before compression, bit for bit.
Lossy Compression A compression algorithm, such as JPG, MP3, and MP4, that slightly alters the data to make it easier to store, taking advantage of the limitations of human sight and hearing, and is usually used for images, videos, and audio files.
Run-Length Encoding A common lossless compression algorithm that looks for repeated patterns of bits or bytes and records the pattern and then number of times the pattern is repeated.
Compression Artifact A patch of pixels in a compressed image or video that have less visible detail than the rest of the image.
Topics Discussed:
How do computers convert physical signals into digital data?
How do computers encode digital image, sound, video and text files?
When is it best to use compressed files? When is it better to use uncompressed files?
Assignment:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
Study Section 1.2: How Computers Work, and complete the 13 question Exam to complete the Section.
Assigned: August 29th, 2019 Teacher Pacing Due Date: August 30th, 2019
This section introduces you to the history of computing devices and the ethical implications of modern technology. After finishing this section, you should be able to:
Recall significant developments in the history of modern computing.
Identify uses of computers in today’s world.
Identify the basic functions of computers.
Recommend computing devices based on user requirements.
Describe ethical considerations related to evolving forms of technology.
Topics Discussed: Networking and Operating Systems
Assignment:
Click the Google Classroomlink to connect to the online testing website.
Navigate to the Google Classroom and click on today’s Assignment Post.
Click on the “NetOp PreTest 2019” exam.
The quiz is 100 questions, all multiple choice, and reflects all the material presented in the chapters we cover in the first half of the class.
Please put away all notes, study guides and other materials before starting the quiz.
Please close all other documents and webpages and do not open any new tabs or windows until after you have submitted the quiz.
Please remain silent until everyone has completed the exam.
Remember, this is a pre-test, so do your best to answer all the questions, but don’t worry if you don’t have all the answers. That’s what you’re here to learn.
Unless you were here last year, that is – then you’re expected to pass this pre-test with at least an 80% grade so you can progress to the independent study for certification test preparation.
Submit your test answers before the end of the class period today.
The exam session will conclude at the end of the class period, so use your time wisely.
When you have completed your exam, the rest of the time is yours, please use it wisely.
Assigned: August 23rd, 2019 Due Date: August 23rd, 2019
I can demonstrate my understanding of PC Hardware fundamentals by disassembling a PC, inventorying the parts and successfully reassembling the PC so that I can better understand the internal hardware architecture of a common PC.
This week, we will visit the lab, where each student will be allowed to pick out a PC to use in their lab activities throughout the year.
Each student should first assemble their PC, connect it to power, boot to the Windows operating system and confirm that it is in working order.
Examine the computer and peripheral components, front and back.
In a Google Doc or Form, create an inventory list of the external components. Provide the component name, manufacturer, description, characteristics and any identification numbers available (serial #, part #, model #).
Observe the boot process and determine the following information:
What is the speed of the CPU?
How much RAM is installed?
Next, each student will open up their PC, and remove and inventory (record any available information such as manufacturer, model, serial # and capacity) all easily removable components:
Hard Drive
Optical Drive (DVD-Rom)
RAM sticks
Power Supply Unit
Motherboard
Students will acquire a philips head screwdriver from the tool cabinet and proceed to carefully remove the heatsink assembly, exposing the CPU.
Students will use the cleaning equipment provided to remove the old thermal paste from the CPU and the heatsink assembly, and will acquire a tube of thermal paste to apply fresh thermal paste to the CPU. Use the How to Apply Thermal Paste video as a guide on the correct method for the application of thermal paste, and take care not to waste the provided materials.
Students will proceed to carefully remove the motherboard and power supply.
Students will use canned air to clean the PC case of lint and debris to ensure optimal airflow.
Students will reassemble the PC and its external peripherals, and reboot it to test its operation.
Submit the completed PC Inventory document to the Google Classroom assignment labeled “Chap. 1 Lab” by Wednesday, Sept. 6th.
Assigned: August 14th, 2019 Due Date: August 21st, 2019
Introduce students to the Mac OSX operating system.
Walk students through configuring their workspace to their own preferences.
Student-Friendly Objectives:
I can effectively navigate the Macintosh OS, and change my desktop wallpaper, mouse settings and desktop settings using the System Preferences so I can customize and configure my Mac workspace to suit my preferences.
Links:
None
Topics Discussed:
Mac OSX
Desktop
Menu Bar
System Preferences
Mouse
Dock
Icons
Finder
Trash
Launchpad
Documents
Finder Window
Finder Window Views
Safari
Google Image Search
Resolution
Assignment:
Today we’ll begin our introduction to the Macintosh operating system.
Follow along with the in-class demonstrations to learn how to:
Log in using your newly created network account.
Change your password, if you wish to do so.
Navigate through the OSX Mavericks operating system.
