Syllabus Focus: Unit 1 Module 1 Content 10shivaboysit.weebly.com/uploads/3/7/9/6/37962021/cape...CAPE NOTES Unit 1 Module1 Content 10 4 HyperTransport: It is a low-latency point-to-point

CAPE NOTES Unit 1 Module1 Content 10 1

Syllabus Focus: Unit 1 Module 1 Content 10

Specific Objective 10: identify tools used in the entry, retrieval, processing, storage,

presentation, transmission and dissemination of information;

Content: Examples of hardware, software, and communication tools. Tools associated with the

Internet including online services; search engines; Usenet, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), telnet,

ftp, newsgroups, message board, mailing list, Internet telephony.

Examples of Computer Hardware

Hardware is the physical aspect of a computer. While computer software exists in the form of

programs and procedures, hardware comprises the mechanical, electronic, and electrical

components of a computer system. By definition, the different parts of a computer are included

in its hardware. Computer hardware includes the central processing unit, motherboard,

microchips as well as computer peripherals like input-output and storage devices that are added

to a host computer to enhance its abilities.


Here is an overview of the different kinds of computer hardware with pictures. We give you a list

of the fundamental units of a computer along with a list of media devices, networking hardware

components, and computer peripherals. They together form the set of hardware components of

computers.

Bus


It is a subsystem that transfers data within and between computers. The computer bus provides a

logical connection between the different computer peripherals. CPUs use the control bus to

communicate with other devices in the computer. The address bus is used to specify a physical

address. A processor specifies the memory location it wants to read from or write to, on the

address bus. The value that it needs to read or write is sent to the data bus. Thus, the data bus

carries the data being processed. A parallel bus is capable of carrying multiple data in parallel

while a serial bus carries data in a bit-serial form. An internal bus connects the internal

components of a computer to the motherboard while an external bus connects the external

computer peripherals to the motherboard.

AGP: Short for Accelerated Graphics Port, AGP is a high-speed point-to-point channel that

enables the attachment of a graphics card to the computer's motherboard.


HyperTransport: It is a low-latency point-to-point link that uses high bandwidth and acts in a

bi-directional manner. It facilitates power management.

PCI: The peripheral component interconnect standard refers to the computer bus connecting

peripheral devices to a motherboard.

PCI Express: It is a computer expansion card interface format.

USB: Universal Serial Bus, as it is called, acts as an interface to a host computer. It enhances the

plug-and-play capabilities of a computer. USB is a popular device used today.

QuickPath: Also known as the Common System Interface, QuickPath is a point-to-point

processor interconnect that stands in close competition with HyperTransport.

Serial ATA: It is a computer bus that enables the transfer of data between mass storage devices

and the motherboard.

Serial Attached SCSI: It enables the transfer of data from computer storage devices like hard

drives and tape drives. It is a point-to-point serial protocol.

Central Processing Unit


It is a set of logic machines that can execute computer programs. The fundamental function of a

CPU is to execute sequences of stored instructions called programs. During its first step of

operation, the processor retrieves instructions from program memory. This step is known as the

'fetch' step. In the 'decode' step, the processor breaks up the instructions after which they are

executed. During the fourth step of writeback, the CPU writes back results of the processed

instructions into memory.

Computer fan


It is attached to the CPU and is used to lower the temperature of a computer. Fans in the

computer case help maintain a constant flow of air to the computer system.

Firmware

It is a computer program that is embedded in a hardware device. It is midway between hardware

and software. Being a piece of computer program, it is similar to software, while being tightly

bound to hardware makes it close to being a hardware component.


Motherboard and Power Supply

Motherboard is the central printed circuit board, abbreviated as PCB, which forms the complex

electronic system of a computer. A motherboard provides the computer system with all the

electrical connections, the basic circuitry, and components required for its functioning.

Computer power supply is the component responsible for supplying power to the computer. It

converts the AC power from the mains to low voltage DC power for the internal components of a

computer.


RAM and Hard Drive

Short for random access memory, RAM is the physical memory of a computer. It is used to store

the currently running programs and is attached to the motherboard.

Hard Disc is a non-volatile storage device that stores digital data on magnetic surfaces. It is used

for medium-term storage of data.