Identify and use items on the desktop, including the Finder, application icons, the menu bar, the dock, the trash and the Launchpad.
Use the System Preferences panel to adjust your Desktop wallpaper and your Mouse settings (enable right click).
Open a new Finder window and navigate to your Documents folder to store files and folders.
Use the Finder window to view files and folders in different ways.
Adjust the Finder Preferences to see all items on the desktop.
Use Safari to browse the web
Locate and bookmark the class website (https://netop.mistermarmolejo.com).
Use Google Image Search to find an appropriate image to personalize your desktop. (Keep it classy!)
Use the Search Tools underneath the search bar to search for Large images with higher resolutions for the best results.
Remember: for the image to look good on your desktop, it has to have a minimum horizontal resolution of 1920 pixels!
Successfully log into your Haydenmagnet.org Google Account.
Create a Google Doc.
Connect to the Google Classroom for your class period.
Turn in your Google Doc using Google Classroom.
Student-Friendly Objective:
I can log into my Haydenmagnet.org Google Account with the login information provided to me and turn in an assignment using Google Classroom, so that I can successfully hand in assignments throughout the school year.
Open a Chrome browser and visit the Google website.
Click the blue Sign In button in the upper right corner.
Sign in with the Haydenmagnet.org account provided to you in your Computer Fundamentals or Computer Science class. If you do not remember your username or password from this account, or if you never took Computer Fundamentals or Computer Science, please see Mister Marmolejo to get your account information.
Once you are logged in, click on the “waffle” icon in the upper right corner and choose “Drive” from the list of Google Apps to access Google Drive. Here you will have access to the most useful Google Apps: Document, Presentation, Spreadsheet, Form and Drawing.
Click on the blue New button on the left hand side, and create a new Google Doc.
In this document, write a couple of sentences to tell me about the most interesting thing you’ve learned during our past two weeks together. It can be anything you learned in this class: something about the room, about the class itself, about me or another member of the class, etc.
When you are finished, click the words “Untitled Document” in the upper left corner, and give this document a proper name.
Today I’ll walk you through the process of logging in to the computer for the first time.
Don’t forget your Plans for Success are due today! Make sure you get those turned in to me before you leave class.
On Monday, we’ll begin our introduction to the Macintosh operating system, so make sure you give me your Plan for Success and get logged in today so you’re ready for next week’s lessons.
I can understand and agree to abide by the Computer Lab and Internet Usage Policy for the Center for Computer Studies measured by the returned signature page bearing my and my parents’ or guardian’s signatures, so that the classroom and network remains a safe and secure place for us to work, learn and play.
By now, you’ve been using computers in school long enough that you should have a pretty good handle on what is an acceptable use of computer equipment and the Internet, and what isn’t acceptable. Today’s presentation will eliminate any doubt or confusion as to what is and isn’t acceptable here in the lab.
Watch the Usage Policy Presentation along with me, and feel free to ask any questions you may have on the policy.
This policy is also outlined on the Plan for Success that you received earlier this week. The signed Plan for Success is due Friday! When you sign it, you’re agreeing to follow this policy.
The policies make sure that this room remains a clean and functional place for everyone to live and learn in. We can’t get much accomplished in here unless everyone can agree to abide by them. If you can live with that, then we can move on to learning the good stuff.
I can read and understand the class Plan for Success, and take it home to share with my parents/guardians and prove that my parents and I understand and agree to its contents by returning it with my and their signatures so that we can all understand our rights and responsibilities as learners.
Networking and Operating Systems 1-2 H Plan for Success
Assignment:
Hey, you’re back! It’s good to see you again. Today, we’re going to take care of some official business called the Plan for Success.
When you get to the college or university level, every class you’re going to take has something called a syllabus. It’s basically a legal document that defines what you can expect from the professor, and what they expect from you. It’s a pretty important thing! The Plan for Success is essentially the same thing for this class.
Why is it so important? Well, since it’s a legally binding document, if a professor violates the terms of the published syllabus in a way that a student feels negatively affects them, that student can take the professor to court. Side note: please don’t take me to court. If you see a problem with the Plan for Success, just let me know and I’ll fix it.
I’m going to point out the important parts of the Plan for Success for you later, but it’s your responsibility to read it in full and make sure you understand it, because everything we do from here on out is going to be governed by this document. If you have any questions about the document, make sure you take time to ask me so I can explain anything you don’t understand.
Once you’ve read it and fully understand it, sign it at the bottom to signify your understanding and agreement to follow the plan.
Put it someplace safe, and take it home with you. Show it to your folks tonight, and tell them what we talked about today. Make sure they understand what you’re getting into, and have them sign it to confirm that they understand the details. Bring it back to me by the end of the week (August 9th, 2019).
Assigned: August 7th, 2019 Due Date: August 9th, 2019