Sound and Graphics Cards

Sound card is a computer expansion card that enables the input and output of audio signals to

and from a computer. Sound cards provide multimedia applications with the audio components.

Video card that is also known as a graphics card is a hardware component which generates and

outputs the images to a display.

Storage Controllers

They are located on the motherboard or on the expansion cards. Storage controllers include

controllers for the hard disc, CD-ROM, and other drives.


Media Devices

Devices such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs are some of the popular removable storage media

that can store digital data. USB flash drives are a relatively recent development. Tape drives and

zip drives are less commonly used while the floppy disks are obsolete. Hard discs and solid-state

drives are used for internal storage. Here is a brief introduction to each of these storage media.

Know all about the hard drives.

CDs and DVDs

Popularly known as CDs, compact discs are storage devices for storing digital data. Standard

CDs can store around 80 minutes of audio. CD-ROMs contain data that is accessible for reading

and is not modifiable. CD-ROMs are used for distribution of computer software and multimedia

applications. A CD Writer is an optical disc drive that uses laser radiation or electromagnetic


waves for reading from and writing data onto discs.

Commonly known as a digital video disc and abbreviated as DVD, a digital versatile disc is one

of the very popular optical disc storage media. With physical dimensions similar to those of a

compact disc, DVDs can store data as much as six times more than a CD. A DVD-ROM drive is

used for reading data from a DVD. A DVD Writer is used for reading from and writing data to a

DVD. DVD-RAM drives allow data to be read and written rapidly from specific types of DVDs.

HD DVD is a high-density optical disc format that succeeded DVD.

Disc Array Controller

It manages physical disc drives and brings them to the form of logical units. It provides a disc

cache and implements hardware RAID.

Floppy and Data Tape


Floppy disk is a disc of a thin magnetic storage medium covered by a plastic shell. With the

advent of flash and optical storage devices, floppies have become obsolete.

Tape drive is a data storage device that reads and writes data stored on a magnetic tape. Tape

drives have storage capacities ranging from a few megabytes to multiple gigabytes. They are

mainly used for archival storage of data.

Solid-state Drive

This storage device uses solid-state memory to store persistent data. It can replace the hard disc

drive in many applications.


Blu ray Discs and USB Flash Drive

Blu ray disc is an optical disc storage media format. It obtains its name from the blue laser that is

used to read and write this type of disc. Owing to its shorter wavelength, blu-ray discs can store

large amounts of data. BD-ROM drive is used for reading data from a blu-ray disc and a BD

writer can be used for both reading from and writing to a blu-ray disc.

USB flash drive is a small-sized removable and rewritable storage device with a storage capacity

ranging from 64 MB to 64 GB. Due to their high storage capacity, durability, and compact

structure, they have gained immense popularity in the modern times. Know how a flash drive

works.

Zip Drive


Iomega came up with this medium-capacity storage media in 1994. It had a capacity of about

100 MB. Zip drives could never become standardized and were replaced by rewritable CDs.

Networking Hardware Components

Here is an overview of some of those pieces of hardware, which make it possible for a computer

to be a part of a network. Update yourself on computer networking.

Network Card

It is one of the most important pieces of hardware as it allows a computer to communicate with

other computers over a network. It serves as a networking medium and provides the computers

with a MAC address system. A network card is also known as a network adapter, a LAN card

and is better known as an NIC.

Modem and Router


Modem is used for dial-up connections. It modulates analog carrier signals to encode digital

information and demodulates it to decode the information transmitted.

Routers are not exactly pieces of hardware. Rather, they are devices that are used to join multiple

wired or wireless computer networks. Know all about routers.

Computer Peripherals

Apart from the hardware components of a computer, there are many external devices that are

equally important for its functioning. Keyboard, mouse, and the visual display of a computer

form its basic input and output devices. Joysticks, game controllers, and other pointing devices

are commonly used for the gaming applications on a computer. Headphones, speakers,

microphones, and webcams are popularly used for running multimedia applications. Let us look


at some examples of these peripheral devices.

Keyboard and Monitor

Keyboard is an input device, which derives its design from that of a typewriter. A keyboard

consists of multiple keys laid out in a specific way. Each key acts as an electronic switch either

producing a letter, number, or a symbol that is typed into a word processor, or performing a

certain computer operation.

Popularly known as a monitor, the visual display unit is an electrical device that displays images

produced as a result of video outputs from computers.


Mouse and Trackball

A computer mouse is a pointing device that detects two-dimensional motion. The motion of a

mouse translates into the motion of a pointer on the computer display, enabling the user to

control a graphical user interface.

Trackball is a pointing device that comprises a mouse along with a ball with sensors to sense

rotational motion. Trackballs find utility in special-purpose workstations and video games.


Headphones and Microphone

Headphones consist of a pair of small loud speakers, which can be held close to the ears. They

can be connected to an audio-frequency source such as an amplifier or a CD player. Know more

about headphones.

A microphone is an acoustic-to-electric transducer that converts sound signals to electrical ones.

Commonly, mikes consist of a membrane that vibrates in response to sound. The vibrations are

translated to electrical signals. Know more about microphones.


Printer and Scanner

A printer is a peripheral device produces hard copies of electronic documents. It is attached to a

computer by means of a peripheral cable or a USB cable. A printer is sometimes combined with

a scanner that serves as a photocopier.

A scanner is a peripheral device that can scan images, handwriting, or objects and convert them

to digital images.


Game Controller and Joystick

The game controller is an input device used to control the operations of a video game. It is

connected to video game consoles or personal computers. Gamepad, also known as a joypad or a

control pad, is a game controller with digits and action buttons. Most video game consoles use

gamepads as input devices.

Joystick is an input device that consists of a stick that is pivoted on a base and indicates its

direction to the device it controls. Joysticks are used in video games and mobile phones.


Speakers and Webcam

Computer speakers are external audio devices that enable computer users to listen to audio

media. Multimedia speakers consist of an internal amplifier. A speaker has a jack connecting it

to the sound card.

A web camera is a small camera that is widely used with video conferencing and instant

messaging services. They are digital cameras which can upload images to a web server.

Taken from: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/examples-of-computer-hardware.html, on July 7,

2016

Types of Computer Software with Examples

A software is a collection of programs that helps one communicate with the hardware of the

computer. There are different types of computer software which are useful for several purposes.

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/examples-of-computer-hardware.html


In learning about computers, the first step usually is to understand the major types of software,

their uses, and applications. In the following sections, we present a list of computer software and

their examples, categorized according to their different types.

Types of Computer Software

System Software

System software coordinates the complete system hardware and provides an environment or

platform for all the other types of software to work in. It is the most basic type of software in any

computer system, which is essential for other programs, applications and indeed for the whole

computer system to function.

(System software examples - Microsoft Windows XP, Mac OS, Linux, Windows Vista, Ubuntu,

device drivers, etc.)

Application Software

Application software are those that help the user perform the tasks of his/her choice. They are

non-essential software which are installed and run depending upon the requirements, in the

environment provided by the system software.

(Application software examples - MS Office, OpenOffice, Media Players, MS Access,

educational software, media development software, Antivirus software, etc. )


Programming Software

Programming software are used to write, test, debug and develop other software programs and

applications. The various programming language editors such as Eclipse- a Java language editor,

come under this category. They are used for creating both the system as well as application

software.

(Programming software examples - Turbo C, Xilinx, Kiel, compilers, debuggers, Integrated

Development Environment (IDE), etc.)

Sub-types of Computer Software

Apart from the above major types of software, there are many other sub-types such as the ones

mentioned below.

Freeware- Freeware are a type of software that anyone can download from the Internet and use

for free.

(Examples - Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger, uTorrent, etc.)

Shareware- Shareware are usually distributed for free on a trial basis. It can be shared without

violation of any laws. They usually stop working or prompt the user to purchase the full version,

once the trial period expires.

(Examples - BearShare, Kazaa, Winzip, etc.)

Registry Cleaners- When you install a lot of software, games, etc., your computer's registry gets


clogged. Registry cleaners are used to clean up or delete all the invalid registry entries which has

the benefit of speeding up your computer.

(Examples- TuneUp Utilities, Eusing, etc.)

Content Control Software- These software allow you to control the content that can be

accessed by a user on a computer. They are mostly used for restricting access over the Internet.

(Example- K9 Web Protection, PGSurfer, etc.)

Project Management Software- As its name suggests, project management software is a

software package that helps multiple users to work on a project simultaneously. It allows them to

schedule events, network with the other users, allocate resources, etc.

(Example- Microsoft Office Project Server, HyperOffice, 24SevenOffice, etc.)

Utility Software- They are usually small programs that help in the management of the hardware

and the application software, installed on a computer.

(Example- Disk defragmenters, Disk cleaners, etc.)

Open Source Software- This is a type of software the source code for which is available to all

users (open). As such, anyone can make changes to it and release their own new version.

(Example- Android OS, OpenOffice, etc.)

Browsers- Browsers are software that let you surf or browse the Internet.

(Example- Internet Explorer, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, etc.)


With constant advancements in the field of software engineering, several new software and

applications are being developed every day. Hence, the list provided above shouldn't be

considered definitive, as in the coming years, many more newer types of software would have

been developed.

Taken from: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/computer-software-examples.html, on July 7, 2016

Communication Tools

Types of Communication

External and Internal Communication

Communication is key to any business success. Unless potential clients and customers are aware

of your business, they will not have the information to contact you or to purchase your products.

When they are aware of your business, they must be able to contact it easily.

Two types of communication are essential - external and internal.

External communication reaches out to the customer to make him or her aware of your

product or service and to give the customer a reason to buy. This type of communication

includes your brochures, various forms of advertising, contact letters, telephone calls,

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/computer-software-examples.html


Web sites and anything else that makes the public aware of what you do.

Image is extremely important in external communication! Your logo should represent

who you are; your letterhead should be a selling tool; your telephone message should

reflect your professionalism.

Internal communication is essential to attracting and retaining a talented staff. You must

provide the direction for the company by consistently communicating that message; you

must motivate your staff through various forms of communication, which can include

awards, newsletters, meetings, telephone calls and formal and informal discussions.

Periodic meeting with top management groups including your board of directors and

advisory board should be planned for regular intervals over each upcoming year. The

importance of an advisory board is covered in session two of Business Expansion.

Effective communication requires tools and planning. In this session, we will discuss those tools,

as well as planning guidelines, to facilitate this key element of your business, communication.

The following discussion will be grouped into:

Basic communication tools

Computers

The Internet


Basic Communication Tools

Specific tools that can be used for communication include landline telephones, cell phones,

smartphones, iPads and fax machines. The lines between the devices are blurring. For example,

an advanced cell phone (the smartphone) can contain many of the functions of a computer

including Internet, email, text messaging, faxing, word processing and more. For this discussion,

however, each device will be presented as a separate entity.

Mail

Even with all the modern methods of communication, regular postal mail is still one of the most

powerful tools for a business. It adds a personal touch, it's used for delivering secure documents,

contracts, and shipping items. A convenient way to handle mail from your own home or office is

through a Stamps.com account, which allows you to print postage from your own computer.

Landline Telephones

There are many types of telephones, and only you can decide which type(s) or combinations of

types are right for you. Even the standard telephone (landline) that is installed in your office has

many options. You should start with at least one line that is unique to your business. This line

should have the capability to take messages in case it is not answered personally. Here are some

telephone tips:

It is important to treat the telephone as an important business tool. Record a voice mail

message that indicates when you will return the call and then continually check your

voice mail to return calls promptly.


Have a separate line for your business phone and your personal phone. Don't have family

members pick up or use the business phone. Get any required extra telephone lines

installed before you start.

A remote (voice mail) answering system is usually more desirable than using an

answering machine. Voice mail is reliable, reasonable in cost, accessible from anywhere

and projects a more business-like image.

The need for an 800 number is becoming less important because long-distance rates are

much more affordable.

Consider using either a wireless or corded headset for both landline phones and cell

phones. It is clearer, safer and you can move about with free arms.

When leaving phone messages, clearly state your name and phone number at the

beginning and the end of the message.

Be polite in cell phone use! Good business courtesy includes avoiding being interrupted

by telephone calls when in a meeting or during a business lunch.

Cell Phones/Mobile Phones

The cell phone, also called a mobile phone, is used for mobile communications over a cellular

network of cell sites. There are numerous plans and carriers. Many carriers have plans tailored

for small businesses including options that bundle popular features and usage patterns, making

them very cost effective. Be sure to ask questions about your specific needs before selecting a

carrier and a plan.

When your usage or needs change, do not hesitate to request information on plans that more


closely meet your new set of requirements. Most cell phone companies allow you to return the

phone within 15 to 30 days after activation if you are not happy. Use this time to check if the cell

phone has acceptable reception at your home and work place. Basic cell phones are offered free

by many carriers for a specific length of time, usually two years. But be aware there are hefty

fees for canceling early.

Smartphones

Growth in demand for advanced mobile devices boasting powerful memory, larger screens, and

open operating systems has outpaced the rest of the mobile phone market for several years. A

smartphone is a cell phone offering advanced capabilities with computer-like functionality. A

smartphone incorporates advanced features like e-mail, Internet, and e-book reader capabilities

and include a full keyboard or an external keyboard. In other words, a smartphone is a miniature

computer that has phone capability.

Smartphones are also capable of text messaging and may include a camera and video recorder.

Some models are capable of "Push to Talk" which is a feature similar to a walkie-talkie. Outside

your office, a smartphone can become a valuable tool for e-mail, web browsing and the ability to

review and edit documents. Several models have global positioning system (GPS) capability and

many other available applications. The most popular are the iPhone, Samsung, Blackberry, Droid

and Google's Nexus. Each has different strengths you will need to factor into your business

needs.

Video and Web Conferencing


Video conferencing transmits and receives images and voice in real-time. Web conferencing

adds another dimension - it allows you to share documents and applications. For more details on

Webinar conferencing with customers visit Session 2 in the Business Expansion course.

Telepresence takes video and web conferencing to new levels. A telepresence conference room

includes ultra-high-definition video cameras, large screens displaying life-size images, and

spatially discrete audio to create an "in person" experience. Facial expressions for crucial

business discussions and negotiations can be discerned across the "virtual table." Telepresence

solutions can be deployed to support your business' need from one-on-one conferencing in

private offices to stadium seating for larger meetings.

All these solutions allow you to communicate as if you were face-to-face with customers

anywhere in the world. Time and money that would be spent on traveling can be used to conduct

meetings. You can share documents, make presentations and conduct meetings on short notice.

For example, without leaving your office, you can collaborate with employees who work from

home or from other company locations.

Social Networking Sites

A social network is a social structure made of individuals or organizations that are tied together

by common interests, often like a community. Internet-based social networking occurs through a

variety of websites that allow users to share content and interact with similar interests. It has

expanded to include a company's customers, celebrity's fans and a politician's constituents. This

has created a great opportunity for businesses to generate interaction with present and potential

https://www.scu.edu/mobi/business-courses/business-expansion/session-2-getting-your-team-in-place/


customers through Web-based sites established for that purpose. To be successful requires a

steady effort and participation over time. With an ongoing commitment of effort you can create a

niche market through sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. A note of caution on

Internet social networking: once you put something out there it's hard to take it back, so you have

to be careful.

Online Chat Tools

Wikipedia describes chat tools best: "Online chat can refer to any kind of communication over

the Internet, but is primarily meant to refer to direct one-on-one chat or text-based group chat

using tools such as instant messengers." It is commonly used in place of email when there is a

need to communicate live. Chat tools can be used both for internal and external communication

and can be placed on a website so customers can talk to a customer service person in real-time.

Utilizing chat tools usually requires a free software download. There are many options available

including GoogleTalk and Skype. Features can vary from simple one-on-one messaging to

highly developed tools for group chat, file transfers, video and document collaboration.

Fax Machines

The decision must be made as to whether to buy a stand alone fax machine or an "all-in-one"

model. All-in-ones function as a printer, scanner, copier and fax. (Not all models have the fax or

scanner capability). If you plan on sending and receiving lots of faxes you might consider the

stand-alone. For less frequent use the all-in-one can cost less. They are also compact and more

energy efficient. Consideration should be given to your budget and your space constraints.

Generally, the simpler the machine, the fewer problems you will have with it. If your business


will rely heavily on faxing, it is important to get as much memory as possible to speed up the

printing of documents.

Some phone vendors can provide you with a fax number that works with your e-mail system.

Receiving a fax works just like it does when the fax is being received by another machine but

you receive it as an attachment to an e-mail. This can be very handy for those who travel on a

frequent basis and are not always near a fax machine. Here are tips:

Use a cover page that is appropriate for your company. Remember, this is an external

communication that reflects your business and your image.

Use a separate dedicated phone line for your fax machine.

Computers

A computer is so affordable that it should be included as a key tool in your business. Computers

can be purchased for a wide range of prices. For basic word processing, e-mail, accounting, and

spreadsheet work, you will not require a top-of-the-line computer. While what you buy today

may soon become obsolete, this does not mean that the computer you purchase will not meet

your business requirements for a much longer period of time. The following discussion will

focus on the growing number of options that are available:

Desktop

Laptop

Notebook (or netbook)

Tablet


Handheld

Desktops

This is the most common type of computer: one that is set up to operate in your office. The

computer system should include:

A basic processing unit: either a PC (Personal Computer) or a Mac (Apple). PC's are

more common in usage and are lower in cost. Most businesses work in a PC format.

However, for many users and applications including graphic arts, the Mac enjoys very

steadfast supporters.

A flat-panel monitor.

Internet connectivity, a CD/DVD drive and USB ports.

A printer. Laser printers cost more up front but are less expensive over the long run when

taking printing costs into account. If you have a small space to work with, consider an all-

in-one printer.

Some type of backup storage should also be considered, such as a USB Flash Drive,

External Hard Drive or a writable CD or DVD.

An antivirus program is essential. You can purchase one or use a free program; however

the free programs will not afford you as much security as the paid versions.

Laptops

A laptop computer offers portability with many of the features offered by a desktop which make


it ideal for meetings or if you travel frequently. Drawbacks for laptops include: they are higher in

price than desktops, have smaller keyboards and monitors and are subject to theft. Traditional

and wireless printers, keyboards and even the traditional mouse are options available for laptops.

If you travel and need computing capability, it is worth the extra expense.

Notebooks and Netbooks

Since their recent appearance, netbooks have grown in size and features. At the same time,

notebooks have become smaller and lighter. The result is that for practical purposes we are going

to use the two words interchangeably since there is no longer a significant distinction between

them. They both can be described as rapidly evolving categories of small, light and inexpensive

laptop computers suited for general computing and accessing web-based applications. They are

gaining in popularity especially with students, bloggers, and even some businesses.

While generally less expensive than laptops, manufacturers are starting to beef up notebooks,

which is increasing their cost. A caution: their compact size makes them attractive for traveling

but if you are considering one to save on the cost of a laptop, you probably will be getting less

memory and many do not have full applications or compatibility with your other business

applications.

Things to keep in mind if getting a desktop, laptop or netbook:

Get as much capability as you can afford. Laptops are not typically as easy to upgrade as

desktop computers because of the nature of their construction.


Be sure you get all the features you need when you purchase.

If you do not normally have access to an electrical outlet, get a laptop or netbook with

extended battery life.

Keep all documentation, software, and accessories that come with your device.

Tablet Computers

A tablet computer is equipped with a touch screen or stylus rather than a keyboard to operate the

computer. The advantages include using when it is not convenient to use a keyboard and mouse,

recording diagrams and symbols, and easier navigation than a keyboard and mouse or touch pad.

Disadvantages include higher cost, slower input speed, and risk of damage to the tablet screen.

Handheld Devices

Handheld computers, or Personal Digital Assistants, are still popular despite the growing sales of

smartphones. There are basically two versions of these units: 1) those using the Palm Pilot

operating system and 2) those using the Microsoft Windows Mobile operating system. These

units allow synchronizing your key organizational elements with your computer. Functions of a

PDA and smartphone have become almost indistinguishable; however PDAs generally perform

faster and can synchronize data to your PC. The capabilities of PDAs are not built around a cell

phone whereas a smartphone is a cell phone with other capabilities built into the phone. More

and more features are being built into these units, integrating them as a powerful tool in the

business world.

Software


The software you purchase is key to making your computer productive. The operating system,

whether it is a PC or a Macintosh, should be preloaded onto the system. Many software packages

are often bundled with the system at the time of purchase and some in the form of trial software.

At the bare minimum, you should have the capability to do word processing, spreadsheets, and

presentations.

Additionally, you should consider financial and accounting software that is appropriate for your

business. Keep in mind that many accounting/bookkeeping software packages are not double-

entry systems and care must be taken in making the entries correctly. Keep in mind that home

and professional versions of accounting software may not be compatible or may not be

appropriate for your operating system. Be sure to read specifications before you purchase.

Auxiliary Products

Many products can be used in conjunction with your computer to enhance the functionality and

image of your business. These also require software specifically designed to facilitate its usage.

Digital Camera - a picture taken by this type of camera can be directly loaded onto your

computer for a variety of uses. Usage ideas include pictures of properties, product

catalogs, pictures accompanying résumés and many more.

Digital cameras come in various shapes and sizes, but what really sets them apart in price

is image quality.

Scanner - when you have a printed copy of something that you would like to include as

part of a digital document, you can create a digital image by scanning the printed copy

with this type of equipment.


Wireless Transmission - this feature allows you to communicate with other devices

equipped with the same feature. Most office equipment is available in a wireless version

and without all the cords. Ease of set up is appealing and has many productive

implications

Don't overlook the importance of making regular external backups to the individual

programs used in your business. Backups are commonly stored on CD's DVDs, USB

Flash Drives and External Hard Drives. There are also services provided on the Web to

facilitate this process.

Internet

The Internet an essential marketing and communication tool.

Utilizing your ability to register on search engines and crowd-source business review sites is an

essential marking tool to communicate with potential customers and creating leads.

To learn more, see the links below:

Search Engines:

Google My Business: https://www.google.com/business/

Bing Places for Business: https://www.bingplaces.com/

Crowd-sourced business review sites (U.S. based):

yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/

https://www.google.com/business/

https://www.bingplaces.com/

https://biz.yelp.com/


taken from: https://www.scu.edu/mobi/business-courses/starting-a-business/session-8-

communication-tools/, on July 7, 2016

TOOLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTERNET

Online Service

A business that provides its subscribers with a wide variety of data transmitted

over telecommunications lines. Online services provide an infrastructure in which subscribers

can communicate with one another, either by exchanging e-mail messages or by participating in

online conferences (forums). In addition, the service can connect users with an almost unlimited

number of third-party information providers. Subscribers can get up-to-date stock quotes, news

stories hot off the wire, articles from many magazines and journals, in fact, almost any

information that has been put in electronic form. Of course, accessing all this data carries a price.

The difference between an online service and a bulletin board service is one of scale and profits.

Online services provide a variety of information and services, whereas BBS's normally

concentrate on a single theme. In addition, BBS's are often operated on a non-profit basis

whereas online services are always for profit. Three of the largest online services are America

Online, Compuserve and MSN.

One online service that defies classification is the Internet. In terms of users, it is the largest

service, but it is not centrally controlled by any one organization, nor is it operated for profit.

Taken from: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/O/online_service.html, on July 7, 2016

https://www.scu.edu/mobi/business-courses/starting-a-business/session-8-communication-tools/

https://www.scu.edu/mobi/business-courses/starting-a-business/session-8-communication-tools/

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/O/online_service.html


Search Engine

Search engines are programs that search documents for specified keywords and returns a list of

the documents where the keywords were found. A search engine is really a general class of

programs, however, the term is often used to specifically describe systems like Google, Bing and

Yahoo! Search that enable users to search for documents on the World Wide Web.

Web Search Engines

Typically, Web search engines work by sending out a spider to fetch as many documents as

possible. Another program, called an indexer, then reads these documents and creates

an index based on the words contained in each document. Each search engine uses

a proprietary algorithm to create its indices such that, ideally, only meaningful results are

returned for each query.

As many website owners rely on search engines to send traffic to their website, and entire

industry has grown around the idea of optimizing Web content to improve your placement in

search engine results. Learn more about search engine optimization (SEO) in this Webopedia'

definition.

Taken from: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/search_engine.html, on July 7, 2016

USENET

A worldwide bulletin board system that can be accessed through the Internet or through

many online services. The USENET contains more than 14,000 forums, called newsgroups, that

cover every imaginable interest group. It is used daily by millions of people around the world.

Taken from: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/U/USENET.html, retrieved on July 7, 2016

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/search_engine.html

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/U/USENET.html


IRC - Internet Relay Chat

Short for Internet Relay Chat, a chat system developed by Jarkko Oikarinen in Finland in the late

1980s. IRC has become very popular as more people get connected to the Internet because it

enables people connected anywhere on the Internet to join in live discussions. Unlike older chat

systems, IRC is not limited to just two participants.

To join an IRC discussion, you need an IRC client and Internet access. The IRC client is

a program that runs on your computer and sends and receives messages to and from an

IRC server. The IRC server, in turn, is responsible for making sure that all messages are

broadcast to everyone participating in a discussion. There can be many discussions going on at

once; each one is assigned a unique channel.

Telnet

Telnet is a terminal emulation program for TCP/IPnetworks such as the Internet. The Telnet

program runs on your computer and connects your PC to a server on the network. You can then

enter commands through the Telnet program and they will be executed as if you were entering

them directly on the server console. This enables you to control the server and communicate with

other servers on the network. To start a Telnet session, you must log in to a server by entering a

valid username and password. Telnet is a common way to remotely control Web servers.

The Telnet Protocol


The Telnet protocol is designed to provide a bi-directional, eight-bit byte oriented

communications facility to allow for a a standard method of interfacing terminal devices and

processes.

FTP - File Transfer Protocol

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is the commonly used protocol for exchanging files over

the Internet. FTP uses the Internet's TCP/IP protocols to enable data transfer. FTP uses a client-

server architecture, often secured with SSL/TLS. FTP promotes sharing of files via remote

computers with reliable and efficient data transfer

How FTP Works

FTP works in the same way as HTTP for transferring Web pages from a server to a user's

browser and SMTP for transferring electronic mail across the Internet in that, like these

technologies.

FTP uses a client-server architecture. Users provide authentication using a sign-in protocol,

usually a username and password, however some FTP servers may be configured to

accept anonymous FTP logins where you don't need to identify yourself before accessing files.

Most often, FTP is secured with SSL/TLS.

Newsgroup

Same as forum, an on-line discussion group. On the Internet, there are literally thousands of

newsgroups covering every conceivable interest. To view and post messages to a newsgroup,


you need a news reader, a program that runs on your computer and connects you to a news

server on the Internet.

Message Board

A message board (known also by various other names such as discussion group, discussion

forum, and online forum) is a general term for any online "bulletin board" where you can leave

and expect to see responses to messages you have left. Or you can just read the board. The first

discussion boards were available on bulletin board systems. On the Internet, Usenet provides

thousands of discussion boards; these can now sometimes be viewed from a Web browser.

Many websites offer discussion boards so that users can share and discuss information and

opinions. Special software is available that provides discussion board capability for a website.

Source: http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/discussion-board-discussion-group-message-

board-online-forum, retrieved on July 7, 2016

Mailing List

A list of e-mail addresses identified by a single name, such as [email protected]. When

an e-mail message is sent to the mailing list name, it is automatically forwarded to all the

addresses in the list.

Most e-mail clients support mailing lists, which enables you to broadcast e-mail messages to

groups that you define. In addition, there are mailing list servers that manage centralized mailing

lists for groups of users.

http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/discussion-board-discussion-group-message-board-online-forum

http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/discussion-board-discussion-group-message-board-online-forum

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/E/e_mail.html

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/E/e_mail_client.html

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/B/broadcast.html

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/M/mailing_list_server.html


Internet Telephony

A category of hardware and software that enables people to use the Internet as the transmission

medium for telephone calls. For users who have free, or fixed-price Internet access, Internet

telephony software essentially provides free telephone calls anywhere in the world. To date,

however, Internet telephony does not offer the same quality of telephone service as direct

telephone connections.

There are many Internet telephony applications available. Some, like CoolTalk and NetMeeting,

come bundled with popular Web browsers. Others are stand-alone products. Internet telephony

products are sometimes called IP telephony, Voice over the Internet (VOI) or Voice over IP

(VOIP)products.

Taken from: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/I/Internet_telephony.html, on July 7, 2016

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/I/Internet_telephony.html

Syllabus Focus: Unit 1 Module 1 Content 10shivaboysit.weebly.com/uploads/3/7/9/6/37962021/cape...CAPE NOTES Unit 1 Module1 Content 10 4 HyperTransport: It is a low-latency point-to-point

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